bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships between event‐related potentials and behavioral and scholastic measures of reading ability: A large‐scale, cross‐sectional study
Authors: Khalifian Negin , Stites Mallory C. , Laszlo Sarah
Published: July 2015

In the cognitive, computational, neuropsychological, and educational literatures, it is established that children approach text in unique ways, and that even adult readers can differ in the strategies they bring to reading. In the developmental event‐related potential (ERP) literature, however, children with differing degrees of reading ability are, the majority of the time, placed in monolithic groups such as ‘normal’ and ‘dyslexic’ (e.g. Araújo et al., 2012) and analyzed only at the group level. This is likely done due to methodological concerns – such as low sample size or a lack of statistical power – that can make it difficult to perform analysis at the individual level. Here, we collected ERPs and behavior from > 100 children in grades pre‐K–7, as they read unconnected text silently to themselves. This large sample, combined with the statistical power of the Linear Mixed Effects Regression (LMER) technique, enables us to address individual differences in ERP component effects due to reading ability at an unprecedented level of detail. Results indicate that it is possible to predict reading‐related report card scores from ERP component amplitudes – especially that of the N250, a component pertaining to sublexical processing (including phonological decoding). Results also reveal relationships between behavioral measures of reading ability and ERP component effects that have previously been elusive, such as the relationship between vocabulary and N400 mean amplitude (cf. Henderson et al., 2011). We conclude that it is possible to meaningfully examine reading‐related ERP effects at the single subject level in developing readers, and that this type of analysis can provide novel insights into both behavior and scholastic achievement.
PhyloMeasures: a package for computing phylogenetic biodiversity measures and their statistical moments
Authors: Tsirogiannis Constantinos , Sandel Brody
Published: July 2015

We present PhyloMeasures, a new software package including both a C++ and R version, that provides very fast computation of popular phylogenetic diversity measures. PhyloMeasures introduces two major advances over existing methods. First, it uses efficient algorithms for calculating basic phylogenetic metrics (such as Faith's PD and the mean pairwise distance, MPD) and two‐sample measures (such as common branch length, CBL, and the unique fraction) that are designed to perform well even on very large trees. Second, it computes exact richness‐standardised versions of these measures (such as the widely used net relatedness index, NRI) by efficiently evaluating analytical expressions for the mean and variance of the basic measures, rather than by the slow and inexact randomization techniques that are the current standard. Together, these lead to massive improvements in performance compared to the current state of the art. For example, running on a standard laptop, PhyloMeasures functions can provide the NRI for 20 samples from a tree of 100 000 tips in about 1.5 s, compared to an estimated 37 d using standard resampling approaches. This will allow analyses on larger data sets than were previously possible.
Cognitive impairments associated with morphological changes in cortical and subcortical structures in multiple system atrophy of the cerebellar type
Authors: Lee M. J. , Shin J.‐H. , Seoung J.‐K. , Lee J.‐H. , Yoon U. , Oh J.‐H. , Jung D. S. , Kim E.‐J.
Published: July 2015

Background and purpose

Patients with the cerebellar variant of multiple system atrophy (MSA‐C) often show cognitive deficits in various cognitive domains. The association between morphometric changes in cortical and subcortical structures and cognitive impairments in MSA‐C were investigated to explore the neural correlates responsible for cognitive deficits in MSA‐C patients.

Methods

Using surface‐based morphometry, region‐of‐interest cortical thickness and the volumes and shapes of subcortical structures were examined in 18 patients who fulfilled the criteria of probable MSA‐C and were compared to 50 healthy controls. The association between regional changes and cognitive functions in MSA‐C were investigated by applying linear regression analyses after controlling for confounding factors.

Results

Compared with controls, the patients with MSA‐C showed significant cortical thinning in the fronto‐temporo‐parietal regions and volume reduction in subcortical structures with shape changes. Cerebellar volume had no significant effect on cortical and subcortical volumes. The severity of atrophic changes in the bilateral thalamus, the left cerebellum and the left pericalcarine gyrus were significantly correlated with attentional, executive and visuospatial dysfunctions.

Conclusion

Cognitive impairment in MSA‐C might result from functional disruption of the corticostriatal and pontocerebellar circuit mediated by primary cortical, cerebellar or thalamic pathology.
The effect of perineural anaesthesia and handler position on limb loading and hoof balance of the vertical ground reaction force in sound horses
Authors: Van de Water E. , Oosterlinck M. , Pille F.
Published: August 2015

Reasons for performing study

The effects of handler position and perineural anaesthesia in sound horses need investigation to facilitate interpretation of pressure plate analysis in lame horses.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of handler position and perineural anaesthesia on limb loading and particularly hoof balance in sound horses.

Study design

Nonrandomised crossover study.

Methods

Six sound horses were walked and trotted over a pressure plate, with the handler on the left and subsequently on the right side, and finally after a bilateral low palmar digital nerve block. One week later this procedure was repeated before and after a bilateral abaxial sesamoidean nerve block. Peak vertical force, vertical impulse and stance time of 5 hoof prints of both forelimbs were obtained (126 Hz), and toe–heel and mediolateral hoof balance curves of the vertical force were plotted throughout stance. Limb‐loading and timing data and hoof balance data (beginning, middle and end of the stance phase) were statistically compared (handler left compared with right; before compared with after low palmar digital nerve block and abaxial sesamoidean nerve block; baseline at first measurement session compared with second).

Results

There were no significant effects of handler position and perineural anaesthesia on peak vertical force, vertical impulse and stance time. Hoof balance curves were not affected by handler position or perineural anaesthesia. The limb loading data and hoof balance curves were comparable for each horse over the one‐week interval.

Conclusions

Handler position and perineural anaesthesia do not have an effect on limb loading and toe–heel and mediolateral hoof balance in sound horses, which is of fundamental importance before embarking on pressure plate analysis for lameness diagnosis.
Differential effects of central administration of relaxin‐3 on food intake and hypothalamic neuropeptides in male and female rats
Authors: Calvez J. , Lenglos C. , de Ávila C. , Guèvremont G. , Timofeeva E.
Published: July 2015

Relaxin‐3 (RLN3) is an orexigenic neuropeptide that produces sex‐specific effects on food intake by stronger stimulation of feeding in female compared with male rats. This study determined which hypothalamic nuclei and associated neuropeptides may be involved in the sex‐specific orexigenic effects of RLN3. Relaxin‐3 (800 pmol) or vehicle was injected into the lateral ventricle of female and male rats. Food and water intake were measured after the first injection, and rats were euthanized after the second injection to determine the mRNA expression of the hypothalamic neuropeptides. Food but not water intake showed sex‐specific effects of RLN3. Stimulation of food intake by RLN3 was significantly higher in female than in male rats. No effect of RLN3 injection was found on c‐fos mRNA expression in the arcuate, dorsomedial and ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei. Increased c‐fos mRNA expression was observed in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) in both sexes and in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) in female rats. Relaxin‐3 injections led to a sex‐nonspecific increase in the expression of oxytocin mRNA in the magnocellular PVN. Conversely, RLN3‐induced expression of anorexigenic neuropeptide arginine vasopressin (AVP) was significantly higher in the parvocellular PVN in male compared with female rats. Finally, RLN3 administration significantly increased the expression of orexin (ORX) mRNA in the LHA in female but not in male rats. Stronger expression of anorexigenic AVP in the PVN in male rats and increased expression of ORX in the LHA in female rats may contribute to stronger orexigenic effects of RLN3 in female rats compared with male rats.
Global inequities between polluters and the polluted: climate change impacts on coral reefs
Authors: Wolff Nicholas H. , Donner Simon D. , Cao Long , Iglesias‐Prieto Roberto , Sale Peter F. , Mumby Peter J.
Published: July 2015

For many ecosystem services, it remains uncertain whether the impacts of climate change will be mostly negative or positive and how these changes will be geographically distributed. These unknowns hamper the identification of regional winners and losers, which can influence debate over climate policy. Here, we use coral reefs to explore the spatial variability of climate stress by modelling the ecological impacts of rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, two important coral stressors associated with increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We then combine these results with national per capita emissions to quantify inequities arising from the distribution of cause (CO2 emissions) and effect (stress upon reefs) among coral reef countries. We find pollution and coral stress are spatially decoupled, creating substantial inequity of impacts as a function of emissions. We then consider the implications of such inequity for international climate policy. Targets for GHG reductions are likely to be tied to a country's emissions. Yet within a given level of GHG emissions, our analysis reveals that some countries experience relatively high levels of impact and will likely experience greater financial cost in terms of lost ecosystem productivity and more extensive adaptation measures. We suggest countries so disadvantaged be given access to international adaptation funds proportionate with impacts to their ecosystem. We raise the idea that funds could be more equitably allocated by formally including a metric of equity within a vulnerability framework.
OPTIMAL GRADING
Authors: Zubrickas Robertas
Published: July 2015

The teacher–student relationship is modeled as an agency problem, where teachers are concerned with human capital formation and students with ability signaling. We distinguish between two cases depending on whether in ability inference the job market can or cannot observe the grading rule applied. We show that many empirical grading patterns, including grade compression and inflation, are all consistent with optimal ability screening when grading rules are unobservable. With observable grading rules, the teacher perfectly screens students' abilities, provided that certain conditions hold. We apply the model to discuss policy applications such as “No Child Left Behind.”
Predictors of credit card use and perceived financial well‐being in female college students: a Brazil‐United States comparative study
Authors: Braun Santos Danilo , Mendes‐Da‐Silva Wesley , Flores Eduardo , Norvilitis Jill M.
Published: July 2015

This article examines predictors of the financial well‐being of female college students living in São Paulo or New York, focusing upon the relationship with their credit card use behaviour. The results of structural equation models, based on 784 participants, suggest that financial self‐confidence and social comparison have an impact on the use of credit cards and exercise an influence on financial well‐being. Despite the fact that social comparison is more strongly predictive of credit card use among Brazilian women, credit card use behaviour has a greater impact on the well‐being of American women.
Clinicopathological and phenotypic features of chronic NK cell lymphocytosis identified among patients with asymptomatic lymphocytosis
Authors: Cao F. , Zhao H. , Li Y. , Dai S. , Wang C.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Chronic natural killer (NK) cell lymphocytosis is currently a provisional entity. This study demonstrated NK cell lymphocytosis in patients with asymptomatic lymphocytosis and presented the hematological and phenotypic findings.

Methods

Flow cytometry analysis was performed for investigation of unexplained peripheral lymphocytosis. NK cells were determined by the phenotype of CD3−/CD16+/CD56+. Chronic NK cell lymphocytosis was defined by a NK cell count of ≥2 × 109/L, persistent for over 6 months, no evidence of B‐ or T‐cell clonality and no hematologic disorders.

Results

Among 190 patients with peripheral lymphocytosis, 15(7.9%) patients, age 42–72 years, were identified to have NK cell lymphocytosis, with a median NK cell count of 3.1 × 109/L (range 2.1–7.3 × 109/L). Persistent NK cell lymphocytosis was confirmed with a median follow‐up of 18 months. CD56bright NK cell populations were seen in eight patients and CD56dim NK cells in seven patients. CD57 co‐expression was seen in both CD56dim and CD56bright cells. CD7, CD2, or CD8 expression was seen in some of the NK populations. The NK cell lymphocytosis appeared stable and no progression to NK cell leukemia during the follow‐up period.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that chronic NK cell lymphocytosis, similar to monoclonal B lymphocytosis or T‐cell clones, may account for asymptomatic lymphocytosis. There were no identifiable causes of the NK cell expansion. The variable phenotype may represent the heterogeneity and pathological features of NK lymphocytosis.
Critical roles of co‐activation receptor DNAX accessory molecule‐1 in natural killer cell immunity
Authors: Xiong Peng , Sang Hai‐Wei , Zhu Min
Published: August 2015

Natural killer (NK) cells, which can exert early and powerful anti‐tumour and anti‐viral responses, are important components of the innate immune system. DNAX accessory molecule‐1 (DNAM‐1) is an activating receptor molecule expressed on the surface of NK cells. Recent findings suggest that DNAM‐1 is a critical regulator of NK cell biology. DNAM‐1 is involved in NK cell education and differentiation, and also plays a pivotal role in the development of cancer, viral infections and immune‐related diseases. However, tumours and viruses have developed multiple mechanisms to evade the immune system. They are able to impair DNAM‐1 activity by targeting the DNAM‐1 receptor–ligand system. We have reviewed the roles of DNAM‐1, and its biological functions, with respect to NK cell biology and DNAM‐1 chimeric antigen receptor‐based immunotherapy.
Morphine Synovial Fluid Concentrations After Intravenous Regional Limb Perfusion in Standing Horses
Authors: Hunter Barbara G. , Parker Jill E. , Wehrman Rita , Stang Bernadette , Cebra Christopher K.
Published: July 2015

Objective

To determine synovial concentrations of morphine after intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) with morphine or morphine in combination with gentamicin in clinically healthy, standing sedated horses.

Study Design

Experimental.

Animals

Adult horses (n = 6).

Methods

IVRLP was performed using 0.1 mg/kg morphine (M) in standing sedated horses. After a 3‐week washout period, IVRLP was performed on the same forelimb with a combination of 0.1 mg/kg morphine and 1 g gentamicin (M/G). Synovial fluid from the middle carpal joint of the perfused limb and jugular blood samples were collected immediately before each perfusion and 20 minutes, and 2, 8, and 24 hours after IVRLP. Morphine and gentamicin concentrations were determined by ELISA. Data were assessed using 2‐way repeated measures ANOVA with significance set atP ≤ .05.

Results

Synovial fluid morphine concentrations were greatest 20 minutes after perfusion. Mean ± SD peak synovial morphine concentrations over 12 perfusions were 3903 ± 4881 ng/mL. There was no significant difference in morphine synovial concentrations after M or M/G. Plasma morphine concentrations peaked within 2 hours of perfusion (range, 11–63 ng/mL). Mean peak gentamicin concentrations in synovial fluid were 76,315 ± 39,809 ng/mL. IVRLP morphine did not cause clinically apparent adverse effects.

Conclusions

IVRLP in standing sedated horses results in measurable levels of morphine in synovial fluid and synovial concentrations of gentamicin after perfusion in combination with morphine are equivalent to those previously reported.
Guiding Principles for Management of Forested, Agricultural, and Urban Watersheds
Authors: Edwards Pamela J. , Schoonover Jon E. , Williard Karl W. J.
Published: July 2015

Human actions must be well planned and include consideration of their potential influences on water and aquatic ecosystems – such consideration is the foundation of watershed management. Watersheds are the ideal land unit for managing and protecting water resources and aquatic health because watersheds integrate the physical, biological and chemical processes within their boundaries. Managed forested watersheds tend to have more natural watershed functions and better water quality than other land uses. Land uses with greater amounts of soil disturbance and permanent reductions in infiltration, such as in agricultural or urban/developed settings, usually have greater undesirable hydrologic alterations and poorer water quality. Nonpoint source pollutants resulting from many forestry, agricultural, and urban activities are controlled by techniques and tools known as best management practices (BMPs). Best management practices are applied by watershed managers to large‐scale landscapes, but they also are applicable to the lives of ordinary citizens. Basic BMP principles, such as controlling the amounts and duration of soil disturbance during construction around the home, applying chemicals to lawns or gardens only at needed rates and during suitable times, and incorporating techniques to encourage infiltration of rooftop and driveway runoff are important actions that anyone can take to help protect watershed functions, water quality, and aquatic health.
The development of the mammalian outer and middle ear
Authors: Anthwal Neal , Thompson Hannah
Published: July 2015

The mammalian ear is a complex structure divided into three main parts: the outer; middle; and inner ear. These parts are formed from all three germ layers and neural crest cells, which have to integrate successfully in order to form a fully functioning organ of hearing. Any defect in development of the outer and middle ear leads to conductive hearing loss, while defects in the inner ear can lead to sensorineural hearing loss. This review focuses on the development of the parts of the ear involved with sound transduction into the inner ear, and the parts largely ignored in the world of hearing research: the outer and middle ear. The published data on the embryonic origin, signalling, genetic control, development and timing of the mammalian middle and outer ear are reviewed here along with new data showing the Eustachian tube cartilage is of dual embryonic origin. The embryonic origin of some of these structures has only recently been uncovered (Science, 339, 2013, 1453; Development, 140, 2013, 4386), while the molecular mechanisms controlling the growth, structure and integration of many outer and middle ear components are hardly known. The genetic analysis of outer and middle ear development is rather limited, with a small number of genes often affecting either more than one part of the ear or having only very small effects on development. This review therefore highlights the necessity for further research into the development of outer and middle ear structures, which will be important for the understanding and treatment of conductive hearing loss.
Relation between low 50‐g glucose challenge test results and small‐for‐gestational‐age infants
Authors: Shinohara Satoshi , Hirai Mitsuo , Hirata Shuji , Suzuki Kohta
Published: July 2015

Aim

There is no consensus opinion regarding a possible relation between low 50‐g glucose challenge test (GCT) results and small‐for‐gestational‐age infants (SGA). This study aimed to clarify the relation between low 50‐g GCT results and SGA, after adjusting for potential confounding factors, using a large clinical dataset.

Material and Methods

Our retrospective cohort study evaluated the obstetric records of women who delivered at Kofu Municipal Hospital (Japan) between January 2011 and December 2013. The exclusion criteria were gestational diabetes mellitus, diabetes in pregnancy, and GCT results of ≥140 mg/dL. Based on these criteria, we included 1603 women who had undergone a GCT between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation, and divided the subjects into a low‐GCT group (≤90 mg/dL) and a non‐low‐GCT group (91–139 mg/dL). The χ2‐test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to investigate the association between low GCT results and SGA.

Results

The mean subject age was 30.4 ± 5.4 years, with 45.1% nulliparity (n = 723) and 1538 (96.0%) term deliveries. The incidence of SGA was 10.7% (172/1603), and 17.9% (287/1603) of the women had low GCT results. Low GCT results were significantly associated with an increased risk of SGA (odds ratio, 1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.14–2.42), after controlling for maternal age, pre‐pregnancy maternal weight, maternal weight gain during pregnancy, and pregnancy‐induced hypertension.

Conclusion

It appears that there is a significant association between low GCT results and SGA. However, further studies are needed to explore the detailed mechanisms of this association.
Effectiveness of Biodegradable Magnesium Alloy Stents in Coronary Artery and Femoral Artery
Authors: Yue Yunan , Wang Lili , Yang Nuo , Huang Jinglin , Lei Licheng , Ye Huiming , Ren Lihui , Yang Shuixiang
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To access the biocompatibility, effectiveness, and safety of biodegradable magnesium (Mg) alloy stent (BMAS) in the coronary artery and femoral artery.

Background

Atherosclerosis is a lesion of cardiovascular system, including the diseases in heart and blood vessels.

Methods

The aluminum (Al) and zinc (Zn)‐based BMAS was designed by cold drawing methods. Forty healthy immunized mongrel dogs were randomly divided into 8 groups. Five dogs who have not been treated with stent were included in control group. The other dogs were implanted with an absorbable magnesium (Mg) alloy in the coronary and/or femoral artery, and their artery angiography were observed at 7 time points (1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days; n = 5) follow‐up. Dogs from each cohort were sacrificed following angiography for pathology assessment. The histological response including inflammatory response, thrombosis, and intimal hyperplasia were analyzed by hematoxylin‐eosin staining. Lumen area (La), intimal hyperplasia area (IHa), and the ratio of IHa were calculated by image analysis software.

Results

The thin‐walled BMAS were designed and produced by cold‐drawing technology. Fifty‐one devices were implanted into coronary artery of 35 dogs successfully. During the follow‐up days, the angiography of coronary artery and femoral artery had confirmed that the lumen was clear and there were no elastic recoil and thrombosis. The stents were completely disappeared at 7 days after implantation. Moderate intimal hyperplasia was found at 14 days after implantation.

Conclusion

The BMAS stent proved to be of good biocompatibility, safety, and effectiveness. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;XXXX:XX–XX)
Feasibility and Efficacy of Herculink Elite (TM) Biliary Stent Implantation in Large Coronary Arteries (≥5 mm) and Venous Conduits: An Observational Study
Authors: Viswanathan Girish N. , Din Jehangir N. , Swallow Rosie A. , Levy Terry M. , Boyd Stephen , Talwar Suneel , O'Kane Peter D.
Published: July 2015

Background and Objectives

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with lesions of large calibre coronary arteries (≥5 mm) and saphenous venous grafts (≥5 mm) can be challenging. There are no separate guidelines available to treat these vessels with PCI. Standard coronary stents of 4 mm diameter are used to treat these lesions conventionally but carry the risk of under deployment, distortion of stent architecture and future stent thrombosis even if they are subsequently expanded beyond 5 mm.

Methods and Results

Biliary stents (Herculink Elite™) provide a better alternative to standard coronary stents in these patients. These stents are of larger diameter (5–7mm) and can be safely delivered over a 6 French sheath. In our case series, we demonstrate the use of intravascular ultrasound examination to confirm that biliary stents provide improved stent strut apposition within the coronary artery associated with extremely low repeat revascularisation rates.

Conclusion

Our paper highlights that PCI of lesions in patients with large calibre coronary arteries can successfully be achieved using biliary stents.
Mexican American Adolescents' Emotional Support to the Family in Response to Parental Stress
Authors: Tsai Kim M. , Gonzales Nancy A. , Fuligni Andrew J.
Published: July 2015

In this two‐wave longitudinal, daily diary study that followed up with 421 Mexican American parent–adolescent dyads (adolescents: Mage = 15 years, 50% males) after 1 year, we investigated the contingency between parental stressors and adolescents' emotional support to family members. Adolescents provided support to their parents and other family members at similar rates, but adolescents were more likely to provide support to other family members than to their parents on days when parents experienced a family stressor. This pattern was especially pronounced in families with parents who reported physical symptoms and adolescents with a strong sense of family obligation. Adolescents' provision of emotional support was associated with same‐day feelings of role fulfillment, but not to their concurrent or long‐term psychological distress.
Complications following circumcision: Presentations to the emergency department
Authors: Gold Grace , Young Simon , O'Brien Mike , Babl Franz E
Published: July 2015

Background

Circumcision is the most common surgical procedure performed on boys in Australia. Patient presentations to the emergency department (ED) following circumcision are common; however, no Australian research has investigated acute care presentations.

Objectives

To identify reasons for presentation to the ED after circumcision and determine whether the setting (community vs. hospital) in which the procedure had been performed has any bearing on the sequelae seen.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of children presenting with circumcision related problems to the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, between 2012 and 2014. Descriptive and χ2 analysis included sequelae of community‐ versus hospital‐performed procedures.

Results

Over a 29‐month period, we identified 167 children with a circumcision‐related ED presentation. Mean age was 3 years. A percentage of 54.5 had been performed for non‐medical, 29.9% for medical reasons and 14.4% for reasons unknown. When location was known (n = 152), 60.5% were performed in the community and 39.5% in hospital. Reasons for presentation were: bleeding (53.9%), pain (38.3%), swelling (37.1%), redness (25.7%), decreased urine output (13.8%), fever (7.2%) and pus (6%). 29.9% were diagnosed as normal healing post circumcision. Patients were admitted in 39.1% versus 15% (P = 0.001) and re‐operated in 18.5% versus 1.7% (P = 0.001) after community‐ versus hospital‐operated circumcisions.

Conclusions

A range of reasons cause patients to seek help in the ED following a circumcision. Parents would have profited from better explanation of post‐circumcision appearance of the penis. ED presentations after community‐performed procedures required more re‐operations than after hospital‐performed circumcisions.
The dysregulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress response in acute‐on‐chronic liver failure patients caused by acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Ren F. , Shi H. , Zhang L. , Zhang X. , Wen T. , Xie B. , Zheng S. , Chen Y. , Li L. , Chen D. , Duan Z.
Published: July 2015

Although endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is critical in various liver diseases, its role in acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (AoCLF) caused by acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is still elusive. This study aimed to analyse ER stress responses in the progression of HBV‐related AoCLF. Normal liver tissues (n = 10), liver tissues of CHB (n = 12) and HBV‐related patients with AoCLF (n = 19) were used. Electron microscopy of the ultrastructure of the ER was carried out on liver specimens. The gene and protein expression levels of ER stress‐related genes were measured. We further analysed the correlation between the expression levels of ER stress‐related molecules and liver injury. Electron microscopy identified typical features of the ER microstructure in AoCLF subjects. Among the three pathways of unfolded protein responses, the PKR‐like ER kinase and inositol‐requiring enzyme 1 signalling pathway were activated in CHB subjects and inactivated in AoCLF subjects, while the activating transcription factor 6 signalling pathway was sustained in the activated form during the progression of AoCLF; the expression of glucose‐regulated protein (Grp)78 and Grp94 was gradually decreased in AoCLF subjects compared to healthy individuals and CHB subjects, showing a negative correlation with serum ALT, AST and TBIL; moreover, the ER stress‐related apoptosis molecules were activated in the progression of acute exacerbation of CHB. The dysregulated ER stress response may play a complicated role in the pathogenesis of AoCLF, and a severe ER stress response may predict the occurrence of AoCLF caused by acute exacerbation of CHB.
State Transformation and the Role of Lawyers: The WTO, India, and Transnational Legal Ordering
Authors: Shaffer Gregory , Nedumpara James , Sinha Aseema
Published: July 2015

This article explains the impact of India's engagement with the law of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on both the Indian state and on the WTO itself. In each case, it explains the role of Indian lawyers within the larger transnational context. In engaging with globalization and the WTO, India has transformed itself. The Indian state has moved toward a new developmental state model involving a stronger emphasis on trade, greater government transparency, and the development of public-private coordination mechanisms in which the government plays a steering role. The analysis shows that it has done so not as an autonomous policy choice, but rather in light of the global context in which the WTO and WTO law form an integral part. Reciprocally, the article displays the ways that India has built legal capacity to attempt to shape the construction, interpretation, and practice of the trade legal order. Indian private lawyers play increasing roles, although they remain on tap, not on top.
Contesting Legality in Authoritarian Contexts: Food Safety, Rule of Law and China's Networked Public Sphere
Authors: Lei Ya-Wen , Zhou Daniel Xiaodan
Published: July 2015

Since the introduction of the Internet, China's networked public sphere has become a critical site in which various actors compete to shape public opinion and promote or forestall legal and political change. This paper examines how members of an online public, the Tianya Forum, conceptualized and discussed law in relation to a specific event, the 2008 Sanlu milk scandal. Whereas previous studies suggest the Chinese state effectively controls citizens' legal consciousness via propaganda, this analysis shows that the construction of legality by the Tianya public was not a top-down process, but a complex negotiation involving multiple parties. The Chinese state had to compete with lawyers and outspoken media to frame and interpret the scandal for the Tianya public and it was not always successful in doing so. Data show further how the online public framed the food safety incident as indicative of fundamental problems rooted in China's political regime and critiqued the state's instrumental use of law.
Adult‐onset cerebello‐brainstem dominant form of X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy presenting as multiple system atrophy: case report and literature review
Authors: Ogaki Kotaro , Koga Shunsuke , Aoki Naoya , Lin Wenlang , Suzuki Kinuko , Ross Owen A. , Dickson Dennis W.
Published: July 2015

X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) is the most common peroxisomal disorder and is caused by ABCD1 mutations. A cerebello‐brainstem dominant form that mainly involves the cerebellum and brainstem is summarized in a review of the literature, with autopsy‐confirmed cases exceedingly rare. We report a 69‐year‐old White man who was diagnosed with this rare disorder and describe neuropathologic, ultrastructural and genetic analyses. He did not have adrenal insufficiency or a family history of X‐ALD or Addison's disease. His initial symptom was temporary loss of eyesight at age 34 years. His major symptoms were chronic and progressive gait disorder, weakness in his lower extremities and spasticity, as well as autonomic failure and cerebellar ataxia suggesting possible multiple system atrophy (MSA). He also had seizures, hearing loss and sensory disturbances. His brain MRI showed no obvious atrophy or significant white matter pathology in cerebrum, brainstem or cerebellum. He died at age 69 years with a diagnosis of MSA. Microscopic analysis showed mild, patchy myelin rarefaction with perivascular clusters of PAS‐positive, CD68‐positive macrophages in the white matter most prominent in the cerebellum and occipital lobe, but also affecting the optic tract and internal capsule. Electron microscopy of cerebellar white matter showed cleft‐like trilamellar cytoplasmic inclusions in macrophages typical of X‐ALD, which prompted genetic analysis that revealed a novel ABCD1 mutation, p.R163G. Given the relatively mild pathological findings and long disease duration, it is likely that the observed pathology was the result of a slow and indolent disease process. We described a patient who had sporadic cerebello‐brainstem dominant form of X‐ALD with long clinical course, mild pathological findings, and an ABCD1 p.R163G substitution. We also review a total of 34 cases of adult‐onset cerebello‐brainstem dominant form of X‐ALD. Although rare, X‐ALD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of MSA.
Ghrelin receptor modulates T helper cells during intestinal inflammation
Authors: Di Giovangiulio M. , Stakenborg N. , Bosmans G. , Meroni E. , Farro G. , Gomez‐Pinilla P. J. , Depoortere I. , Boeckxstaens G. E. , Matteoli G.
Published: July 2015

Background

The orexigenic peptide ghrelin has anti‐inflammatory properties in colitis, however, the mechanism of action and the immune cells targeted remain still to be elucidated. Here, we assessed the possible effect of ghrelin on T helper (Th) cells in a T cell transfer model of chronic colitis.

Methods

Disease was induced in the recombination activating gene 1 knockout mice (Rag1−/−) by adoptive transfer of naïve Th cells from ghrelin receptor knockout mice (GRLN‐R−/−) or littermate wild‐type (WT) mice. The course and severity of colitis was assessed by monitoring body weight, diarrhea score, histological analysis, gene expression, and flow cytometry analysis. The possible effects of ghrelin on Th cell proliferation, polarization, and apoptosis was examined in vitro.

Key Results

Our data showed that Rag1−/− mice injected with GRLN‐R−/− Th cells displayed increased severity of colitis compared to mice injected with WT Th cells. In addition, Rag1−/− mice injected with GRLN‐R−/− Th cells had significantly higher intestinal inflammation and increased accumulation of Th1 and Th17 cells in the colon. In vitro, ghrelin directly affected proliferation of Th cells and induced apoptosis whereas it did not influence Th cell polarization.

Conclusion & Inferences

Our observations suggest that ghrelin modulates Th effector cells in the gut controlling proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Our findings further support the use of ghrelin as a novel therapeutic option to treat intestinal inflammatory diseases.
A Meta‐Analysis of the Relationship between Public Service Motivation and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Homberg Fabian , McCarthy Dermot , Tabvuma Vurain
Published: July 2015

Abstract

In recent years, much research has been conducted on the relationship between public service motivation (PSM) and various outcomes, including job satisfaction. This article presents a meta‐analysis aggregating the effects ofPSMon job satisfaction. Meta‐regression analysis is used to assess the impact of numerous study characteristics and to identify potential issues of publication bias. The findings, based on 28 separate studies, show no evidence of publication bias and support the positive relationship betweenPSMand job satisfaction. Furthermore, the results support the importance of providing individuals with the opportunity to serve the public within this relationship. Given the organizational benefits that can be derived from improved job satisfaction and the focus ofPSMresearch on its implications for job satisfaction, these findings are of interest to both academics and practitioners in the field of public administration.
Investigation of the Effect of Injection and Control Strategies on Combustion Instability in Reactivity-Controlled Compression Ignition Engines
Authors: Klos David T. , Kokjohn Sage L.
Published: July 2015

This paper uses detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling with the kiva-chemkin code to investigate the influence of injection timing, combustion phasing, and operating conditions on combustion instability. Using detailed CFD simulations, a large design of experiments (DOE) is performed with small perturbations in the intake and fueling conditions. A response surface model (RSM) is then fit to the DOE results to predict cycle-to-cycle combustion instability. Injection timing had significant tradeoffs between engine efficiency, emissions, and combustion instability. Near top dead center (TDC) injection timing can significantly reduce combustion instability, but the emissions and efficiency drop close to conventional diesel combustion levels. The fuel split between the two direct injection (DI) injections has very little effect on combustion instability. Increasing exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rate, while making adjustments to maintain combustion phasing, can significantly reduce peak pressure rise rate (PPRR) variation until the engine is on the verge of misfiring. Combustion phasing has a very large impact on combustion instability. More advanced phasing is much more stable, but produces high PPRRs, higher NOx levels, and can be less efficient due to increased heat transfer losses. The results of this study identify operating parameters that can significantly improve the combustion stability of dual-fuel reactivity-controlled compression ignition (RCCI) engines.
Monte Carlo Techniques in Radiation Therapy
Authors: Nahum Alan
Published: July 2015

Monte Carlo Techniques in Radiation Therapy. Imaging in Medical Diagnosis and Therapy. Editors: J. Seco and F. Verhaegen, CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, Boca Raton, FL, 2013. 342 pp. Price: $142.16. ISBN: 9781466507920 (hardcover).
Growth dynamics of gut microbiota in health and disease inferred from single metagenomic samples
Authors: Korem Tal , Zeevi David , Suez Jotham , Weinberger Adina , Avnit-Sagi Tali , Pompan-Lotan Maya , Matot Elad , Jona Ghil , Harmelin Alon , Cohen Nadav , Sirota-Madi Alexandra , Thaiss Christoph A. , Pevsner-Fischer Meirav , Sorek Rotem , Xavier Ramnik J. , Elinav Eran , Segal Eran
Published: July 2015

Estimating bacterial growth dynamics

The pattern of sequencing read coverage of bacteria in metagenomic samples reflects the growth rate. This pattern is predictive of growth because bacterial genomes are circular, with a single origin of replication. So during growth, copies of the genome accumulate at the origin. Korem
et al.
use the ratio of copy number at the origin to the copy number at the terminus to detect the actively growing species in a microbiome (see the Perspective by Segre). They could spot the difference between virulent and avirulent strains, population diurnal oscillations, species that are growing in irritable bowel disease, and what happens when a host's diet changes. Results were consistent in chemostats, in mice, and in human fecal samples.

Science
, this issue p.
1101
; see also p.
1058
Quantitative Analysis of Lysobacter Predation
Authors: Seccareccia Ivana , Kost Christian , Nett Markus
Published: August 2015

Bacteria of the genus
Lysobacter
are considered to be facultative predators that use a feeding strategy similar to that of myxobacteria. Experimental data supporting this assumption, however, are scarce. Therefore, the predatory activities of three
Lysobacter
species were tested in the prey spot plate assay and in the lawn predation assay, which are commonly used to analyze myxobacterial predation. Surprisingly, only one of the tested
Lysobacter
species showed predatory behavior in the two assays. This result suggested that not all
Lysobacter
strains are predatory or, alternatively, that the assays were not appropriate for determining the predatory potential of this bacterial group. To differentiate between the two scenarios, predation was tested in a CFU-based bioassay. For this purpose, defined numbers of
Lysobacter
cells were mixed together with potential prey bacteria featuring phenotypic markers, such as distinctive pigmentation or antibiotic resistance. After 24 h, cocultivated cells were streaked out on agar plates and sizes of bacterial populations were individually determined by counting the respective colonies. Using the CFU-based predation assay, we observed that
Lysobacter
spp. strongly antagonized other bacteria under nutrient-deficient conditions. Simultaneously, the
Lysobacter
population was increasing, which together with the killing of the cocultured bacteria indicated predation. Variation of the predator/prey ratio revealed that all three
Lysobacter
species tested needed to outnumber their prey for efficient predation, suggesting that they exclusively practiced group predation. In summary, the CFU-based predation assay not only enabled the quantification of prey killing and consumption by
Lysobacter
spp. but also provided insights into their mode of predation.
Toolbox Approaches Using Molecular Markers and 16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Data Sets for Identification of Fecal Pollution in Surface Water
Authors: Ahmed W. , Staley C. , Sadowsky M. J. , Gyawali P. , Sidhu J. P. S. , Palmer A. , Beale D. J. , Toze S.
Published: August 2015

In this study, host-associated molecular markers and bacterial 16S rRNA gene community analysis using high-throughput sequencing were used to identify the sources of fecal pollution in environmental waters in Brisbane, Australia. A total of 92 fecal and composite wastewater samples were collected from different host groups (cat, cattle, dog, horse, human, and kangaroo), and 18 water samples were collected from six sites (BR1 to BR6) along the Brisbane River in Queensland, Australia. Bacterial communities in the fecal, wastewater, and river water samples were sequenced. Water samples were also tested for the presence of bird-associated (GFD), cattle-associated (CowM3), horse-associated, and human-associated (HF183) molecular markers, to provide multiple lines of evidence regarding the possible presence of fecal pollution associated with specific hosts. Among the 18 water samples tested, 83%, 33%, 17%, and 17% were real-time PCR positive for the GFD, HF183, CowM3, and horse markers, respectively. Among the potential sources of fecal pollution in water samples from the river, DNA sequencing tended to show relatively small contributions from wastewater treatment plants (up to 13% of sequence reads). Contributions from other animal sources were rarely detected and were very small (<3% of sequence reads). Source contributions determined via sequence analysis versus detection of molecular markers showed variable agreement. A lack of relationships among fecal indicator bacteria, host-associated molecular markers, and 16S rRNA gene community analysis data was also observed. Nonetheless, we show that bacterial community and host-associated molecular marker analyses can be combined to identify potential sources of fecal pollution in an urban river. This study is a proof of concept, and based on the results, we recommend using bacterial community analysis (where possible) along with PCR detection or quantification of host-associated molecular markers to provide information on the sources of fecal pollution in waterways.
Genome Sequence of a Diverse Goose Circovirus Recovered from Greylag Goose
Authors: Stenzel Tomasz , Farkas Kata , Varsani Arvind
Published: July 2015

A diverse goose circovirus (GoCV) genome was recovered from a wild hunted greylag goose
(Anser anser
) in Poland. The genome shares 83% pairwise identity with other GoCV genomes recovered from various geese from China, Germany, and Taiwan.
First Complete Genome Sequence of Clostridium sporogenes DSM 795
T
, a Nontoxigenic Surrogate for Clostridium botulinum, Determined Using PacBio Single-Molecule Real-Time Technology
Authors: Nakano Kazuma , Terabayashi Yasunobu , Shiroma Akino , Shimoji Makiko , Tamotsu Hinako , Ashimine Noriko , Ohki Shun , Shinzato Misuzu , Teruya Kuniko , Satou Kazuhito , Hirano Takashi
Published: July 2015

The first complete genome sequence of
Clostridium sporogenes
DSM 795
T
, a nontoxigenic surrogate for
Clostridium botulinum
, was determined in a single contig using the PacBio single-molecule real-time technology. The genome (4,142,990 bp; G+C content, 27.98%) included 86 sets of >1,000-bp identical sequence pairs and 380 tandem repeats.
Whole-Genome Sequence of the Microcystin-Degrading Bacterium
Sphingopyxis
sp. Strain C-1
Authors: Okano Kunihiro , Shimizu Kazuya , Maseda Hideaki , Kawauchi Yukio , Utsumi Motoo , Itayama Tomoaki , Zhang Zhenya , Sugiura Norio
Published: July 2015

This report describes the whole-genome sequence of an alkalitolerant microcystin-degrading bacterium,
Sphingopyxis
sp. strain C-1, isolated from a lake in China.
Complete Genome Sequence of Acinetobacter baumannii CIP 70.10, a Susceptible Reference Strain for Comparative Genome Analyses
Authors: Krahn Thomas , Wibberg Daniel , Maus Irena , Winkler Anika , Pühler Alfred , Poirel Laurent , Schlüter Andreas
Published: July 2015

The complete genome sequence for the reference strain
Acinetobacter baumannii
CIP 70.10 (ATCC 15151) was established. The strain was isolated in France in 1970, is susceptible to most antimicrobial compounds, and is therefore of importance for comparative genome analyses with clinical multidrug-resistant (MDR)
A. baumannii
strains to study resistance development and acquisition in this emerging human pathogen.
First Complete Genome Sequence of a Salmonella enterica subsp.
enterica
Serovar Derby Strain Associated with Pork in France
Authors: Kérouanton Annaëlle , Hirchaud Edouard , Rose Valérie , Esnault Emilie , Naquin Delphine , Denis Martine
Published: July 2015

In France,
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Derby is one of the most often isolated serovars in pigs. Here, we describe the draft genome sequence of a strain isolated from a pig. This strain had the most frequent pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and antimicrobial patterns (S, SSU, T) usually observed in pig production in France. Those patterns have been also highlighted in human isolates.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. Strain PBH53, Isolated from an Urban Environment
Authors: Gosse Jessica T. , Hill Patrick , Dowd Scot E. , Boddy Christopher N.
Published: July 2015

We report the draft genome sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. strain PBH53, a strain isolated from an urban transit station in Ottawa, Canada. The analysis of the genome using the bioinformatics tool antiSMASH showed the presence of many unique natural product biosynthetic pathways.