bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MHC, parasites and antler development in red deer: no support for the Hamilton & Zuk hypothesis
Authors: Buczek M. , Okarma H. , Demiaszkiewicz A. W. , Radwan J.
Published: December 2015

The Hamilton‐Zuk hypothesis proposes that the genetic benefits of preferences for elaborated secondary sexual traits have their origins in the arms race between hosts and parasites, which maintains genetic variance in parasite resistance. Infection, in turn, can be reflected in the expression of costly sexual ornaments. However, the link between immune genes, infection and the expression of secondary sexual traits has rarely been investigated. Here, we explored whether the presence and identity of functional variants (supertypes) of the highly polymorphic major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which is responsible for the recognition of parasites, predict the load of lung and gut parasites and antler development in the red deer (Cervus elaphus). While we found MHC supertypes to be associated with infection by a number of parasite species, including debilitating lung nematodes, we did not find support for the Hamilton‐Zuk hypothesis. On the contrary, we found that lung nematode load was positively associated with antler development. We also found that the supertypes that were associated with resistance to certain parasites at the same time cause susceptibility to others. Such trade‐offs may undermine the potential genetic benefits of mate choice for resistant partners.
Effect of Vascular Risk Factors and Diseases on Mortality in Individuals with Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: van de Vorst Irene E. , Koek Huiberdina L. , de Vries Rehana , Bots Michiel L. , Reitsma Johannes B. , Vaartjes Ilonca
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To assess the effect of cardiovascular diseases and risk factors on mortality in individuals with dementia.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis. English‐ and Dutch‐language studies in PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases were searched in April 2014 with hand‐searching of in‐text citations and no publication limitations. Inclusion criteria were original studies reporting on cardiovascular risk factors or diseases and their relationship with survival in individuals with dementia. The Quality In Prognosis Studies tool was used to appraise all included articles.

Setting

Population‐, hospital‐, and nursing home–based.

Participants

Community‐dwelling, hospitalized individuals and nursing home residents with dementia.

Measurements

A random‐effects meta‐analysis was performed to investigate the effect of several cardiovascular diseases and risk factors on overall mortality.

Results

Twelve studies with 235,865 participants were included. In pooled analyses, male sex (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.56–1.78), diabetes mellitus (DM) (HR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.33–1.68), smoking (ever vs never) (HR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.17–1.61), coronary heart disease (CHD) (HR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.02–1.44) and congestive heart failure (CHF) (HR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.18–1.59) were associated with mortality. Stroke, high blood pressure, being overweight, and hypercholesterolemia were not statistically significantly related to mortality.

Conclusion

Individuals with dementia and DM, smoking, CHD, and CHF have a greater risk of death than individuals with dementia without these risk factors or diseases.
Order Flow and Expected Option Returns
Authors: MURAVYEV DMITRIY
Published: December 2015

I show that the inventory risk faced by market‐makers has a first‐order effect on option prices. I introduce a simple approach that decomposes the price impact of trades into inventory risk and asymmetric information components. While both components are large for option trades, the inventory risk component is larger. Using the full panel of daily option returns, I find that option order imbalances attributable to inventory risk have five times larger impact on option prices than previously thought. Finally, I find that past order imbalances have greater predictive power than any other commonly used predictor of option returns.
Bidirectional associations between alcohol consumption and health‐related quality of life amongst young and middle‐aged women
Authors: Schrieks I. C. , Wei M. Y. , Rimm E. B. , Okereke O. I. , Kawachi I. , Hendriks H. F. J. , Mukamal K. J.
Published: December 2015

Background

Evidence from cross‐sectional studies has suggested a positive association between moderate alcohol consumption and health‐related quality of life but prospective data remain scarce.

Objectives

To examine the bidirectional relationships between alcohol consumption and health‐related quality of life using a longitudinal study design.

Methods

A total of 92 448 participants of the Nurses' Health Study II reported their alcohol consumption (in 1991, 1995, 1999 and 2003) and health‐related quality of life (in 1993, 1997 and 2001). Using generalized estimating equations, we modelled the physical and mental component summary (PCS and MCS) scores as a function of alcohol consumption 2 years earlier (n = 88 363) and vice versa (n = 84 621).

Results

Greater alcohol consumption was associated with better PCS scores 2 years later in a dose–response manner up to ~1 serving daily [mean difference (β) = 0.67 ± 0.06 PCS units, for moderate versus infrequent drinkers]. After adjustment for previous PCS, a similar but attenuated pattern was observed (β = 0.33 ± 0.07). Moderate alcohol consumption was not related to MCS, whereas moderate‐to‐heavy alcohol consumption was associated with lower MCS scores (β = −0.34 ± 0.15). Higher PCS scores were associated with greater alcohol consumption 2 years later, also after adjustment for previous alcohol consumption (β = 0.53 ± 0.05 g day−1). MCS was not associated with alcohol consumption 2 years later.

Conclusion

Amongst young and middle‐aged women, moderate alcohol intake was associated with a small improvement in physical health‐related quality of life 2 years later and vice versa. Moderate alcohol consumption was not associated with mental health‐related quality of life in either direction.
Parents' Family Time and Work Schedules: The Split‐Shift Schedule in Spain
Authors: Gracia Pablo , Kalmijn Matthijs
Published: December 2015

This study used data on couples from the 2003 Spanish Time Use Survey (N = 1,416) to analyze how work schedules are associated with family, couple, parent–child, and non‐family leisure activities. Spain is clearly an interesting case for the institutionalized split‐shift schedule, a long lunch break rooted in the traditional siesta that splits the workday between morning and evening. Results showed strong negative associations between the split shift and both family and parent–child activities. The evening shift was negatively associated with couple and family time, but not with parent–child time. Women spent much more time than men in parent–child activities for all work categories, and they were more responsive to the spouse's work hours. Men were substantially more active than women in non‐family leisure, considering both individuals' and their spouses' work schedules. Altogether, this study has important implications for scientific and public policy debates.
Incongruent Teen Pregnancy Attitudes, Coparenting Conflict, and Support Among Mexican‐Origin Adolescent Mothers
Authors: Bravo Diamond Y. , Umaña‐Taylor Adriana J. , Zeiders Katharine H. , Updegraff Kimberly A. , Jahromi Laudan B.
Published: December 2015

The current longitudinal study examined whether differences between Mexican‐origin adolescent mothers and their mother figures (N = 204 dyads) in attitudes on the status attained through teen pregnancy were associated with conflict in their coparenting relationship and whether coparenting conflict was associated with adolescent mothers' perceptions of social support. Findings revealed that when adolescents held more positive attitudes than their mother figures about the status gained through teen pregnancy, they tended to report greater coparenting conflict with their mother figures. Furthermore, greater coparenting conflict was significantly associated with decreases in adolescents' perceptions of social support (i.e., emotional, instrumental, companion support) 1 year later. Findings underscore the importance of incongruent attitudes and the quality of coparenting relationships between adolescent mothers and their mother figures in relation to support processes. Findings are discussed with respect to understanding Mexican‐origin adolescent mothers' social support in the context of family subsystem attitudes and interactions.
The Ties That Bind: Midlife Parents' Daily Experiences With Grown Children
Authors: Fingerman Karen L. , Kim Kyungmin , Birditt Kira S. , Zarit Steven H.
Published: December 2015

Daily pleasant or stressful experiences with grown children may contribute to parental well‐being. This diary study focused on midlife parents' (N = 247) reports regarding grown children for 7 days. Nearly all parents (96%) had contact with a child that week via phone, text, or in person. Nearly all parents shared laughter or enjoyable interactions with grown children during the study week. More than half of parents experienced stressful encounters (e.g., child got on nerves) or stressful thoughts about grown children (e.g., worrying, fretting about a problem). Pleasant and stressful experiences with grown children were associated with parents' positive and negative daily moods. A pleasant experience with a grown child the same day as a stressful experience mitigated effects of those stressful experiences on negative mood, however. The findings have implications for understanding intergenerational ambivalence and stress buffering in this tie.
Relapse May Serve as a Mediator Variable in Longitudinal Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Stone Lael Anne , Cutter Gary Raymond , Fisher Elizabeth , Richert Nancy , McCartin Jennifer , Ohayon Joan , Bash Craig , McFarland Henry
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Contrast‐enhancing lesions (CEL) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are believed to represent inflammatory disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS), but their relationship to subsequent long‐term disability and progression is unclear, particularly at longer time periods such as 8‐10 years.

METHODS

Between 1989 and 1994, 111 MS patients were seen at the National Institutes of Health for clinical evaluations and 3 monthly contrast‐enhanced MRI scans. Of these, 94 patients were re‐evaluated a mean of 8 years later (range 6.1‐10.5 years) with a single MRI scan and clinical evaluation. CEL number and volume were determined at baseline and follow‐up. The number of relapses was ascertained over the follow‐up period and annualized relapse rates were calculated. Other MRI parameters, such as T2 hyperintensity volume, T1 volume, and brain parenchymal fraction, were also calculated.

RESULTS

While there was no direct correlation between CEL number or volume at baseline and disability status at follow‐up, CEL measures at baseline did correlate with number of relapses observed in the subsequent years, and the number of relapses in turn correlated with subsequent disability as well as transition to progressive MS.

CONCLUSION

While number and volume of CEL at baseline do not directly correlate with disability in the longer term in MS, our data suggest that 1 route to disability involves relapses as a mediator variable in the causal sequence of MS progression from CEL to disability. Further studies using relapse as a mediator variable in a larger data set may be warranted.
Just World Beliefs Are Associated With Lower Levels of Metabolic Risk and Inflammation and Better Sleep After an Unfair Event
Authors: Levine Cynthia S. , Basu Devika , Chen Edith
Published: December 2015

This study's goal was to conduct a preliminary test of the theory that just world beliefs can buffer against negative physiological outcomes after people experience certain types of negative life events by testing associations between just world beliefs and physiological outcomes among people with different life event histories. In a sample of 247 adults (Mage = 46.01; 24.31% men; 60.78% White), this research investigated the relationship between just world beliefs and metabolic symptoms, inflammation, and sleep among people who had recently experienced an unfair event, another type of negative event, or no negative event. Stronger just world beliefs correlated with lower metabolic risk, lower inflammation, and better sleep among people who had recently experienced an unfair event, but not among those in the other two event groups. These findings suggest that people's beliefs about the world may interact with their life experiences in ways that have implications for health‐relevant outcomes.
Individual Differences in Good Manners Rather Than Compassion Predict Fair Allocations of Wealth in the Dictator Game
Authors: Zhao Kun , Ferguson Eamonn , Smillie Luke D.
Published: December 2015

One of the most common tools for studying pro‐sociality is the dictator game, in which allocations to one's partner are often described in terms of altruism. However, the motivations driving these allocations may represent either emotional concern for others (compassion), adherence to social norms regarding fairness (politeness), or both. In this article, we apply personality psychology to the study of behavior in the dictator game, in which we examine the discriminant validity of distinct pro‐social constructs from the Big Five and HEXACO models in relation to allocations of wealth. Across four studies (Study 1: N = 192; Study 2: N = 212; Study 3: N = 304; Study 4: N = 90) utilizing both hypothetical and incentivized designs, we found that the politeness—but not compassion—aspect of Big Five Agreeableness, as well as HEXACO Honesty‐Humility, uniquely predicted dictator allocations within their respective personality models. These findings contribute to a growing literature indicating that the standard dictator game measures “good manners” or adherence to norms concerning fairness, rather than pure emotional concern or compassionate motives, and have important implications for how this paradigm is used and interpreted in psychological research.
Who Reaps the Benefits of Social Change? Exploration and Its Socioecological Boundaries
Authors: Lechner Clemens M. , Obschonka Martin , Silbereisen Rainer K.
Published: December 2015

We investigated the interplay between the personality trait exploration and objective socioecological conditions in shaping individual differences in the experience of two individual‐level benefits of current social change: new lifestyle options, which arise from the societal trend toward individualization, and new learning opportunities, which accrue from the societal trend toward lifelong learning. We hypothesized that people with higher trait exploration experience a greater increase in lifestyle options and learning opportunities––but more so in social ecologies in which individualization and lifelong learning are stronger, thus offering greater latitude for exploring the benefits of these trends. We employed structural equation modeling in two parallel adult samples from Germany (N = 2,448) and Poland (N = 2,571), using regional divorce rates as a proxy for individualization and Internet domain registration rates as a proxy for lifelong learning. Higher exploration was related to a greater perceived increase in lifestyle options and in learning opportunities over the past 5 years. These associations were stronger in regions in which the trends toward individualization and lifelong learning, respectively, were more prominent. Individuals higher in exploration are better equipped to reap the benefits of current social change––but the effects of exploration are bounded by the conditions in the social ecology.
The Meaningful Roles Intervention: An Evolutionary Approach to Reducing Bullying and Increasing Prosocial Behavior
Authors: Ellis Bruce J. , Volk Anthony A. , Gonzalez Jose‐Michael , Embry Dennis D.
Published: December 2015

Bullying is a problem that affects adolescents worldwide. Efforts to prevent bullying have been moderately successful at best, or iatrogenic at worst. We offer an explanation for this limited success by employing an evolutionary‐psychological perspective to analyze antibullying interventions. We argue that bullying is a goal‐directed behavior that is sensitive to benefits as well as costs, and that interventions must address these benefits. This perspective led us to develop a novel antibullying intervention, Meaningful Roles, which offers bullies prosocial alternatives—meaningful roles and responsibilities implemented through a school jobs program and reinforced through peer‐to‐peer praise notes—that effectively meet the same status goals as bullying behavior. We describe this new intervention and how its theoretical evolutionary roots may be applicable to other intervention programs.
Consumer's Reactions to Natural, Atypically Colored Foods: An Investigation Using Blue Potatoes
Authors: Paakki Maija , Sandell Mari , Hopia Anu
Published: December 2015

This study's aim was to investigate a consumer's reactions to foods that are naturally atypically colored. Blue potatoes were used, and we characterized consumers who chose either familiar, yellow potatoes, or unfamiliar, blue potatoes. Volunteers (n = 235) were asked to rate their perceptions after tasting blue or yellow potato salad by using an 8‐point Likert scale. Second, they were asked to choose between yellow and blue potatoes and argue their choice. Subgroups were classified into “yellow potato choosers” (64.7% of participants) and “blue potato choosers” (28.1% of participants) and each evaluated yellow potato salad quite equally, but “yellow potato choosers” rated blue potato salad lower than “blue potato choosers.” “Blue potato choosers” tended to be more neophilic and middle‐aged compared to “yellow potato choosers.” “Yellow potato choosers” were traditional consumers who chose yellow potatoes because of their taste and familiarity. “Blue potato choosers” tended to be more hedonistic and variety‐seeking as their willingness to try new things and appearance of food seemed to be important factors behind their choice of atypically colored blue potatoes.

Practical Applications

This study demonstrated that an atypical color of an ordinary food product (potatoes) affected participants’ perceptions and choice in consumer research. Although most consumers preferred typically colored yellow potatoes, over a quarter of the participants were willing to choose blue potatoes. Quite differently behaving consumer groups were found by segmentation of the volunteers according to their choice between yellow and blue potatoes. For instance, naturalness is generally considered as one of the key attributes behind food choice, but among “blue potato choosers” in our study it was not an important factor behind their potato choice. Our findings can assist food scientists and product developers in understanding the impact of an atypical color – and more widely nonfamiliar characteristics present in foods – on the perception of food and food choice.
Efficacy and Safety of Flibanserin in Women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gao Zhenli , Yang Diandong , Yu Luxin , Cui Yuanshan
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Flibanserin, is a postsynaptic agonist of serotonin receptor 1A and an antagonist of serotonin receptor 2A, has been shown to increase sexual desire and reduce distress in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).

Aim

We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of the drug in women with HSDD.

Methods

A literature review was performed to identify all published randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of flibanserin for the treatment of HSDD. The search included the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. The reference lists of the retrieved studies were also investigated.

Main Outcome Measures

Four publications involving a total of 3,414 patients were used in the analysis, including four randomized controlled trials that compared flibanserin with placebo.

Results

For the comparison of flibanserin with placebo, primary efficacy endpoints: satisfying sexual events (the standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.37–0.80, P < 0.00001); sexual desire score (the SMD = 1.91, 95% CI = 0.21 to 3.60, P = 0.03) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) desire domain score (the SMD = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.19–0.46, P < 0.00001) and key secondary efficacy endpoints: FSFI total score, Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R) total score, FSDS-R Item 13 score, Patient's Global Impression of Improvement score and Patient Benefit Evaluation indicated that flibanserin was more effective than the placebo. Safety assessments included the proportion of women who experienced an adverse event (odds ratio = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.34 to 1.76, P < 0.00001), nervous system disorders and fatigue indicated that flibanserin was well tolerated.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis indicates that flibanserin to be an effective and safe treatment for HSDD in women.
Autonomy, capacity and vulnerable adults: filling the gaps in the Mental Capacity Act
Authors: Herring Jonathan , Wall Jesse
Published: December 2015

This paper explores the distinction between being autonomous and having capacity for the purposes of the Mental Capacity Act. These include where a person misuses affective attitudes in making the decision; where a person's decision is not authentic to their values; and where the Mental Capacity Act prevents use of the context or outcome of the decision in assessing capacity. These gaps mean that a person can be found to have capacity, even though they are not properly autonomous. This, we argue, justifies the courts’ use of the inherent jurisdiction to protect vulnerable adults who, while having capacity are not able to act autonomously.
The SpoIIQ‐SpoIIIAH complex of Clostridium difficile controls forespore engulfment and late stages of gene expression and spore morphogenesis
Authors: Serrano Mónica , Crawshaw Adam D. , Dembek Marcin , Monteiro João M. , Pereira Fátima C. , Pinho Mariana Gomes , Fairweather Neil F. , Salgado Paula S. , Henriques Adriano O.
Published: December 2015

Engulfment of the forespore by the mother cell is a universal feature of endosporulation. In Bacillus subtilis, the forespore protein SpoIIQ and the mother cell protein SpoIIIAH form a channel, essential for endosporulation, through which the developing spore is nurtured. The two proteins also form a backup system for engulfment. Unlike in B. subtilis, SpoIIQ of Clostridium difficile has intact LytM zinc‐binding motifs. We show that spoIIQ or spoIIIAH deletion mutants of C. difficile result in anomalous engulfment, and that disruption of the SpoIIQ LytM domain via a single amino acid substitution (H120S) impairs engulfment differently. SpoIIQ and SpoIIQH120S interact with SpoIIIAH throughout engulfment. SpoIIQ, but not SpoIIQH120S, binds Zn2+, and metal absence alters the SpoIIQ‐SpoIIIAH complex in vitro. Possibly, SpoIIQH120S supports normal engulfment in some cells but not a second function of the complex, required following engulfment completion. We show that cells of the spoIIQ or spoIIIAH mutants that complete engulfment are impaired in post‐engulfment, forespore and mother cell‐specific gene expression, suggesting a channel‐like function. Both engulfment and a channel‐like function may be ancestral functions of SpoIIQ‐SpoIIIAH while the requirement for engulfment was alleviated through the emergence of redundant mechanisms in B. subtilis and related organisms.
An Australian mixed methods pilot study exploring students performing patient risk screening
Authors: Gibson Simone J , Golder Janet , Cant Robyn P , Davidson Zoe E
Published: December 2015

Clinical placement shortages and rising costs have created demand to provide low‐resource, high value student learning opportunities. Malnutrition screening provides a vehicle for achieving this. A mixed methods explanatory sequential intervention study investigated time costs, and students’ perceptions of preparedness after performing routine patient screening tasks, as well as students’ overall views on their feelings of confidence and preparedness when commencing their first clinical placements. Pre‐clinical student dietitians commencing initial placements participated (n=58), with 16 of these forming a subgroup who performed malnutrition screening tasks while the others attended usual placement orientation. The time saved when students undertook screening tasks usually assigned to nurses was substantial. Questionnaires revealed that student perceived confidence increased in the screening group when compared with controls. Focus group themes included “anxiety and confidence,” “learning in the clinical learning environment,” “communication skill development,” and “the pre‐placement screening experience.” Students performing routine patient‐screening tasks prior to initial clinical placement has potential cost savings for healthcare organizations and was perceived to be valuable for learning.
Resilience to seasonal heat wave episodes in a Mediterranean pine forest
Authors: Tatarinov Fedor , Rotenberg Eyal , Maseyk Kadmiel , Ogée Jérôme , Klein Tamir , Yakir Dan
Published: December 2015

Short‐term, intense heat waves (hamsins) are common in the eastern Mediterranean region and provide an opportunity to study the resilience of forests to such events that are predicted to increase in frequency and intensity.

The response of a 50‐yr‐old Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) forest to hamsin events lasting 1–7 d was studied using 10 yr of eddy covariance and sap flow measurements.

The highest frequency of heat waves wasc. four per month, coinciding with the peak productivity period (March–April). During these events, net ecosystem carbon exchange (NEE) and canopy conductance (gc) decreased byc. 60%, but evapotranspiration (ET) showed little change. Fast recovery was also observed with fluxes reaching pre‐stress values within a day following the event. NEE andgcshowed a strong response to vapor pressure deficit that weakened as soil moisture decreased, while sap flow was primarily responding to changes in soil moisture. On an annual scale, heat waves reduced NEE and gross primary productivity byc. 15% and 4%, respectively.

Forest resilience to short‐term extreme events such as heat waves is probably a key to its survival and must be accounted for to better predict the increasing impact on productivity and survival of such events in future climates.
KAPPA FUNCTION AS A UNIFYING FRAMEWORK FOR DISCRETE POPULATION MODELING
Authors: LIVADIOTIS G. , ASSAS L. , DENNIS B. , ELAYDI S. , KWESSI E.
Published: December 2015

This paper develops a unified way to describe the various generalized discrete‐time nonlinear dynamical models with density dependence, Allee effects, and parasitoids. We show how the kappa function can be used to describe the probabilities involved in intra‐ or interspecific encounters, namely, (i) the probability of surviving to the next generation in the absence of parasitoids or Allee effects, (ii) the encounter probability associated with Allee effects, and (iii) the probability of escaping parasitism in the presence of parasitoids. Having introduced a phenomenological framework of modeling via the kappa function, we then provide a realistic mechanism through stochastic encounters, responsible for generating the kappa function to any of the three involved probabilities. The unified modeling through the kappa function yields insights into how abundances influence species interactions. It is now straightforward to use this unified modeling to analyze and investigate its consequences in species dynamics.
Estimation of population iodine intake from iodized salt consumed through bouillon seasoning in Senegal
Authors: Spohrer Rebecca , Knowles Jacqueline , Jallier Vincent , Ndiaye Banda , Indorf Caroline , Guinot Philippe , Kupka Roland
Published: December 2015

Universal salt iodization (USI) is the main global strategy to eliminate iodine deficiency. Regulation of USI programs often omits salt used in processed foods, despite their increasing contribution to salt intake. In West Africa, bouillon seasoning is a widely consumed source of salt and is therefore relevant to USI effectiveness. To develop program guidance around iodine in bouillon, iodine retention in 13 bouillon brands commercially available in Senegal was measured over 6 months. Iodine content was measured in broth using various water volumes and cooking times, as well as in rice cooked in the broth. Average iodine loss in bouillon over 6 months in 95% humidity at 40–40.5 °C was 4.5% (13.6% for cubes and 0.8% for powder sachets). Iodine was retained in broth with cooking times of up to an hour and in rice cooked in broth. Modeling of contribution to iodine intake revealed that bouillon is an important source of dietary iodine in Senegal. Results may inform salt iodization standards and regulation in Senegal and countries with similar bouillon consumption levels.
Streptococcus mutans copper chaperone, CopZ, is critical for biofilm formation and competitiveness
Authors: Garcia S.S. , Du Q. , Wu H.
Published: December 2015

The oral cavity is a dynamic environment characterized by hundreds of bacterial species, saliva, and an influx of nutrients and metal ions such as copper. Although there is a physiologic level of copper in the saliva, the oral cavity is often challenged with an influx of copper ions. At high concentrations copper is toxic and must therefore be strictly regulated by pathogens for them to persist and cause disease. The cariogenic pathogen Streptococcus mutans manages excess copper using the copYAZ operon that encodes a negative DNA‐binding repressor (CopY), the P1‐ATPase copper exporter (CopA), and the copper chaperone (CopZ). These hypothetical roles of the copYAZ operon in regulation and copper transport to receptors led us to investigate their contribution to S. mutans virulence. Mutants defective in the copper chaperone CopZ, but not CopY or CopA, were impaired in biofilm formation and competitiveness against commensal streptococci. Characterization of the CopZ mutant biofilm revealed a decreased secretion of glucosyltransferases and reduced expression of mutacin genes. These data suggest that the function of copZ on biofilm and competitiveness is independent of copper resistance and CopZ is a global regulator for biofilm and other virulence factors. Further characterization of CopZ may lead to the identification of new biofilm pathways.
Perioperative use of cerebral and renal near‐infrared spectroscopy in neonates: a 24‐h observational study
Authors: Koch Henrik W. , Hansen Tom G.
Published: December 2015

Background

Neonates undergoing surgery and intensive care still carry a significant morbidity and mortality often related to hypoxic/ischemic events; some of which may go undetected by conventional monitoring. Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive, continuous method of measuring regional tissue oxygen saturation, and may be used to supplement conventional monitoring to improve neonatal perioperative care. However, high costs and lack of evidence regarding improved outcomes have minimized wider perinatal use of NIRS. The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability of NIRS in neonates and premature infants undergoing noncardiac surgeries.

Method

Neonates were monitored with both cerebral and renal NIRS for 24 h after induction of anesthesia and compared with systemic blood pressure (BP), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), and heart rate (HR).

Results

A total of 23 368 min of data were collected from 21 neonates. NIRS reported cerebral/renal hypoxia 2.8 (±8.3)%/19.3 (±25.4)% of the time intraoperatively and 9.6 (±17.0)%/9.9 (±18.9)% of the time postoperatively. A moderate positive correlation was found between SpO2 and NIRS (φcerebral = 0.371, φrenal = 0.542). BP showed a weaker positive correlation (φcerebral = 0.231, φrenal = 0.246), and HR no correlation (φcerebral = −0.083, φrenal = −0.029). NIRS reported hypoxia two to three times more frequently than SpO2, and SpO2 readings were 10–15 s delayed compared to NIRS. Furthermore, NIRS appeared effective at detecting postoperative apnea.

Conclusion

Near‐infrared spectroscopy is an easily applicable technique that appears effective at detecting hypoxic events and postoperative apneas in neonates. The high incidences of regional hypoxia reported by NIRS in this study imply that there is a need for a more specific regional cerebral and renal monitoring. Despite some practical and economical limitations, NIRS may be considered a useful supplement to perinatal perioperative intensive care.
Proteomonas sulcata ACR1: A Fast Anion Channelrhodopsin
Authors: Govorunova Elena G. , Sineshchekov Oleg A. , Spudich John L.
Published: December 2015

Natural channelrhodopsins with strictly anion selectivity and high unitary conductance have been recently discovered in the cryptophyte alga Guillardia theta. These proteins, called anion channelrhodopsins (ACRs), are of interest for their novel function and also because they were shown to be highly efficient tools to inhibit neuronal action potentials with light. We show that a homologous protein from the cryptophyte alga Proteomonas sulcata (named here PsuACR1) exhibits similar strict anion selectivity as the previously identified G. theta ACRs. Like G. theta ACRs, PsuACR1 lacks a protonatable residue at the position of the proton acceptor Asp‐85 in bacteriorhodopsin, which may be a key characteristic of ACR family members shared by haloarchaeal chloride pumps. Of importance for its potential use in optogenetics, despite its 10‐fold lower channel activity than the GtACRs, PsuACR1 exhibits an ~eightfold more rapid channel closing half‐time making it uniquely suitable for silencing the subclass of high‐frequency firing neurons when high‐time resolution is needed. The existence of a rhodopsin with properties similar to G. theta ACRs in a different cryptophyte genus indicates that such proteins may be widespread in the phylum of cryptophyte algae.
The Problem of Self‐Torture: What's Being Done?
Authors: White Stephen J.
Published: December 2015

We commonly face circumstances in which the cumulative negative effects of repeatedly acting in a certain way over time will be significant, although the negative effects of any one such act, taken on its own, are insubstantial. Warren Quinn's puzzle of the self‐torturer presents an especially clear example of this type of predicament. This paper considers three different approaches to understanding the rational response to such situations. The first focuses on the conditions under which it is rational to revise one's prior intentions. The second raises the possibility of a fundamental disconnect between the rational assessment of an extended pattern of choices and the assessment of the individual choices that make up that pattern. I show that neither adequately addresses the underlying issues. I propose a third approach, according to which the rational assessment of the “self‐torturer's” choices is guided, not by any plan or intention the he has actually adopted, but by the plan or plans it would have been reasonable for him to adopt from the outset. The larger significance of this conclusion is brought out through the identification of conditions under which one's past choices can non‐derivatively constrain the rational response to one's present circumstances.
Policy Networks in Complex Governance Subsystems: Observing and Comparing Hyperlink, Media, and Partnership Networks
Authors: Yi Hongtao , Scholz John T.
Published: December 2015

Methods for observing policy networks have not kept up with the development of new network analytic techniques required to understand governance in complex settings. We compare three unobtrusive methods for observing policy networks based on hyperlinks between policy actor web sites, on media reports, and on public policy partnerships. Observations of one complex local water policy arena with all three methods provide a comparison of the general as well as actor‐specific network characteristics in the three observed networks. The core network of actors observed by all methods has similar network level statistics, highly correlated relationships measured by Quadratic Assignment Procedures models, and the same significant network microstructures as measured by Exponential Random Graph Models. The full networks including actors observed by any method also exhibit similar actor‐level characteristics, although the correlations across networks are stronger for bridging capital measures than for bonding capital measures, and each method has different apparent biases. Once biases are accounted for, similarities suggest that these methods may provide useful proxies for each other and for other relationships that are more difficult or impossible to measure, particularly when combined to offset each method's biases. If so, they can extend the range of policy networks observable with limited resources across space and time.
Constructing Policy Narratives in 140 Characters or Less: The Case of Gun Policy Organizations
Authors: Merry Melissa K.
Published: December 2015

This study examines interest groups’ framing of gun policy issues via an analysis of nearly 10,000 tweets by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and the National Rifle Association spanning from 2009 to 2014. Utilizing the Narrative Policy Framework (NPF), I investigate the extent to which interest groups use social media to construct policy narratives. This research shows that much can be conveyed in 140 characters; both gun control and gun rights organizations used Twitter to identify victims, blame “villains,” commend “heroes,” and offer policy solutions. This research sheds light on the politics of gun control by revealing trends over time in groups’ framing and suggests refinements for hypotheses of the NPF. Finally, this work underscores the importance of social media for public policy scholarship.
Harvesting time optimization and risk analysis for the mariculture of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Rhodophyta)
Authors: Domínguez‐May Roger , Gasca‐Leyva Eucario , Robledo Daniel
Published: December 2015

Kappaphycus alvarezii (Rhodophyta) is an important source of carrageenan, which is commercially cultivated with economic benefits worldwide. In this study, we determined the optimal harvesting time and risk analysis for the mariculture of K. alvarezii in a semi‐intensive commercial cultivation farm using a simulation model. Different growth models were analysed (Von Bertalanffy, Potential, Logistic and Gompertz) for the bioeconomic model developed in this study. Seawater temperature and solar irradiance functions were included as variables with major influence on seaweed growth. The Gompertz growth equation was chosen in accordance with Theil′s statistics and the difference between observed and simulated data. Under the conditions and assumptions considered for this analysis, the scenario that generated the highest profits (USD$ 3353.11) was that for a culture cycle of 135 days and a total biomass production of 13 708.47 kg dry weight cycle−1. Uncertainty was also included using probability density functions through random variables for seawater temperature, solar irradiance and sale price. Different harvest scenarios were obtained through Monte Carlo analysis; decisions under risk conditions and probabilities of being above or below reference points are presented. The results indicated lower risk at optimum harvesting time when the probability of exceeding the established target reference point for the present value (USD$ 2515.15) and biomass produced (34 271.17 kg fresh weight) were around 19.26% and 56.47%, respectively. Discussion on the implications of the use of this analysis for seaweed cultivation management is presented.
Coral propagation: a review of techniques for ornamental trade and reef restoration
Authors: Barton Jonathan A. , Willis Bette L. , Hutson Kate S.
Published: December 2015

Aquaculture of coral offers an alternative to wild harvest for the ornamental trade and shows considerable promise for restoring reefs and preserving biodiversity. Here, we compare advantages and disadvantages of asexually derived fragments versus sexually derived propagules and in situ versus ex situ nursery phases for the ornamental trade and reef restoration. Asexual propagules, sourced from a donor coral colony that is cut into smaller parts and attached to artificial substrate, are most commonly used. The most suitable corals are typically branching species, although fragments from species with other growth forms can be successful, albeit slower growing. Sexually derived propagules are collected from the wild or from colonies in aquaria during spawning, with an artificial substrate provided for settlement. The timing of spawning is known for many broadcast spawning corals, but opportunities for collection of gametes are generally limited to only once or a few times per year. Brooding species with multiple periods of larval release provide better options for culture of sexually derived propagules. Propagation techniques have developed considerably over the past 20 years, yielding faster growth rates, reduced mortality and reduced detachment from substrates. Simple and cost–effective propagation techniques can be used to restore denuded reefs, preserve endangered species, provide live corals to the international ornamental trade, enable livelihood diversification for coastal communities and provide experimental materials for marine research. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of recent developments in aquaculture propagation techniques for the purpose of ornamental trade and coral reef restoration, including asexual and sexual propagation, nursery and transplantation stages.
Mesenteric fat thickness is associated with metabolic syndrome independently of Apnoea–Hypopnoea Index in subjects with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Liu Kin Hung , Chu Winnie C.W. , To Kin Wang , Ko Fanny W.S. , Ng Susanna S.S. , Ngai Jenny C.L. , Chan Ka Pang , Yip Wing Ho , Ahuja Anil T. , Hui David S.C.
Published: December 2015

Background and objective

Mesenteric fat thickness (MFT) was associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in separate studies. This study aimed to assess whether the association of MFT with MetS was independent of OSA in subjects with suspected OSA.

Methods

Two hundred forty‐two subjects (men: 181; women: 61) with suspected OSA underwent ultrasound examinations for measurements of mesenteric, subcutaneous and preperitoneal fat thicknesses after overnight polysomnography. Anthropometric measurements and metabolic risk profile were assessed.

Results

Two hundred twenty‐one (91%) subjects were confirmed to have OSA with Apnoea–Hypopnoea Index (AHI) >5/h. MFT had significant correlation (P < 0.01) with AHI and most MetS components. In partial correlation with adjustment for AHI, MFT had significant correlation (P < 0.01) with most MetS components including fasting plasma glucose (r = 0.25), triglycerides (r = 0.24), HDL cholesterol (r = −0.29) and waist circumference (r = 0.56). In multivariate logistic regression with adjustments for the confounding variables including AHI, MFT was the only variable independently associated with MetS, with the odds ratio of 5.48 (95% CI: 1.5–20.0) for every 1 cm increase of MFT. When the subjects were subdivided into obese (BMI ≥ 27.5 kg/m2) and non‐obese (BMI < 27.5 kg/m2) groups, the positive association of MFT with MetS persisted in the non‐obese group only, with the odds ratio of 22 (95% CI 2.8–174.1) for every 1 cm increase of MFT. The AHI had significant association with MetS in male subjects only.

Conclusion

MFT, rather than AHI, is the major independent determinant of MetS in subjects with suspected OSA, particularly in non‐obese subjects.

See Editorial, page 408
We will be champions: Leaders' confidence in ‘us’ inspires team members' team confidence and performance
Authors: Fransen K. , Steffens N. K. , Haslam S. A. , Vanbeselaere N. , Vande Broek G. , Boen F.
Published: December 2015

The present research examines the impact of leaders' confidence in their team on the team confidence and performance of their teammates. In an experiment involving newly assembled soccer teams, we manipulated the team confidence expressed by the team leader (high vs neutral vs low) and assessed team members' responses and performance as they unfolded during a competition (i.e., in a first baseline session and a second test session). Our findings pointed to team confidence contagion such that when the leader had expressed high (rather than neutral or low) team confidence, team members perceived their team to be more efficacious and were more confident in the team's ability to win. Moreover, leaders' team confidence affected individual and team performance such that teams led by a highly confident leader performed better than those led by a less confident leader. Finally, the results supported a hypothesized mediational model in showing that the effect of leaders' confidence on team members' team confidence and performance was mediated by the leader's perceived identity leadership and members' team identification. In conclusion, the findings of this experiment suggest that leaders' team confidence can enhance members' team confidence and performance by fostering members' identification with the team.
Spatialising the politics of coexistence:gui ju(规矩) in Singapore
Authors: Ye Junjia
Published: December 2015

Geographers and other social scientists have developed ways to describe and analyse people's routine and fleeting encounters with others in cities experiencing migrant‐led diversification. Much of this work illuminates the significance of everyday rubbing along, but how diversity is lived and negotiated through specific principles of interaction and exchange has so far remained obscure. As such, the politics of fleeting encounters in public spaces have not been explained. Further, the overwhelming majority of conceptualisations of coexistence draw from European and North American contexts. Through an empirically grounded analysis of the principles of social organisation (known asgui juin Singapore), I demonstrate that everyday norms of civility emerge as ways of boundary‐breaking and boundary‐making in shared spaces in Singapore's Jurong West. Addressing the potentials and limitations of coexisting with difference, I clarify how diversity is managed and negotiated in the everyday vis‐à‐vis uneven interconnections between people of different backgrounds. I discuss the prosaic and situated ways in which positive and strained relations can occur simultaneously and situate these in a wider structural context. I argue that the geography of coexistence is constituted through socio‐spatial processes where the politics of living with diversity are mediated through, although not limited to, fleeting encounters.Gui juclarifies the messiness inherent in shared spaces and, effectively, filter and curtail diversity by perpetuating the normativities of acceptable behaviour in public.