bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inaccurate self-report of height and its impact on misclassification of body mass index in postmenopausal women
Authors: Mai Xiaodan , Sperrazza Jill N. , Marshall Britt A. , Hovey Kathleen M. , Wactawski-Wende Jean
Published: November 2016

Objective:

Self-reported height is commonly used in population obesity research. Evidence has also shown a positive association between depression and obesity. We examined the extent of height misreporting and its impact on body mass index (BMI) calculations and classification, and explored whether depression is associated with height misreporting.

Methods:

The Buffalo Osteoporosis and Periodontal Disease Follow-up Study enrolled 1,015 postmenopausal women between 2002 and 2006. Participants self-reported their height on a questionnaire before stadiometer measurement at the clinical visit. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Odds ratios and 95% CI for association between depression and height misreporting were estimated using logistic regression.

Results:

Overall, 446 women (43.9%) misreported height by greater than 1/2 inch, of which 296 (29.2%) underestimated and 150 (14.8%) overestimated their height. Height misreporting influenced BMI calculations by ≥1 unit in 12% of women, and influenced classification into WHO BMI categories in 8% of women. After adjusting for age, race, education, and measured BMI, women with significant depressive symptoms were more likely to misreport their height (odds ratio = 1.65, 95% CI, 1.04-2.61).

Conclusions:

Height misreporting was common in older women and significantly influenced BMI calculations and classification. Obtaining objective data is thus important for studies investigating obesity-disease associations in this population, especially in those with significant depressive symptoms.
The Relationships Among Personality, Intercultural Communication, and Cultural Self-Efficacy in Nursing Students
Authors: Chan Joanne Chung-Yan , Sy Po Yi
Published: November 2016

Background:

The demand for nurses to provide transcultural nursing care is rising. However, little is known about the relationships among the dimensions of nurse personality, intercultural communication, and cultural self-efficacy in the provision of this care.

Purpose:

The aims of this study were to examine the associations among personality, intercultural communication, and cultural self-efficacy in nursing students and to compare intercultural communication and cultural self-efficacy between first-year and third-year nursing students.

Method:

One hundred twenty-six Chinese students completed a questionnaire that consisted of three scales that were designed to measure intercultural communication, cultural self-efficacy (cultural concepts, transcultural nursing functions, and cultural knowledge related to South Asians), and personality, respectively.

Results:

Intercultural communication correlated positively with the three subscales of personality, agreeableness (r = .22, p < .05), openness (r = .20, p < .05), and conscientiousness (r = .18, p < .05). Self-efficacy in cultural concepts correlated positively with agreeableness (r = .18, p < .05) and intercultural communication (r = .49, p < .01). Self-efficacy in transcultural nursing functions correlated positively with intercultural communication (r = .36, p < .01), agreeableness (r = .31, p < .01), emotional stability (r = .25, p < .01), openness (r = .32, p < .01), extraversion (r = .19, p < .05), and conscientiousness (r = .20, p < .05). Self-efficacy in cultural knowledge related to South Asians correlated positively with agreeableness (r = .20, p < .05) and intercultural communication (r = .27, p < .01). No significant difference was found between first-year and third-year students in terms of intercultural communication, self-efficacy in knowledge of cultural concepts, self-efficacy in the skills needed to perform key transcultural nursing functions, or self-efficacy in the cultural knowledge related to South Asians.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice:

Personality assessments should be included in the nursing student recruitment process. Furthermore, nurse educators should focus greater attention on enhancing the cultural self-efficacy and intercultural communication skills of their students.
Polyps, asthma, and allergy: what's new
Authors: Terzakis Dimitrios , Georgalas Christos
Published: November 2016

Purpose of review

Although chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, asthma, and allergy share common inflammatory mechanisms, there is no evidence of cause-and-effect relationship. In this review, we present new studies investigating the complex immunology that links these diseases. Advances in new therapies as well as evidence regarding indication and timing of surgery, especially of more complex cases, are highlighted.

Recent findings

New studies have endotyped patients in an effort to describe the exact inflammatory profile of each phenotype, whereas described cytokines seem to play a significant role in amplification of T2 inflammation, directly or via innate lymphoid cells. New mAbs that block specific cytokines of these pathways have been developed and seem to show reduced asthma severity as well as improved sinonasal outcomes. Moreover, it has been shown that operating early in the course of disease leads not only to bigger improvements in SNOT-22 outcomes but also to reduced asthma incidence postoperatively in refractory cases.

Applying data from current studies in clinical practice, we could better manage refractory cases with asthma and polyps, both medically and surgically. Treatment has to be patient-centered, and this demands a multidisciplinary-team approach of the airway diseases.
An update on endoscopic orbital decompression
Authors: Wehrmann Daniel , Antisdel Jastin L.
Published: November 2016

Purpose of review

Endoscopic orbital decompression is an ever-evolving surgical procedure with modifications as well as new indications for the procedure. The purpose of this review is to update the reader on optimizing patient selection, surgical timing, highlight the latest modifications to surgical technique and to evaluate surgical outcomes that can be achieved.

Recent findings

Patient selection, disease pathology, and optimization of technology can lead to improved outcomes. Changes in technology continue to modify surgical techniques and surgical training, working towards decreased surgical complications with improved outcomes. Historically multiple approaches have been used for orbital decompression and this highlights that a balanced orbital decompression usually leads to the best outcome.

Orbital decompression has evolved significantly since its inception over 100 years ago. Identifying the right patient, the ideal timing, and the indication for the procedure with utilization of technology can lead to improved outcomes and decreased complications.
Posttreatment surveillance for sinonasal malignancy
Authors: Workman Alan D. , Palmer James N. , Adappa Nithin D.
Published: November 2016

Purpose of review

Sinonasal neoplasms have a high rate of recurrence following treatment, and clinicians utilize a variety of surveillance techniques. Generally, surveillance modality and frequency of follow-up are determined by the guidelines for head and neck cancer as a broad category. However, recent studies have demonstrated that a more tailored approach to follow-up may be necessary.

Recent findings

Endoscopy has low sensitivity in recurrence detection, especially in the asymptomatic patient. However, it is able to identify superficial recurrences that may be more amenable to repeat resection. Conversely, imaging [computed tomography (CT), MRI, and18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET/CT] is useful in ruling out disease, but the inflammatory environment of the posttreatment sinonasal cavity leads to a high number of false positives. This is especially notable in PET/CT, which has worse specificity and positive predictive value in sinonasal malignancy than in head and neck malignancy overall, especially in the early posttreatment period. Little data are available on optimal timing and duration of follow-up, but tumor histology and aggressiveness should be considered when choosing a surveillance approach.

Sinonasal malignancy surveillance strategies may warrant modifications of current protocols used for head and neck malignancy. This is due to a number of factors, including a greater diversity of sinonasal disorder and increased duration of posttreatment sinonasal inflammation. Clinicians should be aware of the performance parameters of commonly used surveillance techniques and adjust follow-up regimens based on this information.
The role of aspirin desensitization in the management of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease
Authors: Tajudeen Bobby A. , Schwartz Joseph S. , Bosso John V.
Published: November 2016

Purpose of review

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a progressive inflammatory disease of the upper and lower airways characterized by marked eosinophilic nasal polyposis, asthma, and respiratory reactions to medications that inhibit the cyclooxygenase pathway. Aspirin desensitization has proven to be an effective tool in the management of this disease when used in a multidisciplinary setting. The purpose of this article is to review the current literature regarding AERD, aspirin desensitization, and share our opinion regarding the most optimal multidisciplinary approach to these complex patients.

Recent findings

Numerous studies, including randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, have demonstrated the therapeutic effectiveness of aspirin desensitization with significant improvement in number of sinus infections per year, olfactory scores, nasal symptom scores, asthma symptom scores, sinus operations, hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and oral steroid use. Furthermore, the role of surgery is becoming increasingly important for recalcitrant sinus disease with recent studies showing comprehensive surgery as more beneficial to disease management.

Aspirin desensitization is an effective therapeutic tool in the management of AERD. A multidisciplinary approach is critical between the otorhinolaryngologist and allergist to provide the most optimal care for this complex patient population.
What is new in pediatric surgical oncology?
Authors: Dasgupta Roshni , Billmire Deborah , Aldrink Jennifer H. , Meyers Rebecka L.
Published: November 2016

Purpose of review

As pediatric oncology has become more complex, designing and maintaining pediatric surgical protocols require greater expertise. The primary purpose of this review is to summarize the changes in protocols and new study findings, which have changed surgical practice for children with solid tumors.

Recent findings

The most common solid tumors treated by surgery are reviewed. There are new methods of surgical techniques such as the use of sentinel lymph node techniques for the assessment of lymph nodes in pediatric sarcoma. New studies showing excellent outcomes for the nonoperative treatment for young patients with neuroblastoma are discussed. Surgical quality with the prevention of tumor rupture and the assessment of lymph nodes is essential for good outcomes in patients with Wilm's tumor. The international collaborations within germ cell and liver tumors have provided excellent new study regimens and welcomed a new era of studies that are robust and have the power to change the outcomes for these rare tumors.

Surgical practice is evolving with the molecular advances in pediatric oncology. Technical advances and quality improvement endeavors to ensure protocol adherence are essential. International partnerships have allowed for greater advances particularly for rare tumors and improve overall surgical outcomes.
Epidemiology of Zika
Authors: Deseda Carmen C.
Published: November 2016

Purpose of review

Zika virus (ZIKV) is the latest ’emerging virus’ that has affected the Americas. First identified in the mid-20th century in Uganda, it was described as a vector arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) and subsequently found capable of producing illness in humans. The illness was not different from other flavivirus infections and caused a relatively mild disease characterized by low-grade fever, nonspecific exanthem, nonpurulent conjunctivitis, and mild to moderate arthralgia. It was capable of producing infections described as sporadic isolated cases; in 2007, it was confirmed as the pathogen causing the first known ZIKV epidemic subsequently associated with congenital neonatal microcephaly in many countries in the Americas.

Recent findings

It rapidly spread to other countries in the Americas and, as of September 2016, it has been detected in 46 countries and territories. Different from other flavivirus infections, ZIKV has proven to be related to more serious complications. These include Guillain–Barré syndrome and neonatal congenital malformations, which includes microcephaly and neurologic damage to the developing fetus, particularly if the maternal infection occurs early in pregnancy. These two complications are a cause of great concern.

It is pivotal to conduct epidemiological laboratory-based surveillance and studies on the virus’ inherent characteristics to understand the pathophysiology of this infection and develop adequate strategies to mitigate this new threat.
Evidence‐based Approach to Training Pediatric Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Trainers
Authors: Walsh Catharine M. , Anderson John T. , Fishman Douglas S.
Published: November 2016

Endoscopy training has evolved in recent years from the traditional model of “learning by doing” to the current skillful application of evidence‐based educational principles. Endoscopy training should ideally be provided by individuals with the requisite skills and behaviors to teach endoscopy effectively and efficiently, including an awareness of principles of adult education, best practices in procedural skills education, and appropriate use of beneficial educational strategies such as feedback. The aim of this article is to outline principles that underlie successful endoscopy training and describe the “Preparation—Training—Wrap‐up” framework that can be used by pediatric endoscopy trainers to help guide an effective endoscopy training session. Looking to the future, application of content from well‐developed “train the trainer” courses to pediatric endoscopy practice would help to improve the quality of endoscopy training and facilitate the development of conscious competences among pediatric endoscopy trainers.
Targeted Simulation Instructor Course for Nursing Professional Development Specialists
Authors: LaFond Cynthia M. , Blood Angela
Published: November 2016

Practical training for nursing professional development specialists in the facilitation of clinical simulations was implemented using a six-step curriculum development framework. General and targeted needs assessments were conducted. Methods used to apply needs assessment findings into the course design and delivery and the participant’s responses via program evaluations are described. The process used to develop this training may be applied by other nursing professional development departments to prepare educators in the delivery of simulated-based learning experiences.
Current Controversies in Transanal Surgery for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Ramirez Jose M. , Elia Manuela , Cordoba Elena , Gracia Jose A. , Aguilella Vicente
Published: November 2016

Local surgery for rectal tumors has been traditionally limited due to technical issues for lower risk lesions. In the 1980s, Buess described the transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) technique that enabled excision of lesions that were larger and in a higher location. TEM in a short time became the gold standard for the excision of large adenomas and early rectal carcinomas. Since the advent of TEM, and due to advances in minimal invasive technology, new devices and procedures have come to the surgical armamentarium, in many cases with only very slight differences between them. However, local surgery for rectal cancer still remains a challenge. An overview of the current status of minimal transanal invasive techniques is presented here and sheds some light on the controversies that the local management of rectal cancer still raises.
Efficacy of Acute Cellular Rejection Treatment According to Banff Score in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lamarche Caroline , Côté Jean-Maxime , Sénécal Lynne , Cardinal Héloïse
Published: November 2016

Background

The poor prognosis classically associated with Banff grade 2 acute cell-mediated rejection (CMR) may be due to unrecognized antibody-mediated damage. We thus performed a systematic review of the literature to determine the rate of response to treatment in kidney transplant recipients with pure CMR, stratified by Banff class.

Methods

In addition to a manual search, databases interrogated included Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) databases, Central, PubMed and CINAHL. Studies providing functional and/or histological response rates to the treatment of CMR rejection by Banff class (1997 or more recent) were included.

Results

Among the 746 articles identified, 5 articles were included in the final review. Two studies excluded some, and 2 excluded all features of antibody-mediated rejection, while providing data on functional recovery. The absence of functional recovery was reported in 4% of borderline, 15% for Banff grade 1A and IB pooled, 0% to 25% of Banff grade 1B alone, 11% to 20% of Banff grade 2A, and 38% of Banff grade 2B rejections.

Conclusions

The rate of functional recovery of pure Banff IIA CMR overlapped with that of Banff grade 1 CMR, whereas Banff grade 2B showed worse prognosis. There was important heterogeneity in the definition of response to treatment and paucity of data describing the histological response to treatment stratified by Banff class. There is a pressing need to standardize outcome metrics for the reversibility of rejection in kidney transplant recipients in order to design high-quality trials for novel therapeutic alternatives.
Kin selection and the evolution of plant reproductive traits
Authors: Bawa Kamaljit S.
Published: November 2016

Competition among developing seeds and sibling rivalry within multiovulated ovaries can be deleterious for both the maternal parent and the siblings. Increased genetic relatedness of seeds within the ovary may foster kin selection and reduce the deleterious consequences of sibling competition. The pollen parent may also be selected for siring all progeny within a fruit. I propose a series of hypotheses to explain the evolution of a number of reproductive traits in angiosperms in the context of kin selection and sibling rivalry within the ovaries of angiosperms. I present evidence to show that a single-pollen parent, indeed, often sires seeds within multiovulated ovaries. Various types of pollen aggregations and transfer of such pollen masses to the stigmas of flowers by specialized pollinators make this increased genetic relatedness possible. An alternative mode to reduce sibling rivalry may be the reduction of ovule number to one, an evolutionary trend that has independently occurred many times in flowering plants. Finally, I build on previously established correlations to predict two sets of correlations among reproductive traits. In the first case, large showy flowers, transfer of pollenen masseby specialized pollinators, and multiovulated ovaries and multisided fruits seem to be correlated. In the second case, the previously established correlations among small and inconspicuous flowers, pollination by wind, water or generalist insects, flowers and fruits with few or single ovules and seeds, respectively, may also include monoecy or dioecy. Although correlations among many of these traits have been established in the past, I invoke kin selection and sibling competition to explain the evolution of correlated traits as two distinct evolutionary pathways in angiosperms.
Toxin-resistant isoforms of Na+/K+-ATPase in snakes do not closely track dietary specialization on toads
Authors: Mohammadi Shabnam , Gompert Zachariah , Gonzalez Jonathan , Takeuchi Hirohiko , Mori Akira , Savitzky Alan H.
Published: November 2016

Toads are chemically defended by bufadienolides, a class of cardiotonic steroids that exert toxic effects by binding to and disabling the Na+/K+-ATPases of cell membranes. Some predators, including a number of snakes, have evolved resistance to the toxic effects of bufadienolides and prey regularly on toads. Resistance in snakes to the acute effects of these toxins is conferred by at least two amino acid substitutions in the cardiotonic steroid binding pocket of the Na+/K+-ATPase. We surveyed 100 species of snakes from a broad phylogenetic range for the presence or absence of resistance-conferring mutations. We found that such mutations occur in a much wider range of taxa than previously believed. Although all sequenced species known to consume toads exhibited the resistance mutations, many of the species possessing the mutations do not feed on toads, much less specialize on that food source. This suggests that either there is little performance cost associated with these mutations or they provide an unknown benefit. Furthermore, the distribution of the mutation among major clades of advanced snakes suggests that the origin of the mutation reflects evolutionary retention more than dietary constraint.
Beyond privacy and exposure: ethical issues within citizen-facing analytics
Authors: Grindrod Peter
Published: November 2016

We discuss the governing forces for analytics, especially concerning citizens’ behaviours and their transactions, that depend on which of three
spheres
of operation an institution is in (corporate, public sector/government and academic). We argue that aspirations and missions also differ by sphere even as digital spaces have drawn these spheres ever closer together. We propose that citizens’ expectations and implicit permissions for any exploitation of their data require the perception of a fair balance of benefits, which should be transparent (accessible to citizens) and justifiable. We point out that within the
corporate sphere
most analytics does not concern identity, targeted marketing nor any direct interference with individual citizens; but instead it supports strategic decision-making, where the data are effectively anonymous. With the three spheres we discuss the nature of models deployed in analytics, including ‘black-box’ modelling uncheckable by a human mind, and the need to track the provenance and workings or models. We also examine the recent evolution of personal data, where some behaviours, or tokens, identifying individuals (unique and yet non-random) are partially and jointly owned by other individuals that are themselves connected. We consider the ability of heavily and lightly regulated sectors to increase access or to stifle innovation. We also call for clear and inclusive definitions of ‘data science and analytics’, avoiding the narrow claims of those in technical sub-sectors or sub-themes. Finally, we examine some examples of unethical and abusive practices. We argue for an ethical responsibility to be placed upon professional data scientists to avoid abuses in the future.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘The ethical impact of data science’.
Efficient repositioning of approved drugs as anti-HIV agents using Anti-HIV-Predictor
Authors: Dai Shao-Xing , Chen Huan , Li Wen-Xing , Guo Yi-Cheng , Liu Jia-Qian , Zheng Jun-Juan , Wang Qian , Li Hui-Juan , Chen Bi-Wen , Gao Yue-Dong , Li Gong-Hua , Zheng Yong-Tang , Huang Jing-Fei
Published: November 2016

Development of new, effective and affordable drugs against HIV is urgently needed. In this study, we developed a world’s first web server called Anti-HIV-Predictor (http://bsb.kiz.ac.cn:70/hivpre) for predicting anti-HIV activity of given compounds. This server is rapid and accurate (accuracy >93% and AUC > 0.958). We applied the server to screen 1835 approved drugs for anti-HIV therapy. Totally 67 drugs were predicted to have anti-HIV activity, 25 of which are anti-HIV drugs. Then we experimentally evaluated 35 predicted new anti-HIV compounds by assays of syncytia formation, p24 quantification, cytotoxicity. Finally, we repurposed 7 approved drugs (cetrorelix, dalbavancin, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin and valrubicin) as new anti-HIV agents. The original indication of these drugs is involved in a variety of diseases such as female infertility and cancer. Anti-HIV-Predictor and the 7 repurposed anti-HIV agents provided here demonstrate the efficacy of this strategy for discovery of new anti-HIV agents.
Time-resolved proteomics vs. ribosome profiling reveals translation dynamics under stress
Authors: Liu Tzu-Yu , H. Huang Hector , Wheeler Diamond , A. Wells James , S. Song Yun , P. Wiita Arun
Published: November 2016

Many small molecule chemotherapeutics induce stresses that globally inhibit mRNA translation, remodeling the cancer proteome and governing response to treatment. Here we measured protein synthesis in multiple myeloma cells treated with low-dose bortezomib by coupling pulsed-SILAC (pSILAC) with high-accuracy targeted quantitative proteomics. We found that direct measurement of protein synthesis by pSILAC correlated well with the indirect measurement of protein synthesis by ribosome profiling under conditions of robust translation. By developing a statistical model integrating longitudinal proteomic and mRNA-seq measurements, we found that proteomics could directly detect global alterations in translational rate as a function of therapy-induced stress after prolonged bortezomib exposure. Finally, the model we develop here, in combination with our experimental data including both protein synthesis and degradation, predicts changes in proteome remodeling under a variety of cellular perturbations. pSILAC therefore provides an important complement to ribosome profiling in directly measuring proteome dynamics under conditions of cellular stress.
Chromosome segregation drives division site selection inStreptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: van Raaphorst Renske , Kjos Morten , Veening Jan-Willem
Published: November 2016

Accurate spatial and temporal positioning of the tubulin-like protein FtsZ is key for proper bacterial cell division.Streptococcus pneumoniae(pneumococcus) is an oval-shaped, symmetrically dividing human pathogen lacking the canonical systems for division site control (nucleoid occlusion and the Min-system). Recently, the early division protein MapZ was identified and implicated in pneumococcal division site selection. We show that MapZ is important for proper division plane selection; thus the question remains what drives pneumococcal division site selection. By mapping the cell cycle in detail, we show that directly after replication both chromosomal origin regions localize to the future cell division sites, prior to FtsZ. Perturbing the longitudinal chromosomal organization by mutating the condensin SMC, by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated chromosome cutting or by poisoning DNA decatenation resulted in mistiming of MapZ and FtsZ positioning and subsequent cell elongation. Together, we demonstrate an intimate relationship between DNA replication, chromosome segregation and division site selection in the pneumococcus, providing a simple way to ensure equally sized daughter cells without the necessity for additional protein factors.
The natural selection of metabolism and mass selects lifeforms from viruses to multicellular animals
Authors: Witting Lars
Published: November 2016

I show that the natural selection of metabolism and mass is selecting for the major life history and allometric transitions that define lifeforms from viruses, over prokaryotes and larger unicells, to multicellular animals with sexual reproduction.

The proposed selection is driven by a mass specific metabolism that is selected as the pace of the resource handling that generates net energy for self-replication. This implies that an initial selection of mass is given by a dependence of mass specific metabolism on mass in replicators that are close to a lower size limit. A maximum dependence that is sublinear is shown to select for virus-like replicators with no intrinsic metabolism, no cell, and practically no mass. A maximum superlinear dependence is instead selecting for prokaryote-like self-replicating cells with asexual reproduction and incomplete metabolic pathways. These self-replicating cells have selection for increased net energy, and this generates a gradual unfolding of a population dynamic feed-back selection from interactive competition. The incomplete feed-back is shown to select for larger unicells with more developed metabolic pathways, and the completely developed feed-back to select for multicellular animals with sexual reproduction.

This model unifies natural selection from viruses to multicellular animals, and it provides a parsimonious explanation where allometries and major life history transitions evolve from the natural selection of metabolism and mass.
5-(2-Ethoxy-4-fluorophenyl)-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine
Authors: Gilandoust Maryam , Harsha K. B. , Madan Kumar S. , Rakesh K. S. , Lokanath N. K. , Byrappa K. , Rangappa K. S.
Published: November 2016

In the title compound, C13H11FN4O, the dihedral angle between the triazolopyrimidine ring system and fluorophenyl ring is 39.16 (12)°. In the crystal, C—H...N hydrogen bonds link the molecules resulting inR22(8) ring motifs andC(8) chain motifs.
(E)-3-(2,3-Dichlorophenyl)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one
Authors: Naveen S. , Dileep Kumar A. , Ajay Kumar K. , Manjunath H. R. , Lokanath N. K. , Warad Ismail
Published: November 2016

In the title chalcone derivative, C15H9Cl2FO, the dihedral angle between the aromatic rings is 19.13 (15)° and the double bond adopts anEconformation. In the crystal, molecules are connected by weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a chain propagating along the [001] direction.
Poly[(μ3-5-hydroxyisophthalato)[μ2-1,1′-(1,4-phenylene)bis(1H-imidazole)]copper]
Authors: Tao Hong-Hong , Chen Yu-Han , Liu Ya-Sai , Deji Zhuo-Ga
Published: November 2016

The title compound, [Cu(C8H4O5)(C12H10N4)]n, was obtained by the reaction of copper(II) nitrate hydrate, with the OH-BDC organic linker and bib molecules [OH-BDC = 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid and bib = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-yl)benzene]. The asymmetric unit comprises one CuIIcation, one OH-BDC−2dianion and a bib ligand. The CuIIion is coordinated by three carboxylate O atoms and two bib-N atoms, all from bridging ligands, to form a slightly distorted trigonal–bipyramidal geometry. The CuIIions are bridged by OH-BDC−2ligands, forming a chain along the [100] direction; the chains are connected by bib molecules to form a two-dimensional net. In topological terms, considering the CuIIatoms as nodes and the OH-BDC−2ligands as linkers, the two-dimensional structure can be simplified as a typical 2-nodal 3,5 L2 plane network. The crystal structure features O—H...O hydrogen bonds between OH-BDC−2anions, resulting in a three-dimensional supramolecular network.
Effects of fracture intersections on seismic dispersion: theoretical predictions versus numerical simulations
Authors: Guo Junxin , Rubino J. Germán , Glubokovskikh Stanislav , Gurevich Boris
Published: November 2016

The detection and characterisation of domains of intersecting fractures are important goals in several disciplines of current interest, including exploration and production of unconventional reservoirs, nuclear waste storage, CO2 sequestration, and groundwater hydrology, among others. The objective of this study is to propose a theoretical framework for quantifying the effects of fracture intersections on the frequency‐dependent elastic properties of fluid‐saturated porous and fractured rocks. Three characteristic frequency regimes for fluid pressure communication are identified. In the low‐frequency limit, fractures are in full pressure communication with the embedding porous matrix and with other fractures. Conversely, in the high‐frequency limit, fractures are hydraulically isolated from the matrix and from other fractures. At intermediate frequencies, fractures are hydraulically isolated from the matrix porosity but can be in hydraulic communication with each other, depending on whether fracture sets are intersecting. For each frequency regime, the effective stiffness coefficients are derived using the linear‐slip theory and anisotropic Gassmann equations. Explicit mathematical expressions for the two characteristic frequencies that separate the three frequency regimes are also determined. Theoretical predictions are then applied to two synthetic 2D samples, each containing two orthogonal fracture sets: one with and another without intersections. The resulting stiffness coefficients, Thomsen‐style anisotropy parameters, and the transition frequencies show good agreement with corresponding numerical simulations. The theoretical results are applicable not only to 2D but also to 3D fracture systems and are amenable to being employed in inversion schemes designed to characterise fracture systems.
Iatrogenic Burns of the Neckline in a Patient with Tetraparesis During Tracheotomy
Authors: Smędra Anna , Meissner Ewa , Barzdo Maciej , Grabowski Przemysław , Kartasiński Michał , Krajewski Wojciech , Berent Jarosław
Published: November 2016

The paper presents a case of an atypical iatrogenic complication after tracheotomy analyzed on the basis of the case dossier materials submitted to the authors by the court of justice to prepare a forensic medical opinion concerning the correctness of the medical procedure. A 37‐year‐old woman was brought by the ambulance service to the hospital with acute respiratory failure due to post‐tracheostomy tracheal stenosis. Tracheotomy was performed on an emergency basis. The patient suffered severe burns of the chest and neck. The experts concluded that the most probable cause of the incident was electrocautery‐induced ignition of the disinfectant used for cleaning the skin before the surgery. It was established that with correct handling of the procedure, the aforementioned incident should not have taken place. Therefore, it cannot be regarded as a normal complication inherent in the risk associated with the procedure, but as a consequence of a medical error.
Efficacy of vitamin D replacement therapy on patients with chronic nonspecific widespread musculoskeletal pain with vitamin D deficiency
Authors: Yilmaz Ramazan , Salli Ali , Cingoz Havva Turac , Kucuksen Sami , Ugurlu Hatice
Published: November 2016

Aim

The objective of this study is the evaluation of the effect of vitamin D replacement treatment on musculoskeletal symptoms and quality of life in patients with chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain (CWP) including fibromyalgia (FM) and vitamin D deficiency.

Method

Patients with nonspecific CWP and vitamin D deficiency (25‐OH D3 < 25 ng/mL) were included into the study. Replacement treatments of 50 000 IU/week oral vitamin D3 for 3 months were given to the patients. Patients were assessed pre‐ and post‐treatment in terms of serum levels of Ca, P, alkaline phosphatase, 25‐OH D3, severity of pain (visual analogue scale [VAS]‐pain), severity of asthenia (VAS‐asthenia), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), quality of life scale (Short Form [SF]‐36), tender point count (TPC), severity of waking unrefreshed, headache, tenderness on tibia, meeting the criteria of FM, and level of patient satisfaction.

Results

Fifty‐eight patients with a mean age of 36.9 ± 9.2 years were included into the study. 25‐OH D3 levels of patients elevated from 10.6 ± 5.1 ng/mL to 46.5 ± 24.0 ng/mL after replacement treatment (P < 0.001). Marked decrease in VAS‐pain, VAS‐asthenia, severity of waking unrefreshed, TPC, and BDI and an evident increase in subgroups of SF‐36 were established in patients after treatment (P < 0.001). The number of FM+ patients was 30 (52%) before treatment and regressed to 20 (34%) after treatment (P = 0.013); 85% of patients stated satisfaction with the treatment.

Conclusions

Vitamin D replacement treatment in patients with nonspecific CWP has provided improvements in musculoskeletal symptoms, level of depression and quality of life of patients. Patients with CWP should be investigated for vitamin D deficiency.
Differences in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease phenotypes between non‐smokers and smokers
Authors: Ji Wonjun , Lim Myoung Nam , Bak So Hyeon , Hong Seok‐Ho , Han Seon‐Sook , Lee Seung‐Joon , Kim Woo Jin , Hong Yoonki
Published: November 2016

Introduction and Objectives

Although tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), more than one‐fourth of COPD patients are non‐smokers. In this cross‐sectional study, the differences in COPD phenotypes between non‐smokers and smokers in male subjects were investigated and were focused on structural lung changes using a quantitative assessment of computed tomography (CT) images.

Methods

They divided male participants with COPD, from a Korean cohort near a cement plant, into non‐smokers and smokers by a cutoff of a 5 pack‐year smoking history. Clinical characteristics, including age, body mass index (BMI), spirometry results, history of biomass smoke exposure, and CT measurements, were compared between the two groups. Emphysema index (EI) and mean wall area percentage (MWA %) were used to evaluate the structural lung changes on volumetric CT scans.

Results

The non‐smoker group (n = 49) had younger patients and had a greater BMI than the smoker group (n = 113) (P < .05). Spirometry results, including post‐bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s, were comparable between the two groups. More smokers had emphysema than non‐smokers (EI 10.0 vs. 6.5, P < .001), but after accounting the potential confounders in model analysis, the difference was borderline significance (P = .051). In the subgroup of biomass smoke‐exposed subjects, MWA% was significantly greater in smokers than in non‐smokers (MWA 69.1 vs. 65.3, P = .03), while EI was not statistically different (EI 7.1 vs. 10.4, P = .52).

Conclusions

Non‐smoker males with COPD were younger and had a greater BMI than the smokers. Tobacco smoke exposure seemed to be associated with an emphysema‐predominant phenotype, while biomass smoke exposure exhibited a significant interaction with tobacco smoking in an airway‐predominant phenotype.
DOES TELEVISION ENTRY DECREASE THE NUMBER OF MOVIE THEATERS?
Authors: Gil Ricard , Gutierrez‐Navratil Fernanda
Published: November 2016

This paper empirically examines the impact of competition in the television (TV) industry on the number of movie theaters, their attendance, and their box office revenues. Studies of firm entry usually focus on the impact of regulation on economic outcomes within an industry, thereby neglecting its impact on neighboring industries. Using changes in regulation in the Spanish local TV station industry, we estimate the impact of TV entry on the movie theater industry between 1993 and 2005. Our findings show that local TV entry decreased the number of theaters and screens in a province, as well as movie attendance and box office revenues. (JEL L11, L43, L82)
Reproductive performance of the hemlock looper, Lambdina fiscellaria, as a function of temperature and population origin
Authors: Delisle Johanne , Bernier‐Cardou Michèle , Laroche Ghislaine
Published: November 2016

In a recent study of the hemlock looper (HL), Lambdina fiscellaria (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), long exposure of early‐diapausing eggs to high temperatures considerably reduced their ability to hatch. This finding raised the possibility that adults could also be negatively affected by increasing temperatures if they reproduced too early in the season in response to global warming. To investigate this hypothesis, newly formed HL pupae from three populations of eastern Canada ‐ Quebec (QC), Newfoundland (NL), and Labrador (LB) ‐ were submitted to four constant temperatures (10, 15, 20, or 25 °C) during pupal and adult development. The effect of population origin on HL reproduction was generally negligible. Mating probability was high at 15 and 20 °C (0.86 and 0.83, respectively), quite low at 10 °C (0.53), and even lower at 25 °C (0.38). Mating started earlier in the night and lasted longer as temperature decreased. Both productivity and absolute fecundity increased when temperature increased from 10 to 15 °C and then decreased slowly as temperature increased further. Over populations and temperatures, relative fecundity averaged 0.95, indicating that females had enough time to lay most of their eggs before they died. High temperatures had a deleterious effect on egg fertility: between 10 and 20 °C, relative fertility was about 0.90, but it dropped to 0.51 at 25 °C. The average proportion of fertile eggs declined from 0.88 in the first quarter of the egg‐laying period to 0.57 in the last quarter, suggesting lower sperm count or viability, or deterioration of the oocytes as the egg‐laying period progresses. Based on these findings, we argue that the production of an additional fifth instar among HL populations of southern origin can be viewed as an adaptive mechanism allowing adults to postpone reproduction or the egg‐laying period in order to mitigate the detrimental effect of high temperatures on their probability of mating successfully or that of laying fertile eggs.
Building Alliances with (In)Voluntary Clients: A Study Focused on Therapists’ Observable Behaviors
Authors: Sotero Luciana , Cunha Diana , da Silva José Tomás , Escudero Valentín , Relvas Ana Paula
Published: November 2016

This study aimed to compare therapists’ observable behaviors to promote alliances with involuntary and voluntary clients during brief family therapy. The therapists’ contributions to fostering alliances were rated in sessions 1 and 4 using videotapes of 29 families who were observed in brief therapy. Using the System for Observing Family Therapy Alliances, trained raters searched for specific therapist behaviors that contributed to or detracted from the four alliance dimensions: engagement in the therapeutic process, an emotional connection with the therapist, safety within the therapeutic system, and a shared sense of purpose within the family. The results showed that when working with involuntary clients, therapists presented more behaviors to foster the clients’ engagement and to promote a shared sense of purpose within the family. However, in the fourth session, the therapists in both groups contributed to the alliance in similar ways. The results are discussed in terms of (a) the therapists’ alliance‐building behaviors, (b) the specificities of each client group, and (c) the implications for clinical practice, training, and research.
Predator diversity and environmental change modify the strengths of trophic and nontrophic interactions
Authors: Sentis Arnaud , Gémard Charlène , Jaugeon Baptiste , Boukal David S.
Published: November 2016

Understanding the dependence of species interaction strengths on environmental factors and species diversity is crucial to predict community dynamics and persistence in a rapidly changing world. Nontrophic (e.g. predator interference) and trophic components together determine species interaction strengths, but the effects of environmental factors on these two components remain largely unknown. This impedes our ability to fully understand the links between environmental drivers and species interactions. Here, we used a dynamical modelling framework based on measured predator functional responses to investigate the effects of predator diversity, prey density, and temperature on trophic and nontrophic interaction strengths within a freshwater food web. We found that (i) species interaction strengths cannot be predicted from trophic interactions alone, (ii) nontrophic interaction strengths vary strongly among predator assemblages, (iii) temperature has opposite effects on trophic and nontrophic interaction strengths, and (iv) trophic interaction strengths decrease with prey density, whereas the dependence of nontrophic interaction strengths on prey density is concave up. Interestingly, the qualitative impacts of temperature and prey density on the strengths of trophic and nontrophic interactions were independent of predator identity, suggesting a general pattern. Our results indicate that taking multiple environmental factors and the nonlinearity of density‐dependent species interactions into account is an important step towards a better understanding of the effects of environmental variations on complex ecological communities. The functional response approach used in this study opens new avenues for (i) the quantification of the relative importance of the trophic and nontrophic components in species interactions and (ii) a better understanding how environmental factors affect these interactions and the dynamics of ecological communities.
Incorporation of plant traits in a land surface model helps explain the global biogeographical distribution of major forest functional types
Authors: Lu Xingjie , Wang Ying‐Ping , Wright Ian J. , Reich Peter B. , Shi Zheng , Dai Yongjiu
Published: November 2016

Aims

Contrasting leaf types with different leaf life spans represent different adaptive strategies in plants. Previous studies explained the adaptive advantages of different strategies on the basis of environmental climatic limits, but could not account for the observed co‐dominance of multiple plant functional types (PFTs) in many regions. Here we used a process‐based model to explore whether observed inter‐ and intra‐PFT variation in plant traits can explain global biogeographical variation in the dominance and co‐dominance of major forest types.

Location

World‐wide.

Methods

We identified four important plant traits: leaf N concentration, leaf life span, fraction of net primary production (NPP) allocated to leaves and plant basal respiration rate. We incorporated means and variances of these plant traits from trait databases into the Community Atmosphere–Biosphere–Land Exchange model. We then predicted the dominant PFT or PFT mixture for global forested grid cells, using NPP as a proxy for growth rate, and considering three PFTs: evergreen needleleaf forests (ENF), evergreen broadleaf forests (EBF) and deciduous broadleaf forests (DBF). We compared results with: (1) those from simulations that did not account for trait variance; (2) results from an empirical model based purely on mean annual temperature; and (3) data from remotely sensed observations.

Results

Our estimates of the fractions of land area covered by major forest types were consistent with observation; i.e. ENFs dominate in boreal regions, EBFs dominate in tropical regions and DBFs are distributed widely across a broad range of environmental conditions. We also showed that co‐dominance of different forest PFTs cannot be reproduced without considering variation in plant traits.

Main conclusions

Global trait data are useful for representing underlying plant strategies and functional diversity. Variation in key plant traits explains significant fractions of global biogeographical variation of three major forest types. Future developments in dynamic global vegetation modelling will benefit from the inclusion of plant trait variation.