bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of biliopancreatic diversion on diurnal leptin, insulin and free fatty acid levels
Authors: Raffaelli M , Iaconelli A , Nanni G , Guidone C , Callari C , Fernandez Real J M , Bellantone R , Mingrone G
Published: March 2015

Background

Free fatty acid (FFA) levels are raised in obesity as a consequence of increased production and reduced clearance. They may link obesity with insulin resistance. Bariatric surgery can result in considerable weight loss and reduced insulin resistance, but the mechanism of action is not well understood. Although drugs such as metformin that lower insulin resistance can contribute to weight loss, a better understanding of the links between obesity, weight loss and changes in insulin resistance might lead to new approaches to patient management.

Methods

Variations in circulating levels of leptin, insulin and FFAs over 24 h were studied in severely obese (body mass index over 40 kg/m2) women before and 6 months after biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. A euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamp was used to assess insulin sensitivity. Levels of insulin, leptin and FFAs were measured every 20 min for 24 h. Pulsatile hormone and FFA analyses were performed.

Results

Among eight patients studied, insulin sensitivity more than doubled after BPD, from mean(s.d.) 39·78(7·74) to 96·66(27·01) mmol per kg fat-free mass per min, under plasma insulin concentrations of 102·29(9·60) and 93·61(9·95) µunits/ml respectively. The secretory patterns of leptin were significantly different from random but not statistically different before and after BPD, with the exception of the pulse height which was reduced after surgery. Both plasma insulin and FFA levels were significantly higher throughout the study day before BPD. Based on Granger statistical modelling, lowering of daily FFA levels was linked to decreased circulating leptin concentrations, which in turn were related to the lowering of daily insulin excursions. Multiple regression analysis indicated that FFA level was the only predictor of leptin level.

Conclusion

Lowering of circulating levels of FFAs after BPD may be responsible for the reduction in leptin secretion, which in turn can decrease circulating insulin levels. Surgical relevanceInsulin resistance is a common feature of obesity and type II diabetes. These patients are also relatively insensitive to the biological effects of leptin, a satiety hormone produced mainly in subcutaneous fat.Biliopancreatic diversion, a malabsorptive bariatric operation that drastically reduces circulating lipid levels, improves insulin resistance independently of weight loss. The mechanism of action, however, has still to be elucidated.This study demonstrated that normalization of insulin sensitivity after bariatric surgery was associated with a reduction in 24-h free fatty acid concentrations and changes in the pattern of leptin peaks in plasma. Bariatric surgery improves the metabolic dysfunction of obesity, and this may be through a reduction in circulating free fatty acids and modification of leptin metabolism.
The Influence of Technology Differences on Corporate Environmental Patents: A Resource‐Based Versus an Institutional View of Green Innovations
Authors: Aragon‐Correa Juan Alberto , Leyva‐de la Hiz Dante I.
Published: March 2015

This paper proposes that both the resource‐based view and institutional theory predict a positive relationship between the number of patented environmental innovations and non‐environmental innovations held by a firm, because they both are subject to the influence of similar factors. However, while the resource‐based view predicts that technological differences between the patented environmental innovations owned by a firm and those in the industry as a whole will positively affect the firm's environmental innovations, the institutional perspective predicts a negative relationship. Our results derive from a sample of 5537 environmental patents from 59 large companies in the electrical components and equipment industry worldwide, and show a positive relationship between patented environmental and non‐environmental innovations in a firm, but a negative influence on the number of the firm's patented environmental innovations resulting from differences between the firm's environmental technologies and those generally prevalent in the industry. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Statins use and the risk of all and subtype hematological malignancies: a meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Pradelli Danitza , Soranna Davide , Zambon Antonella , Catapano Alberico , Mancia Giuseppe , La Vecchia Carlo , Corrao Giovanni
Published: March 2015

In order to quantify the association between use of statins and the risk of all hematological malignancies and of subtypes, we performed a meta‐analysis of observational studies. We achieved a MEDLINE/EMBASE comprehensive search for studies published up to August 2014 investigating the association between use of statins and the risk of hematological malignancies, including Hodgkin‐ and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma. Fixed‐ and random‐effect models were fitted to estimate the summary relative risk (RR) based on adjusted study‐specific results. Between‐study heterogeneity was assessed using the Q and I2 statistics and the sources of heterogeneity were investigated using Deeks' test. Moreover, an influence analysis was performed. Finally, publication bias was evaluated using funnel plot and Egger's regression asymmetry test. Fourteen studies (10 case–control and four cohort studies) contributed to the analysis. Statin use, compared to nonuse of statins, was negatively associated with all hematological malignancies taken together (summary RR 0.86; 95% CI: 0.77–0.96), with leukemia (0.83; 0.74–0.92), and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (0.81; 0.68 to 0.96), but it was not related to the risk of myeloma (0.89; 0.53–1.51). Long‐term users of statins showed a statistically significant reduction in the risk of all hematological malignancies taken together (0.78; 0.71–0.87). Statistically significant between‐studies heterogeneity was observed for all outcome except for leukemia. Heterogeneity was caused by differences confounding‐adjustment level of the included studies only for Myeloma. No significant evidence of publication bias was found.
Assessing patients’ risk of febrile neutropenia: is there a correlation between physician‐assessed risk and model‐predicted risk?
Authors: Lyman Gary H. , Dale David C. , Legg Jason C. , Abella Esteban , Morrow Phuong Khanh , Whittaker Sadie , Crawford Jeffrey
Published: March 2015

This study evaluated the correlation between the risk of febrile neutropenia (FN) estimated by physicians and the risk of severe neutropenia or FN predicted by a validated multivariate model in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies receiving chemotherapy. Before patient enrollment, physician and site characteristics were recorded, and physicians self‐reported the FN risk at which they would typically consider granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) primary prophylaxis (FN risk intervention threshold). For each patient, physicians electronically recorded their estimated FN risk, orders for G‐CSF primary prophylaxis (yes/no), and patient characteristics for model predictions. Correlations between physician‐assessed FN risk and model‐predicted risk (primary endpoints) and between physician‐assessed FN risk and G‐CSF orders were calculated. Overall, 124 community‐based oncologists registered; 944 patients initiating chemotherapy with intermediate FN risk enrolled. Median physician‐assessed FN risk over all chemotherapy cycles was 20.0%, and median model‐predicted risk was 17.9%; the correlation was 0.249 (95% CI, 0.179−0.316). The correlation between physician‐assessed FN risk and subsequent orders for G‐CSF primary prophylaxis (n = 634) was 0.313 (95% CI, 0.135−0.472). Among patients with a physician‐assessed FN risk ≥20%, 14% did not receive G‐CSF orders. G‐CSF was not ordered for 16% of patients at or above their physician's self‐reported FN risk intervention threshold (median, 20.0%) and was ordered for 21% below the threshold. Physician‐assessed FN risk and model‐predicted risk correlated weakly; however, there was moderate correlation between physician‐assessed FN risk and orders for G‐CSF primary prophylaxis. Further research and education on FN risk factors and appropriate G‐CSF use are needed.
Multiscale and megavariate monitoring of the process networked structure: M2NET
Authors: Rato Tiago J. , Reis Marco S.
Published: March 2015

We present a process monitoring scheme aimed at detecting changes in the networked structure of process data that is able to handle, simultaneously, three pervasive aspects of industrial systems: (i) their multivariate nature, with strong cross‐correlations linking the variables; (ii) the dynamic behavior of processes, as a consequence of the presence of inertial elements coupled with the high sampling rates of industrial acquisition systems; and (iii) the multiscale nature of systems, resulting from the superposition of multiple phenomena spanning different regions of the time‐frequency domain. Contrary to current approaches, the multivariate structure will be described through a local measure of association, the partial correlation, in order to improve the diagnosis features without compromising detection speed. It will also be used to infer the relevant causal structure active at each scale, providing a fine map for the complex behavior of the system. The scale‐dependent causal networks will be incorporated in multiscale monitoring through data‐driven sensitivity enhancing transformations (SETs). The results obtained demonstrate that the use of SET is a major factor in detecting process upsets. In fact, it was observed that even single‐scale monitoring methodologies can achieve comparable detection capabilities as their multiscale counterparts as long as a proper SET is employed. However, the multiscale approach still proved to be useful because it led to good results using a much simpler SET model of the system. Therefore, the application of wavelet transforms is advantageous for systems that are difficult to model, providing a good compromise between modeling complexity and monitoring performance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selenium‐Catalyzed C(sp3)H Acyloxylation: Application in the Expedient Synthesis of Isobenzofuranones
Authors: Krätzschmar Felix , Kaßel Martin , Delony Daniel , Breder Alexander
Published: March 2015

Oxidative Se‐catalyzed C(sp3)H bond acyloxylation has been used to construct a diverse array of isobenzofuranones from simple ortho‐allyl benzoic acid derivatives. The synthetic procedure employs mild reaction conditions and gives high chemoselectivity enabled by an inexpensive organodiselane catalyst. The presented approach offers a new synthetic pathway toward the core structures of phthalide natural products.
Effects of Grassland Conversion From Cropland on Soil Respiration on the Semi‐Arid Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Wang Dong , Liu Yu , Shang Zhan‐Huan , Tian Fu‐Ping , Wu Gao‐Lin , Chang Xiao‐Feng , Warrington David
Published: March 2015

Soil respiration is considered to be the second largest terrestrial carbon flux, and is influenced by land use changes. The impact of a cropland to grassland program on soil respiration was quantified. It tried to identify the dominant factors driving soil respiration along the restoration project of “Grain for Green Program” on the semiarid Loess Plateau, China. Soil respiration and different abiotic and biotic factors were measured for cropland and grasslands after five, 15, and 30 years of natural restoration. Soil respiration (g C m−2 d−1) was significantly greater for grassland with litter left that had been restored for 15 years than for cropland and grassland (five years), but did not significantly change from 15 to 30 years. Soil temperature and litter were the main factors affecting soil respiration along the restoration chronosequence. The contribution of litter to soil respiration after 15 years restoration was about 12%. The temperature sensitivity of the soil respiration ranged from 1.30 in the wheat land to 2.44 in the 30 years restoration grassland with litter left, and it increased with litter removed in the grasslands. Our findings suggest that grasslands after 15‐year natural restoration must be utilized properly to balance changes in soil respiration with the soil organic carbon accumulation during the cropland to grassland restoration process.
Peripheral nerve stimulation measures in a composite gradient system
Authors: Goodrich K. Craig , Hadley J. Rock , Kim Seong‐Eun , Kaggie Joshua D. , Handler William B. , Chronik Blaine A. , Bolster Bradley D. , Parker Dennis L.
Published: March 2015

Purpose: This work compared peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) thresholds for the MRI scanner body gradients (BODY), a head/neck insert gradient (INSERT), and the combination of both gradient sets used simultaneously (COMPOSITE). Methods: For BODY, INSERT and COMPOSITE gradients, PNS thresholds were determined by exposing subject volunteers to stepped increases in gradient strength. For COMPOSITE mode, the INSERT was applied at equal (experiment 1) or double (experiment 2) the BODY gradient strength. Results: The locations and thresholds of peripheral nerve stimulation depended on the gradient system configuration, gradient axis, and gradient strength. Stimulation in the body occurred when using the BODY Y‐gradient axis either singly (110 T/m/s) or in COMPOSITE mode (315 T/m/s experiment 2) and adding the insert gradient had negligible effect on stimulation. Stimulation in the head/sinus area generally occurred when using the INSERT X‐gradient either singly (213 T/m/s) or in COMPOSITE mode (320 T/m/s) and adding the body gradient had negligible effect on stimulation. In the COMPOSITE mode, both the location of stimulation and the limiting gradient strength matched location and strength of the limiting component gradient. Conclusion: Stimulation, to a first‐order approximation, is independent for the two gradient systems. In COMPOSITE mode, PNS can be dominated by either of the individual gradient components, indicating that the contribution of each component can be increased until the threshold limit of each component gradient is reached. COMPOSITE gradients provide increased gradient performance with PNS thresholds higher than either component gradient system operating alone. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 44B: 66–74, 2015
An improved RF and gradient coil system for high resolution in vivo guinea pig cochlea imaging on a 3T clinical magnet
Authors: Kaggie Joshua D. , Goodrich K. Craig , Kim Seong‐eun , Beck Michael J. , Parker Dennis L. , Merrill Robb , Abele Travis A. , Wiggins Richard , Oakley Gretchen M. , Hadley J. Rock
Published: March 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this work was to develop and evaluate a system consisting of an insertable gradient, RF coils, and animal positioning hardware to enable imaging of the internal structure of the cochlea and other inner ear structures of a guinea pig model at 3T.

Methods

Transmit and receive RF coils, and an animal positioning system, were developed and integrated with an insertable gradient and animal monitoring system for improved guinea pig cochlea imaging when compared to a standard clinical 3T MRI system. A resolution phantom with 120 μm line separations was used to assess the contrast improvements with the insertable gradient. A homogeneous phantom was used to assess the SNR and homogeneity of the RF coils. FLASH imaging was used to observe the temporal passage of gadolinium contrast through the guinea pig cochlea.

Results

The insertable gradient enabled increased resolution imaging with nearly twice the contrast‐to‐noise ratio. The small animal array had better SNR for imaging the guinea pig cochlea (about 14 mm deep) than the commercial Siemens wrist coil (2.2×) and the small birdcage coil (1.6×). The positioning device kept the animal secure and stationary. Injected gadolinium contrast allowed visualization of the internal cochlear structures with FLASH image acquisition, which achieved 100 μm isotropic resolution images in 33 min.

Conclusion

The specialized RF coils and animal holding equipment designed to operate within the composite gradient enabled higher resolution images than could be obtained from the available RF coils operating in the conventional gradients on the clinical MRI system. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 44B: 89–101, 2015
Long‐term psychological benefits of cognitive‐behavioral stress management for women with breast cancer: 11‐year follow‐up of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Stagl Jamie M. , Bouchard Laura C. , Lechner Suzanne C. , Blomberg Bonnie B. , Gudenkauf Lisa M. , Jutagir Devika R. , Glück Stefan , Derhagopian Robert P. , Carver Charles S. , Antoni Michael H.
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer survivors experience long‐term physical and psychological sequelae after their primary treatment that negatively influence their quality of life (QOL) and increase depressive symptoms. Group‐based cognitive‐behavioral stress management (CBSM) delivered after surgery for early‐stage breast cancer was previously associated with better QOL over a 12‐month follow‐up and with fewer depressive symptoms up to 5 years after study enrollment. This 8‐ to 15‐year follow‐up (median, 11 years) of a previously conducted trial (NCT01422551) evaluated whether women in this cohort receiving CBSM had fewer depressive symptoms and better QOL than controls at an 8‐ to 15‐year follow‐up.

METHODS

Women with stage 0 to IIIb breast cancer were initially recruited 2 to 10 weeks after surgery and randomized to a 10‐week CBSM intervention or a 1‐day psychoeducational control group. One hundred women (51 CBSM patients and 49 controls) were recontacted 8 to 15 years after study enrollment to participate in a follow‐up assessment. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression (CES‐D) scale and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Breast (FACT‐B) were self‐administered. Multiple regression was employed to evaluate group differences on the CES‐D scale and FACT‐B over and above effects of confounding variables.

RESULTS

Participants assigned to CBSM reported significantly lower depressive symptoms (d, 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56‐0.70) and better QOL (d, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.52‐0.65) above the effects of the covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

Women who received CBSM after surgery for early‐stage breast cancer reported lower depressive symptoms and better QOL than the control group up to 15 years later. Early implementation of cognitive‐behavioral interventions may influence long‐term psychosocial functioning in breast cancer survivors. Cancer 2015;121:1873–1881. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Dietary intake of fish, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and survival after breast cancer: A population‐based follow‐up study on Long Island, New York
Authors: Khankari Nikhil K. , Bradshaw Patrick T. , Steck Susan E. , He Ka , Olshan Andrew F. , Shen Jing , Ahn Jiyoung , Chen Yu , Ahsan Habibul , Terry Mary Beth , Teitelbaum Susan L. , Neugut Alfred I. , Santella Regina M. , Gammon Marilie D.
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

In laboratory experiments, ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been found to reduce inflammatory eicosanoids resulting from ω‐6 PUFA metabolism via competitive inhibition, and the ω‐3‐induced cytotoxic environment increases apoptosis and reduces cell growth in breast cancer cells. To the authors' knowledge, epidemiologic investigations regarding whether dietary ω‐3 PUFA intake benefits survival after breast cancer are limited and inconsistent.

METHODS

The authors used resources from a population‐based follow‐up study conducted on Long Island, New York, among 1463 women newly diagnosed with first primary breast cancer who were interviewed an average of approximately 3 months after diagnosis to assess risk and prognostic factors, including dietary intake (using a food frequency questionnaire). Vital status was determined through 2011, yielding a median follow‐up of 14.7 years and 485 deaths. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

All‐cause mortality was reduced among women with breast cancer reporting the highest quartile of intake (compared with never) for tuna (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.55‐0.92), other baked/broiled fish (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.58‐0.97), and the dietary long‐chain ω‐3 PUFAs docosahexaenoic acid (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.55‐0.92) and eicosapentaenoic acid (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.58‐0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

All‐cause mortality was reduced by 16% to 34% among women with breast cancer who reported a high intake of fish and long‐chain ω‐3 PUFAs. Long‐chain ω‐3 PUFA intake from fish and other dietary sources may provide a potential strategy to improve survival after breast cancer. Cancer 2015;121:2244–2252. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Effect of lapatinib on oral digoxin absorption in patients
Authors: Koch Kevin M. , Smith Deborah A. , Botbyl Jeff , Arya Nikita , Briley Linda P. , Cartee Leanne , White Jane Holshouser , Beyer Jennifer , Dar Mohammed M. , Chung Hyun Choel , Chu Quincy , Bang Yung‐Jue
Published: March 2015

The potential for an interaction between lapatinib and absorption of the P‐glycoprotein (ABCB1) substrate digoxin at a therapeutic dose in breast cancer patients was characterized. Seventeen women with HER2‐positive metastatic breast cancer received a single oral 0.5‐mg dose of digoxin on days 1 and 9 and oral lapatinib 1500 mg once daily on days 2 through 9. Digoxin pharmacokinetic parameters were determined on day 1 (digoxin administration alone) and on day 9 (coadministration of lapatinib and digoxin), and parameters were compared to determine the effects of lapatinib on digoxin absorption. Concomitant medications that could affect ABCB1 were accounted for. Lapatinib 1500 mg/day increased digoxin absorption approximately 80%, implicating lapatinib inhibition of intestinal ABCB1‐mediated efflux. In summary, coadministration of lapatinib with narrow therapeutic index drugs that are substrates of ABCB1 should be undertaken with caution and dose adjustment should be considered.
Population pharmacokinetic modeling and noncompartmental analysis demonstrated bioequivalence between metformin component of metformin/vildagliptin fixed‐dose combination products and metformin immediate‐release tablet sourced from various countries
Authors: Chitnis Shripad D. , Han Yi , Yamaguchi Masayuki , Mita Sachiko , Zhao Rong , Sunkara Gangadhar , Kulmatycki Kenneth
Published: March 2015

Metformin is the first‐line pharmacotherapy choice for treating type‐2 diabetes mellitus, alone or in combination with other antidiabetic drugs. During the development of immediate‐release (IR) metformin containing novel fixed‐dose combination (FDC) products, several health‐authorities require sponsors to demonstrate bioequivalence between FDC products and the country‐sourced metformin for market approval. Eight bioequivalence studies that compared metformin/vildagliptin FDC product (test) to metformin IR tablet sourced from various countries (reference) were conducted. A population pharmacokinetic (PPK) analysis of pooled metformin concentration–time data was performed to evaluate whether country‐sourced metformin is a significant covariate. The PPK analysis demonstrated that there was no clinically relevant effect of metformin source or race/ethnicity on metformin pharmacokinetics. Also, noncompartmental analysis conducted showed that 90%CI of geometric mean ratios of test to reference metformin formulations, calculated for maximum‐concentration and exposure parameters, were within the 80%–125% criteria, indicating comparable metformin exposure regardless of the country‐sourced metformin IR formulation. These results are consistent with the biopharmaceutics properties of metformin and provide scientific evidence that after assessing in vitro dissolution of novel FDC formulation, additional bioequivalence studies with multiple countries' reference products may not be required once bioequivalence is established with 1 country‐sourced IR metformin formulation.
Business Strategy for Climate Change: An ASEAN Perspective
Authors: Amran Azlan , Ooi Say Keat , Wong Cheng Yew , Hashim Fathyah
Published: March 2015

Business operations have been severely impacted by the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather conditions affecting economic development. Consequently, public pressure has been directed at businesses to build resilient and sustainable operations, especially in ASEAN countries, whose fragile natural environments make them among the most vulnerable to climate change. To better understand organisational responses, this study investigated the influence of internal resources and geographical regional effects on climate change business strategy. It provided empirical evidence from ASEAN countries based on the combined views of institutional and resource‐based theories. Generally, ASEAN businesses were aware of climate change, and focused on strategies of fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Even though few businesses integrated climate change into their business strategy, there are several factors (board of directors with international experience, organisational slack, and country effect) that influence ASEAN climate change business strategy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
A Strategic Approach to CSR Communication: Examining the Impact of Brand Familiarity on Consumer Responses
Authors: Türkel Selin , Uzunoğlu Ebru , Kaplan Melike Demirbağ , Vural Beril Akıncı
Published: March 2015

Despite the widely acknowledged importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) communications, our knowledge is limited with regard to various factors affecting consumer responses to such communication efforts. This paper aims to identify the extent to which prior brand familiarity influences consumer responses to CSR communications through a controlled experiment, exploring whether the use of different communication functions for environmental domain of CSR (i.e., publicity and advertising) generates any different effect on these responses. Findings reveal that familiar and unfamiliar brands do not differ from each other with regard to consumer attitude toward message, but elicit dissimilar responses in terms of attitude toward brand and purchase intentions. The study leads to managerial implications regarding the effective formulation and dissemination of CSR‐related messages in order to achieve stakeholder engagement. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
The Quality of Disclosures on Environmental Policy: The Profile of Financial Intermediaries
Authors: Alberici Adalberto , Querci Francesca
Published: March 2015

This study investigates the quality of voluntary disclosures on environmental policy by financial intermediaries (FIs), analyzing the Global Reporting Initiative's data. Through k‐means cluster analysis, four segments of FIs are identified. Our results show a heterogeneous reality. The quality of disclosures is associated to the FIs’ attributes and the home country's characteristics: FIs’ size and operating profitability, national economic wealth, and national environmental performance. No association is found with the FIs’ business area or their quotation on the stock market. The FIs’ relevance for their domestic economy is not significant either. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Transformed periodic orbit mechanism of low frequency oscillations in power systems
Authors: Wang Gang , Shen Chen , Fu Lijun , Cui Zhiyong , Ye Zhihao
Published: March 2015

Some low frequency oscillations (LFOs) with constant amplitude in power systems cannot be explained by the mechanisms such as negative damping, forced oscillation, autoparametric resonance, and bifurcation. In this paper, the concept of transformed periodic orbits is introduced to describe the earlier unexplained periodic steady‐state phenomena in power systems. The algorithm of calculating the transformed periodic orbit is presented based on the trapezoidal integration method. Then, a novel mechanism of LFOs is proposed; that is, a transformed periodic orbit emerges when bifurcations or large disturbances occur in power systems. This kind of LFOs can be eliminated by decreasing the generator output power greatly. Simulations on a single‐machine infinite‐bus system and the IEEE 9‐bus system have demonstrated the rationality of the proposed mechanism. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of two neurogenin genes from the brook lamprey lampetra planeri and their expression in the lamprey nervous system
Authors: Lara‐Ramírez Ricardo , Patthey Cédric , Shimeld Sebastian M.
Published: March 2015

Conclusions: Neurogenins are required for the specification of neuronal precursors and regulate the expression of basic Helix‐Loop‐Helix genes involved in neuronal differentiation. Jawed vertebrates possess three Neurogenin paralogy groups and their combined expression covers the entire nervous system, apart from the autonomic nervous system. Results: Here we report the isolation of two Neurogenin genes, LpNgnA and LpNgnB, from the lamprey Lampetra planeri. Phylogenetic analyses show both genes have orthologues in other lamprey species and in a hagfish. Neither gene shows evidence of orthology to specific jawed vertebrate Neurogenin paralogues. LpNgnA is expressed in the ventricular zone of regions of the brain and spinal cord, with expression in the brain demarcating brain sub‐compartments including the pallium, tegmentum, tectum, and dorsal thalamus. In the peripheral nervous system, LpNgnA is expressed in cranial sensory placodes and their derivatives, and in the dorsal root ganglia. LpNgnB is expressed transiently in placodal head ectoderm and throughout the central nervous system in early development, and in a small population cells that form part of the macula. Conclusions: Combined, LpNgnA and LpNgnB were detected in most cell populations marked by Neurogenin gene expression in jawed vertebrates, with the exception of the cerebellum, retina and the non‐neural expression sites. Developmental Dynamics 244:1096–1108, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Derivation of chondrocyte and osteoblast reporter mouse embryonic stem cell lines
Authors: Fu Yu , Maye Peter
Published: March 2015

With the establishment of methods that provide evidence for the generation of chondrocyte and osteoblast cell types from ESCs, there is a need for reagents that will enable their further characterization. Here we report on the derivation of chondrocyte and osteoblast reporter ESCs from previously generated and characterized transgenic mouse lines, Collagen type 2 alpha 1(Col2a1)‐ECFP, Bone Sialoprotein (BSP)‐Topaz, and BSP‐Topaz/Dentin Matrix Protein 1 (DMP1)‐Cherry dual reporter mice. Col2a1‐ECFP is highly expressed in chondrocytes, while BSP‐Topaz and DMP1‐Cherry are highly expressed in osteoblasts and osteocytes, respectively. These new skeletal reporter mouse ESC lines will serve as valuable reagents to investigate the functionality of ESC derived chondrocyte and osteoblast cell types. genesis 53:294–298, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DNA methylation in individuals with anorexia nervosa and in matched normal‐eater controls: A genome‐wide study
Authors: Booij Linda , Casey Kevin F. , Antunes Juliana M. , Szyf Moshe , Joober Ridha , Israël Mimi , Steiger Howard
Published: March 2015

Objective

Evidence associates anorexia nervosa (AN) with epigenetic alterations that could contribute to illness risk or entrenchment. We investigated the extent to which AN is associated with a distinct methylation profile compared to that seen in normal‐eater women.

Method

Genome‐wide methylation profiles, obtained using DNA from whole blood, were determined in 29 women currently ill with AN (10 with AN‐restrictive type, 19 with AN‐binge/purge type) and 15 normal‐weight, normal‐eater control women, using 450 K Illumina bead arrays.

Results

Regardless of type, AN patients showed higher and less‐variable global methylation patterns than controls. False Discovery Rate corrected comparisons identified 14 probes that were hypermethylated in women with AN relative to levels obtained in normal‐eater controls, representing genes thought to be associated with histone acetylation, RNA modification, cholesterol storage and lipid transport, and dopamine and glutamate signaling. Age of onset was significantly associated with differential methylation in gene pathways involved in development of the brain and spinal cord, while chronicity of illness was significantly linked to differential methylation in pathways involved with synaptogenesis, neurocognitive deficits, anxiety, altered social functioning, and bowel, kidney, liver and immune function.

Discussion

Although pre‐existing differences cannot be ruled out, our findings are consistent with the idea of secondary alterations in methylation at genomic regions pertaining to social‐emotional impairments and physical sequelae that are commonly seen in AN patients. Further investigation is needed to establish the clinical relevance of the affected genes in AN, and, importantly, reversibility of effects observed with nutritional rehabilitation and treatment. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:874–882)
Childhood trauma and cortisol awakening response in symptomatic patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa
Authors: Monteleone Alessio Maria , Monteleone Palmiero , Serino Ismene , Scognamiglio Pasquale , Di Genio Monica , Maj Mario
Published: March 2015

Objective

Exposure to trauma during childhood is a risk factor for eating disorders (EDs) in adulthood. The biological mechanisms underlying such increased risk seem to involve the endogenous stress response system (i.e., the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal [HPA] axis), which undergoes trauma‐induced functional changes that may persist later in life. In the present study, we examined the effects of childhood trauma experiences on HPA‐axis activity, comparing saliva cortisol awakening response (CAR) in adult patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) or bulimia nervosa (BN) with CAR in adult healthy controls.

Method

Twenty‐three patients with symptomatic AN, 21 patients with symptomatic BN, and 29 healthy women collected saliva samples at awakening and again after 15, 30, and 60 min. Participants also completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and eating‐related psychopathological rating scales.

Results

According to the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, 13 individuals with AN and 12 individuals with BN, but none of the healthy women, reported childhood maltreatment. Compared with the control group, the non‐maltreated AN patient group exhibited an enhanced CAR, whereas the group of non‐maltreated BN patients showed a normal CAR. Moreover, both AN and BN patient groups with childhood maltreatment exhibited statistically significant blunting of CAR compared with non‐maltreated groups.

Discussion

The present findings add to the evidence supporting the concept that there is a dysregulation of HPA‐axis activity in symptomatic patients with EDs and suggest that childhood trauma exposure may contribute to such dysregulation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48: 615–621)
A prospective study of effects of prenatal maternal stress on later eating‐disorder manifestations in affected offspring: Preliminary indications based on the project ice storm cohort
Authors: St‐Hilaire Annie , Steiger Howard , Liu Aihua , Laplante David P. , Thaler Lea , Magill Tara , King Suzanne
Published: March 2015

Background

 Research associates maternal stress exposures (especially when occurring late in gestation) with heightened risk of subsequent emotional and behavioral problems in affected offspring. However, as yet, no study has examined the association between prenatal maternal stress (PNMS) and affected children's risk of anorexia‐ or bulimia‐type eating disturbances.

Objective

 To study the influences of PNMS on later disordered eating in exposed offspring.

Method

 We used the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT)‐26 to measure eating attitudes and behaviors in 54 thirteen‐year olds whose mothers had been exposed, while pregnant with these children, to the 1998 Quebec Ice Storm—a natural disaster regarded as a model of exposure to severe environmental stress. Mothers' stress was measured shortly after exposure to the storm using established indices of objective and subjective stress.

Results

 Hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses indicated that once variance owing to children's body mass index and sex was accounted for, stress exposures during the third trimester of pregnancy predicted elevated EAT‐26 scores in affected children—perhaps even more so when levels of objective stress were high.

Discussion

 Third trimester exposure to PNMS, especially when objectively severe, seems to be associated with increased eating‐disorder‐linked manifestations in affected early adolescents. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:512–516)
Negative affect prior to and following overeating‐only, loss of control eating‐only, and binge eating episodes in obese adults
Authors: Berg Kelly C. , Crosby Ross D. , Cao Li , Crow Scott J. , Engel Scott G. , Wonderlich Stephen A. , Peterson Carol B.
Published: March 2015

Objective

The objective was to examine the trajectory of five types of negative affect (global negative affect, fear, guilt, hostility, sadness) prior to and following three types of eating episodes (overeating in the absence of loss of control [OE‐only], loss of control eating in the absence of overeating [LOC‐only], and binge eating) among obese adults using ecological momentary assessment (EMA).

Method

Fifty obese adults (84% female) completed a two‐week EMA protocol during which they were asked to record all eating episodes and rate each episode on continua of overeating and loss of control. Momentary measures of global negative affect, fear, guilt, hostility, and sadness were assessed using an abbreviated version of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Trajectories for each of the five types of negative affect were modeled prior to and following episodes of OE‐only, LOC‐only, and binge eating.

Results

Consistent with previous findings, global negative affect and Guilt increased prior to and decreased following binge eating episodes (all ps < .05). Guilt also decreased following OE‐only episodes (p < .05).

Discussion

These results are consistent with the affect regulation model of binge eating and suggest that binge eating may function to regulate global negative affect, and more specifically, guilt among obese adults. These data suggest that the relationship between negative affect and binge eating may not be unique to individuals with clinical eating disorders and indicate that targeting negative affect may be an effective strategy for the treatment of binge eating in the context of obesity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:641–653)
Time trends in lifetime incidence rates of first‐time diagnosed anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa across 16 years in a danish nationwide psychiatric registry study
Authors: Steinhausen Hans‐Christoph , Jensen Christina Mohr
Published: March 2015

Objective

To study recent time trends in the incidence of diagnosed anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) based on nationwide psychiatric register data.

Method

The Danish Psychiatric Central Research Registry was used to identify the incidence of diagnosed cases with AN and BN at the ages of 4–65 years from 1995 to 2010. Age‐ and sex‐adjusted incidence rates per 100,000 person‐years were calculated and were adjusted for time trends in the total number of people diagnosed in psychiatry. Time trends were analyzed using JoinPoint regression analysis.

Results

A total of N = 5,902 persons had a first‐time incidence of AN, and a total of N = 5,113 had first‐time incidence of BN. Incidence rates increased for AN from 6.4 to 12.6 per 100,000 person‐years, and for BN from 6.3 to 7.2 per 100,000 person‐years. In 2010, the male‐to‐female ratio was 1:8 for AN, and 1:20 for BN. There was an earlier onset for AN than for BN, and age at incidence decreased during the observation period for AN but not for BN. A sizeable part of the increasing incidence rates for AN and in particular, the younger AN age groups, could be attributed to an increase in the total number of N = 249,607 persons with first‐time diagnoses in psychiatry.

Discussion

Incidence rates had increased slightly for AN, but were stable for BN across 16 years in this nationwide study and to a large extent were reflective of a general increase in diagnosed mental disorders. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:845–850)
Prolonged experimental drought reduces plant hydraulic conductance and transpiration and increases mortality in a piñon–juniper woodland
Authors: Pangle Robert E. , Limousin Jean‐Marc , Plaut Jennifer A. , Yepez Enrico A. , Hudson Patrick J. , Boutz Amanda L. , Gehres Nathan , Pockman William T. , McDowell Nate G.
Published: March 2015

Plant hydraulic conductance (ks) is a critical control on whole‐plant water use and carbon uptake and, during drought, influences whether plants survive or die. To assess long‐term physiological and hydraulic responses of mature trees to water availability, we manipulated ecosystem‐scale water availability from 2007 to 2013 in a piñon pine (Pinus edulis) and juniper (Juniperus monosperma) woodland. We examined the relationship between ks and subsequent mortality using more than 5 years of physiological observations, and the subsequent impact of reduced hydraulic function and mortality on total woody canopy transpiration (EC) and conductance (GC). For both species, we observed significant reductions in plant transpiration (E) and ks under experimentally imposed drought. Conversely, supplemental water additions increased E and ks in both species. Interestingly, both species exhibited similar declines in ks under the imposed drought conditions, despite their differing stomatal responses and mortality patterns during drought. Reduced whole‐plant ks also reduced carbon assimilation in both species, as leaf‐level stomatal conductance (gs) and net photosynthesis (An) declined strongly with decreasing ks. Finally, we observed that chronically low whole‐plant ks was associated with greater canopy dieback and mortality for both piñon and juniper and that subsequent reductions in woody canopy biomass due to mortality had a significant impact on both daily and annual canopy EC and GC. Our data indicate that significant reductions in ks precede drought‐related tree mortality events in this system, and the consequence is a significant reduction in canopy gas exchange and carbon fixation. Our results suggest that reductions in productivity and woody plant cover in piñon–juniper woodlands can be expected due to reduced plant hydraulic conductance and increased mortality of both piñon pine and juniper under anticipated future conditions of more frequent and persistent regional drought in the southwestern United States.
Pathogenic bacteria and timing of laying
Authors: Møller Anders Pape , Soler Juan J. , Nielsen Jan Tøttrup , Galván Ismael
Published: March 2015

Pathogenic bacteria constitute a serious threat to viability of many organisms. Because growth of most bacteria is favored by humid and warm environmental conditions, earlier reproducers in seasonal environments should suffer less from the negative consequences of pathogenic bacteria. These relationships, and the effects on reproductive success, should be particularly prominent in predators because they are frequently exposed to pathogenic microorganisms from sick prey. Here, we presented and tested this hypothesis by sampling bacteria on adult and nestling goshawksAccipiter gentilis. We predicted that early breeders and their offspring should have fewer bacteria than those reproducing later during the breeding season. Adult goshawks with a high abundance ofStaphylococcuson their beak and claws were easier to capture and their laying date was delayed. Moreover, goshawks that laid their eggs later had offspring with moreStaphylococcuson their beaks and claws. The strength of the association between laying date and bacterial density of nestlings was stronger during the warm spring of 2013, when nestlings suffered from a higher abundance of pathogenic bacteria. Hatching failure and fledging failure were more common in nests with a higher abundance ofStaphylococcusindependently of the number of years occupied, laying date, and age of the female nest owner. These findings imply that timing of reproduction may be under the influence of pathogenic bacteria. Because early breeding goshawks produce more recruits than later breeders, our results suggest a role for pathogenic bacteria in the optimal timing of reproduction.
Power in the Governance of Common‐Pool Resources: A comparative analysis of irrigation management decentralization in Turkey
Authors: Kadirbeyoglu Zeynep , Özertan Gökhan
Published: March 2015

The global trend in common‐pool resource (CPR) governance is to decentralize resource use management to local user groups. Since the survival and sustainability of self‐governing organizations are closely linked to the satisfaction of its members, listening to users who have the largest stake in CPR sustainability is crucial. The literature on CPR governance has two shortcomings: its analyses are restricted to the local community, excluding higher institutional and government levels; and power asymmetry among users is neglected, even though it can undermine collective action and hinder effective CPR management. In this study, multiple governance levels were linked, and the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework – which contextualizes how interactions among local actors lead to institutional outcomes that shape both individual and collective actions – was extended by controlling for the impact of power relations on institutional performance. The outcomes of irrigation management decentralization were assessed via three case studies on locally managed irrigation institutions from two provinces in Turkey. It was found that power asymmetries have a significant impact on user satisfaction across the cases, albeit in different directions. The implication of this finding is that, in contexts where land distribution is highly unequal, inequalities may have contradictory effects depending on how power operates and is reflected in CPR management. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Seeing through the dark: New insights into the immune regulatory functions of vitamin A
Authors: Brown Chrysothemis C. , Noelle Randolph J.
Published: March 2015

The importance of vitamin A for host defense is undeniable and the study of its mechanisms is paramount. Of the estimated 250 million preschool children who are vitamin A‐deficient (VAD), 10% will die from their increased susceptibility to infectious disease. Vitamin A supplementation was established in the 1980s as one of the most successful interventions in the developing world. Understanding how vitamin A controls immunity will help curb the mortality and morbidity associated with vitamin A deficiency and exploit the immune‐enhancing capacity of vitamin A to heighten host resistance to infectious disease. The discoveries that retinoic acid (RA) imprints the homing of leukocytes to the gut and enhances the induction of regulatory T cells, highlighted a potential role for RA in mucosal tolerance. However, more recently emerging data tell of a more profound systemic impact of RA on leukocyte function and commitment. In animal models using genetic manipulation of RA signaling, we learned when and how RA controls T cell fate. Here, we review the role for RA as a critical checkpoint regulator in the differentiation of CD4+ T cells within the immune system.