bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global transcriptional response of solvent‐sensitive and solvent‐tolerant Pseudomonas putida strains exposed to toluene
Authors: Molina‐Santiago Carlos , Udaondo Zulema , Gómez‐Lozano María , Molin Soren , Ramos Juan‐Luis
Published: October 2016

Pseudomonas putida strains are generally recognized as solvent tolerant, exhibiting varied sensitivity to organic solvents. Pan‐genome analysis has revealed that 30% of genes belong to the core‐genome of Pseudomonas. Accessory and unique genes confer high degree of adaptability and capabilities for the degradation and synthesis of a wide range of chemicals. For the use of these microbes in bioremediation and biocatalysis, it is critical to understand the mechanisms underlying these phenotypic differences. In this study, RNA‐seq analysis compared the short‐ and long‐term responses of the toluene‐sensitive KT2440 strain and the highly tolerant DOT‐T1E strain. The sensitive strain activates a larger number of genes in a higher magnitude than DOT‐T1E. This is expected because KT2440 bears one toluene tolerant pump, while DOT‐T1E encodes three of these pumps. Both strains activate membrane modifications to reduce toluene membrane permeability. The KT2440 strain activates the TCA cycle to generate energy, while avoiding energy‐intensive processes such as flagellar biosynthesis. This suggests that KT2440 responds to toluene by focusing on survival mechanisms. The DOT‐T1E strain activates toluene degradation pathways, using toluene as source of energy. Among the unique genes encoded by DOT‐T1E is a 70 kb island composed of genes of unknown function induced in response to toluene.
Mode of resistance to viral lysis affects host growth across multiple environments in the marine picoeukaryote Ostreococcus tauri
Authors: Heath Sarah E. , Collins Sinead
Published: October 2016

Viruses play important roles in population dynamics and as drivers of evolution in single‐celled marine phytoplankton. Viral infection of Ostreococcus tauri often causes cell lysis, but two spontaneously arising resistance mechanisms occur: resistant cells that cannot become infected and resistant producer cells that are infected but not lysed, and which may slowly release viruses. As of yet, little is known about how consistent the effects of viruses on their hosts are across different environments. To measure the effect of host resistance on host growth, and to determine whether this effect is environmentally dependent, we compared the growth and survival of susceptible, resistant and resistant producer O. tauri cells under five environmental conditions with and without exposure to O. tauri virus. While the effects of exposure to virus on growth rates did not show a consistent pattern in populations of resistant cells, there were several cases where exposure to virus affected growth in resistant hosts, sometimes positively. In the absence of virus, there was no detectable cost of resistance in any environment, as measured by growth rate. In fact, the opposite was the case, with populations of resistant producer cells having the highest growth rates across four of the five environments.
Between Two Worlds: Indigenous Leaders Exercising Influence and Working across Boundaries
Authors: Stewart Jenny , Warn James
Published: October 2016

Although there has been considerable commentary and debate relating to Indigenous political leadership, less attention has been given to the emergence of Indigenous leaders working to improve Indigenous prospects from within the worlds of community development, management, and administration. Based on in‐depth interviews with a cohort of emerging Indigenous leaders in these situations, we found that these leaders are producing their own style of leadership, drawing on their Indigenous identity as a resource, while negotiating the policy and other demands of white Australia. The style of leadership that is emerging has its own distinctive attributes, being more relationally based than is the norm. We suggest that these differences have an important cultural dimension, but also relate to the strategic and tactical challenges of managing ‘two‐ways’. We conclude that these characteristics may be difficult to recognise and reward in organisations where leadership is conceptualised in more instrumental terms.
‘Work and rhythm’ revisited: rhythm and experience in northern Namibian peasant work
Authors: Dobler Gregor
Published: October 2016

Karl Bücher's Arbeit und Rhythmus (1896) foreshadowed a practical turn in the anthropology of work. Concentrating on work rhythms, Bücher described work as human action, not merely as a means to an end. Building on his analysis, I argue that anthropology has much to gain by taking rhythm seriously as an analytical category. Rhythm facilitates and proves the acquisition of skills; it forms a link between the exigencies of ‘clock time’ and the experience of ‘task time’; and it mediates between plans and situated actions. Crucially, the possibility of finding one's own work rhythm affects the experience of work as alienated or as an intrinsically fulfilling task. In micro‐ethnographic descriptions of peasant work in northern Namibia, I show how different types of rhythmization jointly generate the flow of work. They are as much linked to the qualities of the environment we work upon as they are to the social organization of our work. Rhythmization is a crucial component in the relation between humans and their work and an important topic for anthropology.
The lives of Mary Foote: painter and Jungian
Authors: Trousdell Richard
Published: October 2016

Mary Foote (1872‐1968) was a successful early twentieth century American artist who suddenly closed her New York studio in 1926 to go to Zurich to study with Jung. There she joined his ‘Interpretation of Visions’ seminars (1930‐1934), which she recorded and edited. This work won Jung's praise and his friendship, but all too often Foote was seen merely as a secretary or background figure. Deirdre Bair's biography of Jung suggested that Foote's life and work deserved fuller study, if only to rebalance our view of Jung's early women followers. This paper takes up that work to ask how Foote's early life and career led to her important work in preserving and describing Jung's earliest attempts to apply his theories to clinical practice.
Nina Coltart and the border of Bethlehem
Authors: Kime Philip
Published: October 2016

Nina Coltart's freedom in addressing delicate areas such as spirituality and Buddhism within a psychoanalytic framework has opened borders between different psychoanalytic communities. This paper sets out to identify a deep‐rooted philosophical tension that runs through several aspects of Coltart's work starting from her ‘Slouching towards Bethlehem … or, thinking the unthinkable in psychoanalysis’. In exploring this central topic in depth psychology, of the distinction between thinkable and unthinkable contents, the author argues that it is not a fundamental distinction in Coltart's work but is rather a particular example of a more fundamental structural dichotomy which pervades her approach and which manifests in several different guises. It is the breadth and sincerity of Coltart's writings which make this a useful exercise, not only for understanding the structure of her work but also in illuminating some structural tensions which permeate depth‐psychological pursuits in general.
Longitudinal Patterns of Emergency Department Visits: A Multistate Analysis of Medicaid Beneficiaries
Authors: Agarwal Parul , Bias Thomas K. , Sambamoorthi Usha
Published: October 2016

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the longitudinal patterns of emergency department (ED) visits among adult fee‐for‐service Medicaid.

Data Sources

Data were obtained from the Medicaid analytic eXtract files, Area Health Resource File, and County Health Rankings.

Study Design

A retrospective longitudinal study design, with four observations for each individual was used. The study population consisted of 33,393 Medicaid beneficiaries who met inclusion criteria. ED visits were time‐lagged and time‐varying patient‐level factors were measured for each year. Time‐invariant characteristics (gender and race/ethnicity) were measured in 2006. Multivariable hurdle models with logistic (ED use versus no ED use) and negative binomial regressions (ED visits among ED users) were used to analyze the ED visits over time. To account for correlation due to repeated observations, mixed effect models with robust standard errors were performed.

Principal Findings

In both unadjusted and adjusted analysis, the likelihood of ED use did not change from year to year (AOR = 1.00, 95 percent CI: 0.99, 1.01). Among ED users, the estimated number of ED visits increased over time (IRR = 1.01, 95 percent CI: 1.01, 1.03).

Conclusions

Primary care resources should be a major focus to reduce the increased burden on the EDs.
Reliability of 30‐Day Readmission Measures Used in the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program
Authors: Thompson Michael P. , Kaplan Cameron M. , Cao Yu , Bazzoli Gloria J. , Waters Teresa M.
Published: October 2016

Objective

To assess the reliability of risk‐standardized readmission rates (RSRRs) for medical conditions and surgical procedures used in the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program (HRRP).

Data Sources

State Inpatient Databases for six states from 2011 to 2013 were used to identify patient cohorts for the six conditions used in the HRRP, which was augmented with hospital characteristic and HRRP penalty data.

Study Design

Hierarchical logistic regression models estimated hospital‐level RSRRs for each condition, the reliability of each RSRR, and the extent to which socioeconomic and hospital factors further explain RSRR variation. We used publicly available data to estimate payments for excess readmissions in hospitals with reliable and unreliable RSRRs.

Principal Findings

Only RSRRs for surgical procedures exceeded the reliability benchmark for most hospitals, whereas RSRRs for medical conditions were typically below the benchmark. Additional adjustment for socioeconomic and hospital factors modestly explained variation in RSRRs. Approximately 25 percent of payments for excess readmissions were tied to unreliable RSRRs.

Conclusions

Many of the RSRRs employed by the HRRP are unreliable, and one quarter of payments for excess readmissions are associated with unreliable RSRRs. Unreliable measures blur the connection between hospital performance and incentives, and threaten the success of the HRRP.
AutoRAPID: A Model for Prompt Streamflow Estimation and Flood Inundation Mapping over Regional to Continental Extents
Authors: Follum Michael L. , Tavakoly Ahmad A. , Niemann Jeffrey D. , Snow Alan D.
Published: October 2016

This article couples two existing models to quickly generate flow and flood‐inundation estimates at high resolutions over large spatial extents for use in emergency response situations. Input data are gridded runoff values from a climate model, which are used by the Routing Application for Parallel computatIon of Discharge (RAPID) model to simulate flow rates within a vector river network. Peak flows in each river reach are then supplied to the AutoRoute model, which produces raster flood inundation maps. The coupled tool (AutoRAPID) is tested for the June 2008 floods in the Midwest and the April‐June 2011 floods in the Mississippi Delta. RAPID was implemented from 2005 to 2014 for the entire Mississippi River Basin (1.2 million river reaches) in approximately 45 min. Discretizing a 230,000‐km2 area in the Midwest and a 109,500‐km2 area in the Mississippi Delta into thirty‐nine 1° by 1° tiles, AutoRoute simulated a high‐resolution (~10 m) flood inundation map in 20 min for each tile. The hydrographs simulated by RAPID are found to perform better in reaches without influences from unrepresented dams and without backwater effects. Flood inundation maps using the RAPID peak flows vary in accuracy with F‐statistic values between 38.1 and 90.9%. Better performance is observed in regions with more accurate peak flows from RAPID and moderate to high topographic relief.
Magnetic resonance imaging features of gemistocytic astrocytoma
Authors: Simkin Paul M , Yang Natalie , Tsui Alpha , Kalnins Renate M , Fitt Greg , Gaillard Frank
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Gemistocytic astrocytoma is the second most common subtype of World Health Organization grade 2 astrocytoma, but has a worse prognosis than other grade 2 lesions. We aim to describe the MR imaging features of histopathologically proven gemistocytic tumours.

Methods

Ethics approval was obtained from both institutions. Patient consent was not required for this retrospective study. We reviewed MR imaging findings of 16 consecutive cases of histopathologically proven gemistocytic astrocytoma and anaplastic astrocytoma with gemistocytic features.

Results

Average patient age was 48 years, with a 3:1 male to female ratio. Based on our series, the typical appearance of a gemistocytic astrocytoma is a large, heterogeneous mass most commonly supratentorial and lobar. Regions of cyst formation, partial signal suppression on FLAIR images and contrast enhancement are all common features. Additionally, contrary to previous literature that describes gemistocytic astrocytoma as a purely supratentorial lesion, we present two cases of gemistocytic astrocytoma involving the brainstem.

Conclusions

The possibility of gemistocytic astrocytoma should be considered in patients presenting with large heterogeneous tumours that have regions of cyst formation, partial FLAIR suppression and contrast enhancement. This may be especially useful in reconciling a lesion with high‐grade MR imaging features with low‐grade histopathology. An infratentorial location does not preclude the diagnosis of gemistocytic astrocytoma.
Identification of sawflies and horntails (Hymenoptera, ‘Symphyta’) through DNA barcodes: successes and caveats
Authors: Schmidt Stefan , Taeger Andreas , Morinière Jérôme , Liston Andrew , Blank Stephan M. , Kramp Katja , Kraus Manfred , Schmidt Olga , Heibo Erik , Prous Marko , Nyman Tommi , Malm Tobias , Stahlhut Julie
Published: October 2016

The ‘Symphyta’ is a paraphyletic assemblage at the base of the order Hymenoptera, comprising 14 families and about 8750 species. All have phytophagous larvae, except for the Orussidae, which are parasitoids. This study presents and evaluates the results of DNA barcoding of approximately 5360 specimens of ‘Symphyta’, mainly adults, and 4362 sequences covering 1037 species were deemed of suitable quality for inclusion in the analysis. All extant families are represented, except for the Anaxyelidae. The majority of species and specimens are from Europe, but approximately 38% of the species and 13% of the specimens are of non‐European origin. The utility of barcoding for species identification and taxonomy of ‘Symphyta’ is discussed on the basis of examples from each of the included families. A significant level of cryptic species diversity was apparent in many groups. Other attractive applications include the identification of immature stages without the need to rear them, community analyses based on metabarcoding of bulk samples and association of the sexes of adults.
High phylogenetic utility of an ultraconserved element probe set designed for Arachnida
Authors: Starrett James , Derkarabetian Shahan , Hedin Marshal , Bryson Robert W. , McCormack John E. , Faircloth Brant C.
Published: October 2016

Arachnida is an ancient, diverse and ecologically important animal group that contains a number of species of interest for medical, agricultural and engineering applications. Despite their importance, many aspects of the arachnid tree of life remain unresolved, hindering comparative approaches to arachnid biology. Biologists have made considerable efforts to resolve the arachnid phylogeny; yet, limited and challenging morphological characters, as well as a dearth of genetic resources, have hindered progress. Here, we present a genomic toolkit for arachnids featuring hundreds of conserved DNA regions (ultraconserved elements or UCEs) that allow targeted sequencing of any species in the arachnid tree of life. We used recently developed capture probes designed from conserved regions of available arachnid genomes to enrich a sample of loci from 32 diverse arachnids. Sequence capture returned an average of 487 UCE loci for all species, with a range from 170 to 722. Phylogenetic analysis of these UCEs produced a highly resolved arachnid tree with relationships largely consistent with recent transcriptome‐based phylogenies. We also tested the phylogenetic informativeness of UCE probes within the spider, scorpion and harvestman orders, demonstrating the utility of these markers at shallower taxonomic scales and suggesting that these loci will be useful for species‐level differences. This probe set will open the door to phylogenomic and population genomic studies across the arachnid tree of life, enabling systematics, species delimitation, species discovery and conservation of these diverse arthropods.
City Diplomacy: Towards More Strategic Networking? Learning with WHO Healthy Cities
Authors: Acuto Michele , Morissette Mika , Tsouros Agis
Published: October 2016

Cities are increasingly capturing the attention of major international actors and now regularly feature in multilateral processes. Yet while there are many studies on networking among cities, there have been few studies of ‘city networks’ as formal and institutionalized governance structures facilitating city‐to‐city and city‐to‐other actors cooperation, or ‘city diplomacy’. Institutionalized networks of cities, while not new, are becoming a growing presence on the international scene, almost omnipresent and perhaps even too common. Might it be time for a ‘Darwinian’ selection between city networking options? Diving deeper into this networked challenge, this essay focuses on the effects this networked diplomacy and overlap it might have on cities. Drawing on a research collaboration between the UCL City Leadership Laboratory at University College London and the World Health Organization's Healthy Cities Network and both a global dataset of city networks as well as qualitative focus group data, we consider the growth of these governance structures, their strengths, but also the weaknesses associated with their rapid growth, and how cities can engage with this networked landscape more strategically. In short, we argue that the potential of city networks must go hand‐in‐hand with more integrative and strategic thinking at both local and international levels.
The political map of Arabia and the Middle East in the third century AD revealed by a Sabaean inscription
Authors: Schiettecatte Jérémie , Arbach Mounir
Published: October 2016

An inscription in Sabaic, recently discovered on the site of Jabal Riyām (Yemen), gives an account of a journey—probably a diplomatic mission—carried out by a Sabaean dignitary on behalf of the rulers of the tribe of Ḥumlān. He listed the territories he passed through in western and northern Arabia and in the Middle East, up to Palmyra and Mesopotamia. This text, assumed to date back to the third century AD (probably c.260–280), provides a unique picture of the political forces in the area and throws new light on the regional map of the time.
How Strong is the “FakeIDEffect?” An Examination Using Propensity Score Matching in Two Samples
Authors: Stogner John , Martinez Julia A. , Miller Bryan Lee. , Sher Kenneth J.
Published: October 2016

Background

Underage college students who obtain and use false identification (fakeID) are at risk for negative outcomes. However, it is currently unclear how uniquely the fakeIDitself serves as a vehicle to subsequent harm (i.e., the “fakeIDeffect”) over and above general and trait‐related risk factors (e.g., deviant peers, low self‐control).

Methods

To investigate whether the “fakeIDeffect” would hold after accounting for phenotypic risk, we utilized propensity score matching (PSM) in a cross‐sectional sample of 1,454 students, and a longitudinal replication sample of 3,720 undergraduates. Individualswitha fakeIDwere matched with individualswithouta fakeID, in terms of a number of trait‐based and social risk factors. These matched groups were then compared on 5 problematic outcomes (i.e., frequent binge drinking, alcohol‐related problems, arrests, marijuana use, and hard drug use).

Results

Findings showed that “fakeIDeffects” were substantially—although not fully—diminished followingPSM. The “fakeIDeffect” remained strongest for alcohol‐related arrests. This may relate to issues of enforcement and students’ willingness to engage in deviant behavior with a fakeID, or it may be a function of combined processes.

Conclusions

Overall, the findings suggest that interventions should not only be aimed at reducing the fakeID‐related alcohol access specifically, but should also be aimed more generally toward at‐risk youths’ access to alcohol. Future research might examine whether fakeIDs have their strongest potency as moderators of the effects of risky traits—such as impulsiveness—on drinking outcomes.
IL‐7/IL‐7R signaling pathway might play a role in recurrent pregnancy losses by increasing inflammatory Th17 cells and decreasing Treg cells
Authors: Wu Li , Li Jie , Xu Hui Li , Xu Bo , Tong Xian Hong , Kwak‐Kim Joanne , Liu Yu Sheng
Published: October 2016

Problem

We aim to investigate a possible role of IL‐7/IL‐7R signaling pathway in recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL).

Material and methods

Using the abortion‐prone (AP) and non‐abortion‐prone (NP) mice model, fetal resorption rates (FRR), Th17 and Treg cells‐related factors, and the effect of IL‐7 and IL‐7R antagonist were investigated by flow cytometry, quantitative real‐time PCR, and immunohistochemistry. IL‐7 and IL‐7R expressions in human decidua were investigated by immunohistochemistry.

Results

In the AP mice, IL‐7R antagonist treatment significantly decreased FRR by downregulating Th17 and upregulating Treg‐related factors. When the NP mice were treated with IL‐7, FRR was significantly increased by upregulating Th17 and downregulating Treg‐related factors. In decidual stromal cells of women with RPL, increased IL‐7 and decreased IL‐7R expressions were present when compared to normal controls.

Conclusion

IL‐7/IL‐7R signaling pathway plays a possible role in RPL by upregulating Th17 immunity, meanwhile downregulating Treg immunity. Regulation of IL‐7/IL‐7R may be a new therapeutic strategy for RPL.
Kinetic activity, membrane mitochondrial potential, lipid peroxidation, intracellular pH and calcium of frozen/thawed bovine spermatozoa treated with metabolic enhancers
Authors: Boni R. , Gallo A. , Cecchini S.
Published: October 2016

Owing to the progressive decline of sperm motility during storage there is a need to find substances capable of enhancing sperm energy metabolism and motility and/or preserving it from oxidative damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate in frozen/thawed bovine spermatozoa the effect of several compounds, such as myo‐inositol, pentoxifylline, penicillamine + hypotaurine + epinephrine mixture (PHE), caffeine and coenzyme Q10+ zinc + d‐aspartate mixture (CZA), on either kinetic or metabolic parameters. Sperm kinetics was evaluated by Sperm Class Analyser whereas specific fluorochromes were used to evaluated mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), intracellular pH, intracellular calcium concentration and lipid peroxidation. Lipid peroxidation was also evaluated by TBARS analysis. Treatments significantly affected total and progressive motility with different dynamics in relation to the incubation time. After the first hour of incubation, CZA treatment produced the best performance in total and progressive sperm motility as well as in curvilinear velocity, average path velocity and amplitude of head displacement, whereas pentoxifylline stimulated the highest straight‐line velocity. MMP showed higher values (p < 0.01) after treatment with pentoxifylline and PHE. Intracytoplasmic calcium concentration and lipid peroxidation were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the incubation time rather than the treatments. Intracellular pH varied significantly (p < 0.01) in relation to either the incubation time or treatments. In particular, it showed a progressive increase throughout incubation with values in control group significantly higher than in myo‐inositol, PHE, caffeine, pentoxifylline and CZA groups (7.37 ± 0.03 vs. 7.29 ± 0.03, 7.28 ± 0.03, 7.26 ± 0.03, 7.22 ± 0.03 and 7.00 ± 0.03, respectively; p < 0.01).; however, among treatments, CZA displayed the lowest values. Significant correlations were found between sperm kinetic and metabolic parameters. These findings provide new comparative information on the effects of putative metabolic enhancers on kinetics and metabolic activities of bovine spermatozoa. In this study, a rapid methodological approach for evaluating sperm quality is proposed.
Overexpression of CYP19A1 aromatase in Leydig cells is associated with steroidogenic dysfunction in subjects with Sertoli cell‐only syndrome
Authors: Lardone M. C. , Argandoña F. , Flórez M. , Parada‐Bustamante A. , Ebensperger M. , Palma C. , Piottante A. , Castro A.
Published: October 2016

Several observational studies have showed a combination of lower testosterone (T) to LH ratio and higher estradiol (E2) to T ratio in secretory infertile men compared to men with normal spermatogenesis, suggesting a steroidogenic dysfunction of Leydig cells (Lc) that may involve increased aromatase activity. Low T/LH ratio is associated with Lc hyperplasia, which together with LH hyperstimulation may represent compensation for impaired T production. Aromatase expression and oestrogen production are mainly detected in Lc of the testis, although Sertoli and germ cells also contribute to testicular aromatase activity. The aim of this study was to assess the transcriptional expression of CYP19A1 (aromatase) in isolated Lc of subjects with Sertoli cell‐only syndrome (SCOS) and signs of Lc impairment. Nineteen patients with SCOS and 10 controls with normal spermatogenesis who had medical indication of testicular biopsy for sperm retrieval were studied. Leydig cells were isolated by Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) and CYP19A1 mRNA expression was quantified by SYBR® Green‐based qPCR. In addition, testicular T and E2 and serum hormonal levels were measured. Relative to control group, CYP19A1 was overexpressed more than twofold in 10/19 cases (2.3–12.2‐fold increase), showing a significant increment in cases with low T/LH ratio (T/LH < 2) compared to cases with T/LH ≥ 2 (p = 0.038, REST®). Moreover, Rq data for CYP19A1 had a direct correlation with testicular levels of E2 and the E2/T ratio (r = 0.869; p < 0.001 and r = 0.633; p = 0.005). In summary, Lc from infertile patients with signs of Lc dysfunction overexpressed aromatase and showed an increment of testicular E2. Our results suggest that increased expression of aromatase in Lc leads to higher E2 production and may account for the functional impairment of the Lc in patients with SCOS.
Norms and Realities of Applying the Aid Discourse on Fragile States to North Korea
Authors: Park Jiyoun
Published: October 2016

This article aims to identify aid discourses as applied to the North Korean case, and examines whether or not international assistance has been promptly delivered. The aid discourse on fragile states in accordance with the New Deal, which focuses on strengthening a recipient country's foundation of development by alleviating its fragility, is deemed to be the relevant discourse because the international community considers North Korea to be a fragile state. However, the corresponding norms have not been applied by major international donors in the delivery and disbursement of aid to North Korea, despite its fragile state status and in spite of the fact that its fragility has not declined and is still perceived to be critical.
Corporate recidivism in emerging economies
Authors: Zheng Qinqin , Chun Rosa
Published: October 2016

Prior research on corporate misconduct pays extensive attention to single misconduct behaviors. However, little research has addressed recidivism – the repeated behaviors of corporate misconduct. Based on institutional theory and using the context of emerging economies where recidivism plays a considerable role, we propose the path dependency of corporate recidivism and suggest that three influential factors exist: internal preconditioning, inter‐organizational imitation, and the prevailing external evaluation. Our event history analysis of 1,036 listed companies in China over the period 2001–2008 statistically confirms our hypotheses. We conclude the paper by outlining the implications for both theory and practice.
Fear appeals, engagement, and examination performance: The role of challenge and threat appraisals
Authors: Putwain David W. , Symes Wendy , Wilkinson Hannah M.
Published: October 2016

Background

Fear appeals are persuasive messages that draw attention to the negative consequences (e.g., academic failure) that follow a particular course of action (e.g., not engaging in lessons) and how negative consequences can be avoided with an alternate course of action. Previous studies have shown that when fear appeals are appraised as threatening, they are related to lower examination performance.

Aim

In this study, we examined how challenge, as well as threat, appraisals are indirectly related to performance on a mathematics examination through behavioural engagement.

Sample

A total of 579 students from two secondary schools.

Method

Data were collected over four waves at approximately 3‐month intervals. Behavioural engagement data were collected at T1 and T3, fear appeal frequency and appraisal at T3, and examination performance at T2 and T4.

Results

A challenge appraisal of fear appeals predicted better examination performance through higher behavioural engagement whereas a threat appraisal of fear appeals predicted worse examination performance through lower behavioural engagement.

Conclusion

The relationship between fear appeals and examination performance depended on their appraisal.
Natural killer cell activity and dysfunction in Hermansky‐Pudlak syndrome
Authors: Gil‐Krzewska Aleksandra , Murakami Yousuke , Peruzzi Giovanna , O'Brien Kevin J. , Merideth Melissa A. , Cullinane Andrew R. , Gahl William A. , Coligan John E. , Gochuico Bernadette R. , Krzewski Konrad
Published: October 2016

Hermansky‐Pudlak syndrome (HPS) encompasses disorders with abnormal function of lysosomes and lysosome‐related organelles, and some patients who develop immunodeficiency. The basic mechanisms contributing to immune dysfunction in HPS are ill‐defined. We analysed natural killer (NK) cells from patients diagnosed with HPS‐1, HPS‐2, HPS‐4, and an unreported HPS subtype. NK cells from an HPS‐2 and an unreported HPS subtype share a similar cellular phenotype with defective granule release and cytotoxicity, but differ in cytokine exocytosis. Defining NK cell activity in several types of HPS provides insights into cellular defects of the disorder and understanding of mechanisms contributing to HPS pathogenesis.
Procoagulant profile in patients with immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Álvarez‐Román María T. , Fernández‐Bello Ihosvany , Jiménez‐Yuste Víctor , Martín‐Salces Mónica , Arias‐Salgado Elena G. , Rivas Pollmar María I. , Justo Sanz Raúl , Butta Nora V.
Published: October 2016

Despite their low platelet count some immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) patients seldom bleed, indicating the presence of factors to compensate thrombocytopenia. Moreover, ITP patients may have an increased risk for thrombosis. These facts suggest the presence of procoagulant mechanisms that have not been clarified yet. The aim of this study was to identify these possible factors. Moreover, the utility of rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) to test haemostasis in these patients was also evaluated. Patients with ITP presented a procoagulant profile due to an increased amount of platelet‐ and red cell‐microparticles, an increased resistance to protein C and the formation of a clot more resistant to fibrinolysis due to augmented levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1, which might reflect an endothelial damage/activation in ITP patients. Despite increased maximum clot firmness and reduced lysis, ROTEM® profiles showed a prolonged clotting time that might rely on the presence of anti‐platelet antibodies as suggested by the increased lagtime in thrombin generation test caused by plasma from ITP patients on platelets from healthy controls. These results indicate the need to individualize therapeutic treatment for ITP patients, considering their procoagulant profile and the presence of concomitant risk factors. Moreover, ROTEM® appeared to be useful for evaluating haemostasis in ITP patients.
Psychiatry Core Trainees’ Perception of Homophobia in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: A Preliminary Survey
Authors: Chatziagorakis Alexandros , Fitzgerald Gearoid
Published: October 2016

In 2009 the Royal College of Psychiatrists revised the curriculum for psychiatric training to include psychotherapy elements into the core curriculum. Trainees are now required to provide evidence of treating patients psychotherapeutically. The therapies that the trainees usually deliver are cognitive behavioural therapy and psychoanalytic psychotherapy (PAP). Psychoanalytic theory has largely viewed homosexuality as immaturity or pathology. Psychoanalytic theory and practice have traditionally been unable to incorporate homosexuality as a normal variant of sexuality and this has had significant consequences both for clinical practice and training. Our aim was to examine whether trainees have perceived their experience of PAP as homophobic. The study was done via an internet‐based questionnaire survey. Simple descriptive statistics were used to analyse the results. Most trainees did not find PAP homophobic in theory, practice or supervision. A minority of trainees considered PAP as homophobic prior to undertaking a case and found it homophobic after undertaking a case. Some trainees found their experience of PAP has broadened their views on their sexuality. Participants’ experience was positive and PAP was not perceived as homophobic. A negative experience might have significant implications for their mental wellbeing, training and choice of future career.
Lung cancer in patients with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema revisited with the 2015 World Health Organization classification of lung tumors
Authors: Gao Li , Xie Sheng , Liu Hui , Liu Pingping , Xiong Yan , Da Jiping , Que Chengli , Dai Huaping , Wang Chen
Published: October 2016

Objective

Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) is a newly defined entity that comprises upper lobe emphysema and lower lobe fibrosis. Patients with CPFE are at high risk for lung cancer and have poor prognoses. To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics of lung cancer with CPFE, lung cancers with CPFE and non‐CPFE interstitial lung disease (ILD) were reevaluated by 2015 WHO classification and compared.

Methods

A total of 60 patients with histologically proven lung cancer were selected from the database of two institutional medical centers. The subjects included 35 patients with combined lung cancer and CPFE, and 25 patients with lung cancer and non‐CPFE ILD. The clinical and pathological characteristics were evaluated and compared between the two groups.

Results

CPFE group had more current smokers but relatively normal pulmonary function compared with non‐CPFE group. The majority of the cancers in CPFE were located in the lower lobes (24 of 35 cases), where the pulmonary fibrosis visualized as reticular opacities was predominant. Keranitizing subtype of squamous cell carcinoma was prevalent in lung cancers with CPFE. Poor prognoses were found both for CPFE and non‐CPFE group because of advanced stage.

Conclusions

Lung cancers with CPFE show some unique clinical characteristics, and the distinct histological subtype may have therapeutic implication.
Reliability and discriminant validity of ataxia rating scales in early onset ataxia
Authors: Brandsma Rick , Lawerman Tjitske F , Kuiper Marieke J , Lunsing Roelineke J , Burger Huibert , Sival Deborah A
Published: October 2016

Aim

To determine whether ataxia rating scales are reliable disease biomarkers for early onset ataxia (EOA).

Method

In 40 patients clinically identified with EOA (28 males, 12 females; mean age 15y 3mo [range 5–34y]), we determined interobserver and intraobserver agreement (interclass correlation coefficient [ICC]) and discriminant validity of ataxia rating scales (International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale [ICARS], Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia [SARA], and Brief Ataxia Rating Scale [BARS]). Three paediatric neurologists independently scored ICARS, SARA and BARS performances recorded on video, and also phenotyped the primary and secondary movement disorder features. When ataxia was the primary movement disorder feature, we assigned patients to the subgroup ‘EOA with core ataxia’ (n=26). When ataxia concurred with other prevailing movement disorders (such as dystonia, myoclonus, and chorea), we assigned patients to the subgroup ‘EOA with comorbid ataxia’ (n=12).

Results

ICC values were similar in both EOA subgroups of ‘core’ and ‘comorbid’ ataxia (0.92–0.99; ICARS, SARA, and BARS). Independent of the phenotype, the severity of the prevailing movement disorder predicted the ataxia rating scale scores (β=0.83–0.88; p<0.05).

Interpretation

In patients with EOA, the reliability of ataxia rating scales is high. However, the discriminative validity for ‘ataxia’ is low. For adequate interpretation of ataxia rating scale scores, application in uniform movement disorder phenotypes is essential.
Interpreting Deliberative Democracy: Speech Acts, Strategic Action and Coercion
Authors: Dawson Graham
Published: October 2016

This article uses speech act theory to challenge the claim that the deliberative state is a forum for communicative action, while markets are characterised by strategic action. Two arguments are advanced against this claim. First, the illocutionary act of initiating a deliberative procedure is strategic because the consensus which the speaker wants the deliberating group to reach is not part of the illocutionary point of the directive but one possible perlocutionary effect. Second, the illocutionary act of recommending following a deliberative consensus is strategic and meddlesome and therefore not a communicative action. Deliberation enables not communicative action but strategic action.
Social Order in a Fragile State: Rio's Favelas
Authors: Rodet Cortney S.
Published: October 2016

A peculiar social order exists in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, where the drug factions that control them permit humanitarian activity which curbs drug use and faction affiliation. This article provides an institutional perspective on faction control of the favelas where a lack of government presence fosters faction legitimacy among residents. Allowing humanitarian organisations to operate in the favelas creates common knowledge among residents within a large coordination game where factions signal a desire to cooperate. Legitimisation among residents improves faction profits, while residents benefit from ‘law and order’, public services and public goods that are not provided by the state.
Trade and the Recognition of Commercial Lingua Francas: Russian Language Laws in Post‐Soviet Countries
Authors: Liu Amy H. , Roosevelt Megan , Wilson Sokhey Sarah
Published: October 2016

Trade has the potential to influence a wide range of political and social outcomes. Using the post‐Soviet context, we examine how language policies – vital components for how minorities are treated with far‐reaching economic consequences – are influenced by trade. We argue that while ethnic politics and colonial legacies are both important in shaping language laws, it is important to recognize that the Russian language remains a significant commercial lingua franca in the region. When economic exchanges between Russia and other post‐Soviet republics are frequent, governments are more likely to adopt pro‐Russian language laws as a practicality and to maintain favor with the Russian government and Russian‐speaking businesses. Using an original dataset covering all Russian language‐related laws in the former Soviet states from 1992 to 2009, we find a significant and positive relationship between trade and pro‐Russian language laws. These results are robust even when we (1) instrument for Russian import levels and (2) consider the Baltic effect, spillovers from cultural affinity, and the uniqueness of fuel exports.
A trans‐national monarch butterfly population model and implications for regional conservation priorities
Authors: OBERHAUSER KAREN , WIEDERHOLT RUSCENA , DIFFENDORFER JAY E. , SEMMENS DARIUS , RIES LESLIE , THOGMARTIN WAYNE E. , LOPEZ‐HOFFMAN LAURA , SEMMENS BRICE
Published: October 2016

1. The monarch has undergone considerable population declines over the past decade, and the governments of Mexico, Canada, and the United States have agreed to work together to conserve the species.

2. Given limited resources, understanding where to focus conservation action is key for widespread species like monarchs. To support planning for continental‐scale monarch habitat restoration, we address the question of where restoration efforts are likely to have the largest impacts on monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus Linn.) population growth rates.

3. We present a spatially explicit demographic model simulating the multi‐generational annual cycle of the eastern monarch population, and use the model to examine management scenarios, some of which focus on particular regions of North America.

4. Improving the monarch habitat in the north central or southern parts of the monarch range yields a slightly greater increase in the population growth rate than restoration in other regions. However, combining restoration efforts across multiple regions yields population growth rates above 1 with smaller simulated improvements in habitat per region than single‐region strategies.

5. Synthesis and applications: These findings suggest that conservation investment in projects across the full monarch range will be more effective than focusing on one or a few regions, and will require international cooperation across many land use categories.
Effect of high‐frequency subthalamic neurostimulation on gait and freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Schlenstedt C. , Shalash A. , Muthuraman M. , Falk D. , Witt K. , Deuschl G.
Published: October 2016

The aim of this meta‐analysis was to summarize the short‐ and long‐term effects of bilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN‐DBS) on gait and freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson's disease and to detect predictors of post‐stimulation outcome. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted up to October 2015 using Medline Ovid databases for studies analyzing the effect of bilateral STN‐DBS on FOG and/or gait. Sixteen studies with available data for the gait item (no. 29) of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and six studies with the FOG item (no. 14) were included. Data were summarized for the following follow‐up periods: 6–15, 24–48 and >48 months. For the medication (Med)‐Off/stimulation(Stim)‐On condition compared with baseline Med‐Off, STN‐DBS significantly improved gait on average from 2.43 to 0.96, 2.53 to 1.31 and 2.56 to 1.40 points at 6–15, 24–48 and >48 months, respectively (P < 0.05). Pre‐operative levodopa responsiveness of UPDRS‐III and Med‐Off severity of gait were the predictors of this beneficial effect. STN‐DBS significantly improved FOG for the Med‐Off/Stim‐On condition compared with baseline on average from 2.26 to 0.82, 2.43 to 1.13 and 2.48 to 1.38 points at 6–15, 24–48 and >48 months, respectively (P < 0.05). There was no significant effect in the Med‐On/Stim‐On condition. This meta‐analysis showed a robust improvement of gait and FOG by STN‐DBS for more than 4 years in the Med‐Off/Stim‐On condition. No beneficial effect was found for the On state of medication. Pre‐operative levodopa responsiveness of global motor performance (UPDRS‐III) is the strongest predictor of the effect of deep brain stimulation on gait.
The ecological conscious consumer behaviour: are the activists different?
Authors: Brochado Ana , Teiga Nídia , Oliveira‐Brochado Fernando
Published: October 2016

In recent decades, concern about the environment has been increasing. Many individuals are now more worried about their purchasing behaviour and the consequences their actions could have for the environment. Managers are becoming more committed to responding to individual needs and desires in a responsible way, taking into account possible environmental damage. Previous studies concentrated more on explaining this phenomenon through demographic variables, but the trend now is towards explaining this through psychographic and environmental variables, which have already been shown to be the most significant in this context. This study sought to establish the relationship between activists and ecologically conscious consumer behaviour (ECCB) by analyzing the profile of green consumers (i.e. demographic and psychographic variables). To reach this objective, an online survey was conducted. The results of data analyses support the conclusion that activism is the strongest predictor of ECCB.
Kernel‐based gluten contamination of gluten‐free oatmeal complicates gluten assessment as it causes binary‐like test outcomes
Authors: Fritz Ronald D. , Chen Yumin
Published: October 2016

Gluten‐free (GF) foods, whose claim compliance is controlled at the ‘serving level’, hold better chances of protecting gluten‐intolerant consumers. This is particularly true for GF oatmeal, as oats are easily contaminated with gluten‐rich kernels of wheat, rye and barley, which remain intact to the spoon as pill‐like flakes. A single contaminant kernel in otherwise pure oats results in GF labelling noncompliance, thereby posing a risk to patients with coeliac disease. Our in‐market survey of 965 GF oatmeal servings uncovered that one in fifty‐seven servings exceeded the GF labelling maximum of 20 mg kg−1 (i.e. 20 ppm). The noncompliance pattern was ‘binary‐like’, with kernel‐based contamination the suspected pass/fail driver. We have highlighted probabilities of misassessment for various sample sizes in light of oat's natural propensity for kernel‐based contamination and proposed use of attribute‐based sampling for compliance assessment, thereby providing a way to assess/manage/control ‘rates of servings containing a contaminant kernel’ within acceptable limits with high confidence.