bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic prediction of male recipients selected for liver transplantation: With special attention to neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio
Authors: Wang Wei , Ye Yufu , Wang Ting , Zhang Feng , Geng Lei , Yu Jun , Zhou Lin , Yan Sheng , Zheng Shusen
Published: December 2015

Aim

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an inflammatory biomarker that has a close relationship with tumor progression and metastasis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of NLR in the prognosis of male candidates with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing liver transplantation (LT).

Methods

We analyzed the clinical data of 248 male HCC candidates who underwent LT in our Liver Transplantation Center between 2002 and 2012. All risk factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox analysis and survival rates were calculated by Kaplan–Meier log–rank test.

Results

NLR was proved to be an independent risk factor affecting overall survival (OS) (P < 0.001) and tumor‐free survival (TFS) (P = 0.003) of male candidates with HCC following LT. Additionally, our study showed that elevated NLR (>4) was associated with early tumor recurrence by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Furthermore, we established Model_OS and Model_TFS to predict prognosis based on multivariate Cox analysis. Our study showed that male candidates with HCC who exceeded the Milan criteria but within Model_OS could achieve similar OS as those within the Milan criteria (P = 0.220). Similarly, male patients who exceeded the Milan criteria but within Model_TFS could achieve similar TFS as those within the Milan criteria (P = 0.197).

Conclusion

Proper inflammatory response may effectively reduce tumor recurrence after LT. Elevated NLR (>4) within a certain range is associated with early tumor recurrence. NLR‐based models are efficient and safe for prognostic prediction among male candidates with HCC for LT.
Integration of High‐Frequency M‐Type Hexagonal Ferrite Inductors in LTCC Multilayer Modules
Authors: Bierlich Silvia , Reimann Timmy , Barth Stefan , Capraro Beate , Bartsch Heike , Müller Jens , Töpfer Jörg
Published: December 2015

Monolithic hexagonal BaCo1,3Ti1,3Fe9,4O19 ferrite multilayers sintered at 900°C exhibit a fine‐grained microstructure with permeability of μ′ = 16 and a resonance frequency fr ≥ 1GHz. Co‐firing of hetero‐laminates of ferrite with CT700 glass–ceramic LTCC tapes and with polycrystalline zinc titanate (ZT) LTCC tapes was studied. Co‐firing at 900°C of ferrite/CT700 leads to multilayers with cracks caused by substantial thermal expansion mismatch. Co‐fired ferrite/ZT multilayer laminates exhibit a permeability of μ′ = 16 and do not show any defects. Hexagonal ferrite multilayer inductor elements were integrated into ZT‐based multilayer LTCC modules and co‐fired at 900°C with Ag metallization.
Mode of drinking fluoridated milk: effect on intraoral fluoride concentrations
Authors: Whitford Gary M. , Riley Danielle V. , Schafer Tara E. , Looney Stephen W.
Published: December 2015

Objective

To determine the effect of the mode of drinking fluoridated milk on salivary and plaque fluoride concentrations.

Methods

Fluoridated milk was ingested by 32 children in three ways: (a) directly from the container (1.0 and 5.0 mg F/litre), (b) through a straw with the tip between the lips (5.0 mg F/litre), and (c) with the tip deep in the oral cavity (5.0 mg F/litre). Saliva was collected at baseline and 2, 15, and 40 min and plaque at baseline and 20 min after drinking. Fluoride concentrations were determined using the electrode after HMDS‐facilitated diffusion.

Results

The mode of drinking did not affect fluoride concentrations in saliva or plaque. The average 2‐min salivary concentrations were 65 ng F/mL for the 1.0 mg F/litre group and 276 ng F/mL for the three 5.0 mg F/litre groups (P < 0.01). The average of the 15‐ and 40‐min salivary concentrations was 22 ng F/mL for the 1.0 mg F/litre group and 41 ng F/mL for the 5.0 mg F/litre groups (P < 0.01). Plaque concentrations showed the same patterns as in saliva, that is, they were higher in the three 5.0 mg F/litre groups than in the 1.0 mg F/litre group and the differences among the 5.0 mg F/litre groups were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Salivary and plaque fluoride concentrations were independent of the mode of drinking but directly related to milk fluoride concentrations.
Single and repeated dose comparison of three antihistamines and phenylpropanolamine: psychomotor performance and subjective appraisals of sleep.
Authors: Seppala T , Nuotto E , Korttila K
Published: December 2015

1 In a double‐blind cross‐over study, nine healthy male students received placebo, brompheniramine 12 mg), carbinoxamine (12 mg), clemastine (1 mg), and phenylpropanolamine (50 mg) orally. Three doses of each drug were given: at 08.30 h and 21.00 h on the first day of treatment and at 08.30 h on the following day. 2 Psychomotor skills and subjective feelings were recorded before and 2, 6 and 12 h after the first dose on day 1 as well as before and 2 and 6 h after the third dose on day 2. Subjective appraisals of sleep were requested on the morning of day 2. 3 All antihistamines tended to cause subjective drowsiness on the first day of treatment. Drowsiness was felt for a maximum of 2 h after carbinoxamine, 6 h after brompheniramine, and 12 h after clemastine. In contrast to antihistamines, phenylpropanolamine made subjects more alert and quick witted. Tolerance to the antihistamine‐induced drowsiness developed on the second day. 4 Divided attention, tracking, speed anticipation and sleep were not affected by any drug. Carbinoxamine slowed reactions 2 h after the first dose, but no impairment was measured in objective tests after brompheniramine or clemastine. 5 Phenylpropanolamine improved reaction speed and reaction accuracy and enhanced flicker recognition throughout the study. Phenylpropanolamine plasma levels and improvement in flicker fusion test results correlated with each other on day 2. 6 The results suggest that phenylpropanolamine and the antihistamines studied are comparatively harmless to psychomotor performance and driving skills.
Sperm Antibodies in Normal Men: Association with a History of Nongonococcal Urethritis (NGU)
Authors: CLARKE GARY N.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: The incidence and specificity of sperm antibodies was examined, retrospectively, in a group of 80 normal men (64 sperm donors and 16 prevasectomy patients). Seven (8.5%) were positive for sperm‐bound antibodies by immunobead test (IBT), but the antibodies were restricted to the sperm tail‐tip. There was a higher (p < 0.001) incidence of nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) in the IBT‐positive men, suggesting a possible causal relationship.
Cohabitation in China: Trends and Determinants
Authors: Yu Jia , Xie Yu
Published: December 2015

Using recent, nationally representative data, we examine the prevalence and social determinants of premarital cohabitation, an important sign of the Second Demographic Transition (SDT) in China. Descriptive results show that although only about 7 percent of Chinese adults born before 1980 cohabited before first marriage, cohabitation has grown sharply among recent birth cohorts. Based on the theoretical perspectives of “ideational change” and “economic development,” we conduct multivariate analyses of social determinants of cohabitation that may reveal potential mechanisms of its diffusion. We find that greater exposure to Western culture, higher educational attainment for men, and more advantaged family background were all positively related to premarital cohabitation. Our results also show the influence of a unique social institution in China, with Communist Party members less likely than their counterparts to cohabit before first marriage. Broadly speaking, the positive association between economic development and local rates of premarital cohabitation suggests the transformative influence of modernization on family systems.
The Relation of New Samaritan Clients and Volunteers to High Risk People in England and Wales (1965–1977)
Authors: Cutter Fred
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: The declining English and Welsh suicide rates are associated with increased Samaritan efforts and detoxification of household gas during the pre‐1972 era. The resulting debate has been heuristic. The author reviewed annual rates of new callers, volunteers and suicidal deaths between 1965 and 1977 and computed ratios of new clients to high risk people. This reveals an asymptotic progression towards 27 percent since 1972. Similarly, the ratio of new clients to volunteers has been constant at 11 for the same period. These consistencies help to explain the constant suicide rate at eight per 100,000 live people after 1972 despite increasing Samaritan efforts. The author recommends an effort to increase the percentage of high risk served as a test for the hypothesis of Samaritan causality in explaining the reduced English suicide rates.
Towards a consensus on how to diagnose and quantify female pattern hair loss – The ‘Female Pattern Hair Loss Severity Index (FPHL‐SI)’
Authors: Harries M. , Tosti A. , Bergfeld W. , Blume‐Peytavi U. , Shapiro J. , Lutz G. , Messenger A. , Sinclair R. , Paus R.
Published: December 2015

Background

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is a common non‐scarring alopecia characterized by widening of the midline hair part at the crown (vertex). In 1977, Ludwig developed a scale that graded the degree of visible vertex hair thinning from I (least severe) to III (most severe). However, by the time patients exhibit the full manifestations of ‘Ludwig I’, they have already lost a significant volume of hair. Although current therapies may realistically halt progression of hair loss, improvements in hair density is often more limited. Identification and grading of FPHL at an earlier stage is desirable to institute appropriate therapy before significant hair loss has occurred and to enable monitoring over time.

Aim

To generate consensus guidance for the recognition and quantification of FPHL that can be used in the clinic.

Methods

Nine clinicians from Europe, North America and Australia experienced in the management of FPHL developed this scale by consensus.

Results

We propose a three‐point severity scale (termed the FPHL Severity Index (FPHL‐SI)) that combines validated measures of hair shedding, midline hair density and scalp trichoscopy criteria to produce a total FPHL‐SI score (maximum score = 20). The score is designed to grade FPHL severity over time, while being sufficiently sensitive to identify early disease. A score of 0–4 makes FPHL unlikely; a score of 5–9 would indicate early‐stage FPHL, with higher scores indicating greater disease severity.

Conclusions

As a starting point for further public debate, we employ criteria already used in clinical practice to generate a pragmatic FPHL grading system (FPHL‐SI) of sufficient sensitivity to identify and monitor early FPHL changes. This may have to be further optimized after systematic validation in clinical practice.
The entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana has epiphytic and endophytic activity against the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta
Authors: Klieber J. , Reineke A.
Published: December 2015

The recent introduction and rapid spread of the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East poses a severe threat to future cultivation of tomato and other Solanaceae. Among the best practicable means for effective and sustainable control of this invasive insect pest are entomopathogenic fungi, which can either prevent a further spread of this insect to new areas or keep population densities below an economic threshold level. Here, we report on the efficacy of a commercially available mycoinsecticide based on the entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) against all four larval stages of T. absoluta. In bioassays, high mortality rates and significantly reduced longevity of larvae were obvious when larvae had fed for a period of around 15 days on leaves with B. bassiana propagules present on the surface as an epiphyte with mortality values corrected for variance in control mortality of 90–100%. In addition, a second mode of action of B. bassiana against T. absoluta larvae was evident in bioassays in the form of an endophytic establishment of this fungus in treated tomato plants. Longevity of T. absoluta L4 larvae was significantly lower in individuals which had fed on surface‐sterilized tomato leaves obtained from plants treated 18 days before the bioassay with a B. bassiana suspension compared to larvae feeding on control plants treated with water. Corrected mortality reached values between 30% and 50% for all larval instars. Growth of tomato plants was not inhibited due to colonization by endophytic B. bassiana and a weak systemic translocation of fungal propagules in non‐treated leaves was evident in the assays. Accordingly, entomopathogenic fungi like B. bassiana express different modes of action again target insect pests, which is of particular relevance for the design of efficient management strategies for invasive pests like T. absoluta.
3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine increases excitability in the dentate gyrus: role of 5HT2A receptor‐induced PGE2 signaling
Authors: Collins Stuart A. , Huff Courtney , Chiaia Nicolas , Gudelsky Gary A. , Yamamoto Bryan K.
Published: December 2015

3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a widely abused psychostimulant, which causes release of serotonin in various forebrain regions. Recently, we reported that MDMA increases extracellular glutamate concentrations in the dentate gyrus, via activation of 5HT2A receptors. We examined the role of prostaglandin signaling in mediating the effects of 5HT2A receptor activation on the increases in extracellular glutamate and the subsequent long‐term loss of parvalbumin interneurons in the dentate gyrus caused by MDMA. Administration of MDMA into the dentate gyrus of rats increased PGE2 concentrations which was prevented by coadministration of MDL100907, a 5HT2A receptor antagonist. MDMA‐induced increases in extracellular glutamate were inhibited by local administration of SC‐51089, an inhibitor of the EP1 prostaglandin receptor. Systemic administration of SC‐51089 during injections of MDMA prevented the decreases in parvalbumin interneurons observed 10 days later. The loss of parvalbumin immunoreactivity after MDMA exposure coincided with a decrease in paired‐pulse inhibition and afterdischarge threshold in the dentate gyrus. These changes were prevented by inhibition of EP1 and 5HT2A receptors during MDMA. Additional experiments revealed an increased susceptibility to kainic acid‐induced seizures in MDMA‐treated rats, which could be prevented with SC51089 treatments during MDMA exposure. Overall, these findings suggest that 5HT2A receptors mediate MDMA‐induced PGE2 signaling and subsequent increases in glutamate. This signaling mediates parvalbumin cell losses as well as physiologic changes in the dentate gyrus, suggesting that the lack of the inhibition provided by these neurons increases the excitability within the dentate gyrus of MDMA‐treated rats.

image

We hypothesized that the widely abused psychostimulant MDMA causes a loss of parvalbumin (PV) cells and increases excitability in the dentate gyrus. MDMA increases serotonin (5HT) release and activates 5HT2A receptors. The increased activation of 5HT2A receptors promotes the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and subsequent activation of EP1 receptors in the dentate gyrus. EP1 receptor activation leads to eventual excitotoxicity and loss of PV interneurons resulting in reduced inhibition and lowered seizure threshold resulting in increased seizure susceptibility.
Does Partner Responsiveness Predict Hedonic and Eudaimonic Well‐being? A 10‐Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Selcuk Emre , Gunaydin Gul , Ong Anthony D. , Almeida David M.
Published: December 2015

Motivated by attachment theory and recent conceptualizations of perceived partner responsiveness as a core feature of close relationships, the authors examined change in hedonic and eudaimonic well‐being over a decade in a sample of more than 2,000 married adults across the United States. Longitudinal analyses revealed that perceived partner responsiveness—the extent to which individuals believe that their partner cares for, appreciates, and understands them—predicted increases in eudaimonic well‐being a decade later. These results remained after controlling for initial hedonic and eudaimonic well‐being, age, gender, extraversion, neuroticism, and perceived responsiveness of family and friends. Affective reactivity, measured via an 8‐day diary protocol in a subset of the sample, partially mediated this longitudinal association. After controlling for covariates, perceived partner responsiveness did not prospectively predict hedonic well‐being. These findings are the first to document the long‐term benefits of perceived partner responsiveness on eudaimonic well‐being.
‘A ondi queras’: Ranchero identity construction by U.S. born Mexicans on Facebook
Authors: Sidury Christiansen M.
Published: December 2015

This study describes how transnational second‐generation Mexican bilinguals use a stigmatized variety of Mexican Spanish to communicate on Facebook and construct an identity. The stereotyped features of this variety index a ranchero identity. Historically, ranchero is an ambivalent identity for Mexican society in general. On the one hand, ranchero culture is a positive reminiscence of Mexico's agrarian past, while on the other, rancheros, along with indigenous Mexicans, are at the bottom of the hierarchy in Mexican society. A discourse‐centered, ethnographic analysis of digitally mediated conversations demonstrates how language use allows participants to reminisce about their collective past, maintain Mexican identities tied to their ancestors, fit their identities to contemporary U.S. Mexican culture, and distance themselves from the stigma associated with the ranchero background.
Limited sampling pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous ondansetron in healthy geriatric cats, cats with chronic kidney disease, and cats with liver disease
Authors: Fitzpatrick R. L. , Wittenburg L. A. , Hansen R. J. , Gustafson D. L. , Quimby J. M.
Published: December 2015

Ondansetron, a 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist, is an effective anti‐emetic in cats. The purpose of this study was to compare pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous (SQ) ondansetron in healthy geriatric cats to cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or liver disease using a limited sampling strategy. 60 cats participated; 20 per group. Blood was drawn 30 and 120 min following one 2 mg (mean 0.49 mg/kg, range 0.27–1.05 mg/kg) SQ dose of ondansetron. Ondansetron concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Drug exposure represented as area under the curve (AUC) was predicted using a limited sampling approach based on multiple linear regression analysis from previous full sampling studies, and clearance (CL/F) estimated using noncompartmental methods. Kruskal–Wallis anova was used to compare parameters between groups. Mean AUC (ng/mL·h) of subcutaneous ondansetron was 301.4 (geriatric), 415.2 (CKD), and 587.0 (liver). CL/F (L/h/kg) of SQ ondansetron was 1.157 (geriatric), 0.967 (CKD), and 0.795 (liver). AUC was significantly higher in liver and CKD cats when compared to geriatric cats (P < 0.05). CL/F in liver cats was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) compared to geriatric cats. In age‐matched subset analysis, AUC and CL/F in liver cats remained significantly different from geriatric cats.
Population differentiation and behavioural association of the two ‘personality’ genesDRD4andSERTin dunnocks (Prunella modularis)
Authors: Holtmann B. , Grosser S. , Lagisz M. , Johnson S. L. , Santos E. S. A. , Lara C. E. , Robertson B. C. , Nakagawa S.
Published: December 2015

Quantifying the variation in behaviour‐related genes within and between populations provides insight into how evolutionary processes shape consistent behavioural traits (i.e. personality). Deliberate introductions of non‐native species offer opportunities to investigate how such genes differ between native and introduced populations and how polymorphisms in the genes are related to variation in behaviour. Here, we compared the genetic variation of the two ‘personality’ genes,DRD4andSERT, between a native (United Kingdom,UK) and an introduced (New Zealand,NZ) population of dunnocks,Prunella modularis. TheNZpopulation showed a significantly lower number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) compared to theUKpopulation. StandardizedF’stestimates of the personality genes and neutral microsatellites indicate that selection (anthropogenic and natural) probably occurred during and post the introduction event. Notably, the largest genetic differentiation was found in the intronic regions of the genes. In theNZpopulation, we also examined the association between polymorphisms inDRD4andSERTand two highly repeatable behavioural traits: flight‐initiation distance and mating status (promiscuous females and cobreeding males). We found 38 significant associations (for different allele effect models) between the two behavioural traits and the studied genes. Further, 22 of the tested associations showed antagonistic allele effects for males and females. Our findings illustrate how introduction events and accompanying ecological changes could influence the genetic diversity of behaviour‐related genes.
Mouth cancer in inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Giagkou E , Christodoulou DK , Katsanos KH
Published: December 2015

Mouth cancer is a major health problem. Multiple risk factors for developing mouth cancer have been studied and include history of tobacco and alcohol abuse, age over 40, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, human papilloma virus infection (HPV), nutritional deficiencies, chronic irritation, and existence or oral potentially malignant lesions such as leukoplakia and lichen planus. An important risk factor for mouth cancer is chronic immunosuppression and has been extensively reported after solid organ transplantation as well as HIV‐infected patients. Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not yet considered as a risk factor for oral cancer development. However, a significant number of patients with IBD are receiving immunosuppressants and biological therapies which could represent potential oral oncogenic factors either by direct oncogenic effect or by continuous immunosuppression favoring carcinogenesis, especially in patients with HPV(+) IBD. Education on modifiable risk behaviors in patients with IBD is the cornerstone of prevention of mouth cancer. Oral screening should be performed for all patients with IBD, especially those who are about to start an immunosuppressant or a biologic.
A single amino acid substitution in the R3 domain of GLABRA1 leads to inhibition of trichome formation in Arabidopsis without affecting its interaction with GLABRA3
Authors: Dai Xuemei , Zhou Limei , Zhang Wei , Cai Ling , Guo Hongyan , Tian Hainan , Schiefelbein John , Wang Shucai
Published: December 2015

GLABRA1 (GL1) is an R2R3 MYB transcription factor that regulates trichome formation in Arabidopsis by interacting with the bHLH transcription factor GLABRA3 (GL3) or ENHANCER OF GL3 (EGL3). The conserved [D/E]L×2 [R/K]×3L×6L×3R amino acid signature in the R3 domain of MYB proteins has been shown to be required for the interaction of MYBs with R/B‐like bHLH transcription factors. By using genetic and molecular analyses, we show that the glabrous phenotype in the nph4‐1 mutant is caused by a single nucleotide mutation in the GL1 gene, generating a Ser to Phe substitution (S92F) in the conserved [D/E]L×2[R/K]×3L×6L×3R amino acid signature of GL1. Activation of the integrated GL2p:GUS reporter gene in protoplasts by cotransfection of GL1 and GL3 or EGL3 was abolished by this GL1‐S92F substitution. However, GL1‐S92F interacted successfully with GL3 or EGL3 in protoplast transfection assays. Unlike VPGL1GL3, the fusion protein VPGL1‐S92FGL3 failed to activate the integrated GL2p:GUS reporter gene in transfected protoplasts. These results suggested that the S92 in the conserved [D/E]L×2 [R/K]×3L×6L×3R amino acid signature of GL1 is not essential for the interaction of GL1 and GL3, but may play a role in the binding of GL1 to the promoters of its target genes.
Energy expenditure and growth failure after intestinal transplantation: A case report
Authors: Matthé Stefanie , Pirenne Jacques , Knops Noël
Published: December 2015

We present a 12‐yr‐old boy who received a combined liver–pancreas small bowel transplantation at the age of two. The post‐operative period was complicated by wound closure problems resulting in a large asymptomatic abdominal wall defect. Further follow‐up was uneventful, with the exception of new onset growth failure not explained by extensive routine investigations. An indirect calorimetry was performed. The resting energy expenditure (REE) was significantly increased (126% of predicted), demanding a daily caloric intake of 123 kcal/kg body weight (normal for age: 80 kcal/kg). In the absence of classic reasons for increased REE, a thermal camera revealed increased dermal heat loss at the abdominal wall defect (estimated surplus in energy loss of at least 29 kcal/day: 10.4% of the elevated REE). In addition, we found lower total lung capacity due to impaired abdominal breathing. In the exploration of growth failure in children after (ITx), increased REE must be taken into account. Indirect calorimetry can serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating individual energy requirements and nutritional support. In this child, exaggerated heat loss through an aberrant abdominal wall could be a potential important contributor to the patient's increased energy requirements.
Dem Measurements of A Gravel‐Bed Surface Using Two Scales of Images
Authors: Wang Chi‐Kuei , Chung Jui‐Teng , Lin Yu‐Li
Published: December 2015

Determining the geometry of an exposed gravel‐bed surface is important in understanding river flow characteristics. This study presents a method of generating a digital elevation model (DEM) of exposed gravel‐bed surfaces using two different scales of images of a riverine environment. The small scale DEM covers an area of 4·5 m × 4·5 m and serves as the reference base, whereas several large scale DEMs provide highly detailed elevation information along the site diagonals. The equipment includes a consumer‐grade camera and is light and easy to set up in the field. Highly automated procedures using several off‐the‐shelf packages ease the burden of generating DEMs of the gravel‐bed surface, reducing the technological obstacles for other disciplines. This study evaluates the accuracy of the proposed method at three study sites with different grain sizes along the Hou‐Jue River in southern Taiwan. The elevation accuracy obtained by the proposed method was validated by a total station and achieved a root mean square error of 2·9 to 4·3 mm.
Public perceptions of a white‐tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicillaL.) restoration program
Authors: Mayhew Michael , Convery Ian , Armstrong Roy , Sinclair Billy
Published: December 2015

The historic persecution and decline of European raptor populations precipitated the use of reintroduction as a species restoration tool in the late twentieth century. One of the key requirements of the World Conservation Union reintroduction guidelines concerns the need for social feasibility studies to explore the attitudes of local human populations toward restoration and reintroduction proposals. Ahead of any formal proposals to reintroduce white‐tailed sea eagles to Cumbria, United Kingdom, we conducted a baseline public attitudinal survey (n= 300). We identified broad public support for this reintroduction, which transcended differences in the demographic, geographic, and employment profiles of the study cohort. There was public recognition that white‐tailed sea eagles could deliver a broad range of socioeconomic and environmental benefits with few detrimental impacts. Although the value of attitudinal surveys of this nature has been questioned, we would argue that they provide a useful baseline “snapshot” ahead of a more structured and focused reintroduction consultation. These results reinforce the emergence of public interest in the restoration of European raptors in the late twentieth and early twenty‐first century.
To prosecute or not to prosecute: Law students' judicial decisions in CSA cases
Authors: Ernberg Emelie , Landström Sara
Published: December 2015

Child sexual abuse (CSA) investigations are complicated and few cases are prosecuted. The aim of the present study was to investigate judicial decisions in CSA investigations. Seventy‐one law students (42 females, 29 males) read a vignette depicting a CSA investigation, assessed the complainant's and the accused's credibility, and if the case should be prosecuted or not. The participants were assigned to one of four conditions defined by a 2 (evidence: high probative value vs. low probative value) × 2 (complainant demeanour: emotional vs. neutral) factorial design. Females assigned higher credibility to the complainant than did males and males assigned higher credibility to the accused than did females. Emotionality, but not evidential value, affected credibility judgements: Females believed less in the suspect when the child behaved in an emotional manner. Most participants (94.4%) thought that the case should be prosecuted, though only 73.2% believed that prosecution could be corroborated. Corroboration of prosecution was affected by evidential value, but not emotionality. The results indicate that the behavior of alleged crime victims might affect males and females differently, which in turn could lead to biased judicial decisions in CSA investigations.
N‐Glycan‐based ER Molecular Chaperone and Protein Quality Control System: The Calnexin Binding Cycle
Authors: Lamriben Lydia , Graham Jill B. , Adams Benjamin M. , Hebert Daniel N.
Published: December 2015

Helenius and colleagues proposed over 20‐years ago a paradigm‐shifting model for how chaperone binding in the endoplasmic reticulum was mediated and controlled for a new type of molecular chaperone‐ the carbohydrate‐binding chaperones, calnexin and calreticulin. While the originally established basics for this lectin chaperone binding cycle holds true today, there has been a number of important advances that have expanded our understanding of its mechanisms of action, role in protein homeostasis, and its connection to disease states that are highlighted in this review.
Effect of arterial [H+] on threshold PCO2 of the respiratory system in vagotomized and carotid sinus nerve denervated cats.
Authors: Kuwana S , Natsui T
Published: December 2015

Phrenic nerve discharges were recorded as an output of respiratory activity in anaesthetized, vagotomized cats immobilized by gallamine and artificially ventilated with room air. 2. With the carotid sinus nerve (c.s.n.) intact or denervated, PcO2 threshold levels (Pth, CO2) were determined at arterial pH, varied between 7.0 and 7.6 ([H+] 25‐100 nM) by successive intravenous infusions of 0.5 N‐HCl or 1.0 M‐NaHCO3. Ventilation was increased stepwise to induce a successive decrease in end‐tidal PCO2. Pth, CO2 was defined as the level of end‐tidal PCO2 at which phrenic discharges ceased. 3. With the c.s.n. intact, Pth, CO2 decreased linearly upon increasing arterial [H+]. The mean regression line, calculated from seven cats, was Pth, CO2 =‐0.37 [H+] + 34.33. A similar inverse relationship was observed with the c.s.n. denervated. However, the slope of the regression line was significantly smaller, the mean regression line/eleven cats) being Pth,CO2 =‐0.18 [H+]+ 35.06. 4. The relative contributions of arterial [H+] and PCO2 in stimulating the peripheral and central chemoreceptors could be estimated quantitatively. Arterial [H+] appears to be almost equally effective on both peripheral and central chemoreceptors; PCO2 acts exclusively on the central chemoreceptors. 5. Thus, the additive theory regarding the induction of respiratory activity by arterial [H+] and PCO2 was confirmed. In addition, the H+ drive was shown to be able to affect respiratory activity even in the absence of the peripheral chemoreceptors.
Science Signaling
Podcast for 15 December 2015: Hydrogen sulfide and inflammation in obesity
Authors: White Carl , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: December 2015

The gaseous signaling molecule H
2
S suppresses calcium signaling in adipose tissue macrophages to limit inflammation.
Getting all stressed out by vitamin C
Authors: Kiberstis Paula A.
Published: December 2015

Cancer cells with certain mutations take up the oxidized form of vitamin C, which fatally disrupts their metabolism.
Anti-inflammatory strategies reach for the SKY
Authors: Colmone Angela
Published: December 2015

The peptide SKY disrupts the interaction between the peptide HNP1 and the chemokine CCL5 on platelets, thereby reducing inflammation.
OutRANKing osteosarcoma
Authors: Nusinovich Yevgeniya
Published: December 2015

Denosumab, an antibody targeting RANKL, is effective against osteosarcoma in mouse models.
Protecting a guidance receptor from cleavage
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: December 2015

The transmembrane protein Lrig2 prevents premature shedding of the ectodomain of the guidance receptor Neogenin.
Signals from glia to neurons
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: December 2015

FGF2 released by NG2 glia and
D
-serine released by astrocytes regulate glutamatergic circuits.
Emergence of OXA-162 Carbapenemase- and DHA-1 AmpC Cephalosporinase-Producing Sequence Type 11 Klebsiella pneumoniae Causing Community-Onset Infection in Greece
Authors: Voulgari Evangelia , Poulou Aggeliki , Dimitroulia Evangelia , Politi Lida , Ranellou Kyriaki , Gennimata Vassiliki , Markou Fani , Pournaras Spyros , Tsakris Athanassios
Published: December 2015

OXA-48-like carbapenemases have only recently emerged in Europe. OXA-162 is a rare OXA-48 variant usually coexpressed with extended-spectrum β-lactamases. Here, we report the identification of the first OXA-162 carbapenemase-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolates, which coexpressed an AmpC cephalosporinase (DHA-1), retrieved from a patient in Greece. They belonged to a single sequence type (ST11) and caused the first documented community-onset urinary tract infections attributable to an OXA-48-like-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
strain.
Artemether-Lumefantrine Pharmacokinetics and Clinical Response Are Minimally Altered in Pregnant Ugandan Women Treated for Uncomplicated Falciparum Malaria
Authors: Nyunt Myaing M. , Nguyen Vy K. , Kajubi Richard , Huang Liusheng , Ssebuliba Joshua , Kiconco Sylvia , Mwima Moses W. , Achan Jane , Aweeka Francesca , Parikh Sunil , Mwebaza Norah
Published: December 2015

Artemether-lumefantrine is a first-line regimen for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Previous studies have reported changes in the pharmacokinetics and clinical outcomes following treatment with artemether-lumefantrine in pregnant women compared to nonpregnant adults; however, the results are inconclusive. We conducted a study in rural Uganda to compare the pharmacokinetics of artemether-lumefantrine and the treatment responses between 30 pregnant women and 30 nonpregnant adults with uncomplicated
Plasmodium falciparum
malaria. All participants were uninfected with HIV, treated with a six-dose regimen of artemether-lumefantrine, and monitored clinically for 42 days. The pharmacokinetics of artemether, its metabolite dihydroartemisinin, and lumefantrine were evaluated for 21 days following treatment. We found no significant differences in the overall pharmacokinetics of artemether, dihydroartemisinin, or lumefantrine in a direct comparison of pregnant women to nonpregnant adults, except for a statistically significant but small difference in the terminal elimination half-lives of both dihydroartemisinin and lumefantrine. There were seven PCR-confirmed reinfections (5 pregnant and 2 nonpregnant participants). The observation of a shorter terminal half-life for lumefantrine may have contributed to a higher frequency of reinfection or a shorter posttreatment prophylactic period in pregnant women than in nonpregnant adults. While the comparable overall pharmacokinetic exposure is reassuring, studies are needed to further optimize antimalarial efficacy in pregnant women, particularly in high-transmission settings and because of emerging drug resistance. (This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01717885.)
Virulence Genes in Expanded-Spectrum-Cephalosporin-Resistant and -Susceptible Escherichia coli Isolates from Treated and Untreated Chickens
Authors: Baron S. , Delannoy S. , Bougeard S. , Larvor E. , Jouy E. , Balan O. , Fach P. , Kempf I.
Published: December 2015

This study investigated antimicrobial resistance, screened for the presence of virulence genes involved in intestinal infections, and determined phylogenetic groups of
Escherichia coli
isolates from untreated poultry and poultry treated with ceftiofur, an expanded-spectrum cephalosporin. Results show that none of the 76 isolates appeared to be Shiga toxin-producing
E. coli
or enteropathogenic
E. coli
. All isolates were negative for the major virulence factors/toxins tested (
ehxA
,
cdt
, heat-stable enterotoxin [ST], and heat-labile enterotoxin [LT]). The few virulence genes harbored in isolates generally did not correlate with isolate antimicrobial resistance or treatment status. However, some of the virulence genes were significantly associated with certain phylogenetic groups.
Risk Factors and Outcomes for Intestinal Carriage of AmpC-Hyperproducing Enterobacteriaceae in Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Poignant Simon , Guinard Jérôme , Guigon Aurélie , Bret Laurent , Poisson Didier-Marc , Boulain Thierry , Barbier François
Published: December 2015

In a cohort of 1,209 intensive care unit (ICU) patients, the prevalence of intestinal colonization with high-level expressed AmpC cephalosporinase-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
(HLAC-PE) rose steadily from 2% at admission to 30% in patients with lengths of stay (LOS) exceeding 4 weeks. In multivariate analysis, LOS was the main predictor of carriage acquisition after adjustment on antimicrobial exposure. HLAC-PE infection occurred in 15% of carriers. Carriage and infection were associated with a marked increase in carbapenem consumption.
Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of Abiotrophia defectiva, Granulicatella adiacens, and Granulicatella elegans
Authors: Alberti Michael O. , Hindler Janet A. , Humphries Romney M.
Published: December 2015

Nutritionally variant streptococci (NVS) are fastidious Gram-positive cocci comprised of the species
Abiotrophia defectiva
,
Granulicatella adiacens
, and
Granulicatella elegans
. NVS are an important cause of bacteremia and infective endocarditis (IE) associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed for 14 antimicrobials using the broth microdilution MIC method described in the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M45 guideline. A total of 132 clinical NVS blood isolates collected from 2008 to 2014 were tested. Species level identification of NVS isolates was achieved by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and/or matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Ninety isolates were identified as
G. adiacens
, 37 as
A. defectiva
, and 5 as
G. elegans
. All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin (MIC
90
= 1 μg/ml), and none displayed high-level resistance to aminoglycosides.
G. adiacens
was considerably more susceptible to penicillin than
A. defectiva
(38.9% versus 10.8% of isolates susceptible) but was less susceptible to cephalosporins than was
A. defectiva
(43.3% versus 100% of isolates susceptible to ceftriaxone). Several isolates were resistant to levofloxacin (6%), erythromycin (51%), and clindamycin (10%). The MIC
90
for daptomycin was ≥4 μg/ml for
G. adiacens
and
A. defectiva
.
G. elegans
isolates were 100% susceptible to all antimicrobials tested, with the exception of erythromycin, to which only 20% were susceptible. This study provides antimicrobial susceptibility data for a recent collection of NVS and demonstrates important NVS species-related differences with respect to susceptibility to penicillin, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and daptomycin. Species-level identification of NVS organisms when susceptibility testing is not readily available may aid in treatment decisions.
Will Instructors Save Time Using a Specifications Grading System?Review of:
Specifications Grading: Restoring Rigor, Motivating Students, and Saving Faculty Time
; Linda Nilson and Claudia J. Stranny; (2014). Stylus Publishing, Sterling, VA. 184 pages.
Authors: Prescott Sarah G.
Published: December 2015

Review of: Specifications Grading: Restoring Rigor, Motivating Students, and Saving Faculty Time; Linda Nilson and Claudia J. Stranny; (2014). Stylus Publishing, Sterling, VA. 184 pages.
ASM Scientific Writing and Publishing Institute: Program Impacts and Future Expansion
Authors: Hulede Irene V. , Chang Amy
Published: December 2015

Scientific writing is one of the most essential skills in science. Writing has numerous benefits and is a critical skill for writing grants, theses, and manuscripts. The ability to publish research is as almost as important as conducting it. Writing and publishing scientific papers can be difficult for beginning researchers. To help trainees succeed in their efforts to publish, the ASM Committee on Graduate and Postdoctoral Education has offered the ASM Scientific Writing and Publishing Institute (SWPI) since 2010. In an effort to gain insight into longer-term outcomes and impacts, the Committee conducted a comprehensive survey in 2015 to assess five cohorts from 2010-2014.The comprehensive survey sought to measure the effectiveness, strengths, and weaknesses of the institute; to gather information on the achievements of its alumni; and to highlight opportunities to strengthen the program.
Reading, Writing, and Presenting Original Scientific Research: A Nine-Week Course in Scientific Communication for High School Students
Authors: Danka Elizabeth S. , Malpede Brian M.
Published: December 2015

High school students are not often given opportunities to communicate scientific findings to their peers, the general public, and/or people in the scientific community, and therefore they do not develop scientific communication skills. We present a nine-week course that can be used to teach high school students, who may have no previous experience, how to read and write primary scientific articles and how to discuss scientific findings with a broad audience. Various forms of this course have been taught for the past 10 years as part of an intensive summer research program for rising high school seniors that is coordinated by the Young Scientist Program at Washington University in St. Louis. The format presented here includes assessments for efficacy through both rubric-based methods and student self-assessment surveys.
Moss in the Classroom: A Tiny but Mighty Tool for Teaching Biology
Authors: Shortlidge Erin E. , Hashimoto James R.
Published: December 2015

Here we present a mechanism to infuse ecology into the classroom using a broadly adaptable system. We developed a novel moss-based project that introduces research-based experiences for middle school students, and can be modified for integration into K-16 classrooms. The project is ecologically relevant, facilliating opportunities for students to experience intimate interactions with ecosystem subtleties by asking their own questions. We describe and suggest how students can develop, build, test, and assess microcosm experiments of their own design, learning the process of science by “doing science.” Details on project execution, representative examples of distinctive research-question-based projects are presented. We aim for biology educators to adopt, replicate, modify, and formally assess this relatively simple, low-cost moss-based project across classroom levels. The project provides a chance for students to experience the complexity of a dynamic ecosystem via a research project of their own design as they practice basic tenets of scientific discovery.

Editor's Note:

The ASM advocates that students must successfully demonstrate the ability to explain and practice safe laboratory techniques. For more information, read the laboratory safety section of the ASM Curriculum Recommendations: Introductory Course in Microbiology and the Guidelines for Biosafety in Teaching Laboratories, available at www.asm.org. The Editors of JMBE recommend that adopters of the protocols included in this article follow a minimum of Biosafety Level 1 practices. Adopters who wish to culture microbes from the moss as an extension of this protocol should follow Biosafety Level 2 practices.
A Comparison of Two Low-Stakes Methods for Administering a Program-Level Biology Concept Assessment
Authors: Couch Brian A. , Knight Jennifer K.
Published: December 2015

Concept assessments are used commonly in undergraduate science courses to assess student learning and diagnose areas of student difficulty. While most concept assessments align with the content of individual courses or course topics, some concept assessments have been developed for use at the programmatic level to gauge student progress and achievement over a series of courses or an entire major. The broad scope of a program-level assessment, which exceeds the content of any single course, creates several test administration issues, including finding a suitable time for students to take the assessment and adequately incentivizing student participation. These logistical considerations must also be weighed against test security and the ability of students to use unauthorized resources that could compromise test validity. To understand how potential administration methods affect student outcomes, we administered the Molecular Biology Capstone Assessment (MBCA) to three pairs of matched upper-division courses in two ways: an online assessment taken by students outside of class and a paper-based assessment taken during class. We found that overall test scores were not significantly different and that individual item difficulties were highly correlated between these two administration methods. However, in-class administration resulted in reduced completion rates of items at the end of the assessment. Taken together, these results suggest that an online, outside-of-class administration produces scores that are comparable to a paper-based, in-class format and has the added advantages that instructors do not have to dedicate class time and students are more likely to complete the entire assessment.