bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CLIL subject selection and young learners’ listening and reading comprehension skills
Authors: Pladevall‐Ballester Elisabet
Published: October 2014

This study compares the development of English receptive skills of two groups of Spanish primary school children who were exposed to two different content and language integrated learning (CLIL) subjects, science and arts and crafts (A&C), during two academic years. Participants were also divided into level groups to explore if their level of English at the beginning of the study influenced language development. Science students generally obtained better results than A&C students but such differences became significant only in the case of listening skills after a certain amount of exposure had been accumulated, once the CLIL implementation process was over and all stakeholders had adapted to it. Low achievers improved more than stronger students and benefitted more from Science than from A&C CLIL, particularly in relation to their listening comprehension skills.
Extrusion of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) meal and its effect on oil extraction
Authors: Yin Fa‐Wen , Liu Xiao‐Yang , Fan Xin‐Ru , Zhou Da‐Yong , Xu Wen‐Si , Zhu Bei‐Wei , Murata Yoshi‐Yuki
Published: October 2014

Antarctic krill meal as well as mixed krill meal and starches were extruded through a twin‐screw extruder. The extrudates were hard and porous agglomerates. The pellets still showed intact structure without obvious disintegration in response to hexane extraction. The oil recovery rates for raw krill meal and the extrudate of single krill meal were 55.08% and 59.08%, respectively. For extrudates, oil recovery rate increased along with the increasing additive amount of starches, with a maximum of 83.13%. Oil extracted from raw krill meal contained 49.30% of triglycerides (TG), 44.16% of phospholipids (PL), 1.45% of free fatty acids (FFA) and 4.69% of cholesterols (CHO). Meanwhile, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and saturated fatty acids (SFA) account for 20.89%, 37.84% and 41.27% of the total fatty acids, respectively. By contrast, oils extracted from extrudates contained more TG but less PL and more SFA but less PUFA.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with the use of interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C infection complicated by extrinsic left main coronary artery compression
Authors: Anderson R. D. , Thompson A. , Burns A. T.
Published: October 2014

Interferon‐alpha treatment is a rare cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We report a case of a 43‐year‐old man treated for chronic hepatitis C infection complicated by decompensated right heart failure diagnosed with PAH and external coronary artery compression secondary to a dilated pulmonary trunk. The novel complication of extrinsic coronary artery compression should be considered in PAH patients presenting with chest pain or acute coronary syndrome. Establishing a diagnosis has clinical value as pulmonary vasodilator therapy may improve symptoms.
An unequivocal good? Acknowledging the complexities of advance care planning
Authors: Robins‐Browne K. , Palmer V. , Komesaroff P.
Published: October 2014

Over the past few decades advance care planning (ACP) has become the subject of debate, research and legislation in many countries. Encouraging people to express their preference for treatment in advance, ideally in written form, seems a natural way to identify what someone might have wanted when they can no longer participate in decision‐making. The notion of ACP as an unequivocal good permeates much of the research and policy work in this area. For example, ACP is now actively encouraged in Australian federal and state government policies and the Victorian Government has recently published a practical ACP strategy for Victorian health services (2014–2018). However, advance care plan is ethically complex and the introduction of the Victorian health services strategy provides an opportunity to reflect on this complexity, particularly on the benefits and risks of ACP.
Transcriptional profile in afferent lymph cells following vaccination with liposomes incorporating CpG
Authors: Neeland Melanie R. , Elhay Martin J. , Powell David R. , Rossello Fernando J. , Meeusen Els N. T. , de Veer Michael J.
Published: October 2014

Vaccine formulations incorporating innate immune stimulants are highly immunogenic; however, the biological signals that originate in the peripheral tissues at the site of injection and are transmitted to the local lymph node to induce immunity remain unclear. By directly cannulating the ovine afferent lymphatic vessels, we have previously shown that it takes 72 hr for mature antigen‐loaded dendritic cells and monocytes to appear within afferent lymph following injection of a liposomal formulation containing the Toll‐like receptor ligand CpG. In this present study, we characterize the global transcriptional signatures at this time‐point in ovine afferent lymph cells as they migrate from the injection site into the lymphatics following vaccination with a liposome antigen formulation incorporating CpG. We show that at 72 hr post vaccination, liposomes alone induce no changes in gene expression and inflammatory profiles within afferent lymph; however, the incorporation of CpG drives interferon, antiviral and cytotoxic gene programmes. This study also measures the expression of key genes within individual cell types in afferent lymph. Antiviral gene signatures are most prominent in lymphocytes, which may play a significant and unexpected role in sustaining the immune response to vaccination at the site of injection. These findings provide a comprehensive analysis of the in vivo immunological pathways that connect the injection site with the local draining lymph node following vaccination.
Survival of Gunnison sage‐grouse Centrocercus minimus in Colorado, USA
Authors: Davis Amy J. , Phillips Michael L. , Doherty Paul F.
Published: October 2014

Gunnison sage‐grouse Centrocercus minimus has declined from their historic range and recent monitoring has provided evidence that some populations are continuing to decline. The evaluation of long‐term, population‐specific survival rates is important to assess population stability, and is necessary for conservation of this species of concern. We evaluated adult and yearling survival in two dynamically different populations of Gunnison sage‐grouse (a relatively large, more stable population and a small, declining population). Our goal was to examine the relationship between annual survival and population, and test hypotheses with regards to temporal effects (across years and within year) and individual effects (sex and age). We also evaluated the effects of snow depth on sage‐grouse survival. We tracked 214 radiomarked birds in the large population from 2005–2010 and 25 birds in the small population from 2007–2010. We found no evidence for a difference in survival between yearlings and adults nor did we find an influence of snow depth on survival. Males had the lowest survival during the lekking season (March–April); females had lower survival during the nesting and chick rearing season (May–July) and late‐summer and fall (August–October). The annual survival rate was 0.61 (SE 0.06) for females and 0.39 (SE 0.08) for males. Survival was constant across years and between the populations suggesting observed population changes during this time period are not a result of changes in adult survival.
Placental hypoxic overlap lesions: A clinicoplacental correlation
Authors: Stanek Jerzy
Published: October 2014

Aim

This retrospective analysis is aimed to study clinical and placental associations of placental acute, chronic, and acute‐on‐chronic (overlap) hypoxic lesions.

Material and Methods

Frequencies of 32 clinical (maternal and fetal) and 47 placental (gross and microscopic) phenotypes were compared by the Yates χ2 with the Holm–Bonferroni correction among consecutive placentas from 2831 ≥16‐week gestations: 778 placentas with chronic hypoxic lesion(s) (diffuse patterns of hypoxic placental injury, chorangiosis, excessive extravillous trophoblasts, microscopic chorionic pseudocysts, clusters of decidual multinucleate trophoblasts), 481 placentas with acute hypoxic lesion(s) (infarction, intravillous hemorrhage, deep meconium penetration, membrane laminar necrosis), 585 placentas with hypoxic overlap lesion(s) (coexisting at least one lesion from each of the above groups), and 987 placentas without placental hypoxic lesions, adjusted for gestational age.

Results

The control group was dominated by premature rupture of membranes, inflammatory pattern of placental injury, and poor prenatal care. The fetal and placental hypoxic patterns were associated not only with increased frequency of clinical hypoxia‐associated conditions, but also abnormal umbilical cord coiling, intervillous thrombi, retroplacental hematomas, and placental features of fetal thrombotic vasculopathy, particularly in association with hypoxic overlap lesions.

Conclusion

Placental hypoxic overlap lesions are associated with clinical complications of pregnancy and predispose to thrombotic lesions, some most likely stasis‐induced.
Ewing's sarcoma/peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the uterus confirmed with fluorescence in situ hybridization in a 29‐year‐old Chinese female: A case report and published work review
Authors: Yi Tianjin , Wang Ping , Lin Lin , Jiang Wei
Published: October 2014

Ewing's sarcoma/peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors (ES/pPNET) are a group of small round cell sarcomas that show varying degrees of neuroectodermal differentiation characterized by translocation involving the EWS gene. Uterine ES/pPNET is a rare entity. A 29‐year‐old Chinese female who presented with abdominal swelling and pain was diagnosed with a primary uterine ES/pPNET on the basis of clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) data. She was given a multimodal treatment, including neoadjuvant, 95% cytoreductive, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The patient is currently alive with persistent disease after 18 months of follow‐up. We emphasized the crucial role of molecular techniques in the differential diagnosis of small round cell tumors in this unusual location. Multimodal therapy may improve the outcomes of patients.
Music therapy for service users with dementia: a critical review of the literature
Authors: Blackburn R. , Bradshaw T.
Published: October 2014

Accessible summary

Dementia is a progressive illness that to date has no cure and currently affects over 35 million people worldwide. This figure is predicted to increase significantly over the next two decades.

There is growing interest in identifying non‐pharmacological therapies effective in improving quality of life and reducing challenging behaviours with a dementia client group.

Our objective is to identify if music therapy is a beneficial therapy for use with dementia patients.

We conducted a review of the literature and concluded that the studies show promising results, but because of poor methodological quality further research would be recommended.

Dementia is an organic mental health problem that has been estimated to affect over 23 million people worldwide. With increasing life expectancy in most countries, it has been estimated that the prevalence of dementia will continue to significantly increase in the next two decades. Dementia leads to cognitive impairments most notably short‐term memory loss and impairments in functioning and quality of life (QOL). National policy in the UK advocates the importance of early diagnosis, treatment and social inclusion in maintaining a good QOL. First‐line treatment options often involve drug therapies aimed at slowing down the progression of the illness and antipsychotic medication to address challenging behaviours. To date, research into non‐pharmacological interventions has been limited. In this manuscript, we review the literature that has reported evaluations of the effects of music therapy, a non‐pharmacological intervention. The results of six studies reviewed suggest that music therapy may have potential benefits in reducing anxiety, depression and agitated behaviour displayed by elderly people with dementia as well as improving cognitive functioning and QOL. Furthermore, music therapy is a safe and low‐cost intervention that could potentially be offered by mental health nurses and other carers working in residential settings.
Topically Applied NO-Releasing Nanoparticles Can Increase Intracorporal Pressure and Elicit Spontaneous Erections in a Rat Model of Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Tar Moses , Cabrales Pedro , Navati Mahantesh , Adler Brandon , Nacharaju Parimala , Friedman Adam J. , Friedman Joel , Davies Kelvin P.
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) refractory to phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, which act downstream of cavernous nerve (CN)-mediated release of nitric oxide (NO). Direct delivery of NO to the penis could potentially circumvent this limitation.

Aim

This study aimed to determine if topically applied NO-releasing nanoparticles (NO-NPs) could elicit erections in a rat model of RP through increased blood flow.

Methods

Twenty-six Sprague Dawley rats underwent bilateral transection of the CN. One week later, NO-NPs were applied topically to the penile shaft in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) gel (10 animals) or coconut oil (6 animals). Control animals were treated with empty NPs. Erectile function was determined through the intracorporal pressure/blood pressure ratio (ICP/BP). The effect of the NO-NPs on blood flow was determined using a hamster dorsal window chamber.

Main Outcome Measures

Animals were investigated for spontaneous erections, onset and duration of erectile response, and basal ICP/BP ratio. Microcirculatory blood flow was determined through measurements of arteriolar and venular diameter and red blood cell velocity.

Results

Eight of 10 animals treated with NO-NPs suspended in DMSO gel had significant increases in basal ICP/BP, and 6 out of these 10 animals demonstrated spontaneous erections of approximately 1 minute in duration. Time to onset of spontaneous erections ranged from 5 to 37 minutes, and they occurred for at least 45 minutes. Similar results were observed with NO-NPs applied in coconut oil. No erectile response was observed in control animal models treated with empty NPs. The hamster dorsal window chamber experiment demonstrated that NO-NPs applied as a suspension in coconut oil caused a significant increase in the microcirculatory blood flow, sustained over 90 minutes.

Conclusions

Topically applied NO-NPs induced spontaneous erections and increased basal ICP in an animal model of RP. These effects are most likely due to increased microcirculatory blood flow. These characteristics suggest that NO-NPs would be useful in penile rehabilitation of patients following RP.
Relationship of Plasma N‐terminal Pro‐brain Natriuretic Peptide Concentrations to Heart Failure Classification and Cause of Respiratory Distress in Dogs Using a 2nd Generation ELISA Assay
Authors: Fox P.R. , Oyama M.A. , Hezzell M.J. , Rush J.E. , Nguyenba T.P. , DeFrancesco T.C. , Lehmkuhl L.B. , Kellihan H.B. , Bulmer B. , Gordon S.G. , Cunningham S.M. , MacGregor J. , Stepien R.L. , Lefbom B. , Adin D. , Lamb K.
Published: October 2014

Background

Cardiac biomarkers provide objective data that augments clinical assessment of heart disease (HD).

Hypothesis/Objectives

Determine the utility of plasma N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide concentration [NT‐proBNP] measured by a 2nd generation canine ELISA assay to discriminate cardiac from noncardiac respiratory distress and evaluate HD severity.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs (n = 291).

Methods

Multicenter, cross‐sectional, prospective investigation. Medical history, physical examination, echocardiography, and thoracic radiography classified 113 asymptomatic dogs (group 1, n = 39 without HD; group 2, n = 74 with HD), and 178 with respiratory distress (group 3, n = 104 respiratory disease, either with or without concurrent HD; group 4, n = 74 with congestive heart failure [CHF]). HD severity was graded using International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council (ISACHC) and ACVIM Consensus (ACVIM‐HD) schemes without knowledge of [NT‐proBNP] results. Receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis assessed the capacity of [NT‐proBNP] to discriminate between dogs with cardiac and noncardiac respiratory distress. Multivariate general linear models containing key clinical variables tested associations between [NT‐proBNP] and HD severity.

Results

Plasma [NT‐proBNP] (median; IQR) was higher in CHF dogs (5,110; 2,769–8,466 pmol/L) compared to those with noncardiac respiratory distress (1,287; 672–2,704 pmol/L; P < .0001). A cut‐off >2,447 pmol/L discriminated CHF from noncardiac respiratory distress (81.1% sensitivity; 73.1% specificity; area under curve, 0.84). A multivariate model comprising left atrial to aortic ratio, heart rate, left ventricular diameter, end‐systole, and ACVIM‐HD scheme most accurately associated average plasma [NT‐proBNP] with HD severity.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Plasma [NT‐proBNP] was useful for discriminating CHF from noncardiac respiratory distress. Average plasma [NT‐BNP] increased significantly as a function of HD severity using the ACVIM‐HD classification scheme.
The Role of Hypothyroidism in the Etiology and Progression of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Doberman Pinschers
Authors: Beier P. , Reese S. , Holler P.J. , Simak J. , Tater G. , Wess G.
Published: October 2014

Background

Hypothyroidism and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are both common diseases in Doberman Pinschers. A possible influence of hypothyroidism on the etiology and progression ofDCMis controversial.

Objectives

Evaluation of the role of hypothyroidism in etiology and progression ofDCM.

Animals

A total of 175 Doberman Pinschers.

Methods

In this longitudinal prospective study, echocardiography and 24‐hour ambulatory ECG recordings were performed in all dogs as screening tests for DCM. Total thyroxine (TT4) and thyroid ultrasonography served as initial screening tests for hypothyroidism and low TT4values were followed up by a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test or free total thyroxine (fT4)/cTSHmeasurements. Additionally, a follow‐up study of dogs affected by bothDCMand hypothyroidism under optimal treatment for hypothyroidism was conducted.

Results

A total of 107 dogs were healthy, 45 dogs hadDCM, 11 hypothyroidism, and 12 dogs had bothDCMand hypothyroidism.TT4values as well as the thyroid volumes were equivalent in the healthy dogs and in those withDCM. Neither ventricular premature complexes nor echocardiographic parameters differed between healthy and hypothyroid dogs. Dogs withDCMhad a 2.26‐fold (CI0.95 = 1.1–4.8) higher risk of also being affected by hypothyroidism. Despite optimal thyroid treatment of dogs with hypothyroidism andDCM, there was a progression of the heart disease.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This study did not confirm a role of hypothyroidism in the etiology or progression ofDCM. Treatment of hypothyroidism did not improve the clinical outcome.
Omega‐3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Provides an Additional Benefit to a Low‐Dust Diet in the Management of Horses with Chronic Lower Airway Inflammatory Disease
Authors: Nogradi N. , Couetil L.L. , Messick J. , Stochelski M.A. , Burgess J.R.
Published: October 2014

Background

Omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) may benefit humans and animals with chronic inflammatory diseases.

Hypothesis

Omega‐3PUFAsupplementation improves clinical signs, lung function, and airway inflammation in horses with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) and inflammatory airway disease (IAD).

Animals

Eight research horses and 35 client‐owned horses.

Methods

A pilot study examined the dose ofPUFAthat can alter plasmaPUFAcomposition. Then, a randomized, controlled clinical trial was performed in horses withRAOandIAD. Horses were fed a complete pelleted diet with no hay and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 daily treatments for 2 months: 30 or 60 g of the supplement or 30 g of placebo. Clinical signs, lung function, plasmaPUFAcomposition, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology were evaluated. Data were expressed as median (25–75th percentiles).P < .05 was considered significant.

Results

Polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation resulted in increased plasma docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that peaked at 4 weeks. Clinical improvement was noted in all horses involved in the clinical trial, but the group that receivedPUFAhad greater improvement in clinical signs (cough score improved 60%), lung function (respiratory effort decreased 48%), andBALF(neutrophils decreased from 23 to 9%) when compared to placebo (cough score improved 33%, respiratory effort decreased 27%,BALFneutrophils increased from 11 to 17%;P < .05).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Feeding horses withRAOandIADaPUFAsupplement containing 1.5–3 gDHAfor 2 months provides an additional benefit to low‐dust diet.
Impact of combination antiretroviral therapy in the NOD.c3c4 mouse model of autoimmune biliary disease
Authors: Sharon David , Chen Min , Zhang Guangzhi , Girgis Safwat , Sis Banu , Graham Don , McDougall Chelsea , Wasilenko Shawn T. , Montano‐Loza Aldo , Mason Andrew L.
Published: October 2014

Background & Aims

The NOD.c3c4 mouse model develops autoimmune biliary disease characterized by spontaneous granulomatous cholangitis, antimitochondrial antibodies and liver failure. This model for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) has evidence of biliary infection with mouse mammary tumour virus (MMTV), suggesting that the virus may have a role in cholangitis development and progression of liver disease in this mouse model. We tested the hypothesis that MMTV infection is associated with cholangitis in the NOD.c3c4 mouse model by investigating whether antiretroviral therapy impacts on viral levels and liver disease.

Methods

NOD.c3c4 mice were treated with combination antiretroviral therapy. Response to treatment was studied by measuring MMTV RNA in the liver, liver enzyme levels in serum and liver histology using a modified Ishak score.

Results

Combination therapy with the reverse transcriptase inhibitors, tenofovir and emtricitabine, resulted in a significant reduction in serum liver enzyme levels, attenuation of cholangitis and decreased MMTV levels in the livers of NOD.c3c4 mice. Furthermore, treatment with the retroviral protease inhibitors, lopinavir and ritonavir, in addition to the reverse transcriptase inhibitors, resulted in further decrease in MMTV levels and attenuation of liver disease in this model.

Conclusions

The attenuation of cholangitis with regimens containing the reverse transcriptase inhibitors, tenofovir and emtricitabine, and the protease inhibitors, lopinavir and ritonavir, suggests that retroviral infection may play a role in the development of cholangitis in this model.
On the advantage of sharing a holdfast: effects of density and occurrence of kin aggregation in the kelp Lessonia berteroana
Authors: Segovia Nicolás I. , Vásquez Julio A. , Faugeron Sylvain , Haye Pilar A.
Published: October 2014

We investigated the density‐dependent and genetic relatedness that regulate the occurrence of inter‐individual (genet) fusion forming plurigenotypic organisms in the brown alga Lessonia berteroana. Recruitment generally occurs at high densities in the inter‐tidal, allowing contact of neighbouring holdfasts as they grow and expand on the substrate. Algal density, by contrast, is regulated by the effects of herbivory and wave impact, which often lead to low holdfast density. Herein, we investigated whether the occurrence of plurigenotypic organisms and their genotypic composition (number of genotypes per plurigenotypic organism) are density dependent and affected by kin selection in the inter‐tidal kelp L. berteroana. Four microsatellite loci were used to analyse DNA from 260 samples obtained from shared and non‐shared holdfasts, at two sites with high and two site with low holdfast density. Analyses showed that fusions forming plurigenotypic organisms are extremely common. Interestingly, the frequency of fusions was higher in low‐density sites, in which 100% of the plants had at least two genotypes and the average was 3.5. In high‐density sites, 62% of plants were plurigenotypic, with an average of 2.8 genotypes per plant. Additionally, we found that genotypes that shared a holdfast had a significantly higher genetic relatedness than the average in the population, compatible with a kin structure. Density dependence and kin structure suggest that the occurrence of plurigenotypic organisms is linked to environmental quality, and that kin or multilevel selection may be favouring the fusion of genetically related genets.
Territory configuration moderates the frequency of extra‐group mating in superb fairy‐wrens
Authors: Bain Glen C. , Hall Michelle L. , Mulder Raoul A.
Published: October 2014

The frequency of extra‐pair paternity (EPP) in socially monogamous birds varies substantially between and within species, but ecological drivers of this variation remain poorly understood. Habitat configuration could influence EPP by moderating access to extra‐pair mates, because species occupying territories in a clustered ‘honeycomb’ configuration have a larger pool of potential extra‐group mates in their immediate neighbourhood than those living in linearly arranged territories (e.g. along narrow strips of riparian or fragmented habitat). We exploited variation in the spatial arrangement of territories due to anthropogenic modification of habitat of the cooperatively breeding superb fairy‐wren Malurus cyaneus to test whether habitat configuration influenced the frequency of EPP. In this species, most paternity is obtained by males outside the social group [extra‐group paternity (EGP)]. We found that the frequency of EGP among groups living in linear strips of roadside vegetation (41% of 44 offspring) was lower than it was for groups living in clustered territories within continuous habitat (59% of 70 offspring). Differences in group size and pair relatedness did not explain differences in EGP associated with territory configuration, although the frequency of EGP was negatively correlated with pair relatedness. Our finding suggests that territory configuration can influence rates of EGP and that anthropogenic habitat fragmentation has the potential to limit access to extra‐pair mates, affecting mating systems and ultimately fitness.
Nucleo‐cytoplasmic shuttling dynamics of the transcriptional regulators XYR1 and CRE1 under conditions of cellulase and xylanase gene expression in Trichoderma reesei
Authors: Lichius Alexander , Seidl‐Seiboth Verena , Seiboth Bernhard , Kubicek Christian P.
Published: October 2014

Trichoderma reesei is a model for investigating the regulation of (hemi‐)cellulase gene expression. Cellulases are formed adaptively, and the transcriptional activator XYR1 and the carbon catabolite repressor CRE1 are main regulators of their expression. We quantified the nucleo‐cytoplasmic shuttling dynamics of GFP‐fusion proteins of both transcription factors under cellulase and xylanase inducing conditions, and correlated their nuclear presence/absence with transcriptional changes. We also compared their subcellular localization in conidial germlings and mature hyphae. We show that cellulase gene expression requires de novo biosynthesis of XYR1 and its simultaneous nuclear import, whereas carbon catabolite repression is regulated through preformed CRE1 imported from the cytoplasmic pool. Termination of induction immediately stopped cellulase gene transcription and was accompanied by rapid nuclear degradation of XYR1. In contrast, nuclear CRE1 rapidly decreased upon glucose depletion, and became recycled into the cytoplasm. In mature hyphae, nuclei containing activated XYR1 were concentrated in the colony center, indicating that this is the main region of XYR1 synthesis and cellulase transcription. CRE1 was found to be evenly distributed throughout the entire mycelium. Taken together, our data revealed novel aspects of the dynamic shuttling and spatial bias of the major regulator of (hemi‐)cellulase gene expression, XYR1, in T. reesei.
A sweet new role for LCP enzymes in protein glycosylation
Authors: Amer Brendan R. , Clubb Robert T.
Published: October 2014

The peptidoglycan that surrounds Gram‐positive bacteria is affixed with a range of macromolecules that enable the microbe to effectively interact with its environment. Distinct enzymes decorate the cell wall with proteins and glycopolymers. Sortase enzymes covalently attach proteins to the peptidoglycan, while LytR‐CpsA‐Psr (LCP) proteins are thought to attach teichoic acid polymers and capsular polysaccharides. Ton‐That and colleagues have discovered a new glycosylation pathway in the oral bacterium Actinomyces oris in which sortase and LCP enzymes operate on the same protein substrate. The A. oris LCP protein has a novel function, acting on the cell surface to transfer glycan macromolecules to a protein, which is then attached to the cell wall by a sortase. The reactions are tightly coupled, as elimination of the sortase causes the lethal accumulation of glycosylated protein in the membrane. Since sortase enzymes are attractive drug targets, this novel finding may provide a convenient cell‐based tool to discover inhibitors of this important enzyme family.
Immunolocalization of platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐β (PDGFR‐β) and pericytes in cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL)
Authors: Craggs Lucinda J.L. , Fenwick Richard , Oakley Arthur E. , Ihara Masafumi , Kalaria Raj N.
Published: October 2014

Aims

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is identified by aggregates of NOTCH3 extracellular domain (N3ECD) along capillaries and the deposition of granular osmiophilic material (GOM). We assessed the pattern of distribution of pericytes in relation to N3ECD deposits in cerebral microvessels of CADASIL subjects.

Methods

We assessed post mortem brains from (n = 50) subjects with CADASIL, cerebral small vessel disease, and similar‐age cognitively normal and older controls. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent staining methods were used to study the distribution and quantify immunoreactivities of the platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐β (PDGFR‐β) (for pericytes) and microvascular markers in the frontal cortex and white matter.

Results

PDGFR‐β antibody stained cells typical of pericytes in capillaries and small arterioles in both the grey and white matter. PDGFR‐β reactive pericytes adopted ‘crescent’ morphology wrapped closely around capillary walls readily evident in cross‐sections. We noted considerable overlap between PDGFR‐β and N3ECD imunoreactivities in capillaries. Quantitative analysis of PDGFR‐β immunoreactivity revealed significant differences in PDGFR‐β %A in CADASIL compared with young controls (P < 0.05). PDGFR‐β %A was further positively correlated with the basement membrane marker collagen IV (r = 0.529, P = 0.009), but was not associated with GLUT‐1, the marker for endothelial cells.

Conclusions

Our results suggest increased expression of PDGFR‐β immunoreactive pericytes in cerebral microvessels in CADASIL compared with similar age controls. While we cannot confirm whether PDGFR‐β‐expressing pericytes produce N3ECD and hence GOM, our findings demonstrate that up‐regulation of pericyte‐like cells is associated with microvascular changes, including loss of vascular smooth muscle cells in CADASIL.
Is the balance between competition and facilitation a driver of the patch dynamics in arid vegetation mosaics?
Authors: Cipriotti Pablo A. , Aguiar Martín R.
Published: October 2014

In most arid ecosystems, the vegetation is organized into two‐phase mosaics, where high‐cover vegetation patches are interspersed in a matrix of low plant cover. We studied the role of the biotic interaction balance (competition/facilitation) between shrubs and grasses as a driver of patch dynamics and maintenance of two‐phase vegetation mosaics. Following Watt's seminal model, we conducted two field experiments in which we manipulated different vegetation patches to obtain the different stages along the building and degradation dynamics of high‐cover patches. In addition we applied two possible belowground competition treatments (natural and experimentally reduced). We measured plant variables (emergence, survival, height, flower culms) on grass seedlings and transplants. We integrated all plant measurements into a single positive and negative component, to calculate the net balance along three stages of the patch dynamics proposed. The net biotic interaction balance was negative during the early and mature stages of high‐cover patches because the average standardized effect from the negative component was below −0.44, while the positive component was not different from zero. However, the net biotic interaction balance was positive during the degraded stages of high‐cover patches because the negative average component was −0.37, while the positive component reached 0.58. The negative net effects during early and mature stages of high‐cover patches can be explained by the occurrence of wet years, because high rainfalls hide the aboveground facilitation. Our findings point out the importance of complementary mechanisms to the interaction balance in the mosaic maintenance (e.g. trapping of seeds by shrubs) according to the inter‐annual rainfall variability.
Beyond Elites: ReassessingIrishIronAge Society
Authors: Dolan Brian
Published: October 2014

The past two decades have seen an expansion of archaeological activity on the island ofIreland that has transformed our knowledge and understanding of most periods inIrish prehistory and history. However,IronAge sites and artefacts remain rare finds and are often ephemeral, particularly in the case of settlements. It is now clear that the peculiarly sparse record of theIrishIronAge is genuinely representative of the surviving archaeology. It is also clear that this evidence does not fit the traditional ‘Celtic’ picture of warrior elites, druids and tribal hierarchies imported from other regions and later insular texts. This paper proposes an alternative model for theIrishIronAge of the first millenniumBC, one that centres on nomadism and heterarchy.
Reassessing the Oppida: The Role of Power and Religion
Authors: Fernández‐Götz Manuel
Published: October 2014

For a long time, the origins and development of Late Iron Age oppida were viewed from predominantly economic perspectives and as dependent on contacts with the Mediterranean world. However, advances in research in recent decades make it necessary to qualify and reassess many of the traditional interpretations of the genesis and functions of these centres, one of the most striking phenomena of the last two centuries BC. This article emphasizes the political and religious role of continental European oppida, understanding them as a new ‘technology of power’, which enabled a more hierarchical and centralizing ideology to be articulated. Moreover, new evidence suggests that many oppida may have had their origin in spaces for ritual gatherings. The result is a new interpretation of the genesis and characteristics of Late Iron Age centralization processes.
Finding Vikings in the Danelaw
Authors: Buckberry Jo , Montgomery Janet , Towers Jacqueline , Müldner Gundula , Holst Malin , Evans Jane , Gledhill Andrew , Neale Naomi , Lee‐Thorp Julia
Published: October 2014

Historical, artefactual and place‐name evidence indicates thatScandinavian migrants moved to easternEngland in the ninth centuryAD, settling in theDanelaw. However, only a handful of characteristicallyScandinavian burials have been found in the region. One, widely held, explanation is that most of theseScandinavian settlers quickly adopted localChristian burial customs, thus leavingScandinavians indistinguishable from theAnglo‐Saxon population. We undertook osteological and isotopic analysis to investigate the presence of first‐generationScandinavian migrants. Burials fromMasham were typical of the laterAnglo‐Saxon period and included men, women and children. The location and positioning of the four adult burials fromCoppergate, however, are unusual forAnglo‐ScandinavianYork. None of the skeletons revealed interpersonal violence. Isotopic evidence did not suggest a marine component in the diet of either group, but revealed migration on a regional, and possibly an international, scale. Combined strontium and oxygen isotope analysis should be used to investigate further both regional andScandinavian migration in the laterAnglo‐Saxon period.
From First Impression to Fairness Perception: Investigating the Impact of Initial Trustworthiness Beliefs
Authors: Holtz Brian C.
Published: October 2014

Evolutionary theory and neuroscientific evidence suggest that humans automatically infer the trustworthiness of others based on facial appearance. Building upon this knowledge base, this article presents three empirical studies that investigate the influence of initial impressions of trustworthiness on post‐event perceptions of justice. Across 2 vignette studies and 1 laboratory study, the results consistently suggest that pre‐event trustworthiness impressions exert significant indirect effects on post‐event justice perceptions. In Study 1 and 2, the effects of trustworthiness were mediated by individuals’ psychological state of trust and fairness‐related counterfactual thinking, respectively. In Study 3, the indirect effect of trustworthiness was transmitted through the psychological state of trust alone. The finding that initial trustworthiness impressions derived from surface cues (facial appearance) help shape subsequent perceptions of justice has important implications for justice theory and research.
Political Trust and Negative Campaigns: Two Tests of the Figure‐Ground Hypothesis
Authors: Craig Stephen C. , Rippere Paulina S.
Published: October 2014

Despite what many Americans believe, there is little evidence that increased campaign negativity has contributed to the loss of public trust in government in recent decades. In this article, we consider the relationship between negative campaigning and trust in a different light. The “figure‐ground hypothesis” suggests that negative information is more likely than positive information to shape people's attitudes and behavior, in part because negativity “stands out” in a world where most of us have positive expectations of others. Accordingly, we posit that negative campaign ads are most effective among those who possess a high level of trust in their political leaders. The catch is that high trust is uncommon in U.S. politics today, in which case negative appeals may play to a smaller audience than in the past. Our data indicate, however, that a well‐conceived negative campaign ad can influence voter choice regardless of one's feelings about government.

Related Articles

Jones, David A., Kathleen Ferraiolo, and Jennifer Byrne. 2011. “.” Politics and Policy 39 (): 195‐221. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2011.00288.x/abstract?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuthenticated=false
Caillier, James. 2010. “.” Politics and Policy 38 (): 1015‐1035. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00267.x/abstract?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuthenticated=false
Lewis, Gregory B., Marc A. Rogers, and Kenneth Sherrill. 2011. “.” Politics and Policy 39 (): 655‐677. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2011.00315.x/abstract

Related Media

. 2013. “.” October 18. http://www.people‐press.org/2013/10/18/trust‐in‐government‐nears‐record‐low‐but‐most‐federal‐agencies‐are‐viewed‐favorably/
. 2008. “.” http://wiscadproject.wisc.edu/
. 2012. “.” http://mediaproject.wesleyan.edu/2012/05/02/jump‐in‐negativity/
Impact of Retirement Age Policy on the Workforce of a Higher Education Institution inSouthAfrica
Authors: Udjo Eric O. , Erasmus Barney
Published: October 2014

Several key sectors including higher education institutions have a skills shortage inSouthAfrica. Combined with aging of its workforce, higher education institutions may find it increasingly difficult to maintain adequate numbers of skilled and experienced employees to fulfill their core functions. This study assesses the impact of mandatory retirement age on the workforce of a higher education institution inSouthAfrica. The data were obtained from theHumanResources of the higher education institution and using an estimation model. The results indicate that a mandatory retirement age of 60 years has a negative impact on the future size of permanent academic staff in the short‐to‐medium term. However, a mandatory retirement age of 65 years or even higher has positive impact on the number of permanent academic staff in the institution.

Related Articles

Herrick,Rebekah.2004. “.”Politics & Policy32():397‐411.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2004.tb00189.x/abstract

Brill,Sam, andMcCartney,Abby.2008. “.”Politics & Policy36():750‐774.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2008.00133.x/abstract

Patrick,Barbara.2012. “Politics & Policy40():593‐628.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2012.00370.x/abstract

Related Media

.2014. “.” March 29.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxzfMJPl0gU

.2013. “.” November 17.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4Yx_B25CJk
Internal Party Democracy, Party Candidature, and Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria's Fourth Republic
Authors: Ikeanyibe Okechukwu
Published: October 2014

This article investigates the major reasons accounting for the failure of internal party democracy (IPD) in Nigeria's Fourth Republic, despite extensive constitutional and other legal provisions to guarantee it. I examine the parody of IPD in Nigeria, exemplified in faulty processes employed in the nomination of political party electoral candidates. In doing so, I establish that the nonuse (practice) of IPD in the nomination of party candidates for elections weakens party unity and institutionalization, and negatively affects democratic consolidation. The article posits that attempts to institutionalize IPD through state‐mandated legislations apparently do not guarantee that party leadership will abide by it in a high‐formalism environment. Yet this does not undermine the necessity for performance‐driven, rather than control‐driven, state legislations for parties if party institutionalization and democratic consolidation will be enhanced. The research provides further grounds for understanding the intricacies of IPD, party organization, and institutionalization in a democratizing environment, such as Nigeria.

Related Articles

Ishiyama, John, and Krystal Fox. 2006. “” Politics & Policy 34 (): 748‐773. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2006.00039.x/abstract

Beal, Amanda L., and Leah Graham. 2014. “.” Politics & Policy 42 (): 311‐345. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12077/abstract

Pelizzo, Riccardo. 2008. “.” Politics & Policy 36 (): 474‐498. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2008.00117.x/abstract

Related Media

. 2014. “.” http://www.mydailynewswatchng.com/nigerias‐political‐parties‐lack‐internal‐democracy‐chigbo/

. 2013. “.” http://nigerianvoice.wordpress.com/2013/08/30/africas‐biggest‐political‐party‐pdp‐and‐its‐internal‐crisis/

. 2013. “.” http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/inec‐blames‐desperation‐absence‐of‐internal‐democracy‐for‐election‐violence/170504/
Networks and Networking: The Public Administrative Agendas
Authors: O'Toole Laurence J.
Published: October 2014

Published in 1997, the article “Treating Networks Seriously: Practical and Research‐Based Agendas in Public Administration” outlined the importance of networks for the field of public administration and suggested a series of research agendas that should be pursued. That argument has received substantial attention in the years since. Research on networks and networking has made substantial progress, particularly on some questions—the descriptive agenda, for instance, and some aspects of the practical agenda. However, considerable work remains to be done. More needs to be known about the ways in which networks and networking behavior can shape performance and affect the most salient values in our governance systems; better empirical theory is also needed in this regard. Such further developments would be of immense value to the practice of public administration. The world of public administration has for some time been treating networks seriously, but the work is far from complete.
The pathogenesis of pneumothorax in Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome: A hypothesis
Authors: Johannesma Paul Christiaan , Houweling Arjan C. , van Waesberghe Jan‐Hein T.M. , van Moorselaar R.J. Jeroen A. , Starink Theo M. , Menko Fred H. , Postmus Pieter E.
Published: October 2014

The development and natural course of lung cysts in patients with Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome (BHD) is still unclear, and the relationship between lung cysts and pneumothorax is not fully clarified. Based on the follow‐up results of thoracic imaging in six patients with BHD, we hypothesize that decreased potential for stretching of the cysts' wall and extensive contact with the visceral pleura are probably responsible for rupture of the cyst wall resulting in increased risk for pneumothorax.
The relationship between fat‐free mass index and pulmonary hyperinflation in COPD patients
Authors: Silveira Leonardo , Teixeira Paulo José Zimermann , da Costa Cassia C. , de Souza Rafael M. , Merola Pietro Krauspenhar , Colombo Caroline , Marques Renata D. , Berton Danilo C.
Published: October 2014

Background and objective

Reduced fat‐free mass (FFM), a common finding in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may indirectly impact peak exercise capacity through a greater level of pulmonary hyperinflation. We aimed to investigate if FFM index (FFM/squared height) impacts exercise induced dynamic hyperinflation in COPD patients.

Methods

Fifty‐four patients with moderate‐to‐very severe COPD performed a symptom limited incremental cardiopulmonary exercise tests with serial measurements of inspiratory capacity (IC). FFM was measured by whole‐body bioelectrical impedance.

Results

Patients were 66.7 ± 7.7 years old with mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) of 1.08 ± 0.41 L (42 ± 15% of predicted). Peak exercise IC was significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with IC at rest (r = 0.78), FEV1 (r = 0.66), FVC (r = 0.59), FFM (r = 0.38) and FFM index (r = 0.29). However, only FEV1 and rest IC predict peak IC (r = 0.86; P < 0.01) in a multivariate linear regression analysis.

Conclusions

FFM index was weakly associated with peak exercise IC in COPD patients. However, it ceased to be an independent predictor when corrected for expiratory airflow limitation (FEV1) and lung hyperinflation at rest (rest IC).
Detecting anxiety and depression in patients diagnosed with an interstitial lung disease. Can we do better?
Authors: Russell Anne Marie , Maher Toby M
Published: October 2014

See article, page 1215
Global Risk Factors and South African Equity Indices
Authors: Polakow Daniel Adam , Flint Emlyn James
Published: October 2014

South African equity is frequently portrayed as a market requiring a high degree of local expertise – to appropriately understand its many idiosyncratic features – as well as intimate knowledge of its unique drivers – to prudently invest in the same. This claim is evidenced by the amount of research and effort devoted to understanding South African‐specific economics, interest rates and risks. The aim of this research is to debunk this perception with a simple yet robust and highly replicable statistical model (best‐subsets regression) for the majority of the traded South African equity indices. We show how the South African equity market is mostly a one‐way mirror of a confluence of international factors, all arguable largely unrelated to South Africa. We discuss why these models are currently less useful than their longer‐term predictive averages and note the current relevance of including implied volatility and interest rates as predictors.