bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Will firms go green if it pays? The impact of disruption, cost, and external factors on the adoption of environmental initiatives
Authors: Dowell Glen W. S. , Muthulingam Suresh
Published: October 2016

Research summary: Research on the link between financial and environmental performance implicitly assumes that firms will pursue profitable environmental actions. Yet, clearly, factors beyond profitability influence firms' environmental choices. We treat these choices as organizational change decisions and hypothesize that adoption of environmental initiatives is influenced by a combination of profit, level of disruption caused, and external influences. We test our hypotheses by examining firms' choices regarding implementation of energy‐savings initiatives. We find that degree of disruption, number of prior local adopters, and strength of environmental norms affect the adoption decisions. In addition, the effect of disruption is amplified by the implementation costs, but is mitigated by the number of prior local adopters.

Managerial summary: Often, in trying to improve firms' environmental performance, academics and stakeholders have focused on actions that simultaneously improve environmental and financial performance. This assumes that firms will undertake projects that offer such dual benefits. We consider what might prevent firms from pursuing such ‘win‐win’ initiatives. We focus on how the degree of disruption of an energy‐saving initiative affects its probability of adoption. We find that firms are significantly more likely to adopt moderately profitable, but easy initiatives than more profitable but disruptive ones. We also examine internal and external factors that moderate the effect of disruption. Our findings suggest that in order to incentivize firms to improve environmental performance, it might be more beneficial make these activities less disruptive than to make them more profitable. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Graphene Oxide Nanosheets Retard Cellular Migration via Disruption of Actin Cytoskeleton
Authors: Tian Xin , Yang Zaixing , Duan Guangxin , Wu Anqing , Gu Zonglin , Zhang Leili , Chen Chunying , Chai Zhifang , Ge Cuicui , Zhou Ruhong
Published: October 2016

Graphene and graphene‐based nanomaterials are broadly used for various biomedical applications due to their unique physiochemical properties. However, how graphene‐based nanomaterials interact with biological systems has not been thoroughly studied. This study shows that graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets retard A549 lung carcinoma cell migration through nanosheet‐mediated disruption of intracellular actin filaments. After GO nanosheets treatment, A549 cells display slower migration and the structure of the intracellular actin filaments is dramatically changed. It is found that GO nanosheets are capable of absorbing large amount of actin and changing the secondary structures of actin monomers. Large‐scale all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations further reveal the interactions between GO nanosheets and actin filaments at molecular details. GO nanosheets can insert into the interstrand gap of actin tetramer (helical repeating unit of actin filament) and cause the separation of the tetramer which eventually leads to the disruption of actin filaments. These findings offer a novel mechanism of GO nanosheet induced biophysical responses and provide more insights into their potential for biomedical applications.
JAMES: An object‐oriented Java framework for discrete optimization using local search metaheuristics
Authors: De Beukelaer Herman , Davenport Guy F. , De Meyer Geert , Fack Veerle
Published: October 2016

This paper describes the Java Metaheuristics Search framework (JAMES, v1.1): an object‐oriented Java framework for discrete optimization using local search algorithms that exploits the generality of such metaheuristics by clearly separating search implementation and application from problem specification. A wide range of generic local searches are provided, including (stochastic) hill climbing, tabu search, variable neighbourhood search and parallel tempering. These can be applied to any user‐defined problem by plugging in a custom neighbourhood for the corresponding solution type. Using an automated analysis workflow, the performance of different search algorithms can be compared in order to select an appropriate optimization strategy. Implementations of specific components are included for subset selection, such as a predefined solution type, generic problem definition and several subset neighbourhoods used to modify the set of selected items. Additional components for other types of problems (e.g. permutation problems) are provided through an extensions module which also includes the analysis workflow. In comparison with existing Java metaheuristics frameworks that mainly focus on population‐based algorithms, JAMES has a much lower memory footprint and promotes efficient application of local searches by taking full advantage of move‐based evaluation. Releases of JAMES are deployed to the Maven Central Repository so that the framework can easily be included as a dependency in other Java applications. The project is fully open source and hosted on GitHub. More information can be found at http://www.jamesframework.org. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serendipitous science engagement: A family self‐ethnography
Authors: Vedder‐Weiss Dana
Published: October 2016

While opportunities for spontaneous, undesigned, serendipitous science engagement (SSE) are abundant and evidence regarding its affordances is accumulating, little is known about its nature. In this paper, I present a model defining and identifying SSE, which consists of a personal and a contextual continuum. To explore the nature of family SSE, I analyzed a 66‐minute case, obtained through self‐ethnography, of three children and a mother engaging with bugs they discovered in their backyard. Employing the “language games” approach, the analysis elucidates how the absence of designated goals enabled legitimate multiple language‐games over relatively long periods of time, with one game supporting the other. It also reveals delayed uptake, in which children appear to ignore scientific practice or content, while they are actually picking up ideas that they later use to engage with science. Examining processes of guided participation reveals that it entailed authentic modeling and gradual participation in the sense‐making game, without abandoning other games. I discuss implications for science learning and for learning theory more broadly, including parents’ role in SSE, issues of time for and in SSE, and guided participation in academic activities lacking designated goals. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 54: 350–378, 2017
Evidence‐Based Management of Pain After Excisional Haemorrhoidectomy Surgery: A PROSPECT Review Update
Authors: Sammour Tarik , Barazanchi Ahmed W. H. , Hill Andrew G. ,   PROSPECT group (Collaborators), Bonnet Francis , Fischer Barrie , Joshi Girish , Kehlet Henrik , Lirk Philipp , Rawal Narinder , Schug Stephan , Van de Velde Marc , Vercauteren Marcel
Published: October 2016

Background

The aim of this systematic review was to update previous PROSPECT (http://www.postoppain.org) review recommendations for the management of pain after excisional haemorrhoidectomy.

Methods

Randomized studies and reviews published in the English language from July 2006 (end date of last review) to March 2016, assessing analgesic, anaesthetic, and operative interventions pertaining to excisional haemorrhoidectomy in adults, and reporting pain scores, were retrieved from the EMBASE and MEDLINE databases.

Results

An additional 464 studies were identified of which 74 met the inclusion criteria. There were 48 randomized controlled trials and 26 reviews. Quantitative analyses were not performed, as there were limited numbers of trials with a sufficiently homogeneous design.

Conclusion

Pudendal nerve block, with or without general anaesthesia, is recommended for all patients undergoing haemorrhoidal surgery. Either closed haemorrhoidectomy, or open haemorrhoidectomy with electrocoagulation of the pedicle is recommended as the primary procedure. Combinations of analgesics (paracetamol, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, and opioids), topical lignocaine and glyceryl trinitrate, laxatives, and oral metronidazole are recommended post‐operatively. The recommendations are largely based on single intervention, not multimodal intervention, studies.
Risk Factors for Cholangiocarcinoma After Initial Hepatectomy for Intrahepatic Stones
Authors: Meng Ze‐Wu , Han Sheng‐Hua , Zhu Jin‐Hai , Zhou Liang‐Yi , Chen Yan‐Ling
Published: October 2016

Background

Aggressive hepatectomy is effective in treating intrahepatic stones and may minimize the deleterious consequences of subsequent cholangiocarcinoma (S‐CCA). The risk factors of S‐CCA after different methods of hepatectomy may vary with the resection scope of stone‐affected segments.

Methods

We reviewed the records of 981 patients of primary intrahepatic stones with elective hepatectomy from January 2000 to December 2010. The clinical characteristics of patients in the S‐CCA group (n = 55) and the control group (n = 926) were compared. The uniformity between extent of liver resection (ELR) with stone‐affected segments (SAS) was segmented into 2 varieties: ELR = SAS with ELR < SAS according to the different hepatic resection scopes. Cox regression model with forward selection was used to identify the risk factors of S‐CCA.

Results

In the univariate analysis, significant differences were observed between the S‐CCA and control groups concerning stone location (unilateral 43.6 and 65.2 %, bilateral 56.4 and 34.8 %), residual stones (32.7 and 11.6 %), hepaticojejunostomy (43.6 and 30.9 %), and uniformity between ELR with SAS (ELR = SAS 20.0 and 42.6 %, ELR < SAS 80.0 and 57.4 %). Residual stones [hazard ratio (HR) 2.101, P = 0.016], hepaticojejunostomy (HR 1.837, P = 0.026) and uniformity between ELR and SAS (HR 2.442, P = 0.013) were independent prognostic factors for S‐CCA by a Cox regression analysis with forward selection. In the subsection of ELR = SAS group, the 5‐ and 10‐year postoperative tumor occurrence rates of unilateral and bilateral stones group were 0.9 versus 1.9 % and 3.0 versus 4.1 %, respectively (P = 0.663, log‐rank). In the other subsection of ELR < SAS group, the 5‐ and 10‐year postoperative tumor occurrence rates of unilateral and bilateral stones group were 3.4 versus 3.9 % and 6.8 versus 13.2 %, respectively (P = 0.047, log‐rank), and the 5‐ and 10‐year postoperative tumor occurrence rates of residual stones and non‐residual stones group were 5.8 versus 3.0 % and 16.0 versus 7.9 %, respectively (P = 0.015, log‐rank).

Conclusions

Patients who underwent aggressive hepatectomy and had ELR = SAS had better outcomes than those with ELR < SAS. In the patients with ELR = SAS, the S‐CCA rates of unilateral and bilateral stones were low and comparable. However, patients with ELR < SAS and bilateral intrahepatic or residual stones should be monitored more carefully for high‐risk factors of S‐CCA.
Treatment‐Based Three‐Dimensional Classification and Management of Anorectal Infections
Authors: Ortega A. E. , Cologne K. G. , Shin J. , Lee S. W. , Ault G. T.
Published: October 2016

This article provides a current overview on clinical anatomy, pathophysiology, workup and surgical management of anorectal abscesses. Based on the three‐dimensional nature of anorectal abscesses, a novel treatment‐based classification is proposed. It examines the basis of a philosophic shift from simple drainage to concomitant definitive treatment of abscesses and their underlying primary fistulous trajectories. Complications are discussed specifically in this context.
Patients Undergoing Breast‐Conserving Surgery Can Benefit from the Opportunity to Participate in Choosing Their Surgical Technique
Authors: Dahlbäck Cecilia , Manjer Jonas , Rehn Martin , Ringberg Anita
Published: October 2016

Background

Shared decision‐making is increasingly advocated in many countries. The aims of this study were to investigate whether patients receiving breast‐conserving surgery at Skåne University Hospital Malmö, Sweden, perceived an offered possibility to join in the decision‐making process regarding the surgical method; to identify potential determinants for not having perceived such an offer; and to study how this perception of being offered an opportunity to take part in the decision‐making process affected satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome.

Methods

Women offered breast‐conserving surgery were consecutively recruited over a period of 4 years. In all, 324 women completed a study‐specific questionnaire.

Results

A majority of the women (53 %) perceived that they had not, or had only partly, been offered a possibility to take part in the decision‐making process. Patients who reported that they had received enough preoperative information regarding the expected aesthetic result were more likely to have perceived such an offer (odds ratio (OR) 5.44; confidence interval (CI) 2.83–10.43). Women who had perceived an opportunity to be involved were more satisfied with the aesthetic result (OR 2.71; CI 1.18–6.25) and more likely to have had their expectations met regarding the aesthetic result (OR 5.91; CI 2.01–17.38).

Conclusion

When deciding on a suitable surgical approach for women with early breast cancer, physicians could try to more clearly communicate to the women that they can choose whether or not to participate in the decision‐making regarding surgical technique. This might improve satisfaction. An important part of patient involvement is sufficient preoperative information.
Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Have High Interest in and Limited Access to Genetic Testing
Authors: Wagner Karin N. , Nagaraja Haikady , Allain Dawn C. , Quick Adam , Kolb Stephen , Roggenbuck Jennifer
Published: October 2016

Although genetic testing for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is widely available, it is unknown what proportion of patients with ALS have access to genetic counseling and testing, and patient attitudes towards ALS genetic testing have not been studied. We conducted a national survey of ALS patients enrolled in the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, which consisted of multiple choice questions and two 12 item Likert scale series assessing respondents’ experience with and attitude toward genetic testing. The survey had an 8 % response rate, with 449 completed responses. Genetic testing was offered to 33.4 % and completed by 67.1 % of those offered. A minority of respondents (12.5 %) saw a genetic counselor, and were much more likely to be offered genetic testing (p = 0.0001). Respondents with a family history of ALS (8.4 %) were more likely to be offered testing (p = 0.0001) and complete testing (p = 0.05). Respondents with a family history of ALS were more likely to report a favorable attitude towards genetic testing (p = 0.0003), as were respondents who saw a genetic counselor (p = 0.02). The majority of respondents (82.7 %) felt that genetic testing should be offered to all patients with ALS. Our results indicate that ALS patients may have limited access to genetic testing, but perceive benefit from this service. Development of practice guidelines for genetic testing in ALS, to include the routine offer of genetic counseling, may result in broader and more consistent access to these services.
Science: the slow march of accumulating evidence
Authors: Picho Katherine , Maggio Lauren A. , Artino Jr Anthony R.
Published: October 2016

Recent crises over the credibility of research in psychology and the biomedical sciences have highlighted the need for researchers to view and treat replication research as essential to the accumulation of knowledge. In this article, the authors make the case for the utility of replication in medical education research. Specifically, the authors contend that because research in medical education often adopts theories from other disciplines, replication is necessary to gauge the applicability of those theories to the specific medical education context. This article introduces readers to the two major types of replication – direct and conceptual – and provides a primer on conceptual replication. In particular, the article presents key elements of conceptual replication and considers how it can be used to strengthen approaches to knowledge generation, theory testing, and theory development in medical education research.
Designing an efficient humanitarian supply network
Authors: Charles Aurelie , Lauras Matthieu , Van Wassenhove Luk N. , Dupont Lionel
Published: October 2016

Increasingly, humanitarian organizations have opened regional warehouses and pre‐positioned resources locally. Choosing appropriate locations is not easy and frequently based on opportunities rather than rational decisions. Dedicated decision‐support systems could help humanitarian practitioners design their supply networks. Academic literature suggests the use of commercial sector models but rarely considers the constraints and specific context of humanitarian operations, such as obtaining accurate data, high uncertainties, limited budgets and increasing pressure on cost efficiency. We propose a tooled methodology to properly support humanitarian decision makers in the design of their supply chains. Our contribution is based on the definition of aggregate scenarios to reliably forecast demand using past disaster data and future trends. Demand for relief items based on these scenarios is then fed to a mixed‐integer linear programming model in order to improve current supply networks. The specifications of this model have been defined in close collaboration with humanitarian workers. The model allows analysis of the impact of alternative sourcing strategies and service level requirements on operational efficiency. It provides clear and actionable recommendations for a given context, bridging the gap between academics and humanitarian logisticians. The methodology was developed to be useful to a broad range of humanitarian organizations, and a specific application to the supply chain design of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is discussed in detail.
External Mechanical Devices and Vascular Surgery for Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Trost Landon W. , Munarriz Ricardo , Wang Run , Morey Allen , Levine Laurence
Published: October 2016

Introduction

The field of sexual medicine is continuously advancing, with novel outcomes reported on a regular basis. Given the rapid evolution, updated guidelines are essential to inform practicing clinicians on best practices.

Aim

To summarize the current literature and provide clinical guidelines on penile traction therapy, vacuum erection devices, and penile revascularization.

Methods

A consensus panel was held with leading sexual medicine experts during the 2015 International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM). Relevant literature was reviewed and graded based on Oxford criteria to develop evidence-based guideline and consensus statements.

Main Outcome Measures

The development of clinically relevant guidelines.

Results

Penile traction therapy is a viable therapy to modestly improve penile length as a primary therapy, before penile prosthesis placement in men with decreased penile length or after surgery for Peyronie's disease. It also might have a role in the acute phase of Peyronie's disease but has inconsistent outcomes in the long-term phase. Vacuum erection devices are effective in creating an erection satisfactory for intercourse, even in difficult-to-treat populations. They also might be used in the post-prostatectomy setting to maintain penile length but have insufficient evidence as a penile rehabilitation therapy. For vasculogenic erectile dysfunction, men with suspected arterial insufficiency can be evaluated with penile Duplex Doppler ultrasonography and confirmatory angiography. Penile revascularization procedures have consistently demonstrated benefits in very select patient populations; however, inadequate data exists to suggest the superiority of one technique. Men with vascular risk factors are likely poor candidates for penile revascularization, although veno-occlusive dysfunction and age are less significant. Therapies for treating primary veno-occlusive dysfunction are not recommended and should be reserved for clinical trials.

Conclusions

Since the prior ICSM meeting, multiple developments have occurred in external mechanical devices and penile revascularization for the treatment of erectile and sexual dysfunction. Sexual medicine clinicians are encouraged to review and incorporate recommendations as applicable to their scope of practice.
Effectiveness of Intracavernous Delivery of Recombinant Human Hepatocyte Growth Factor on Erectile Function in the Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mouse
Authors: Das Nando Dulal , Yin Guo Nan , Choi Min Ji , Song Kang-Moon , Park Jin-Mi , Limanjaya Anita , Ghatak Kalyan , Minh Nguyen Nhat , Ock Jiyeon , Park Soo-Hwan , Kim Ho Min , Ryu Ji-Kan , Suh Jun-Kyu
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Diabetic erectile dysfunction is a disease mostly of vascular origin and men with diabetic erectile dysfunction respond poorly to oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a pleiotropic factor that plays an essential role in the regulation of cell proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis.

Aim

To determine the effectiveness of recombinant human (rh)-HGF in restoring erectile function in diabetic mice.

Methods

Four groups of mice were used: control non-diabetic mice and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice receiving two successive intracavernous injections of phosphate buffered saline (days −3 and 0), a single intracavernous injection of rh-HGF (day 0), or two successive intracavernous injections of rh-HGF (days −3 and 0). We also examined the effect of rh-HGF in primary cultured mouse cavernous endothelial cells and in major pelvic ganglion culture in vitro, which was incubated under a normal-glucose (5 mmol/L) or a high-glucose (30 mmol/L) condition.

Main Outcome Measures

Two weeks after treatment, we measured erectile function by electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve and the penis was harvested for histologic studies.

Results

Repeated intracavernous injections of rh-HGF protein induced significant restoration of erectile function in diabetic mice (89–100% of control values), whereas a single intracavernous injection of rh-HGF protein elicited modest improvement. Rh-HGF significantly induced phosphorylation of its receptor c-Met, increased the content of endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, and decreased the generation of reactive oxygen species (superoxide anion and peroxynitrite) and extravasation of oxidized low-density lipoprotein in diabetic mice. Under the high-glucose condition, rh-HGF protein also promoted tube formation in mouse cavernous endothelial cells and enhanced neurite sprouting in major pelvic ganglion culture in vitro.

Conclusion

The dual angiogenic and neurotrophic effects of HGF could open a new avenue through which diabetic erectile dysfunction can be treated.
Examining the stability derivatives of a compound helicopter
Authors: Ferguson K. , Thomson D.
Published: October 2016

Some helicopter manufacturers are exploring the compound helicopter design as it could potentially satisfy the new emerging requirements placed on the next generation of rotorcraft. It is well understood that the main benefit of the compound helicopter is its ability to reach speeds that significantly surpass the conventional helicopter. However, it is possible that the introduction of compounding may lead to a vehicle with significantly different flight characteristics when compared to a conventional helicopter. One method to examine the flight dynamics of an aircraft is to create a linearised mathematical model of the aircraft and to investigate the stability derivatives of the vehicle. The aim of this paper is to examine the stability derivatives of a compound helicopter through a comparison with a conventional helicopter. By taking this approach, some stability, handling qualities and design issues associated with the compound helicopter can be identified. The paper features a conventional helicopter and a compound helicopter. The conventional helicopter is a standard design, featuring a main rotor and a tail-rotor. The compound helicopter configuration features both lift and thrust compounding. The wing offloads the main rotor at high speeds, whereas two propellers provide additional propulsive thrust as well as yaw control. The results highlight that the bare airframe compound helicopter would require a larger tailplane surface to ensure acceptable longitudinal handling qualities in forward flight. In addition, without increasing the size of the bare airframe compound helicopter’s vertical fin, the Dutch roll mode satisfies the ADS-33 level 1 handling qualities category for the majority of the flight envelope.
Metric invariance entropy and conditionally invariant measures
Authors: COLONIUS FRITZ
Published: October 2016

Two notions of metric invariance entropy are constructed with respect to conditionally invariant measures for control systems in discrete time and it is shown that they are invariant under conjugacies.
Planar self-affine sets with equal Hausdorff, box and affinity dimensions
Authors: FALCONER KENNETH , KEMPTON TOM
Published: October 2016

Using methods from ergodic theory along with properties of the Furstenberg measure we obtain conditions under which certain classes of plane self-affine sets have Hausdorff or box-counting dimensions equal to their affinity dimension. We exhibit some new specific classes of self-affine sets for which these dimensions are equal.
Hyperbolic neighbourhoods as organizers of finite-time exponential stretching
Authors: Balasuriya Sanjeeva , Kalampattel Rahul , Ouellette Nicholas T.
Published: October 2016

Hyperbolic points and their unsteady generalization – hyperbolic trajectories – drive the exponential stretching that is the hallmark of nonlinear and chaotic flow. In infinite-time steady or periodic flows, the stable and unstable manifolds attached to each hyperbolic trajectory mark fluid elements that asymptote either towards or away from the hyperbolic trajectory, and which will therefore eventually experience exponential stretching. But typical experimental and observational velocity data are unsteady and available only over a finite time interval, and in such situations hyperbolic trajectories will move around in the flow, and may lose their hyperbolicity at times. Here we introduce a way to determine their region of influence, which we term a hyperbolic neighbourhood, that marks the portion of the domain that is instantaneously dominated by the hyperbolic trajectory. We establish, using both theoretical arguments and empirical verification from model and experimental data, that the hyperbolic neighbourhoods profoundly impact the Lagrangian stretching experienced by fluid elements. In particular, we show that fluid elements traversing a flow experience exponential boosts in stretching while within these time-varying regions, that greater residence time within hyperbolic neighbourhoods is directly correlated to larger finite-time Lyapunov exponent (FTLE) values, and that FTLE diagnostics are reliable only when the hyperbolic neighbourhoods have a geometrical structure that is ‘regular’ in a specific sense.
FIXED ELEMENTS OF NONINJECTIVE ENDOMORPHISMS OF POLYNOMIAL ALGEBRAS IN TWO VARIABLES
Authors: LI YUEYUE , YU JIE-TAI
Published: October 2016

Let $A_{2}$ be a free associative algebra or polynomial algebra of rank two over a field of characteristic zero. The main results of this paper are the classification of noninjective endomorphisms of $A_{2}$ and an algorithm to determine whether a given noninjective endomorphism of $A_{2}$ has a nontrivial fixed element for a polynomial algebra. The algorithm for a free associative algebra of rank two is valid whenever an element is given and the subalgebra generated by this element contains the image of the given noninjective endomorphism.
International Labor Mobility and the Variety of Democratic Political Institutions
Authors: Bearce David H. , Hart Andrew F.
Published: October 2016

Using a new measure of immigration policy and examining thirty-six advanced industrial countries between 1996 and 2012, we seek to explain systematically the variation in external labor openness among the more advanced democracies as primary destination countries, using a model where the government feels political pressure through both a voter/electoral channel and a special-interests channel. With voters primarily pressing for immigration restrictions and special interest pressure aimed at immigration openness, democratic political institutions—like a parliamentary system and proportional representation voting with greater district magnitude that make governments more responsive to voters and less responsive to special interests—should be associated with less change toward a more open official immigration policy. Our statistical evidence accords with this expectation.
Spatial and temporal trends in order richness of marine phytoplankton as a tracer for the exchange zone between coastal and open waters
Authors: Jung A.S. , Bijkerk R. , Van Der Veer H.W. , Philippart C.J.M.
Published: October 2016

Quantifying exchange of particulate matter between coastal and open waters is an important and often unresolved issue. Here, we apply phytoplankton order richness as an innovative marine tracer to identify the geographic position of a coastal exchange zone in the SE North Sea, including its variability in time and space. Previous observations on dynamics of suspended particulate matter accumulation resulted in a hypothesized boundary between coastal waters (including the Wadden Sea) and open North Sea waters, the so-called ‘line-of-no-return’. Our study along two transects (Terschelling, Noordwijk) in the Dutch coastal zone showed seasonality patterns in phytoplankton order richness, both for diatoms and flagellates. The coastal Wadden Sea was found to be clearly different from the open North Sea, implying that seasonality in Wadden Sea phytoplankton is at least partly driven by local environmental conditions. Seasonality in flagellates was found to be more uniform than seasonality in diatoms. Stations in the coastal North Sea to a distance of 10 km (Terschelling) to 20 km (Noordwijk) from the shore appeared to be at the inside of the ‘line-of-no-return’. Our findings indicate that this approach is a useful aid in exploring mixing of particulate matter between coastal and open waters and to study the responses of phytoplankton communities to environmental drivers.
In vitro and ex vivo activity of Melaleuca alternifolia against protoscoleces of Echinococcus ortleppi
Authors: MONTEIRO DANIELI URACH , AZEVEDO MARIA ISABEL , WEIBLEN CARLA , DE AVILA BOTTON SÔNIA , FUNK NADINE LYSYK , DE BONA DA SILVA CRISTIANE , ZANETTE RÉGIS ADRIEL , SCHWANZ THIAGO GUILHERME , DE LA RUE MÁRIO LUIZ
Published: October 2016

Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease of difficult diagnosis and treatment. The use of protoscolicidal agents in procedures is of utmost importance for treatment success. This study was aimed at analysing the in vitro and ex vivo activity of Melaleuca alternifolia oil (tea tree oil – TTO), its nanoemulsion formulation (NE-TTO) and its major component (terpinen-4-ol) against Echinococcus ortleppi protoscoleces obtained from cattle. Concentrations of 2·5, 5 and 10 mg mL−1 of TTO, 10 mg mL−1 of NE-TTO and 1, 1·5 and 2 mg mL−1 of terpinen-4-ol were evaluated in vitro against protoscoleces at 5, 10, 15 and 30 min. TTO was also injected directly into hydatid cysts (ex vivo analysis, n = 20) and the viability of protoscoleces was evaluated at 5, 15 and 30 min. The results indicated protoscolicidal effect at all tested formulations and concentrations. Terpinen-4-ol (2 mg mL−1) activity was superior when compared with the highest concentration of TTO. NE-TTO reached a gradual protoscolicidal effect. TTO at 20 mg mL−1 showed 90% protoscolicidal action in hydatid cysts at 5 min. The results showed that TTO affects the viability of E. ortleppi protoscoleces, suggesting a new protoscolicidal option to the treatment of cystic equinococcosis.
Loads of trematodes: discovering hidden diversity of paramphistomoids in Kenyan ruminants
Authors: LAIDEMITT MARTINA R. , ZAWADZKI EVA T. , BRANT SARA V. , MUTUKU MARTIN W. , MKOJI GERALD M. , LOKER ERIC S.
Published: October 2016

Paramphistomoids are ubiquitous and widespread digeneans that infect a diverse range of definitive hosts, being particularly speciose in ruminants. We collected adult worms from cattle, goats and sheep from slaughterhouses, and cercariae from freshwater snails from ten localities in Central and West Kenya. We sequencedcox1 (690 bp) and internal transcribed region 2 (ITS2) (385 bp) genes from a small piece of 79 different adult worms and stained and mounted the remaining worm bodies for comparisons with available descriptions. We also sequencedcox1 and ITS2 from 41 cercariae/rediae samples collected from four different genera of planorbid snails. Combining morphological observations, host use information, genetic distance values and phylogenetic methods, we delineated 16 distinct clades of paramphistomoids. For four of the 16 clades, sequences from adult worms and cercariae/rediae matched, providing an independent assessment for their life cycles. Much work is yet to be done to resolve fully the relationships among paramphistomoids, but some correspondence between sequence- and anatomically based classifications were noted. Paramphistomoids of domestic ruminants provide one of the most abundant sources of parasitic flatworm biomass, and because of the predilection of several species useBulinusandBiomphalariasnail hosts, have interesting linkages with the biology of animal and human schistosomes to in Africa.
The neurobiology of self-processing in abused depressed adolescents
Authors: Quevedo Karina , Ng Rowena , Scott Hannah , Smyda Garry , Pfeifer Jennifer H. , Malone Sandra
Published: October 2016

Maltreatment is associated with chronic depression, high negative self-attributions, and lifetime psychopathology. Adolescence is a sensitive period for the formation of self-concept. Identifying neurobiomarkers of self-processing in depressed adolescents with and without maltreatment may parse the effects of trauma and depression on self-development and chronic psychopathology. Depressed adolescents (n= 86) maltreated due to omission (DO,n= 13) or commission (DCM,n= 28) or without maltreatment (DC,n= 45), and HCs (HC,n= 37) appraised positive and negative self-descriptors in the scanner. DCM and DO showed hypoactivity in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) while processing positive versus negative self-descriptors compared to DC youth, who in turn showed reduced dACC recruitment versus HC. HC youth showed the highest activation in the dACC and striatum during positive self-descriptors; these regions showed a linear decline in activity across DC, DO, and DCM. Low dACC activity to positive versus negative self-descriptors was linked to inadequate coregulation of children's emotions by parents. Negative self-cognitions prevalent in DCM and DO adolescents may be perpetuated by activity in the dACC and striatum. Reduced activation of the dACC and striatum for positive self-descriptors, coupled with enhanced activity for negative self-descriptors, may heighten the risk for persistent depression.
The interactive effects of child maltreatment and the FK506 binding protein 5 gene (FKBP5) on dissociative symptoms in adolescence
Authors: Yaylaci Fatima Tuba , Cicchetti Dante , Rogosch Fred A. , Bulut Okan , Hetzel Susan R.
Published: October 2016

The FK506 binding protein 5 gene (FKBP5) has been associated with susceptibility to pathogenic effects of childhood trauma including dissociative symptoms. This study examines the impact of maltreatment on dissociative tendencies in adolescence as moderated by theFKBP5gene. Dissociative symptoms and variation withinFKBP5were assessed in a high-risk, low socioeconomic status community sample of 279 maltreated and 171 nonmaltreated adolescents. Following the assignment of haplotypes across four single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs3800373, rs9296158, rs1360780, and rs9470080), individuals with one or more copies of the CATT haplotype (N= 230) were grouped together and compared to individuals with zero copies of this haplotype (N= 185). Analyses of covariance were conducted to test hypotheses regarding the effects of developmental timing and the chronicity of maltreatment and the CATT haplotype. We found a significant interactive effect of timing/chronicity of maltreatment and the CATT haplotype on dissociative symptoms. Among adolescents who had no copies of the CATT haplotype, dissociative symptoms were higher for chronically maltreated adolescents who had an infancy onset compared to those who were not maltreated or whose maltreatment experience was either relatively less chronic or not started in infancy. The groups did not differ significantly among subjects who carry one or more copies of the CATT haplotype.
How Cognitive Genetic Factors Influence Fertility Outcomes: A Mediational SEM Analysis
Authors: Woodley of Menie Michael A. , Schwartz Joseph A. , Beaver Kevin M.
Published: October 2016

Utilizing a newly released cognitive Polygenic Score (PGS) from Wave IV of Add Health (n = 1,886), structural equation models (SEMs) examining the relationship between PGS and fertility (which is approximately 50% complete in the present sample), employing measures of verbal IQ and educational attainment as potential mediators, were estimated. The results of indirect pathway models revealed that verbal IQ mediates the positive relationship between PGS and educational attainment, and educational attainment in turn mediates the negative relationship between verbal IQ and a latent fertility measure. The direct path from PGS to fertility was non-significant. The model was robust to controlling for age, sex, and race; furthermore, the results of a multigroup SEM revealed no significant differences in the estimated path coeficients across sex. These results indicate that those predisposed towards higher verbal IQ by virtue of higher PGS values are also predisposed towards trading fertility against time spent in education, which contributes to those with higher PGS values producing fewer offspring at this stage in their life course.
1, 25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 with tumor necrosis factor-alpha protects against rheumatoid arthritis by promoting p53 acetylation-mediated apoptosis via Sirt1 in synoviocytes
Authors: Gu Xin , Gu Bingjie , Lv Xianhui , Yu Zhenzhen , Wang Rong , Zhou Xiaoli , Qiao Wanxin , Mao Zhiyuan , Zuo Guoping , Li Qing , Miao Dengshun , Jin Jianliang
Published: October 2016

Impaired apoptosis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) causes synovial hyperplasia, facilitating destruction of cartilage and bone in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, a dominant inflammatory mediator in RA pathogenesis, promotes progression of RA symptoms. Prevalence of 1, 25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 (hereafter termed VD) deficiency is 30–63% in patients with RA. Whether VD leads to apoptosis or enhances TNF-α-mediated apoptosis in FLSs to ameliorate RA is unclear. To determine this, 10-week-old CYP27B1-deficient (CYP27B1−/−) mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were intraperitoneally treated with 1 μg/kg VD every other day for 9 weeks. RA phenotypes were compared between vehicle-treated CYP27B1−/− and wild-type CIA mice. Human rheumatoid FLS-MH7A cells were treated with Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM) without fetal bovine serum (FBS) for 24 h, then with different concentrations of VD and TNF-α, human vitamin D receptor (VDR) siRNA or the p53 pro-apoptotic inhibitor pifithrin-α. Apoptosis and p53 pro-apoptotic signaling were analyzed. The 19-week-old vehicle-treated CYP27B1−/− CIA mice had increased cumulative arthritis scores and levels of serous rheumatoid factors and C-reactive protein. They had exacerbated articular cartilage and bone destruction, joint space narrowing, joint stiffness, deformity and dysfunction, synovitis and TNF-α secretion, FLS hyperplasia with increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis compared to CIA mice. These RA phenotypes that were aggravated in CIA mice by CYP27B1 deficiency were largely rescued by VD treatment. In vitro, VD with TNF-α treatment upregulated p53 acetylation-mediated apoptosis in MH7A cells by promoting Sirt1 translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. These findings indicated that VD with TNF-α protected against RA by promoting apoptosis of FLSs. The results indicated that clinical administration of VD could be a specific therapy to promote FLS apoptosis and prevent RA progression.
Bcl-2 proteins bid and bax form a network to permeabilize the mitochondria at the onset of apoptosis
Authors: Gahl Robert F , Dwivedi Pallavi , Tjandra Nico
Published: October 2016

The most critical step in the initiation of apoptosis is the activation of the Bcl-2 family of proteins to oligomerize and permeabilize the outer-mitochondrial membrane (OMM). As this step results in the irreversible release of factors that enhance cellular degradation, it is the point of no return in programmed cell death and would be an ideal therapeutic target. However, the arrangement of the Bcl-2 proteins in the OMM during permeabilization still remains unknown. It is also unclear whether the Bcl-2 protein, Bid, directly participates in the formation of the oligomers in live cells, even though it is cleaved and translocates to the OMM at the initiation of apoptosis. Therefore, we utilized confocal microscopy to measure Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) efficiencies in live cells to determine the conformation(s) and intermolecular contacts of Bid within these Bcl-2 oligomers. We found that Bid adopts an extended conformation, which appears to be critical for its association with the mitochondrial membrane. This conformation is also important for intermolecular contacts within the Bid oligomer. More importantly for the first time, direct intermolecular contacts between Bid and Bax were observed, thereby, confirming Bid as a key component of these oligomers. Furthermore, the observed FRET efficiencies allowed us to propose an oligomeric arrangement of Bid, Bax, and possibly other members of the Bcl-2 family of proteins that form a self-propagating network that permeabilizes the OMM.
Nogo-C regulates cardiomyocyte apoptosis during mouse myocardial infarction
Authors: Jia Shi , Qiao Xue , Ye Jingjing , Fang Xuan , Xu Chunling , Cao Yangpo , Zheng Ming
Published: October 2016

Myocardial infarction is caused by insufficient coronary blood supply, which leads to myocardial damage and eventually the heart failure. Molecular mechanisms associated with the loss of cardiomyocytes during myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemia-related cardiac diseases are not yet fully understood. Nogo-C is an endoplasmic reticulum protein ubiquitously expressed in tissues including in the heart, however, the cardiac function of Nogo-C is still unknown. In the present study, we found that Nogo-C was upregulated in mouse hearts after MI, and hypoxic treatments also increased Nogo-C protein level in cardiomyocytes. Adenovirus mediated overexpression of Nogo-C led to cardiomyocyte apoptosis, whereas knockdown of Nogo-c by shRNA protected cardiomyocytes from hypoxia-induced cell apoptosis. Importantly, Nogo-C knockout mice displayed improved cardiac function, smaller infarct area, and less apoptotic cells after MI. Moreover, we found that miR-182 negatively regulated Nogo-C expression and was downregulated during MI, expressing miR-182 in cardiomyocytes protected hypoxia- and Nogo-C-mediated cell apoptosis. Our results indicate that increased cardiac Nogo-C expression is both sufficient and necessary for ischemia-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction, suggesting that deregulation of Nogo-C by miRNA may be a potential therapeutic target for ischemia-related heart diseases.
Age and structure of a model vapour-deposited glass
Authors: Reid Daniel R. , Lyubimov Ivan , Ediger M. D. , de Pablo Juan J.
Published: October 2016

Glass films prepared by a process of physical vapour deposition have been shown to have thermodynamic and kinetic stability comparable to those of ordinary glasses aged for thousands of years. A central question in the study of vapour-deposited glasses, particularly in light of new knowledge regarding anisotropy in these materials, is whether the ultra-stable glassy films formed by vapour deposition are ever equivalent to those obtained by liquid cooling. Here we present a computational study of vapour deposition for a two-dimensional glass forming liquid using a methodology, which closely mimics experiment. We find that for the model considered here, structures that arise in vapour-deposited materials are statistically identical to those observed in ordinary glasses, provided the two are compared at the same inherent structure energy. We also find that newly deposited hot molecules produce cascades of hot particles that propagate far into the film, possibly influencing the relaxation of the material.
Peak-ring structure and kinematics from a multi-disciplinary study of the Schrödinger impact basin
Authors: Kring David A. , Kramer Georgiana Y. , Collins Gareth S. , Potter Ross W. K. , Chandnani Mitali
Published: October 2016

The Schrödinger basin on the lunar farside is ∼320 km in diameter and the best-preserved peak-ring basin of its size in the Earth–Moon system. Here we present spectral and photogeologic analyses of data from the Moon Mineralogy Mapper instrument on the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) on the LRO spacecraft, which indicates the peak ring is composed of anorthositic, noritic and troctolitic lithologies that were juxtaposed by several cross-cutting faults during peak-ring formation. Hydrocode simulations indicate the lithologies were uplifted from depths up to 30 km, representing the crust of the lunar farside. Through combining geological and remote-sensing observations with numerical modelling, we show that a Displaced Structural Uplift model is best for peak rings, including that in the K–T Chicxulub impact crater on Earth. These results may help guide sample selection in lunar sample return missions that are being studied for the multi-agency International Space Exploration Coordination Group.
Approaching the standard quantum limit of mechanical torque sensing
Authors: Kim P. H. , Hauer B. D. , Doolin C. , Souris F. , Davis J. P.
Published: October 2016

Reducing the moment of inertia improves the sensitivity of a mechanically based torque sensor, the parallel of reducing the mass of a force sensor, yet the correspondingly small displacements can be difficult to measure. To resolve this, we incorporate cavity optomechanics, which involves co-localizing an optical and mechanical resonance. With the resulting enhanced readout, cavity-optomechanical torque sensors are now limited only by thermal noise. Further progress requires thermalizing such sensors to low temperatures, where sensitivity limitations are instead imposed by quantum noise. Here, by cooling a cavity-optomechanical torque sensor to 25 mK, we demonstrate a torque sensitivity of 2.9 yNm/"Equation missing". At just over a factor of ten above its quantum-limited sensitivity, such cryogenic optomechanical torque sensors will enable both static and dynamic measurements of integrated samples at the level of a few hundred spins.