bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Benford's Law explain CEO pay?
Authors: Mukherjee Shibashish
Published: January 2017

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

This study applies the statistical properties of Benford's Law to CEO pay. Benford's “Law” states that in an unbiased dataset, the first digit values are usually unequally allocated when considering the logical expectations of equal distribution. In this study we question whether the striking empirical properties of Benford's Law could be used to analyze the negotiating power and preferences of CEOs. We argue that performance‐based or market‐determined compensations should follow Benford's Law, demonstrating no direct negotiation by the CEOs. Conversely, deviation from Benford's Law could reveal CEO negotiating power or even preference.

Research Findings/Insights

Our analysis shows that market‐determined “Option Fair Value” (the dollar value of stock options when exercised) conforms closely to Benford's Law, as opposed to “Salary”, which is fully negotiated. “Bonus”, “Option Award”, and “Total Compensation” are generally also largely consistent with Benford's Law, but with some exceptions. We interpret these exceptions as negotiation by the CEOs. Surprisingly, we found that CEOs prefer to be paid in round figure values, especially “5”. We use Benford's Law to study the negotiating powers of CEOs vs. that of other executives. Finally, we compare the negotiating tactics of CEOs before and after SOX and analyze the impact of firm size on their compensation.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

This study introduces Benford's Law and its applications within the corporate governance literature.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This method could be used by academics, industry and regulators to uncover compensation patterns within large business departments and/or organizations or even entire industry segments.
Pulmonary hypertension in advanced lung diseases: Echocardiography as an important part of patient evaluation for lung transplantation
Authors: Nowak Jolanta , Hudzik Bartosz , Jastrzȩbski Dariusz , Niedziela Jacek T. , Rozentryt Piotr , Wojarski Jacek , Ochman Marek , Karolak Wojciech , Żegleń Sławomir , Gierlotka Marek , Gąsior Mariusz
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is common complication in advanced lung disease. Echocardiography provides additional information and may be useful to assess PH probability.

Objectives

The usefulness of combination of well‐known echocardiographic parameters in detecting PH in patients with advanced lung disease referred for lung transplantation was evaluated.

Methods

The study population consisted of 37 consecutive patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), 20 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 8 patients with other interstitial lung diseases. PH was defined as mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) ≥25 mm Hg diagnosed by cardiac catheterization.

Results

PH was present in 67.6% of enrolled IPF patients, 30% of enrolled COPD patients, and 75% of patients with other interstitial lung diseases. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) ≥43 mm Hg to be the threshold for PH prediction (n = 37, sensitivity 92.3%, specificity 81.8%, area under curve (AUC) 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67‐1.0; P = .019). Right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) diameter ≥34 mm and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) ≤18 mm had acceptable sensitivity, specificity and AUC (n = 65, 62.2%, 89.3%, 0.77, 95% CI 0.66‐0.89; P = .11 and n = 62, 77.1%, 66.7%, 0.74, CI 0.61‐0.87; P = .27, respectively). Combination of RVSP, RVOT and TAPSE, obtained in 36 patients, increased the sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) to 100%.

Conclusions

In patients with advanced lung diseases referred for lung transplantation the combination of RVSP, RVOT diameter, and TAPSE may be helpful in PH exclusion.
Persistent left superior vena cava accompanying congenital heart disease in children: Experience of a tertiary care center
Authors: Ari Mehmet Emre , Doğan Vehbi , Özgür Senem , Ceylan Özben , Ertuğrul İlker , Kayalı Şeyma , Yoldaş Tamer , Örün Utku Arman , Kaya Özkan , Karademir Selmin
Published: January 2017

Background

This study focuses on determining concomitant persistent left superior vena cava (SVC) in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods

Between 2005 and 2012, a total of 2.663 patients with CHD, 88 (3.3%) of whom were diagnosed with persistent left SVC, were evaluated retrospectively. The demographic characteristics of patients, clinical and radiographic findings, echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, and angiography results obtained from the patients’ records were reviewed.

Results

The median age of the patients was 9.5 months, and 46 of the 88 (52.3%) patients were female. The most common concomitant CHD were ventricular septal defect, double outlet right ventricle (DORV), and tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). When the patients were compared according to their CHD, persistent left SVC frequency was significantly higher in those with DORV (P<.001), TOF (P=.04), patent ductus arteriosus (P=.01), and atrial septal defect (P=.03). Eighty‐three of the 88 (94.3%) patients with persistent left SVC had right SVC, and 5 (5.7%) had absence of the right SVC. Twenty‐seven of the 83 (32.5%) patients with double SVC had connected normal innominate vein. In all cases, right aortic arch association was seen in 14 (15.9%) patients. Eighty‐four (95.4%) of the patients were diagnosed by echocardiography prior to catheter angiography. Persistent left SVC drained to the coronary sinus in all cases.

Conclusion

Increased awareness about the association of certain CHD with persistent left SVC and a careful echocardiographic examination can facilitate the diagnosis of persistent left SVC. In addition, precise prior diagnosis of persistent left SVC can prevent complications during surgery.
Anti‐symmetrical curved composite laminate subject to delamination induced by thermal cycling
Authors: Treml A E , Gouvêa R F , Sales R C M , Donadon M V , Shiino M Y , Bressan J D
Published: January 2017

Composite structures usually undergo to temperature variations in aircraft during landing/taking off and when cruising at high altitude. Under these conditions and in combination with curved structures, they can generate severe thermal stresses that induce delaminations. Considering the importance of studying delamination in these conditions, this research imposed an anti‐symmetrical laminate to cyclic temperature variations of 130 °C and −70 °C with the objective of inducing varied curvatures and, consequently, crack growth. Different from standardized test procedures, this test setup elastically deformed coupons without external forces and forward experimentally and numerically evaluated the strain energy release rate (SERR) during crack propagation. This procedure enabled the assessment of delamination rate (da/dN) as a function of maximum SERR. The experimental results were compared with numerical results obtained by ABAQUS Finite Element code. Despite large scatter in experimental results, a reasonable correlation between experimental and numerical results was obtained in terms of crack growth rate (da/dN) as a function of the maximum SERR.
Effect of intercropping vetch (Vicia sativa L.), field pea (Pisum sativum L.) and triticale (X Triticosecale) on dry‐matter yield, nutritive and ensiling characteristics when harvested at two growth stages
Authors: Maxin G. , Andueza D. , Le Morvan A. , Baumont R.
Published: January 2017

This study aimed to investigate the effects of growth stage and legume proportion on the nutritive and ensiling characteristics of triticale–pea–vetch intercrop mixtures. The three‐species mixtures were sown at three seeding ratios to produce different legume proportions (low, medium and high proportions) and harvested at two growth stages. The six resulting forages were subsequently ensiled in mini‐silos. Forage dry‐matter (DM) yield, nutritive characteristics of fresh and ensiled mixtures and fermentation characteristics of silages were determined. Forage DM yield almost tripled between early‐stage harvest and late‐stage harvest. Nutritive characteristics of fresh and ensiled mixtures were affected by both growth stage and legume proportion: crude protein concentration and pepsin–cellulase digestibility decreased whereas NDF and ADF concentrations increased as growth stage advanced. Crude protein concentration and pepsin–cellulase digestibility were higher for the high‐legume treatment at both growth stages. All mixtures ensiled well, as indicated by low pH and high lactic and acetic acids contents. However, all silages had high soluble nitrogen and ammonia concentrations. This study showed that triticale–pea–vetch silages hold good potential net energy supply value for ruminants, especially at early‐stage growth and when legume proportion increases. However, protein value has to be improved by reducing protein breakdown during ensiling.
Successful salvage and reconstruction of a finger threatened by Vibrio vulnificus necrotising fasciitis using fenestrated‐type artificial dermis and three steps of topical negative pressure wound therapy
Authors: Wang Chi‐Yu , Chiao Hao‐Yu , Chou Chang‐Yi , Wu Chien‐Ju , Chang Chun‐Kai , Chu Tzi‐Shiang , Dai Niann‐Tzyy
Published: January 2017

Vibrio vulnificus can cause severe skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI). The pathogen is an opportunistic marine bacterium that is likely to infect patients with chronic liver disease, patients in an immunocompromised state, and those in end‐stage renal disease. V. vulnificus gains entry through soft tissues by direct penetration of a wound by infected marine organisms, such as raw oysters, shellfish and other seafood, or by exposing a wound to contaminated water. Despite its ease of entry, V. vulnificus necrotising fasciitis with compartment syndrome has rarely been described. We report a case of an elderly patient with end‐stage renal disease undergoing haemodialysis, who developed necrotising fasciitis following infection by V. vulnificus through a puncture injury while cleaning fish. A successful salvage and reconstruction surgery was performed using fenestrated‐type artificial dermis followed by negative pressure wound therapy. This case presents a reasonable treatment option for threatening V. vulnificus necrotising fasciitis with compartment syndrome.
Climate variability and fire effects on quaking aspen in the central Rocky Mountains,USA
Authors: Carter Vachel A. , Brunelle Andrea , Minckley Thomas A. , Shaw John D. , DeRose R. Justin , Brewer Simon
Published: January 2017

Aim

Our understanding of how climate and fire have impacted quaking aspen (Populus tremuloidesMichx.) communities prior to the 20th century is fairly limited. This study analysed the period between 4500 and 2000 cal. yrbpto assess the pre‐historic role of climate and fire on an aspen community during an aspen‐dominated period.

Location

Long Lake, south‐eastern Wyoming, central Rocky Mountains,USA.

Methods

Sedimentary pollen and charcoal were analysed to reconstruct the vegetation and fire history for a subalpine catchment currently dominated by lodgepole pine. Modern pollen‐climate relationships were applied to the fossil pollen spectra to interpret past climate variability. NonparametricANOVAand TukeyHSDtests were used to determine whether the reconstructed climate and fire parameters were different throughout the study period.

Results

The modern pollen‐climate data suggest ac. 150‐year long drought centred on 4200 cal. yrbp, which caused the aspen ecotone to shift upslope. Between 3950 and 3450 cal. yrbp, an anomalous period of abundant quaking aspen pollen(Populus) occurred at the study site. Optimal climatic conditions coupled with frequent fires facilitated local quaking aspen dominance for roughly 500 years. After 3450 cal. yrbp,Populuspollen declined coincident with a return to less frequent fires and conifer dominance. Reconstructed climate variables from 550 cal. yrbpto present suggest conditions were not favourable for quaking aspen establishment at Long Lake. The TukeyHSDtest confirms that the period of abundantPopuluspollen was significantly different than any other period during this study.

Main conclusions

Quaking aspen shifted upslope in response to warmer temperatures, and persisted for roughly 500 years as a result of optimal climatic conditions and frequent fire events.
Opportunity and taxon pulse: the central influence of coastal geomorphology on genetic diversification and endemism of strict estuarine species
Authors: Baggio Rafael A. , Stoiev Sérgio B. , Spach Henry L. , Boeger Walter A.
Published: January 2017

Aim

Sea‐level changes and coastal geomorphology (extension of continental shelves) have affected the pattern of diversification of brackish/freshwater fish populations due to the confluence of basins/estuaries during low sea‐level periods (opportunity) and isolation during high sea‐level periods. It is hypothesized that populations from estuaries in extensive continental shelves, which have greater potential for confluence, should have more opportunities for gene exchange than those in narrow continental shelves. To test this, we assessed the distribution of the genetic diversity and the patterns of diversification of the estuarine silverside, Atherinella brasiliensis, from the Brazilian coast.

Location

Eight estuaries along the southern and north‐eastern portions of the Brazilian coast.

Materials and methods

Sequences of the mitochondrial control region (D‐loop) and the cytochrome B were used to assess the distribution of genetic diversity, and these mitochondrial fragments and two nuclear introns were used to assess the patterns of diversification of A. brasiliensis. The palaeochannels that were exposed along the Brazilian coast during the Last Glacial Maximum were reconstructed using bathymetry data and the GIS method.

Results

The populations of A. brasiliensis from the estuaries of the north‐eastern Brazilian coast (narrower and shallower continental shelf) showed higher levels of genetic differentiation and larger (more haplotypes) endemic lineages than the populations in the southern coast (broader and deeper continental shelf). Furthermore, south coast lineages showed more evidence of genetic exchange among populations, which have resulted in a reticulated relationship between lineages and estuaries. The reconstruction of palaeochannels revealed more connections among southern than north‐eastern basins.

Main conclusions

Our results support the hypothesis that continental shelf extension and sea‐level changes have influenced the diversification of A. brasiliensis. By extension, they also support the hypothesis of diversification by taxon pulse, which makes predictions based on the opportunities for expansion during periods of low sea level and the width of the continental shelf. We suggest this as a model for the genetic diversification and distribution of estuarine species along the Brazilian coast and other regions of the world.
Young people with type 1 diabetes mellitus: Attitudes, perceptions, and experiences of diabetes management and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy
Authors: Perry Lin , James Steven , Steinbeck Katharine , Dunbabin Janet , Lowe Julia
Published: January 2017

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII; insulin pump) use is increasing. However, there is little information about how this technology is used compared with other insulin delivery methods (ie, injections) by young people with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Australia. This study explored young people's attitudes, perceptions, and experiences with diabetes management comparing those using with those not using CSII, and proportions likely to transition to adult services requiring initiation and/or support for CSII use.

Methods

A survey was undertaken of young people (aged 12 to 18 years) with type 1 diabetes mellitus and their parents/guardians living in Hunter New England, Australia, using a questionnaire designed to collect quantitative, descriptive, and demographic data. Most questions were based on previously developed and validated instruments. In total, 107 respondents returned partially or fully completed questionnaires.

Results

Respondents had positive attitudes and perceptions of their self‐efficacy and diabetes management, but were moderately disturbed by their diabetes and reported experiencing suboptimal management outcomes. Patterns of associations were demonstrated between knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of diabetes modeled by regression analysis. There were no statistically significant differences in responses between users and nonusers of CSII. Over 40% indicated their intention to use the technology as adults.

Conclusions

Opportunities for enhanced diabetes service support were clear, and CSII did not appear to be used to its full potential. Service redesign could enhance support for this young population using all preferred insulin delivery methods and should align to patients' goals and preferences to maximize service and patient gain.
Acute rheumatic fever and exposure to poor housing conditions in New Zealand: A descriptive study
Authors: Oliver Jane R , Pierse Nevil , Stefanogiannis Niki , Jackson Catherine , Baker Michael G
Published: January 2017

Aim

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an important public health problem in low‐ and middle‐income countries and in certain populations in high‐income countries. Indigenous Australians, and New Zealand Māori and Pacific people, have incidence rates among the highest in the world. We aimed to investigate ARF cases’ housing conditions and sore throat treatment to identify opportunities for improving ARF prevention in New Zealand.

Methods

Recently diagnosed cases and their care givers were interviewed. Information was obtained about the cases’ demographics, housing circumstances and conditions, and sore throat treatment preceding ARF.

Results

We interviewed 55 cases. Most (75%) lived in rental housing and reported multiple measures of deprivation. Common exposures were household crowding (58%), bed‐sharing (49%), dampness and mould (76%), cold (82%) and co‐habiting with smokers (71%). Experiencing sore throat in the weeks before ARF was recalled by 62%, with 29% seeing a doctor or nurse and 13% of the total sample receiving antibiotics.

Conclusions

The environmental conditions reported could contribute to high group A Streptococcus transmission and susceptibility to infection, thus increasing ARF risk. Sore throat treatment has important limitations as an intervention, particularly as 38% of participants did not recall sore throat preceding the diagnosis. The results support the need to improve rental housing. Interventions promoting minimum enforceable standards in social housing and private rental sectors (such as a housing warrant of fitness) could support these changes. A rigorous investigation, such as a case control study, is needed to explore risk factors further.
Efficacy of World Health Organization guideline in facility‐based reduction of mortality in severely malnourished children from low and middle income countries: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hossain Muttaquina , Chisti Mohammod J , Hossain Mohammod Iqbal , Mahfuz Mustafa , Islam Mohammad Munirul , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: January 2017

Aim

Globally more than 19 million under‐five children suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Data on efficacy of World Health Organization's (WHO’s) guideline in reducing SAM mortality are limited. We aimed to assess the efficacy of WHO’s facility‐based guideline for the reduction of under‐five SAM children mortality from low and middle income countries (LMICs).

Methods

A systematic search of literature published in 1980–2015 was conducted using electronic databases. Additional articles were identified from the reference lists and grey literature. Studies from LMICs where SAM children (0–59 months) were managed in facilities according to WHO’s guideline were included. Outcome was reduction in SAM mortality measured by case fatality rate (CFR). The review was reported following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guideline and meta‐analyses done using RevMan 5.3®.

Results

This review identified nine studies, which demonstrated reductions in SAM mortality. CFR ranged from 8 to 16% where WHO guideline applied. High rates of poverty, malnutrition, severe co‐morbid condition, lack of resources and differences in treatment practices played a key role in large CFR variation. Most death occurred within 48 h of admission in Asia, between 4 days and 4 weeks in Africa and in Latin America. CFR was reduced by 41% (odds ratio: 0.59; 95% confidence interval: 0.46–0.76) when WHO guideline were applied. A 45% reduction in CFR was achieved after excluding human immunodeficiency virus positive cases. Dietary management also differed among WHO and conventional management.

Conclusion

Children receiving SAM inpatient care as per WHO guideline have reduced CFR compared to conventional treatment.
Joint hypermobility and oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis: What relationship?
Authors: Cecchin Vanessa , Sperotto Francesca , Balzarin Marta , Vittadello Fabio , Martini Giorgia , Zulian Francesco
Published: January 2017

Aim

Oligoarticular onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (oJIA) is characterised by a prevalent lower limb involvement, antinuclear antibodies (ANA) positivity and high risk of anterior uveitis. As we observed that oJIA patients frequently present with joint hypermobility (JH), we investigated whether there was a relationship between oJIA and JH.

Methods

Our series consisted of children with oJIA, as defined by the International League of Associations for Rheumatology criteria, for whom complete clinical data of at least 2 years’ duration were available. Clinical and laboratory data, collected at disease onset and at the last follow‐up, included: sex, age, presence of JH according to the Beighton score, disease activity, presence of uveitis, ANA, treatment and outcome.

Results

A total of 274 oligoarticular JIA patients (224 female, 50 male; mean age: 11.5) followed on average for 6.6 years, entered the study. The mean age at disease onset was 4.9 years, ANA were positive in 83.9% and uveitis occurred in 20.8%. JH was present in 70.8% of cases at onset, in 44.5% at the last evaluation. JH was more frequent in females (73.7%) than in males (58.0%) (P = 0.028). Uveitis was less frequent in hypermobile children both at diagnosis (17.5 vs. 28.7%, P = 0.037) and during overall disease course (23.7 vs. 36.3%, P = 0.034). Of 163 subjects with at least 5‐year follow‐up, the full clinical remission rate was significantly higher in JH patients (50.5%) than in those without JH (42.3%; P = 0.042).

Conclusion

In patients with oligoarticular JIA, JH is more frequent than in healthy subjects, uveitis less frequent and the long‐term outcome better.
Effects of dietary inclusion of silymarin on performance, intestinal morphology and ileal bacterial count in aflatoxin‐challenged broiler chicks
Authors: Jahanian E. , Mahdavi A. H. , Asgary S. , Jahanian R.
Published: January 2017

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of silymarin on performance, jejunal morphology and ileal bacterial population in broiler chicks intoxicated with a mix of aflatoxins. A total of three hundred thirty six 7‐day‐old Ross broiler chicks were randomly distributed between seven experimental groups with four replicates of 12 birds each. Experimental treatments consisted of a control group (unchallenged), and a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, including two aflatoxin levels (0.5 and 2 ppm) and three levels of silymarin (0, 500 and 1000 ppm). Birds were challenged with a mix of aflatoxins from 7 to 28 days of age. Results showed that increasing aflatoxin level resulted in decreased average daily feed intake (ADFI) and weight gain (ADWG), consequently impaired feed conversion ratio (FCR) throughout the trial period. Dietary supplementation of silymarin resulted in the marked increases in ADFI and ADWG, and improved FCR values in aflatoxin‐challenged chicks. Ileal bacterial populations at days 28 and 42 of age were increased by incremental levels of aflatoxins. On the other hand, dietary silymarin supplementation suppressed ileal populations of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella and total negative bacteria in aflatoxicated birds. Increase in dietary aflatoxin level resulted in the decreased villi height, villi height‐to‐crypt depth ratio (VH:CD), villi surface area and apparent villi absorptive area, while it increased crypt depth, goblet cell count and lymphoid follicular diameter. Feeding silymarin at the level of 1000 ppm increased villi height and VH:CD in aflatoxicated birds. Present results indicate that dietary inclusion of silymarin could improve performance by suppressing ileal bacteria and enhancing absorptive surface area in aflatoxin‐challenged broiler chicks.
Assessment of tissue development in fattening quails using the stable isotope technique
Authors: Rezende J. C. R. , Sartori M. M. P. , Sartori J. R. , Ducatti C. , Denadai J. C. , Pezzato A. C.
Published: January 2017

We aimed to study the behaviour of tissue renewal in blood, pectoral muscle and keel of fattening quails during their growth and adulthood through carbon‐13 turnover using the stable isotope technique. Three hundred male European quails were randomly subjected to six treatments. Diets fed to animals were initially based on corn and soybean meal and were replaced at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days of age with diets of rice grits and soybean meal. These diets have distinct isotopic signals and over time it changes; the tissue will incorporate dietary signal, and then, we can measure the return time for each tissue in each age. Treatments were T1 (0 to 21 days), T2 (7 to 35 days), T3 (14 to 42 days), T4 (21 to 56 days), T5 (28 to 63 days) and T6 (35 to 70 days). Carbon‐13 turnover in tissues of the birds at the above‐mentioned time periods was calculated using the first‐order exponential function. The values of half‐lives were 2.6, 3.6, 5.4, 6.3, 9.0 and 9.8 days for blood and 2.0, 1.7, 4.8, 6.7, 6.9 and 6.6 days for pectoral muscle in treatments T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 respectively. The half‐lives for the keel in treatments T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 were 2.0, 5.4, 7.7, 8.9 and 15 days respectively. Thus, half‐life in sampled tissues generally increased with age of birds. Initially, the tissue half‐lives are influenced by growth, and at the end of the growth cycle, the breast muscle tissue was the most metabolically active in either periods, followed by blood and the keel. All tissues showed a sigmoidal growth curve, which can be confirmed by half‐life as a function of age.
Impact of acute‐on‐chronic liver failure on 90‐day mortality following a first liver transplantation
Authors: Levesque Eric , Winter Audrey , Noorah Zaid , Daurès Jean‐Pierre , Landais Paul , Feray Cyrille , Azoulay Daniel
Published: January 2017

Background

Acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) is associated with a significant short‐term mortality rate (23%‐74%), depending on the number of organ failures. Some patients present with ACLF at the time of liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to assess whether ACLF was also a prognostic factor after LT and, if applicable, to construct a score that could predict 90‐day mortality.

Methods

Three hundred and fifty cirrhotic patients, who underwent LT between January 2008 and December 2013, were enrolled. We used ACLF grades according to EASL‐CLIF consortium criteria to categorize the cirrhotic patients. A propensity score was applied with an Inverse Probability Treatment Weighting in a Cox model. A predictive score of early mortality after LT was generated.

Results

One hundred and forty patients (40%) met the criteria for ACLF. The overall mortality rate at 90 days post‐transplant was 10.6% (37/350 patients). ACLF at the time of LT (HR: 5.78 [3.42‐9.77], P<.001) was an independent predictor of 90‐day mortality. Infection occurring during the month before LT, high recipient age and male recipient, the reason for LT and a female donor were also independent risk factors for early mortality. Using these factors, we have proposed a model to predict 90‐day mortality after LT.

Conclusions

LT is feasible in cirrhotic patients with ACLF. However, we have shown that ACLF is a significant and independent predictor of 90‐day mortality. We propose a score that can identify candidate cirrhotic patients in whom LT might be associated with futile LT.
Deciphering the genomic architecture of the stickleback brain with a novel multilocus gene‐mapping approach
Authors: Li Zitong , Guo Baocheng , Yang Jing , Herczeg Gábor , Gonda Abigél , Balázs Gergely , Shikano Takahito , Calboli Federico C. F. , Merilä Juha
Published: January 2017

Quantitative traits important to organismal function and fitness, such as brain size, are presumably controlled by many small‐effect loci. Deciphering the genetic architecture of such traits with traditional quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping methods is challenging. Here, we investigated the genetic architecture of brain size (and the size of five different brain parts) in nine‐spined sticklebacks (Pungitius pungitius) with the aid of novel multilocus QTL‐mapping approaches based on a de‐biased LASSO method. Apart from having more statistical power to detect QTL and reduced rate of false positives than conventional QTL‐mapping approaches, the developed methods can handle large marker panels and provide estimates of genomic heritability. Single‐locus analyses of an F2interpopulation cross with 239 individuals and 15 198, fully informative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) uncovered 79 QTL associated with variation in stickleback brain size traits. Many of these loci were in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) with each other, and consequently, a multilocus mapping of individual SNPs, accounting for LD structure in the data, recovered only four significant QTL. However, a multilocus mapping of SNPs grouped by linkage group (LG) identified 14 LGs (1–6 depending on the trait) that influence variation in brain traits. For instance, 17.6% of the variation in relative brain size was explainable by cumulative effects of SNPs distributed over six LGs, whereas 42% of the variation was accounted for by all 21 LGs. Hence, the results suggest that variation in stickleback brain traits is influenced by many small‐effect loci. Apart from suggesting moderately heritable (h2 ≈ 0.15–0.42) multifactorial genetic architecture of brain traits, the results highlight the challenges in identifying the loci contributing to variation in quantitative traits. Nevertheless, the results demonstrate that the novel QTL‐mapping approach developed here has distinctive advantages over the traditional QTL‐mapping methods in analyses of dense marker panels.
A thioredoxin NbTRXh2 from Nicotiana benthamiana negatively regulates the movement of Bamboo mosaic virus
Authors: Chen I‐Hsuan , Chen Hui‐Ting , Huang Ying‐Ping , Huang Hui‐Chen , Shenkwen Lin‐Ling , Hsu Yau‐Heiu , Tsai Ching‐Hsiu
Published: January 2017

An up‐regulated gene derived from Bamboo mosaic virus (BaMV)‐infected Nicotiana benthamiana plants was cloned and characterized in this study. BaMV is a single‐stranded, positive‐sense RNA virus. This gene product, designated as NbTRXh2, was matched with sequences of thioredoxin h proteins, a group of small proteins with a conserved active‐site motif WCXPC conferring disulfide reductase activity. To examine how NbTRXh2 is involved in the infection cycle of BaMV, we used the virus‐induced gene silencing technique to knock down NbTRXh2 expression in N. benthamiana and inoculated the plants with BaMV. We observed that, compared with control plants, BaMV coat protein accumulation increased in knockdown plants at 5 days post‐inoculation (dpi). Furthermore, BaMV coat protein accumulation did not differ significantly between NbTRXh2‐knockdown and control protoplasts at 24 hpi. The BaMV infection foci in NbTRXh2‐knockdown plants were larger than those in control plants. In addition, BaMV coat protein accumulation decreased when NbTRXh2 was transiently expressed in plants. These results suggest that NbTRXh2 plays a role in restricting BaMV accumulation. Moreover, confocal microscopy results showed that NbTRXh2‐OFP (NbTRXh2 fused with orange fluorescent protein) localized at the plasma membrane, similar to AtTRXh9, a homologue in Arabidopsis. The expression of the mutant that did not target the substrates failed to reduce BaMV accumulation. Co‐immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that the viral movement protein TGBp2 could be the target of NbTRXh2. Overall, the functional role of NbTRXh2 in reducing the disulfide bonds of targeting factors, encoded either by the host or virus (TGBp2), is crucial in restricting BaMV movement.
Clinical study on low‐molecular weight heparin infusion as anticoagulation for nocturnal home haemodialysis
Authors: Wong Steve Siu‐Man , Lau Wai‐Yan , Ng Man‐Luen , Chan Shuk‐Yin , Chan So‐Fan , Chan Ping‐Kwan , Wan Ching‐Kit , Cheng Yuk‐Lun
Published: January 2017

Aim

This study was conducted to evaluate low‐molecular weight heparin (LMWH) as anticoagulation for nocturnal home haemodialysis (NHHD). While its longer half‐life may cause drug accumulation in frequent dialysis, the essential need of a supplementary intra‐dialytic bolus for the sleeping patients also renders LMWH's use impractical.

Methods

The recruited patients, who were on alternate‐day 8 h haemodialysis, were randomized to receive either nadroparin or unfractionated heparin (UFH) for a week. They underwent crossover to receive the alternate anticoagulant in the next week. A nadroparin infusion regimen was adopted to enhance its practicability, which consisted of a loading dose of 35 IU/kg and a continuous infusion of 10 IU/kg per hour for 6 h.

Results

A total of 12 NHHD patients were recruited. With nadroparin infusion, the mean anti‐Xa levels at the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th hours of dialysis were 0.46 ± 0.11, 0.55 ± 0.14, 0.61 ± 0.15 and 0.45 ± 0.15 IU/mL respectively. Comparing to UFH, which offered satisfactory anticoagulation according to the activated partial thromboplastin time, nadroparin‐treated dialysis achieved similar thrombus scores and dialyser urea/creatinine clearances at the end of haemodialysis. During the post‐dialysis period, one patient demonstrated residual LMWH effect (anti‐Xa level 0.09 IU/mL) on the next day, whereas none had detectable anti‐Xa activities 2 days afterwards upon next dialysis.

Conclusions

Low‐molecular weight heparin infusion is practical and effective as anticoagulation for NHHD. It can be safely used in an alternate‐day haemodialysis schedule. A close monitoring for LMWH accumulation is recommended if long dialysis is performed daily.
Dancing in the dark: darkness as a signal in plants
Authors: Seluzicki Adam , Burko Yogev , Chory Joanne
Published: January 2017

Daily cycles of light and dark provide an organizing principle and temporal constraints under which life on Earth evolved. While light is often the focus of plant studies, it is only half the story. Plants continuously adjust to their surroundings, taking both dawn and dusk as cues to organize their growth, development and metabolism to appropriate times of day. In this review, we examine the effects of darkness on plant physiology and growth. We describe the similarities and differences between seedlings grown in the dark versus those grown in light–dark cycles, and the evolution of etiolated growth. We discuss the integration of the circadian clock into other processes, looking carefully at the points of contact between clock genes and growth‐promoting gene‐regulatory networks in temporal gating of growth. We also examine daily starch accumulation and degradation, and the possible contribution of dark‐specific metabolic controls in regulating energy and growth. Examining these studies together reveals a complex and continuous balancing act, with many signals, dark included, contributing information and guiding the plant through its life cycle. The extraordinary interconnection between light and dark is manifest during cycles of day and night and during seedling emergence above versus below the soil surface.
Diverse functions of multidrug and toxin extrusion (MATE) transporters in citric acid efflux and metal homeostasis in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Wang Junjie , Hou Qiuqiang , Li Penghui , Yang Lina , Sun Xuecheng , Benedito Vagner A. , Wen Jiangqi , Chen Beibei , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Zhao Jian
Published: January 2017

The multidrug and toxin extrusion (MATE) transporter family comprises 70 members in the Medicago truncatula genome, and they play seemingly important, yet mostly uncharacterized, physiological functions. Here, we employed bioinformatics and molecular genetics to identify and characterize MATE transporters involved in citric acid export, Al3+ tolerance and Fe translocation. MtMATE69 is a citric acid transporter induced by Fe‐deficiency. Overexpression of MtMATE69 in hairy roots altered Fe homeostasis and hormone levels under Fe‐deficient or Fe‐oversupplied conditions. MtMATE66 is a plasma membrane citric acid transporter primarily expressed in root epidermal cells. The mtmate66 mutant had less root growth than the wild type under Al3+ stress, and seedlings were chlorotic under Fe‐deficient conditions. Overexpression of MtMATE66 rendered hairy roots more tolerant to Al3+ toxicity. MtMATE55 is involved in seedling development and iron homeostasis, as well as hormone signaling. The mtmate55 mutant had delayed development and chlorotic leaves in mature plants. Both knock‐out and overexpression mutants of MtMATE55 showed altered Fe accumulation and abnormal hormone levels compared with the wild type. We demonstrate that the zinc‐finger transcription factor MtSTOP is essentially required for MtMATE66 expression and plant resistance to H+ and Al3+ toxicity. The proper expression of two previously characterized MATE flavonoid transporters MtMATE1 and MtMATE2 also depends on several transcription factors. This study reveals not only functional diversity of MATE transporters and regulatory mechanisms in legumes against H+ and Al3+ stresses, but also casts light on their role in metal nutrition and hormone signaling under various stresses.
Skin disease in captive bats: results of an online survey of zoos and rehabilitators in Europe, North America and Australasia
Authors: Fountain Kay I. , Stevens Kim B. , Lloyd David H. , Loeffler Anette
Published: January 2017

Background

Bats may be held captive in zoos and breeding programmes, and for rehabilitation due to illness, abandonment or injury.

Objectives

To describe the frequency and characteristics of skin disease in captive bats.

Methods

Zoos (n = 164) in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand, Wildlife Disease Association members and rehabilitators were invited to complete online questionnaires on skin lesions and housing. Associations between lesion type and site, frequency, species, age, suspected cause and season, and their association with housing in zoos were tested using chi‐squared and two‐sample z‐tests.

Results

Skin lesions were seen by 38.5% (15 of 39) of responding zoos and more frequently by rehabilitators (66.7%, 18 of 27; P = 0.024). Of the total of 153 lesions of any type reported by zoos and rehabilitators, almost two thirds occurred on the pinnae (49 of 153, 32%) or wing membranes (45 of 153, 29%). Amongst pinnal lesions, crusting (27%), swelling and redness (25%) and necrosis (20%) were most frequent. In zoos, pinnal (P = 0.001) and wing lesions (P = 0.045) were associated with “season”, being more common in winter. Pruritus was rare but more often reported from rehabilitation centres (12 of 77 observed lesions) than from zoos (1 of 76) (P = 0.0015). Lesions most often affected adult and geriatric bats in zoos, and juveniles and adults in rehabilitation. Eight respondents reported that skin disease necessitated euthanasia in individual bats. There was no significant association between type of housing and lesions.

Conclusion

Pinnal and wing lesions were common in captive bats, often with necrosis. Further research into the causes is needed to improve health and welfare of captive bats.
Molecular identification of seven species of the genus Stigmaeopsis (Acari: Tetranychidae) and preliminary attempts to establish their phylogenetic relationship
Authors: Sakamoto Hironori , Matsuda Tomoko , Suzuki Reiko , Saito Yutaka , Lin Jian-Zhen , Zhang Yan-Xuan , Sato Yukie , Gotoh Tetsuo
Published: January 2017

The genus Stigmaeopsis (family Tetranychidae) has 11 species including the serious bamboo pest, S. nanjingensis. All Stigmaeopsis species are difficult to identify by their morphology, and the diagnostic character (the length of dorsal setae) can be used only to identify fresh specimens. To identify these species at the molecular level, we sequenced the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene of mitochondrial DNA and two nuclear ribosomal RNA genes (18S and 28S) of 20 strains of seven species of Stigmaeopsis [S. celarius, S. longus, S. miscanthi (both low- and high-aggression phenotypes), S. nanjingensis, S. tenuinidus, S. saharai and S. takahashii]. In maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic trees of both COI and combined 18S-28S genes, all but one Stigmaeopsis species could be identified as a monophyletic clade with high bootstrap values. The present results strongly suggested that the exceptional species, S. miscanthi, consists of three biologically different entities based on two phylogenetic trees. Though the phylogenetic trees did not comprehensively solve the phylogeny of Stigmaeopsis, a phylogenetic tree based on the combined nuclear genes showed a sibling relationship between two sub-social Stigmaeopsis species, S. miscanthi and S. longus. In addition, diagnostic PCR detected Wolbachia or Cardinium, which frequently affect mitochondrial haplotypes, in S. longus and S. nanjingensis. In the COI tree, S. longus was separated into two groups which were more consistent with their bacterial infection status than with their geographical distribution.
Two new Brazilian Parasitengona larvae: Callidosoma (Acari, Erythraeidae) parasite of Lepidoptera and Durenia (Acari, Trombellidae) parasite of Culicidae (Diptera), with keys to the species
Authors: Costa Samuel Geremias Dos Santos , Klompen Hans , Dos Santos Emili Bortolon , Favretto Mario Arthur , Pepato Almir Rogério
Published: January 2017

Two new Brazilian Parasitengona belonging to the genera Callidosoma Womersley, 1936 and Durenia Vercammen-Grandjean, 1955 are described from larvae associated with, respectively, Lepidoptera and Culicidae. Updated keys for larvae of both genera and Scanning Electron Microscopy pictures of Callidosoma selmae sp. nov. are presented.
Ontogenetic development and redescription of Eotetranychus xuzhouensis (Wang and Ma 1987) comb. nov. (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Yi Tian-Ci , Liu Man , Guo Jian-Jun , Jin Dao-Chao
Published: January 2017

Platytetranychus xuzhouensis Wang and Ma 1987 is redescribed and combined as Eotetranychus xuzhouensis (Wang and Ma) comb. nov. based on the protonymph, deutonymph, male and holotype female specimens from En-Pei Ma’s collections. Eotetranychus xuzhouensis (Wang and Ma) comb. nov. can be distinguished from other members of Eotetranychus by the distinct shape of the aedeagus and tarsus I with one tactile seta proximal to duplex setae. The ontogenetic changes in leg chaetotaxy in Eotetranychus xuzhouensis (Wang and Ma) comb. nov. are given and discussed. Additional trends and reductive chaetotaxy of the leg segments suggest that Eotetranychus xuzhouensis (Wang and Ma) comb. nov. has its own basic larval-protonymphal pattern of setal additions.
LiNi0.8Co0.2O2-based high power lithium-ion battery positive electrodes analyzed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: 2. Following 3 formation cycles
Authors: Haasch Richard T. , Abraham Daniel A.
Published: January 2017

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) was used to analyze rinsed and not rinsed LiNi0.8Co0.2O2-based high power lithium-ion battery cathodes following 3 formation cycles. XP spectra were obtained using incident monochromatic AlKα radiation at 0.83401 nm. A survey spectrum together with F 1s, O 1s, C 1s, P 2p and Li 1s are presented. In addition, XP spectra were obtained using incident Mg Kα radiation at 0.98903 nm. A survey spectrum together with Ni 2p, Co 2p, and C 1s are presented. The spectra indicate the principal core level photoelectron and Auger electron signals and the not rinsed cathode shows only minor sulfur contamination.
LiNi0.8Co0.2O2-based high power lithium-ion battery positive electrodes analyzed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: 3. Following calendar-life test for 12 weeks at 40 °C, 60% state-of-charge (3.747 V)
Authors: Haasch Richard T. , Abraham Daniel A.
Published: January 2017

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) was used to analyze rinsed and not rinsed LiNi0.8Co0.2O2-based high power lithium-ion battery cathodes following calendar-life testing at 40 °C, 60% state-of-charge. XP spectra were obtained using incident monochromatic AlKα radiation at 0.83401 nm. A survey spectrum together with F 1s, O 1s, C 1s, P 2p, and Li 1s are presented. The spectra indicate the principal core level photoelectron and Auger electron signals. Both cathodes show only minor nitrogen contamination.
LiNi0.8Co0.2O2-based high power lithium-ion battery positive electrodes analyzed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: 5. Following calendar-life test for 8 weeks at 60 °C, 60% state-of-charge (3.747 V)
Authors: Haasch Richard , Abraham Daniel A.
Published: January 2017

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) was used to analyze rinsed and not rinsed LiNi0.8Co0.2O2-based high power lithium-ion battery cathodes following calendar-life testing at 60 °C, 60% state-of-charge. XP spectra were obtained using incident monochromatic AlKα radiation at 0.83401 nm. A survey spectrum together with F 1s, O 1s, C 1s, P 2p and Li 1s are presented. The spectra indicate the principal core level photoelectron and Auger electron signals.
Volume-expansion polymerization for UV-curable nanoimprinting
Authors: Luo Bingqing , Fan Zengju , Li Ziping , Chen Yulong , Tian Yanqing , Cheng Xing
Published: January 2017

In ultraviolet (UV) nanoimprinting, polymerization of liquid monomers is generally accompanied by a decrease in the resist volume, which often causes problems such as residual stress, pattern distortion, and replication defects. Thus, it is highly desirable to reduce or even eliminate volume shrinkage during monomer polymerization in UV nanoimprinting. To achieve this goal, monomers that undergo volume expansion during polymerization are added into the resist formulation. Spiro-orthocarbonate is a monomer that expands upon cationic ring-opening polymerization. By mixing the spiro-orthocarbonate monomer with a common epoxy monomer, the authors achieved a zero volume change after curing. It is also possible to achieve volume expansion in this new resist formulation. The residual stress in the cured resist structures is also effectively mitigated. It is expected that elimination of volume shrinkage in UV nanoimprinting can address important issues such as pattern fidelity and high demolding forces.