bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defective ceramide synthases in mice cause reduced amplitudes in electroretinograms and altered sphingolipid composition in retina and cornea
Authors: Brüggen Bianca , Kremser Christiane , Bickert Andreas , Ebel Philipp , vom Dorp Katharina , Schultz Konrad , Dörmann Peter , Willecke Klaus , Dedek Karin
Published: April 2016

Complex sphingolipids are strongly expressed in neuronal tissue and contain ceramides in their backbone. Ceramides are synthesized by six ceramide synthases (CerS1–6). Although it is known that each tissue has a unique profile of ceramide synthase expression and ceramide synthases are implicated in several neurodegenerative disorders, the expression of ceramide synthase isoforms has not been investigated in the retina. Here we demonstrate CerS1, CerS2 and CerS4 expression in mouse retina and cornea, with CerS4 ubiquitously expressed in all retinal neurons and Müller cells. To test whether ceramide synthase deficiency affects retinal function, we compared electroretinograms and retina morphology between wild‐type and CerS1‐, CerS2‐ and CerS4‐deficient mice. Electroretinograms were strongly reduced in amplitude in ceramide synthase‐deficient mice, suggesting that signalling in the outer retina is affected. However, the number of photoreceptors and cone outer segment length were unaltered and no changes in retinal layer thickness or synaptic structures were found. Mass spectrometric analyses of ceramides, hexosyl‐ceramides and sphingomyelins showed that C20 to C24 acyl‐containing species were decreased whereas C16‐containing species were increased in the retina of ceramide synthase‐deficient mice. Similar but smaller changes were also found in the cornea. Thus, we hypothesize that the replacement of very long‐chain fatty acyl residues by shorter C16 residues may affect the electrical properties of retina and cornea, and alter receptor‐mediated signal transduction, vesicle‐mediated synaptic transmission or corneal light transmission. Future studies need to identify the molecular targets of ceramides or derived sphingolipids in light signal transduction and transmission in the eye.
Use of Nitrogen‐15‐Enriched Escherichia coli as a Bacterial Tracer in Karst Aquifers
Authors: Ward James W. , Warden John G. , Bandy Ashley M. , Fryar Alan E. , Brion Gail M. , Macko Stephen A. , Romanek Christopher S. , Coyne Mark S.
Published: April 2016

Karst aquifers are susceptible to contamination by microorganisms, but relatively few studies have used bacteria as tracers. We demonstrate the utility of Escherichia coli enriched in the stable isotope nitrogen‐15 (15N) as a novel bacterial tracer. Nonpathogenic E. coli from two springs in central Kentucky were grown on 15N‐enriched media. Survival of E. coli and persistence of the isotopic signal were assessed in two sets of laboratory experiments conducted with sterilized spring water in dark microcosms at 14 °C. First, isotopically labeled bacteria survived for 130 d at concentrations within one log unit of the average initial value, and there was no significant difference in δ15N values from Day 1 to Day 130. Second, water samples with E. coli were inoculated with either of two different species of protozoa (Tetrahymena pyriformis or Colpoda steinii). During 7 d, δ15N values increased in T. pyriformis while bacterial populations decreased. In a field test, following a 2.1‐cm rainfall, 15N‐labeled E. coli, solutes (rhodamine WT dye and bromide), and latex microspheres were injected into a sinkhole approximately 530 m upgradient of a spring. Breakthrough of all tracers coincided, but microspheres were remobilized by subsequent storms, unlike other tracers. Enriched E. coli exhibited more tailing than solute tracers during the initial storm‐flow recession. These results indicate that 15N‐enriched E. coli is a viable tracer of bacterial transport in karst aquifers, although predation may attenuate the isotopic signal in systems that are not rapidly flushed.
Tiny Bubbles; Composite Cocktails for Medical Applications
Authors: Wicks George G. , Hill William D. , Weinberger Paul M.
Published: April 2016

Tiny bubbles or glass microspheres/microcapsules are used in our society today in many ways. The microspheres can be solid or hollow and represent particles that are generally in the range of 0.1–100 μm. Solid and hollow microspheres have significantly different densities, properties, and capabilities and are commercially available. Special morphologies, formulations, and compositions can also be achieved by a variety of techniques in the laboratory. One of the most interesting morphologies of these tiny bubbles, are porous wall hollow glass microspheres, which are glass micro‐balloons in which through‐wall porosity was induced in the thin outer shells and controlled, on a scale of 10–100 nm. This unique porosity can be used to fill the microspheres with a variety of cargos of various contents that can later be released on demand. For medical applications, an interdisciplinary team investigated these tiny bubbles, as part of a new series of composites or medical cocktails. The microspheres are key components in the composites and can be used alone or mixed in various amounts and ratios, with a variety of contents, outer coatings, and/or biocompatible matrices, resulting in a wide range of medical cocktails designed and tailored for various applications.
Psychological capital, career identity and graduate employability in Uganda: the mediating role of social capital
Authors: Ngoma Muhammad , Dithan Ntale Peter
Published: April 2016

This paper seeks to evaluate the relationship between psychological capital, career identity, social capital and graduate employability. We also seek to evaluate the mediating role of social capital on the relationships between psychological capital, career identity and graduate employability in Uganda. A population of 480 unemployed young people undertaking a skills development and training program by Compassion International was surveyed providing a sample of 215 respondents. Statistics revealed a significant positive relationship between career identity and graduate employability, social capital and graduate employability and psychological capital and graduate employability. The hierarchical regression result showed that about 15 per cent of the variation in graduate employability is explained by psychological capital, social capital and career identity. Mediation results confirmed that social capital fully mediates the relationship between career identity, psychological capital and graduate employability. Therefore, the psychological capital, social capital and career identity of graduates will help in counteracting the employability challenges in Uganda.
Innate lymphoid cells in secondary lymphoid organs
Authors: Bar‐Ephraïm Yotam E. , Mebius Reina E.
Published: April 2016

The family of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) has attracted attention in recent years as its members are important regulators of immunity, while they can also cause pathology. In both mouse and man, ILCs were initially discovered in developing lymph nodes as lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells. These cells form the prototypic members of the ILC family and play a central role in the formation of secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs). In the absence of LTi cells, lymph nodes (LN) and Peyer's Patches (PP) fail to form in mice, although the splenic white pulp can develop normally. Besides LTi cells, the ILC family encompasses helper‐like ILCs with functional distinctions as seen by T‐helper cells, as well as cytotoxic natural killer (NK) cells. ILCs are still present in adult SLOs where they have been shown to play a role in lymphoid tissue regeneration. Furthermore, ILCs were implicated to interact with adaptive lymphocytes and influence the adaptive immune response. Here, we review the recent literature on the role of ILCs in secondary lymphoid tissue from the formation of SLOs to mature SLOs in adults, during homeostasis and pathology.
Synchrony of physiological activity during mother–child interaction: moderation by maternal history of major depressive disorder
Authors: Woody Mary L. , Feurer Cope , Sosoo Effua E. , Hastings Paul D. , Gibb Brandon E.
Published: April 2016

Background

Family environment plays an important role in the intergenerational transmission of major depressive disorder (MDD), but less is known about how day‐to‐day mother–child interactions may be disrupted in families with a history of MDD. Disruptions in mother–child synchrony, the dynamic and convergent exchange of physiological and behavioral cues during interactions, may be one important risk factor. Although maternal MDD is associated with a lack of mother–child synchrony at the behavioral level, no studies have examined the impact of maternal MDD on physiological synchrony. Therefore, this study examined whether maternal history of MDD moderates mother–child physiological synchrony [measured via respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA)] during positive and negative discussions.

Method

Children aged 7–11 years and mothers with either a history of MDD during the child's lifetime (n = 44) or no lifetime diagnosis of any mood disorder (n = 50) completed positive and negative discussion tasks while RSA was continuously recorded for both child and mother.

Results

Results indicated significant between‐dyad and within‐dyad group differences in physiological synchrony during positive and negative discussions. Between‐dyad analyses revealed evidence of synchrony only among never depressed dyads, among whom higher average mother RSA during both discussions was associated with higher average child RSA. Within‐dyad analyses revealed that never depressed dyads displayed positive synchrony (RSA concordance), whereas dyads with a history of maternal MDD displayed negative synchrony (RSA discordance) during the negative discussion and that the degree of negative synchrony exhibited during the negative discussion was associated with mothers' and children's levels of sadness.

Conclusions

These results provide preliminary evidence that physiological synchrony is disrupted in families with a history of maternal MDD and may be a potential risk factor for the intergenerational transmission of depression.
Using machine learning to identify structural breaks in single‐group interrupted time series designs
Authors: Linden Ariel , Yarnold Paul R.
Published: April 2016

Rationale, aims and objectives

Single‐group interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) is a popular evaluation methodology in which a single unit of observation is being studied, the outcome variable is serially ordered as a time series and the intervention is expected to ‘interrupt’ the level and/or trend of the time series, subsequent to its introduction. Given that the internal validity of the design rests on the premise that the interruption in the time series is associated with the introduction of the treatment, treatment effects may seem less plausible if a parallel trend already exists in the time series prior to the actual intervention. Thus, sensitivity analyses should focus on detecting structural breaks in the time series before the intervention.

Method

In this paper, we introduce a machine‐learning algorithm called optimal discriminant analysis (ODA) as an approach to determine if structural breaks can be identified in years prior to the initiation of the intervention, using data from California's 1988 voter‐initiated Proposition 99 to reduce smoking rates.

Results

The ODA analysis indicates that numerous structural breaks occurred prior to the actual initiation of Proposition 99 in 1989, including perfect structural breaks in 1983 and 1985, thereby casting doubt on the validity of treatment effects estimated for the actual intervention when using a single‐group ITSA design.

Conclusions

Given the widespread use of ITSA for evaluating observational data and the increasing use of machine‐learning techniques in traditional research, we recommend that structural break sensitivity analysis is routinely incorporated in all research using the single‐group ITSA design.
Cryptocaryon irritans recombinant proteins as potential antigens for sero‐surveillance of cryptocaryonosis
Authors: Lokanathan Y , Mohd‐Adnan A , Kua B‐C , Nathan S
Published: April 2016

Cryptocaryonosis is a major problem for mariculture, and the absence of suitable sero‐surveillance tools for the detection of cryptocaryonosis makes it difficult to screen Cryptocaryon irritans‐infected fish, particularly asymptomatic fish. In this study, we proposed a serum‐based assay using selected C. irritans proteins to screen infected and asymptomatic fish. Eight highly expressed genes were chosen from an earlier study on C. irritans expressed sequence tags and ciliate glutamine codons were converted to universal glutamine codons. The chemically synthesized C. irritans genes were then expressed in an Escherichia coli expression host under optimized conditions. Five C. irritans proteins were successfully expressed in E. coli and purified by affinity chromatography. These proteins were used as antigens in an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to screen sera from experimentally immunized fish and naturally infected fish. Sera from both categories of fish reacted equally well with the expressed C. irritans recombinant proteins as well as with sonicated theronts. This study demonstrated the utility of producing ciliate recombinant proteins in a heterologous expression host. An ELISA was successfully developed to diagnose infected and asymptomatic fish using the recombinant proteins as antigens.
Mucosal pathobiology and molecular signature of epithelial barrier dysfunction in the small intestine in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: González‐Castro Ana M , Martínez Cristina , Salvo‐Romero Eloísa , Fortea Marina , Pardo‐Camacho Cristina , Pérez‐Berezo Teresa , Alonso‐Cotoner Carmen , Santos Javier , Vicario María
Published: April 2016

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders in developed countries. Its etiology remains unknown; however, a common finding, regardless of IBS subtype, is the presence of altered intestinal barrier. In fact, signaling and location of cell‐to‐cell adhesion proteins, in connection with increased immune activity, seem abnormal in the intestinal epithelium of IBS patients. Despite that most research is performed on distal segments of the intestine, altered permeability has been reported in both, the small and the large bowel of all IBS subtypes. The small intestine carries out digestion and nutrient absorption and is also the site where the majority of immune responses to luminal antigens takes place. In fact, the upper intestine is more exposed to environmental antigens than the colon and is also a site of symptom generation. Recent studies have revealed small intestinal structural alterations of the epithelial barrier and mucosal immune activation in association with intestinal dysfunction, suggesting the commitment of the intestine as a whole in the pathogenesis of IBS. This review summarizes the most recent findings on mucosal barrier alterations and its relationship to symptoms arising from the small intestine in IBS, including epithelial structural abnormalities, mucosal immune activation, and microbial dysbiosis, further supporting the hypothesis of an organic origin of IBS.
Global SUMOylation facilitates the multimodal neuroprotection afforded by quercetin against the deleterious effects of oxygen/glucose deprivation and the restoration of oxygen/glucose
Authors: Lee Yang‐ja , Bernstock Joshua D. , Nagaraja Nandakumar , Ko Brian , Hallenbeck John M.
Published: April 2016

The putative neuroprotective properties of various flavonoids have long been reported. Among this class of chemicals, quercetin, a major flavone/flavonol naturally occurring in plants, deserves focused attention because of the myriad of beneficial effects observed in various in vitro and in vivo models of central nervous system damage/degeneration. However, the mechanisms governing the beneficial outcomes mediated by quercetin remain to be elucidated. In an effort to define the underlying molecular mechanisms, our study employed human/rat neuroblastoma cell lines (SHSY5Y and B35, respectively) and E18‐derived rat primary cortical neurons upon which the effects of various flavonoids were examined. Of note, increases in the levels of global SUMOylation, a post‐translational modification with the Small Ubiquitin‐like MOdifier (SUMO) were pronounced. Quercetin treatment increased SUMOylation levels in both SHSY5Y cells and rat cortical neurons in a dose and time‐dependent manner, possibly via the direct inactivation of certain SENPs (SUMO‐specific isopeptidases). Of particular interest, cells treated with quercetin displayed increased tolerance to oxygen/glucose deprivation exposure, an in vitro model of ischemia. SHSY5Y cells treated with quercetin also increased the expression of Nrf2 (via a decrease in the levels of Keap1), heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), and nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1), which provide further protection from oxidative stress. In addition, the increased SUMOylation of HIF‐1α was noted and deemed to be significant. We hypothesize that SUMOylated HIF‐1α plays a fundamental role in the protection afforded and may underlie some of quercetin's ability to protect cells from oxygen/glucose deprivation‐induced cell death, via an up‐regulation of HO‐1 and NOS1, which ultimately leads to the induction of pro‐life NOS1/protein kinase G signaling.

image

Quercetin acts to increase survival in the face of ischemia via an increase of SENP3 expression, the possible inactivation of SENPs 1/2, and via a decrease in KEAP1 levels (thereby increasing Nrf2 stability). These changes may then lead to increase in HIF‐1α SUMOylation and HO‐1 activation, followed by an up‐regulation of NOS1/PKG signaling. Pathways altered via quercetin treatment within our experimental system are represented by blue arrowheads. Solid black arrows represent relationships that have been explored while a dotted arrow represents a relationship that has yet to be confirmed.
Medical service use in children with cerebral palsy: The role of child and family characteristics
Authors: Meehan Elaine M , Reid Susan M , Williams Katrina J , Freed Gary L , Sewell Jillian R , Reddihough Dinah S
Published: April 2016

Aim

The aim of the study was to investigate the patterns of medical service use in children with cerebral palsy (CP), taking into account child and family characteristics.

Methods

Nine hundred and one parents and carers of children registered with the Victorian CP Register were invited to complete a survey. Participants were asked about their child's appointments with general practitioners and public and private paediatric medical specialists over the preceding 12 months. Information on family characteristics and finances was also collected. Data on CP severity and complexity were extracted from the CP Register.

Results

Three hundred and fifty parents and carers (39%) participated. Of these, 83% reported that their child had ≥1 appointment with a general practitioner over the preceding 12 months, while 84% had ≥1 appointment with a public or private paediatric medical specialist. Overall, 58% of children saw 2–5 different paediatric medical specialists, while 9% had appointments with ≥6 clinicians. Children with severe and complex CP were more likely to have had ≥1 appointment with a publically funded paediatric medical specialist and had seen a greater number of different clinicians over the study period. Family characteristics were not associated with service use.

Conclusions

Children with CP are managed by a number of paediatric medical specialists, and they continue to see a range of specialists throughout adolescence. In Victoria, differences in service use are not based on family characteristics; instead the highest service users are those with severe and complex CP. For this group, care co‐ordination and information sharing between treating clinicians are important, if gaps in care are to be avoided.
Exsolution and shock microstructures of igneous pyroxene clasts in the Northwest Africa 7533 Martian meteorite
Authors: Leroux Hugues , Jacob Damien , Marinova Maya , Hewins Roger H. , Zanda Brigitte , Pont Sylvain , Lorand Jean‐Pierre , Humayun Munir
Published: April 2016

Northwest Africa (NWA) 7533 is a Martian regolith breccia. This meteorite (and its pairings) offers a good opportunity to study (near‐) surface processes that occurred on early Mars. Here, we have conducted a transmission electron microscope study of medium‐ and coarse‐grained (a few tens to hundreds of micrometers) Ca‐rich pyroxene clasts in order to define their thermal and shock histories. The pyroxene grains have a high‐temperature (magmatic) origin as revealed by the well‐developed pigeonite–augite exsolution microstructure. Exsolution lamella characteristics (composition, thickness, and spacing) indicate a moderately slow cooling. Some of the pyroxene clasts display evidence for local decomposition into magnetite and silica at the submicron scale. This phase decomposition may have occurred at high temperature and occurred at high oxygen fugacity at least 2–3 log units above the QFM buffer, after the formation of the exsolution lamellae. This corresponds to oxidizing conditions well above typical Martian magmatic conditions. These oxidizing conditions seem to have prevailed early and throughout most of the history of NWA 7533. The shock microstructure consists of (100) mechanical twins which have accommodated plastic deformation. Other pyroxene shock indicators are absent. Compared with SNC meteorites that all suffered significant shock metamorphism, NWA 7533 appears only mildly shocked. The twin microstructure is similar from one clast to another, suggesting that the impact which generated the (100) twins involved the compacted breccia and that the pyroxene clasts were unshocked when they were incorporated into the NWA 7533 breccia.
New triple oxygen isotope data of bulk and separated fractions from SNC meteorites: Evidence for mantle homogeneity of Mars
Authors: Ali Arshad , Jabeen Iffat , Gregory David , Verish Robert , Banerjee Neil R.
Published: April 2016

We report precise triple oxygen isotope data of bulk materials and separated fractions of several Shergotty–Nakhla–Chassigny (SNC) meteorites using enhanced laser‐assisted fluorination technique. This study shows that SNCs have remarkably identical Δ17O and a narrow range in δ18O values suggesting that these meteorites have assimilated negligibly small surface materials (<5%), which is undetectable in the oxygen isotope compositions reported here. Also, fractionation factors in coexisting silicate mineral pairs (px‐ol and mask‐ol) further demonstrate isotopic equilibrium at magmatic temperatures. We present a mass‐dependent fractionation line for bulk materials with a slope of 0.526 ± 0.016 (1SE) comparable to the slope obtained in an earlier study (0.526 ± 0.013; Franchi et al. 1999). We also present a new Martian fractionation line for SNCs constructed from separated fractions (i.e., pyroxene, olivine, and maskelynite) with a slope of 0.532 ± 0.009 (1SE). The identical fractionation lines run above and parallel to our terrestrial fractionation line with Δ17O = 0.318 ± 0.016‰ (SD) for bulk materials and 0.316 ± 0.009‰ (SD) for separated fractions. The conformity in slopes and Δ17O between bulk materials and separated fractions confirm oxygen isotope homogeneity in the Martian mantle though recent studies suggest that the Martian lithosphere may potentially have multiple oxygen isotope reservoirs.
Geographic variation in hybridization and ecological differentiation between three syntopic, morphologically similar species of montane lizards
Authors: Haines M. L. , Melville J. , Sumner J. , Clemann N. , Chapple D. G. , Stuart‐Fox D.
Published: April 2016

To understand factors shaping species boundaries in closely related taxa, a powerful approach is to compare levels of genetic admixture at multiple points of contact and determine how this relates to intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as genetic, morphological and ecological differentiation. In the Australian Alps, the threatened alpine bog skink Pseudemoia cryodroma co‐occurs with two morphologically and ecologically similar congeners, P. entrecasteauxii and P. pagenstecheri, and all three species are suspected to hybridize. We predicted that the frequency of hybridization should be negatively correlated with genetic divergence, morphological differentiation and microhabitat separation. We tested this hypothesis using a mitochondrial locus, 13 microsatellite loci, morphological and microhabitat data and compared results across three geographically isolated sites. Despite strong genetic structure between species, we detected hybridization between all species pairs, including evidence of backcrossed individuals at the two sites where all three species are syntopic. Hybridization frequencies were not consistently associated with genetic, morphological or ecological differentiation. Furthermore, P. entrecasteauxii and P. pagenstecheri only hybridized at the two sites where they are syntopic with P. cryodroma, but not at the largest site where P. cryodroma was not recorded, suggesting that P. cryodroma may serve as a bridging species. This study reveals the complex dynamics within a three species hybrid zone and provides a baseline for assessing the impact of climate change and anthropogenic habitat modification on future hybridization frequencies.
Focal Points and Turning Points in Negotiation: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Druckman Daniel , Rosoux Valerie
Published: April 2016

In this article, we examine the roles of focal points and turning points in negotiation. Both concern impasses in negotiation, and negotiators can exploit them to move past impasses. Each term uses the word “point” differently, however. A focal point refers to a single salient coordinating concept shared by the parties. A turning point is a departure that takes place during the course of a negotiation, when the course seems to change. Precipitants precede turning points and consequences follow them. In this article, we focus on the relationship of these two negotiation concepts. We raise the following questions: Does the development of focal points precipitate departures, and, if so, how? Do departures lead to the development of focal points, and, if so, how? Are there circumstances in which focal points do not precipitate turning points and vice versa? Do negotiations that feature focal points create more or less durable agreements? Do negotiations that include turning points create more or less durable agreements? To help answer these questions, we have analyzed four cases. In the German Foundation Agreement negotiation, the development of focal points precipitated turning points. In the South African Interim Constitution negotiations, turning point departures precipitated the development of focal points. And in the negotiations to end the Burundi civil war and to reach the Nouméa Accord between France and New Caledonia, parties shared focal points that did not precipitate turning points. These case analyses provide insights into the role of focal points in producing effective and durable agreements. They also suggest opportunities for further research on the interaction between these concepts.
Chloroprocaine: local anesthetic systemic toxicity in a 9‐month infant with paravertebral catheter
Authors: Hernandez Maria A. , Boretsky Karen
Published: April 2016

Regional anesthesia use in pediatric patients has a good safety profile. 2‐Chloroprocaine is used frequently in infants due to rapid onset, lack of accumulation, and rapid plasma degradation. We present a case of local anesthetic systemic toxicity following the administration of 3% 2‐chloroprocaine through a paravertebral catheter in an infant. The episode lasted 40 s followed by complete recovery. The infrequent reporting of local anesthetic systemic toxicity and limited duration of symptoms supports the continued use of 2‐chloroprocaine in infants. Volume should be restricted to the smallest amount providing analgesia.
Neonatal Autoimmune Blistering Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhao Cathy Y. , Chiang Yi Zhen , Murrell Dedee F.
Published: April 2016

We aimed to better understand the pathogenesis, clinical features, prognosis, and treatment of neonatal autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBDs). We searched Medline, Embase, PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, and reference lists of identified articles. Inclusion criteria were articles published from 1946 to December 2014 in any language. Exclusion criteria were age greater than 4 weeks and no confirmed AIBD diagnosis. We identified 51 cases of neonatal AIBDs: 34 cases of pemphigus (31 pemphigus vulgaris [PV], 3 pemphigus foliaceus [PF]) and 17 cases of pemphigoid diseases (9 bullous pemphigoid [BP], 5 linear immunoglobulin A bullous dermatosis [LABD], 1 BP and LABD, 1 epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, 1 bullous systemic lupus erythematosus). Pemphigoid diseases had a higher male predominance (male:female ratio 4.6:1) than pemphigus (male:female ratio 1:1.06) (p = 0.004). Pemphigus had a higher proportion presenting at birth (79.4%) than pemphigoid diseases (29.4%) (p = 0.008). The most common sites involved were the trunk (63.0%), followed by the head and neck (60.9%). The mucosal membranes were involved in 32.6% of cases (27.6% in pemphigus, 41.6% in pemphigoid diseases). Only 33.3% used systemic therapy, and 75.5% achieved control within 3 weeks. Most PV, PF, and BP cases, but not LABDs, reported maternal disease. In pemphigus cases, 75.0% of mothers had active disease and 25.0% were in control. Pregnant women with PV, PF, and PG of any severity can passively transfer autoantibodies leading to neonatal AIBD. Pemphigoid diseases are more likely to present after birth and may be more male predominant. The presentation of LABDs may be different from that of all other AIBDs.
Male‐biased hermaphrodites in a gynodioecious shrub,Daphne jezoensis
Authors: Sinclair J. P. , Kameyama Y. , Shibata A. , Kudo G.
Published: April 2016

Gynodioecy, a state where female and hermaphrodite plants coexist in populations, has been widely proposed an intermediate stage in the evolutionary pathway from hermaphroditism to dioecy. In the gynodioecy–dioecy pathway, hermaphrodites may gain most of their fitness through male function once females invade populations. To test this prediction, comprehensive studies on sex ratio variation across populations and reproductive characteristics of hermaphrodite and female phenotypes are necessary. This study examined the variation in sex ratio, sex expression, flower and fruit production and sexual dimorphism of morphological traits in a gynodioecious shrub,Daphne jezoensis, over multiple populations and years. Population sex ratio (hermaphrodite:female) was close to 1:1 or slightly hermaphrodite‐biased. Sex type of individual plants was largely fixed, but 15% of plants changed their sex during a 6‐year census. Hermaphrodite plants produced larger flowers and invested 2.5 times more resources in flower production than female plants, but they exhibited remarkably low fruit set (proportion of flowers setting fruits). Female plants produced six times more fruits than hermaphrodite plants. Low fruiting ability of hermaphrodite plants was retained even when hand‐pollination was performed. Fruit production of female plants was restricted by pollen limitation under natural conditions, irrespective of high potential fecundity, and this minimised the difference in resources allocated to reproduction between the sexes. Negative effects of previous flower and fruit production on current reproduction were not apparent in both sexes. This study suggests that gynodioecy in this species is functionally close to a dioecious mating system: smaller flower production with larger fruiting ability in female plants, and larger flower production with little fruiting ability in hermaphrodite plants.
Nonproliferation and Norm Discourse: An Agentic Constructivist Model of U.S. Nuclear Export Policy Changes
Authors: Lantis Jeffrey S.
Published: April 2016

U.S. government claims of support for the global nonproliferation norm sometimes appear contradicted by dramatic changes in its policies regarding support for peaceful nuclear energy programs around the world. This study offers a new accounting of foreign policy decision making relative to global nonproliferation normative architectures as a product of norm‐based differences between presidents and congressional leaders over technology sharing. It advances an agentic constructivist model of the export policy process and conducts a plausibility probe of the model through three case studies of export control reform debates. It also examines alternative theory models focused on strategic imperatives, foreign policy change, and neoliberal economics. Case evidence suggests that different alignments in norm stewardship, and the interactions of key agents regarding perceived norm commitments, help account for export policy struggles. These often translate into unique and complex policy outcomes, suggesting the value of contingent models of policy change and international cooperation.

Related Articles

Abulof,Uriel.2013. “.”Politics & Policy41():690-772.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12035/abstract

Haar,Roberta.2010. “.”Politics & Policy38():965-990.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2010.00265.x/abstract

Ripberger,Joseph T.,Thomas M.Rabovsky, andKerry G.Herron.2011. “.”Politics & Policy39():891-923.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2011.00327.x/abstract

Related Media

.2016. “Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Nuclear Policy Program.”http://carnegieendowment.org/programs/npp/

.2015. “President Obama on Iran Deal Opponents: ‘What's Your Alternative?’” YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6aL5TVVRFI
Widespread distribution of Xanthomonas perforans and limited presence of X. gardneri in Brazil
Authors: Araújo E. R. , Costa J. R. , Ferreira M. A. S. V. , Quezado‐Duval A. M.
Published: April 2016

Tomato bacterial spot is caused by Xanthomonas euvesicatoria, X. vesicatoria, X. perforans and X. gardneri. In order to determine the distribution, frequency of occurrence, and diversity of these species in the Brazilian commercial tomato fields, a survey was conducted between 2009 and 2012. In this period, 204 strains were obtained from 33 counties (22 with processing tomatoes and 11 with fresh‐market tomatoes). Pathogenicity tests, BOX‐PCR, PCR with species‐specific primers, and sequence analysis of the avirulence gene avrXv3 were performed in order to identify the strains at species and race level. Xanthomonas perforans predominated among the strains (92%) and was present in most counties. In addition, this species was prevalent in most areas of both fresh‐market tomatoes (63.6% of counties surveyed) and processing tomatoes (95.4% of counties surveyed). Fifteen strains (7.5%) were identified as X. gardneri, which was found mostly in fresh‐market fields located at regions with altitude higher than 900 m, and only one strain of X. euvesicatoria (0.5%) was found in a processing tomato field. High genetic diversity was observed within X. perforans, with 137 BOX‐PCR haplotypes. Race T3 prevailed (97.5%), but reported here for the first time is the occurrence of five strains identified as race T4 in fresh‐market fields in the state of São Paulo. The race T4 phenotype of these strains resulted from the presence of an 859 bp insertion in the avirulence gene avrXv3. This insertion is related to amino acid sequences of a transposase found in X. gardneri, and to amino acid sequences of X. campestris.
Physiotherapy for cystic fibrosis in Australia and New Zealand: A clinical practice guideline
Authors: Button Brenda M. , Wilson Christine , Dentice Ruth , Cox Narelle S. , Middleton Anna , Tannenbaum Esta , Bishop Jennifer , Cobb Robyn , Burton Kate , Wood Michelle , Moran Fiona , Black Ryan , Bowen Summar , Day Rosemary , Depiazzi Julie , Doiron Katherine , Doumit Michael , Dwyer Tiffany , Elliot Alison , Fuller Louise , Hall Kathleen , Hutchins Matthew , Kerr Melinda , Lee Annemarie L. , Mans Christina , O'Connor Lauren , Steward Ranjana , Potter Angela , Rasekaba Tshepo , Scoones Rebecca , Tarrant Ben , Ward Nathan , West Samantha , White Dianne , Wilson Lisa , Wood Jamie , Holland Anne E.
Published: April 2016

Physiotherapy management is a key element of care for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) throughout the lifespan. Although considerable evidence exists to support physiotherapy management of CF, there is documented variation in practice. The aim of this guideline is to optimize the physiotherapy management of people with CF in Australia and New Zealand. A systematic review of the literature in key areas of physiotherapy practice for CF was undertaken. Recommendations were formulated based on National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia) guidelines and considered the quality, quantity and level of the evidence; the consistency of the body of evidence; the likely clinical impact; and applicability to physiotherapy practice in Australia and New Zealand. A total of 30 recommendations were made for airway clearance therapy, inhalation therapy, exercise assessment and training, musculoskeletal management, management of urinary incontinence, managing the newly diagnosed patient with CF, delivery of non‐invasive ventilation, and physiotherapy management before and after lung transplantation. These recommendations can be used to underpin the provision of evidence‐based physiotherapy care to people with CF in Australia and New Zealand.
The World Health Organization Measles Programmatic Risk Assessment Tool—Pilot Testing in India, 2014
Authors: Goel Kapil , Naithani Saroj , Bhatt Dheeraj , Khera Ajay , Sharapov Umid M. , Kriss Jennifer L. , Goodson James L. , Laserson Kayla F. , Goel Parul , Kumar R. Mohan , Chauhan L. S.
Published: April 2016

Measles is a leading cause of child mortality, and reduction of child mortality is a key Millennium Development Goal. In 2014, the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed a measles programmatic risk assessment tool to support country measles elimination efforts. The tool was pilot tested in the State of Uttarakhand in August 2014 to assess its utility in India. The tool assessed measles risk for the 13 districts of Uttarakhand as a function of indicator scores in four categories: population immunity, surveillance quality, program delivery performance, and threat. The highest potential overall score was 100. Scores from each category were totaled to assign an overall risk score for each district. From this risk score, districts were categorized as low, medium, high, or very high risk. Of the 13 districts in Uttarakhand in 2014, the tool classified one district (Haridwar) as very high risk and three districts (Almora, Champawat, and Pauri Garhwal) as high risk. The measles risk in these four districts was largely due to low population immunity from high MCV1–MCV2 drop‐out rates, low MCV1 and MCV2 coverage, and the lack of a supplementary immunization activity (SIA) within the past three years. This tool can be used to support measles elimination in India by identifying districts that might be at risk for measles outbreaks, and to guide risk mitigation efforts, including strengthening routine immunization services and implementing SIAs.
Microbiological and Modeling Approach to Derive Performance Objectives for Bacillus cereus Group in Ready‐to‐Eat Salads
Authors: De Cesare Alessandra , Vitali Silvia , Trevisani Marcello , Bovo Federica , Manfreda Gerardo
Published: April 2016

In this article, the performance objectives (POs) for Bacillus cereus group (BC) in celery, cheese, and spelt added as ingredients in a ready‐to‐eat mixed spelt salad, packaged under modified atmosphere, were calculated using a Bayesian approach. In order to derive the POs, BC detection and enumeration were performed in nine lots of naturally contaminated ingredients and final product. Moreover, the impact of specific production steps on the BC contamination was quantified. Finally, a sampling plan to verify the ingredient lots' compliance with each PO value at a 95% confidence level (CL) was defined. To calculate the POs, detection results as well as results above the limit of detection but below the limit of quantification (i.e., censored data) were analyzed. The most probable distribution of the censored data was determined and two‐dimensional (2D) Monte Carlo simulations were performed. The PO values were calculated to meet a food safety objective of 4 log10 cfu of BC for g of spelt salad at the time of consumption. When BC grows during storage between 0.90 and 1.90 log10 cfu/g, the POs for BC in celery, cheese, and spelt ranged between 1.21 log10 cfu/g for celery and 2.45 log10 cfu/g for spelt. This article represents the first attempt to manage the concept of PO and 2D Monte Carlo simulation in the flow chart of a complex food matrix, including raw and cooked ingredients.
THE DIETARY PROTEIN REQUIREMENT IN FORMULATED FEED FOR SPECIFIC GROWTH, DIGESTIBILITY AND SURVIVAL OF SPIRAL BABYLON (Babylonia spirata)
Authors: Rachmawati Diana , Samidjan Istiyanto
Published: April 2016

Study aims to determine effects of protein in formulated feed on specific growth, digestibility and survival of spiral Babylon [Babylonia spirata (Linnaeus, 1758)] snail.  The snail average weights (10.19 ± 0.124) g per individu was stocked at a density of two snails per liter, and fed formulated feed twice daily (5 % of total biomass) with three different protein levels: 30 %, 35 % and 40 % for 70 d. The results show that different protein contents significantly affected the growth of spiral Babylon (P < 0.01) and protein digestibility, but not the survival of spiral Babylon (P > 0.05) and spiral Babylon needs 35 % protein in the formulated feed.
PHOTOSTABILITY OF PURPLE BACTERIAL LIGHT–HARVESTING COMPLEXES TOWARDS EXPOSURE OF LIGHT ILLUMINATION TRACED BY PIGMENT RATIO
Authors: Nur Utami Prihastyanti Monika , Heriyanto Heriyanto , Hardo Panintingjati Brotosudarmo Tatas
Published: April 2016

Purple photosynthetic light–harvesting (LH2) is an attractive complex module for assembling hybrid nanostructures that feature energy transfer. LH2 has a broad absorption spectrum range from ultraviolet (UV) to near-infra red (NIR) region. Bacteriochlorophyll a molecules absorb at 320 nm to 400 nm (Soret band), 585 nm (Qx) and at NIR region (B800 and B850 bands), while carotenoid absorption bands span from 400 nm to 550 nm. LH2 has to be extracted from its native lipid bilayer membrane and placed in suitable matrix that less mobile and better adherent than the native lipid environment to determine its function. Previous results on pigment ratio determination in different strains of purple photosynthetic bacteria suggested a variation during initial log phase and late log phase. In this experiment, the goal is to reveal the behavior of pigment ratio in LH2 of Rhodopseudomonas palustris during irradiation of certain intensity of light. Photostability assay of LH2 from Rhodopseudomonas palustris in n-dodecyl-β-D-maltoside or DDM was determined under continuous illumination (3 000 μmol·m–2·s–1) for 300 min at room temperature by recording the absorption spectra. Degradation was observed in B850 and B800 at about 67 % and 64 %, respectively, as well as blue shift in B850. Initial pigments isolated from LH2 suggested a mixture of carotenoids and bacteriochlorophylls which was determined further using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
The Impacts of Bias Flow and Geometric Variables on Acoustic Damping Attributes of Perforated Liners
Authors: Mazdeh Alireza , Kashani Ahmad Reza
Published: April 2016

The impact of geometric and flow parameters which are practical to modify and have the most influence on the energy dissipation performance of perforated acoustic liners with bias flow are numerically investigated. Such parameters include orifice bias flow velocity, thickness to radius ratio and radius to orifice spacing ratio (square root of porosity). In this paper the results of multiple simulation studies performed on various configurations are presented and used to observe and discuss how these parameters affect the liner acoustic impedance. These results indicate that for different aperture thicknesses and different aperture radii, higher resistive properties are to be expected at lower Strouhal numbers. Also, the increase in liner porosity results in an increase in both inertia and resistive attributes of the impedance.
Analytical Evaluation of Spectral Moments and Dirlik’s Damage Model to Allow Comparison of Life Testing With Dissimilar PSD Vibration Curves
Authors: Pointer Jon S.
Published: April 2016

In the application of random vibration testing and the inverse power law to test products and extrapolate equivalent field life, the shape of the Power Spectral Density (PSD) vibration curve frequently introduces prediction errors and increased testing. A field PSD profile found to be highly dissimilar in shape to that used in the original accelerated testing raises questions of how to extrapolate equivalent life and often results in the need to repeat long duration vibration testing. Past work by the author has proposed utilizing the evaluation of zero crossings in two dissimilar PSD curves as a way to equate their testing impact and life predictions and therefore not require re-testing. This paper expands on this theory and explores utilization of spectral moments and Dirlik’s damage model to compare dissimilar PSD curves. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and other analytical methods are utilized to expose a mechanical system to vibration inputs of different shapes, compute their fatigue life and then evaluate spectral moments and Dirlik’s damage model’s ability to account for dissimilar PSD curves.
SIF Prediction of Nanocomposite With Interfacial Debonding
Authors: Ahmed Waleed K.
Published: April 2016

Local debonding in nanofiber/matrix interface of a nanofiber reinforced composite has been considered as one of the most important factors that can significantly reduce the composite stiffness as well as increases the interfacial stresses levels which eventually causes composite failure. In the present study, the debonded zone is considered as an interfacial defect and modeled to be a circumferential crack. Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanic (LEFM) was used to investigate the impact of a nanofiber/matrix debonded interface in a nanocomposite through estimating Stress Intensity Factor (SIF). Finite element analysis (FEA) has been carried out to investigate SIF along the debonded edge using 3D-axisymmetric method, and this was done through modeling half of the representative volume element (RVE). A representative volume element of the nanocomposite was modeled and analyzed to explore SIF. Mainly, RVE consists of a nanofiber confined by a matrix and subjected to uniaxial tensile stress. A longitudinal debonding is proposed along the interfacial nanofiber/matrix. It has been shown that FE results indicates a significant impact of the debonding on the SIF of the nanocomposite.