bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin A deficiency induces structural and functional alterations in the molecular constituents of the rat hippocampus
Authors: Elibol-Can Birsen , Simsek-Ozek Nihal , Severcan Feride , Severcan Mete , Jakubowska-Dogru Ewa
Published: November 2014

To date, no structural study has been carried out on the effects of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) on hippocampal macromolecules. Therefore, in the present study, the effect of dietary VAD on the structure, content and function of rat hippocampal molecules was investigated using Fourier transform IF spectroscopy. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: an experimental group maintained on a vitamin A-deficient liquid diet (VAD,n7); a control group maintained on a vitamin A-supplemented liquid diet (CON,n9); a pure control group maintained on standard solid laboratory chow (PC,n7). The PC group was included in the study to ensure that the usage of liquid diet did not influence the outcomes of VAD. Both the CON and PC groups were successfully discriminated from the VAD group by principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. The spectral analysis indicated a significant decrease in the contents of saturated and unsaturated lipids, cholesteryl esters, TAG and nucleic acids in the VAD group when compared with the CON group (P≤ 0·05). In addition, a significant decrease in membrane fluidity and a significant increase in lipid order (e.g. acyl chain flexibility) were observed in the VAD group (P≤ 0·001). The results of the artificial neural network analysis revealed a significant decrease in the α-helix structure content and a significant increase in the turn and random coil structure contents, indicating protein denaturation, in the VAD group when compared with the CON and PC groups (P≤ 0·05). Dietary exclusion of vitamin A for 3 months apparently had an adverse impact on compositional, structural and dynamical parameters. These changes can be due to increased oxidative stress, confirming the antioxidant protection provided by vitamin A when used as a dietary supplement at low-to-moderate doses.
Association between dietary inflammatory index and prostate cancer among Italian men
Authors: Shivappa Nitin , Bosetti Cristina , Zucchetto Antonella , Montella Maurizio , Serraino Diego , La Vecchia Carlo , Hébert James R.
Published: November 2014

Previous studies have shown that various dietary components may be implicated in the aetiology of prostate cancer, although the results remain equivocal. The possible relationship of inflammation derived from dietary exposures with prostate cancer risk has not been investigated. We examined the ability of a newly developed dietary inflammatory index (DII) to predict prostate cancer risk in a case–control study conducted in Italy between 1991 and 2002. A total of 1294 patients aged < 75 years with incident, histologically confirmed carcinoma of the prostate served as cases. A total of 1451 subjects aged < 75 years who were admitted to the same hospitals as cases for a wide spectrum of acute, non-neoplastic conditions served as controls. The DII was computed based on dietary intake assessed using a previously validated seventy-eight-item FFQ. Logistic regression models were used to estimate multivariable OR adjusted for age, study centre, years of education, social class, BMI, smoking status, family history of prostate cancer and total energy intake. Men with higher DII scores had a higher risk of prostate cancer when analysed using the DII as both continuous (OR 1·06, 95 % CI 1·00, 1·13) and categorical, i.e. compared with men in the lowest quartile of the DII, men in the third and fourth quartiles were at elevated risk (ORQuartile 3 v. 1 1·32, 95 % CI 1·03, 1·69 and ORQuartile 4 v. 1 1·33, 95 % CI 1·01, 1·76; Ptrend= 0·04). These data suggest that a pro-inflammatory diet, as indicated by the increasing DII score, is a risk factor of prostate cancer in Italian men.
The Ideological Asymmetry of the American Party System
Authors: Lelkes Yphtach , Sniderman Paul M.
Published: November 2014

Most Americans support liberal policies on the social welfare agenda, the dominant policy cleavage in American politics. Yet a striking feature of the US party system is its tendency to equilibrium. How, then, does the Republican Party minimize defection on the social welfare agenda? The results of this study illustrate a deep ideological asymmetry between the parties. Republican identifiers are ideologically aware and oriented to a degree that far exceeds their Democratic counterparts. Our investigation, which utilizes cross-sectional, longitudinal and experimental data, demonstrates the role of ideological awareness and involvement in the Republicans’ ability to maintain the backing of their supporters even on issues on which the position of the Democratic Party is widely popular. It also exposes two mechanisms, party branding and the use of the status quo as a focal point, that Democrats use to retain or rally support for issues on the social welfare agenda on which the Republican Party’s position is widely popular.
A Long Constitution is a (Positively) Bad Constitution: Evidence from OECD Countries
Authors: Tsebelis George , Nardi Dominic J.
Published: November 2014

This article starts with two empirical observations from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries about longer constitutions: (1) they are more rigid (that is, more difficult to amend) and (2) they are in practice more frequently amended. The study presents models of the frequently adopted rules for constitutional revision (for example, qualified majorities in one or two chambers, referendums) and demonstrates that, if longer constitutions are more frequently revised, it is because they must impose actual harm on overwhelming majorities. In trying to explain this finding, the article demonstrates that longer constitutions tend to contain more substantive restrictions. Countries with longer constitutions also tend to have lower levels of GDP per capita and higher corruption. Finally, the negative effect of constitutional length on GDP per capita is shown to persist even if corruption is controlled for.
Risk factors for recurrence of peritonsillar abscess
Authors: Chung J H , Lee Y C , Shin S Y , Eun Y G
Published: November 2014

Background:

Additional high-quality evidence for predictors of peritonsillar abscess recurrence could lead to better-informed treatment decisions regarding tonsillectomy.

Methods:

In this study, 172 patients, who had been diagnosed and treated for peritonsillar abscess, were evaluated at follow up. A retrospective review of medical records and a telephone survey were performed. The clinical characteristics analysed included underlying disease, laboratory findings and computed tomography findings. Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify risk factors for peritonsillar abscess recurrence.

Results:

The recurrence rate of peritonsillar abscess was 13.9 per cent. Univariate analysis indicated that extraperitonsillar spread of the abscess (beyond the peritonsillar area) on computed tomography and a history of recurrent tonsillitis were associated with recurrence. Multivariate analysis also indicated that extraperitonsillar spread (p = 0.007; hazard ratio = 3.399) and recurrent tonsillitis history (p < 0.001; hazard ratio = 11.953) were significant risk factors for recurrence.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that tonsillectomy may be indicated as a treatment for peritonsillar abscess in patients with a history of recurrent tonsillitis or extraperitonsillar spread on computed tomography.
Food and feeding habits of the seahorses Hippocampus spinosissimus and Hippocampus trimaculatus (Malaysia)
Authors: Yip M.Y. , Lim A.C.O. , Chong V.C. , Lawson J.M. , Foster S.J.
Published: November 2014

Two seahorse species, Hippocampus spinosissimus and Hippocampus trimaculatus, sampled in east and west coastal waters of Peninsular Malaysia, fed mostly on crustacean prey; small caridean shrimps and amphipods as adults (both species), and copepods and larval meroplankton as juveniles (for H. trimaculatus only). The similar short relative gut length (~0.4) of both species is consistent with a carnivorous diet. Both species are considered specialists in prey selection, focusing on slow-moving epibenthic, hyperbenthic and canopy-dwelling crustaceans that dwell on the mud-sand seabed, or are associated with seagrass or mangrove areas. In this light, seahorses with their juveniles in shallow waters are vulnerable to coastal reclamation and development.
Social disorganization of neighborhoods and incidence of psychotic disorders: a 7-year first-contact incidence study
Authors: Veling W. , Susser E. , Selten J.-P. , Hoek H. W.
Published: November 2014

Background

Environmental factors such as urban birth and ethnic minority position have been related to risk for psychotic disorders. There is some evidence that not only individual, but also neighborhood characteristics influence this risk. The aim of this study was to investigate social disorganization of neighborhoods and incidence of psychotic disorders.

Method

The research was a 7-year first-contact incidence study of psychotic disorders in The Hague. Neighborhood characteristics included continuous, dichotomous and cumulative measures of socio-economic level, residential mobility, ethnic diversity, proportion of single person households, voter turnout, population density and crime level. Using multilevel Poisson regression analysis, incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of psychotic disorders were calculated for the indicators of neighborhood social disorganization.

Results

A total of 618 incident cases were identified. Neighborhood socio-economic level and residential mobility had the strongest association with incidence of psychotic disorders [individual-level adjusted Wald χ21 = 13.03 (p = 0.0003) and 5.51 (p = 0.02), respectively]. All but one (proportion of single person households) of the dichotomous neighborhood indicators were significantly associated with a higher IRR. The cumulative degree of neighborhood social disorganization was strongly and linearly associated with the incidence of psychotic disorders (trend test, Wald χ25 = 25.76, p = 0.0001). The IRR in neighborhoods with the highest degree of social disorganization was 1.95 (95% CI 1.38–2.75) compared with the lowest disorganization category.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the risk for developing a psychotic disorder is higher for people living in socially disorganized environments. Longitudinal studies are needed to investigate causality.
Mesolithic to Bronze Age Vegetation Change and Human Activity in the Exe Valley, Devon, UK
Authors: Fyfe R.M. , Brown A.G. , Coles B.J.
Published: November 2014

This paper presents the results of the first investigation of vegetation change and human activity from a river valley west of the Somerset Levels. The record is contrasted with the pollen and archaeological record from south-west uplands (Dartmoor and Exmoor) and the Somerset Levels. Vegetation change and archaeological evidence are shown to be generally consistent, with evidence from the middle valley of Mesolithic vegetation disturbance (with nearby lithics), Neolithic clearance of terraces and slopes in the lower valley and Neolithic–Bronze Age ceremonial and domestic activity, but in the upper reach the maintenance of wooded valley floor conditions probably with management until historic times. The valley floor and surrounding slope vegetation history is found to be significantly different to that of the uplands with lime and elm being significant components of the prehistoric woodland record. The data suggest that lime is restricted to terraces and lowlands below 200 m OD throughout the prehistoric period. The pollen data from the valley suggest the lowlands had a rich and mixed ecology providing a wide range of resources and that, despite less visible archaeological remains, human activity is manifest through palynological evidence from the Mesolithic to the Bronze Age. The largest expanse of valley-floor terrace, the Nether Exe Basin, which was at least partially deforested in the early Neolithic contains a rich assemblage of Neolithic–Bronze Age ceremonial, funerary and domestic archaeology associated with an early and clear palynological record of woodland clearance, arable and pastoral activity.
Synchrotron X-ray microdiffraction (μXRD) in minerals and environmental research
Authors: Gräfe Markus , Klauber Craig , Gan Bee , Tappero Ryan V.
Published: November 2014

A number of synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microprobes (XFMs) around the world offer synchrotron X-ray microdiffraction (μXRD) to enhance mineral phase identification in geological and other environmental samples. Synchrotron μXRD can significantly enhance micro X-ray fluorescence and micro X-ray absorption fine structure measurements by providing direct structural information on the identity of minerals, their crystallinity, and potential impurities in crystal structures. The information is useful to understand the sequestration of metals in mineral deposits, mineral processing residues, soils, or sediments. Synchrotron μXRD was employed to characterize a surficial calcrete uranium (U) ore sample and to illustrate its usefulness in conjunction with U LIII μXANES analysis. μXRD and U LIII μXANES revealed that the mineral carnotite [K2(UO2)2(V2O8)·nH2O, n = 0, 1, 2, or 3] was not the sole U bearing mineral phase present and that surface complexes and or an amorphous precipitate were present as well. Unit-cell analysis from the μXRD patterns revealed that the interlayer spacing of carnotite was not uniform and that significant unit-cell volume expansions occurred likely because of variable cations (K+, Rb+, and Sr2+) and variably hydrated interlayer cations being present in the interlayer. Oriented specimen, single crystal effects, and the fixed orientation of the sample relative to the incident beam and the charge-coupled device camera limit the number of visible reflections and complicate mineral phase identification. With careful analysis of multiple structural analysis tools available at XFMs, however, a strong link between X-ray amorphous and X-ray crystalline materials in geologic and environmental samples can be established.
PLSR as a new XRD method for downstream processing of ores: – case study: Fe2+ determination in iron ore sinter
Authors: König Uwe , Degen Thomas , Norberg Nicholas
Published: November 2014

The use of high-speed detectors made X-ray diffraction (XRD) become an important tool for process control in mining and metal industries. Decreasing ore qualities and increasing prices for raw materials require a better control of processed ore and a more efficient use of energy. Traditionally quality control of iron ore sinter has relied on time-consuming wet chemistry. The mineralogical composition that defines the physical properties such as hardness or reducibility is not monitored. XRD analysis in combination with Rietveld quantification and statistical data evaluation using partial least-squares regression (PLSR) has been successfully established to determine the mineralogical composition and the Fe2+ content of iron ore sinter within an analysis time of less than 10 min per sample. A total of 35 iron ore sinter samples were measured and evaluated using PLSR and the Rietveld method. The results were compared with wet chemistry data. PLSR results show accuracy for the Fe2+ content of ±0.14%. No pure phases, crystal structures, or complex modeling of peak shapes are required. The Rietveld method was used to quantify the total phase composition of the samples. The Fe2+ content could be calculated from all phases present. Both methods take the full XRD pattern into account and can be simultaneously applied on the same measurement. PLSR was found to be the more robust method if only Fe2+ results are required. The Rietveld method helps predict other parameters such as the compressional strength of the sinter by monitoring all existing phases (e.g., larnite, C2S, or silico-ferrite of calcium and aluminum phases).
Applications of Rietveld-based QXRD analysis in mineral processing
Authors: Li Jian , McDonald Robbie G. , Kaksonen Anna H. , Morris Christina , Rea Suzy , Usher Kayley M. , Wylie Jason , Hilario Felipe , du Plessis Chris A.
Published: November 2014

Rietveld-based quantitative X-ray diffraction (QXRD) has been extensively used for mineralogical characterization in order to understand the reaction chemistry, and kinetics of minerals leaching and formation. This work presents examples where QXRD has been applied to understanding fundamental aspects of these two processes. Firstly, the co-processing of nickel laterites and sulphidic materials has the potential to offer several advantages that include the use of lower grade (including non-smeltable) concentrates, improvement in the rheological behaviour of the blends, and reduction in the use of sulphuric acid. The leaching kinetics and chemistry of mixed nickel laterite ore and sulphide concentrate were explored by the QXRD analysis of feed materials and, intermediates and final leach residues produced using controlled oxidation rates. Under high temperature (250 °C) and pressure oxidation (~40 to 45 atm.) conditions, sulphide minerals in the nickel concentrate underwent several oxidative hydrothermal transformations, and ferrous iron was oxidized and precipitated primarily as hematite. High recovery of nickel can be achieved with low acid consumption under these conditions. Secondly, iron precipitation/removal is an important down-stream process in hydrometallurgy. Moderate concentrations of ferrous iron can be oxidized using micro-organisms with oxidation rates several orders of magnitude faster compared with abiotic oxidation at ambient temperature and pressure. QXRD and chemical analysis have indicated that after oxidation, iron at pH ~2 mostly precipitates as jarosite with various amounts of K+, Na+, NH4+, and H3O+ incorporated into the structure. Bio-catalysed iron removal can be achieved with minimum copper and nickel losses at relatively low pH conditions.
Diffraction studies from minerals to organics: lessons learned from materials analyses
Authors: Whitfield Pamela S.
Published: November 2014

In many ways, studies of materials and minerals by powder-diffraction techniques are complementary, with techniques honed in one field equally applicable to the other. Many of the example techniques described within this paper were developed for analysis of functional materials and subsequently applied to minerals. However, in a couple of cases, the study of new minerals was the initiation into techniques later used in materials-based studies. Hopefully they will show that the study of new minerals structures can provide opportunities to add new methodologies and approaches to future problems. In keeping with the Australian X-ray Analytical Association many of the examples have an Australian connection, the materials ranging from organics to battery materials.
Atom Column Indexing: Atomic Resolution Image Analysis Through a Matrix Representation
Authors: Sang Xiahan , Oni Adedapo A. , LeBeau James M.
Published: November 2014

Here, we report the development of an approach to map atomic resolution images into a convenient matrix representation. Through the combination of two-dimensional Gaussian fitting and the projective standard deviation, atom column locations are projected onto two noncollinear reference lattice vectors that are used to assign each a unique (i, j) matrix index. By doing so, straightforward atomic resolution image analysis becomes possible. Using practical examples, we demonstrate that the matrix representation greatly simplifies categorizing atom columns to different sublattices. This enables a myriad of direct analyses, such as mapping atom column properties and correlating long-range atom column pairs. MATLAB source code can be downloaded from https://github.com/subangstrom/aci.
The affect of the space environment on the survival ofHalorubrum chaoviatorandSynechococcus(Nägeli): data from the Space Experiment OSMO on EXPOSE-R
Authors: Mancinelli R. L.
Published: November 2014

We have shown using ESA's Biopan facility flown in Earth orbit that when exposed to the space environment for 2 weeks the survival rate ofSynechococcus(Nägeli), a halophilic cyanobacterium isolated from the evaporitic gypsum–halite crusts that form along the marine intertidal, andHalorubrum chaoviatora member of the Halobacteriaceae isolated from an evaporitic NaCl crystal obtained from a salt evaporation pond, were higher than all other test organisms exceptBacillusspores. These results led to the EXPOSE-R mission to extend and refine these experiments as part of the experimental package for the external platform space exposure facility on the ISS. The experiment was flown in February 2009 and the organisms were exposed to low-Earth orbit for nearly 2 years. Samples were either exposed to solar ultraviolet (UV)-radiation (λ > 110 nm or λ > 200 nm, cosmic radiation (dosage range 225–320 mGy), or kept in darkness shielded from solar UV-radiation. Half of each of the UV-radiation exposed samples and dark samples were exposed to space vacuum and half kept at 105pascals in argon. Duplicate samples were kept in the laboratory to serve as unexposed controls. Ground simulation control experiments were also performed. After retrieval, organism viability was tested using Molecular Probes Live–Dead Bac-Lite stain and by their reproduction capability. Samples kept in the dark, but exposed to space vacuum had a 90 ± 5% survival rate compared to the ground controls. Samples exposed to full UV-radiation for over a year were bleached and although results from Molecular Probes Live–Dead stain suggested ~10% survival, the data indicate that no survival was detected using cell growth and division using the most probable number method. Those samples exposed to attenuated UV-radiation exhibited limited survival. Results from of this study are relevant to understanding adaptation and evolution of life, the future of life beyond earth, the potential for interplanetary transfer of viable microbes via meteorites and dust particles as well as spacecraft, and the physiology of halophiles.
Transcending rationalism and constructivism: Chinese leaders’ operational codes, socialization processes, and multilateralism after the Cold War
Authors: He Kai , Feng Huiyun
Published: November 2014

This paper challenges both rationalist and constructivist approaches in explaining China’s foreign policy behavior toward multilateral institutions after the Cold War. Borrowing insights from socialization theory and operational code analysis, this paper suggests a ‘superficial socialization’ argument to explain China’s pro-multilateralist diplomacy after the Cold War. Using operational code analysis to examine belief changes across three generations of Chinese leadership and on different occasions, we argue that China’s pro-multilateralist behavior is a product of ‘superficial socialization’, in which Chinese foreign policy elites change their beliefs about the outside world and regarding the future realization of their political goals in multilateral institutions. However, Chinese policy makers have not changed their instrumental beliefs regarding strategies even in multilateral institutions. China is indeed socialized through multilateral institutions, but its scope is still far from the ‘fundamental socialization’ stage when states’ interests, preferences, and even identities change.
Coccolithophore calcification response to past ocean acidification and climate change
Authors: O’Dea Sarah A. , Gibbs Samantha J. , Bown Paul R. , Young Jeremy R. , Poulton Alex J. , Newsam Cherry , Wilson Paul A.
Published: November 2014

Anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions are forcing rapid ocean chemistry changes and causing ocean acidification (OA), which is of particular significance for calcifying organisms, including planktonic coccolithophores. Detailed analysis of coccolithophore skeletons enables comparison of calcite production in modern and fossil cells in order to investigate biomineralization response of ancient coccolithophores to climate change. Here we show that the two dominant coccolithophore taxa across the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) OA global warming event (~56 million years ago) exhibited morphological response to environmental change and both showed reduced calcification rates. However, only Coccolithus pelagicus exhibits a transient thinning of coccoliths, immediately before the PETM, that may have been OA-induced. Changing coccolith thickness may affect calcite production more significantly in the dominant modern species Emiliania huxleyi, but, overall, these PETM records indicate that the environmental factors that govern taxonomic composition and growth rate will most strongly influence coccolithophore calcification response to anthropogenic change.
Understanding the Cu-Zn brass alloys using a short-range-order cluster model: significance of specific compositions of industrial alloys
Authors: Hong H. L. , Wang Q. , Dong C. , Liaw Peter K.
Published: November 2014

Metallic alloys show complex chemistries that are not yet understood so far. It has been widely accepted that behind the composition selection lies a short-range-order mechanism for solid solutions. The present paper addresses this fundamental question by examining the face-centered-cubic Cu-Zn α-brasses. A new structural approach, the cluster-plus-glue-atom model, is introduced, which suits specifically for the description of short-range-order structures in disordered systems. Two types of formulas are pointed out, [Zn-Cu12]Zn1~6 and [Zn-Cu12](Zn,Cu)6, which explain the α-brasses listed in the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications. In these formulas, the bracketed parts represent the 1st-neighbor cluster and each cluster is matched with one to six 2nd-neighbor Zn atoms or with six mixed (Zn,Cu) atoms. Such a cluster-based formulism describes the 1st- and 2nd-neighbor local atomic units where the solute and solvent interactions are ideally satisfied. The Cu-Ni industrial alloys are also explained, thus proving the universality of the cluster-formula approach in understanding the alloy selections. The revelation of the composition formulas for the Cu-(Zn,Ni) industrial alloys points to the common existence of simple composition rules behind seemingly complex chemistries of industrial alloys, thus offering a fundamental and practical method towards composition interpretations of all kinds of alloys.
Squeezed: Coping with Constraint through Efficiency and Prioritization
Authors: Fernbach Philip M. , Kan Christina , Lynch John G.
Published: November 2014

When consumers perceive that a resource is limited and may be insufficient to accomplish goals, they recruit and enact plans to cope with the shortage. We distinguish two common strategies: efficiency planning yields savings by stretching the resource, whereas priority planning does so by sacrificing less important goals. Using a variety of methods to explore both financial and time planning, we investigate how the two types of planning differ, how they vary with constraint, and how they interrelate. Relative to efficiency planning, priority planning is perceived as yielding larger one-time savings, but it feels more costly because it requires trade-offs within-resource (e.g., money for money) as opposed to cross-resource (e.g., time for money). As constraint increases and greater resource savings are required, prioritization becomes more likely. However, the shift to prioritization is often insufficient, and consumers tend to react to insufficient prioritization dysfunctionally, making a bad situation worse. Budgeting helps consumers behave more adaptively. Budgeters respond to constraint with more priority planning than nonbudgeters, and they report fewer dysfunctional behaviors, like overspending and impulsive shopping.
Mappings of finite distortion from generalized manifolds
Authors: Kirsilä Ville
Published: November 2014

We give a definition for mappings of finite distortion from a generalized manifold with controlled geometry to a Euclidean space. We prove that the basic properties of mappings of finite distortion are valid in this context. In particular, we show that under the same assumptions as in the Euclidean case, mappings of finite distortion are open and discrete.
Human nonsense-mediated RNA decay initiates widely by endonucleolysis and targets snoRNA host genes
Authors: Lykke-Andersen Søren , Chen Yun , Ardal Britt R. , Lilje Berit , Waage Johannes , Sandelin Albin , Jensen Torben Heick
Published: November 2014

Eukaryotic RNAs with premature termination codons (PTCs) are eliminated by nonsense-mediated decay (NMD). While human nonsense RNA degradation can be initiated either by an endonucleolytic cleavage event near the PTC or through decapping, the individual contribution of these activities on endogenous substrates has remained unresolved. Here we used concurrent transcriptome-wide identification of NMD substrates and their 5′–3′ decay intermediates to establish that SMG6-catalyzed endonucleolysis widely initiates the degradation of human nonsense RNAs, whereas decapping is used to a lesser extent. We also show that a large proportion of genes hosting snoRNAs in their introns produce considerable amounts of NMD-sensitive splice variants, indicating that these RNAs are merely by-products of a primary snoRNA production process. Additionally, transcripts from genes encoding multiple snoRNAs often yield alternative transcript isoforms that allow for differential expression of individual coencoded snoRNAs. Based on our findings, we hypothesize that snoRNA host genes need to be highly transcribed to accommodate high levels of snoRNA production and that the expression of individual snoRNAs and their cognate spliced RNA can be uncoupled via alternative splicing and NMD.
Stem–loop 4 of U1 snRNA is essential for splicing and interacts with the U2 snRNP-specific SF3A1 protein during spliceosome assembly
Authors: Sharma Shalini , Wongpalee Somsakul Pop , Vashisht Ajay , Wohlschlegel James A. , Black Douglas L.
Published: November 2014

The pairing of 5′ and 3′ splice sites across an intron is a critical step in spliceosome formation and its regulation. Interactions that bring the two splice sites together during spliceosome assembly must occur with a high degree of specificity and fidelity to allow expression of functional mRNAs and make particular alternative splicing choices. Here, we report a new interaction between stem–loop 4 (SL4) of the U1 snRNA, which recognizes the 5′ splice site, and a component of the U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (snRNP) complex, which assembles across the intron at the 3′ splice site. Using a U1 snRNP complementation assay, we found that SL4 is essential for splicing in vivo. The addition of free U1-SL4 to a splicing reaction in vitro inhibits splicing and blocks complex assembly prior to formation of the prespliceosomal A complex, indicating a requirement for a SL4 contact in spliceosome assembly. To characterize the interactions of this RNA structure, we used a combination of stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC), biotin/Neutravidin affinity pull-down, and mass spectrometry. We show that U1-SL4 interacts with the SF3A1 protein of the U2 snRNP. We found that this interaction between the U1 snRNA and SF3A1 occurs within prespliceosomal complexes assembled on the pre-mRNA. Thus, SL4 of the U1 snRNA is important for splicing, and its interaction with SF3A1 mediates contact between the 5′ and 3′ splice site complexes within the assembling spliceosome.
Comparison of usage data of a print journal title versus electronic counterpart
Authors: McMullen Anthony
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to provide insights and commentary into issues encountered in maintaining and assessing library technologies and technology-based services with limited budgets and with limited personnel.

Design/methodology/approach

– It uses usage data to illustrate effects of a conversion of a single journal title from print to electronic format.

Findings

– The conversion of a print journal subscription to electronic access resulted in a substantial decrease in cost per use despite an increase in overall subscription cost.

Originality/value

– This paper examines the effects of acquiring current electronic content based upon usage of a single, high use embargoed journal title in an aggregator package. Differences between print and electronic usage and cost per use are described in detail.
Paying it forward
Authors: M. Watson Ann
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this column is to address the role of a mentor in a library career.

Design/methodology/approach

– Opinion piece.

Practical implications

– Having a mentor serves to unleash employees potential.

Social implications

– The positive role of a having a mentor and serving as a mentor.

Originality/value

– Original opinion piece.
Supporting transitions in child and adolescent mental health services: a rough guide to introducing peer support
Authors: Lambert Marissa , Matharoo Rachael , Watson Emma , Oldknow Helen
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to share the lessons learnt during the implementation of a Peer Support Worker (PSW) pilot project within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). The project aimed to reduce the barriers experienced by young people and carers during the process of transition between child and Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS).

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper combines reflections of staff, PSWs and trainers in order to share the lessons that may be taken from this project. This includes a rough guide for those hoping to employ PSWs to support transitions.

Findings

– The PSWs provided the vehicle to support the process of transition by empowering young people and their carers to use their strengths to facilitate a hopeful and timely transition. Recommendations regarding support for peers, staff and the organisation during the process of training and employing peers are discussed.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper provides a purely reflective account of the pilot project. These reflections may provide guidance for others wishing to develop peer support positions within CAMHS so that an evidence base for the effectiveness of peer support within transitions may continue to grow.

Originality/value

– Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust are the first NHS Trust in the UK to employ PSWs specifically to support transitions between CAMHS and AMHS. This paper builds on the work of Oldknow et al. (2014) to highlight the first attempts to use peer support to support transitions.
Developing an eating disorder pathway: a case study
Authors: Blackburn Joanna , Minogue Virginia
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of an eating disorder care pathway for adults with eating disorders, in a northern borough town. It arose out of a need to reduce and address inconsistent access to services and treatment pathways.

Design/methodology/approach

– The development involved a mapping exercise of current service delivery, a review of the literature on eating disorder care pathways, consultation workshops, the engagement of service users and carers, and the development of draft pathways for patients and carers.

Findings

– Significant emphasis was on raising awareness, prevention, identification and assessment, treatment and recovery. Two pathways were proposed, one for service users focusing on awareness raising/prevention, identification and assessment, treatment, stabilisation and relapse prevention and one for carers/families focusing on carers being identifiable in their own right to receive support for caring for someone with an eating disorder.

Research limitations/implications

– A limitation of the care pathway under development was the difficulty obtaining an accurate figure of the true number of cases of eating disorders in the local area. This, together with the lack of any form of systematic review or meta-analysis of care pathways made identifying the number of people suffering from eating disorders and developing an effective model difficult.

Originality/value

– The proposed pathway places significant emphasis on increasing knowledge, incorporating the patient perspective, and enhancing the recognition and understanding of eating disorders in the community. A model was created that could be implemented successfully and identify patients suffering from eating disorders, when the true incidence of eating disorders remains hidden.
Risk, resilience and effectiveness in the non-profit sector: the case of housing associations
Authors: Gibb Kenneth , McNulty Desmond
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine emergent risk and resilience strategies being adopted by non-profit housing associations faced with uncertainties as a result of public funding austerity and the implications of welfare reform.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study draws on an evidence review of the impacts of welfare reform on social housing conducted for the Scottish Government and on analysis of annual reports, circulars and other grey literature, including risk registers produced by a range of housing providers in Scotland.

Findings

– In some associations, exposure to new risks is generating fresh thinking about effectiveness and performance measurement, and is also stimulating the development of new strategies and activities aimed at creating a more resilient business model.

Practical implications

– Managers of non-profit housing providers need to focus on both risk and resilience if they are to successfully combine conventional business accountability with their obligations to tenants and the local communities their organisations serve.

Social implications

– Housing associations are a key gatekeeper protecting and supporting vulnerable tenants and disadvantaged communities from the impacts of austerity and welfare reform. It is essential that as organisations they effectively manage risk and develop resilient principles that allow them to continue as ongoing concerns into the long term.

Originality/value

– The paper asks challenging questions about the link between the purpose or mission of an organisation and its conceptualisation of risk, arguing that resilience is a vital consideration alongside risk for non-profit organisations with a social mission.
Pyocyanin inhibits both nitric oxide‐dependent and ‐independent relaxation in porcine coronary arteries
Authors: Hempenstall Allison , Grant Gary D , Anoopkumar‐Dukie Shailendra , Johnson Peter J
Published: November 2014

The effects of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence factor pyocyanin (PCN) on the contractile function of porcine coronary arteries was investigated in vitro. Artery rings (5 mm) were suspended in organ baths containing Krebs' solution for the measurement of isometric tension. The effect of PCN on resting and precontracted coronary arteries was initially investigated with various agents. Arteries were precontracted with prostaglandin (PG) F2α or potassium chloride and endothelium‐dependent relaxations were induced by various agents in the presence of PCN. Pyocyanin (0.1–10 μmol/L) evoked small‐amplitude, dose‐dependent contractions in resting porcine coronary arteries. In addition, PCN amplified the contractile response to PGF2α, but did not alter responses to carbachol. Pyocyanin (0.1–10 μmol/L) significantly inhibited endothelium‐dependent relaxations evoked by neurokinin A. Pyocyanin also inhibited relaxations evoked by diethylamine nitric oxide (a nitric oxide donor), forskolin (an adenylate cyclase activator), dibuytyryl‐cAMP (a cAMP analogue), 8‐bromo‐cGMP (a cGMP analogue) and P1075 (a KATP channel activator), but not isoprenaline (β‐adrenoceceptor agonist). These results indicate that physiological concentrations of PCN interfere with multiple intracellular processes involved in vascular smooth muscle relaxation, in particular pathways downstream of nitric oxide release. Thus, PCN may alter normal vascular function in patients infected with P. aeruginosa.
Effect of β‐Glucan–Rich Barley Flour Fraction on Rheology and Quality of Frozen Yeasted Dough
Authors: Hamed Abdelmagid , Ragaee Sanaa , Abdel‐Aal El‐Sayed M.
Published: November 2014

Research has shown that prolonged frozen storage of bread dough reduces the quality of the end product. In this study, the effect of air‐classified barley flour fraction rich in β‐glucan (approximately 25%) on rheology and quality of frozen yeasted bread dough was investigated. Wheat flour (W) was replaced by air‐classified barley flour fraction (B) at 10% without or with 1.4% vital gluten to produce β‐glucan enriched barley dough (WB) or barley dough plus gluten (WB + G). Dough products were stored at −18 ºC for 8 wk and their rheological properties were investigated weekly. During frozen storage dough extensibility increased, while elastic and viscous moduli decreased. Differential scanning calorimeter and nuclear magnetic resonance data indicated that WB and WB + G dough products contained approximately 10% less freezable water and 9% more bound water compared to the control dough (W). β‐Glucan enriched dough also exhibited less changes in gluten network as shown by SEM photographs. The addition of air‐classified barley flour fraction at 10% in frozen dough reduced deterioration effects caused by frozen storage via minimizing water redistribution and maintaining rheological properties of frozen dough.
Meta‐analysis of variation: ecological and evolutionary applications and beyond
Authors: Nakagawa Shinichi , Poulin Robert , Mengersen Kerrie , Reinhold Klaus , Engqvist Leif , Lagisz Malgorzata , Senior Alistair M.
Published: November 2014

Meta‐analysis has become a standard way of summarizing empirical studies in many fields, including ecology and evolution. In ecology and evolution, meta‐analyses comparing two groups (usually experimental and control groups) have almost exclusively focused on comparing the means, using standardized metrics such as Cohen's / Hedges’ d or the response ratio.

However, an experimental treatment may not only affect the mean but also the variance. Investigating differences in the variance between two groups may be informative, especially when a treatment influences the variance in addition to or instead of the mean.

In this paper, we propose the effect size statistic lnCVR (the natural logarithm of the ratio between the coefficients of variation, CV, from two groups), which enables us to meta‐analytically compare differences between the variability of two groups. We illustrate the use of lnCVR with examples from ecology and evolution.

Further, as an alternative approach to the use of lnCVR, we propose the combined use of ln s (the log standard deviation) and (the log mean) in a hierarchical (linear mixed) model. The use of ln s with overcomes potential limitations of lnCVR and it provides a more flexible, albeit more complex, way to examine variation beyond two‐group comparisons. Relevantly, we also refer to the potential use of ln s and lnCV (the log CV) in the context of comparative analysis.

Our approaches to compare variability could be applied to already published meta‐analytic data sets that compare two‐group means to uncover potentially overlooked effects on the variance. Additionally, our approaches should be applied to future meta‐analyses, especially when one suspects a treatment has an effect not only on the mean, but also on the variance. Notably, the application of the proposed methods extends beyond the fields of ecology and evolution.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and inflammatory markers in school‐aged children with early trauma
Authors: Bücker J. , Fries G. R. , Kapczinski F. , Post R. M. , Yatham L. N. , Vianna P. , Bogo Chies J. A. , Gama C. S. , Magalhães P. V. , Aguiar B. W. , Pfaffenseller B. , Kauer‐Sant'Anna M.
Published: November 2014

Objective

The impact of childhood trauma (CT) on brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cytokines levels remains unclear. We investigated the association between CT and changes in BDNF and cytokines plasma levels in children.

Method

We recruited 36 children with trauma (CT+) and 26 children without trauma (CT‐). The presence of CT was based on a clinical interview and by Criteria A of DSM‐IV criteria for PTSD. Blood samples were drawn from all children to assess BDNF and cytokines. ancova was performed with psychiatric symptoms and BMI as covariates to evaluate group differences in plasma levels.

Results

CT+ showed increased levels of BDNF and TNF‐α after excluding children with history of inflammatory disease (P < 0.05) when compared with those CT‐. IL‐12p70, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and IL‐1β levels were not statistically different between groups.

Conclusion

CT+ showed increased BDNF and proinflammatory cytokines levels. The increase in BDNF levels may be an attempt to neutralize the negative effects of CT, while an increase in TNF‐a levels be associated with a proinflammatory state after CT. How these changes associated with trauma relate to other biological changes and illness trajectory later in life remain to be further studied.
Adolescent pre‐treatment with oxytocin protects against adult methamphetamine‐seeking behavior in female rats
Authors: Hicks Callum , Cornish Jennifer L. , Baracz Sarah J. , Suraev Anastasia , McGregor Iain S.
Published: November 2014

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT), given acutely, reduces self‐administration of the psychostimulant drug methamphetamine (METH). Additionally, chronic OT administration to adolescent rats reduces levels of alcohol consumption in adulthood, suggesting developmental neuroplasticity in the OT system relevant to addiction‐related behaviors. Here, we examined whether OT exposure during adolescence might subsequently inhibit METH self‐administration in adulthood. Female Sprague‐Dawley rats were administered vehicle or OT (1 mg/kg, i.p.) once daily from postnatal days (PND) 28 to 37 (adolescence). At PND 62 (adulthood), rats were trained to self‐administer METH (intravenous, i.v.) in daily 2‐hour sessions for 10 days under a fixed ratio 1 (FR1) reinforcement schedule, followed by determination of dose‐response functions (0.01–0.3 mg/kg/infusion, i.v.) under both FR1 and progressive ratio (PR) schedules of reinforcement. Responding was then extinguished, and relapse to METH‐seeking behavior assessed following priming doses of non‐contingent METH (0.1–1 mg/kg, i.p.). Finally, plasma was collected to determine pre‐treatment effects on OT and corticosterone levels. Results showed that OT pre‐treatment did not significantly inhibit the acquisition of METH self‐administration or FR1 responding. However, rats pre‐treated with OT responded significantly less for METH under a PR reinforcement schedule, and showed reduced METH‐primed reinstatement with the 1 mg/kg prime. Plasma OT levels were also significantly higher in OT pre‐treated rats. These results confirm earlier observations that adolescent OT exposure can subtly, yet significantly, inhibit addiction‐relevant behaviors in adulthood.
Love stories of the occupation: storytelling and the counter‐geopolitics of intimacy
Authors: Marshall David Jones
Published: November 2014

Though research on Israel/Palestine often privileges the macro‐geopolitical perspective, a growing body of work has begun to catalogue the ways in which the violence of occupation is carried out through intimate spaces and practices. However, often missing from such accounts is an understanding of intimacy as a counter‐veiling political force. Looking at the ‘Love Under Apartheid’ project in Palestine, and queer anti‐occupation organising in Israel, this paper considers how storytelling can serve as both a research methodology and political intervention, changing the way geopolitical stories are told and unfold.