bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vascular smooth muscle cell durotaxis depends on extracellular matrix composition
Authors: Hartman Christopher D. , Isenberg Brett C. , Chua Samantha G. , Wong Joyce Y.
Published: September 2016

Significance

Many cell types have been observed to migrate toward stiffer regions of mechanical gradients in a process termed durotaxis. Tissue stiffness gradients are being discovered in an increasing number of diseases, including cancer and fibrotic diseases. However, the role of ECM composition, which often changes in diseased tissues with stiffness, in directing this behavior has not previously been investigated. To understand how stiffness gradients and changing matrix composition may affect cell migration in disease, we have designed a mechanical gradient platform that allows for independent control of absolute stiffness, gradient steepness, and ECM coating. We demonstrate that smooth muscle cells will undergo durotaxis on mechanical gradients coated with fibronectin but not laminin.
Cell cycle progression inCaulobacterrequires a nucleoid-associated protein with high AT sequence recognition
Authors: Ricci Dante P. , Melfi Michael D. , Lasker Keren , Dill David L. , McAdams Harley H. , Shapiro Lucy
Published: September 2016

Significance

In all organisms, morphological and functional diversity is the product of cell type-specific genetic programs. Asymmetric cell division inCaulobacteryields daughter cells that differ functionally due to the differential read-out of their genomes. Here, we report the discovery of GapR, a conserved DNA-binding protein required for cell cycle progression. We show that GapR only associates with DNA sequences of high adenine and thymine (AT) content, colocating with cell cycle master regulators that control genes mediating swarmer cell development. GapR protein distributes asymmetrically, accumulating on the compacted chromosome of the daughter swarmer cell compartment prior to division. We argue thatCaulobacterhas co-opted a protein that associates with AT-rich DNA to provide spatial control during an asymmetric cell division.
Fluorescent metallacycle-cored polymers via covalent linkage and their use as contrast agents for cell imaging
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Li Shuya , Yan Xuzhou , Zhou Zhixuan , Saha Manik Lal , Wang Yu-Cai , Stang Peter J.
Published: September 2016

Significance

Fluorescent polymers play an important role in bioimaging due to their improved brightness, inertness to microenvironment, and good biocompatibility. In this article, we used tetraphenylene (TPE) derivatives that give strong fluorescence emission in an aggregated state as fluorophores and synthesized fluorescent polymers via the covalent linkage of TPE-based rhomboidal Pt(II) metallacycles. Due to the integration of covalent linkage-induced aggregation of the monomers, the aggregation-induced emission character of TPE derivatives together with Pt(II)-based metal−ligand interactions, these polymers exhibit enhanced emission compared with their corresponding precursors, making them applicable as excellent cell imaging agents. Considering the potential anticancer activity of rhomboidal Pt(II) metallacycles, these polymers may serve as theranostic agents for both bioimaging and cancer therapy.
ACOX2
deficiency: A disorder of bile acid synthesis with transaminase elevation, liver fibrosis, ataxia, and cognitive impairment
Authors: Vilarinho Sílvia , Sari Sinan , Mazzacuva Francesca , Bilgüvar Kaya , Esendagli-Yilmaz Güldal , Jain Dhanpat , Akyol Gülen , Dalgiç Buket , Günel Murat , Clayton Peter T. , Lifton Richard P.
Published: September 2016

Significance

Liver disease of unknown cause represents an unmet medical need. Using exome sequencing, we describe a syndrome associated with homozygous loss of
Acyl CoA Oxidase 2
(
ACOX2
) featuring elevated transaminase levels, liver fibrosis, ataxia, and cognitive impairment.
ACOX2
encodes the peroxisomal branched-chain acyl-CoA oxidase and is involved in the bile acid biosynthetic pathway. Importantly, this disorder is potentially reversible, because the bile acid synthetic pathway can be suppressed with exogenous bile acids, diminishing the production of the toxic metabolites likely causing liver and neurologic dysfunction. This study provides the means to diagnose
ACOX2
deficiency in patients with chronic idiopathic liver disease and/or cryptogenic cirrhosis.
Cellulose synthase complexes act in a concerted fashion to synthesize highly aggregated cellulose in secondary cell walls of plants
Authors: Li Shundai , Bashline Logan , Zheng Yunzhen , Xin Xiaoran , Huang Shixin , Kong Zhaosheng , Kim Seong H. , Cosgrove Daniel J. , Gu Ying
Published: September 2016

Significance

Plant cell walls are important in plant development and for textiles, wood products, and bioenergy. Cellulose, the microfibrillar component of primary cell walls (PCWs) and secondary cell walls (SCWs), is formed by cellulose synthase complexes (CSCs) at the plasma membrane. Here, we show that CSCs behave differently during PCW and SCW synthesis and form microfibrils with different organization. During PCW synthesis, dispersed CSCs synthesize cellulose microfibrils with low aggregation, whereas during SCW synthesis, densely arranged groups of CSCs move coherently to synthesize highly aggregated microfibrils. Our study suggests that controlled alterations in CSC distribution and orchestrated movements contribute to the high density and bundling of cellulose microfibrils in SCWs.
Structure of the unliganded form of the proprotein convertase furin suggests activation by a substrate-induced mechanism
Authors: Dahms Sven O. , Arciniega Marcelino , Steinmetzer Torsten , Huber Robert , Than Manuel E.
Published: September 2016

Significance

The prototypical proprotein convertase furin proteolytically activates many precursor proteins and is essential for cellular homeostasis of the cell. Furin and other proprotein convertase are also associated with a number of diseases, including cancer, atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolaemia, and infectious diseases. A hallmark of furin and its physiologic function is its stringent specificity for polybasic substrates. Here we describe several structural states of the protein by X-ray crystallography and further characterize them by molecular dynamics simulations. The transition between these conformers is triggered by substrate binding and calcium ligation, respectively, and helps explain the stringent specificity of furin and its functional features. These studies may pave the way for novel strategies of structure-guided inhibitor development.
Mock Politeness in English and Italian
Authors: Taylor Charlotte
Published: September 2016

This volume presents an in-depth analysis of mock politeness, bringing together research from different academic fields and investigating a range of first-order metapragmatic labels for mock politeness in British English and Italian. It is the first book-length theorisation and detailed description of mock politeness and, as such, contributes to the growing field of impoliteness. The approach taken is methodologically innovative because it takes a first-order metalanguage approach, basing the analysis on behaviours which participants themselves have identified as impolite. Furthermore, it exploits the affordances of corpus pragmatics, a rapidly developing field. Mock Politeness in English and Italian: A corpus-assisted metalanguage analysis will be of interest to scholars and postgraduate students researching im/politeness and verbal aggression, in particular those interested in im/politeness implicatures and non-conventional meanings.
Peruvian Spanish speakers’ cultural preferences in expressing gratitude
Authors: Garcia Carmen
Published: September 2016

Using Spencer-Oatey’s (2005) rapport-management model to analyze data collected in open role-play interactions in Lima, Perú, this paper expands research on the preferred communicative patterns of Peruvian Spanish speakers when expressing gratitude in a situation exhibiting high social distance (+SD) and no power (-P) difference between interlocutors, and where the benefit received from the interlocutor is considerable. It is argued that although the development of interpersonal communication in social interactions reflects the relationship of each speaker with his/her interlocutor and his/her “own values and personal standards” (Furukawa 2000), it also reflects their cultural preferences to manage interpersonal relationships (Spencer-Oatey 2005).Results show that participants exhibited what apparently is prescribed behavior in this socio-cultural context in the realization of their interactional goals: The creation and enhancement of the relationship using communicative strategies respecting the association and equity principles and enhancing the interlocutor’s identity face. Despite the fact that disrespect to the interlocutor and violations to her autonomy were voiced, it is asserted here, that given this specific context, this might be expected and permitted behavior.
Represented speech
Authors: Goebel Zane
Published: September 2016

This paper draws together discussions around public and private, represented talk, and conviviality by showing how an interviewee uses linguistic features to frame instances of talk as either “represented private talk” or “represented public talk”. My empirical focus is an interview that was recorded as part of fieldwork on leadership practices in the Indonesian bureaucracy. In this interview with a department head it seems that he adds authenticity to accounts of his leadership practices by performing them through represented talk. His use of Javanese in instances of represented talk also helps index intimate social relations between himself and his staff, while in some instances the combination of reference to place and participants also helps to nest ideas of private within represented public talk.
Pragmatics and discourse analysis
Authors: Lara Glaucia Muniz Proença
Published: September 2016

In this article, which is part of a larger postdoctoral research, we examine, in the light of the dialogue between Pragmatics and French Discourse Analysis, the notion of aphorization, as proposed by Dominique Maingueneau (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012). We have tried to observe its use in Brazilian and French magazines, as a resource to manipulate the readers, especially through the changes that this kind of utterance undergoes in the process of highlighting.
Speech level shifts in Japanese
Authors: Obana Yasuko
Published: September 2016

The present paper analyses speech level shifts in Japanese from a different perspective. By applying Symbolic InteractionistRole Theory, speech level shifts are categorised as the linguistic realisation of aninteractional role, or ‘dissociative role’ Icall in this paper. Dissociative roles are improvised identities, which occur when the speaker perceives a psychological change in relation to the other participant in the on-going interaction. Plus-level shifts (shifts from plain to polite forms,masu/desu) are triggered when the speaker experiences cautious, attentive, thoughtful and/or grateful feelings at a certaintime of interaction, which conforms to the original nature of honorifics. This prompts a dissociative role which creates a certain psychological distance between this role and the other interactant. On the other hand, minus-level shifts (shifts frommasu/desuforms to plain forms) are the implementation of the speaker’s another dissociative role, which is assimilated with the other interactant, giving rise to empathy or drawing the other into the speaker’s world. Whether plus or minus level shifts occur, the interactants’social roles, i.e.,their original roles when the situation is defined, continue to exist throughout the discourse. The interactants are fully aware of their social roles such as teacher and student, friends, family members, and senior and junior in company(= Institutional Roles in this paper). However, when an Improvised Role is created, it is forwarded to the on-going interaction and linguistically implemented as a speech level shift.This paper also clarifies that both speech level shifts and the so-called ‘conventional’honorifics are situationally determined, and that they are not separate entities but the two ends of continuum by examining the features they share from the viewpoint of ‘roles’.
Register, genre and referential ambiguity of personal pronouns
Authors: De Cock Barbara
Published: September 2016

This paper argues for revisiting the traditional adscription of ambiguous readings of personal pronouns, such as hearer-dominantweor genericyou, pluralis maiestatis and pluralis modestiae to specific genres and/or registers. Indeed, in many languages these phenomena are considered typical for a certain genre, register or discourse context. In this paper, I will argue, on the basis of quantitative data and a qualitative analysis of examples taken from different genres (including purposefully creative language use in fiction), that a more accurate account may be formulated in terms of (inter)subjective effect, viz. the attention to the (inter)locutor (among others Benveniste 1966), as a more suitable explanation for the variation of these phenomena attested in corpora.The hearer-oriented uses ofwe, for instance, are considered typical for relationships characterized by power asymmetries such as teacher-student, doctor-patient (Haverkate 1984: 87; Brown & Levinson 1987), whereas generic and speaker-referringyouhave been considered a feature of (informal) oral language than written discourse (Hidalgo Navarro 1996). Recent corpus-based analyses including quantitative and qualitative analyses, however, call for a more nuanced view (De Cock 2011 on Spanish and English; Tarenskeen 2010 on Dutch). We may, for example, find hearer-oriented or even hearer-dominant 1stperson plural forms (Have we taken our medicine?) in contexts where no power- relationship can be defined, e.g. among couples.It will be shown that these uses have different intersubjective effects, however. Their distribution is in line with overall differences as to intersubjectivity according to register and genre, beyond referential ambiguity. The concept of (inter)subjectivity then allows for a more comprehensive analysis of these phenomena and their occurrence in specific registers and genres, addressing the way in which the (inter)locutor is taken into account in each genre.
What do(es) you mean? the pragmatics of generic second person pronouns in modern spoken Danish
Authors: Jensen Torben Juel , Gregersen Frans
Published: September 2016

In modern Danish, the most frequently used pronoun for generic reference is man, developed from the noun man(d) ‘man’. Recently, though, the second person singular pronoun du has gained ground, in parallel to similar recent developments in other languages. A large-scale, longitudinal study of the LANCHART corpus of spoken Danish has documented a rise in the use of generic du in Copenhagen (and later in the rest of Denmark) during the period from the early 1970s, where generic du was practically non-existent, till the late 1980s where du comprised around 25% of all pronouns with generic meaning. However, recordings from the 2000s show that the use of du has peaked and is now decreasing or stabilizing at a lower level.This article focuses on intra-individual and intra-conversational variation within the LANCHART corpus with the aim of uncovering the pragmatic effect of using du instead of other generic pronouns. All passages in the recordings have been coded according to macro speech act, activity type, type of interaction and genre as well as enunciation. The results of a statistical analysis using mixed models show a number of correlations as to the use of generic du (in comparison with man), and by and large support the claim that generic du is used as a resource for construing involvement, arguably by exploiting the ambiguity of du between a generic and a specific second person meaning. These quantitative results make up the point of departure for corroborating qualitative analyses of the discourse framing of the use of generic pronouns.
Pragmatic use of ancient greek pronouns in two communicative frameworks
Authors: Meluzzi Chiara
Published: September 2016

This paper deals with the use of personal pronouns (PPs) in Ancient Greek in two Aristophanes’ comedies (i.e.LysistrataandEcclesiazusae). The main purpose of this study is to show that Ancient Greek PPs often have a pragmatic function, in particular linked to the speaker’s communicative goals. The analysis highlights the presence of a gender-related distribution and a context-dependent use of personal pronouns. In particular, male characters prefer 1st person singular pronouns, whereas female characters use more 1st person plural pronouns with an inclusive value. Moreover, in two communicative frameworks it is possible to notice how PPs are used for their value of membership categorization. In this respect PPs can be considered possible markers ofautonomíaorafiliación(see Bravo 1999). Some peculiar instances of referential ambiguities concern in particular the use of 1st and 2nd person plural pronouns in both comedies.The analysis shows that use of Ancient Greek PPs varies according to gender and context. Moreover, it is clear that in both comedies this variation should be explained mainly as a pragmatic strategy of membership categorization, thus showing instances of non-prototypical uses of PPs similar to other languages (e.g. Spanish, English, Modern Greek).
The Idiom Principle and L1 Influence
Authors: Wang Ying
Published: September 2016

This book examines delexical verb + noun collocations such as make a decision, give rise to and take care of in Swedish and Chinese learner English. Using a methodological framework that combines learner corpus research with a contrastive perspective, the study is one of the very few in the field to incorporate corpora of the learner’s L1 to investigate the effects of L1 influence. The book provides a highly detailed and multi-faceted analysis of delexical verb + noun collocations in terms of frequency of occurrence, lexical preferences and morphosyntactic patterns. Quantitative and qualitative results on overuse, underuse and errors are presented with linguistically and pedagogically relevant interpretations that include cultural and discourse aspects. More importantly, the book throws light on how L2 learners may alternate between the open-choice principle and the idiom principle as well as the extent and nature of L1 influence on their collocational use.
Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Adolescent Girls’ Substance Use: Data from a Nationwide Facebook Sample
Authors: Schwinn Traci M. , Schinke Steven P. , Hopkins Jessica , Thom Bridgette
Published: September 2016

Background: Despite overall reductions in teenage substance use, adolescent girls’ rates of substance use remain unacceptably high. This article examines whether girls’ substance use is associated with general risk and protective factors (goal setting, problem solving, refusal skills, peer use, and self-efficacy) and gender-specific risk and protective factors (communication style, coping skills, self-esteem, body image, perceived stress, anxiety, and depression). Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected in 2013 via online surveys from a nationwide sample of adolescent girls ( N = 788), aged 13 and 14 years, who were recruited through Facebook. Results: In multivariate analyses, controlling for correlates of adolescent substance use, 11 of the 13 general and gender-specific risk and protective factors were consistently associated with past-month alcohol, cigarette, and other drug use in the expected direction; past-month marijuana use was associated with 8 of the 13 factors. Refusal skills, peer use, coping, and depressive mood were most consistently and strongly associated with substance use. Conclusions: Substance abuse prevention programs targeting adolescent girls should focus on such general risk and protective factors as problem solving, refusal skills, peer influences, and self-efficacy, as well as such gender-specific risk and protective factors as communication style, coping, self-esteem, body image, perceived stress, and mood management.
The Prevalence of Binge Drinking among Primary Care Residents
Authors: Greene Magdalena , Johnson J. Aaron , Seale J. Paul , Tindol Allen , Le Kristy B. , Clemow Diana D. , Barham Ann H. , Miller David P.
Published: September 2016

Background

Over one quarter of American adults binge drink, resulting in significant alcohol-related morbidity and mortality. Although brief interventions can decrease patients’ alcohol use, many physicians in training do not provide this service. This study examines the prevalence of binge drinking among primary care residents, and the association of resident drinking behaviors with addressing patients’ hazardous alcohol use.

Methods

Between July 2013 and August 2014, the authors surveyed all trainees in 6 primary care residency programs. The survey assessed self-reported frequency of binge drinking, confidence working with hazardous drinkers, and the performance of brief interventions when hazardous drinking was detected in patients.

Results

221 of 246 residents completed the survey (response rate 89.8%). Half of residents (109/221) reported at least one episode of binge drinking in the prior year, and 18% (39/221) reported binge drinking at least once a month. In multivariable analysis, monthly binge drinking was associated with male gender (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1–5.4) and year of training (OR 0.25 for Year 3 vs. Year 1, 95% CI 0.07–0.90). Few residents felt confident they could help patients cut down or quit alcohol, regardless of personal binge drinking history (19% for those who binged monthly, 24% for those who binged 1–11 times a year, and 27% for those who never binged, p for trend = 0.31). Performance of brief interventions did not vary by personal binge drinking history.

Conclusions

Binge drinking is common among primary care residents. In addition to training residents to effectively intervene with hazardous drinkers, residency programs should address the high prevalence of binge drinking by their physicians in training.
Comparative study on stabilization mechanism of monomeric cytochrome c5 from deep-sea piezophilic Shewanella violacea
Authors: Masanari Misa , Fujii Sotaro , Kawahara Kazuki , Oki Hiroya , Tsujino Hirofumi , Maruno Takahiro , Kobayashi Yuji , Ohkubo Tadayasu , Wakai Satoshi , Sambongi Yoshihiro
Published: September 2016

Monomeric cytochrome c5 from deep-sea piezophilic Shewanella violacea (SVcytc5) was stable against heat and denaturant compared with the homologous protein from shallow-sea piezo-sensitive Shewanella livingstonensis (SLcytc5). Here, the SVcytc5 crystal structure revealed that the Lys-50 side chain on the flexible loop formed a hydrogen bond with heme whereas that of corresponding hydrophobic Leu-50 could not form such a bond in SLcytc5, which appeared to be one of possible factors responsible for the difference in stability between the two proteins. This structural insight was confirmed by a reciprocal mutagenesis study on the thermal stability of these two proteins. As SVcytc5 was isolated from a deep-sea piezophilic bacterium, the present comparative study indicates that adaptation of monomeric SVcytc5 to high pressure environments results in stabilization against heat.
Plasma rotation from momentum transport by neutrals in tokamaks
Authors: Omotani J. , Pusztai I. , Newton S. , Fülöp T.
Published: September 2016

Neutral atoms can strongly influence the intrinsic rotation and radial electric field at the tokamak edge. Here, we present a framework to investigate these effects when the neutrals dominate the momentum transport. We explore the parameter space numerically, using highly flexible model geometries and a state of the art kinetic solver. We find that the most important parameters controlling the toroidal rotation and electric field are the major radius where the neutrals are localized and the plasma collisionality. This offers a means to influence the rotation and electric field by, for example, varying the radial position of the X-point to change the major radius of the neutral peak.
Influence of energetic ions on neoclassical tearing modes
Authors: Cai Huishan
Published: September 2016

In addition to their effect on the linear stability of tearing modes, energetic particles can influence the nonlinear evolution of a magnetic island through an uncompensated cross field current due to the effect of charge separation when the orbit width of an energetic particle is much larger than the island width. The corresponding return parallel current may compensate the loss of bootstrap current in the magnetic island. This nonlinear effect depends on the island’s propagation frequency (the rotation frequency of the island relative to the plasma), the density gradient of energetic ions and magnetic shear. If the island’s propagation frequency is positive, the effect of the uncompensated current plays a stable role on neoclassical tearing modes. When the magnetic shear is sufficiently small, this effect becomes significant and can partially cancel or even overcome the destabilizing effect of the perturbed bootstrap current. In ITER this provides a possibility of using energetic ions to suppress the neoclassical tearing mode for the steady state and hybrid scenarios with weak magnetic shear.
Numerical modeling of tokamak breakdown phase driven by pure Ohmic heating under ideal conditions
Authors: Jiang Wei , Peng Yanli , Zhang Ya , Lapenta Giovanni
Published: September 2016

We have simulated tokamak breakdown phase driven by pure Ohmic heating with implicit particle in cell/Monte Carlo collision (PIC/MCC) method. We have found two modes can be differentiated. When performing breakdown at low initial gas pressure, we find that it works at lower density and current, but higher temperature, and requires lower heating power, compared to when having a high initial pressure. Further, two stages can be distinguished during the avalanche process. One is the fast avalanche stage, in which the plasma is heated by induced toroidal electric field. The other is the slow avalanche stage, which begins when the plasma density reaches 1015 m−3. It has been shown that ions are mainly heated by ambipolar field and become stochastic in the velocity distribution. However, when the induced electric field is low, there exists a transition phase between the two stages. Our model simulates the breakdown and early hydrogen burn-through under ideal conditions during tokamak start-up. It adopted fewer assumptions, and can give an idealized range of operative parameters for Ohmic start-up. Qualitatively, the results agree well with certain experimental observations.
Tomographic reconstruction of the beam emissivity profile in the negative ion source NIO1
Authors: Fonnesu N. , Agostini M. , Pasqualotto R. , Serianni G. , Veltri P.
Published: September 2016

A versatile negative hydrogen ion source named NIO1 of a moderate size (130 mA total extracted H− current, 9 apertures, 60 kV total acceleration) has been developed and installed at Consorzio RFX. It will allow great experimental flexibility, very beneficial for studying several important issues related to beam extraction, optics and performance optimization, in view of SPIDER and MITICA, the two full-scale experiments for the ITER neutral beam injector under construction at RFX. The main target of emission tomography applied to an ion beam is the reconstruction of the emissivity profile, from which the ion density distribution can be obtained. The measurement of the beam density profile and of its uniformity throughout the pulse duration with a non-invasive diagnostic, such as tomography, would represent an effective method for monitoring the ion source operation and for malfunction detection. The application of this diagnostic to the NIO1 beam will represent the experimental verification of the possibility to reconstruct a multi-beamlet profile, in the interest of the next tomography systems for SPIDER and MITICA. In this paper, a feasibility study of the tomographic diagnostic for NIO1 is presented. A tomography code based on algebraic reconstruction techniques has been developed for this purpose and the transport of the nine H− beamlets is simulated with a Monte Carlo particle tracking code from the ion source to the tomography plane, where the beam emissivity profile to be reconstructed is calculated. The reference emissivity profile is reconstructed by the tomography code considering different possible layouts of the detection system, in order to find the best compromise between the quality of reconstructions and the complexity of the diagnostic. Results show that a tomography system based on six linear CCD cameras should be capable of reconstructing the NIO1 emissivity profile with an rms error lower than 10%. How instrumental noise in the integrated signals affects the reconstructed beam emissivity profiles is also studied. A simple low-pass filter is found effective if the noise level is less than 10%; otherwise a more sophisticated filtering technique must be considered.
Balancing fishery and conservation: a case study of the barrel jellyfish Rhizostoma octopus in South Wales
Authors: Elliott Anna , Hobson Victoria , Tang Kam W.
Published: September 2016

In Wales, the barrel jellyfish Rhizostoma octopus is commercially harvested to produce high-value medical grade collagen. Although the fishery is presently not regulated, there are concerns how it may affect the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), which preys on R. octopus in local waters. We combined monitoring data and morphometric and weight measurements in models to estimate the potential impact of R. octopus fishery on foraging turtles. We found a significant quadratic relationship between bell diameter and wet weight of R. octopus, with bell diameter explaining 88% of the variability in wet weight. R. octopus biomass in the Carmarthen Bay varied inter-annually between 38.9 and 594.2 tonnes y−1. The amount of R. octopus needed to satisfy a leatherback turtle’s daily energetic requirements was estimated at 85.1–319.1 kg. Using leatherback turtle sighting data, our models show that during a jellyfish ‘low year”, the R. octopus population could be completely depleted by an average of two foraging turtles along with the current level of commercial harvesting (4.3 tonnes). During a jellyfish “high year”, the current level of commercial harvesting is predicted to have relatively little impact on food supply for even the maximum number of foraging leatherback turtle reported in the area. However, uncertainties related to the jellyfish’s life cycle in the local waters need to be resolved for proper management of this emerging fishery.
A substellar companion to Pleiades HII 3441
Authors: Konishi Mihoko , Matsuo Taro , Yamamoto Kodai , Samland Matthias , Sudo Jun , Shibai Hiroshi , Itoh Yoichi , Fukagawa Misato , Sumi Takahiro , Kudo Tomoyuki , Hashimoto Jun , Kuzuhara Masayuki , Kusakabe Nobuhiko , Abe Lyu , Akiyama Eiji , Brandner Wolfgang , Brandt Timothy D. , Carson Joseph C. , Feldt Markus , Goto Miwa , Grady Carol A. , Guyon Olivier , Hayano Yutaka , Hayashi Masahiko , Hayashi Saeko S. , Henning Thomas , Hodapp Klaus W. , Ishii Miki , Iye Masanori , Janson Markus , Kandori Ryo , Knapp Gillian R. , Kwon Jungmi , McElwain Michael W. , Mede Kyle , Miyama Shoken , Morino Jun-Ichi , Moro-Martín Amaya , Nishimura Tetsuo , Oh Daehyeon , Pyo Tae-Soo , Serabyn Eugene , Schlieder Joshua E. , Suenaga Takuya , Suto Hiroshi , Suzuki Ryuji , Takahashi Yasuhiro H. , Takami Michihiro , Takato Naruhisa , Terada Hiroshi , Thalmann Christian , Turner Edwin L. , Watanabe Makoto , Wisniewski John P. , Yamada Toru , Takami Hideki , Usuda Tomonori , Tamura Motohide
Published: September 2016

We find a new substellar companion to the Pleiades member star, Pleiades HII 3441, using the Subaru telescope with adaptive optics. The discovery is made as part of the high-contrast imaging survey to search for planetary-mass and substellar companions in the Pleiades and young moving groups. The companion has a projected separation of 0${^{\prime\prime}_{.}}$49 ± 0${^{\prime\prime}_{.}}$02 (66 ± 2 au) and a mass of 68 ± 5 MJ based on three observations in the J-, H-, and Ks-bands. The spectral type is estimated to be M7 (∼2700 K), and thus no methane absorption is detected in the H band. Our Pleiades observations result in the detection of two substellar companions including one previously reported among 20 observed Pleiades stars, and indicate that the fraction of substellar companions in the Pleiades is about $10.0^{+26.1}_{-8.8}$%. This is consistent with multiplicity studies of both the Pleiades stars and other open clusters.
Medication Adherence in Patients Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Treatment in Xi’an, China
Authors: Zhou Kaina , Li Hengxin , Wei Xiaoli , Li Xiaomei , Zhuang Guihua
Published: September 2016

Objectives:

To identify medication adherence and its influencing factors among patients of 14 methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clinics in Xi’an, China.

Methods:

Data were obtained from the National AIDS Information System-Community Methadone Maintenance Treatment. All patients registered in the system were not permitted to take methadone at home without professionals’ supervision. Medication adherence was assessed using categorical (ie, dropout or retained) and continuous (ie, treatment time, methadone use time, and percentage of methadone use days) variables. Percentages of methadone use days of >90%, 50% to 90%, or <50% indicated good, moderate, and poor adherence, respectively. Multivariate Cox stepwise regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors.

Results:

Of the 10,398 patients, 52.2% had dropped out of MMT by December 31, 2013, whereas only 11.8% regularly visited the clinic for daily methadone (ie, >90% methadone use days) during a certain period. Protective factors were older age (>30 years); female sex; having no contact with peer drug users over the past month; no needle-sharing experience; a negative initial morphine urine test; and a higher average daily methadone dose (>20 mg) (P < 0.05). Risk factors were answering “others” for marital status; being employed; having a lack of stable income; not living with family; answering “others” for drug use type; frequently engaging in unauthorized drug use during MMT; no readmission; long travel times to the MMT clinic (>30 minutes); having no convenient MMT service time; and being dissatisfied with MMT service (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Based on our findings, multimodal intervention and management programs can be developed to improve poor medication adherence among the MMT patient population.
Hypertension After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Vijay , Chaikittisilpa Nophanan , Kiatchai Taniga , Vavilala Monica
Published: September 2016

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health problem, with severe TBI contributing to a large number of deaths and disability worldwide. Early hypotension has been linked with poor outcomes following severe TBI, and guidelines suggest early and aggressive management of hypotension after TBI. Despite these recommendations, no guidelines exist for the management of hypertension after severe TBI, although observational data suggests that early hypertension is also associated with an increased risk of mortality after severe TBI. The purpose of this review is to discuss the underlying pathophysiology of hypertension after TBI, provide an overview of the current clinical data on early hypertension after TBI, and discuss future research that should test the benefits and harms of treating high blood pressure in TBI patients.
Comparing 2 Adhesive Methods on Skin Integrity in the High-Risk Neonate
Authors: Boswell Nicole , Waker Cheryl L.
Published: September 2016

Background:

Nurses have a primary role in promoting neonatal skin integrity and skin care management of the critically ill neonate. Adhesive products are essential to secure needed medical devices but can be a significant factor contributing to skin breakdown. Current literature does not offer a definitive answer regarding which products most safely and effectively work to secure needed devices in the high-risk neonatal population.

Purpose:

To determine which adhesive method is best practice to safely and effectively secure lines/tubes in the high-risk neonate population.

Findings/Results:

The only main effect that was significant was age group with mean skin scores. Subjects in the younger group (24-28 weeks) had higher skin scores than in the older group (28-34 weeks), validating that younger gestations are at higher risk of breakdown with the use of adhesives.

Implications for Practice:

The findings did not clearly identify which product was superior to secure tubes and lines, or was the least injurious to skin of the high-risk neonate. Neither a transparent dressing only or transparent dressing over hydrocolloid method clearly demonstrated an advantage in the high-risk, preterm neonate. Anecdotal comments suggested staff preferred the transparent dressing over hydrocolloid method as providing better adhesive while protecting skin integrity. The findings validated that younger gestations are at higher risk of breakdown with the use of adhesives and therefore require close vigilance to maintain skin integrity.
Progress in neuro-imaging of brain tumors
Authors: Castellano Antonella , Falini Andrea
Published: September 2016

Purpose of review

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is routinely employed in the diagnosis and clinical management of brain tumors. This review provides an overview of the advancements in the field of MRI, with a particular focus on the quantitative assessment by advanced physiological magnetic resonance techniques in light of the new molecular classification of brain tumor.

Recent findings

Understanding how molecular phenotypes of brain tumors are reflected in noninvasive imaging is the goal of radiogenomics, which aims at determining the association between imaging features and molecular markers in neuro-oncology. Advanced MRI techniques such as diffusion magnetic resonance imaging and perfusion-weighted imaging add important structural, hemodynamic, and physiological information for tumor diagnosis and classification, as well as to stratify tumor response. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy is able to depict with unprecedented accuracy metabolic biomarkers, which are relevant for molecular subtyping. Ultra-high-field imaging enhances anatomical detail and enables to explore new horizon in tumor imaging.

The noninvasive MRI-based assessment of tumor malignancy and molecular status may offer the opportunity to predict prognosis and to select patients who may be candidates for individualized targeted therapies, providing more sensitive tools for their follow-up.
Association between urinary incontinence and climacteric symptoms in postmenopausal women
Authors: Cagnacci Angelo , Palma Federica , Carbone Maria Maddalena , Grandi Giovanni , Xholli Anjeza
Published: September 2016

Objective:

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether climacteric symptoms are related to urinary incontinence (UI) in postmenopausal women.

Methods:

A cross-sectional investigation was performed on 1,502 postmenopausal women attending the outpatient service for menopause at a University Hospital. Data regarding climacteric symptoms, evaluated by the Greene Climacteric Scale, objective pelvic floor defects, and UI of any type, were retrieved from an electronic database. Additional information retrieved were age, anthropometric measures, personal and reproductive history, use of medication or drugs, smoking, state of anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scale score), and depression (Zung's scale score).

Results:

The score of the Greene Climacteric Scale was higher (P = 0.0001) in women with (n = 534) than without (n = 902) UI (32.3 ± 13.1 vs 26.5 ± 12.5; P < 0.0011). The same was true when considering stress (n = 370) (31.4 ± 13.4; P =  0.0007), urge (n = 84) (34.5 ± 13.5; P =  0.005), or mixed (n = 89) (34.3 ± 11.4; P =  0.006) UI. In multiple logistic regression models, the Greene climacteric score was independently related to UI (odds ratio [OR] 1.05; 95% CI, 1.03-1.07), along with the presence of a bladder prolapse (OR 3.72; 95% CI, 2.59-5.34), age at menopause (OR 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.09), and previous hysterectomy (OR 1.80; 95% CI, 1.08-3.01). Women in the fourth quartile of the Greene Climacteric Scale score had an OR of UI of 2.09 (95% CI, 1.5-2.9).

Conclusions:

In postmenopausal women, higher symptom burden, as captured by the Greene Climacteric Scale, relates to UI. Underlying mechanisms were not assessed, and deserve further investigation.
Compliance to vaginal treatment—tablets versus cream: a retrospective 9 years study
Authors: Weissmann-Brenner Alina , Bayevsky Tuvia , Yoles Israel
Published: September 2016

Objective:

Local estrogens are used for the treatment of genitourinary symptoms of menopause. The efficacy and adverse effects of both estrogen-containing vaginal tablets (VT) and estrogen-containing vaginal creams (VC)/gels are comparable. Our objective was to assess the compliance and adherence to treatment in a large population.

Methods:

A retrospective study on women aged 40 to 89 was performed in the Central District of the “Clalit” Health Services between 2006 and 2014. Demographic data on all women and usage details were electronically recorded. Patients eligible for analysis used VT or VC for at least 4 consecutive months.

Results:

A total of 2,269 patients used continuous monotherapy, of them 1,782 patients received treatment only with VC and 487 received treatment only with VT. Sixty-four percent of women treated with VT were treated for at least 4 months compared with 39% of women administered with VC (P < 0.000006). After 6 months of treatment, 83% of women with VT were asked for another prescription compared with 54% of women with VC (P < 0.001). The mean duration of treatment was 1,002 ± 38 days for the VT-treated women, and 787 ± 25 days for the VC-treated group (P < 0.000006).

Conclusions:

The present study showed superiority in the compliance and adherence of postmenopausal women to treatment with estrogen tablets over estrogen gel.
Frequent nocturia episodes, a suboptimal response to treatment, and small bladder capacity predict the need for persistent antimuscarinic therapy or re-treatment after discontinuation of antimuscarinics in female overactive bladder
Authors: Hsiao Sheng-Mou , Chang Ting-Chen , Chen Chi-Hau , Wu Wen-Yih , Lin Ho-Hsiung
Published: September 2016

Objective:

The aim of the study was to investigate predictive factors of the need for persistent antimuscarinic therapy or re-treatment (PR) after discontinuation of antimuscarinic therapy for women with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB).

Methods:

All consecutive OAB women were enrolled in a prospective cohort study, and treated with solifenacin for 12 weeks in a University Hospital. Factors affecting PR were analyzed by Cox regression analysis.

Results:

A total of 122 women were enrolled, and 107 women underwent 12-week solifenacin treatment. The dropout rate was 12.3%. The median follow-up period was 20.4 weeks (25-75 interquartile range: 16-102.3 wk). Twenty-seven (25%) women had PR. The median PR-free interval was 125.4 weeks (95% CI = 58.4 to – wk). Nocturia episodes (hazard ratio = 1.54), a suboptimal response (hazard ratio = 2.53), and the strong-desire volume (hazard ratio = 0.992) were independent predictors of PR by Cox backward stepwise regression analysis. The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves for nocturia episodes, a suboptimal response, and the strong-desire volume to predict PR were only 0.65, 0.63, and 0.59, respectively. In addition, normalized urinary nerve growth factor level was not significant (hazard ratio = 1.005, P = 0.68) for predicting PR. Furthermore, normalized urodynamic findings did not correlate with PR, a suboptimal response, or changes of Overactive Bladder Symptom Score and urinary nerve growth factor level.

Conclusions:

Frequent nocturia episodes, a suboptimal response, and small bladder capacity may predict PR after solifenacin treatment. These findings may serve as an initial guide in consultation regarding the treatment of OAB.
To assess differential features of marrow adiposity between postmenopausal women with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis using water/fat MRI
Authors: Li Guanwu , Xu Zheng , Fan Jingzheng , Yuan Wei , Zhang Lina , Hou Lingmi , Wu Dongmei , Chang Shixin , Calimente Horea , Hu Jiani
Published: September 2016

Objective:

To assess the differential features of marrow adiposity between osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis (OP) in postmenopausal women using water/fat MRI.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 97 postmenopausal women (OA [n = 25], OA + osteopenia [n = 27], OA + OP [n = 23], and OP groups [n = 22]). Water/fat MRI, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and biochemical analysis were performed to assess vertebral marrow fat fraction, bone mineral density, and bone biomarkers, respectively. Harris Hip Score was recorded to evaluate hip function.

Results:

There were significant differences in marrow fat content among the OA, OA + osteopenia, and OA + OP groups, between OP and OA participants with normal bone mass or osteopenia (all P < 0.05); no significant difference was observed between OA + OP and OP groups. Serum levels of leptin and β-Crosslaps in OA with normal bone mass and osteopenic OA groups were higher than in OP group. Marrow fat fraction was inversely correlated with Harris Hip Score (r = −0.371, P = 0.013), bone mineral density (r = −0.554, P = 0.009) and leptin levels (r = −0.610, P < 0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, marrow fat fraction was found to have a consistent and unchanged inverse association with leptin levels (Sβ = −0.311, P = 0.002) and bone mineral density (Sβ =  −0.265, P = 0.006) after adjusting for age, years since menopause, and body mass index.

Conclusions:

Postmenopausal OA with OP have a phenotype with higher marrow adiposity. OA and OP could coexist, for the presence of a specific subgroup of OA with increased marrow fat accumulation and high risk of developing OP.
An update on vitamin D for clinicians
Authors: Hansen Karen E. , Johnson Michael G.
Published: September 2016

Purpose of review

The clinical benefits of vitamin D therapy have received substantial attention over the past decade. Recently, several trials looked to clarify the optimal vitamin D dose or serum level needed to promote human health. The purpose of this review is to highlight selected studies published since January 2015.

Recent findings

Several recent trials challenge whether serum vitamin D levels at least 30 ng/ml promote human health. In postmenopausal women with 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels 21 ± 3 ng/ml, high-dose vitamin D for 1 year increased calcium absorption by 1%, without changes in bone mineral density, physical function, or falls when compared with low-dose vitamin D and placebo. High-dose vitamin D increased risk of falling in 200 adults 78 ± 5 years old with baseline 25(OH)D levels of ∼19 ± 9 ng/ml. High-dose vitamin D in adults increased the number and duration of upper respiratory tract infections compared with placebo. Asthma patients achieving 25(OH)D levels more than 30 ng/ml during a trial experienced more respiratory infections than those not achieving such levels.

Recent studies are congruent with the Institute of Medicine's conclusion that humans are vitamin D replete when their serum 25(OH)D levels are at least 20 ng/ml. Higher levels seem to promote falls and respiratory infections.