bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Campaign Contributions Facilitate Access to Congressional Officials: A Randomized Field Experiment
Authors: Kalla Joshua L. , Broockman David E.
Published: April 2015

Concern that donations to political campaigns secure preferential treatment from policy makers has long occupied judges, scholars, and the public. However, the effects of contributions on policy makers’ behavior are notoriously difficult to assess. We present the first randomized field experiment on the topic. The experiment focuses on whether contributions facilitate access to influential policy makers. In the experiment, a political organization attempted to schedule meetings between 191 congressional offices and the organization's members in their districts who were campaign donors. However, the organization randomly assigned whether it revealed to congressional offices that prospective attendees had contributed to campaigns. When informed prospective attendees were political donors, senior policy makers made themselves available between three and four times more often. These findings underscore concerns about the Supreme Court's recent decisions deregulating campaign finance.
Integrating telehealth services into a remote allied health service: A pilot study
Authors: O'Hara Rebecca , Jackson Sarah
Published: March 2015

Problem

The continuity of care for people with neurological conditions in a remote northwest Queensland town as services are currently only available intermittently.

Design

Mixed methods design using questionnaires and staff review of the program and processes.

Setting

Intermittent community rehabilitation service for clients with neurological conditions has been offered in Mount Isa and is supported by a similar fulltime service in Townsville. Both services use a unique client‐centred, student‐assisted, interprofessional model of care.

Key measures for improvement

Understanding participant experiences by obtaining feedback from clients, students and allied health professionals (AHPs) regarding their experiences of using telehealth in this setting.

Strategy for change

Previous clients of the North West Community Rehabilitation service were offered a review assessment using telehealth by an interprofessional team.

Effects of change

Using telehealth enabled the client, remote AHP and students in Mount Isa to be connected to expert assistance in Townsville.

Lessons learnt

The findings suggest that telehealth was useful in a community rehabilitation setting to provide review services for clients. This improved continuity of care for these clients because without this telehealth assessment, the clients would have had to wait up to 12 months for the next service period in Mount Isa or travel to a major urban centre to access a similar service. Feedback from clients, students and AHPs was positive; however, some challenges were identified. Recommendations for future service delivery using telehealth are outlined in the paper.
Single perforator greater saphenous neuro‐veno‐fasciocutaneous propeller flaps for lower extremity reconstructions
Authors: Zhong Wanrun , Lu Shengdi , Wang Chunyang , Wen Gen , Han Pei , Chai Yimin
Published: March 2015

Background

The lack of soft tissue that is available for medial leg and foot defect reconstructions presents a challenge for plastic surgeons. The saphenous neurofasciocutaneous perforator flap application presents an effective alternative to local flap transfers. However, the venous flow and pedicle twisting problems are still disputed. Here, we present our experiences with modified cutaneous pedicles with a single perforator pedicle, which improves the venous flow and the pedicle twisting problem.

Methods

This study was conducted from June 2007 through September 2011, and a total of 15 patients with lower medial leg and foot defects were included. There were 11 men and four women. An asymmetric ‘propeller’ flap was planned around a perforator that was adjacent to the defects, which was preoperatively confirmed by Doppler. The perforator was sufficiently dissociated to allow for the flap to be turned towards the defects. We preserved some distal skin and subcutaneous tissue from the short side of the ‘propeller’ to cover some donor site regions, and other regions were covered with split thickness skin grafts. The follow‐up period ranged from 3 to 12 months.

Results

An infection occurred in one case. Partial flap necrosis was noted in two cases. The other 12 flaps completely survived and matched the recipient sites with regard to colour, texture and thickness.

Conclusion

The single perforator greater saphenous neuro‐veno‐fasciocutaneous propeller flap is an effective solution for medial leg and foot defects, and it has a large rotation arc and a satisfactory aesthetic result.
One hundred‐year‐old human corneal and transplanted corneal graft endothelium
Authors: Ruusuvaara Pekka , Vesti Eija , Koskela Elina , Setälä Kirsi
Published: April 2015

Purpose

To investigate and analyse one hundred‐year‐old endothelial cells of human transplanted corneal grafts and compare them with intact endothelium of unoperated eyes.

Subjects and methods

Specular microscopy was performed on seven individuals (14 eyes) aged >100 years and on seven transplanted corneas with endothelial cells of at least 100 years old. All keratoplasties were performed by the same surgeon (PR) 25–35 years before the time of examination. As controls, 14 unoperated healthy individuals (26 eyes) of 90–100 years, 12 individuals (24 eyes) of 48–52 years, 12 students (24 eyes) of 19–24 years and 11 children (22 eyes) from 10 to 14 years of age were photographed and analysed.

Results

The mean cell density in the oldest age group, over 100 years of age (average 102 years), was very good 2365 cells/mm2. The mean cell density in the transplanted corneas, the endothelial cells of which were over 100 years old (mean 106 years), was 923 cells/mm2 (range 585–1800 cells/mm2).

Conclusion

Corneal endothelial cells may remain viable and capable to perform their function over 100 years. Donor corneas up to 70–75 years of age can be approved for transplantation, provided that the endothelial cells have been thoroughly evaluated with vital staining before the operation.
Comparison of macular thickness and inflammatory cytokine levels after microincision versus small incision coaxial cataract surgery
Authors: Hwang Ho Sik , Ahn Ye Jin , Lee Hee Jin , Kim Man Soo , Kim Eun Chul
Published: April 2015

Purpose

To compare the macular thickness and volume change, and inflammatory cytokine levels after cataract surgery performed using two different sizes of incision (microincision versus small incision).

Methods

In this randomized, comparative clinical trial, 84 eyes with nuclear density from Grade 3–4 were randomly divided into two groups (microincision, 2.2 mm; and small incision, 2.75 mm). Forty‐two patients underwent phacoemulsification with microincision coaxial cataract surgery and 42 patients underwent phacoemulsification with small incision coaxial cataract surgery. Clinical measurements included preoperative, 1‐week, 1‐month and 2‐month postoperative best corrected visual acuity, central corneal thickness (CCT) and endothelial cell count. ELISA and RT‐PCR were performed for IL‐1β, IL‐6, VEGF and PGE2 preoperatively and at 1 week postoperatively.

Results

The percentage increase in CCT in the microincision group was significantly higher than that in the small incision group at 1 week after cataract surgery (p = 0.01). The increase in macular thickness in the microincision group was significantly higher than that in small incision group at 1 month after cataract operation (p = 0.04). Also, IL‐1β, IL‐6, VEGF and PGE2 concentrations and their expression ratio in the microincision group were significantly higher than those in the small incision group at 1 week after cataract surgery compared to the preoperative period (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Phacoemulsification with microincision coaxial cataract surgery may increase the macular thickness compared to phacoemulsification with small incision coaxial cataract surgery. Blood–aqueous barrier breakdown may occur more frequently after microincision cataract surgery than after small incision cataract surgery.
Detection of classical Hodgkin lymphoma specific sequence in peripheral blood using a next‐generation sequencing approach
Authors: Oki Yasuhiro , Neelapu Sattva S. , Fanale Michelle , Kwak Larry W. , Fayad Luis , Rodriguez Maria A. , Wallace Michael , Klinger Mark , Carlton Victoria , Kong Katherine , Faham Malek , Younes Anas
Published: March 2015

We applied a highly sensitive next‐generation sequencing method to identify lymphoma‐specific immunoglobulin gene segments in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) at initial diagnosis or recurrence, and assessed the ability of detecting such lymphoma‐specific sequences in peripheral blood (PB). Seventeen CHL cases were tested and lymphoma‐specific sequences were identified in 12 of the primary tumour biopsies. In 11 of these patients whose paired PB samples were available, tumour‐specific clonotypes were detected in PB in eight patients. This data demonstrates the feasibility of detecting circulating tumour‐specific sequences, creating an unprecedented opportunity to optimize the future treatment and monitoring strategies for patients with CHL.
CD133 allows elaborated discrimination and quantification of haematopoietic progenitor subsets in human haematopoietic stem cell transplants
Authors: Radtke Stefan , Görgens André , Kordelas Lambros , Schmidt Markus , Kimmig Klaus R. , Köninger Angela , Horn Peter A. , Giebel Bernd
Published: March 2015

The success of haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation largely depends on numbers of transplanted HSCs, which reside in the CD34+ populations of bone marrow (BM), peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) and umbilical cord blood (UCB). More specifically HSCs reside in the CD38low/− subpopulation, which cannot be objectively discriminated from mature CD34+ CD38+ progenitors. Thus, better marker combinations for the quantification of more primitive haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in transplants are required. Recently, by combining CD34 and CD133 we could clearly distinguish CD133+ CD34+ multipotent and lympho‐myeloid from CD133low CD34+ erythro‐myeloid progenitors in UCB samples. To qualify the assessment of CD133 for routine quality control of adult HSC sources, we analysed the developmental potentials of CD133+ and CD133low subpopulations in BM and PBSC. Similar to UCB, CD133 expression objectively discriminated functionally distinct subpopulations in adult HSC sources. By implementing anti‐CD45RA staining, which separates multipotent (CD133+ CD34+ CD45RA−) from lympho‐myeloid (CD133+ CD34+ CD45RA+) progenitor fractions, UCB was found to contain 2–3 times higher multipotent progenitor frequencies than BM and PBSC. To test for the consistency of CD133 expression, we compared CD133+ CD34+ contents of 128 UCB samples with maternal and obstetrical factors and obtained similar correlations to related studies focusing on CD34+ cell contents. In conclusion, implementation of anti‐CD133 staining into existing routine panels will improve the quality control analyses for HSC transplants.
The current status of prophylactic replacement therapy in children and adults with haemophilia
Authors: Ljung Rolf , Gretenkort Andersson Nadine
Published: March 2015

Initiating prophylactic treatment at an early age is considered to be the optimal form of therapy for a child with haemophilia A or B. The pioneering long term experiences of prophylactic treatment from Sweden and The Netherlands demonstrated the benefit of prophylaxis in retrospective and observational studies. Decades later, these benefits were confirmed in a randomized controlled study in USA. We review the current status of prophylactic replacement therapy of haemophilia in children, adolescents, adults and the elderly. Prophylaxis should begin at an early age and there are arguments for continuing it into adulthood. The dose of prophylaxis is dependent on the goal of treatment, economic resources and venous access and should be tailored individually. Starting the first exposures to clotting factor concentrates as prophylactic treatment, instead of on‐demand in response to a bleed, may decrease the frequency of inhibitors in patients with haemophilia A. Novel longer‐acting products are being introduced that could be helpful for patients with difficult venous access and enable higher trough levels.
Response to ruxolitinib in patients with intermediate‐1–, intermediate‐2–, and high‐risk myelofibrosis: results of the UK ROBUST Trial
Authors: Mead Adam J. , Milojkovic Dragana , Knapper Steven , Garg Mamta , Chacko Joseph , Farquharson Mira , Yin John , Ali Sahra , Clark Richard E. , Andrews Chris , Dawson Meryem Ktiouet , Harrison Claire
Published: March 2015

Myelofibrosis is characterized by splenomegaly and debilitating constitutional symptoms that negatively impact patients’ quality of life. ROBUST, a UK, open‐label, phase II study, evaluated the safety and efficacy of ruxolitinib in patients with myelofibrosis (N = 48), including intermediate‐1 risk patients. The primary composite endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving treatment success [≥50% reduction in palpable spleen length and/or a ≥50% decrease in Myelofibrosis Symptom Assessment Form Total Symptom Score (MF‐SAF TSS)] at 48 weeks. This was the first time that efficacy of ruxolitinib in myelofibrosis has been evaluated based on these criteria and the first time the MF‐SAF was used in a population of patients solely from the United Kingdom. Overall, 50% of patients and 57% of intermediate‐1 risk patients, achieved treatment success; reductions in spleen length and symptoms were observed in all risk groups. The majority of patients (66·7%) experienced ≥50% reductions from baseline in spleen length at any time. Improvements in MF‐SAF TSS were seen in 80·0%, 72·7%, and 72·2% of intermediate‐1, intermediate‐2, and high‐risk patients, respectively. Consistent with other studies of ruxolitinib, the most common haematological adverse events were anaemia and thrombocytopenia. Results indicate that most patients with myelofibrosis, including intermediate‐1 risk patients, may benefit from ruxolitinib treatment.
Mid‐Holocene history of a central European lake: Lake Komořany, Czech Republic
Authors: Bešta Tomáš , Novák Jan , Dreslerová Dagmar , Jankovská Vlasta , Bernardová Alexandra , Lisá Lenka , Valentová Daniela
Published: April 2015

Palaeolimnological reconstruction of the aquatic environment in Lake Komořany, based on sedimentology, geochemistry, and diatom and macrofossil analyses in the littoral part of the basin, reflects the mid‐Holocene history of the profile from its origin c. 9100 cal. a BP to its final transformation into an alder carr c. 4100 cal. a BP. The existence of the littoral zone can be best explained by increased precipitation during the studied interval. A stable diatom community, diatom‐inferred total phosphorus (50–80 μg L−1) and pH (~7.6), along with stable concentrations of elements associated with changes in its watershed indicate a long‐lasting, balanced aquatic environment with no major shifts attributable to external factors, including climate change. From c. 4700 cal. BP, there started a transition to terrestrial conditions, caused by either natural infilling processes or decreased precipitation. Alternation of remarkable dry/wet phases was not detected, in contrast to numerous analogous central European and supraregional records. Potential human impact was revealed through increases of Corylus and Populus pollen in the Neolithic. These anthropogenic changes in the lake surroundings had no detectable influence on the lacustrine environment. The gathered data suggest undramatic, balanced mid‐Holocene environmental and climatic settings for this central European locality, in direct contrast to numerous analogous studies from the region emphasizing fluctuations and shifts found in the sediment record.
Prevalence of traumatic events and risk for psychological symptoms among community and at‐risk children and adolescents from Bangladesh
Authors: Deeba Farah , Rapee Ronald M.
Published: April 2015

Background

Children from developing countries are more vulnerable to traumatic experiences and more likely to suffer a range of psychological problems than children from developed countries.

Method

The current paper describes a survey of 1360 children and adolescents from Bangladesh who were selected either from the general community or through a range of social service organizations. Children completed a checklist of traumatic events and questionnaires to assess symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression.

Results

Children from both samples reported high levels of exposure to traumatic events, both via direct experience and indirectly. Direct experiences with intentional, man‐made events were more frequently reported by children from support services while trauma from natural disasters was more common among community children. Psychological symptoms were significantly higher within children from social support services. The strongest predictors of psychological symptoms were age, gender, sample source and exposure to man‐made direct traumas.

Conclusion

The results point to the common occurrence of traumatic events and their emotional consequences among children and adolescents from Bangladesh and indicate the need to develop effective and accessible mental health services for Bangladeshi children and adolescents.
Development of Maladaptive Coping: A Functional Adaptation to Chronic, Uncontrollable Stress
Authors: Wadsworth Martha E.
Published: April 2015

Health disparities are rooted in childhood and stem from adverse early environments that damage physiologic stress‐response systems. Developmental psychobiological models of the effects of chronic stress account for both the negative effects of a stress‐response system calibrated to a dangerous and unpredictable environment from a health perspective, and the positive effects of such an adaptively calibrated stress response from a functional perspective. Our research suggests that the contexts that produce functionally adapted physiologic responses to stress also encourage a functionally adapted coping response—coping that can result in maladjustment in physical and mental health, but enables children to grow and develop within those contexts. In this article, I highlight the value of reframing maladaptive coping as functional adaptation to understand more completely the development of children's coping in different contexts, and the value of such a conceptual shift for coping‐based theory, research, and intervention.
Intermediate‐risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma patients who were surgically ablated do not need adjuvant radioiodine therapy: long‐term outcome study
Authors: Ballal Sanjana , Soundararajan Ramya , Garg Aayushi , Chopra Saurav , Bal Chandrasekhar
Published: March 2015

Objective

The mute question is whether patients with DTC of intermediate risk of recurrence, second most common presentation, who were surgically ablated in the first place, ever needed adjuvant RAI therapy? This study exclusively evaluated the long‐term outcome in intermediate‐risk patients with DTC.

Design

Two‐arm retrospective cohort study conducted between years 1991 and 2012.

Setting

Institutional practice.

Patients

Intermediate‐risk DTC patients, with pathologically proven T1/2 N1 M0, T3 with/without N1 M0 disease, with a minimum follow‐up of 12 months, were included. Of 254 patients who fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 125 patients were surgically ablated (Gr‐I) and 129 patients had significant remnant and/nodal disease (Gr‐II). No radioiodine in Gr‐I and adjuvant RAI therapy was administered in Gr‐II patients.

Measurements

Baseline characteristics were compared and overall survival, event‐free survival, disease‐free survival/overall remission rates and recurrence rates were calculated for both the groups.

Results

All baseline patient characteristics were comparable except 24‐h RAIU between two groups. Depending on adjuvant radioiodine therapy outcome, Gr‐II patients were subclassified as Gr‐IIa (ablated) and Gr‐IIb (not ablated). With a median follow‐up duration of 10·3 years (range: 1–21 years), 12/125 (9·6%) patients had disease recurrence and 10 (8%) showed persistent disease in Gr‐I. In Gr‐IIa, 6/102 (5·9%) patients recurred but only one of them was successfully ablated with 131I, and 5 (4·9%) had persistent disease. However, in Gr‐IIb, 27 patients who failed first‐dose adjuvant RAI therapy, 8/27 (29·6%) showed persistent disease (P = 0·000). Overall survival was 100%; however, disease‐free survival rates were 92% and 90%, in Gr‐I and Gr‐II, respectively.

Conclusion

Intermediate‐risk surgically ablated patients do not need adjuvant RAI therapy and patients who failed to achieve ablation with first dose of 131I may be dynamically risk stratified as high‐risk category and managed aggressively.
Accuracy Comparison of Implant Impression Techniques: A Systematic Review
Authors: Moreira António H. J. , Rodrigues Nuno F. , Pinho António C. M. , Fonseca Jaime C. , Vilaça João L.
Published: April 2015

Background

Several studies link the seamless fit of implant‐supported prosthesis with the accuracy of the dental impression technique obtained during acquisition. In addition, factors such as implant angulation and coping shape contribute to implant misfit.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify the most accurate impression technique and factors affecting the impression accuracy.

Material and Methods

A systematic review of peer‐reviewed literature was conducted analyzing articles published between 2009 and 2013. The following search terms were used: implant impression, impression accuracy, and implant misfit. A total of 417 articles were identified; 32 were selected for review.

Results

All 32 selected studies refer to in vitro studies. Fourteen articles compare open and closed impression technique, 8 advocate the open technique, and 6 report similar results. Other 14 articles evaluate splinted and non‐splinted techniques; all advocating the splinted technique. Polyether material usage was reported in nine; six studies tested vinyl polysiloxane and one study used irreversible hydrocolloid. Eight studies evaluated different copings designs. Intraoral optical devices were compared in four studies.

Conclusions

The most accurate results were achieved with two configurations: (1) the optical intraoral system with powder and (2) the open technique with splinted squared transfer copings, using polyether as impression material.
Microbiota at teeth and implants in partially edentulous patients. A 10‐year retrospective study
Authors: Eick Sigrun , Ramseier Christoph A. , Rothenberger Kathrin , Brägger Urs , Buser Daniel , Salvi Giovanni E.
Published: April 2015

Objective

To determine the microbiota at implants and adjacent teeth 10 years after placement of implants with a sandblasted and acid‐etched surface.

Material and methods

Plaque samples obtained from the deepest sites of 504 implants and of 493 adjacent teeth were analyzed for certain bacterial species associated with periodontitis, for staphylococci, for aerobic gram‐negative rods, and for yeasts using nucleic acid‐based methods.

Results

Species known to be associated with periodontitis were detectable at 6.2–78.4% of the implants. Significantly higher counts at implants in comparison with teeth were assessed for Tannerella forsythia, Parvimonas micra, Fusobacterium nucleatum/necrophorum, and Campylobacter rectus. Higher counts of periodontopathogenic species were detectable at implants of current smokers than at those of non‐smokers. In addition, those species were found in higher quantities at implants of subjects with periodontitis. The prevalence of Prevotella intermedia, Treponema denticola, C. rectus, and moreover of Staphylococcus warneri might be associated with peri‐implant inflammation. Selected staphylococcal species (not Staphylococcus aureus), aerobic gram‐negative rods, and yeasts were frequently detected, but with the exception of S. warneri, they did not show any association with periodontal or peri‐implant diseases.

Conclusions

Smoking and periodontal disease are risk factors for colonization of periodontopathic bacteria at implants. Those bacterial species may play a potential role in peri‐implant inflammation. The role of S. warneri needs further validation.
A Multiple‐Channel Model of Task‐Dependent Ambiguity Resolution in Sentence Comprehension
Authors: Logačev Pavel , Vasishth Shravan
Published: March 2015

Traxler, Pickering, and Clifton (1998) found that ambiguous sentences are read faster than their unambiguous counterparts. This so‐called ambiguity advantage has presented a major challenge to classical theories of human sentence comprehension (parsing) because its most prominent explanation, in the form of the unrestricted race model (URM), assumes that parsing is non‐deterministic. Recently, Swets, Desmet, Clifton, and Ferreira (2008) have challenged the URM. They argue that readers strategically underspecify the representation of ambiguous sentences to save time, unless disambiguation is required by task demands. When disambiguation is required, however, readers assign sentences full structure—and Swets et al. provide experimental evidence to this end. On the basis of their findings, they argue against the URM and in favor of a model of task‐dependent sentence comprehension. We show through simulations that the Swets et al. data do not constitute evidence for task‐dependent parsing because they can be explained by the URM. However, we provide decisive evidence from a German self‐paced reading study consistent with Swets et al.'s general claim about task‐dependent parsing. Specifically, we show that under certain conditions, ambiguous sentences can be read more slowly than their unambiguous counterparts, suggesting that the parser may create several parses, when required. Finally, we present the first quantitative model of task‐driven disambiguation that subsumes the URM, and we show that it can explain both Swets et al.'s results and our findings.
The IUCN Red List of Ecosystems: Motivations, Challenges, and Applications
Authors: Keith David A. , Rodríguez Jon Paul , Brooks Thomas M. , Burgman Mark A. , Barrow Edmund G. , Bland Lucie , Comer Patrick J. , Franklin Janet , Link Jason , McCarthy Michael A. , Miller Rebecca M. , Murray Nicholas J. , Nel Jeanne , Nicholson Emily , Oliveira‐Miranda María A. , Regan Tracey J. , Rodríguez‐Clark Kathryn M. , Rouget Mathieu , Spalding Mark D.
Published: April 2015

In response to growing demand for ecosystem‐level risk assessment in biodiversity conservation, and rapid proliferation of locally tailored protocols, the IUCN recently endorsed new Red List criteria as a global standard for ecosystem risk assessment. Four qualities were sought in the design of the IUCN criteria: generality; precision; realism; and simplicity. Drawing from extensive global consultation, we explore trade‐offs among these qualities when dealing with key challenges, including ecosystem classification, measuring ecosystem dynamics, degradation and collapse, and setting decision thresholds to delimit ordinal categories of threat. Experience from countries with national lists of threatened ecosystems demonstrates well‐balanced trade‐offs in current and potential applications of Red Lists of Ecosystems in legislation, policy, environmental management and education. The IUCN Red List of Ecosystems should be judged by whether it achieves conservation ends and improves natural resource management, whether its limitations are outweighed by its benefits, and whether it performs better than alternative methods. Future development of the Red List of Ecosystems will benefit from the history of the Red List of Threatened Species which was trialed and adjusted iteratively over 50 years from rudimentary beginnings. We anticipate the Red List of Ecosystems will promote policy focus on conservation outcomes in situ across whole landscapes and seascapes.
Paying for an Endangered Predator Leads to Population Recovery
Authors: Persson Jens , Rauset Geir R. , Chapron Guillaume
Published: March 2015

Keeping viable predator populations on a human‐dominated planet will require innovative approaches that promote local coexistence with human activities. Conservation performance payments, which are linked specifically to the production of a desired environmental output, have received increasing attention but their effectiveness in predator conservation remains undocumented. Here, we show that paying Sámi reindeer herders for wolverine (Gulo gulo) reproductions has been instrumental in the recovery of wolverines in Sweden. Adult female wolverines were significantly less exposed to illegal killing and this allowed the population to more than double in a decade. We argue that this program provides protection for adult female wolverines through a combination of direct monetary value and indirect protection because of monitoring activities. The program's success, even in a system where livestock is the main prey for the predator, reveals an exceptional potential for future implementations in large carnivore conservation.
Primary localized tracheobronchial amyloidosis presenting with massive hemoptysis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Li‐qin , Zhao Yi‐chao , Wang Xiao‐wei , Yang Jian , Lu Zhi‐wei , Cheng Yu‐sheng
Published: April 2015

Primary localized tracheobronchial amyloidosis (TBA) is a rare respiratory tract dysfunction, which is a heterogeneous group of diseases involving abnormal extracellular deposition of amyloid and autologous fibrillar protein material in β‐pleated sheets. A 64‐year‐old man was referred to our hospital because of hemoptysis. Physical examination showed decreased breath sounds in the right lung on auscultation. Chest computed tomography scan displayed multiple nodules with varied size in main bronchia around bilateral hilus of the lung. After admission, bronchoscopy was performed for this patient, and roughness of mucosa in trachea and multiple nodules in respiratory tract were observed. Through further tissue biopsy, the diagnosis of primary TBA was confirmed.
Role of Toll‐like receptor 4 signaling in cutaneous chronic graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Weng Jianyu , Lai Peilong , Geng Suxia , Luo Chenwei , Wu Suijing , Ling Wei , Deng Chengxin , Huang Xin , Lu Zesheng , Du Xin
Published: April 2015

Cutaneous damage is one of the characterized manifestations in chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD). When local effective immunity in the skin is altered to a dysimmune reaction, cutaneous injuries occur. Toll‐like receptor 4 signaling is regarded as a central mediator of inflammation and organ injury. In this study, we found that TLR4 mRNA in peripheral blood from patients with cutaneous cGVHD was markedly increased compared with that from non‐GVHD patients and healthy controls. In addition, NF‐κB expression, TLR4 downstream signaling, and TLR4‐mediated cytokines, including IL‐6 and ICAM‐1, were upregulated. Moreover, ICAM‐1 was widely distributed in skin biopsies from patients with cutaneous cGVHD. We also found that LPS induced TLR4‐mediated NF‐κB activation and IL‐6 and ICAM‐1 secretion in human fibroblasts in vitro. Thus, TLR4, NF‐κB, IL‐6, and ICAM‐1 contribute to the inflammatory response that occurs in cutaneous cGVHD, indicating the TLR4 pathway may be a novel target for cutaneous cGVHD therapy.
International Profit‐Shifting out of Developing Countries and the Role of Tax Havens
Authors: Janský Petr , Prats Alex
Published: April 2015

This article contributes to the debate on how tax avoidance and evasion can hamper development efforts by investigating the link between profit‐shifting out of developing countries and tax havens. Analysis of more than 1500 multinational corporations (MNCs) operating in India shows that in 2010 those MNCs with links to tax havens reported lower profits and paid less in taxes per unit of asset than MNCs with no such links. This confirms the notion that when corporations have links to tax havens they enjoy higher incentives, because of the low tax rates, and opportunities to shift income because of the secrecy provisions tax havens offer.
Rawls, Race, and Education: A Challenge to the Ideal/Nonideal Divide
Authors: Thompson Winston C.
Published: March 2015

In this essay, Winston C. Thompson questions the rigidity of the boundary between ideal and nonideal theory, suggesting a porosity that allows elements of both to be brought to bear upon educational issues in singularly incisive ways. In the service of this goal, Thompson challenges and extends John Rawls's theory of justice as fairness, bringing it to bear upon education in our imperfect world. By showing that this representative work of ideal theory can be meaningfully supplemented and applied to the nonideal fact of race, this essay suggests that recognition of nonideal circumstances and theorizing need not void ideal theory's value to philosophy of education. Instead, the field can engage both ideal and nonideal theory on previously unavailable questions and dimensions of educational justice toward productive ends.
Nonideal Theorizing in Education
Authors: Brighouse Harry
Published: March 2015

In this essay, Harry Brighouse responds to the collection of articles in the current issue of Educational Theory, all concerned with nonideal theorizing in education. First, he argues that some form of ideal theory is indispensable for the nonideal theorizer. Brighouse then proceeds to defend Rawls against some critics of his kind of ideal theorizing by arguing that a central feature that is often misconstrued as unduly idealizing — the full compliance assumption — in fact constrains utopianism. Next, he discusses each of the contributions in turn, and he concludes by sounding a warning that lack of humility is an ever‐present danger for nonideal theorizers who seek to evaluate, and provide guidance for, policy and practice. Falling prey to this vice, Brighouse cautions, can seriously dent the value of nonideal scholarship.
Influence of gear switching on recapture of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in catch‐and‐release fisheries
Authors: Lennox Robert J. , Diserud Ola H. , Cooke Steven J. , Thorstad Eva B. , Whoriskey Frederick G. , Solem Øyvind , Havn Torgeir B. , Uglem Ingebrigt
Published: April 2015

Anglers that release Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in recreational fisheries do so with the intention that the fish will survive and contribute to succeeding generations. In some instances, salmon that are released may be recaptured, but mechanisms associated with recapture are unclear. To test whether gear avoidance influences recapture rates, we analysed data from tagging programmes in major Norwegian Atlantic salmon fishing rivers to determine how frequently salmon were recaptured by different gear than that by which they were initially captured (i.e. gear switch). Among 339 salmon captured, externally tagged and released in 2012 and 2013, 46 (14%) were recaptured; 70% of these recaptured salmon exhibited gear switch. To test whether this gear switch percentage could be expected in the absence of gear avoidance, a simulation was conducted, which accounted for variation in catch probability among rivers and across time with different gear types based on comprehensive catch data. Each simulation step provided a simulated rate of gear switch under the null hypothesis of no gear avoidance. A distribution was generated, which described the probability that we would observe 70% gear switch. The simulated results indicated that this rate of gear switch was highly unlikely (P = 0.003) if recapture gear is assumed to be independent of initial capture gear, suggesting that salmon avoided familiar gear types. Changes to behaviour after release, including learned hook avoidance, may explain our observation of gear avoidance by recaptured salmon.
Differential responses of body shape to local and reach scale stream flow in two freshwater fish species
Authors: Beachum Collin E. , Michel Matt J. , Knouft Jason H.
Published: March 2015

Stream flow is recognised as an important influence on the physical traits, distribution and diversity of stream fishes. However, measures of ‘stream flow’ are not consistent among studies and can refer to variables characterising microhabitat (e.g. flow velocity) or reach‐level (e.g. discharge) parameters. Because of the ambiguity associated with the term ‘stream flow’, the differential effect of these two aspects of local stream hydrology on freshwater fishes is unclear. Using two frequently sympatric freshwater fish species, Etheostoma nigrum and Pimephales notatus, we tested for correlations between population‐level body shape and two measures of stream flow, microhabitat flow velocity (m/s) and reach‐level discharge (m3·s−1). Etheostoma nigrum body shape was correlated with flow velocity, while P. notatus body shape was correlated with mean annual discharge. The respective correlations are potentially manifestations of behavioural differences among the two species. Etheostoma nigrum is a benthic specialist rarely venturing far from its associated microhabitats. Pimephales notatus is a habitat generalist and uses many different microhabitats but is unable to escape the overall discharge pressures of a particular stream. These results demonstrate the importance of considering the spatial scale of variables when predicting phenotype–environment associations.
Temporal variation in airborne spore concentration of Chrysomyxa rhododendri: correlation with weather conditions and consequences for Norway spruce infection
Authors: Ganthaler A. , Mayr S.
Published: April 2015

The fungal pathogen Chrysomyxa rhododendri undergoes a host shift between Rhododendron spp. and Picea abies and has a considerable negative impact on the latter by infecting the new sprouting needles and reducing photosynthesis, growth and seedling survival. Repeated high infection rates in the Central European Alps were reported in recent years, and although the life cycle of the pathogen is well understood, knowledge on temporal patterns of host infection, spore dispersal and influence of weather conditions is limited. We analysed the period of needle infection by a staggered application of fungicide on twigs of Norway spruce. Seasonal and diurnal patterns of spore dispersal were investigated using a Burkard volumetric spore trap, and airborne spore concentrations were correlated with several weather parameters. Needle infection occurred within 3 weeks (19 June–9 July). Basidiospores (infecting Norway spruce) were trapped from May to July, and airborne spore concentration was positively correlated with air temperature, global radiation and wind speed, and negatively with air humidity and precipitation. Aeciospores (infecting rhododendrons) appeared from August to October, and high concentrations were significantly associated with rain events. Needle infection started with bud sprouting and was limited either by decreasing spore concentrations or morphological and chemical differentiation of the needles, which prevented infection. Both spore types showed distinct periods of dispersal based on the life cycle of the pathogen, and the variability in concentration within these periods was explained by local weather conditions. The correlation analysis indicated different mechanisms of spore dispersal for both spore types and, with respect to global warming, more favourable conditions for the pathogen in future. The results can explain the high year‐ and site‐specific variation in Chrysomyxa infection intensities of P. abies and may be helpful for developing successful strategies to control the pathogen and protect alpine spruce forests.
Investigating the opinions of donkey owners and veterinary surgeons towards pain and analgesia in donkeys
Authors: Grint N. J. , Murrell J. C. , Whay H. R.
Published: April 2015

The aim of this questionnaire‐based study was to identify which analgesics are currently prescribed to donkeys in clinical practice and to collect opinions from veterinary surgeons and donkey owners on the importance of different pain‐related behaviours in donkeys. Questionnaires were completed by 143 veterinary surgeons and 93 donkey owners. Phenylbutazone, flunixin, detomidine and butorphanol were reported as the most frequently used analgesics in donkeys. Most veterinary surgeons reported administering these drugs at the horse dose rate and dosing interval, which may be inappropriate in the donkey. Four pain‐related behaviours were identified as very important by veterinary surgeons and owners: dullness for colic‐associated pain, keeping the foot lifted, and lameness for foot and limb pain and inability to chew properly for head and dental pain. This is a more limited behavioural repertoire than has recently been identified to be associated with pain in the donkey and suggests that the respondents were reporting perceived wisdom as to what people think are the behavioural signs associated with pain or were not interpreting pain‐related behaviours correctly.
Treatment of maxillary cheek teeth apical infection caused by patent infundibula in six horses (2007–2013)
Authors: Pearce C. J.
Published: April 2015

Six young horses presented with clinical signs of maxillary cheek teeth apical infection (bilateral in 2 horses) that included the presence of rostral maxillary swellings with discharging sinus tracts and were unexpectedly found to have no evidence of endodontic infection in 7 affected teeth. The apical infection of these teeth was attributed to infundibular dysplasia that allowed inoculation of the periapical tissue with contaminated oral contents. Treatment was by debridement and obturation of affected infundibula from their occlusal aspect using techniques normally used for endodontic therapy. Five out of 6 cases showed resolution of clinical signs over a mean follow‐up period of 19 months (range 6–48 months). These cases demonstrate that patency of the infundibular apex is a potential cause of cheek teeth apical infection in young horses, which can be successfully treated by debridement and subsequent infundibular restoration.
Binding proteins enhance specific uptake rate by increasing the substrate–transporter encounter rate
Authors: Bosdriesz Evert , Magnúsdóttir Stefanía , Bruggeman Frank J. , Teusink Bas , Molenaar Douwe
Published: April 2015

Microorganisms rely on binding‐protein assisted, active transport systems to scavenge for scarce nutrients. Several advantages of using binding proteins in such uptake systems have been proposed. However, a systematic, rigorous and quantitative analysis of the function of binding proteins is lacking. By combining knowledge of selection pressure and physiochemical constraints, we derive kinetic, thermodynamic, and stoichiometric properties of binding‐protein dependent transport systems that enable a maximal import activity per amount of transporter. Under the hypothesis that this maximal specific activity of the transport complex is the selection objective, binding protein concentrations should exceed the concentration of both the scarce nutrient and the transporter. This increases the encounter rate of transporter with loaded binding protein at low substrate concentrations, thereby enhancing the affinity and specific uptake rate. These predictions are experimentally testable, and a number of observations confirm them.
High resistance of oligotrophic isoetid plants to oxic and anoxic dark exposure
Authors: Sand‐Jensen Kaj , Møller Claus L. , Borum Jens
Published: March 2015

Small rosette plants in oligotrophic, softwater lakes, such as Lobelia dortmanna and Littorella uniflora, have highly permeable root surfaces that allow acquisition of CO2 from the sediment for photosynthesis. In the absence of an oxygen supply from photosynthesis, these permeable roots increase the risk that the plants are deprived of oxygen when sediments turn anoxic at night, or more permanently if there is organic enrichment.

We hypothesised that isoetids, despite their preference for pristine, well‐oxygenated habitats, should be relatively tolerant to tissue anoxia and that L. dortmanna should be more tolerant than L. uniflora because the impermeable leaf surfaces of L. dortmanna prevent the entry of oxygen from aerated lake waters and generate higher risks of anoxia in plant tissues at night.

Metabolism, survival and subsequent growth of both species were unaffected by darkness under oxic conditions for 8 days at 20 °C. All L. dortmanna individuals and 60% of L. uniflora individuals survived exposure to anoxic water in the dark for 5 days. Anoxia reduced respiration during exposure, depressed the quantum efficiency of Photosystem (PS) II immediately after anoxic exposure and reduced growth during a 24‐day recovery phase. Plant growth under recovery declined with increasing length of anoxia from 2 to 8 days, and L. uniflora was more affected than L. dortmanna.

Overall, the two species were very tolerant to oxic, dark exposure and also survived prolonged anoxia, probably because of inherently low respiratory maintenance costs. Lower metabolism of L. dortmanna than L. uniflora probably contributes to its higher tolerance to tissue anoxia, while higher leaf permeability to oxygen uptake from the water may help L. uniflora to survive recurrent sediment anoxia at night during summer.
Stoichiometry and estimates of nutrient standing stocks of larval salamanders in Appalachian headwater streams
Authors: Milanovich Joseph R. , Maerz John C. , Rosemond Amy D.
Published: March 2015

Because of their longevity and skeletal phosphorus demand, vertebrates can have distinct influences on the uptake, storage and recycling of nutrients in ecosystems. Quantification of body stoichiometry, combined with estimates of abundance or biomass, can provide insights into the effect of vertebrates on nutrient cycling.

We measured the nutrient content and estimated the abundance and biomass of the larvae of three salamander species to characterise the factors that influence larval salamander stoichiometry and estimate the contribution of larval salamanders to nutrient standing stock and recycling in five southern Appalachian headwaters.

The proportion and ratios of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) in larval salamanders varied with size within and among species. We found negative relationships between body size and whole‐body %N, C : P and N : P and positive relationships between body size and whole‐body %P and C : N. Mean estimated larval salamander density was 58 m−2 and mean estimated dry biomass was 2813 mg m−2. Estimated standing stock of N, P and Ca were 332, 81 and 103 mg m−2, respectively, which was 1.1 × and 4.6 × greater than estimated amounts of N and P reported for macroinvertebrate taxa in similar streams within the region and was higher than in many other consumers in freshwater habitats. Using data from previous studies, we estimate that the mean ingestion rate of N and P by plethodontids is 0.000001 and 0.00001 g−1 day−1, respectively, while excretion rates of both are <0.00001 g day−1.

Salamanders are the only abundant vertebrates within headwater Appalachian streams, and our results show that larval salamanders represent a large standing stock of N, P and Ca in these streams. These findings complement other recent research demonstrating the effects of larval stream salamanders on macroinvertebrate abundance and seasonal nutrient supply in Appalachian headwaters and stress the importance of plethodontid salamanders to headwater stream processes.