bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The worldwide distribution of genetically and phylogenetically diverse Bacillus cereus isolates harbouring Bacillus anthracis‐like plasmids
Authors: Kaminska Paulina Sylwia , Yernazarova Aliya , Drewnowska Justyna Malgorzata , Zambrowski Grzegorz , Swiecicka Izabela
Published: June 2015

Bacillus cereus is a close relative of B. anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax whose pathogenic determinants are located on pXO1 and pXO2 plasmids. Bacillus anthracis‐like plasmids have been also noted among B. cereus, however, genetic features of B. cereus harbouring these elements remain largely undescribed, especially from the global perspective. Herein, we present the genetic polymorphism, population structure and phylogeny of B. cereus with pXO1‐/pXO2‐like plasmids originating from Argentina, Kazakhstan, Kenya and Poland. The plasmids were found in about 17% of the isolates, but their frequencies and expression of replicons differed within and between populations. In the multi‐locus sequence typing, the bacteria exhibited high genetic polymorphism reflected by 116 sequencing types, including 84 singletons and 10 clonal complexes, which mainly consisted of isolates of the same origin. The phylogenetic analysis of pXO1‐/pXO2‐like positive B. cereus isolates revealed six independent clades; in certain clades individual populations predominated. Generally, B. cereus with pXO1‐/pXO2‐like plasmids did not indicate the genetic relationship with B. anthracis, and cannot be classified into an evolutionary independent anthrax line within the B. cereus group. Our report is of a crucial importance for discovering the genetic specificity and evolution of B. cereus bacilli.
Stable isotope ratios of hydrogen separate mammals of aquatic and terrestrial food webs
Authors: Voigt Christian C. , Lehmann David , Greif Stefan
Published: June 2015

In food web studies, hydrogen stable isotope ratios (δ2H) are increasingly used as endogenous markers to quantify the relative importance of allochthonous input of organic material into aquatic ecosystems. Yet, it is unclear if differences in δ2H values between aquatic and terrestrial food webs translate into corresponding differences of δ2H values of vertebrate consumers.

Using a triple‐isotope approach, we asked if fur keratin of 12 sympatric, non‐migratory bat species differ in stable isotope ratios (δ2HK, δ13CK, δ15NK) according to the ecosystem (aquatic or terrestrial) in which they predominantly forage. We conducted a study with two captive species beforehand that suggested species‐specific differences in trophic discrimination for C and N, but not for H.

In wild bats, stable isotope ratios of two Myotis species that trawl insects in aquatic habitats differed from those of four congeneric species that glean terrestrial insects by about 40‰ for H and by about 5‰ for N, indicating that both δ2HK and δ15NK values are useful for identifying membership of aquatic and terrestrial food webs. Further, we assessed the relative association of aerial‐hawking bat species to the terrestrial food web using trawling and gleaning bats as representatives of consumers in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, respectively. We found that the relative association of bats to terrestrial food webs varied largely among species, ranging from about 90% in Rhinolophus hipposideros to 43% in Eptesicus serotinus. Isotopic niche dimensions, as estimated by standardized ellipse areas using δ2HK and δ15NK values, varied largely among the 12 study species, with largest overlaps of isotopic niches among members of the aerial‐hawking bat ensemble.

We conclude that δ2HK and δ15NK values are suitable parameters for evaluating the relative membership of mammals to aquatic and terrestrial food webs and also to evaluate isotopic niche dimensions and thus niche packing of species within consumer ensembles.
The Ordinary Envy of Aguabuena People: Revisiting Universalistic Ideas from Local Entanglements
Authors: Castellanos Daniela
Published: June 2015

Envy encompasses various forms of relatedness among Aguabuena people, a small potter community of rural Andean Colombia. Drawing from ethnographic material, this article explores how envy is reciprocated in three concrete scenarios (kinship, legal sues, and hydraulics), arguing for an understanding centered in envy's ordinariness and daily practices as an analytical context from where to revisit more universalistic ideas.
“Everything Got Kinda Strange after a While:” Some Reflections on Translating Navajo Poetry that Should not be Translated
Authors: Webster Anthony K.
Published: June 2015

Inspired by an inquiry from a Navajo friend about why I had not published on a particular poem by Rex Lee Jim, this paper engages that question through three interconnected themes. First, there will be an analysis of the poem by Jim where I translate the poem but also place it within the context of Navajo concerns with k'é (reciprocity, generosity). Second, I turn to thinking through some of the issues brought out in the translation of the Navajo word ajik'eed as “one fucks.” This leads to questions about the ways that indigenous languages and their speakers are imagined and represented. Finally, I take up the foregoing issues as I reflect on my own translation practices.
Synergistic intracellular iron chelation combinations: mechanisms and conditions for optimizing iron mobilization
Authors: Vlachodimitropoulou Koumoutsea Evangelia , Garbowski Maciej , Porter John
Published: June 2015

Iron chelators are increasingly combined clinically but the optimal conditions for cellular iron mobilization and mechanisms of interaction are unclear. Speciation plots for iron(III) binding of paired combinations of the licensed iron chelators desferrioxamine (DFO), deferiprone (DFP) and deferasirox (DFX) suggest conditions under which chelators can combine as ‘shuttle’ and ‘sink’ molecules but this approach does not consider their relative access and interaction with cellular iron pools. To address this issue, a sensitive ferrozine‐based detection system for intracellular iron removal from the human hepatocyte cell line (HuH‐7) was developed. Antagonism, synergism or additivity with paired chelator combinations was distinguished using mathematical isobologram analysis over clinically relevant chelator concentrations. All combinations showed synergistic iron mobilization at 8 h with clinically achievable concentrations of sink and shuttle chelators. Greatest synergism was achieved by combining DFP with DFX, where about 60% of mobilized iron was attributable to synergistic interaction. These findings predict that the DFX dose required for a half‐maximum effect can be reduced by 3·8‐fold when only 1 μmol/l DFP is added. Mechanisms for the synergy are suggested by consideration of the iron‐chelate speciation plots together with the size, charge and lipid solubilities for each chelator. Hydroxypyridinones with low lipid solubilities but otherwise similar properties to DFP were used to interrogate the mechanistic interactions of chelator pairs. These studies confirm that synergistic cellular iron mobilization requires one chelator to have the physicochemical properties to enter cells, chelate intracellular iron and subsequently donate iron to a second ‘sink’ chelator.
Susceptibility to 6‐MP toxicity conferred by a NUDT15 variant in Japanese children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Tanaka Yoichi , Kato Motohiro , Hasegawa Daisuke , Urayama Kevin Y. , Nakadate Hisaya , Kondoh Kensuke , Nakamura Kozue , Koh Katsuyoshi , Komiyama Takako , Manabe Atsushi
Published: June 2015

Genotyping of TPMT prior to 6‐mercaptopurine (6‐MP) administration in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) patients has been integrated into clinical practice in some populations of European ancestry. However, the comparable rates of 6‐MP myelotoxicity, but rarity of TPMT variants, in Asians suggest that major determinants have yet to be discovered in this population. We genotyped 92 Japanese paediatric ALL patients for NUDT15 rs116855232, a 6‐MP toxicity‐related locus discovered in Asians. Logistic regression and survival analysis were used to evaluate its association with leucopenia, hepatotoxicity, 6‐MP dose reduction, therapy interruption and event‐free survival. The allele frequency of rs116855232 was 0·16, and leucopenia was more common in carriers of the T allele (odds ratio, 7·20; 95% confidence interval, 2·49–20·80; P = 2·7 × 10−4). As leucopenia results in 6‐MP dose reduction, we observed average doses during maintenance therapy of 40·7, 29·3 and 8·8 mg/m2 for patients with CC, CT and TT genotypes, respectively (P < 0·001). Hepatotoxicity was observed only in CC genotype patients. Event‐free survival did not significantly differ by NUDT15 genotype. rs116855232 is an important determinant of 6‐MP myelotoxicity in Japanese children with ALL and may represent the most robust toxicity‐related locus in Asians to date. Considerations for clinical application may be warranted.
The Value of Quality Improvement Process in the Detection and Correction of Common Errors in Echocardiographic Hemodynamic Parameters in a Busy Echocardiography Laboratory
Authors: Fanari Zaher , Choudhry Usman I. , Reddy Vivek K. , Eze‐Nliam Chete , Hammami Sumaya , Kolm Paul , Weintraub William S. , Marshall Erik S.
Published: June 2015

Background

Accurate assessment of cardiac structures, ventricular function, and hemodynamics is essential for any echocardiographic laboratory. Quality improvement (QI) processes described by the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) and the Intersocietal Commission (IAC) should be instrumental in reaching this goal.

Methods

All patients undergoing transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) followed by cardiac catheterization within 24 hours at Christiana Care Health System in 2011 and 2012 were identified, with 126 and 133 cases, respectively. Hemodynamic parameters of diastolic function and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) on TTE correlated poorly with catheterization in 2011. An educational process was developed and implemented at quarterly QI meetings based on ASE and IAC recommendations to target frequently encountered errors and provide methods for improved performance. The hemodynamic parameters were then reexamined in 2012 postintervention.

Results

Following the QI process, there was significant improvement in the correlation between invasive and echocardiographic hemodynamic measurements in both systolic and diastolic function, and PASP. This reflected in significant better correlations between echo and cath LVEF [R = 0.88, ICC = 0.87 vs. R = 0.85, ICC = 0.85; P < 0.001], average E/E′ and of left ventricle end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) [R = 0.62 vs. R = 0.09, P = 0.006] and a better correlation for PASP [R = 0.77, ICC = 0.77 vs. R = 0.30, ICC = 0.31; P = 0.05] in 2012 compared to 2011.

Conclusion

The QI process, as recommended by ASE and IAC, can allow for identification as well as rectification of quality issues in a large regional academic medical center hospital.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy and cardiac sympathetic function
Authors: Martignani Cristian , Diemberger Igor , Nanni Cristina , Biffi Mauro , Ziacchi Matteo , Boschi Stefano , Corzani Alessandro , Fanti Stefano , Sambuceti Gianmario , Boriani Giuseppe
Published: June 2015

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established therapy for advanced congestive heart failure, improving both survival and hospitalization. The mechanism beneath these improvements still needs to be defined as about one‐third of the patients do not benefit from resynchronization. Restoration of sympatho‐vagal function can play a significant role in the process, but available data are limited. In this scenario, positron emission tomography scans with 11C‐hydroxyephedrine, a noradrenaline analogous, has the potential to characterize the modifications of the sympathetic nervous system induced by CRT in decompensated patients.

Materials and methods

Ten patients (six males, age 68 ± 10 years) with primary dilated cardiomyopathy were studied before and after resynchronization (acutely and after 3 months), from a clinical and echocardiographic point of view. Their cardiac sympathetic nerve activity was evaluated by 11C‐hydroxyephedrine positron emission tomography before resynchronization, at short and medium term after resynchronization.

Results

Responders to CRT (patients showing ≥ 15% decrease in left ventricular end‐systolic volume) showed a higher level of left ventricular radiotracer uptake both at baseline and after resynchronization with respect to nonresponders. This was coupled with a progressive improvement in homogeneity in left ventricular tracer uptake mainly in responders.

Conclusions

Cardiac resynchronization therapy improves cardiac sympathetic nerve activity in responders since its activation, while nonresponders do not show any significant change at any time of evaluation. CRT seems to be more effective in those patients with a still structurally preserved, yet functionally impaired, neuroautonomic system.
Concentration‐dependent activation of dopamine receptors differentially modulates GABA release onto orexin neurons
Authors: Linehan Victoria , Trask Robert B. , Briggs Chantalle , Rowe Todd M. , Hirasawa Michiru
Published: June 2015

Dopamine (DA) and orexin neurons play important roles in reward and food intake. There are anatomical and functional connections between these two cell groups: orexin peptides stimulate DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area and DA inhibits orexin neurons in the hypothalamus. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying the action of DA on orexin neurons remain incompletely understood. Therefore, the effect of DA on inhibitory transmission to orexin neurons was investigated in rat brain slices using the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique. We found that DA modulated the frequency of spontaneous and miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs) in a concentration‐dependent bidirectional manner. Low (1 μm) and high (100 μm) concentrations of DA decreased and increased IPSC frequency, respectively. These effects did not accompany a change in mIPSC amplitude and persisted in the presence of G‐protein signaling inhibitor GDPβS in the pipette, suggesting that DA acts presynaptically. The decrease in mIPSC frequency was mediated by D2 receptors whereas the increase required co‐activation of D1 and D2 receptors and subsequent activation of phospholipase C. In summary, our results suggest that DA has complex effects on GABAergic transmission to orexin neurons, involving cooperation of multiple receptor subtypes. The direction of dopaminergic influence on orexin neurons is dependent on the level of DA in the hypothalamus. At low levels DA disinhibits orexin neurons whereas at high levels it facilitates GABA release, which may act as negative feedback to curb the excitatory orexinergic output to DA neurons. These mechanisms may have implications for consummatory and motivated behaviours.
Tumor necrosis factor enhances the sleep‐like state and electrical stimulation induces a wake‐like state in co‐cultures of neurons and glia
Authors: Jewett Kathryn A. , Taishi Ping , Sengupta Parijat , Roy Sandip , Davis Christopher J. , Krueger James M.
Published: June 2015

We characterise sleep‐like states in cultured neurons and glia during development in vitro as well as after electrical stimulation, the addition of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF), and the combination of TNF plus electrical stimulation. We also characterise optogenetic stimulation‐induced ATP release and neuronal interleukin‐1 and TNF expression in vitro demonstrating the activity dependence of these putative sleep‐regulatory substances. Action potential (AP) burstiness, expressed as the burstiness index (BI), synchronization of slow electrical potentials between recording electrodes (SYN), and slow wave (SW) power (0.25–3.75 Hz) determined using fast Fourier analyses emerged as network properties, maturing after 2 weeks in culture. Homologous in vivo measures are used to characterise sleep. Electrical stimulation reduced the BI, SYN and SW power values during and/or after the stimulus period. One day later, homeostasis was evident from rebounds of SYN and SW power values to above baseline levels; the magnitude of the rebound was stimulus pattern‐dependent. The addition of TNF enhanced BI, SYN and SW power values, suggesting the induction of a deeper sleep‐like state. Electrical stimulation reversed these TNF effects, suggesting the network state was more wake‐like. The day after TNF plus electrical stimulation, the changes in SYN and SW power values were dependent upon the stimulus patterns the cells received the day before. We conclude that sleep and wake states in cultured in vitro networks can be controlled and they share molecular regulatory mechanisms with local in vivo networks. Further, sleep is an activity‐dependent emergent local network property.
Topological organization of CA3‐to‐CA1 excitation
Authors: Hongo Yoshie , Ogawa Koichi , Takahara Yuji , Takasu Keiko , Royer Sebastien , Hasegawa Minoru , Sakaguchi Gaku , Ikegaya Yuji
Published: June 2015

The CA1‐projecting axons of CA3 pyramidal cells, called Schaffer collaterals, constitute one of the major information flow routes in the hippocampal formation. Recent anatomical studies have revealed the non‐random structural connectivity between CA3 and CA1, but little is known regarding the functional connectivity (i.e. how CA3 network activity is functionally transmitted downstream to the CA1 network). Using functional multi‐neuron calcium imaging of rat hippocampal slices, we monitored the spatiotemporal patterns of spontaneous CA3 and CA1 burst activity under pharmacological GABAergic blockade. We found that spatially clustered CA3 activity patterns were transformed into layered CA1 activity sequences. Specifically, synchronized bursts initiated from multiple hot spots in CA3 ensembles, and CA1 neurons located deeper in the pyramidal cell layer were recruited during earlier phases of the burst events. The order of these sequential activations was maintained across the bursts, but the sequence velocity varied depending on the inter‐burst intervals. Thus, CA3 axons innervate CA1 neurons in a highly topographical fashion.
A Duty‐Free Europe? What's Wrong with Kochenov's Account of EU Citizenship Rights
Authors: Bellamy Richard
Published: June 2015

This article disputes the recent argument of Dimitry Kochenov advocating an ‘EU Citizenship without Duties’. His thesis rests on an untenable form of philosophical anarchism that overlooks the role played by our political obligations to state structures in securing rights. At best, his argument suggests a ‘thin’ form of EU citizenship that allows European citizens to choose which of the Member States they wish to become morally obliged to. A ‘thicker’ form of EU level citizenship could only arise by creating civic obligations at the EU level, the position he rejects. To the extent certain Court of Justice judgments in this area reflect parallel reasoning to Kochenov's, they too suffer from a similar failure to appreciate the role of civic duties to particular Member States (or, eventually, the EU) in creating and securing the status of citizens as equal rights bearers.
Keratoconjunctivitis in a group of Icelandic horses with suspected γ‐herpesvirus involvement
Authors: Rushton J. O. , Kolodziejek J. , Nell B. , Weissenböck H. , Nowotny N.
Published: June 2015

Reasons for performing study

The role of equid γ‐herpesviruses on ocular surface diseases has been disputed, because the diagnosis is usually based on clinical symptoms and detection of viralDNAfrom samples obtained from live animals.

Objectives

To describe the clinical course, results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis,in situhybridisation, cell culture and pathohistological findings of select cases in a presumed outbreak of herpesvirus infection in a group of 15 Icelandic horses.

Study design

Case series.

Methods

Pooled ocular and nasal swabs and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of horses diagnosed clinically with herpesvirus‐associated keratoconjunctivitis were analysed for presence of equine herpesviruses (EHV)‐2 andEHV‐5 nucleic acid using real‐timePCR. Necropsy specimens from one horse, subjected to euthanasia due to deterioration of clinical symptoms were examined histopathologically, and analysed for presence ofEHV‐2 andEHV‐5 nucleic acid using real‐timePCR.In situhybridisation and cell culture of select samples were performed.

Results

All horses with symptoms of severe keratoconjunctivitis were positive for presence of eitherEHV‐2 and/orEHV‐5 nucleic acid using real‐timePCR. Assessment of necropsy specimens of the most severely affected case, revealed presence ofEHV‐2 and/orEHV‐5 nucleic acid in several ocular and extraocular anatomical locations. The remaining horses responded favourably to symptomatic treatment.

Conclusions

This case series illustrates a severe outbreak of keratoconjunctivitis in a group of Icelandic horses, with suspected γ‐herpesvirus involvement. For the first time equid γ‐herpesviruses were detected in intraocular anatomical locations.
Perspectives on the context‐dependency of stream community responses to contaminants
Authors: Clements William H. , Kashian Donna R. , Kiffney Peter M. , Zuellig Robert E.
Published: June 2015

Natural variation in the structure and function of aquatic communities along environmental or spatiotemporal gradients can influence how systems respond to biotic and abiotic disturbances. Although these context‐dependent responses are a well‐established element of basic ecology, they have received little attention from an ecotoxicological perspective.

As the scope of freshwater bioassessment expands from single catchments to broad‐scale, regional surveys, it has become apparent that community responses to contaminants can vary significantly among locations. This variability is generally considered a nuisance and an impediment to recognising ecological patterns; however, natural spatiotemporal variation in communities also provides opportunities to test hypotheses about context‐dependent responses to contaminants in aquatic ecosystems.

This study presents three examples of context‐dependent responses of benthic stream communities to contaminants. We show how longitudinal variation in community composition, the development of tolerance to contaminants and exposure to multiple stressors influence the historical context of a community and hence may determine community responses to contaminants.

Aquatic ecotoxicologists have made significant progress identifying abiotic factors that influence contaminant bioavailability and toxicity. A similar effort could be undertaken to identify specific ecological factors (e.g. community composition, natural disturbance regimes and life‐history characteristics) that contribute to variation in susceptibility of communities to contaminants. Understanding the nature of context‐dependent responses and the mechanisms responsible for variation among communities should be a key element of ecological risk assessment and a research priority in ecotoxicology.
Predators reduce Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infection loads in their prey
Authors: Groner Maya L. , Relyea Rick A.
Published: June 2015

Disease ecologists and wildlife managers are increasingly interested in understanding how predators regulate infection in prey populations. The healthy herds hypothesis suggests that predators may decrease infection prevalence by decreasing overall population size, reducing density‐dependent transmission and culling infected individuals from a population. While this model incorporates density‐mediated indirect interactions (DMIIs), it does not incorporate the potential role of trait‐mediated indirect interactions (TMIIs).

Using wood frog tadpoles (Lithobates sylvatica), we examined whether predator cues could alter the prevalence and intensity of infection by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis [Bd] and whether both stressors could alter the host's life history traits.

Exposure to predator cues caused tadpoles to have reduced Bd infection loads, potentially as a result of stress‐induced immunoenhancement. Tadpoles exposed to Bd had faster development than tadpoles not exposed to Bd, but they did not differ in survival or growth.

This suggests that, in this life stage of this species, Bd infection does not have fitness costs. These data suggest that the trait‐mediated effects of predators on infection may alter epidemiological outcomes of Bd exposure.
Turbidity alters pre‐mating social interactions between native and invasive stream fishes
Authors: Glotzbecker Gregory J. , Ward Jessica L. , Walters David M. , Blum Michael J.
Published: June 2015

Environmental degradation can result in the loss of aquatic biodiversity if impairment promotes hybridisation between non‐native and native species. Although aquatic biological invasions involving hybridisation have been attributed to elevated water turbidity, the extent to which impaired clarity influences reproductive isolation among non‐native and native species is poorly understood.

We examined whether turbidity influences intraspecific and interspecific pre‐mating social interactions between invasive red shiner (Cyprinella lutrensis) and native blacktail shiner (Cyprinella venusta) from the Upper Coosa River Basin (U.S.A.).

We found that the number or duration of conspecific and heterospecific interactions increased under turbid conditions. Additionally, we found evidence indicating that native blacktail shiner females are especially likely to interact with invasive red shiner males due to species‐ and sex‐specific responses to turbid conditions.

These findings suggest that elevated turbidity can increase pre‐mating social interactions between native and invasive species, which could result in greater hybridisation and promote the genetic assimilation of native species following species introductions. Thus, integrating knowledge of species behaviour into conservation and management planning can help deter the establishment and spread of invasive species.
Can chilling tolerance of C4photosynthesis inMiscanthusbe transferred to sugarcane?
Authors: Głowacka Katarzyna , Ahmed Aasifuddin , Sharma Shailendra , Abbott Tom , Comstock Jack C. , Long Stephen P. , Sacks Erik J.
Published: June 2015

The goal of this study was to investigate whether chilling tolerance of C4photosynthesis inMiscanthuscan be transferred to sugarcane by hybridization. Net leafCO2uptake (Asat) and the maximum operating efficiency of photosystemII(ФPSII) were measured in warm conditions (25 °C/20 °C), and then during and following a chilling treatment of 10 °C/5 °C for 11 day in controlled environment chambers. Two of three hybrids (miscanes), ‘US84‐1058’ and ‘US87‐1019’, did not differ significantly from the chilling tolerantM. ×giganteus‘Illinois’ (Mxg), forAsat, andΦPSIImeasured during chilling. For Mxg grown at 10 °C/5 °C for 11 days,Asatwas 4.4 μmol m−2s−1, while for miscane ‘US84‐1058’ and ‘US87‐1019’,Asatwas 5.7 and 3.5 μmol m−2s−1, respectively. Miscanes ‘US84‐1058’ and ‘US87‐1019’ and Mxg had significantly higher rates ofAsatduring chilling than three tested sugarcanes. A third miscane showed lower rates than Mxg during chilling, but recovered to higher rates than sugarcane upon return to warm conditions. Chilling tolerance of ‘US84‐1058’ was further confirmed under autumn field conditions in southern Illinois. The selected chilling tolerant miscanes have particular value for biomass feedstock and biofuel production and at the same time they can be a starting point for extending sugarcane's range to colder climates.
Synthesis of 24‐h soluble gelatin sponge particles and their effect on liver necrosis following hepatic artery embolization: Results of in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Sanda Hiroki , Kawai Nobuyuki , Sato Morio , Tanaka Fumihiro , Ikoma Akira , Nakai Motoki , Minamiguchi Hiroki , Sonomura Tetsuo , Matsuzaki Ibu , Warigaya Kenji , Murata Shinichi
Published: June 2015

Aim

To synthesize 24‐h soluble gelatin sponge particles (SGSP) of 200–500 and 500–1000 µm, and to investigate their ischemic potency following hepatic artery embolization (HAE).

Methods

Low‐endotoxin gelatin was freeze‐dried and heated at 110, 115, 118, 120, 122 and 125°C to form cross‐linked gelatin sponge. We prepared 200–500‐ and 500–1000‐µm SGSP by pulverizing and sieving the gelatin sponge. The dissolution times in saline were measured. Eight healthy pigs underwent HAE of the right and left hepatic arteries with either 200–500‐ or 500–1000‐µm SGSP (n = 4/group).

Results

The particles prepared at 110–122°C were soluble whereas particles prepared at 125°C or more were insoluble. The mean dissolution time of the particles increased with increasing temperature. In each pig, sequential arteriography confirmed that recanalization was complete 24 h after embolization. Pathological tests 48 h after HAE revealed coagulation necrosis but least damage to the biliary tract. The liver necrosis rate (mean ± standard deviation) was significantly greater in the 200–500‐µm group than in the 500–1000‐µm group (9.89 ± 4.04% vs 4.44 ± 0.67%, respectively; P = 0.0027). A significantly greater proportion of arteries with a diameter of 100–200 µm had residual SGSP in the 200–500‐µm group than in the 500–1000‐µm group (P < 0.002).

Conclusion

HAE with 200–500‐µm SGSP had greater effects on promoting liver necrosis without biliary damage than did HAE with 500–1000‐µm SGSP.
Why do not you read the label? – an integrated framework of consumer label information search
Authors: Dörnyei Krisztina R. , Gyulavári Tamás
Published: June 2015

This article facilitates deeper insight into label‐related consumer information acquisition behaviour. An integrated framework of label information search (LIS) has been developed based on a synthesis of related literature and explorative research conducted by analysing online discussions among customers (netnography). The framework focuses on three main groups of personal factors that serve as antecedents of LIS: general personal factors (e.g. health consciousness and socio‐demographics), label‐related personal factors (e.g. label‐related self‐efficacy, trust in labels and the perceived usefulness of labels) and product category‐related personal factors (trust in food products, enduring involvement, experience and perceived quality differences). Important characteristics of the framework are its process‐oriented nature and the dynamically changing relationships among its concepts. LIS is an antecedent to and a consequence of influencing factors. This article offers managerial implications and serves to incite future inquiry in this field.
Students' usability evaluation of a Web‐based tutorial program for college biology problem solving
Authors: Kim H.S. , Prevost L. , Lemons P.P.
Published: June 2015

The understanding of core concepts and processes of science in solving problems is important to successful learning in biology. We have designed and developed a Web‐based, self‐directed tutorial program, SOLVEIT, that provides various scaffolds (e.g., prompts, expert models, visual guidance) to help college students enhance their skills and abilities in solving problems in science. An initial version of SOLVEIT was used in this study. This paper details the features of SOLVEIT that are contextualized within the biological domains of evolution and ecology. A qualitative case study was conducted to evaluate the usability of the program. Selected students were recruited from an introductory biology course at a large public university in the south‐eastern United States. Data for this study were collected through the SOLVEIT database and semi‐structured interviews. The findings of this study demonstrate the potential of the program for improving students' problem solving in biology. Suggestions for the use of SOLVEIT and its further improvement and development are discussed, along with suggestions for future research. This study also provides more general guidance for researchers and practitioners who are interested in the design, development and evaluation of Web‐based tutorial programs in science education.
Transforming SIBTEST to Account for Multilevel Data Structures
Authors: French Brian F. , Finch W. Holmes
Published: June 2015

SIBTEST is a differential item functioning (DIF) detection method that is accurate and effective with small samples, in the presence of group mean differences, and for assessment of both uniform and nonuniform DIF. The presence of multilevel data with DIF detection has received increased attention. Ignoring such structure can inflate Type I error. This simulation study examines the performance of newly developed multilevel adaptations of SIBTEST in the presence of multilevel data. Data were simulated in a multilevel framework and both uniform and nonuniform DIF were assessed. Study results demonstrated that naïve SIBTEST and Crossing SIBTEST, ignoring the multilevel data structure, yield inflated Type I error rates, while certain multilevel extensions provided better error and accuracy control.
Extended Mixed‐Effects Item Response Models With the MH‐RM Algorithm
Authors: Chalmers R. Philip
Published: June 2015

A mixed‐effects item response theory (IRT) model is presented as a logical extension of the generalized linear mixed‐effects modeling approach to formulating explanatory IRT models. Fixed and random coefficients in the extended model are estimated using a Metropolis‐Hastings Robbins‐Monro (MH‐RM) stochastic imputation algorithm to accommodate for increased dimensionality due to modeling multiple design‐ and trait‐based random effects. As a consequence of using this algorithm, more flexible explanatory IRT models, such as the multidimensional four‐parameter logistic model, are easily organized and efficiently estimated for unidimensional and multidimensional tests. Rasch versions of the linear latent trait and latent regression model, along with their extensions, are presented and discussed, Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to determine the efficiency of parameter recovery of the MH‐RM algorithm, and an empirical example using the extended mixed‐effects IRT model is presented.
Repeater Analysis for Combining Information From Different Assessments
Authors: Haberman Shelby , Yao Lili
Published: June 2015

Admission decisions frequently rely on multiple assessments. As a consequence, it is important to explore rational approaches to combine the information from different educational tests. For example, U.S. graduate schools usually receive both TOEFL iBT® scores and GRE® General scores of foreign applicants for admission; however, little guidance has been given to combine information from these two assessments, even though the relationships between such sections as GRE Verbal and TOEFL iBT Reading are obvious. In this study, principles are provided to explore the extent to which different assessments complement one another and are distinguishable. Augmentation approaches developed for individual tests are applied to provide an accurate evaluation of combined assessments. Because augmentation methods require estimates of measurement error and internal reliability data are unavailable, required estimates of measurement error are obtained from repeaters, examinees who took the same test more than once. Because repeaters are not representative of all examinees in typical assessments, minimum discriminant information adjustment techniques are applied to the available sample of repeaters to treat the effect of selection bias. To illustrate methodology, combining information from TOEFL iBT scores and GRE General scores is examined. Analysis suggests that information from the GRE General and TOEFL iBT assessments is complementary but not redundant, indicating that the two tests measure related but somewhat different constructs. The proposed methodology can be readily applied to other situations where multiple assessments are needed.
Family Drug Court, Targeted Parent Training and Family Reunification: Did this Enhanced Service Strategy Make A Difference?
Authors: Brook Jody , Akin Becci A. , Lloyd Margaret H. , Yan Yueqi
Published: June 2015

This article reports findings from an evaluation of reunification outcomes for children and families who participated in a family drug court (FDC) that incorporated the use of two innovative evidence‐based parenting programs. In addition to comprehensive FDC services, families participated in the Strengthening Families Program and Celebrating Families!TM programs in a sequential format. Data analyses were conducted on a sample of 214 children whose child welfare cases were adjudicated through the FDC and 418 matched comparison cases. Entry‐cohort survival analysis results indicated that families receiving FDC services were more than twice as likely to reunify in a 45 month observation window.
Emerging Adulthood in Time and Space: The Geographic Context of Homelessness
Authors: Williams Amanda , Sheehan Rebecca A.
Published: June 2015

Limited research addresses the development of emerging adults who are homeless, and studies rarely explore their immediate and intertwined experiences of geography, social networks, and daily paths. These dynamic contexts may play significant roles in emerging adults' homeless experiences, continued chronic homelessness, and/or successful transitions to self‐sufficient adulthood. Applying geographic theory to emerging adult development among marginalized youth offers new linguistic and methodological tools to further our understanding of what emerging adulthood looks like and how it functions among youth “on the street,” those “of the street,” and those who have been completely abandoned. An integrated theoretical model is offered for innovative interdisciplinary research on the lived experiences of homeless youth, particularly related to developmental themes of exploration, stability, and connectedness.
Some Reflections on Agrarian Change in China
Authors: Bernstein Henry
Published: June 2015

This is a paper of two parts. The first suggests a number of questions concerning agrarian change in capitalism, grouped by their concern with social forces and dynamics internal to the countryside, rural–urban interconnections internal to the ‘national’, the contributions of agriculture to industrialization likewise within the ‘national’ and those ‘external’ determinants grounded in capitalist world economy. The second part draws on the papers in this special issue by Chinese scholars, to argue the continuing relevance of questions about commodification, differentiation and accumulation from below and from above, in agrarian change in China today.
Land Transfer and the Pursuit of Agricultural Modernization inChina
Authors: Ye Jingzhong
Published: June 2015

Agriculture, countryside and peasantry have been priority concerns of theChinese government, with land and agriculture being the most crucial. With a growing population, less arable land and often relatively low‐quality land,Chinese peasant agriculture has been undergoing a form of modernization. While peasants enjoy land‐contract rights as a result of theHouseholdResponsibilitySystem (HRS), the state has been promoting transfer of land‐use rights in order to promote modern agriculture. This paper seeks to understand recent developments in land and agriculture, particularly exploring the transitions of land and agricultural institutions since 1949 and land transfers since theHRS. In so doing, this paper reveals that the state has been strategically responding to various challenges in order that land institutions and policies are always geared to achieving agricultural modernization. During the state's continual drive for modernizations, particularly agricultural modernization, peasants' livelihood is impacted and needs to be protected.
From Local State Corporatism to Land Revenue Regime: Urbanization and the Recent Transition of Rural Industry inChina
Authors: Zhan Shaohua
Published: June 2015

This paper examines the transition of rural industry in China, particularly changes in the recent decade following the privatization of collective enterprises. Based on fieldwork in aJiangsu county and drawing on national data, the author shows that rapid urbanization has fundamentally altered the nature of rural industry, with previous village‐based rural enterprises replaced by large industrial corporations and urban real estate. While urbanization seems to many an inevitable outcome of economic development, this paper argues and shows that the current form of urbanization inChina has been driven by an unsustainable accumulation regime that prioritizes the needs of local revenue, real estate development and large capital at the expense of the previous broad‐based rural industry. This is thrown into sharp relief by comparing with the accumulation regime based on local state corporatism during the early reform period.
ISLAMIC BANKING AND FINANCE: RECENT EMPIRICAL LITERATURE AND DIRECTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH
Authors: Abedifar Pejman , Ebrahim Shahid M. , Molyneux Philip , Tarazi Amine
Published: June 2015

This paper examines the recent empirical literature in Islamic banking and finance, highlights the main findings and provides a guide for future research. Early studies focus on the efficiency, production technology and general performance features of Islamic versus conventional banks, whereas more recent work looks at profit‐sharing and loss‐bearing behaviour, competition, risks as well as other dimensions such as small business lending and financial inclusion. Apart from key exceptions, the empirical literature suggests no major differences between Islamic and conventional banks in terms of their efficiency, competition and risk features (although small Islamic banks are found to be less risky than their conventional counterparts). There is some evidence that Islamic finance aids inclusion and financial sector development. Results from the empirical finance literature, dominated by studies that focus on the risk/return features of mutual funds, finds that Islamic funds perform as well, if not better, than conventional funds – there is little evidence that they perform worse than standard industry benchmarks.
Implant Impression Techniques for the Edentulous Jaw: A Summary of Three Studies
Authors: Stimmelmayr Michael , Beuer Florian , Edelhoff Daniel , Güth Jan‐Frederik
Published: June 2015

Purpose

Precise implant‐supported restorations require accurate impressions. Transfer, pick‐up, and splinted pick‐up are commonly used techniques. Several in vitro studies have compared these impression techniques; however, all studies used mechanical evaluation methods. The purpose of this study was to compare the discrepancies of these impression techniques digitally in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and Methods

Four dental implants were inserted in ten polymer mandibular models bilaterally in the regions of the first molars and canines. Three different impressions were made of each model and the models (original and stone casts) were scanned and digitized. Clinically, four implants were inserted in ten edentulous jaws; transfer and splinted pick‐up impressions were made. With inspection software, discrepancies between the different impressions were calculated.

Results

The mean discrepancies in the in vitro study of the original polymer model to stone casts were 124 ± 34 μm for the transfer type, 116 ± 46 μm for the pick‐up type, and 80 ± 25 μm for the splinted pick‐up type, resulting in a mean discrepancy between the transfer and splinted pick‐up type of 44 μm (124 – 80 μm). Clinically, the mean discrepancy between these two impression techniques was 280 μm.

Conclusions

The differing results between the transfer and splinted pick‐up techniques of in vitro and in vivo data showed the need for clinical data; however, splinted pick‐up impressions seemed to produce the most precise results.
Do School Resources Influence the Relationship Between Adolescent Financial Background and Their School Perceptions?
Authors: Summersett‐Ringgold Faith C. , Li Kaigang , Haynie Denise L. , Iannotti Ronald J.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Socioeconomic status (SES) influences students' school perceptions and affects their performance, engagement, and personal beliefs. This study examined the effects of school populationSESand school resources on the association between studentSESand student perceptions.

METHODS

School liking, classmate social relationships, family affluence, and experience of hunger were assessed in a nationally representative sample of 12,642 students (grades 5‐10) in the 2009‐2010 Health Behavior in School‐Aged Children study. School characteristics included school meal program, Title 1 dollars received per student, school resources, and urban/rural status. Multilevel analysis was used.

RESULTS

At the individual level, both school liking and social relationships were negatively associated with student grade level. Boys liked school less and had more positive perceptions of social relationships than girls. Students in rural schools and who experienced hunger liked schools less and had poorer perceptions of social relationships than their respective counterparts. School‐level percentage of students eligible for free/reduced meals accounted for 33% of the between‐school variance in social relationships.

CONCLUSIONS

Family and school economic characteristics and grade level influenced students' school perceptions. The associations between studentSES, school populationSES, and school perceptions suggests that school health professionals should recognize and address student economic issues at school.
Middle School‐Aged Child Enjoyment of Food Tastings Predicted Interest in Nutrition Education on Osteoporosis Prevention
Authors: Cheng Feon W. , Monnat Shannon M. , Lohse Barbara
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

NEEDs for Bones (NFB), based on the Health Belief Model, is a 4‐lesson osteoporosis‐prevention curriculum for 11‐ to 14‐year‐olds. This study examined the relationship between enjoyment of food tastings and interest in NFB.

METHODS

NFB was administered by teachers as part of standard practice and evaluated after the fourth lesson using a 21‐item survey. Significant clustering of students within classrooms required use of random‐intercept multilevel ordinal regression models in SAS proc GLIMMIX, with students nested within classrooms. Analyses considered tasting experience, eating attitudes, sex, grade, and cohort.

RESULTS

Students (N = 1619; 50% girls) participated from 85 fourth to eighth grade classrooms (47% sixth grade and 31% seventh grade) in 16 Pennsylvania SNAP‐Ed eligible schools over 2 academic years. For all foods tasted, students who did not enjoy the food tasting were less interested in the lesson than students who did enjoy the food tasting (all p < .001); refried beans (odds ratio [OR] = 0.30), soy milk (OR = 0.55), cranapple juice (OR = 0.51), sunflower kernels (OR = 0.48), and Swiss cheese (OR = 0.49). The relationship persisted net of covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

Enjoyment of food tasting activities can predict interest in nutrition education on osteoporosis prevention, supporting resource allocation and inclusion of food tasting activities in school‐age nutrition education.