bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monolithic chromatography in speciation analysis of metal-containing biomolecules: a review
Authors: Milačič Radmila , Zuliani Tea , Vidmar Janja , Ščančar Janez
Published: July 2016

Monolithic supports are efficient stationary phases for most of the important chromatographic separation modes.
TiO2sol-embedded in electroless Ni–P coating: a novel approach for an ultra-sensitive sorbitol sensor
Authors: Rattanawaleedirojn Pranee , Saengkiettiyut Kanokwan , Boonyongmaneerat Yuttanant , Sangsuk Supin , Promphet Nadtinan , Rodthongkum Nadnudda
Published: July 2016

A Ni–P/Ni–P–TiO2coating was readily prepared by direct incorporation of nano-TiO2sol into a Ni–P solution for electroless deposition and applied as a novel electrode for sensitive sorbitol sensor.
Modeling of polystyrenic nanoparticles driven β-trans-crystalline efficiency in isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Habibpour S. , Zabihirad J. , Mohammadi N. , Mohammadi H.
Published: July 2016

Addition of four styrenic soft nano-particles induced relative β-polymorphism as much as 20, 27, 34 and 10% during 10 minutes annealing of iPP at 116 °C. The kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of the phenomenon rationalized by a bi-exponential function
Small-size and monodispersed red-emitting Pr3+ doped barium molybdate nanocrystals with ultrahigh color purity
Authors: Yang Xuyong , Huang Fei , Huang Zhenwei , Cao Fan , Zhang Jianhua
Published: July 2016

Small-size and monodispersed BaMoO4:Pr3+ nanocrystals (NCs) have been prepared by a simple and efficient liquid–solid–solution method. These NCs exhibit narrow-linewidth emission (only ∼4 nm) with high spectral purity in red.
Novel ternary sulfide thermoelectric materials from high throughput transport and defect calculations
Authors: Bhattacharya Sandip , Chmielowski Radoslaw , Dennler Gilles , Madsen Georg K. H.
Published: July 2016

We explore two material design strategies to identify thermoelectric candidates in the ternary sulfide family. The design strategies used are high-throughput volume-dependent transport properties and defect thermochemistry.
Effective use of an idle carbon-deposited catalyst for energy storage applications
Authors: Veerasubramani Ganesh Kumar , Sudhakaran M. S. P. , Alluri Nagamalleswara Rao , Krishnamoorthy Karthikeyan , Mok Young Sun , Kim Sang Jae
Published: July 2016

Global warming is primarily a problem of excessive carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, which acts as a blanket, trapping heat and warming the planet.
A high current pulsed power generator CQ-3-MMAF with co-axial cable transmitting energy for material dynamics experiments
Authors: Wang Guiji , Chen Xuemiao , Cai Jintao , Zhang Xuping , Chong Tao , Luo Binqiang , Zhao Jianheng , Sun Chengwei , Tan Fuli , Liu Cangli , Wu Gang
Published: July 2016

A high current pulsed power generator CQ-3-MMAF (Multi-Modules Assembly Facility, MMAF) was developed for material dynamics experiments under ramp wave and shock loadings at the Institute of Fluid Physics (IFP), which can deliver 3 MA peak current to a strip-line load. The rise time of the current is 470 ns (10%-90%). Different from the previous CQ-4 at IFP, the CQ-3-MMAF energy is transmitted by hundreds of co-axial high voltage cables with a low impedance of 18.6 mΩ and low loss, and then hundreds of cables are reduced and converted to tens of cables into a vacuum chamber by a cable connector, and connected with a pair of parallel metallic plates insulated by Kapton films. It is composed of 32 capacitor and switch modules in parallel. The electrical parameters in short circuit are with a capacitance of 19.2 μF, an inductance of 11.7 nH, a resistance of 4.3 mΩ, and working charging voltage of 60 kV–90 kV. It can be run safely and stable when charged from 60 kV to 90 kV. The vacuum of loading chamber can be up to 10−2 Pa, and the current waveforms can be shaped by discharging in time sequences of four groups of capacitor and switch modules. CQ-3-MMAF is an adaptive machine with lower maintenance because of its modularization design. The COMSOL Multi-physics® code is used to optimize the structure of some key components and calculate their structural inductance for designs, such as gas switches and cable connectors. Some ramp wave loading experiments were conducted to check and examine the performances of CQ-3-MMAF. Two copper flyer plates were accelerated to about 3.5 km/s in one shot when the working voltage was charged to 70 kV. The velocity histories agree very well. The dynamic experiments of some polymer bonded explosives and phase transition of tin under ramp wave loadings were also conducted. The experimental data show that CQ-3-MMAF can be used to do material dynamics experiments in high rate and low cost shots. Based on this design concept, the peak current of new generators can be increased to 5-6 MA and about 100 GPa ramp stress can be produced on the metallic samples for high pressure physics, and a conceptual design of CQ-5-MMAF was given.
Anisotropic thermal transport property of defect-free GaN
Authors: Ju Wenjing , Zhou Zhongyuan , Wei Zhiyong
Published: July 2016

Non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is performed to calculate the thermal conductivity of defect-free GaN along three high-symmetry directions. It is found that the thermal conductivity along [001] direction is about 25% higher than that along [100] or [120] direction. The calculated phonon dispersion relation and iso-energy surface from lattice dynamics show that the difference of the sound speeds among the three high-symmetry directions is quite small for the same mode. However, the variation of phonon irradiation with direction is qualitatively consistent with that of the calculated thermal conductivity. Our results indicate that the anisotropic thermal conductivity may partly result from the phonons in the low-symmetry region of the first Brillouin zone due to phonon focus effects, even though the elastic properties along the three high-symmetry directions are nearly isotropic. Thus, the phonon irradiation is able to better describe the property of thermal conductivity as compared to the commonly used phonon dispersion relation. The present investigations uncover the physical origin of the anisotropic thermal conductivity in defect-free GaN, which would provide an important guide for optimizing the thermal management of GaN-based device.
Gene targeting of the transcription factor Mohawk in rats causes heterotopic ossification of Achilles tendon via failed tenogenesis
Authors: Suzuki Hidetsugu , Ito Yoshiaki , Shinohara Masahiro , Yamashita Satoshi , Ichinose Shizuko , Kishida Akio , Oyaizu Takuya , Kayama Tomohiro , Nakamichi Ryo , Koda Naoki , Yagishita Kazuyoshi , Lotz Martin K. , Okawa Atsushi , Asahara Hiroshi
Published: July 2016

Significance

Molecular mechanisms of tendon development and homeostasis are not well understood. Generation and analysis of
Mkx
−/−
rats revealed new functions of Mohawk (Mkx) in mediating cellular responses to mechanical stress. An Mkx-ChIP assay in rat tendon-derived cells with
Mkx
expression suggested that this factor may associate with both tendon- and cartilage-related genes to orchestrate tendon cell differentiation and maintenance. These findings advance our understanding of tendon physiology and pathology.
Phosphotyrosine-mediated LAT assembly on membranes drives kinetic bifurcation in recruitment dynamics of the Ras activator SOS
Authors: Huang William Y. C. , Yan Qingrong , Lin Wan-Chen , Chung Jean K. , Hansen Scott D. , Christensen Sune M. , Tu Hsiung-Lin , Kuriyan John , Groves Jay T.
Published: July 2016

Significance

The assembly of receptors and downstream signaling molecules into extended networks is a commonly observed phenomenon in signal transduction. However, little is known about how such assemblies physically modulate signal propagation. Here, based on single-molecule kinetics studies, we report that phosphotyrosine-mediated assembly of adaptor protein LAT networks yields two distinct kinetic species of the Ras activator SOS. This system regulates the transmission of signal from activated T-cell receptor to Ras. We propose and evaluate how the emergence of a long-dwelling SOS species may serve as a kinetic proofreading mechanism to discriminate stochastic noise from genuinely activated receptors.
The use of address pronouns among Finnish and Finland-Swedish students
Authors: Nyblom Heidi
Published: July 2016

This article examines the use and choice of address pronouns among Finnish and Finland-Swedish students in various situations. The study is based on a questionnaire on address usage distributed to university students in the city of Vaasa in Finland. The aim of the study is to investigate potential differences between the use of T and V in Finnish and Finland-Swedish and to compare the results with those of a recent study on address in Sweden-Swedish. The results reveal that the Finland-Swedish students use V somewhat less than the Finnish students. The Finland-Swedes also use V in fewer contexts, primarily in service situations and occasionally to strangers and public authorities. The Finnish students use V in the same contexts as the Finland-Swedish, but they also use V to older people.
Post-start-up overlap and disattentiveness in talk in a Garrwa Community
Authors: Gardner Rod , Mushin Ilana
Published: July 2016

Overlap in conversation is a well-established area of conversation analysis research (e.g. Jefferson 1983; Schegloff 2000) which can reveal how participants orient to transition relevance places. This paper presents an analysis of overlap in the mixed (Garrwa, Kriol and English) language conversations of two indigenous Australian women as part of a larger study of turn-taking practices in indigenous conversations. Walsh (Walsh 1995) made some observations about Aboriginal conversational style, for example that they may enter a conversation without attending to the talk of others. His observational claims are empirically examined here in the context of our data.

We find that the overlapping talk in our data follows many patterns similar to English speakers’ talk, including transition space overlap (cf. Jefferson 1983) and simultaneous starts. The most important difference we found was overlap onset occurring shortly after the closure of the transition space, reflecting disattendance by speakers to the content, but not the timing, of each other’s talk. Overall, however, we find that the turn-taking of these two women is overwhelmingly orderly, and deviations from orderliness can mostly be accounted for by their orientation to points of possible completion and rules of turn-taking as described by Sacks, Schegloff and Jefferson (1974).
Examining negotiation in peer group oral assessment
Authors: Gan Zhengdong
Published: July 2016

This article reports on a case study of negotiation that occurred in peer group oral interactions under assessment conditions. Discourse analysis was used to illustrate how participants negotiated and co-constructed the assessment format itself as well as meaning exchange sequences. Analyses of the data point to the advantage of using peer group discussion task in generating the interaction patterns representative of natural conversational situations. By concentrating on the situated dynamics and process of peer group functioning, this study also demonstrates the importance of peer learning opportunities that resulted from collaborative reasoning under assessment conditions, which have typically been ignored in the conventional testing paradigm. Implications of these findings over validity issues in oral language assessment are discussed.
What happens to international students’ english after one semester at university?
Authors: Storch Neomy , Hill Kathryn
Published: July 2016

There is a common expectation, particularly amongst international students, that studying in an English-medium university should automatically produce a significant improvement in their English language skills. However, there is growing evidence to suggest that this is not necessarily the case.

This paper reports on a study which investigated the impact of one semester of study at a university on the English language proficiency of a sample of 40 international students. This was measured by comparing the students’ scores on a diagnostic English language test at the beginning and end of their first semester. A comparison of discourse measures of writing in terms of fluency, complexity and accuracy was also undertaken. Background information, including details of ESL support, if any, was collected for all participants via questionnaires, and interviews were conducted with a subset of the participants.

It was found that studying in an English-medium university generally led to an improvement in English language proficiency. The paper identifies a number of factors which appear to support language development, as well as factors that may inhibit it.
Looking for action
Authors: Nevile Maurice
Published: July 2016

This paper considers the embodied nature of discourse for a professional work setting. It examines language in interaction in the airline cockpit, and specifically how shifts in pilots’ eye gaze direction can indicate the action of talk, that is, what talk is doing and its relative contribution to work-in-progress. Looking towards the other pilot’s face treats talk as occurring outside the predictable and scripted sequential flow of interaction for work. The talk might be casual conversation unrelated to work tasks, or involve negotiation of work arising from locally contingent circumstances. Pilots treat particular sites for looking, cockpit instrument panels and windows, as a home position for gaze for planned and predictable work activity. Looking away from this home position, as either speaker or recipient, treats talk as doing something else. The paper draws on insights and methods of conversation analysis, and uses naturally occurring data, video recordings of pilots at work on actual scheduled passenger flights.
The provision and uptake of different types of recasts in child and adult ESL learners
Authors: Oliver Rhonda , Grote Ellen
Published: July 2016

The role of conversational interaction in second language research has increasingly been seen as playing a facilitative role in second language learning. As such there have been a number of studies focussing on different types of interaction, including feedback such as recasts, and their potential role in second language learning. In this study, using Sheen’s (2006) taxonomy, we compare various types of recasts delivered to child ESL learners. Further, we examine two variables: context (teacher-fronted classrooms versus pair work, including NNS-NNS and NNS-NS dyads) and age (the results of this study with children are compared with the results from Sheen’s (2006) study of adults) and the impact these factors have on this form of feedback. We also examine the opportunity for, and the actual uptake that may follow these recasts, for child ESL learners. The findings suggest that age and context make a difference, both in relation to the provision of recasts (in terms of their type and characteristics), as well as in relation to their uptake, though to a lesser extent. Context also influences the opportunity for uptake afforded to child learners. The theoretical and pedagogical implications of these results are outlined at the conclusion of this paper.
Index Insurance Quality and Basis Risk: Evidence from Northern Kenya
Authors: Jensen Nathaniel D. , Barrett Christopher B. , Mude Andrew G.
Published: July 2016

The number of index insurance pilots in developing countries has grown tremendously in recent years, but there has been little progress in our understanding of the quality of those products. Basis risk, or remaining uninsured risk, is a widely recognized but rarely measured feature of index insurance product quality. This article uses eight semi‐annual seasons of longitudinal household data to examine the distribution of basis risk associated with an index‐based livestock insurance (IBLI) product in northern Kenya. We find that IBLI coverage reduces exposure to covariate risk due to large shocks and mitigates downside risk substantially for many households, even at commercial premium rates. But index insurance is no magic bullet; insured households continue to face considerable basis risk. Examining the components of basis risk, we find that IBLI reduces exposure to covariate risk due to high loss events by an average of 63%. The benefits of reduced covariate risk exposure are relatively small, however, due to high exposure to seemingly mostly random idiosyncratic risk, even in this population often thought to suffer largely from covariate shocks. The result is that IBLI policyholders are left with an average of 69% of their original risk due to high loss events. This research underscores the need for caution when promoting index insurance as a risk mitigation tool, as well as the importance of product quality evaluation.
CXCL12 mediates glioblastoma resistance to radiotherapy in the subventricular zone
Authors: Goffart Nicolas , Lombard Arnaud , Lallemand François , Kroonen Jérôme , Nassen Jessica , Di Valentin Emmanuel , Berendsen Sharon , Dedobbeleer Matthias , Willems Estelle , Robe Pierre , Bours Vincent , Martin Didier , Martinive Philippe , Maquet Pierre , Rogister Bernard
Published: July 2016

Background.

Patients with glioblastoma (GBM) have an overall median survival of 15 months despite multimodal therapy. These catastrophic survival rates are to be correlated to systematic relapses that might arise from remaining glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) left behind after surgery. In this line, it has recently been demonstrated that GSCs are able to escape the tumor mass and preferentially colonize the adult subventricular zone (SVZ). At a distance from the initial tumor site, these GSCs might therefore represent a high-quality model of clinical resilience to therapy and cancer relapses as they specifically retain tumor-initiating abilities.

Method.

While relying on recent findings that have validated the existence of GSCs in the human SVZ, we questioned the role of the SVZ niche as a potential GSC reservoir involved in therapeutic failure.

Results.

Our results demonstrate that (i) GSCs located in the SVZ are specifically resistant to radiation in vivo, (ii) these cells display enhanced mesenchymal roots that are known to be associated with cancer radioresistance, (iii) these mesenchymal traits are specifically upregulated by CXCL12 (stromal cell-derived factor-1) both in vitro and in the SVZ environment, (iv) the amount of SVZ-released CXCL12 mediates GBM resistance to radiation in vitro, and (v) interferes with the CXCL12/CXCR4 signalling system, allowing weakening of the tumor mesenchymal roots and radiosensitizing SVZ-nested GBM cells.

Conclusion.

Together, these data provide evidence on how the adult SVZ environment, through the release of CXCL12, supports GBM therapeutic failure and potential tumor relapse.
Predictors of Nonunion and Infectious Complications in Patients With Posttraumatic Subtalar Arthrodesis
Authors: Dingemans Siem A. , Backes Manouk , Goslings J. Carel , de Jong Vincent M. , Luitse Jan S. K. , Schepers Tim
Published: July 2016

Objective:

The objective of the present study was (1) to identify predictors of both nonunion and postoperative wound infections (POWI) and (2) to assess the union and complication rate following posttraumatic subtalar arthrodesis (STA).

Design:

Retrospective comparative cohort study.

Setting:

Level 1 trauma center.

Patients:

All consecutive adult patients with STA following traumatic injuries between 2000 and May 2015.

Intervention:

STA for posttraumatic deformities.

Main Outcome Measurements:

Union (described as a combination of radiographic signs of osseous bridging and a clinically fused joint) and POWI as classified by the Centers for Disease and Control.

Results:

A total number of 93 (96 feet) patients met the inclusion criteria. Union was achieved in 89% of patients. For primary, secondary in situ, and secondary correction arthrodesis, these percentages were 94%, 84,% and 90%, respectively (NS). The union rate significantly increased over time (P = 0.02). In 17 patients (18%), a POWI occurred, of which 2 were classified as superficial and 15 as deep POWIs. The POWI rate did not differ between the groups. Alcohol, nicotine, and drug abuse were not significantly associated with the occurrence of POWIs. Patients with an open fracture or an infection following open reduction internal fixation had a greater risk of a POWI following STA (P = 0.03 and P = 0.04, respectively).

Conclusions:

We could not identify predictors for nonunion. In 18% of the patients, an infectious complication following surgery occurred. Patients with an open fracture or an infection after primary surgical treatment (ie, open reduction internal fixation) have a higher chance of POWIs following STA. The union rate following posttraumatic STA is 89%.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Parenting and Preschooler TV Viewing in Low-Income Mexican Americans: Development of the Parenting Practices Regarding TV Viewing (PPRTV) Scale
Authors: Thompson Darcy A. , Johnson Susan L. , Vandewater Elizabeth A. , Schmiege Sarah J. , Boles Richard E. , Lev Jerusha , Tschann Jeanne M.
Published: July 2016

Objective:

To develop and test a comprehensive, culturally based measure of parenting practices regarding television (TV) viewing in low-income Mexican-American mothers of preschoolers.

Method:

Low-income Mexican-American female primary caregivers of preschoolers were recruited in urban safety-net pediatric clinics during the 2013 to 2014 academic year. Items on parenting practices regarding TV viewing were developed from a prior scale, review of the literature, and results from semistructured interviews. Items were administered by phone, and analyses included evaluation of the factor structure and psychometric properties of a 40-item measure of parenting practices regarding TV viewing (PPRTV).

Results:

Using exploratory factor analysis, a 7-factor model emerged as the best fit for the data representing the following domains of parenting practices: time restriction, behavioral control, instructive practices, coviewing, planful restriction, reactive content restriction, and commercial endorsement. Internal reliabilities were acceptable (Cronbach's alpha >.75). Correlations among the resulting subscales were small to moderate (rs = 0.01–0.43). Subscales were correlated with child TV viewing amounts: time restriction (−0.14, p < .05); behavioral control (0.27, p < .001); coviewing (0.16, p < .01); planful restriction (−0.20, p < .001); and commercial endorsement (0.11, p < .05), which provides support for construct validity.

Conclusion:

The PPRTV scale measures 7 domains of parenting practices and has good initial reliability and validity. It allows investigators to conduct more in-depth evaluations of the role parents play in socializing young children on TV use. Results of such work will be important to informing the design of interventions aiming to ensure healthy screen media habits in young children.
Adversity magnifies the importance of social information in decision-making
Authors: Perez-Escudero Alfonso , de Polavieja Gonzalo G
Published: July 2016

In adverse conditions, individuals follow the majority more strongly. This phenomenon is very general across social species, but explanations have been particular to the species and context, including antipredatory responses, deflection of responsibility, or increase in uncertainty. Here we show that the impact of social information in realistic decision-making typically increases with adversity, giving more weight to the choices of the majority. The conditions for this social magnification are very natural, but were absent in previous decision-making models due to extra assumptionsthat simplified mathematical analysis, like very low levels of stochasticity or the assumption that when one option is good the other one must be bad. We show that decision-making in collectives can quantitatively explain the different impact of social influence with different levels of adversity for different species and contexts, including life-threatening situations in fish and simple experiments in humans.
Deep Sequencing of 10,000 Human Genomes
Authors: Telenti Amalio , Pierce Levi C.T. , Biggs William H. , di Iulio Julia , Wong Emily H.M. , Fabani Martin M. , Kirkness Ewen F. , Moustafa Ahmed , Shah Naisha , Xie Chao , Brewerton Suzanne C. , Bulsara Nadeem , Garner Chad , Metzker Gary , Sandoval Efren , Perkins Brad A. , Och Franz J. , Turpaz Yaron , Venter J. Craig
Published: July 2016

We report on the sequencing of 10,545 human genomes at 30-40x coverage with an emphasis on quality metrics and novel variant and sequence discovery. We find that 84% of an individual human genome can be sequenced confidently. This high confidence region includes 91.5% of exon sequence and 95.2% of known pathogenic variant positions. We present thedistribution of over 150 million single nucleotide variants in the coding and non-coding genome. Each newly sequenced genome contributes an average of 8,579 novel variants. In addition, each genome carries in average 0.7 Mb of sequence that is not found in the main build of the hg38 reference genome. The density of this catalog of variation allowed us to construct highresolution profiles that define genomic sites that are highly intolerant of genetic variation. These results indicate that the data generated by deep genome sequencing is of the quality necessary for clinical use.

Significance statement

Declining sequencing costs and new large-scale initiatives towards personalized medicine are driving a massive expansion in the number of human genomes being sequenced. Therefore, there is an urgent need to define quality standards for clinical use. This includes deep coverage and sequencing accuracy of an individual’s genome, rather than aggregated coverage of data across a cohort or population. Our work represents the largest effort to date in sequencing human genomes at deep coverage with these new standards. This study identifies over 150 million human variants, a majority of them rare and unknown. Moreover, these data identify sites in the genome that are highly intolerant to variation - possibly essential for life or health. We conclude that high coverage genome sequencing provides accurate detail on human variation for discovery and for clinical applications.
Forward genetic screen of human transposase genomic rearrangements
Authors: Henssen Anton G. , Jiang Eileen , Zhuang Jiali , Pinello Luca , Socci Nicholas D. , Koche Richard , Gonen Mithat , Villasante Camila M. , Armstrong Scott A. , Bauer Daniel E. , Weng Zhiping , Kentsis Alex
Published: July 2016

Background.Numerous human genes encode potentially active DNA transposases or recombinases, but our understanding of their functions remains limited due to shortage of methods to profile their activities on endogenous genomic substrates.Results.To enable functional analysis of human transposase-derived genes, we combined forward chemical genetic hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase 1 (HPRT1) screening with massively parallel paired-end DNA sequencing and structural variant genome assembly and analysis. Here, we report theHPRT1mutational spectrum induced by the human transposase PGBD5, including PGBD5-specific signal sequences (PSS) that serve as potential genomic rearrangement substrates.Conclusions.The discovered PSS motifs and high-throughput forward chemical genomic screening approach should prove useful for the elucidation of endogenous genome remodeling activities of PGBD5 and other domesticated human DNA transposases and recombinases.
Shifts in community‐level traits and functional diversity in a mixed conifer forest: a legacy of land‐use change
Authors: Strahan Robert T. , Sánchez Meador Andrew J. , Huffman David W. , Laughlin Daniel C.
Published: July 2016

Historical reference conditions have long been used to guide the restoration of degraded ecosystems. However, a rapidly changing climate and altered disturbance regimes are calling into question the usefulness of this approach. As a consequence, restoration goals are increasingly focused on creating communities that are resilient to novel environmental stressors and emphasis is being placed on defining functional targets through the use of plant traits. While changes in forest structure and composition have received much attention, long‐term changes in stand‐level functional traits are not well understood.

We used dendrochronology to reconstruct historical forest structure and composition in 1880, the year immediately following the disruption of the natural fire regime in a mixed conifer forest in Arizona,USA. We analysed the differences in pre‐settlement and contemporary forest composition, structure and community‐weighted mean (CWM) traits, and functional diversity metrics (Rao's Q and functional richness) for four plant functional traits: leaf nitrogen content (leaf N), specific leaf area (SLA), wood density and bark thickness.

We observed significant shifts in forest composition, structure,CWMtraits and functional diversity from 1880 to 2011. These changes reflect a reduction in fire and drought tolerance, driven largely by increases in the relative importanceof Abies concolorandPinus strobiformis. Compositional changes were associated with declines inCWMleaf N,SLA, wood density and bark thickness. We found lower multitrait functional diversity (Rao's Q) in contemporary forests driven primarily by leaf N; however, bark thickness variation was greater in contemporary forests than in 1880.

Synthesis and applications. Compositional shifts towards reduced average bark thickness and wood density in contemporary forests driven by land‐use change have likely reduced forest resilience to both fire and drought. Managers can manipulate forest structure and species composition to achieve functional objectives by increasing stand‐level bark thickness to promote fire tolerance and increasing stand‐level wood density to promote drought tolerance. Forecasts for extended fire seasons along with declining precipitation are projected for many ecosystems around the planet. A focus on restoring optimal functional trait combinations may be as important as managing ecosystem structure for restoring resilient ecosystems.
Evolution of plant materials for ecological restoration: insights from the applied and basic literature
Authors: Espeland Erin K. , Emery Nancy C. , Mercer Kristin L. , Woolbright Scott A. , Kettenring Karin M. , Gepts Paul , Etterson Julie R.
Published: July 2016

Restoration is normally conducted with the goal of creating plant populations that establish, survive, successfully reproduce, contribute to ecosystem function and persist in the long term. Restoration often relies on revegetation that, on large scales, requires agronomic increase of native plant materials. During this propagation process, restoration populations are subject to genetic sampling as well as natural and artificial selection that could result in adaptation contrasting sharply with that of native populations.

Here we draw on insights from the evolutionary and agricultural literature to illustrate how changes in the amount and type of genetic variation inex siturepositories (source collections and production farms) could affect plant performance in restoration. The consequences of intentional and/or inadvertent evolutionary modification of restoration materials are discussed with respect to population viability and ecosystem function.

Synthesis and applications. We conclude that sampling effects and intentional and unintentional selection during collection, propagation and restoration planting have the potential to diminish restored populations. We describe testing for evolutionary change in plant materials using neutral molecular markers and/or field observations. Six practices, multiple collections through time, multiple collections through space, large effective population size, provenance tracking, promoting gene flow and reducing selection comprise ‘evolutionarily enlightened management’ that decreases the potential for unintentional evolution and maladaptation.
Correlations of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and serum uric acid with subclinical atherosclerosis in obese Chinese adults
Authors: Liu Yongwen , Liu Changqin , Shi Xiulin , Lin Mingzhu , Yan Bing , Zeng Xin , Chen Ningning , Lu Shuhua , Liu Suhuan , Yang Shuyu , Li Xuejun , Li Zhibin
Published: July 2016

Background

Existing evidence about the associations of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and serum uric acid (SUA) with subclinical atherosclerosis is controversial. The aim of the present study was to examine the associations of NAFLD and SUA with subclinical atherosclerosis.

Methods

In the present cross‐sectional study, 1354 obese adults underwent hepatic ultrasonography and arteriosclerosis detection. Indices of subclinical atherosclerosis were brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (ba‐PWV) and the ankle–brachial index (ABI). Linear regression using multivariable fractional polynomial (MFP) modeling was used to examine independent associations of NAFLD and SUA with a‐PWV and ABI.

Results

Compared with controls, mean (± SD) ba‐PWV was significantly higher in subjects with NAFLD (1534 ± 292 vs 1433 ± 259 cm/s; P < 0.001) and hyperuricemia (HUA; 1519 ± 275 vs 1476 ± 287 cm/s; P = 0.007). After adjustment for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, NAFLD and SUA were both positively related to ba‐PWV (β = 0.120 and 0.064, respectively; P < 0.05 for both). With further adjustment for insulin resistance and components of metabolic syndrome (MetS), the positive correlations were no longer significant (β = 0.017 and 0.006; P > 0.05 for both). In addition, NAFLD, but not SUA, was negatively correlated with ABI (β = −0.073; P = 0.015). Using MFP modeling, the best fractional polynomial (FP) transformation model showed that non‐linear transformations were appropriate for two variables in their relationship with ba‐PWV, namely age and fasting insulin as first‐degree FP transformations (age3 and 1/insulin0.5, respectively).

Conclusions

Neither NAFLD nor SUA was related to ba‐PWV with increases in insulin resistance and MetS, but NAFLD was independently and negatively correlated with ABI.
Exploring the role of the patient–physician relationship on insulin adherence and clinical outcomes in type 2 diabetes: Insights from the MOSAIc study
Authors: Linetzky Bruno , Jiang Dingfeng , Funnell Martha M. , Curtis Bradley H. , Polonsky William H.
Published: July 2016

Background

The 2‐year prospective MOSAIc (Multinational Observational Study assessing Insulin use: understanding the challenges associated with progression of therapy) study is investigating whether patient‐, physician‐, and health system‐related factors affect outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This baseline subanalysis investigated how aspects of the patient–physician relationship are associated with diabetes‐related distress, insulin adherence, and glycemic control.

Methods

Patients with T2D taking insulin for ≥3 months were recruited at primary care and specialty practice sites in 18 countries. Physicians provided usual care. Clinical history and most recent HbA1c values were collected; patients were surveyed regarding their perception of physician interactions, diabetes‐related distress level, and insulin adherence.

Results

The analysis population comprised 4341 patients. Four (of six) domains showed a significant relationship with total diabetes‐related distress (P < 0.01). Poor insulin adherence was associated with greater diabetes‐related distress (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.22), higher Discrimination (aOR 1.13; 95% CI 1.02–1.27) and Hurried Communication (aOR 1.35; 95% CI 1.20–1.53) scores, and a lower Explained Results score (aOR 0.86; 95% CI 0.77–0.97). Poor insulin adherence was associated with a 0.43% increase in HbA1c, whereas a 1‐unit increase in total diabetes‐related distress and Hurried Communication scores was associated with a 0.171% and 0.145% increase in HbA1c, respectively.

Conclusions

Patients distressed about living with T2D, and dissatisfied with aspects of their interactions with physicians, exhibited poor insulin adherence. Perceived physician inattention and lack of engagement (and diabetes‐related distress) directly affect insulin adherence and glycemic control.
Potential confounding factors in measurement of specific cell‐free seminal mRNAs and microRNAs derived from human reproductive organs
Authors: Dong T. T. , Yu Q. , Qing X. R. , Ma X. L. , Dong W. W. , Shi J. , Li H. G.
Published: July 2016

Cell‐free seminal RNA (cfs‐RNA) is mixed transcripts derived from male reproductive organs, and is potential biomarker for the research and diagnosis of male reproductive‐related diseases. However, some clinical factors, including age, asymptomatic Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) infection, scrotal heat stress, abstinence period, and the storage condition of semen samples, may interfere with sperm parameters and the measurement of seminal biomarkers. Accordingly, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of above clinical factors on the measurement of cfs‐RNA, aiming to lay a foundation for its research use and potential clinical application. Semen samples were collected according to the selected clinical factors. Cell‐free seminal plasma was obtained by centrifugation and total RNA was extracted with TRIzol LS. Selective male reproductive organ‐specific cfs‐mRNAs and cfs‐miRNAs were quantified by quantitative real‐time PCR. The concentration and total amount of cfs‐mRNAs and cfs‐miRNAs in one ejaculate were calculated and compared. ACTB, DDX4 (testis‐specific), WFDC9 (epididymis‐specific), and miR‐514a‐3p (testis‐specific) significantly increased after scrotal heat stress. SEMG1 (seminal vesicle‐specific) showed declining tendency with the prolonged abstinence period. Age, asymptomatic UU infection, and the storage condition showed no significant impact on the measurement of cfs‐RNA. These results indicate that scrotal heat stress significantly interfere with the selected cfs‐RNA derived from the testis and epididymis, and abstinence period may affect the yield of cfs‐mRNA from seminal vesicle, while other clinical factors has no significant impact on the measurement. Thus, heat exposure and abstinence period should be considered for the cfs‐RNA measurement in its research or clinical application.
Associations of reading posture, gaze angle and reading distance with myopia and myopic progression
Authors: Pärssinen Olavi , Kauppinen Markku
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To study the associations of habitual reading posture, gaze angle in reading and reading distance with myopia and changes in myopia among myopic children.

Methods

A total of 240 myopic schoolchildren (mean age 10.9 years), with no previous spectacles, were recruited during 1983–1984 to a randomized 3‐year clinical trial of bifocal treatment of myopia. Three annual examinations with subjective cycloplegic refraction were conducted for 237–238 subjects. A further examination was conducted at the mean age of 23.2 years for 178 subjects. Habitual reading posture was elicited by questionnaire at study outset. Reading distance was measured with a Clement Clark accommodometer and gaze angle with an angle scale at baseline and all three annual follow‐ups. Height was measured by a school nurse. The connections between the variables were studied with the standard statistical methods.

Results

Higher myopia was connected with shorter reading distance among girls at follow‐ups 2 and 3, but not at the other examinations. The correlation of spherical equivalent with height was non‐significant at each follow‐up. Myopic progression across the whole follow‐up was highest among those who read sitting down at baseline (−3.58 ± 1.75 D) and lowest among those who read face up lying down (−2.35 ± 1.53 D) (p = 0.021). Reading with eyes at a more downward angle was slightly connected with greater myopic progression (r = −0.166, p = 0.028).

Conclusions

Reading in a sitting posture at myopia onset predicted the greatest myopic progression to adulthood and reading face up on one's back the lowest. Reading with eyes on turned more downwards was slightly connected with greater myopic progression.
Bladder pain induced by prolonged peripheral alpha 1A adrenoceptor stimulation involves the enhancement of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 activity and an increase of urothelial adenosine triphosphate release
Authors: Matos R. , Cordeiro J. M. , Coelho A. , Ferreira S. , Silva C. , Igawa Y. , Cruz F. , Charrua A.
Published: July 2016

Aim

Pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic visceral pain (CVP) are unknown. This study explores the association between the sympathetic system and bladder nociceptors activity by testing the effect of a prolonged adrenergic stimulation on transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) activity and on urothelial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release.

Methods

Female Wistar rats received saline, phenylephrine (PHE), PHE + silodosin, PHE + naftopidil or PHE + prazosin. TRPV1 knockout and wild‐type mice received saline or PHE. Visceral pain behaviour tests were performed before and after treatment. Cystometry was performed, during saline and capsaicin infusion. Fos immunoreactivity was assessed in L6 spinal cord segment. Human urothelial ATP release induced by mechanical and thermal stimulation was evaluated.

Results

Subcutaneous, but not intrathecal, PHE administration induced pain, which was reversed by silodosin, a selective alpha 1A adrenoceptor antagonist, but not by naftopidil, a relatively selective antagonist for alpha 1D adrenoceptor. Silodosin also reversed PHE‐induced bladder hyperactivity and L6 spinal cord Fos expression. Thus, in subsequent experiments, only silodosin was used. Wild‐type, but not TRPV1 knockout, mice exhibited phenylephrine‐induced pain. Capsaicin induced a greater increase in voiding contractions in PHE‐treated rats than in control animals, and silodosin reversed this effect. When treated with PHE, ATP release from human urothelial cells was enhanced either by mechanical stimulation or by lowering the thermal threshold of urothelial TRPV1, which becomes abnormally responsive at body temperature.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the activation of peripheral alpha 1A adrenoceptors induces CVP, probably through its interaction with TRPV1 and ATP release.
Incentivizing Patient Choices: The Ethics of Inclusive Shared Savings
Authors: Chappell Richard Yetter
Published: July 2016

Is it ethical to pay patients for selecting cheaper medical treatments? The healthcare system in the United States is notoriously profligate, at least in part because when insurers foot the bill, patients have little incentive to avoid wasteful treatments. One familiar means for dealing with this problem is for insurers to offer reduced co‐pays to patients who select cheaper treatments. Would it be ethical to take this one step further, beyond the zero bound, sharing the savings of cheaper treatments by positively paying the patients who select them? Schmidt & Emanuel recently proposed this policy of ‘Inclusive Shared Savings’ (ISS). This article examines various ethical objections to the idea.
Biohydroxylation of 7‐oxo‐DHEA, a natural metabolite of DHEA, resulting in formation of new metabolites of potential pharmaceutical interest
Authors: Świzdor Alina , Panek Anna , Milecka‐Tronina Natalia
Published: July 2016

Metabolism of steroids in healthy and unhealthy human organs is the subject of extensive clinical and biomedical studies. For this kind of investigations, it is essential that the reference samples of new derivatives of natural, physiologically active steroids (especially those difficult to achieve in the chemical synthesis) become available. This study demonstrated for the first time transformation of 7‐oxo‐DHEA—a natural metabolite of DHEA, using Syncephalastrum racemosum cells. The single‐pulse fermentation of substrate produced two new hydroxy metabolites: 1β,3β‐dihydroxy‐androst‐5‐en‐7,17‐dione and 3β,12β‐dihydroxy‐androst‐5‐en‐7,17‐dione, along with the earlier reported 3β,9α‐dihydroxy‐androst‐5‐en‐7,17‐dione and 3β,17β‐dihydroxy‐androst‐5‐en‐7‐one. Simultaneously, the same metabolites, together with small quantities of 7α‐ and 7β‐hydroxy‐DHEA, as well as the products of their reduction at the C‐17 were obtained after transformation of DHEA under pulse‐feeding of the substrate. The observed reactions suggested that this micro‐organism contains enzymes exhibiting similar activity to those present in human cells. Thus, the resulting compounds can be considered as potential components of the eukaryotic, including human, metabolome.
Evaluating Viewpoint Entropy for Ribbon Representation of Protein Structure
Authors: Heinrich J. , Vuong J. , Hammang C. J. , Wu A. , Rittenbruch M. , Hogan J. , Brereton M. , O'Donoghue S. I.
Published: July 2016

While many measures of viewpoint goodness have been proposed in computer graphics, none have been evaluated for ribbon representations of protein secondary structure. To fill this gap, we conducted a user study on Amazon's Mechanical Turk platform, collecting human viewpoint preferences from 65 participants for 4 representative superfamilies of protein domains. In particular, we evaluated viewpoint entropy, which was previously shown to be a good predictor for human viewpoint preference of other, mostly non‐abstract objects. In a second study, we asked 7 experts in molecular biology to find the best viewpoint of the same protein domains and compared their choices with viewpoint entropy.

Our results indicate that viewpoint entropy overall is a significant predictor of human viewpoint preference for ribbon representations of protein secondary structure. However, the accuracy depends on the type and composition of the structure: while most participants agree on good viewpoints for structures with mainly beta sheets, viewpoint preference varies considerably for complex arrangements of alpha helices. Finally, experts tend to choose viewpoints of both low and high viewpoint entropy to emphasize different aspects of the respective structure.
Präklinische und klinische Validierung der kutanen Bioverfügbarkeit der hydrophilen Phase einer W/O‐Emulsion
Authors: Wohlrab Johannes , Richter Claudia , Stauder Susanne
Published: July 2016

Hintergrund

Die Interaktionen zwischen dem Stratum corneum und den einzelnen Phasen eines Emulsionssystems sind von vielen Faktoren abhängig, insbesondere aber von der äußeren, kontinuierlichen Phase des Systems. Für W/O‐Emulsionen gibt es, anders als zum Schicksal der lipophilen Phase, nur wenige Daten, die das Eindringen der wässrigen Phase in das Stratum corneum direkt untersucht haben.

Patienten und Methodik

Vor diesem Hintergrund wurden zwei vergleichbare W/O‐Emulsionen präklinisch und klinisch an gesunder und artifiziell geschädigter Haut hinsichtlich der Interaktion der hydrophilen Phase validiert. Mittels Fluoreszenzuntersuchungen wurde die Verteilung der hydrophilen Phase nach epikutaner ­Applikation an ex vivo Humanhaut bildanalytisch quantifiziert und entsprechend der anatomischen Schichten die Verteilung analysiert. Zudem wurden in einer randomisierten, kontrollierten und Prüfer‐verblindeten Studie die Wirkeffekte der Zubereitungen auf die Barrierefunktion im zeitlichen Verlauf ermittelt.

Ergebnisse

Die Ergebnisse machen deutlich, dass eine Substitution von Wasser durch eine W/O‐Emulsion nur bedingt durch einen Zusatz hygroskopischer Substanzen (z. B. Urea) erreicht werden kann. Die Effekte lassen sich vor allem durch okklusive Wirkungen der lipophilen Phase erklären.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Anwendung von W/O‐Emulsionen ist deshalb insbesondere bei chronischen Barriereschäden zu empfehlen, da bei akut reduziertem Stratum ­corneum keine nachhaltigen Effekte zu erwarten sind.