bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plumbing the depths: extracellular water storage in specialized leaf structures and its functional expression in a three‐domain pressure –volume relationship
Authors: Nguyen Hoa T. , Meir Patrick , Wolfe Joe , Mencuccini Maurizio , Ball Marilyn C. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractA three‐domain pressure–volume relationship (PV curve) was studied in relation to leaf anatomical structure during dehydration in the grey mangrove, Avicennia marina. In domain 1, relative water content (RWC) declined 13% with 0.85 MPa decrease in leaf water potential, reflecting a decrease in extracellular water stored primarily in trichomes and petiolar cisternae. In domain 2, RWC decreased by another 12% with a further reduction in leaf water potential to −5.1 MPa, the turgor loss point. Given the osmotic potential at full turgor (−4.2 MPa) and the effective modulus of elasticity (~40 MPa), domain 2 emphasized the role of cell wall elasticity in conserving cellular hydration during leaf water loss. Domain 3 was dominated by osmotic effects and characterized by plasmolysis in most tissues and cell types without cell wall collapse. Extracellular and cellular water storage could support an evaporation rate of 1 mmol m−2s−1 for up to 54 and 50 min, respectively, before turgor loss was reached. This study emphasized the importance of leaf anatomy for the interpretation of PV curves, and identified extracellular water storage sites that enable transient water use without substantive turgor loss when other factors, such as high soil salinity, constrain rates of water transport.
Heterozygous liver transplantation for maple syrup urine disease: First European reported case
Authors: Roilides I. , Xinias I. , Mavroudi A. , Ioannou H. , Savopoulou P. , Imvrios G. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractMSUD is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder that results from a defect in the BCKDH enzyme. This enzyme is essential for the second step in the metabolism of the branched‐chain amino acids, leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Patients with MSUD are subject to severe, irreversible neurologic injury unless closely managed with a specialized metabolic formula and a diet restricted in leucine throughout their lifetime. During times of illness, patients with MSUD can suffer from severe metabolic derangement, acute cerebral edema, and untimely death. Deceased donor liver transplant restores the ability to metabolize branched‐chain amino acids, even on an unrestricted diet, and prevents metabolic derangements during times of illness. We report a successful case of living donor (parental) transplant for a child with MSUD. The donor was the child's father. This approach has been controversial as parents of children with MSUD are obligate heterozygotes for the condition and have diminished levels of BCKDH activity. If effective, living‐related donor transplant provides a promising alternative for deceased donor liver transplant, which often requires a prolonged waiting period and may not be feasible in areas with limited medical resources.
The effect of epidermal levels of urocanic acid on 25‐hydroxyvitamin D synthesis and inflammatory mediators upon narrowband UVB irradiation
Authors: Landeck Lilla , Jakasa Ivone , Dapic Irena , Lutter René , Thyssen Jacob P. , Skov Lone , Braun Andrea , Schön Michael P. , John Swen M. , Kezic Sanja , Brans Richard 
Published: June 2016

SummaryBackground/PurposeUrocanic acid (UCA) absorbs ultraviolet (UV)B radiation in the epidermis which may interfere with phototherapy. Therefore, the influence of individual levels of UCA on immune reactivity and vitamin D synthesis induced by narrowband UVB radiation was assessed.MethodsTwenty‐eight subjects with irritant contact dermatitis of the hands were irradiated with suberythemal doses of narrowband UVB radiation on their unaffected lower forearms on three consecutive days. Stratum corneum tape strips and epidermal interstitial fluid (ISF) as well as blood samples were analyzed.ResultsNarrowband UVB irradiation led to the conversion of trans‐UCA into its cis‐isomer in the epidermis. The observed increase in 25‐hydroxyvitamin D serum concentrations was inversely correlated with the baseline levels of trans‐UCA. Furthermore, UVB irradiation induced significant changes in the levels of CXCL10/IP‐10, CCL2/MCP‐1, CCL4/MIP‐1β, and the IL‐1RA/IL‐1α ratio. The levels of IL‐1α and CXCL9/MIG showed a trend toward increase. The changes in the levels of inflammatory and immunomodulatory mediators did not depend on baseline levels of trans‐UCA.ConclusionThe results suggest that epidermal levels of trans‐UCA affect vitamin D synthesis, but not cutaneous immune reactivity upon repeated exposure to suberythemal doses of narrowband UVB radiation. However, this requires further exploration.
Detailed analysis of the supermarket task included on the Japanese version of the Rapid Dementia Screening Test
Authors: Moriyama Yasushi , Yoshino Aihide , Muramatsu Taro , Mimura Masaru 
Published: June 2016

AimThe supermarket task, which is included in the Japanese version of the Rapid Dementia Screening Test, requires the quick (1 min) generation of words for things that can be bought in a supermarket. Cluster size and switches are investigated during this task. We investigated how the severity of dementia related to cluster size and switches on the supermarket task in patients with Alzheimer's disease.MethodsWe administered the Japanese version of the Rapid Dementia Screening Test to 250 patients with very mild to severe Alzheimer's disease and to 49 healthy volunteers. Patients had Mini‐Mental State Examination scores from 12 to 26 and Clinical Dementia Rating scale scores from 0.5 to 3. Patients were divided into four groups based on their Clinical Dementia Rating score (0.5, 1, 2, 3). We performed statistical analyses between the four groups and control subjects based on cluster size and switch scores on the supermarket task.ResultsThe score for cluster size and switches deteriorated according to the severity of dementia. Moreover, for subjects with a Clinical Dementia Rating score of 0.5, cluster size was impaired, but switches were intact.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that the scores for cluster size and switches on the supermarket task may be useful for detecting the severity of symptoms of dementia in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Where is the ball? Behavioral and neural responses elicited by a magic trick
Authors: Caffaratti Hugo , Navajas Joaquin , Rey Hernan G. , Quian Quiroga Rodrigo 
Published: June 2016

AbstractWe present results from two experiments, in which subjects watched continuous videos of a professional magician repeatedly performing a maneuver in which a ball could “magically” appear under a cup. In all cases, subjects were asked to predict whether the ball would appear under the cup or not, while scalp EEG recordings were performed. Both experiments elicited strong and consistent behavioral and neural responses. In the first experiment, we used two blocks of videos with different probabilities of the ball appearing in the cup and found that, first, based on the behavioral responses, the subjects could track this probability change; and second, the different probabilities modulated the neural responses. In the second experiment, we introduced a control condition in which the magician performed the maneuver under the table, out of subjects' view. Comparing the two conditions (i.e., performing the maneuver within or out of the subjects' view), we found that, first, the magic trick dramatically biased the subjects' behavioral responses; and second, the two conditions led to differential neural responses, in spite of the fact that the stimulus triggering the evoked responses (seeing the ball in the cup) was exactly the same. Altogether, our results show how new insights into sensory and cognitive processing can be obtained using adapted magic tricks. Moreover, the approach of analyzing responses to continuous video presentations offers a more ecological setting compared to classic evoked potential paradigms, which are typically based on presenting static images flashed at the center of the screen.
Controlling Administrative Discretion Promotes Social Equity? Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Authors: Cárdenas Sergio , Ramírez de la Cruz Edgar E. 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Although social equity has been a formal pillar of public administration for decades, identifying mechanisms through which public officials inadvertently reproduce unfair conditions remains a relevant topic. In particular, it is important to understand how the habits and practices of street‐level bureaucrats may result in an unjust allocation of public resources. This article provides evidence on how the administrative discretion conferred on school principals may result in an efficient but unfair condition regarding the allocation of students across schools, thus undermining social equity. By exploiting a natural experiment, we are able to provide reliable evidence on how controlling administrative discretion decreases the segregation of students based on their socioeconomic status.
The effects of check dams and other erosion control structures on the restoration of Andean bofedal ecosystems
Authors: Hartman Brett D. , Bookhagen Bodo , Chadwick Oliver A. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractRestoring degraded lands in rural environments that are heavily managed to meet subsistence needs is a challenge due to high rates of disturbance and resource extraction. This study investigates the efficacy of erosion control structures (ECSs) as restoration tools in the context of a watershed rehabilitation and wet meadow (bofedal) restoration program in the Bolivian Andes. In an effort to enhance water security and increase grazing stability, Aymara indigenous communities built over 15,000 check dams, 9,100 terraces, 5,300 infiltration ditches, and 35 pasture improvement trials. Communities built ECSs at different rates, and we compared vegetation change in the highest restoration management intensity, lowest restoration management intensity, and nonproject control communities. We used line transects to measure changes in vegetation cover and standing water in gullies with check dams and without check dams, and related these ground measurements to a time series (1986–2009) of normalized difference vegetation index derived from Landsat TM5 images. Evidence suggests that check dams increase bofedal vegetation and standing water at a local scale, and lead to increased greenness at a basin scale when combined with other ECSs. Watershed rehabilitation enhances ecosystem services significant to local communities (grazing stability, water security), which creates important synergies when conducting land restoration in rural development settings.
Gondwana Link: connecting people, landscapes, and livelihoods across southwestern Australia
Authors: Bradby Keith , Keesing Amanda , Wardell‐Johnson Grant 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe Gondwana Link (GL) program spans some 1,000 km and includes organizations, businesses, and individuals working to improve ecological function across the most intact large areas of habitat remaining in southwestern Australia (SWA). Noncompetitive leadership plus a focus on tangible achievement have been critical to providing the cohesion and initial momentum needed to support and inspire increased effort from those involved. Ongoing success rests on the responses of people working together, having respect for the integrity of the collective effort and for the specific roles of others across differing but complementary roles. Significant achievements have been secured, with progress in scientific knowledge generally following initial implementation of key actions. Lasting improvements in ecological health and resilience will only occur through larger‐scale actions, which require more effort and time. The GL program has been an important initiative in strengthening the awareness of the distinctive ecological systems across SWA and the intertwined characteristics of resilience and fragility that characterize the region and its people. It has also had a role in inspiring and informing growth in large‐scale connectivity programs nationally and internationally.
Does Institutional Change Spread Across Countries? Explaining Spatial Patterns in Human Rights
Authors: Faber Gerrit , Gerritse Michiel 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIf a country improves its human rights record, will neighbouring countries benefit? Beneficial spillovers could justify intervention by the UN or one of the many other organisations that internationally fight human rights violations. We document that countries’ human rights performances often resemble the human rights situation of their neighbours. However, exploiting time variation in a spatial panel, we find that much of that resemblance is simply determined by the shared geographical location. Changes in neighbouring countries have little influence on local human rights, suggesting that contemporaneous spillovers and interactions are limited.
Mineralization of the Equine Palmar/Plantar Annular Ligament Treated by Surgical Resection
Authors: Garvican Elaine R. , Wylie Claire E. , Payne Richard J. , Smith Roger K.W. , Head Marcus J. 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveTo document the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of mineralization of the equine palmar/plantar annular ligament (PAL).Study DesignRetrospective study.AnimalsPonies (n=7).MethodsCase records from 2 referral hospitals were examined to identify cases with lameness associated with PAL mineralization treated surgically. Follow‐up information was obtained from the owners by telephone questionnaire.ResultsDuration of lameness before referral ranged from 5 weeks to 6 months, and degree of lameness from grade 1 to 5 out of 10. In 3 cases, records noted obvious pain when pressure was applied over the PAL. Pain resulting in lameness was localized to this area and all cases were treated surgically, although the extent of resected tissue varied among cases. Histological examination of resected tissue (4 cases) revealed fibrocartilaginous and/or osseous metaplasia. Following surgery, 6 of the 7 ponies became sound.ConclusionBased on this limited case series, surgical treatment for mineralization of the PAL offers a favorable success rate without severe complications where conservative methods have failed.
No Evidence of Dengue Virus Infections in Several Species of Bats Captured in Central and Southern Mexico
Authors: Cabrera‐Romo S. , Max Ramirez C. , Recio‐Tótoro B. , Tolentino‐Chi J. , Lanz H. , del Ángel R. M. , Sánchez‐Cordero V. , Rodríguez‐Moreno Á. , Ludert J. E. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryBats are reservoirs for viruses with zoonotic potential in the Americas, and scattered evidence exists suggesting that bats may act as reservoirs for dengue virus (DENV). To explore further the role of bats as part of DENV sylvatic cycles, 240 bats of 18 species were captured in 2 states of Mexico with contrasting ecological characteristics but concurrent DENV activity in humans. RT‐PCR analysis of RNA extracted from liver or spleen tissue from de bats failed to show evidence for the presence of DENV nucleic acids in these organs. In addition, plasma assayed by plaque reduction neutralization test showed no evidence of neutralizing anti‐DENV antibodies. These results suggest that American bats may not be reservoirs or amplification host for DENV infection.
Wild‐Caught and Farm‐Reared Amphibians are Important Reservoirs of Salmonella, A Study in North‐East Thailand
Authors: Ribas A. , Poonlaphdecha S. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryThe role of amphibians as Salmonella reservoirs has not been as well studied as in reptiles, where the literature is abundant. Recent outbreaks of salmonellosis associated with exotic pet frogs have occurred in United States. Frog farming and wild frog harvesting have increased the international trade in these species. This necessitates a better understanding of the risk of salmonellosis transmission from amphibians to humans. We explored the presence of Salmonella in amphibians (frogs and toads) in Thailand, where farmed and wild frogs as well as toads are present. These live animals are easily found in the local markets and are used as food. Exportation of frog meat from Thailand is common. During March–June 2014, ninety‐seven frogs were collected from several habitats, including frog farms, urban areas and protected natural areas. The collected amphibians were tested for the presence of Salmonella. The overall prevalence of Salmonella was 69.07% (90.00% in farm animals, 0% in urban area animals and 44.83% in protected area animals). Eight serovars of Salmonella were isolated: subsp. diarizonae ser. 50:k:z, Hvittingfoss, Muenchen, Newport, Stanley, Thompson, Panama and Wandsworth. Six of the identified serovars, Hvittingfoss, Newport, Panama, Stanley, Thompson and Wandsworth, have been detected in humans in Thailand. According to our results, amphibians are reservoirs of Salmonella and can be a public health concern when used as a source of protein for humans.
Baseline Ability Makes a Larger Contribution to Race Performance in High-School Sprinters Than Race Experience or Training Exposure
Authors: Lynch Kristine E. , Thomas Alun , Gibson Bryan 
Published: June 2016

Purpose:There has long been a debate regarding the importance of talent versus training in athletic performance. In this study we sought to quantify their relative contributions to the race performance of high-school sprinters.Methods:Using race results from the athletic.net website, we identified high-school athletes who participated in at least one race in both 9th and 12th grade in the 100 m, 200 m or 400 m. Athletes with a record of racing before high school were excluded from the analyses. Using separate linear regression models for each event and gender, we analyzed the effect of baseline ability, race experience and training exposure on race time in the 12th grade.Results:35,909 athletes, running a total of 1,627,652 races, contributed to the final analyses. The proportion of variance (R2) in 12th grade race times accounted for by baseline ability ranged from 40% to 51% depending on the event, and was consistently higher for females than males. Race experience explained 3.6–4.4% of the variance and training exposure explained 0.8–1.7%.Conclusion:Although race experience and training exposure impact high-school sprinters’ performance, baseline ability is the dominant influence.
Xenotropic Murine Leukemia Virus-Related Virus (XMRV) and the Safety of the Blood Supply
Authors: Johnson Andrew D. , Cohn Claudia S. 
Published: June 2016

SUMMARY
In 2006, a new virus, xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV), was discovered in a cohort of U.S. men with prostate cancer. Soon after this initial finding, XMRV was also detected in samples from patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The blood community, which is highly sensitive to the threat of emerging infectious diseases since the HIV/AIDS crisis, recommended indefinite deferral of all blood donors with a history of CFS. As XMRV research progressed, conflicting results emerged regarding the importance of this virus in the pathophysiology of prostate cancer and/or CFS. Molecular biologists traced the development of XMRV to a recombination event in a laboratory mouse that likely occurred circa 1993. The virus was propagated via cell lines derived from a tumor present in this mouse and spread through contamination of laboratory samples. Well-controlled experiments showed that detection of XMRV was due to contaminated samples and was not a marker of or a causal factor in prostate cancer or CFS. This paper traces the development of XMRV in the prostate and CFS scientific communities and explores the effect it had on the blood community.
The agreement of patient-reported versus observed medication adherence in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)
Authors: Kelly Katherine , Grau-Sepulveda Maria V , Goldstein Benjamin A , Spratt Susan E , Wolfley Anne , Hatfield Vicki , Murphy Monica , Jones Ellen , Granger Bradi B 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveMedication adherence in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) improves glycemic control and is associated with reduced adverse clinical events, and accurately assessing adherence assessment is important. We aimed to determine agreement between two commonly used adherence measures—the self-reported Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) and direct observation of medication use by nurse practitioners (NPs) during home visits—and determine the relationship between each measure and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).Research design and methodsWe evaluated agreement between adherence measures in the Southeastern Diabetes Initiative (SEDI) prospective clinical intervention home visit cohort, which included high-risk patients (n=430) in 4 SEDI-participating counties. The mean age was 58.7 (SD 11.6) years. The majority were white (n=210, 48.8%), female (n=236, 54.9%), living with a partner (n=316, 74.5%), and insured by Medicare/Medicaid (n=361, 84.0%). Medication adherence was dichotomized to ‘adherent’ or ‘not adherent’ using established cut-points. Inter-rater agreement was evaluated using Cohen's κ coefficient. Relationships among adherence measures and HbA1c were evaluated using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and c-statistics.ResultsFewer patients (n=261, 61%) were considered adherent by self-reported MMAS score versus the NP-observed score (n=338; 79%). Inter-rater agreement between the two adherence measures was fair (κ=0.24; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.33; p<0.0001). Higher adherence was significantly associated with lower HbA1c levels for both measures, yet discrimination was weak (c-statistic=0.6).ConclusionsAgreement between self-reported versus directly observed medication adherence was lower than expected. Though scores for both adherence measures were significantly associated with HbA1c, neither discriminated well for discrete levels of HbA1c.
Presence of the hyperintense acute reperfusion marker on MRI after mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion is associated with worse early neurological recovery
Authors: Gupta Rishi , Sun Chung-Huan Johnny , Rochestie Dustin , Owada Kumiko , Khaldi Ahmad , Johnson Andrew K , Horn Christopher M 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundMechanical thrombectomy has become the accepted treatment for large vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke. Unfortunately, a large cohort of patients do not achieve functional independence with treatment, even though the results are more robust than with medical management. The hyperintense acute reperfusion marker (HARM) on MRI is an indication of the breakdown of the blood–brain barrier and reperfusion injury.ObjectiveTo examine the hypothesis that the presence of HARM on MRI correlates with worse neurological recovery after reperfusion therapy.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 35 consecutive patients who between February 24, 2016 and April 23, 2016 underwent MRI to determine the presence of HARM after thrombectomy for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. Demographic, radiographic imaging, and outcome data were collected. Univariate and binary logistic regression models were performed to assess predictors for improvement of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score by ≥8 points at 24 hours.ResultsThe 35 patients studied had an average age of 64±14 years of age with a median NIHSS score of 15 (IQR 9–20). Eighteen patients (51%) were found to have a HARM-positive MRI. In univariate analysis, patients with HARM were older, had lower reperfusion rates and more postprocedural hemorrhages. In binary logistic regression modeling, the absence of HARM was independently associated with a ≥8-point NIHSS score improvement at 24 hours (OR=7.14, 95% CI 1.22 to 41.67).ConclusionsThis preliminary analysis shows that the presence of HARM may be linked to worse neurological recovery 24 hours after thrombectomy. Reperfusion injury may affect the number of patients achieving functional independence after treatment.