bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Origin and timing of New Zealand's earliest domestic chickens: Polynesian commensals or European introductions?
Authors: Wood Jamie R. , Herrera Michael J. B. , Scofield R. Paul , Wilmshurst Janet M.
Published: August 2016

Human settlers transported chickens (
Gallus gallus domesticus
) to most East Polynesian archipelagos between AD 1000 and 1300; however, it has long been assumed that New Zealand was an exception. Despite the fact that chicken bones have been recovered from localities of early archaeological middens in New Zealand, their age and genetic relationships have never been critically assessed. Here, we test the assumption that chickens were not introduced to New Zealand during prehistory through ancient DNA and radiocarbon analyses of chicken bones from sites of Māori middens containing prehistoric material. The chickens belong to the widespread mitochondrial control region haplogroup E. Radiocarbon dating reveals that the bones are not prehistoric, but are still the earliest chicken remains known from New Zealand. Two of the bones pre-date permanent European settlement (
ca
1803s onwards) but overlap with the arrival of James Cook's second voyage (1773–1774), and, therefore, they are likely to be chickens, or progeny thereof, liberated during that voyage. Our results support the idea that chickens were first introduced to New Zealand by Europeans, and provide new insights into Māori uptake and integration of resources introduced during the early post-European period.
Size distribution of function-based human gene sets and the split–merge model
Authors: Li Wentian , Fontanelli Oscar , Miramontes Pedro
Published: August 2016

The sizes of paralogues—gene families produced by ancestral duplication—are known to follow a power-law distribution. We examine the size distribution of gene sets or gene families where genes are grouped by a similar function or share a common property. The size distribution of Human Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) gene sets deviate from the power-law, and can be fitted much better by a beta rank function. We propose a simple mechanism to break a power-law size distribution by a combination of splitting and merging operations. The largest gene sets are split into two to account for the subfunctional categories, and a small proportion of other gene sets are merged into larger sets as new common themes might be realized. These operations are not uncommon for a curator of gene sets. A simulation shows that iteration of these operations changes the size distribution of Ensembl paralogues and could lead to a distribution fitted by a rank beta function. We further illustrate application of beta rank function by the example of distribution of transcription factors and drug target genes among HGNC gene families.
Reflections of the social environment in chimpanzee memory: applying rational analysis beyond humans
Authors: Stevens Jeffrey R. , Marewski Julian N. , Schooler Lael J. , Gilby Ian C.
Published: August 2016

In cognitive science, the rational analysis framework allows modelling of how physical and social environments impose information-processing demands onto cognitive systems. In humans, for example, past social contact among individuals predicts their future contact with linear and power functions. These features of the human environment constrain the optimal way to remember information and probably shape how memory records are retained and retrieved. We offer a primer on how biologists can apply rational analysis to study animal behaviour. Using chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) as a case study, we modelled 19 years of observational data on their social contact patterns. Much like humans, the frequency of past encounters in chimpanzees linearly predicted future encounters, and the recency of past encounters predicted future encounters with a power function. Consistent with the rational analyses carried out for human memory, these findings suggest that chimpanzee memory performance should reflect those environmental regularities. In re-analysing existing chimpanzee memory data, we found that chimpanzee memory patterns mirrored their social contact patterns. Our findings hint that human and chimpanzee memory systems may have evolved to solve similar information-processing problems. Overall, rational analysis offers novel theoretical and methodological avenues for the comparative study of cognition.
Tergal and pleural structures contribute to the formation of ectopic prothoracic wings in cockroaches
Authors: Elias-Neto Moysés , Belles Xavier
Published: August 2016

Wings were a fundamental morphological innovation for the adaptive radiation of insects, the most diversified group among all animals. Pterygote insects have two pairs of wings, the mesothoracic (T2) forewings and the metathoracic (T3) hindwings, whereas the prothorax (T1) is wingless. Using RNA interference approaches, we have found that the geneSex combs reduced(Scr) determines the wingless identity of T1 in the cockroachBlattella germanica. Interference ofScrtriggers the formation of ectopic wing structures in T1, which are formed from the expansion of the latero-posterior region of the pronotum, along with a contribution of the epimeron, a pleurite of T1. These data support the theory of a dual origin for insect wings, from pronotal (tergal origin theory) and pleural (pleural origin theory) structures and genes.
Laetoli footprints reveal bipedal gait biomechanics different from those of modern humans and chimpanzees
Authors: Hatala Kevin G. , Demes Brigitte , Richmond Brian G.
Published: August 2016

Bipedalism is a key adaptation that shaped human evolution, yet the timing and nature of its evolution remain unclear. Here we use new experimentally based approaches to investigate the locomotor mechanics preserved by the famous Pliocene hominin footprints from Laetoli, Tanzania. We conducted footprint formation experiments with habitually barefoot humans and with chimpanzees to quantitatively compare their footprints to those preserved at Laetoli. Our results show that the Laetoli footprints are morphologically distinct from those of both chimpanzees and habitually barefoot modern humans. By analysing biomechanical data that were collected during the human experiments we, for the first time, directly link differences between the Laetoli and modern human footprints to specific biomechanical variables. We find that the Laetoli hominin probably used a more flexed limb posture at foot strike than modern humans when walking bipedally. The Laetoli footprints provide a clear snapshot of an early hominin bipedal gait that probably involved a limb posture that was slightly but significantly different from our own, and these data support the hypothesis that important evolutionary changes to hominin bipedalism occurred within the past 3.66 Myr.
The evolution of eggshell cuticle in relation to nesting ecology
Authors: D'Alba Liliana , Maia Rafael , Hauber Mark E. , Shawkey Matthew D.
Published: August 2016

Avian eggs are at risk of microbial infection prior to and during incubation. A large number of defence mechanisms have evolved in response to the severe costs imposed by these infections. The eggshell's cuticle is an important component of antimicrobial defence, and its role in preventing contamination by microorganisms in domestic chickens is well known. Nanometer-scale cuticular spheres that reduce microbial attachment and penetration have recently been identified on eggs of several wild avian species. However, whether these spheres have evolved specifically for antimicrobial defence is unknown. Here, we use comparative data on eggshell cuticular structure and nesting ecology to test the hypothesis that birds nesting in habitats with higher risk of infection (e.g. wetter and warmer) are more likely to evolve cuticular nanospheres on their eggshells than those nesting in less risky habitats. We found that nanostructuring, present in 54 of 296 analysed species, is the ancestral condition of avian eggshells and has been retained more often in taxa that nest in humid infection-prone environments, suggesting that they serve critical roles in antimicrobial egg defence.
Parallel telomere shortening in multiple body tissues owing to malaria infection
Authors: Asghar Muhammad , Palinauskas Vaidas , Zaghdoudi-Allan Nadège , Valkiūnas Gediminas , Mukhin Andrey , Platonova Elena , Färnert Anna , Bensch Staffan , Hasselquist Dennis
Published: August 2016

Several studies have shown associations between shorter telomere length in blood and weakened immune function, susceptibility to infections, and increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Recently, we have shown that malaria accelerates telomere attrition in blood cells and shortens lifespan in birds. However, the impact of infections on telomere attrition in different body tissues within an individual is unknown. Here, we tested whether malarial infection leads to parallel telomere shortening in blood and tissue samples from different organs. We experimentally infected siskins (Spinus spinus) with the avian malaria parasitePlasmodium ashfordi, and used real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to measure telomere length in control and experimentally infected siskins. We found that experimentally infected birds showed faster telomere attrition in blood over the course of infection compared with control individuals (repeatedly measured over 105 days post-infection (DPI)). Shorter telomeres were also found in the tissue of all six major organs investigated (liver, lungs, spleen, heart, kidney, and brain) in infected birds compared with controls at 105 DPI. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing that an infectious disease results in synchronous telomere shortening in the blood and tissue cells of internal organs within individuals, implying that the infection induces systemic stress. Our results have far-reaching implications for understanding how the short-term effects of an infection can translate into long-term costs, such as organ dysfunction, degenerative diseases, and ageing.
Seeing red to being red: conserved genetic mechanism for red cone oil droplets and co-option for red coloration in birds and turtles
Authors: Twyman Hanlu , Valenzuela Nicole , Literman Robert , Andersson Staffan , Mundy Nicholas I.
Published: August 2016

Avian ketocarotenoid pigments occur in both the red retinal oil droplets that contribute to colour vision and bright red coloration used in signalling. Turtles are the only other tetrapods with red retinal oil droplets, and some also display red carotenoid-based coloration. Recently, the
CYP2J19
gene was strongly implicated in ketocarotenoid synthesis in birds. Here, we investigate
CYP2J19
evolution in relation to colour vision and red coloration in reptiles using genomic and expression data. We show that turtles, but not crocodiles or lepidosaurs, possess a
CYP2J19
orthologue, which arose via gene duplication before turtles and archosaurs split, and which is strongly and specifically expressed in the ketocarotenoid-containing retina and red integument. We infer that
CYP2J19
initially functioned in colour vision in archelosaurs and conclude that red ketocarotenoid-based coloration evolved independently in birds and turtles via gene regulatory changes of
CYP2J19
. Our results suggest that red oil droplets contributed to colour vision in dinosaurs and pterosaurs.
Homozygous inactivation of CHEK2 is linked to a familial case of multiple primary lung cancer with accompanying cancers in other organs
Authors: Kukita Yoji , Okami Jiro , Yoneda-Kato Noriko , Nakamae Ikuko , Kawabata Takeshi , Higashiyama Masahiko , Kato Junya , Kodama Ken , Kato Kikuya
Published: August 2016

In clinical practice, there are a number of cancer patients with clear family histories, but the patients lack mutations in known familial cancer syndrome genes. Recent advances in genomic technologies have enhanced the possibility of identifying causative genes in such cases. Two siblings, an elder sister and a younger brother, were found to have multiple primary lung cancers at the age of 60. The former subsequently developed breast cancer and had a history of uterine myoma. The latter had initially developed prostate cancer at the age of 59 and had a history of colon cancer. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping revealed that ∼10% of the genomes were homozygous in both patients. Exome sequencing revealed nonsynonymous mutations in five genes in the runs of homozygosity: CHEK2, FCGRT, INPP5J, MYO18B, and SFI1. Evolutionary conservation of primary protein structures suggested the functional importance of the CHEK2 mutation, p.R474C. This mutation altered the tertiary structure of CHK2 by disrupting the salt bridge between p.R474 and p.E394. No such structural changes were observed with the other mutated genes. Subsequent cell-based transfection analysis revealed that CHK2 p.R474C was unstable and scarcely activated. We concluded that the homozygous CHEK2 variant was contributory in this case of familial cancer. Although homozygous inactivation of CHEK2 in mice led to cancers in multiple organs, accumulation of additional human cases is needed to establish its pathogenic role in humans.
Knowledge, knowledge dynamics, and innovation
Authors: Scaringella Laurent
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– Knowledge is a strategic resource for firms and it can enable them to achieve competitive advantage. Large companies engaged in internationalization pay particular attention to knowledge as a source of innovation. The purpose of this paper is to investigate current debates in the field: the first is about cumulative vs composite knowledge; the second concerns the degree of diversity and redundancy in knowledge-based dynamics; and the third debate is about incremental vs radical innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors have used an inductive approach to perform a longitudinal case study of multinational corporation-semiconductor (MNC-SC). Total of 13 interviews were conducted over a four-year period. The MNC-SC case study has given the opportunity to analyse knowledge resources, knowledge, and innovation processes in a context of internationalization.

Findings

– The findings indicate that in order to achieve technological innovation in a context of internationalization, the company builds knowledge in a cumulative fashion, which can create a path dependency problem. To ensure complementarity between cross-functional teams located long distances from one another, and maximize the utilization of resources, MNC-SC must establish common standards. To maximize returns from composite knowledge, in a context of internationalization, knowledge diversity is preferable over redundancy. However, true knowledge transfer, sharing, and learning are limited. Combinatorial and incremental innovation through internationalization is a process based on trial and error; it maximizes technological performance and enables the company to fulfil needs without diverging from the technological trajectory of the SC industry.

Originality/value

– The internationalization process revealed limitations: limited understanding of the content of each knowledge module, competency traps, limited innovativeness, and therefore limited wealth creation.
Coping with strategic uncertainty: framework development and scenario derivation for a JV decision in the Russian truck industry
Authors: Winkler Jens , Moser Roger
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Across country and regional borders firms are faced with the question whether to address individual markets on a stand-alone basis or cooperatively. In order to support such strategic decisions, this paper aims to develop a decision framework accounting for the most relevant market dynamics affecting joint venture (JV) decisions, particularly in the truck industry. Moreover, the authors apply the framework to an expert Delphi and scenario approach to back a Western original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s) JV decision in the truck industry in Russia. Based on country-specific projections structured along the globally applicable decision framework, the authors serve executives’ individual information demand in an institutionally unique emerging market environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Online real-time expert Delphi study; scenario analysis; and expert workshops were used in this study.

Findings

Among other insights, the results predict hard times for Russian OEMs as they will likely face strong foreign competition, leading to decreased sales volumes and market shares. Although some experts doubt the survival of several Russian truck manufacturers, the Delphi sheds light on possible strategic responses, including consolidation, cooperation or focusing on new markets. Based on the Delphi results and an additional expert workshop, we draw multiple scenarios addressing, particularly, uncertain aspects of the industry’s development and their likely impact on the key stakeholder groups.

Originality/value

Although there are some studies following a similar methodological approach as that in this study (von der Gracht and Darkow, 2010; Gnatzy and Moser, 2012), the authors break new ground in developing a JV-dedicated decision framework and applying it to a special emerging market industry setup.
The development of local private primary and secondary schooling in Hong Kong, 1841-2012
Authors: Cheung Alan C.K. , Randall E. Vance , Tam Man Kwan
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– This paper is a historical review of the development of private primary and secondary education in Hong Kong from 1841-2012. The purpose of this paper is to examine the evolving relationship between the state and private schools in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper utilizes sources from published official documents, public data available on government websites, archival documents and newspapers. The authors also carried out a few individual interviews with legislators, government officials and principals who were familiar with the history of private education in Hong Kong.

Findings

– The colonial Hong Kong Government adopted laissez-faire policy in greater part of its rule until 1970s. The year 1978 marked the period of “state control” until the 1990s when privatization and deregulation emerged as a world trend in the governance of education. The role of government changed to that of “supervision” instead of “control.” Further, it is shown that the change of sovereignty did not avert the trend of decentralization, deregulation and privatization in education which is entrenched in the management of public affairs in human societies.

Originality/value

– The findings provides an illuminating look into the development of a society and how it grapples with the fundamental questions of the degree of social control and proper use of political power in a colonial setting.
Risks and older adults with atrial fibrillation in rural communities: an integration lens
Authors: Rush Kathy L , Oelke Nelly D , Reid R. Colin , Laberge Carol , Halperin Frank , Kjorven Mary
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– Older adults with atrial fibrillation (AF) have put growing demands on a poorly integrated healthcare system. This is of particular concern in rural communities with rapid population aging and few healthcare resources elevating risk of stroke and mortality. The purpose of this paper is to explore healthcare delivery risks for rural older adults with AF.

Design/methodology/approach

– This qualitative study collected data from AF patients, healthcare providers and decision makers. Ten patients participated in six-month care journeys involving interviews, logs, photos, and chart reviews. In total, 13 different patients and ten healthcare providers participated in focus groups and two decision makers participated in interviews.

Findings

– Three key health service risks emerged: lack of patient-focussed access and self-management; unplanned care coordination and follow-up across the continuum of care; and ineffective teamwork with variable perspectives among patients, providers, and decision makers.

Originality/value

– This study extends the understanding of risks to the health system level. Results provide important information for further research aimed at interventions to improve health service delivery and policy change to mitigate risks for this population.
Generic or specialist profession? Identifying social work in community learning disability teams
Authors: Boahen Godfred
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– Social work is integral to community learning disability teams (CLDTs), however there is little research on how social workers discharge their statutory duties within them. The purpose of this paper is to report a study designed to describe what social workers do within a CLDT (anonymised as Maples). The question addressed is: what is the social work role in CLDTs and how is this accomplished?

Design/methodology/approach

– Ethnographic fieldwork was conducted in a CLDT in London during 2011/2012. This involved interviews of professionals and observations of “everyday” social work practice. Data were analysed using constructivist grounded theory.

Findings

– Social work practice in Maples could be categorised along five domains of practice, namely: case management, safeguarding, assessments, mental health practice, and duty. The accompanying professional activities within these domains are described in Table I, with a subsequent focus on the less researched domains of case management, assessment, and duty.

Originality/value

– This research is one of the few to delineate the professional activities of social workers within CLDT. By showing what professionals do, it has important implications for policy – example personalisation – and role effectiveness.
Negotiate, reciprocate, or cooperate? The impact of exchange modes on inter-employee knowledge sharing
Authors: Serenko Alexander , Bontis Nick
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of exchange modes – negotiated, reciprocal, generalized, and productive – on inter-employee knowledge sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the affect theory of social exchange, a theoretical model was developed and empirically tested using a survey of 691 employees from 15 North American credit unions.

Findings

The negotiated mode of knowledge exchange, i.e. when a knowledge contributor explicitly establishes reciprocation conditions with a recipient, develops negative knowledge sharing attitude. The reciprocal mode, i.e. when a knowledge donor assumes that a receiver will reciprocate, has no effect on knowledge sharing attitude. The generalized exchange form, i.e. when a knowledge contributor believes that other organizational members may reciprocate, is weakly related to knowledge sharing attitude. The productive exchange mode, i.e. when a knowledge provider assumes he or she is a responsible citizen within a cooperative enterprise, strongly facilitates the development of knowledge sharing attitude, which, in turn, leads to knowledge sharing intentions.

Practical implications

To facilitate inter-employee knowledge sharing, managers should focus on the development of positive knowledge sharing culture when all employees believe they contribute to a common good instead of expecting reciprocal benefits.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to apply the affect theory of social exchange to study knowledge sharing.
Is share of wallet exclusively about making customers happy or having more customers? Exploring the relationship between satisfaction and double jeopardy
Authors: Buoye Alexander , Komarova Loureiro Yuliya , Kabadayi Sertan , Nejad Mohammad G. , Keiningham Timothy L. , Aksoy Lerzan , Allsopp Jason
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– The satisfaction and loyalty research argues that customer satisfaction is an antecedent to share of wallet (SOW). The double jeopardy view, however, argues that satisfaction and SOW levels are driven exclusively by penetration levels. Customer satisfaction and penetration, however, are not always positively related. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relevance and validity of these two divergent perspectives to creating growth in customer share of spending.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors examine a series of models evaluating the impact of both the relative penetration of a brand, and the satisfaction ratings of its customers on SOW using data covering 11 industry sectors, 188 brands, and 4,263 customers.

Findings

– The authors find that part of the problem in reconciling these two views has been in how satisfaction is measured and analyzed. When using absolute satisfaction ratings of the firm/brand, the explanatory power of satisfaction on SOW is very weak at both the individual and firm level. When using satisfaction metrics relative to other competing brands, however, satisfaction is a strong predictor of customers’ share of category spending.

Research limitations/implications

– As predicted by double jeopardy, penetration is a strong predictor of firm-level SOW, but has almost no explanatory power at the individual level.

Practical implications

– Managers need to focus on both improving penetration/reach and becoming the preferred brand in a customer’s usage set.

Originality/value

– The research examines if (and if yes, how) satisfaction and penetration contribute to customers’ SOW allocations both at the individual and brand level.
Factors influencing cloud computing adoption for e-government implementation in developing countries
Authors: Mohammed Fathey , Ibrahim Othman , Ithnin Norafida
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a model and measurement to investigate the factors influencing cloud computing adoption as a part of developing countries’ alternatives to implement e-government services.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a theoretical model based on the literature of technology adoption models. It constructs scale measurements for the proposed model constructs by extracting and adapting the items from the literature. The authors verify the scales’ content validity and reliability by applying face validity, pre-testing and pilot study. For the pilot study, the authors collect the data from 26 information technology staff in five public organizations in Yemen. The authors test the reliability of the scales using Cronbach’s alpha criterion, and then conduct exploratory factor analysis to evaluate the validity of the scales.

Findings

The results show that the scale measurements meet the conventional criteria of reliability and validity.

Originality/value

Theoretically, this paper provides an integrated model for examining cloud computing adoption for e-government implementation in developing countries. In addition, it develops an instrument to empirically investigate the influencing factors of cloud computing adoption in the context of developing countries’ e-government initiatives.
A New Open‐Access HUC‐8 Based Downscaled CMIP‐5 Climate Model Forecast Dataset for the Conterminous United States
Authors: Woodbury Dustin H. , Ames Daniel P. , Kadlec Jiří , Duncan Stephen , Gault Greg
Published: August 2016

Watershed‐scale hydrologic simulation models generally require climate data inputs including precipitation and temperature. These climate inputs can be derived from downscaled global climate simulations which have the potential to drive runoff forecasts at the scale of local watersheds. While a simulation designed to drive a local watershed model would ideally be constructed at an appropriate scale, global climate simulations are, by definition, arbitrarily determined large rectangular spatial grids. This paper addresses the technical challenge of making climate simulation model results readily available in the form of downscaled datasets that can be used for watershed scale models. Specifically, we present the development and deployment of a new Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) based database which has been prepared through a scaling and weighted averaging process for use at the level of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC)‐8 watersheds. The resulting dataset includes 2,106 virtual observation sites (watershed centroids) each with 698 associated time series datasets representing average monthly temperature and precipitation between 1950 and 2099 based on 234 unique climate model simulations. The new dataset is deployed on a HydroServer and distributed using WaterOneFlow web services in the WaterML format. These methods can be adapted for downscaled General Circulation Model (GCM) results for specific drainage areas smaller than HUC‐8. Two example use cases for the dataset also are presented.
Clinical measurement of compensatory torsional eye movement during head tilt
Authors: Lim Han Woong , Kim Ji Hong , Park Seung Hun , Oh Sei Yeul
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To measure the degree of compensatory torsional eye movement during head tilt using a fundus photography method.

Methods

We enrolled 55 healthy subjects who were 20–66 years of age. Fundus photographs were obtained in the presumed baseline position and in stepwise head tilt positions to evaluate ocular torsion using a non‐mydriatic fundus camera. Horizontal marks on the nose were photographed simultaneously to evaluate head tilt. Images were analysed using Photoshop to measure the degree of ocular torsion and head tilt.

Results

A consistent compensatory torsional eye movement was observed in all subjects during head tilt. The degree of compensatory torsional eye movement showed a positive correlation with the angle of head tilt. Ocular torsional disconjugacy was observed during head tilt, with larger excycloductional eye movement than incycloductional eye movement (4.88 ± 2.91° versus 4.50 ± 2.76°, p < 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, the degree of compensatory torsional eye movement was significantly associated with the degree of head tilt (β = 0.191, p < 0.001), and the direction of cycloduction (β = −0.548, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The fundus photography method is a non‐invasive, accurate and objective tool for measuring compensatory torsional eye movement. Considering the availability of fundus photography in clinical ophthalmology practice, the proposed method can be used as a clinical tool to measure compensatory torsional eye movement.
Selective arterial clamping does not improve outcomes in robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy: a propensity‐score analysis of patients without impaired renal function
Authors: Paulucci David J. , Rosen Daniel C. , Sfakianos John P. , Whalen Michael J. , Abaza Ronney , Eun Daniel D. , Krane Louis S. , Hemal Ashok K. , Badani Ketan K.
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To assess the benefit of selective arterial clamping (SAC) as an alternative to main renal artery clamping (MAC) during robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in patients without underlying chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Patients and Methods

Our study cohort comprised 665 patients without impaired renal function undergoing MAC (n = 589) or SAC (n = 76) during RAPN from four medical institutions in the period 2008–2015. We compared complication rates, positive surgical margin (PSM) rates, and peri‐operative and intermediate‐term renal functional outcome between 132 patients undergoing MAC and 66 undergoing SAC after 2‐to‐1 nearest‐neighbour propensity‐score matching for age, sex, body mass index, RENAL nephrometry score, tumour size, baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and warm ischaemia time (WIT).

Results

In propensity‐score‐matched patients, PSM (5.7 vs 3.0%; P = 0.407) and complication rates (13.8 vs 10.6%; P = 0.727) did not differ between the MAC and SAC groups. The incidence of acute kidney injury for MAC vs SAC (25.0 vs 32.0%; P = 0.315) within the first 30 days was similar. At a median follow‐up of 7.5 months, the percentage reduction in eGFR (−9.3 vs −10.4%; P = 0.518) and progression to CKD ≥ stage 3 (7.2 vs 8.5%; P = 0.792) showed no difference.

Conclusions

Our study findings show no difference in PSM rates, complication rates or intermediate‐term renal functional outcomes between patients with unimpaired renal function who underwent SAC vs those who underwent MAC. When expected WIT is low, the routine use of SAC may not be necessary. Further studies will need to determine the role of SAC in patients with a solitary kidney or with significantly impaired renal function.
ff14IDPs force field improving the conformation sampling of intrinsically disordered proteins
Authors: Song Dong , Wang Wei , Ye Wei , Ji Dingjue , Luo Ray , Chen Hai‐Feng
Published: August 2016

Intrinsically disordered proteins are proteins which lack of specific tertiary structure and unable to fold spontaneously without the partner binding. These intrinsically disordered proteins are found to associate with various diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. However, current widely used force fields, such as ff99SB, ff14SB, OPLS/AA, and Charmm27, are insufficient in sampling the conformational characters of intrinsically disordered proteins. In this study, the CMAP method was used to correct the φ/ψ distributions of disorder‐promoting amino acids. The simulation results show that the force filed parameters (ff14IDPs) can improve the φ/ψ distributions of the disorder‐promoting amino acids, with RMSD less than 0.10% relative to the benchmark data of intrinsically disordered proteins. Further test suggests that the calculated secondary chemical shifts under ff14IDPs are in quantitative agreement with the data of NMR experiment for five tested systems. In addition, the simulation results show that ff14IDPs can still be used to model structural proteins, such as tested lysozyme and ubiquitin, with better performance in coil regions than the original general Amber force field ff14SB. These findings confirm that the newly developed Amber ff14IDPs is a robust model for improving the conformation sampling of intrinsically disordered proteins.
Retracted: Efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil in patients with active moderate‐to‐severe Graves’ orbitopathy
Authors: Ye Xiaozhen , Bo Xiaoyong , Hu Xiaohao , Cui Huanhuan , Lu Bin , Shao Jiaqing , Wang Jian
Published: August 2016

Context

Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) is a potentially sight‐threatening disease for which currently available medical therapy is not reliably successful. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a selective immunosuppressant used widely in many autoimmune diseases. Preliminary studies have shown that MMF is effective in the treatment of active GO.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of MMF in patients with active moderate‐to‐severe GO.

Patients

One hundred and 74 patients with active moderate‐to‐severe GO were randomized to receive either MMF or glucocorticoids (GC).

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome was overall response at the 12th and 24th weeks; the outcome assessments included clinical activity score (CAS), soft tissue involvement, pain, visual acuity, proptosis, diplopia and reduction in eye movements. The secondary outcome was changes in those individual parameters. Adverse effects were recorded at each visit.

Results

A greater overall response rate was found in the MMF group compared with the GC group at the 24th week (91·3% vs 67·9%, P = 0·000). MMF therapy showed a better CAS response than GC (92·5% vs 70·5% improved, P < 0·05). Patients treated with MMF showed a significantly improved rate of diplopia and proptosis than patients treated with GC at the 24th week (90·4% and 68·8% improved, respectively). Disease reactivation was not observed in the patients treated with MMF but was observed in five patients after GC therapy. Adverse events occurred in 4 of 80 patients treated with MMF (5%), all of which were mild to moderate. A severe adverse event was only observed in one patient treated with GC but not at all in patients treated with MMF.

Conclusion

Compared with GC treatment, MMF therapy is more effective and safer for patients with active moderate‐to‐severe GO.
Protein kinase A inhibitor, H89, significantly enhances survival rate of dissociated human embryonic stem cells following cryopreservation
Authors: Zhang Liang , Xu Yanqing , Xu Jiandong , Wei Yuping , Xu Xia
Published: August 2016

Objectives

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have huge potential for establishment of disease models and for treating degenerative diseases. However, the extremely low survival level of dissociated hESCs following cryopreservation is been a tremendous problem to allow for their rapid expansion, genetic manipulation and future medical applications. In this study, we have aimed to develop an efficient strategy to improve survival of dissociated hESCs after cryopreservation.

Materials and methods

Human embryonic stem cells (H9 line), dissociated into single cells, were cryopreserved using the slow‐freezing method. Viable cells and their colony numbers in culture after cryopreservation were evaluated when treated with protein kinase A inhibitor H89. Western blotting was carried out to investigate mechanisms of low survival levels of dissociated hESCs following cryopreservation. Immunofluorescence, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), in vitro and in vivo differentiation were performed to testify to pluripotency and differentiation ability of hte cryopreserved cells treated with H89.

Results

H89 significantly improved survival level of dissociated hESCs after cryopreservation through ROCK inhibition. H89‐treated cells still maintained their pluripotency and differentiation capacity.

Conclusions

This new approach for cryopreservation of single hESCs, using H89, can promote potential use of hESCs in regenerative medicine in the future.
Reduced nocturnal hypoglycaemia with basal insulin peglispro compared with insulin glargine: pooled analyses of five randomized controlled trials
Authors: Rosenstock Julio , Marre Michel , Qu Yongming , Zhang Shuyu , Bastyr Edward J. , Prince Melvin J. , Chang Annette M.
Published: August 2016

Basal insulin peglispro (BIL) is a novel basal insulin with hepato‐preferential action, resulting from reduced peripheral effects. This report summarizes hypoglycaemia data from five BIL phase III studies with insulin glargine as the comparator, including three double‐blind trials. Prespecified pooled analyses (n = 4927) included: patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) receiving basal insulin only, those with T2D on basal‐bolus therapy, and those with type 1 diabetes (T1D). BIL treatment resulted in a 36–45% lower nocturnal hypoglycaemia rate compared with glargine, despite greater reduction in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and higher basal insulin dosing. The total hypoglycaemia rate was similar in patients with T2D on basal treatment only, trended towards being higher (10%) in patients with T2D on basal‐bolus treatment (p = .053), and was 15% higher (p < .001) with BIL versus glargine in patients with T1D, with more daytime hypoglycaemia in the T1D and T2D groups who were receiving basal‐bolus therapy. In T1D, during the maintenance treatment period (26‐52 weeks), the total hypoglycaemia rate was not significantly different. There were no differences in severe hypoglycaemia in the T1D or T2D pooled analyses. BIL versus glargine treatment resulted in greater HbA1c reduction with less nocturnal hypoglycaemia in all patient populations, higher daytime hypoglycaemia with basal‐bolus therapy in the T1D and T2D groups, and an associated increase in total hypoglycaemia in the patients with T1D.
How to allow SAR collapse across local and continental scales: a resolution of the controversy between Storch et al. (2012) and Lazarina et al. (2013)
Authors: Šizling Arnošt Leoš , Šizlingová Eva , Tjørve Even , Tjørve Kathleen M. C. , Kunin William E.
Published: August 2016

Up‐scaling species richness from local to continental scales is an unsolved problem of macroecology. Macroecologists hope that proper up‐scaling can uncover the hidden rules that underlie spatial patterns in species richness, but a machinery to up‐scale species richness also has a purely practical side at the scales and for the habitats where direct observations cannot be performed. The species–area relationship (SAR) could provide a tool for up‐scaling, but no valid method has yet been put forward. Such a method would have resulted from Storch et al.'s (2012) suggestion that there is a universal curve to which each rescaled SAR collapses, if Lazarina et al. (2013) had not shown that it does not: both arguments were supported by data analyses. Here we present an analytical model for mainland SAR and argue in favour of the latter authors. We identify 1) the variation in mean species‐range size, 2) the variation in forces that drive SAR at various scales, and 3) the finite‐area effect, as the reasons for the absence of collapse. Finally, we suggest a rescaling that might fix the problem. We conclude, however, that ecologists are still far from finding a practical, robust and easy‐to‐use solution for up‐scaling species richness from SARs.
Fine‐grain, large‐domain climate models based on climate station and comprehensive topographic information improve microrefugia detection
Authors: Meineri Eric , Hylander Kristoffer
Published: August 2016

Large‐domain species distribution models (SDMs) fail to identify microrefugia, as they are based on climate estimates that are either too coarse or that ignore relevant topographic climate‐forcing factors. Climate station data are considered inadequate to produce such estimates, a viewpoint we challenge here.

Using climate stations and topographic data, we developed three sets of large‐domain (450 000 km²), fine‐grain (50 m) temperature grids accounting for different levels of topographic complexity. Using these fine‐grain grids and the Worldclim data, we fitted SDMs for 78 alpine species over Sweden, and assessed over‐ versus underestimations of local extinction and area of microrefugia by comparing modelled distributions at species' rear edges. Accounting for well‐known topographic climate‐forcing factors improved our ability to model fine‐scale climate, despite using only climate station data. This approach captured the effect of cool air pooling, distance to sea, and relative humidity on local‐scale temperature, but the effect of solar radiation could not be accurately accounted for. Predicted extinction rate decreased with increasing spatial resolution of the climate models and with increasing number of topographic climate‐forcing factors accounted for. About half of the microrefugia detected in the most topographically complete models were not detected in the coarser SDMs and in the models calibrated from climate variables extracted from elevation only.

Although major limitations remain, climate station data can potentially be used to produce fine‐grain topoclimate grids, opening up the opportunity to model local‐scale ecological processes over large domains. Accounting for the topographic complexity encountered within landscapes permits the detection of microrefugia that would otherwise remain undetected. Topographic heterogeneity is likely to have a massive impact on species persistence, and should be included in studies on the effects of climate change.
Extracting economics from Roman marble quarries†
Authors: Long Leah E.
Published: August 2016

Urbanization across the Roman Empire created a demand for building materials on an unprecedented scale. Quarrying was largely conducted by municipalities, institutions, or landed aristocrats, who owned or inherited the valuable land from which stone was extracted. By using principles of economics as a guide, and with greater coordination between theory and written and archaeological sources, this article examines the decision‐making processes involved in opening a quarry. Theories of economic rationality, resource economics, and statistical methods are helpful for understanding the prices for marble recorded in Diocletian's Edict, Roman jurists’ writings about exploitation on private land, and newly discovered quarries in the region of Aphrodisias, Turkey. Here it is argued that the exchange of local building stone took place in a competitive market where landowners actively tried to improve their financial situation, but did so at considerable risk. At Aphrodisias, examples of failed attempts exist alongside long‐running and successful enterprises. Entrepreneurs there did not extract a homogeneous set of resources, but chose to target marbles with inconsistent physical properties at increasing distances from the city in response to greater demand and rising prices. Roman jurists, primarily interested in protecting property value, made landowners calculate whether potential profits earned from sales outweighed the degradation of land.
Passive gear‐induced timidity syndrome in wild fish populations and its potential ecological and managerial implications
Authors: Arlinghaus Robert , Laskowski Kate L , Alós Josep , Klefoth Thomas , Monk Christopher T , Nakayama Shinnosuke , Schröder Arne
Published: August 2016

Human exploitation of wild‐living animals has been suggested to create a ‘landscape of fear’. A consequence could be that individuals surviving intensive harvesting, either as a result of behavioural plasticity and/or evolutionary change, exhibit increased average timidity. In the aquatic world, such effects are particularly well documented in passively operated fishing gears common to many commercial and recreational fisheries, such as angling, trapping or gill netting. We thus propose that an exploitation‐induced timidity syndrome should be a widespread pattern in fisheries. Importantly, we argue that the syndrome can be associated with several ecological and managerial consequences for social groups, populations, food webs, fisheries and assessment of stocks. We suggest research priorities to deepen our understanding of how exploited fish populations behaviourally respond to harvesting.
Microwave‐specific heating of crystalline species in nuclear waste glass
Authors: Christian Jonathan H. , Fox Kevin M. , Washington Aaron L.
Published: August 2016

The microwave heating of a crystal‐free and a partially trevorite‐crystallized nuclear waste glass simulant was evaluated. Our results show that a 500‐mg monolith of partially crystallized waste glass can be heated from room temperature to above 1600°C within 2 minutes using a single‐mode, highly focused, 2.45‐GHz microwave, operating at 300 W. Using X‐ray diffraction measurements, we show that trevorite is no longer detectable after irradiation and thermal quenching. When a crystal‐free analog of the same waste glass simulant composition was exposed to the same microwave radiation, it could not be heated above 450°C regardless of the heating time. The reduction in crystalline content achieved by selectively heating spinels in the presence of glass suggests that microwave‐specific heating should be further explored as a technique for remediating crystal accumulation in a glass melt.