bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Institutional Incentives for Mentoring at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Universities: Associations With Mentors’ Perceptions and Time Spent Mentoring
Authors: Maisel Natalya C. , Halvorson Max A. , Finney John W. , Bi Xiaoyu , Hayashi Ko P. , Blonigen Daniel M. , Weitlauf Julie C. , Timko Christine , Cronkite Ruth C.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Limited empirical attention to date has focused on best practices in advanced research mentoring in the health services research domain. The authors investigated whether institutional incentives for mentoring (e.g., consideration of mentoring in promotion criteria) were associated with mentors’ perceptions of mentoring benefits and costs and with time spent mentoring.

Method

The authors conducted an online survey in 2014 of a national sample of mentors of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Services Research and Development Service (HSR&D) mentored career development award recipients who received an award during 2000–2012. Regression analyses were used to examine institutional incentives as predictors of perceptions of benefits and costs of mentoring and time spent mentoring.

Results

Of the 145 mentors invited, 119 (82%) responded and 110 (76%) provided complete data for the study items. Overall, mentors who reported more institutional incentives also reported greater perceived benefits of mentoring (P = .03); however, more incentives were not significantly associated with perceived costs of mentoring. Mentors who reported more institutional incentives also reported spending a greater percentage of time mentoring (P = .02). University incentives were associated with perceived benefits of mentoring (P = .02), whereas VA incentives were associated with time spent mentoring (P = .003).

Conclusions

Institutional policies that promote and support mentorship of junior investigators, specifically by recognizing and rewarding the efforts of mentors, are integral to fostering mentorship programs that contribute to the development of early-career health services researchers into independent investigators.
Symptoms of Depression and Risk of Low Back Pain
Authors: Pinheiro Marina B. , Ferreira Manuela L. , Refshauge Kathryn , Colodro-Conde Lucia , González-Javier Francisca , Hopper John L. , Ordoñana Juan R. , Ferreira Paulo H.
Published: December 2016

Objectives:

To investigate whether symptoms of depression increase the risk of low back pain (LBP), after adjusting for genetic and environmental influences.

Methods:

Baseline data of 1607 twins from the Murcia Twin Registry (Spain) were collected in 2009 to 2011 and follow-up data in 2013. Twins answered questions on depression-related symptomatology and LBP. Only participants not reporting chronic LBP (pain >6 mo) at baseline were included. The association between symptoms of depression and LBP was investigated using logistic regression analysis including the complete sample. Subsequent matched within-pair case-control analyses were performed with all complete dizygotic twin pairs discordant for LBP, followed by monozygotic twins.

Results:

In the total sample analysis, symptoms of depression did not significantly increase the risk of chronic LBP (odds ratio [OR]=1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96-2.03), LBP care seeking (OR=1.21; 95% CI, 0.81-1.81), or activity-limiting LBP (OR=1.09; 95% CI, 0.69-1.72). State depression (participants’ symptoms at the moment of the interview) was significantly associated with future care seeking (OR=1.06; 95% CI, 1.01-1.12) and activity-limiting LBP (OR=1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.14). A significant association was found between trait depression and activity-limiting LBP (OR=1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.10), but not for the other LBP outcomes. No significant association was observed in any of the subsequent case-control analyses.

Discussion:

The magnitude of the association between depression and LBP seems to be small and may be confounded by genetic and early shared environment influences, although firm conclusions could not be made due to small sample size in the case-control analysis. In addition, the observed association is dependent on the method of assessment used for both conditions.
Operative Treatment of Rib Fractures in Flail Chest Injuries: A Meta-analysis and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Swart Eric , Laratta Joseph , Slobogean Gerard , Mehta Samir
Published: December 2016

Objectives:

Flail chest is a common injury sustained by patients who experience high-energy blunt chest trauma and results in severe respiratory compromise because of altered mechanics of respiration. There has been increased interest in operative fixation of these injuries with the intention of restoring the mechanical integrity of the chest wall, and several studies have shown that ventilation requirements and pulmonary complications may be decreased with operative intervention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate fixation of rib fractures in flail chest injuries using cost-effectiveness analysis, supported by systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

This was a 2-part study in which we initially conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis on outcomes after operative fixation of flail chest injuries, evaluating intensive care unit (ICU) stay, hospital length of stay (LOS), mortality, pneumonia, and need for tracheostomy. The results were then applied to a decision-analysis model comparing the costs and outcomes of operative fixation versus nonoperative treatment. The validity of the results was tested using probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

Results:

Operative treatment decreased mortality, pneumonia, and tracheotomy (risk ratios of 0.44, 0.59, and 0.52, respectively), as well as time in ICU and total LOS (3.3 and 4.8 days, respectively). Operative fixation was associated with higher costs than nonoperative treatment ($23,682 vs. $8629 per case, respectively) and superior outcomes (32.60 quality-adjusted life year (QALY) vs. 30.84 QALY), giving it an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $8577/QALY.

Conclusions:

Surgical fixation of rib fractures sustained from flail chest injuries decreased ICU time, mortality, pulmonary complications, and hospital LOS and resulted in improved health care–related outcomes and was a cost-effective intervention. These results were sensitive to overall complication rates, and operations should be conducted by surgeons or combined surgical teams comfortable with both thoracic anatomy and exposures as well as with the principles and techniques of internal fixation.

Level of Evidence:

Economic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Novel Spiked-Washer Repair Is Biomechanically Superior to Suture and Bone Tunnels for Arcuate Fracture Repair
Authors: Vojdani Saman , Fernandez Laviel , Jiao Jian , Enders Tyler , Ortiz Steven , Lin Liangjun , Qin Yi-Xian , Komatsu David E. , Penna James , Ruotolo Charles J.
Published: December 2016

Objectives:

Injuries to the posterolateral corner of the knee can lead to chronic degenerative changes, external rotation instability, and varus instability if not repaired adequately. A proximal fibula avulsion fracture, referred to as an arcuate fracture, has been described in the literature, but a definitive repair technique has yet to be described. The objective of this study was to present a novel arcuate fracture repair technique, using a spiked-washer with an intramedullary screw, and to compare its biomechanical integrity to a previously described suture and bone tunnel method.

Methods:

Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric knees underwent a proximal fibula osteotomy to simulate a proximal fibula avulsion fracture. The lateral knee capsule and posterior cruciate ligament were also sectioned to create maximal varus instability. Five fibulas were repaired using a novel spiked-washer technique and the other 5 were repaired using the suture and bone tunnel method. The repaired knees were subjected to a monotonic varus load using a mechanical testing system instrument until failure of the repair or associated posterolateral corner structures.

Results:

Compared with the suture repair group, the spiked-washer repair group demonstrated a 100% increase in stiffness, 100% increase in yield, 110% increase in failure force, and 108% increase in energy to failure.

Conclusions:

The spiked-washer technique offers superior quasi-static biomechanical performance compared with suture repair with bone tunnels for arcuate fractures of the proximal fibula. Further clinical investigation of this technique is warranted and the results of this testing may lead to improved outcomes and patient satisfaction for proximal fibula avulsion fractures.
Internal Rotation Stress Testing Improves Radiographic Outcomes of Type 3 Supracondylar Humerus Fractures
Authors: Bauer Jennifer M. , Stutz Christopher M. , Schoenecker Jonathan G. , Lovejoy Steven A. , Mencio Gregory A. , Martus Jeffrey E.
Published: December 2016

Background:

The purpose of this study was to determine if routine use of an intraoperative internal rotation stress test (IRST) for type 3 supracondylar humerus fractures will safely improve maintenance of reduction.

Methods:

An intraoperative protocol for type 3 supracondylar humerus fractures was adopted at our institution, consisting of fracture reduction, placement of 2 laterally based divergent pins, and then an IRST to determine the need for additional fixation with a medial column pin placed through a small open approach. Fractures treated with the prospective IRST protocol were compared with a retrospective cohort before adoption of the protocol (pre-IRST). The primary outcomes were differences in Baumann’s angle, lateral humerocapitellar angle, and the rotation index between final intraoperative fluoroscopic images and radiographs at final follow-up. Secondary outcomes were complications such as iatrogenic nerve injury, loss of fixation, or need for reoperation.

Results:

There were 78 fractures in the retrospective cohort (pre-IRST) and 49 in the prospective cohort (IRST). Overall rotational loss of reduction (>6%), measured by lateral rotation percentage, and major rotational loss of reduction (>12%) were less common in the IRST cohort (6/49 vs. 27/78, P=0.007 overall; 0/49 vs. 8/78, P=0.02 major loss). There were no major losses of reduction for Baumann’s angle (>12 degrees) in either cohort. There were 5 subjects in the pre-IRST cohort (6.4%) with a major loss of reduction of the humerocapitellar angle (>12 degrees) and none in the IRST cohort (P=0.16) Loss of proximal fixation with need for reoperation occurred in 3 fractures in the pre-IRST cohort, and none in the IRST cohort (P=0.28). There were no postoperative nerve injuries in either group.

Conclusions:

Intraoperative IRST after placement of 2 lateral pins assists with the decision for additional fixation in type 3 supracondylar humerus fractures. This method improved the final radiographic rotational alignment, and was safely performed using a mini-open approach for medial pin placement.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—prospective cohort compared with a retrospective cohort.
Closure of a Large Thoracolumbar Myelomeningocele Using a Modified Bilateral Keystone Flap
Authors: Jamjoom Hytham , Alnoman Hatem , Almadani Yasser
Published: December 2016

The keystone flap, an emerging reconstructive option that can be used in many parts of the body, is gaining popularity among reconstructive surgeons. These reliable and versatile flaps can be used for large myelomeningocele closure. A modified bilateral keystone flap was used to achieve tension-free closure of a large thoracolumbar myelomeningocele associated with severe kyphosis in a newborn girl. The flap was modified by undermining in the subfascial plane in the medial aspect of the middle third. This undermining was performed to facilitate flap movement while preserving random musculocutaneous perforators captured within the island of tissues. Laterally, we approached the border of the latissimus dorsi and dissected in the submuscular plane instead of the subfascial plane to preserve more muscular fasciocutaneous perforators. We achieved soft-tissue coverage that was durable, stable, and protective. Wound healing was prompt, and the patient had a satisfactory cosmetic result. No postoperative complications were observed, such as flap necrosis, dehiscence, leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, or infection. The proposed modified keystone flap is a promising addition to the armament of reconstructive surgeons that might improve outcomes and minimize complications in myelomeningocele repair. Keystone flaps provide an ideal reconstructive option for large thoracolumbar myelomeningocele repair. They are reliable, robust, and aesthetically acceptable.
De Novo Reconstruction of a Hybrid Patella by Staged Fabrication of a Microvascular Bone Transplant with an Osteointegrated Prosthetic Socket
Authors: Giessler Goetz A. , Hendrich Christian
Published: December 2016

Total patellectomy is sometimes unavoidable but usually results in severely impaired function, pain, and instability in the affected knee. Any patellar prosthetic solutions rely on a certain amount of remaining bone and therefore are not applicable after total patellectomy. Traditionally, reconstruction of a neopatella by avascular or allogeneic bone grafts is hampered by mechanical failure, resorption, or infection. We developed a new, 3-stage approach to reconstruct a hybrid patella composed of a revascularized scapula tip transplant fabricated with a prosthetic socket. The procedure is safe and provides optimal healing and prosthetic osteointegration through viable bone and dynamic stability to the considerable load a patella has to bear in unrestricted mobility. The technique also demonstrates successful integration of orthopedic prosthetic devices into current flap fabrication concepts.
Pitfalls With the New American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Task Force on Hypertension in Pregnancy
Authors: PAULI JAIMEY M. , REPKE JOHN T.
Published: December 2016

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Task Force on Hypertension in Pregnancy was created to evaluate the existing literature, develop practice guidelines, and identify areas for future research focus. Several issues were identified that may not have been initially obvious during the process of developing this document, including limited practical use, a lack of high quality literature, conflicting recommendations, a potential for high resource utilization, need for continually updated information, and little headway in research that is clinically useful. The purpose of this review was to make suggestions to improving these guidelines’ overall usefulness and consistency for the busy clinician.
Comparing the Performance of Compass Perimetry With Humphrey Field Analyzer in Eyes With Glaucoma
Authors: Rao Harsha L. , Raveendran Sharanya , James Varsha , Dasari Srilakshmi , Palakurthy Meena , Reddy Hemanth B. , Pradhan Zia S. , Rao Dhanaraj A.S. , Puttaiah Narendra K. , Devi Sathi
Published: December 2016

Purpose:

To evaluate the reliability indices [fixation losses, false negative response rates (FN) and false positive response rates] and threshold sensitivities obtained from glaucoma patients with a Compass perimeter and to compare the same with the Humphrey field analyzer (HFA).

Methods:

In a cross-sectional study, 97 eyes of 58 subjects (64 glaucoma and 33 glaucoma suspect eyes) underwent visual field examination with Compass and HFA. Any test with a fixation losses, FN or FP of >20% was considered unreliable. Reliability indices and threshold sensitivities between the 2 instruments were compared and the agreement evaluated using Bland and Altman analysis.

Results:

In total, 37 tests (38%) with Compass and 17 (18%) with HFA were unreliable. The number of unreliable tests due to high FN (>20%) was significantly more (P=0.005) with Compass (n=27) than HFA (n=3). The mean difference [95% limits of agreement (LoA)] in mean sensitivity between Compass and HFA in the 51 eyes with reliable Compass and HFA results was −0.7 dB (−5.6, 4.3 dB). The point-wise threshold sensitivities with Compass were lower than that with HFA in central and temporal but higher in the nasal field. The 95% LoA ranged from −8 to +5 dB at one of the central points to −20 to +20 dB at one of the peripheral points.

Conclusions:

The numbers of unreliable tests were higher with Compass compared with HFA. The LoA between Compass and HFA for point-wise threshold sensitivities as well as the global indices were wide, implying that the instruments cannot be used interchangeably.
EMpowerment of PArents in THe Intensive Care Questionnaire: Translation and Validation in Italian PICUs
Authors: Wolfler Andrea , Giannini Alberto , Finistrella Martina , Salvo Ida , Calderini Edoardo , Frasson Giulia , Dall’Oglio Immacolata , Di Furia Michela , Iuzzolino Rossella , Musicco Massimo , Latour Jos M.
Published: December 2016

Objectives:

To translate and validate the EMpowerment of PArents in THe Intensive Care questionnaire to measure parent satisfaction and experiences in Italian PICUs.

Design:

Prospective, multicenter study.

Setting:

Four medical/surgical Italian PICUs in three tertiary hospitals.

Patients:

Families of children, 0–16 years old, admitted to the PICUs were invited to participate. Inclusion criteria were PICU length of stay greater than 24 hours and good comprehension of Italian language by parents/guardians. Exclusion criteria were readmission within 6 months and parents of a child who died in the PICU.

Interventions:

Distribution, at PICU discharge, of the EMpowerment of PArents in THe Intensive Care questionnaire with 65 items divided into five domains and a six-point rating scale: 1 “ certainly no” to 6 “certainly yes.”

Measurements and Main Results:

Back and forward translations of the EMpowerment of PArents in THe Intensive Care questionnaire between Dutch (original version) and Italian languages were deployed. Cultural adaptation of the instrument was confirmed by a consultation with a representative parent group (n = 10). Totally, 150 of 190 parents (79%) participated in the study. On item level, 12 statements scored a mean below 5.0. The Cronbach’s α, measured for internal consistency, on domain level was between 0.67 and 0.96. Congruent validity was measured by correlating the five domains with four gold standard satisfaction measures and showed adequate correlations (r
s, 0.41–0.71; p < 0.05). No significant differences occurred in the nondifferential validity testing between three children’s characteristics and the domains; excepting parents with a child for a surgical and planned admission were more satisfied on information and organization issues.

Conclusions:

The Italian version of the EMpowerment of PArents in THe Intensive Care questionnaire has satisfactory reliability and validity estimates and seems to be appropriate for Italian PICU setting. It is an important instrument providing benchmark data to be used in the process of quality improvement toward the development of a family-centered care philosophy within Italian PICUs.
Cross Section of Legislative Approaches to Reducing Indoor Dampness and Mold
Authors: Major Jennifer L. , Boese Gerald W.
Published: December 2016

Exposure to indoor dampness and mold is associated with numerous adverse respiratory conditions, including asthma. While no quantitative health-based threshold currently exists for mold, the conditions that support excessive dampness and mold are known and preventable; experts agree that controlling these conditions could lead to substantial savings in health care costs and improvement in public health. This article reviews a sample of state and local policies to limit potentially harmful exposures. Adoption of laws to strengthen building codes, specify dampness and mold in habitability laws, regulate mold contractors, and other legislative approaches are discussed, as are key factors supporting successful implementation. Communicating these lessons learned could accelerate the process for other jurisdictions considering similar approaches. Information about effectiveness of legislation as prevention is lacking; thus, evaluation could yield important information to inform the development of model state or local laws that significantly address mold as a public health concern.
Outcomes of Kidney Transplant Recipients With Percutaneous Ureteral Interventions: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Srinivasan Dushyanth , Stoffel John T. , James Chrystina , Bradley Kori , Sung Randall S.
Published: December 2016

Background

Long-term outcomes of kidney transplantation recipients with percutaneous ureteral management of transplant ureteral complications are not well characterized.

Methods

Electronic records of 1753 recipients of kidney-alone transplant between January 2000 and December 2008 were reviewed. One hundred thirty-one patients were identified to have undergone percutaneous ureteral management, with placement of percutaneous nephrostomy tube or additional intervention (nephroureteral stenting and/or balloon dilation). Indications for intervention included transplant ureteral stricture or ureteral leak. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and multivariable regression modeling were performed to determine survival outcomes.

Results

Kaplan- Meier graft survival (P = 0.04) was lower in patients with percutaneous ureteral intervention for transplant ureteral complication. Graft survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 94.3% 78.3%, and 59.1% for no intervention and 97.2%, 72.1%, and 36.2% for intervention cohort. Patient survival (P = 0.69) was similar between cohorts. Multivariate analysis demonstrated no association with graft failure (hazard ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.67-2.19; P = 0.53) or patient death (hazard ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.22-1.41; P = 0.22) in intervention group. The major cause of graft failure was infection for percutaneous ureteral intervention group (20.4%) and chronic rejection for those without intervention (17.3%).

Conclusions

Kidney transplant recipients with percutaneous ureteral interventions for ureteral complications do not have a significant difference in graft and patient survival outcomes. Therefore, aggressive nonoperative management can be confidently pursued in the appropriate clinical setting.
Highly individualistic rates of plant phenological advance associated with arctic sea ice dynamics
Authors: Post Eric , Kerby Jeffrey , Pedersen Christian , Steltzer Heidi
Published: December 2016

We analysed 12 years of species-specific emergence dates of plants at a Low-Arctic site near Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to investigate associations with sea ice dynamics, a potential contributor to local temperature variation in near-coastal tundra. Species displayed highly variable rates of phenological advance, from a maximum of −2.55 ± 0.17 and −2.93 ± 0.51 d yr
−1
among a graminoid and forb, respectively, to a minimum of −0.55 ± 0.19 d yr
−1
or no advance at all in the two deciduous shrub species. Monthly Arctic-wide sea ice extent was a significant predictor of emergence timing in 10 of 14 species. Despite variation in rates of advance among species, these rates were generally greatest in the earliest emerging species, for which monthly sea ice extent was also the primary predictor of emergence. Variation among species in rates of phenological advance reshuffled the phenological community, with deciduous shrubs leafing out progressively later relative to forbs and graminoids. Because early species advanced more rapidly than late species, and because rates of advance were greatest in species for which emergence phenology was associated with sea ice dynamics, accelerating sea ice decline may contribute to further divergence between early- and late-emerging species in this community.
Uncovering emergent interactions in three-way combinations of stressors
Authors: Beppler Casey , Tekin Elif , Mao Zhiyuan , White Cynthia , McDiarmid Cassandra , Vargas Emily , Miller Jeffrey H. , Savage Van M. , Yeh Pamela J.
Published: December 2016

Understanding how multiple stressors interact is needed to predict the dynamical outcomes of diverse biological systems, ranging from drug-resistant pathogens that are combated and treated with combination drug therapies to ecosystems impacted by environmental toxicants or disturbances. Nevertheless, extensive studies of higher-order (more than two component) interactions have been lacking. Here, we conduct experiments using 20 three-drug combinations and their effects on the bacterial growth of
Escherichia coli
. We report our measurements of growth rates in single, pairwise and triple-drug combinations. To uncover emergent interactions, we derive a simple framework to calculate expectations for three-way interactions based on the measured impact of each individual stressor and of each pairwise interaction. Using our framework, we find that (i) emergent antagonisms are more common than emergent synergies and (ii) emergent antagonisms are more common and emergent synergies are more rare than would be inferred from measures of net effects that do not disentangle pairwise interactions from three-way interactions.
Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 regulates the directional migration of lymphatic endothelial cells in response to fluid shear stress
Authors: Surya Vinay N. , Michalaki Eleftheria , Huang Eva Y. , Fuller Gerald G. , Dunn Alexander R.
Published: December 2016

The endothelial cells that line blood and lymphatic vessels undergo complex, collective migration and rearrangement processes during embryonic development, and are known to be exquisitely responsive to fluid flow. At present, the molecular mechanisms by which endothelial cells sense fluid flow remain incompletely understood. Here, we report that both the G-protein-coupled receptor sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) and its ligand sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) are required for collective upstream migration of human lymphatic microvascular endothelial cells in an
in vitro
setting. These findings are consistent with a model in which signalling via S1P and S1PR1 are integral components in the response of lymphatic endothelial cells to the stimulus provided by fluid flow.
Genome recoding by tRNA modifications
Authors: Tuorto Francesca , Lyko Frank
Published: December 2016

RNA modifications are emerging as an additional regulatory layer on top of the primary RNA sequence. These modifications are particularly enriched in tRNAs where they can regulate not only global protein translation, but also protein translation at the codon level. Modifications located in or in the vicinity of tRNA anticodons are highly conserved in eukaryotes and have been identified as potential regulators of mRNA decoding. Recent studies have provided novel insights into how these modifications orchestrate the speed and fidelity of translation to ensure proper protein homeostasis. This review highlights the prominent modifications in the tRNA anticodon loop: queuosine, inosine, 5-methoxycarbonylmethyl-2-thiouridine, wybutosine, threonyl–carbamoyl–adenosine and 5-methylcytosine. We discuss the functional relevance of these modifications in protein translation and their emerging role in eukaryotic genome recoding during cellular adaptation and disease.
Endocranial volume is heritable and is associated with longevity and fitness in a wild mammal
Authors: Logan C. J. , Kruuk L. E. B. , Stanley R. , Thompson A. M. , Clutton-Brock T. H.
Published: December 2016

Research on relative brain size in mammals suggests that increases in brain size may generate benefits to survival and costs to fecundity: comparative studies of mammals have shown that interspecific differences in relative brain size are positively correlated with longevity and negatively with fecundity. However, as yet, no studies of mammals have investigated whether similar relationships exist within species, nor whether individual differences in brain size within a wild population are heritable. Here we show that, in a wild population of red deer (
Cervus elaphus
), relative endocranial volume was heritable (
h
2
 = 63%; 95% credible intervals (CI) = 50–76%). In females, it was positively correlated with longevity and lifetime reproductive success, though there was no evidence that it was associated with fecundity. In males, endocranial volume was not related to longevity, lifetime breeding success or fecundity.
Thermally moderated firefly activity is delayed by precipitation extremes
Authors: Hermann Sara L. , Xue Saisi , Rowe Logan , Davidson-Lowe Elizabeth , Myers Andrew , Eshchanov Bahodir , Bahlai Christie A.
Published: December 2016

The timing of events in the life history of temperate insects is most typically primarily cued by one of two drivers: photoperiod or temperature accumulation over the growing season. However, an insect's phenology can also be moderated by other drivers like rainfall or the phenology of its host plants. When multiple drivers of phenology interact, there is greater potential for phenological asynchronies to arise between an organism and those with which it interacts. We examined the phenological patterns of a highly seasonal group of fireflies (Photinusspp., predominantlyP. pyralis) over a 12-year period (2004–2015) across 10 plant communities to determine whether interacting drivers could explain the variability observed in the adult flight activity density (i.e. mating season) of this species. We found that temperature accumulation was the primary driver of phenology, with activity peaks usually occurring at a temperature accumulation of approximately 800 degree days (base 10°C); however, our model found this peak varied by nearly 180 degree-day units among years. This variation could be explained by a quadratic relationship with the accumulation of precipitation in the growing season; in years with either high or low precipitation extremes at our study site, flight activity was delayed. More fireflies were captured in general in herbaceous plant communities with minimal soil disturbance (alfalfa and no-till field crop rotations), but only weak interactions occurred between within-season responses to climatic variables and plant community. The interaction we observed between temperature and precipitation accumulation suggests that, although climate warming has the potential to disrupt phenology of many organisms, changes to regional precipitation patterns can magnify these disruptions.
Strategic adjustment of parental care in tree swallows: life-history trade-offs and the role of glucocorticoids
Authors: Akçay Çağlar , Lendvai Ádám Z. , Stanback Mark , Haussmann Mark , Moore Ignacio T. , Bonier Fran
Published: December 2016

Life-history theory predicts that optimal strategies of parental investment will depend on ecological and social factors, such as current brood value and offspring need. Parental care strategies are also likely to be mediated in part by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and glucocorticoid hormones. Here, we present an experiment in tree swallows (
Tachycineta bicolor
), a biparental songbird with wide geographical distribution, asking whether parental care is strategically adjusted in response to signals of offspring need and brood value and if so, whether glucocorticoids are involved in these adjustments. Using an automated playback system, we carried out playbacks of nestling begging calls specifically to females in two populations differing in their brood value: a northern population in Ontario, Canada (relatively higher brood value) and a southern population in North Carolina, USA (relatively lower brood value). We quantified female offspring provisioning rates before and during playbacks and plasma corticosterone levels (cort) once during late incubation and once immediately after playbacks. Females in both populations increased feeding rates temporarily during the first 2 h of playback but the increase was not sustained for the entire duration of playback (6 h). Cort levels from samples at the end of the playback did not differ between control females and females that received playbacks. However, females that had higher increases in cort between the incubation and nestling period had greater fledging success. These results suggest that females are able to strategically respond to offspring need, although the role of glucocorticoids in this strategic adjustment remains unclear.
The effect of a longitudinal density gradient on electron plasma wake field acceleration
Authors: Tsiklauri David
Published: December 2016

Three-dimensional, particle-in-cell, fully electromagnetic simulations of electron plasma wake field acceleration in the blow-out regime are presented. Earlier results are extended by (i) studying the effect of a longitudinal density gradient, (ii) avoiding the use of a co-moving simulation box, (iii) inclusion of ion motion, and (iv) studying fully electromagnetic plasma wake fields. It is established that injecting driving and trailing electron bunches into a positive density gradient of 10-fold increasing density over 10 cm long lithium vapour plasma results in spatially more compact and three times larger, compared with the uniform density case, electric fields (−6.4×10
10
 V m
−1
), leading to acceleration of the trailing bunch up to 24.4 GeV (starting from an initial 20.4 GeV), with energy transfer efficiencies from the leading to trailing bunch of 75%. In the uniform density case, a −2.5×10
10
 V m
−1
wake is created leading to acceleration of the trailing bunch up to 22.4 GeV, with energy transfer efficiencies of 65%. It is also established that injecting the electron bunches into a negative density gradient of 10-fold decreasing density over 10 cm long plasma results in spatially more spread and two and a half smaller electric fields (−1.0×10
10
 V m
−1
), leading to a weaker acceleration of the trailing bunch up to 21.4 GeV, with energy transfer efficiencies of 45%. Taking ion motions into consideration shows that in the plasma wake ion number density can increase over a few times the background value. It is also shown that transverse electromagnetic fields in a plasma wake are of the same order as the longitudinal (electrostatic) ones.
Lax pairs of discrete Painlevé equations: (A2+A1)(1)case
Authors: Joshi Nalini , Nakazono Nobutaka
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we provide a comprehensive method for constructing Lax pairs of discrete Painlevé equations by using a reduced hypercube structure. In particular, we consider theA5(1)-surfaceq-Painlevé system, which has the affine Weyl group symmetry of type (A2+A1)(1). Two new Lax pairs are found.
Behavioural hypervolumes of spider communities predict community performance and disbandment
Authors: Pruitt Jonathan N. , Bolnick Daniel I. , Sih Andrew , DiRienzo Nicholas , Pinter-Wollman Noa
Published: December 2016

Trait-based ecology argues that an understanding of the traits of interactors can enhance the predictability of ecological outcomes. We examine here whether the multidimensional behavioural-trait diversity of communities influences community performance and stabilityin situ. We created experimental communities of web-building spiders, each with an identical species composition. Communities contained one individual of each of five different species. Prior to establishing these communities in the field, we examined three behavioural traits for each individual spider. These behavioural measures allowed us to estimate community-wide behavioural diversity, as inferred by the multidimensional behavioural volume occupied by the entire community. Communities that occupied a larger region of behavioural-trait space (i.e. where spiders differed more from each other behaviourally) gained more mass and were less likely to disband. Thus, there is a community-wide benefit to multidimensional behavioural diversity in this system that might translate to other multispecies assemblages.
Accumulation of deleterious mutations during bacterial range expansions
Authors: Bosshard Lars , Dupanloup Isabelle , Tenaillon Olivier , Bruggmann Rémy , Ackermann Martin , Peischl Stephan , Excoffier Laurent
Published: December 2016

Recent theory predicts that the fitness of pioneer populations can decline when species expand their range, due to high rates of genetic drift on wave fronts making selection less efficient at purging deleterious variants. To test these predictions, we studied the fate of mutator bacteria expanding their range for 1650 generations on agar plates. In agreement with theory, we find that growth abilities of strains with a high mutation rate (HMR lines) decreased significantly over time, unlike strains with a lower mutation rate (LMR lines) that present 3-4 times fewer mutations. Estimation of the distribution of fitness effect (DFE) under a spatially explicit model reveals a mean negative effect for new mutations (-0.38%), but it suggests that both advantageous and deleterious mutations have accumulated during the experiment. Furthermore, we show that the fitness of HMR lines measured in different environments has decreased relative to the ancestor strain, whereas that of LMR lines remained unchanged. Our results thus suggest that successful expanding species are affected by deleterious mutations that accumulate during the expansion process, leading to a drastic impairment of their evolutionary potential.
Genome-wide rules of nucleosome phasing
Authors: Baldi Sandro , Jain Dhawal S. , Harpprecht Lisa , Zabel Angelika , Scheibe Marion , Butter Falk , Straub Tobias , Becker Peter B.
Published: December 2016

Regular successions of positioned nucleosomes – phased nucleosome arrays (PNAs) – are predominantly known from transcriptional start sites (TSS). It is unclear whether PNAs occur elsewhere in the genome. To generate a comprehensive inventory of PNAs forDrosophila, we applied spectral analysis to nucleosome maps and identified thousands of PNAs throughout the genome. About half of them are not near TSS and strongly enriched for a novel sequence motif. Through genome-wide reconstitution of physiological chromatin inDrosophilaembryo extracts we uncovered the molecular basis of PNA formation. We identified Phaser, an unstudied zinc finger protein that positions nucleosomes flanking the new motif. It also revealed how the global activity of the chromatin remodeler CHRAC/ACF, together with local barrier elements, generates islands of regular phasing throughout the genome. Our work demonstrates the potential of chromatin assembly by embryo extracts as a powerful tool to reconstitute chromatin features on a global scalein vitro.
Architecture and dynamics of the jasmonic acid gene regulatory network
Authors: Hickman Richard J. , Van Verk Marcel C. , Van Dijken Anja J.H. , Pereira Mendes Marciel , Vos Irene A. , Caarls Lotte , Steenbergen Merel , Van Der Nagel Ivo , Wesselink Gert Jan , Jironkin Aleksey , Talbot Adam , Rhodes Johanna , de Vries Michel , Schuurink Robert C. , Denby Katherine , Pieterse Corné M.J. , Van Wees Saskia C.M.
Published: December 2016

The phytohormone jasmonic acid (JA) is a critical regulator of plant growth and defense. To significantly advance our understanding of the architecture and dynamics of the JA gene regulatory network, we performed high-resolution RNA-Seq time series analyses of methyl JA-treatedArabidopsis thaliana. Computational analysis unraveled in detail the chronology of events that occur during the early and later phases of the JA response. Several transcription factors, including ERF16 and bHLH27, were uncovered as early components of the JA gene regulatory network with a role in pathogen and insect resistance. Moreover, analysis of subnetworks surrounding the JA-induced transcription factors ORA47, RAP2.6L, and ANAC055 provided novel insights into their regulatory role of defined JA network modules. Collectively, our work illuminates the complexity of the JA gene regulatory network, pinpoints to novel regulators, and provides a valuable resource for future studies on the function of JA signaling components in plant defense and development.
Engineered LINE-1 retrotransposition in nondividing human neurons
Authors: Macia Angela , Widmann Thomas J. , Heras Sara R. , Ayllon Veronica , Sanchez Laura , Benkaddour-Boumzaouad Meriem , Muñoz-Lopez Martin , Rubio Alejandro , Amador-Cubero Suyapa , Blanco-Jimenez Eva , Garcia-Castro Javier , Menendez Pablo , Ng Philip , Muotri Alysson R. , Goodier John L. , Garcia-Perez Jose L.
Published: December 2016

Half the human genome is made of transposable elements (TEs), whose ongoing activity continues to impact our genome. LINE-1 (or L1) is an autonomous non-LTR retrotransposon in the human genome, comprising 17% of its genomic mass and containing an average of 80–100 active L1s per average genome that provide a source of inter-individual variation. New LINE-1 insertions are thought to accumulate mostly during human embryogenesis. Surprisingly, the activity of L1s can further impact the somatic human brain genome. However, it is currently unknown whether L1 can retrotranspose in other somatic healthy tissues or if L1 mobilization is restricted to neuronal precursor cells (NPCs) in the human brain. Here, we took advantage of an engineered L1 retrotransposition assay to analyze L1 mobilization rates in human mesenchymal (MSCs) and hematopoietic (HSCs) somatic stem cells. Notably, we have observed that L1 expression and engineered retrotransposition is much lower in both MSCs and HSCs when compared to NPCs. Remarkably, we have further demonstrated for the first time that engineered L1s can retrotranspose efficiently in mature nondividing neuronal cells. Thus, these findings suggest that the degree of somatic mosaicism and the impact of L1 retrotransposition in the human brain is likely much higher than previously thought.
Qualité des institutions, structure de propriété et efficacité des banques dans la CEMAC
Authors: Djiogap Constant Fouopi , Song Jacques Simon
Published: December 2016

L’objectif de cet article est d’analyser l’efficacité des banques de la Communauté Economique et Monétaire de l'Afrique Centrale (CEMAC). En particulier, il s’agit d’examiner l’influence de la qualité des institutions et la structure de propriété sur l’efficacité des banques de la CEMAC pour la période 2000 à 2010. Nous utilisons un modèle paramétrique Stochastic Frontier Analysis pour déterminer l’efficacité allocative et un modèle Tobit censuré pour identifier les facteurs d’efficacité des banques. Les résultats indiquent que le niveau moyen d’efficacité allocative des banques sur la période est de 0,70. Par ailleurs, les variables institutionnelles et la structure actionnariale privée (nationale et étrangère) influencent positivement l’efficacité des banques au cours de la période, ce qui à contrario n'est le cas pour la structure actionnariale publique. Ainsi, une amélioration de l’environnement institutionnel et la poursuite du programme de privatisation des banques dans la zone CEMAC accroîtront l’efficacité des banques.
Platelet activating factor: A potential biomarker in acute coronary syndrome?
Authors: Palur Ramakrishnan Anand Vijaya Kumar , Varghese Treesa P. , Vanapalli Sreedevi , Nair Narayanan K. , Mingate Menge Denis
Published: December 2016

Platelet activating factor (PAF) is a potent pro‐inflammatory negotiator that shows distinct spectrum of biological and pharmacological effects. Importantly, it participates in a wide range of pathophysiological conditions. In cardiovascular system, PAF has been shown to have an important role in platelet and neutrophil aggregation, vascular permeability, microvascular leakage, thrombus formation, leukocyte adhesion to the endothelial cells, and initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this article was to review the PAF, a family of lipids that is associated with the pathology of coronary artery diseases due to their association with leading etiological mechanisms such as inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative and nitrosative stress, and platelet reactivity. This review further provides information about PAF and its potential role as a key contributor to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders.
NEGOTIATING PITFALLS
Authors: Ku Gillian
Published: December 2016

All businesspeople have to negotiate with colleagues and clients, but few master the art. Here organisational behaviourist Gillian Ku showcases five common mistakes – and how to avoid them
THE VISION THING
Authors: Peterson Randall S
Published: December 2016

The US presidential battle is finally over. Randall S Peterson explains how ‘seven frames of leadership’ apply to Trump and Clinton – and their counterparts in business
WHY CAPITALISM NEEDS A REBOOT
Authors: Pitt‐Watson David , Davis Stephen
Published: December 2016

With a maze of intermediaries between citizens and their assets, we have left corporations ever more divorced from their owners. This is how we can put accountability back into the system
FAIL MORE FAIL BETTER
Authors: Birkinshaw Julian , Haas Martine
Published: December 2016

Should we be allowed to flop en route to success? Yes, say Julian Birkinshaw and Martine Haas, who explain the benefits of ‘smart failure’
100 YEAR LIFE: A GIFT OR A CURSE
Authors: Gratton Lynda , Scott Andrew , Caulkin Simon
Published: December 2016

Half of today's newborns will live to be 100. Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott argue that we must rethink our very notions of education, work, welfare and being alive
Identifying opportunities to increase organ donation after brain death. An observational study in Sweden 2009–2014
Authors: Nolin T. , Mårdh C. , Karlström G. , Walther S. M.
Published: December 2016

Background

There is a wide gap between the number of organ donors and patients on waiting lists for transplantation. The purpose of this Swedish nationwide study of the critical pathway for organ donation after brain death (DBD) was to identify missed opportunities for organ donation.

Methods

We performed a prospective, observational study of all ICU deaths in Sweden from Jan 1, 2009 to Dec 31, 2014. The protocol structure followed the critical pathway for organ donation, which was developed and tested during 2008. We analysed differences in donation incidences between healthcare providers (counties) and patient characteristics using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

Results

The number of DBD per million population (pmp) was 14.9, varying almost 10‐fold from 4.3 to 40.6 DBD pmp between counties. Regional variation in DBD decreased when we assigned the donor to the place of residence (from 6.9 to 27.7 DBD pmp). Women were more likely to become donors compared to men [crude odds ratio (OR) 1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38–1.85, P < 0.001]. The increased likelihood remained after adjusting for age, comorbidity, and main diagnostic categories (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.25–1.77, P < 0.001). An end‐of‐life decision was found in 50.9% of possible organ donors.

Conclusions

Regional differences in DBD were considerable, and women were more likely to become donors than men. There is a need for increased awareness of the potential for organ donation as an integral part of end‐of‐life clinical care. In‐depth analysis of these differences may reveal opportunities for action that could lead to increased DBD.