bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nimotuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody specific for the EGFR, in combination with temozolomide and radiation therapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme: First results in Chinese patients
Authors: Wang Yang , Pan Li , Sheng Xiao‐fang , Chen Shu , Dai Jia‐zhong
Published: January 2014

Aim

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of nimotuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody specific for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) and radiation therapy (RT) in the treatment of newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) in Chinese patients.

Methods

Twenty‐six patients with newly diagnosed GBM were enrolled. All patients received standard external beam RT after surgery, with a total dose of 60 Gy in 30 fractions. During RT, concurrent TMZ was given daily at 75 mg/m2 for 40–42 days, combined with six weekly infusions of nimotuzumab at a 200 mg dose. After a 4‐week interval upon completion of RT, six cycles of adjuvant TMZ (150 to 200 mg/m2 for 5 days in each 28‐day cycle) were given. The primary end point was 6‐month progression‐free survival (PFS) rate. EGFR expression in tumor tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Treatment was well tolerated and no grade III or higher grade toxicity was observed. Median PFS and overall survival (OS) were 10.0 and 15.9 months, respectively, while the 6‐month PFS and OS rates were 69.2% and 88.5%, respectively. No correlation between efficacy and EGFR expression was found.

Conclusions

Combination of Nimotuzumab with RT plus concomitant and adjuvant TMZ showed favorable safety and tolerability profiles in newly diagnosed GBM in Chinese patients. The survival times were similar to those seen in historical data of standard therapy.
Allergic airway diseases in a tropical urban environment are driven by dominant mono‐specific sensitization against house dust mites
Authors: Andiappan A. K. , Puan K. J. , Lee B. , Nardin A. , Poidinger M. , Connolly J. , Chew F. T. , Wang D. Y. , Rotzschke O.
Published: January 2014

Background

Southeast Asian populations are increasingly affected by allergic airway diseases. Etiology and specific causes, however, are still unknown. The aim of this study is therefore to identify allergens and risk factors for the high prevalence of allergic airway disease in the tropical urban environment.

Methods

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR), asthma, and allergic dermatitis were recorded in two independent cohorts of 576 and 7373 ethnic Chinese individuals living in Singapore. Reactivity against common allergens was determined by skin prick tests (SPT); specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) titers against 12 common allergens, as well as total serum IgE (tIgE), were measured in the smaller cohort.

Results

Immunoglobulin E sensitization was almost exclusively directed against house dust mite (HDM) allergens. More than 80% of individuals were HDM‐sIgE positive. Of these, less than 30% also had sIgE for other allergens, and similarly, few of the HDM‐sIgE‐negative individuals reacted to other allergens. Titers for HDM‐sIgE were 8–30 times higher than other non‐HDM allergen titers and correlated directly with total serum tIgE levels. Migrants from nontropical countries typically arrived with low or undetectable HDM‐sIgE but developed substantial titers in a time‐dependent fashion. Importantly, prolonged stay in Singapore also resulted in the manifestation of AR and asthma symptoms, contributing to some of the highest national prevalence rates worldwide.

Conclusion

In a tropical urban environment, the allergic response is dominated by a single allergen class. The mono‐specific IgE sensitization against HDM translates into increased prevalence of allergic airway diseases, which now impact a large proportion of the population in Singapore.
Determination of adrenal volume by MRI in healthy children: associations with age, body size, pubertal stage and serum levels of adrenal androgens
Authors: Mouritsen Annette , Johansen Marie Lindhardt , Wohlfahrt‐Veje Christine , Hagen Casper P. , Tinggaard Jeanette , Mieritz Mikkel G. , Tefre de Renzy‐Martin Katrine , Soeborg Tue , Fallentin Eva , Juul Anders , Main Katharina M.
Published: January 2014

Background

Adrenal disorders such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia result in abnormal adrenal size and morphology, but little is known about the clinical value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in determining adrenal volume.

Objective

To evaluate the potential usefulness of MR methodology, to estimate adrenal size in healthy children and to evaluate determinants of adrenal volume such as age, gender, body size, pubic hair stage and serum levels of adrenal androgens.

Design

Two hundred and thirty‐five healthy children (116 girls and 119 boys) (age range 10·0–14·8 years) were examined by MRI. Clinical examinations (anthropometry and pubertal staging) were performed, and five androgen metabolites were measured in blood samples by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS).

Results

It was possible to determine adrenal volume in 115/235 children using MRI. The adrenals were not measurable in 51% of children due to breathing and moving artefacts. The median volume of the right adrenal gland was 0·46 ml in girls and 0·46 ml in boys. The median volume of the left adrenal gland was 0·34 ml in girls and 0·40 ml in boys. Adrenal size was positively associated with body surface area (estimate B = 0·34 ml/year, P = 0·003), age (estimate B = 0·05 ml/year, P = 0·021) and pubic hair stage (estimate B = 0·05 ml/stage, P = 0·075). No associations between adrenal size and serum levels of adrenal androgens were observed.

Conclusion

It was possible to determine adrenal volume by MRI in only 50% of healthy children aged 10–15 years. Adrenal volume increased with age and Tanner stage of pubic hair. Future studies will unravel whether adrenal MRI is useful when evaluating children with adrenal diseases.
Diagnostic accuracy of the faecal immunochemical test for colorectal cancer in symptomatic patients: comparison with NICE and SIGN referral criteria
Authors: Cubiella J. , Salve M. , Díaz‐Ondina M. , Vega P. , Alves M. T. , Iglesias F. , Sánchez E. , Macía P. , Blanco I. , Bujanda L. , Fernández‐Seara J.
Published: January 2014

Aim

The diagnostic accuracy of the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) at a 100 ng/ml threshold for colorectal cancer (CRC) was compared with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) referral criteria.

Method

A multicentre, prospective, blind study of diagnostic tests was carried out in two Spanish health areas. In 787 symptomatic patients referred for a diagnostic colonoscopy, we determined whether patients met NICE and SIGN referral criteria. All patients performed one FIT determination (OCsensor™). The sensitivity and specificity for CRC detection were determined with McNemar's test. The diagnostic odds ratio as well as the number needed to scope (NNS) to detect a CRC were calculated.

Results

We detected CRC in 97 (12.3%) patients; 241 (30.6%) had an FIT ≥ 100 ng/ml and 300 (38.1%) and 473 (60.1%) met NICE and SIGN referral criteria. The FIT had a higher sensitivity for CRC detection than NICE criteria (87.6%, 61.9%; P < 0.001) and SIGN criteria (82.5%; P = 0.4). The specificity of FIT was also higher than NICE and SIGN criteria (77.4%, 65.2%, 42.7%; P < 0.001). The odds ratios of FIT, NICE and SIGN criteria for the diagnosis of CRC were 24.24 (95% CI 12.91–45.53), 3.04 (95% CI 1.96–4.71) and 3.51 (95% CI 2.03–6.06). The NNS to detect a CRC in individuals with an FIT ≥ 100 ng/ml was 2.83 (95% CI 2.4–3.41) and in individuals who met NICE and SIGN criteria it was 5 (95% CI 3.98–6.37) and 5.95 (95% CI 4.85–7.35).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that FIT is more accurate for the detection of CRC than the current NICE and SIGN referral criteria in symptomatic patients referred for colonoscopy.
SAwSu: An Integrated Model of Associative and Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Veksler Vladislav D. , Myers Christopher W. , Gluck Kevin A.
Published: January 2014

Successfully explaining and replicating the complexity and generality of human and animal learning will require the integration of a variety of learning mechanisms. Here, we introduce a computational model which integrates associative learning (AL) and reinforcement learning (RL). We contrast the integrated model with standalone AL and RL models in three simulation studies. First, a synthetic grid‐navigation task is employed to highlight performance advantages for the integrated model in an environment where the reward structure is both diverse and dynamic. The second and third simulations contrast the performances of the three models in behavioral experiments, demonstrating advantages for the integrated model in accounting for behavioral data.
Derivation, validation and comparative performance of a simplified chest X‐ray score for assessing the severity and outcome of pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Pefura‐Yone Eric Walter , Kuaban Christopher , Assamba‐Mpom Serges Auguste , Moifo Boniface , Kengne André Pascal
Published: January 2014

Introduction

To derive and validate against the Ralph et al. score, a simplified chest X‐ray (CXR) score (SCS) for predicting the outcome of smear‐positive pulmonary tuberculosis (SPPTB) among patients with high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Methods

CXR for 636 SPPTB patients (377 men, median age 31 years) from the Yaounde Jamot Hospital (Cameroon) were examined for the presence of tuberculosis lesions, and estimation of the proportion of lungs affected. SPPTB's evolution was based on sputum smear examination after 2 months of treatments. Logistic regressions were used to derive the SCS with internal validation via bootstrap resampling. Receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) analyses were used to validate, determine of the optimal cut‐offs and compare models' performance.

Results

HIV co‐infection was present in 191 (30%) patients. Sputum smear non‐conversion was found in 45 (7.1) patients after 2 months of treatment. The SCS was expressed as proportion of lung affected plus 23 if cavitation is present. The AUC (95% confidence interval) was 0.718 (0.640–0.795), with little variation in bootstrap validation, and no sizable difference from the Ralph et al. model [0.714 (0.633–0.7860), P = 0.717 for the difference). Both models had good calibration (Hosmer–Lemeshow P ≥ 0.183). The optimal cut‐off for predicting non‐conversion of the sputum at 2 months was 52 for the SCS (sensitivity/specificity 66.7%/62.8%) and 74.5 (62.2%/74.3%) with Ralph et al. score.

Conclusions

The outcome of SPPTB among patients with high prevalence of HIV can acceptably be predicted by simple scores comprising baseline CXR variables, including the Ralph et al. score and the SCS from this study.
The Contribution and Intellectual Legacy of Ronald Coase (1910–2013)
Authors: Ricketts Martin
Published: January 2014

Ronald Coase's work presents a continuing challenge to the established neoclassical paradigm. His incorporation of transactions cost into economic theory enables many questions of organisational structure to be addressed but also implies a world of continuing evolutionary change rather than static equilibrium. This article reviews some of Coase's most influential papers and considers their implications for the future of public policy and economic theory.
Can Government Intervention in Childcare be Justified?
Authors: Paull Gillian
Published: January 2014

Childcare is not like other goods and services. Its inherent nature creates unusual challenges for efficient delivery by the market, while its usage can have social as well as private consequences. Government involvement in childcare may therefore be justified to improve the efficiency of delivery or achieve social objectives, but its effectiveness will depend on whether policy measures can better address the challenges of childcare provision than the market. This article reviews the justification for the recent rapid development of childcare policy in the UK and considers the potential benefits and drawbacks of this growing government intervention.
Spirito–Maron Echocardiographic Score: A Marker for Morphological and Physiological Assessment of Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Rangel Inês , Gonçalves Alexandra , de Sousa Carla , Correia Ana Sofia , Pinho Teresa , Madureira António José , Martins Elisabete , Cardoso José Silva , Macedo Filipe , Maciel Maria Júlia
Published: January 2014

Aims

The heterogeneous distribution of hypertrophy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) limits the echocardiographic conventional measurements accuracy in the evaluation of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The aim of this study was to assess the correlation of the echocardiographic Spirito–Maron score (SMS) with left ventricle (LV) mass quantification by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and with LV diastolic function.

Methods and Results

Left ventricle diastolic function parameters, SMS, LV mass (American Society of Echocardiography formula), and maximal wall thickness (MWT) were evaluated by two‐dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiography. The SMS was obtained by adding the MWT of 4 LV segments, at the mitral valve or papillary muscles short‐axis views. Echocardiographic parameters of LVH, including SMS, were correlated with LV mass obtained by CMR and with E/e′ ratio. We included 45 patients (60% male, mean age 48 ± 18 years), who underwent 2D echocardiography. Twenty‐two of them performed a CMR study. A positive correlation was found between SMS and CMR LV mass (r = 0.80; P < 0.001), whereas MWT (r = 0.62; P = 0.002) and the 2D LV mass (r = 0.60; P = 0.011) presented a lower correlation with CMR LV mass. The SMS was significantly correlated with E/e′ ratio (r = 0.60; P = 0.007), whereas a nonsignificant correlation was found with MWT (r = 0.41; P = 0.081) and 2D LV mass (r = 0.22; P = 0.400).

Conclusion

Spirito–Maron score presents a highly positive correlation with CMR LV mass and with diastolic dysfunction severity in HCM patients. SMS is a reliable quantitative LVH measurement method and seems to provide more comprehensive morphological and physiological information than 2D echocardiographic conventional parameters used to estimate LVH.
The effects of qualitative and quantitative variation of aristolochic acids on preference and performance of a generalist herbivore
Authors: Jeude Samantha E. , Fordyce James A.
Published: January 2014

Nearly all plants possess chemicals that are inferred to play a role in anti‐herbivore defense or resistance. The effects of various chemical defenses can vary among herbivores. Often, plant defensive compounds are examined in broad, inclusive categories, with an emphasis on total quantity, which might ignore qualitative variation in activity. Aristolochic acids are alkaloids characteristic of plants of the genus Aristolochia (Aristolochiaceae). Although aristolochic acids have been documented as effective herbivore deterrents, it remains unknown whether different kinds of aristolochic acid vary in their efficacy as defense against herbivores. We manipulated the aristolochic acid content of artificial diet to examine the effects of four aristolochic acids on larval preference and performance of the generalist herbivore Spodoptera exigua Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Using choice tests, we observed that the four aristolochic acids tested varied in their deterrent effectiveness, with AA‐I having the strongest effect and AA‐II having the weakest effect. No‐choice tests were used to examine larval performance. The effect on performance varied among the aristolochic acids tested. Higher concentrations of aristolochic acid were generally associated with reduced larval developmental rate and larger size at pupation. These results indicate that various forms of aristolochic acid can vary in their effect on herbivores and that simple aggregate measures of total concentration might not reflect the chemical defensive phenotype of the plant.
Blended learning in situated contexts: 3‐year evaluation of an online peer review project
Authors: Bridges S. , Chang J. W. W. , Chu C. H. , Gardner K.
Published: January 2014

Background

Situated and sociocultural perspectives on learning indicate that the design of complex tasks supported by educational technologies holds potential for dental education in moving novices towards closer approximation of the clinical outcomes of their expert mentors. A cross‐faculty‐, student‐centred, web‐based project in operative dentistry was established within the Universitas 21 (U21) network of higher education institutions to support university goals for internationalisation in clinical learning by enabling distributed interactions across sites and institutions. This paper aims to present evaluation of one dental faculty's project experience of curriculum redesign for deeper student learning.

Methods

A mixed‐method case study approach was utilised. Three cohorts of second‐year students from a 5‐year bachelor of dental surgery (BDS) programme were invited to participate in annual surveys and focus group interviews on project completion. Survey data were analysed for differences between years using multivariate logistical regression analysis. Thematic analysis of questionnaire open responses and interview transcripts was conducted.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis noted significant differences across items over time indicating learning improvements, attainment of university aims and the positive influence of redesign. Students perceived the enquiry‐based project as stimulating and motivating, and building confidence in operative techniques. Institutional goals for greater understanding of others and lifelong learning showed improvement over time. Despite positive scores, students indicated global citizenship and intercultural understanding were conceptually challenging.

Conclusions

Establishment of online student learning communities through a blended approach to learning stimulated motivation and intellectual engagement, thereby supporting a situated approach to cognition. Sociocultural perspectives indicate that novice–expert interactions supported student development of professional identities.
SSTY proteins co‐localize with the post‐meiotic sex chromatin and interact with regulators of its expression
Authors: Comptour Aurélie , Moretti Charlotte , Serrentino Maria‐Elisabetta , Auer Jana , Ialy‐Radio Côme , Ward Monika A. , Touré Aminata , Vaiman Daniel , Cocquet Julie
Published: January 2014

In mammals, X‐ and Y‐encoded genes are transcriptionally shut down during male meiosis, but expression of many of them is (re)activated in spermatids after meiosis. Post‐meiotic XY gene expression is regulated by active epigenetic marks, which are de novo incorporated in the sex chromatin of spermatids, and by repressive epigenetic marks inherited during meiosis; alterations in this process lead to male infertility. In the mouse, post‐meiotic XY gene expression is known to depend on genetic information carried by the male‐specific region of the Y chromosome long arm (MSYq). The MSYq gene Sly has been shown to be a key regulator of post‐meiotic sex chromosome gene expression and is necessary for the maintenance/recruitment of repressive epigenetic marks on the sex chromatin, but studies suggest that another MSYq gene may also be required. The best candidate to date is Ssty, an MSYq multi‐copy gene of unknown function. Here, we show that SSTY proteins are specifically expressed in round and elongating spermatids, and co‐localize with post‐meiotic sex chromatin. Moreover, SSTY proteins interact with SLY protein and its X–linked homolog SLX/SLXL1, and may be required for localization of SLX/SLY proteins in the spermatid nucleus and sex chromatin. Our data suggest that SSTY is a second MSYq factor involved in the control of XY gene expression during sperm differentiation. As Slx/Slxl1 and Sly genes have been shown to be involved in the XY intra‐genomic conflict, which affects the offspring sex ratio, Ssty may constitute another player in this conflict.
Allosteric regulation and substrate activation in cytosolic nucleotidase II from Legionella pneumophila
Authors: Srinivasan Bharath , Forouhar Farhad , Shukla Arpit , Sampangi Chethana , Kulkarni Sonia , Abashidze Mariam , Seetharaman Jayaraman , Lew Scott , Mao Lei , Acton Thomas B. , Xiao Rong , Everett John K. , Montelione Gaetano T. , Tong Liang , Balaram Hemalatha
Published: January 2014

Cytosolic nucleotidase II (cN‐II) from Legionella pneumophila (Lp) catalyzes the hydrolysis of GMP and dGMP displaying sigmoidal curves, whereas catalysis of IMP hydrolysis displayed a biphasic curve in the initial rate versus substrate concentration plots. Allosteric modulators of mammalian cN‐II did not activate LpcN‐II although GTP, GDP and the substrate GMP were specific activators. Crystal structures of the tetrameric LpcN‐II revealed an activator‐binding site at the dimer interface. A double mutation in this allosteric‐binding site abolished activation, confirming the structural observations. The substrate GMP acting as an activator, partitioning between the allosteric and active site, is the basis for the sigmoidicity of the initial velocity versus GMP concentration plot. The LpcN‐II tetramer showed differences in subunit organization upon activator binding that are absent in the activator‐bound human cN‐II structure. This is the first observation of a structural change induced by activator binding in cN‐II that may be the molecular mechanism for enzyme activation.

Database

The coordinates and structure factors reported in this paper have been submitted to the Protein Data Bank under the accession numbers 2BDE and 4G63. The accession number of GMP complexed LpcN‐II is 4OHF.

Structured digital abstract

LpcN-II and LpcN-II bind by molecular sieving (View interaction)

LpcN-II and LpcN-II bind by x-ray crystallography (View interaction)

[Structured digital abstract was added on 5 March 2014 after original online publication]
Is the island rule general? Turtles disagree
Authors: Itescu Yuval , Karraker Nancy E. , Raia Pasquale , Pritchard Peter C. H. , Meiri Shai
Published: January 2014

Aim

The island rule describes a trend toward dwarfism of large animals and gigantism of small animals on islands. Studies of vertebrates, including reptiles, report conflicting results regarding the generality of this evolutionary pattern. We studied the size evolution of insular turtles at the intra‐ and interspecific levels, as well as the clade level. We examined the evolutionary patterns, the relationship of habitat preferences and insular turtle size and whether the island rule extends to turtles.

Location

Islands world‐wide and adjacent continents.

Methods

We collected data from the literature and expanded our database by measuring turtle specimens in museum collections. We used reduced major axis regression to test the island rule at the inter‐ and intraspecific levels, after accounting for phylogenetic effects. In addition, we compared body size frequency distributions of insular versus mainland turtles at the clade level.

Results

Our analyses revealed no support for the island rule in turtles. Intraspecifically, we found no systematic pattern of body size evolution. Interspecifically, large turtle species tend to become larger on islands, in contrast to the island rule predictions. Islands generally harbour larger turtles than mainland regions. This pattern is especially apparent when recently extinct species are considered. We found no impact of habitat preferences on the evolution of body size on islands.

Main conclusions

Turtles on islands do not follow the island rule. We suggest that both physiological and ecological factors drive turtle body size evolution on islands, and their tendency for insular gigantism. Large turtles can survive longer periods of water or food shortage on small oceanic islands. Increased intraspecific competition and reduced interspecific competition and predation on islands may favour large body size. A non‐mutually exclusive explanation is that the presence of giant tortoises on islands may reflect founder effects rather than evolution – large turtles are better island colonizers.
Validity of the Cantonese Chinese Montreal Cognitive Assessment in Southern Chinese
Authors: Chu Leung‐Wing , Ng Kathy HY , Law Andrew CK , Lee Antoinette M , Kwan Fiona
Published: January 2014

Aim

The objective of the present study was to investigate the reliability and the validity of the Cantonese Chinese Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) as a brief screening tool of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Southern Chinese older adults.

Methods

Cognitively normal, aMCI and AD Cantonese‐speaking Chinese older adults were recruited from a memory clinic and the community. The English MoCA was translated into Cantonese Chinese and then back‐translated. We then evaluated the content validity, reliability, sensitivity and specificity of the Chinese Cantonese MoCA.

Results

We recruited 115 cognitively normal controls, 87 aMCI and 64 AD patients. Only education was positively correlated with the Cantonese MoCA score (r = 0.46, P < 0.001). The Chinese Cantonese MoCA had a high internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.85. In the test–retest reliability assessment, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.95 (P < 0.001). The ICC for the interrater reliability was 0.96 (P < 0.001). Receiving operating characteristic curve analyses showed an area under the curve of 0.85 and 0.99 for aMCI and AD, respectively (both P < 0.001). The optimal cut‐off score for detection of aMCI was 22/23, which yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 78% and 73%, respectively. The optimal cut‐off score for detection of AD was 19/20, which gave sensitivity and specificity of 94% and 92%, respectively.

Conclusion

The Cantonese Chinese MoCA is a consistent and reliable instrument. In terms of its validity, the MoCA is better in the detection of AD than aMCI in Cantonese‐speaking Chinese persons. It is only fair for the screening of aMCI. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 96–103.
Derivation of human differential photoreceptor cells from adult human dermal fibroblasts by defined combinations of CRX, RAX,OTX2 and NEUROD
Authors: Seko Yuko , Azuma Noriyuki , Ishii Toshiyuki , Komuta Yukari , Miyamoto Kiyoko , Miyagawa Yoshitaka , Kaneda Makoto , Umezawa Akihiro
Published: January 2014

Redirecting differentiation of somatic cells by over‐expression of transcription factors is a promising approach for regenerative medicine, elucidation of pathogenesis and development of new therapies. We have previously defined a transcription factor combination, that is, CRX, RAX and NEUROD, that can generate photosensitive photoreceptor cells from human iris cells. Here, we show that human dermal fibroblasts are differentiated to photoreceptor cells by the same transcription factor combination as human iris cells. Transduction of a combination of the CRX, RAX and NEUROD genes up‐regulated expression of the photoreceptor‐specific genes, recoverin, blue opsin and PDE6C, in all three strains of human dermal fibroblasts that were tested. Additional OTX2 gene transduction increased up‐regulation of the photoreceptor‐specific genes blue opsin, recoverin, S‐antigen, CNGB3 and PDE6C. Global gene expression data by microarray analysis further showed that photoreceptor‐related functional genes were significantly increased in induced photoreceptor cells. Functional analysis, that is, patch‐clamp recordings, clearly revealed that induced photoreceptor cells from fibroblasts responded to light. Both the NRL gene and the NR2E3 gene were endogenously up‐regulated in induced photoreceptor cells, implying that exogenous CRX, RAX, OTX2 and NEUROD, but not NRL, are sufficient to generate rod photoreceptor cells.
Macro‐moth families differ in their attraction to light: implications for light‐trap monitoring programmes
Authors: Merckx Thomas , Slade Eleanor M.
Published: January 2014

Light traps are used to make inferences about local macro‐moth communities, but very little is known about the efficiency with which they attract moths from varying distances, and how this may differ among families.

We released 731 marked individuals, from three of the most common and species‐rich macro‐moth families, at several distances from low‐wattage actinic light traps in open and woodland habitat.

Logistic regression showed family‐specific sampling areas: erebids were attracted from up to 27 m, geometrids from up to 23 m, and noctuids from up to 10 m from the light source, with these distances corresponding to a 5% recapture rate. Sampling size was also family‐specific: a maximum of 55% of erebids, 15% of geometrids, and 10% of noctuids were predicted to be trapped when flying near (0–1 m) light traps.

Our study demonstrates that weak light traps: (i) have remarkably local sampling ranges, resulting in samples that are highly representative of the local habitat, and (ii) attract small, and family‐specific proportions of individuals within these ranges.

We suggest that the local sampling ranges of weak light traps make them excellent tools to monitor nocturnal macro‐moth communities. As trap efficiency differs among macro‐moth families, care must be taken in relating the abundance of the sample to absolute local abundance. Frequent sampling can provide adequate data on relative temporal change in the local macro‐moth fauna, however.
DNA content analysis of colorectal cancer defines a distinct ‘microsatellite and chromosome stable’ group but does not predict response to radiotherapy
Authors: Fadhil Wakkas , Kindle Karin , Jackson Darryl , Zaitoun Abed , Lane Nina , Robins Adrian , Ilyas Mohammad
Published: January 2014

Colorectal cancers (CRC) are thought to have genetic instability in the form of either microsatellite instability (MSI) or chromosomal instability (CIN). Recently, tumours have been described without either MSI or CIN, that is, microsatellite and chromosome stable (MACS) CRCs. We investigated the (i) frequency of the MACS‐CRCs and (ii) whether this genotype predicted responsiveness to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. To examine the frequency of MACS‐CRCs, DNA content (ploidy) was examined in 89 sporadic microsatellite‐stable CRCs using flow cytometry. The tumours were also screened for mutations in KRAS/BRAF/TP53/PIK3CA by QMC‐PCR. To examine the value of tumour ploidy in predicting response to chemoradiotherapy, DNA content was tested in a separate group of 62 rectal cancers treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Fifty‐one of 89 CRCs (57%) were aneuploid and 38 (43%) were diploid. There was no significant association between mutations in TP53/KRAS/BRAF/PIK3CA and ploidy. Testing of association between mutations revealed only mutual exclusivity of KRAS/BRAF mutation (P < 0.001). Of the 62 rectal cancers treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, 22 had responded (Mandard tumour regression grade 1/2) and 40 failed to respond (Grade 3–5). Twenty‐five of 62 (40%) tumours were diploid, but there was no association between ploidy and response to therapy. We conclude that MACS‐CRCs form a significant proportion of microsatellite‐stable CRCs with a mutation profile overlapping that of CRCs with CIN. A diploid genotype does not, however, predict the responsiveness to radiotherapy.
Laser Machining of Structural Alumina: Influence of Moving Laser Beam on the Evolution of Surface Topography
Authors: Vora Hitesh , Dahotre Narendra
Published: January 2014

Laser machining technique has emerged as an innovative tool to effectively machine the structural ceramics, which previously was nearly impossible using various conventional machining techniques. However, obtaining a desired surface finish via laser machining is still a critical issue. As many physical phenomena act simultaneously during laser machining, it is very difficult to understand their influence in real time and predict the surface topography. To address this issue, a multiphysics‐based finite‐element modeling approach was implemented to understand the influence of moving laser beam (with lateral overlap) on the generation of corresponding surface topography/profile/roughness during laser machining of structural alumina. A computation model that coupled heat transfer and computational fluid dynamics was designed to understand the combined influence of Marangoni convection, recoil pressure, cooling rates, and surface tension on the evolving surface topography during laser machining of structural alumina under various machining conditions. Both computational and experimental results evidently showed the systematic increase in surface roughness parameters with the increase in lateral overlap (0, 17, 33, 50, 67, and 83%). The results of the computational model are also validated by experimental observations with reasonably close agreement (±3.5%).
Socio‐demographical antecedents of responsible consumerism propensity
Authors: Pedrini Matteo , Ferri Laura Maria
Published: January 2014

The paper analyses consumers’ propensity for socially and environmentally friendly products through socio‐demographic indicators. Although the topic has been object of a wide literature, most of the previous studies suffered from methodological or sampling limitations. Hence, the present work addresses such limitations and proposes a study based on a wide heterogeneous sample of 5098 consumers, observed in their real settings. Results show the most responsible consumers are older, well‐educated and wealthy, while gender is not a significant antecedent. The in‐depth analysis of findings thus confirms the usefulness of socio‐demographic variables to understand and determine the profile of responsible consumers. However, the study denies that the propensity to buy responsible products relates to the different sensitiveness of men and women, whereas it underlines that age, education and wealth have a positive relationship. Moreover, the analysis identifies four different profiles of consumer based on the different levels of propensity towards responsible products, which confirms the influence of the socio‐demographic variables. This also allows identifying relevant indications on consumers’ decision making, useful to draw indications on possible effective marketing strategies for responsible products.
Studying the organization of genes encoding plant cell wall degrading enzymes inChrysomela tremulaprovides insights into a leaf beetle genome
Authors: Pauchet Y. , Saski C. A. , Feltus F. A. , Luyten I. , Quesneville H. , Heckel D. G.
Published: January 2014

The ability of herbivorous beetles from the superfamiliesChrysomeloidea andCurculionoidea to degrade plant cell wall polysaccharides has only recently begun to be appreciated. The presence of plant cell wall degrading enzymes (PCWDEs) in the beetle's digestive tract makes this degradation possible. Sequences encoding these beetle‐derivedPCWDEswere originally identified from transcriptomes and strikingly resemble those of saprophytic and phytopathogenic microorganisms, raising questions about their origin; e.g. are they insect‐ or microorganism‐derived? To demonstrate unambiguously that the genes encodingPCWDEsfound in beetle transcriptomes are indeed of insect origin, we generated a bacterial artificial chromosome library from the genome of the leaf beetleChrysomela tremula, containing 18 432 clones with an average size of 143 kb. After hybridizing this library with probes derived from 12C. tremula PCWDE‐encoding genes and sequencing the positive clones, we demonstrated that the latter genes are encoded by the insect's genome and are surrounded by genes possessing orthologues in the genome ofTribolium castaneumas well as in three other beetle genomes. Our analyses showed that although the level of overall synteny betweenC. tremulaandT. castaneumseems high, the degree of microsynteny between both species is relatively low, in contrast to the more closely relatedColorado potato beetle.
Patients' experiences in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and their experiences of breath holding techniques
Authors: Funk Eva , Thunberg Per , Anderzen‐Carlsson Agneta
Published: January 2014

Aims

To describe patients' experiences of magnetic resonance examination of the liver and their experiences of two breath‐hold techniques.

Background

Traditionally, patients are instructed by the radiographer to hold their breath during the examination. Alternatively, the patient can initiate the breath hold and start the image acquisition. Studies have revealed that magnetic resonance examinations can be experienced as challenging.

Design

Descriptive qualitative.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 28 patients and analysed using qualitative content analysis. The data collection was carried out from autumn 2010 to spring 2011.

Results

The patients' main experience was that they felt loss of control. This was described in terms of feeling trapped, being lost in time and lost as a result of uncertainty. They had many questions in their mind that they did not ask. Although their statements often revealed no clear preference regarding the techniques, almost half of the patients seemed to prefer self‐initiated breath hold, as it was easier and less stressful. Those who preferred the radiographer‐directed technique felt more confident leaving the responsibility to the radiographer. In general, the patients understood the importance of achieving the best quality images possible.

Conclusion

Magnetic resonance examination can be experienced as being in loss of control. Nevertheless, not all patients wished to actively participate in magnetic resonance examination. Some preferred to hand over the responsibility to the radiographer. These results can form a base for radiographers' reflections of how to individualize and optimize the nursing care of patients undergoing magnetic resonance examinations.
Multiple speciation across the Andes and throughout Amazonia: the case of the spot‐backed antbird species complex (Hylophylax naevius/Hylophylax naevioides)
Authors: Fernandes Alexandre M. , Wink Michael , Sardelli Carla H. , Aleixo Alexandre
Published: January 2014

Aim

To investigate the role of historical processes in the evolution of the spot‐backed antbird species complex Hylophylax naevius/Hylophylax naevioides (Aves, Thamnophilidae).

Location

Throughout the Amazon Basin and across the Andes in Central and northern South America.

Methods

We investigated the evolutionary history of the H. naevius/H. naevioides complex based on a total of 100 individuals from opposite banks of the major Amazonian rivers and both sides of the Andes. Nucleotide sequences from two mitochondrial DNA genes [1015 bp of cytochrome b (cyt b) and 1023 bp of NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2)] and one nuclear marker [539 bp of intron 5 of the β‐fibrinogen (BF5)] were obtained. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods. We used Bayesian coalescent‐based approaches to evaluate demographic changes through time, and to estimate the timing of the diversification events.

Results

Well‐supported allopatric and parapatric lineages were recovered within the H. naevius/H. naevioides complex, with high levels of genetic differentiation, both on opposite sides of rivers (0.6–7.1%) and across the Andes (6.9%). Molecular dating and population demography suggest cladogenesis in various periods, associated with distinct vicariance and dispersal events.

Main conclusions

Our data support the hypothesis that the uplift of the northern Andes and the consolidation of the modern Amazon drainage system were key to promoting the diversification of forest‐dwelling bird lineages in the northern Neotropics.
Neuropsychological functioning in childhood‐onset psychosis and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Brodsky Kimberly , Willcutt Erik G. , Davalos Deana B. , Ross Randal G.
Published: January 2014

Background

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and childhood‐onset psychosis (COP) are chronic, heterogeneous disorders with symptoms that frequently co‐occur, but the etiology of their comorbidity is unknown. Studies of each disorder indicate that both ADHD and COP are associated with a range of neuropsychological weaknesses, but few neuropsychological studies have directly compared groups with ADHD and COP.

Methods

Groups with ADHD only (32 F, 48 M), COP only (5 F, 5 M), ADHD + COP (9 F, 21 M), and a control group with neither disorder (25 F, 44 M) completed a neuropsychological battery that included measures of verbal working memory, response inhibition, response speed and variability, and selective attention.

Results

All three clinical groups exhibited significantly lower performance versus the control group on all neuropsychological measures, whereas the only significant difference between the clinical groups was a significantly larger weakness in verbal working memory in the groups with COP.

Conclusions

The frequent co‐occurrence between COP and ADHD may reflect shared neuropsychological weaknesses that are most pronounced on measures of working memory and response variability.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidative Capacity and Antimicrobial Activity of Zeravschania membranacea (Boiss.) Pimenov Essential Oil
Authors: Saei‐Dehkordi S. Siavash , Khalighi‐Sigaroodi Farahnaz , Pirali‐Kheirabadi Khodadad , Saei‐Dehkordi S. Saeid , Alimardani‐Naghani Farshid , Fallah Aziz A.
Published: January 2014

Zeravschania membranacea (Boiss.) Pimenov as an aromatic edible plant is wildly grown in Iran. This investigation reports on the chemical composition and biological activities of the essential oil of Z. membranacea for the first time. Gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analyses revealed 35 compounds, constituting 97.44% of the total essential oil composition. The major constituents were δ‐3‐carene (13.64%), linalyl acetate (12.58%), sabinene (8.29%) and α‐terpinene (8.23%). Compared to the standard antioxidants, the essential oil had a weak antioxidant activity as measured by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhdrazyl (DPPH) assay (IC50 = 17.512 ± 5.648 mg/mL; P < 0.05). However, the antioxidative capacity evaluated by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (acid equivalent antioxidant capacity = 0.719 ± 0.197 mg/mL) assay was higher than the one evaluated by the DPPH assay (when compared with the standard antioxidants). The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was evaluated using agar disc diffusion and microdilution broth methods against food‐related microorganisms, namely Escherichia coli O157 : H7, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Rhodotorula rubra. According to the zone of inhibition (ZOI), the essential oil exhibited an intermediate antimicrobial effect (ZOI: 12–19 mM) against the tested microorganisms except P. aeruginosa (ZOI: 10 mM). Furthermore, the minimum inhibitory concentration values (ranging from 960 to 5,120 μg/mL) indicated an intermediate to weak antimicrobial activity of the essential oil. The essential oils of Z. membranacea can be considered a natural source for food industries. However, further investigations should be accomplished to determine the efficacy of the essential oil as a natural preservative in food models.

Practical Applications

Z. membranacea (Boiss.) Pimenov as an aromatic edible plant is wildly grown in Iran. Its habitat is restricted to Iran. However, the plant or its derivatives have not yet been effectively investigated and utilized. The dried aerial parts of Z. membranacea are traditionally used as seasoning agent of foodstuffs in Iran. In the folk medicine, the analgesic properties of the plant or its essence have been accepted among Iranians. We anticipate that this investigation will provide sufficient evidence for acceptable biological characteristics of the plant essential oil for further evaluation and utilization.
Traits associated with winter wheat grain yield in Central and West Asia
Authors: Lopes Marta Silva , Saglam Didem , Ozdogan Mutlu , Reynolds Matthew
Published: January 2014

Improved adaptation of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to drought and heat may be influenced by days to heading, plant height, biomass, canopy temperature (CT) at grain filling, and rate of senescence. This study shows that, under supplemental irrigation or rainfed conditions, days to heading and plant height together explain up to 68% of grain yield (GY) variation, and these associations were further confirmed in several locations across West and Central Asia. Days to heading can be slightly reduced below that of check line Karahan to further improve GY while avoiding the effect of late frosts. Plant height has been decreased in recent germplasm, but further reductions below that of check line Karahan could still improve GY in a wide range of environments. However, in Iranian sites, taller genotypes showed better adaptation with higher biomass and increased reserves for grain filling. Canopy temperature and rate senescence were not associated with GY. A normalized difference vegetation index, used to estimate biomass (Feekes stages 4–5), had intermediate heritability across environments and correlated positively with GY under low plant density and should be explored further as a tool for early selection.
Rice MtN3/saliva/SWEET gene family: Evolution, expression profiling, and sugar transport
Authors: Yuan Meng , Zhao Junwei , Huang Renyan , Li Xianghua , Xiao Jinghua , Wang Shiping
Published: January 2014

The rice MtN3/saliva/SWEET gene family consists of 21 paralogs. However, their functions in physiological processes are largely unknown, although at least three of the 21 paralogs are used by pathogenic bacteria to infect rice. Here, we report the evolutionary features, transcriptional characteristics, and putative functions in sugar transport of this gene family. The wild rice accessions in this study included those with AA, BB, CC, BBCC, CCDD, EE, and GG genomes, which appeared approximately 0.58–14.6 million years ago. The structures, chromosomal locations, phylogenetic relationships, and homologous distribution among the accessions suggest that the number of rice MtN3/saliva/SWEET paralogs gradually increased as the Oryza genus evolved, and one third of the paralogs may have originated recently. These paralogs are differentially expressed in vegetative and reproductive tissues, in the leaf senescence process, and in signaling dependent on gibberellic acid, cytokinin, or 1‐naphthalene acetic acid (an analog of auxin), suggesting that they may be associated with multiple physiological processes. Four paralogs could transport galactose in yeast, which suggests that they may have a similar function in rice. These results will help to elucidate their roles and biochemical functions in rice development, adaptation to environment, host‐pathogen interaction, and so forth.