bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Factors Influence Arithmetic Performance: The Case of the Minus Sign
Authors: Jiang Matthew J. , Cooper Jennifer L. , Alibali Martha W.
Published: April 2014

Spatial features of mathematical equations may influence how people solve and interpret those equations. This study examined whether manipulations of spatial features affected how participants solved and interpreted equations involving the minus sign. Undergraduate participants ( N = 91) solved multioperation arithmetic equations involving addition, subtraction, and multiplication (e.g. 25 − 3 + 2 × 5 = __). We varied the spacing of the final three operands and the position of the first operator relative to the adjacent operands. Participants also generated a story problem to correspond with a given equation. We evaluated the procedures that participants used in solving the equations by analysing both their solutions and their written work. Both close spacing of the final three operands and position of the first operation sign influenced the procedures that participants used. Both of the spatial manipulations also influenced participants’ interpretations of the conceptual structure of the equations, as revealed in the story problems that they generated. These results have implications for understanding how people process mathematical symbols and for mathematics education.
Quality control at the plasma membrane: One mechanism does not fit all
Authors: Babst Markus
Published: April 2014

The plasma membrane quality control system of eukaryotic cells is able to recognize and degrade damaged cell surface proteins. Recent studies have identified two mechanisms involved in the recognition of unfolded transmembrane proteins. One system uses chaperones to detect unfolded cytoplasmic domains of transmembrane proteins, whereas the second mechanism relies on an internal quality control system of the protein, which can trigger degradation when the protein deviates from the folded state. Both quality control mechanisms are key to prevent proteotoxic effects at the cell surface and to ensure cell integrity.
Ca2+–Calmodulin regulates SNARE assembly and spontaneous neurotransmitter release via v-ATPase subunit V0a1
Authors: Wang Dong , Epstein Daniel , Khalaf Ossama , Srinivasan Sankaranarayanan , Williamson W. Ryan , Fayyazuddin Amir , Quiocho Florante A. , Hiesinger P. Robin
Published: April 2014

Most chemical neurotransmission occurs through Ca2+-dependent evoked or spontaneous vesicle exocytosis. In both cases, Ca2+ sensing is thought to occur shortly before exocytosis. In this paper, we provide evidence that the Ca2+ dependence of spontaneous vesicle release may partly result from an earlier requirement of Ca2+ for the assembly of soluble N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive fusion attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complexes. We show that the neuronal vacuolar-type H+-adenosine triphosphatase V0 subunit a1 (V100) can regulate the formation of SNARE complexes in a Ca2+–Calmodulin (CaM)-dependent manner. Ca2+–CaM regulation of V100 is not required for vesicle acidification. Specific disruption of the Ca2+-dependent regulation of V100 by CaM led to a >90% loss of spontaneous release but only had a mild effect on evoked release at Drosophila melanogaster embryo neuromuscular junctions. Our data suggest that Ca2+–CaM regulation of V100 may control SNARE complex assembly for a subset of synaptic vesicles that sustain spontaneous release.
Mechanical Ventilation–associated Lung Fibrosis in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Cabrera-Benitez Nuria E. , Laffey John G. , Parotto Matteo , Spieth Peter M. , Villar Jesús , Zhang Haibo , Slutsky Arthur S.
Published: April 2014

One of the most challenging problems in critical care medicine is the management of patients with the acute respiratory distress syndrome. Increasing evidence from experimental and clinical studies suggests that mechanical ventilation, which is necessary for life support in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, can cause lung fibrosis, which may significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality. The role of mechanical stress as an inciting factor for lung fibrosis versus its role in lung homeostasis and the restoration of normal pulmonary parenchymal architecture is poorly understood. In this review, the authors explore recent advances in the field of pulmonary fibrosis in the context of acute respiratory distress syndrome, concentrating on its relevance to the practice of mechanical ventilation, as commonly applied by anesthetists and intensivists. The authors focus the discussion on the thesis that mechanical ventilation—or more specifically, that ventilator-induced lung injury—may be a major contributor to lung fibrosis. The authors critically appraise possible mechanisms underlying the mechanical stress–induced lung fibrosis and highlight potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate this fibrosis.
Functional analysis of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index curves reveals overwinter mule deer survival is driven by both spring and autumn phenology
Authors: Hurley Mark A. , Hebblewhite Mark , Gaillard Jean-Michel , Dray Stéphane , Taylor Kyle A. , Smith W. K. , Zager Pete , Bonenfant Christophe
Published: April 2014

Large herbivore populations respond strongly to remotely sensed measures of primary productivity. Whereas most studies in seasonal environments have focused on the effects of spring plant phenology on juvenile survival, recent studies demonstrated that autumn nutrition also plays a crucial role. We tested for both direct and indirect (through body mass) effects of spring and autumn phenology on winter survival of 2315 mule deer fawns across a wide range of environmental conditions in Idaho, USA. We first performed a functional analysis that identified spring and autumn as the key periods for structuring the among-population and among-year variation of primary production (approximated from 1 km Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)) along the growing season. A path analysis showed that early winter precipitation and direct and indirect effects of spring and autumn NDVI functional components accounted for 45% of observed variation in overwinter survival. The effect size of autumn phenology on body mass was about twice that of spring phenology, while direct effects of phenology on survival were similar between spring and autumn. We demonstrate that the effects of plant phenology vary across ecosystems, and that in semi-arid systems, autumn may be more important than spring for overwinter survival.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray characterization of the dephospho-CoA kinase fromLegionella pneumophila
Authors: Yu Dongmin , Chen Xiaofang , Xu Zhongdong , Ge Honghua
Published: April 2014

Dephospho-CoA kinases (DPCKs) are members of the kinase family that catalyze the final step in CoA biosynthesis. Their function is phosphorylation of the 3-hydroxyl group of the ribose using ATP as a phosphate donor. Structural changes induced by ATP binding play an important role during the DPCK catalytic cycle. In this work, DPCK fromLegionella pneumophilawas overexpressed inEscherichia coli. The purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of crystals of this protein are described. The protein was crystallized in space groupP21212, with unit-cell parametersa= 36.29,b= 82.20,c= 81.80 Å, using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. Diffraction data were collected at 100 K and the phases were determined using the molecular-replacement method.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of the cardiac transcription factor complex of NKX2.5 and TBX5 with DNA
Authors: Pradhan Lagnajeet , Gopal Sunil , Nam Hyun-Joo
Published: April 2014

Heart development depends on timely expression of genes regulated by combinatorial interactions of master cardiac transcription factors. To elucidate the molecular basis of their interactions, a ternary complex of cardiac transcription factors, NKX2.5 and TBX5, and their target DNA was studied using X-ray crystallography. Here, the purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analyses of the NKX2.5 homeodomain and TBX5 DNA-binding domain complex with a DNA element from the −252 promoter region of the atrial natriuretic factor are reported. The crystal diffracted to 2.88 Å resolution and belonged to space groupP21, with unit-cell parametersa= 69.30,b= 77.78,c= 77.60 Å, β = 108.31°. Two sets of ternary complexes are present in an asymmetric unit with a solvent content of 54%.
Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray data collection of the N-terminal domain of the 26S proteasome regulatory subunit p27 and its complex with the ATPase domain of Rpt5 fromMus musculus
Authors: Diao Wentao , Yang Xue , Zhou Hao
Published: April 2014

The protein 26S proteasome regulatory subunit p27 is one of the four chaperones that help in the assembly of the 19S regulatory particle (RP) of the 26S proteasome. In the present work, the N-terminus of p27 (residues 1–128) fromMus musculuswas cloned, expressed, purified and crystallized alone and in complex with the C-terminal ATPase domain of Rpt5 (residues 173–442). The crystals of p27(1–128)diffracted to 1.7 Å resolution and belonged to space groupP212121, with unit-cell parametersa= 26.79,b= 30.39,c= 145.06 Å. Resolution-dependent Matthews coefficient probability analysis suggested the presence of only one molecule per asymmetric unit, with 40.5% solvent content and aVMvalue of 2.02 Å3 Da−1. The crystal of the p27(1–128)–Rpt5(173–442)complex diffracted to 4 Å resolution and belonged to space groupP222, with unit-cell parametersa= 75.93,b= 76.08,c= 336.85 Å. The presence of four heterodimers in the asymmetric unit with 53.2% solvent content and aVMvalue of 2.63 Å3 Da−1or five heterodimers in the asymmetric unit with 41.5% solvent content and aVMvalue of 2.10 Å3 Da−1is assumed.
Misfit functionals in Laplace‐Fourier domain waveform inversion, with application to wide‐angle ocean bottom seismograph data
Authors: Kamei Rie , Pratt R. Gerhard , Tsuji Takeshi
Published: April 2014

In seismic waveform inversion, non‐linearity and non‐uniqueness require appropriate strategies. We formulate four types of L2 normed misfit functionals for Laplace‐Fourier domain waveform inversion: i) subtraction of complex‐valued observed data from complex‐valued predicted data (the ‘conventional phase‐amplitude’ residual), ii) a ‘conventional phase‐only’ residual in which amplitude variations are normalized, iii) a ‘logarithmic phase‐amplitude’ residual and finally iv) a ‘logarithmic phase‐only’ residual in which the only imaginary part of the logarithmic residual is used. We evaluate these misfit functionals by using a wide‐angle field Ocean Bottom Seismograph (OBS) data set with a maximum offset of 55 km. The conventional phase‐amplitude approach is restricted in illumination and delineates only shallow velocity structures. In contrast, the other three misfit functionals retrieve detailed velocity structures with clear lithological boundaries down to the deeper part of the model. We also test the performance of additional phase‐amplitude inversions starting from the logarithmic phase‐only inversion result. The resulting velocity updates are prominent only in the high‐wavenumber components, sharpening the lithological boundaries. We argue that the discrepancies in the behaviours of the misfit functionals are primarily caused by the sensitivities of the model gradient to strong amplitude variations in the data. As the observed data amplitudes are dominated by the near‐offset traces, the conventional phase‐amplitude inversion primarily updates the shallow structures as a result. In contrast, the other three misfit functionals eliminate the strong dependence on amplitude variation naturally and enhance the depth of illumination. We further suggest that the phase‐only inversions are sufficient to obtain robust and reliable velocity structures and the amplitude information is of secondary importance in constraining subsurface velocity models.
Integrating comparative functional response experiments into global change research
Authors: O'Gorman Eoin J.
Published: April 2014

(a) Direct feeding interactions between a higher predator (the three‐spined stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus), intermediate consumers (native Mysis salemaai and invasive Hemimysis anomala mysids), and a basal prey (the cladoceran, Daphnia magna). Photo credits: G. aculeatus and H. anomala by Stephen Potts, M. salemaai and D. magna obtained from Wikimedia Commons; (b) functional response of three native mysids (in blue) and three invasive mysids (in red); (c) functional response of three native mysids and one stickleback (in blue) and three invasive mysids and one stickleback (in red). Shaded areas are bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals. Adapted from Barrios‐O'Neill et al. ().

image

(a) Direct feeding interactions between a higher predator (the three‐spined stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus), intermediate consumers (native Mysis salemaai and invasive Hemimysis anomala mysids), and a basal prey (the cladoceran, Daphnia magna). Photo credits: G. aculeatus and H. anomala by Stephen Potts, M. salemaai and D. magna obtained from Wikimedia Commons; (b) functional response of three native mysids (in blue) and three invasive mysids (in red); (c) functional response of three native mysids and one stickleback (in blue) and three invasive mysids and one stickleback (in red). Shaded areas are bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals. Adapted from Barrios‐O'Neill et al. ().

In Focus: Barrios‐O'Neill, D., Dick, J.T.A., Emmerson, M.C., Ricciardi, A., MacIsaac, H.J., Alexander, M.E. & Bovy, H.C. (2014) . Journal of Animal Ecology, 83, 693–701.

There is a growing appreciation for the importance of non‐consumptive effects in predator–prey interaction research, which can often outweigh the importance of direct feeding. Barrios‐O'Neill et al. () report a novel method to characterize such effects by comparing the functional response of native and introduced intermediate consumers in the presence and absence of a higher predator. The invader exhibited stronger direct feeding and was also more resistant to intimidation by the higher predator. This experimental framework may be incorporated into mainstream global change research, for example, to quantify the importance of non‐consumptive effects for the success or failure of biological invasions.
Dilution cultivation of marine heterotrophic bacteria abundant after a spring phytoplankton bloom in the North Sea
Authors: Hahnke Richard L. , Bennke Christin M. , Fuchs Bernhard M. , Mann Alexander J. , Rhiel Erhard , Teeling Hanno , Amann Rudolf , Harder Jens
Published: April 2014

The roles of individual bacterioplankton species in the re‐mineralization of algal biomass are poorly understood. Evidence from molecular data had indicated that a spring diatom bloom in the German Bight of the North Sea in 2009 was followed by a rapid succession of uncultivated bacterioplankton species, including members of the genera Ulvibacter, Formosa, Polaribacter (class Flavobacteria) and Reinekea (class Gammaproteobacteria). We isolated strains from the same site during the diatom bloom in spring 2010 using dilution cultivation in an artificial seawater medium with micromolar substrate and nutrient concentrations. Flow cytometry demonstrated growth from single cells to densities of 104–106 cells ml–1 and a culturability of 35%. Novel Formosa, Polaribacter and Reinekea strains were isolated and had 16S rRNA gene sequence identities of > 99.8% with bacterioplankton in spring or summer 2009. Genomes of selected isolates were draft sequenced and used for read recruitment of metagenomes from bacterioplankton in 2009. Metagenome reads covered 93% of a Formosa clade B, 91% of a Reinekea and 74% of a Formosa clade A genome, applying a ≥ 94.5% nucleotide identity threshold. These novel strains represent abundant bacterioplankton species thriving on coastal phytoplankton blooms in the North Sea.
Aquatic ecology of the oyster pathogens Vibrio splendidus and Vibrio aestuarianus
Authors: Vezzulli Luigi , Pezzati Elisabetta , Stauder Monica , Stagnaro Laura , Venier Paola , Pruzzo Carla
Published: April 2014

The ecology of the oyster pathogens Vibrio splendidus and Vibrio aestuarianus in the brackish aquatic environment was extensively investigated in this study. By conducting laboratory experiments under natural setting conditions, it was shown that V. splendidus LGP32 strain generally exhibits longer persistence in both seawater and sediment than V. aestuarianus 01/32 strain. Both strains maintained viability and culturability for longer times in the sediment, suggesting that this compartment may represent a suitable niche for their persistence in the environment. In addition, both strains attached to chitin particles and copepods, the efficiency of attachment being higher in V. splendidus than in V. aestuarianus. Similarly, LGP32 strain showed a greater capability to form biofilm on poly‐vinyl chloride (PVC) surfaces than 01/32 strain. LGP32 and 01/32 strains were also capable of entering a viable but non‐culturable state after extended incubation at 5°C, a condition commonly found during cold season in the aquatic brackish environment. These results are consistent with field data collected during a 2‐year sampling campaign in the northern Adriatic Sea and provide background information on the mechanisms promoting V. splendidus and V. aestuarianus persistence in coastal water, thus contributing to a better understanding of the epidemiology of the associated diseases.
The Rhetorical Culture of the House of Commons after 1918
Authors: Toye Richard
Published: April 2014

The article analyses the rhetorical culture of the House of Commons in the era following the extension of the franchise in 1918, a period in which parliament saw a major influx of new Labour MPs, and also the entry for the first time of small number of women. The article discusses not only the norms and expectations surrounding parliamentary speech but also the ways in which some speaking styles and techniques became controversial. In particular, the Labour Party was accused by its opponents of practising ‘rowdyism’. This allegation was part of a wider effort to undermine the party's constitutional credentials and to present it as unfit to govern. Thus, arguments about styles of arguing went the heart of broader debates over political legitimacy. To a considerable degree, Labour MPs were co‐opted over time into existing codes of behaviour. But although Conservative efforts to associate their own oratorical style with political virtue did have some success, partisan factors alone are not sufficient to explain the shifts in rhetorical culture, which changed, in part, for reasons external to the institution itself. As power moved from the legislature to the executive, and as politics became increasingly professionalized, the speaking culture of the House of Commons was affected by a longstanding evolution from a discursive to a programmatic view of statecraft. Styles and techniques of parliamentary argument were thus influenced both by the changing nature of the state and by the shifting bargain between voters and the political classes in the era of universal suffrage.
Public History, Civic Engagement and the Historical Profession in Britain
Authors: Tosh John
Published: April 2014

My purpose is to test the proposition that academic historians are central – rather than peripheral – to the practice of public history. Public history generally refers to work that is pursued outside the academy, by the combined efforts of historians and lay people, often pursuing a heritage agenda with a strictly local remit. The resulting enlargement in the scope of historical enquiry is greatly to be welcomed, but it should not be treated as the sum total of public history, still less as grounds for disparaging the historical profession. The civic importance of academic historians arises from their ability to enhance public understanding of national and international issues which form no part of ‘public’ history as usually understood, because they transcend questions of locality and identity. The health of a representative democracy depends in part on the citizen's readiness critically to examine issues which do not affect him or her directly but which are in the public interest. This argument was first made by the leaders of the historical profession following the Second Reform Act in 1867. During and after the First World War it was put into practice, not least within the pages ofHistory(taken over by the Historical Association in 1916). More recently the relationship between active citizenship and critical history has been re‐asserted for the digital age by the History and Policy website.
Sex‐dependent competitive dominance of phylogenetic group B2 Escherichia coli strains within human hosts
Authors: Blyton Michaela D. J. , Cornall Samantha J. , Kennedy Karina , Colligon Peter , Gordon David M.
Published: April 2014

Escherichia coli can be divided into several distinct phylogenetic groups that differ in their capacity to cause disease. However, what drives the relative abundance of these different phylogenetic groups in the commensal intestinal community of humans is poorly understood. This study investigated how host age and sex influences E. coli community structure in humans. Faecal samples were collected from 205 outpatients in Australia. Different strains within each sample were identified using rep‐PCR profiles and their phylogenetic group membership was determined by quadruplex PCR. Female individuals carrying a dominant B2 strain were found to possess fewer strains than those carrying dominant A or B1 strains. Additionally, strains from the same phylogenetic group were more likely to co‐occur in females. By contrast, strain diversity and phylogenetic group associations did not differ significantly from random in males. Host age was found to have a significant effect on the phylogenetic group of the dominant strain. Together these findings indicate that the distribution of the different phylogenetic groups within the human intestinal tract may be mediated by a complex interaction between the host environment and the competitive interactions between strains.
Mass trapping wild Agriotes obscurus and Agriotes lineatus males with pheromone traps in a permanent grassland population reservoir
Authors: Vernon Robert S. , Blackshaw Roderick P. , van Herk Willem G. , Clodius Markus
Published: April 2014

A study was conducted to determine whether arrays of pheromone traps could be used to reduce populations of male Agriotes obscurus (AO) and Agriotes lineatus (AL) adults in a confined nonfarmed habitat (grassy dyke).

Traps placed 3 m apart in 15 × 2 arrays captured significantly more AL than AO, although the trap catch varied with location for both species and was inversely related to the number of nearby competing traps.

Models of beetle movement indicated that a considerable proportion of males (AL: 18.4–71.8%; AO: 35.0–58.3%) collected in the arrays had moved in from elsewhere and that AL beetles are more active than AO beetles. AL beetles frequently entered AO traps unless both trap types were present in the array, whereas AO rarely entered AL traps.

Concurrent catches in pitfall traps placed inside and outside pheromone trapping zones indicated the trap arrays significantly reduced male (but not female) AO and AL beetles inside their respective arrays, that AO traps reduced AL beetles in AO arrays, and that both AL and AO traps could potentially reduce the number of mating pairs in these arrays.

The implications of these results in determining the efficacy of this approach as a click beetle management approach are discussed.
Development of self‐efficacy of newly graduated registered nurses in an aged care program
Authors: Lau Rosalind , Willetts Georgina , Hood Kerry , Cross Wendy
Published: April 2014

Aim

To evaluate an aged care program in developing self‐efficacy of newly graduated registered nurses.

Methods

An evaluation of the program was conducted using a mixed methods approach. Twenty‐four nurses completed the pre‐ and post‐survey of aged care nursing self efficacy and attended one of three focus groups held to gain in‐depth understanding of their insight into the program.

Results

There was an increase in nurses' self‐efficacy post‐program. The increased self‐efficacy and new knowledge gained enhanced nurses' confidence and enabled them to critically appraise their workplace practices.

Conclusions

The improved confidence resulting from increased self‐efficacy and new knowledge gained from the aged care program enabled nurses to critically appraise the practices in their workplace, demonstrating the program's effectiveness. Aged care service providers should support continuing education for aged care nurses to ensure sustainability of a competent workforce to manage the increasing aged care population.
“This is how I want to live my life”: An Experiment in Prefigurative Feminist Organizing for a More Equitable and Inclusive City
Authors: Siltanen Janet , Klodawsky Fran , Andrew Caroline
Published: April 2014

This paper aims to think differently about possibilities for feminist organizing in cities. We use a current experiment with city‐based feminist organizing to explore how it can be possible to work with the local state while at the same time challenging and disrupting understandings and practices that marginalize the diversity of women's needs, contributions and concerns. Trying to work “inside” the local state while maintaining an “outside” critical perspective involves a tricky balancing act between being inside enough to have credibility and effectiveness within the business of city politics and administration, and outside enough to maintain strong connections with the community and grassroots support. In managing this balancing act, we argue that the organization enacts a strategic use of prefiguration both within the organization and when engaging the local state.
Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall extract and poplar propolis ethanol extract supplementation on growth performance, digestibility, blood profile, fecal microbiota and fecal noxious gas emissions in growing pigs
Authors: Li Jian , Kim In H.
Published: April 2014

A total of 105 growing pigs (24.91 ± 1.06 kg) were used in a 6‐week trial to investigate the effects of including Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall extract and poplar propolis ethanol extract (SPE) in the diet on growth performance, digestibility, blood profiles, fecal microbiota and fecal noxious gas emissions. Pigs were randomly allocated to one of three dietary treatments (seven pens/treatment, five pigs/pen) according to initial body weight and sex (two gilts and three barrows). Treatments consisted of a corn soybean meal basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.05 or 0.10% SPE. There was a significant linear improvement (P < 0.05) in average daily gain, gain/feed, the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, and gross energy, blood lymphocyte percentage, immunoglobulin G concentration, fecal Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus counts as well as fecal NH3 and H2S emissions associated with the inclusion of SPE in the diet. Average daily feed intake, red blood cells and white blood cells concentration were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by SPE supplementation in the diets. In conclusion, results indicate that dietary SPE supplementation can improve growth performance, digestibility and fecal microbiota, and decrease fecal gas emissions in growing pigs.
Solutions to the New Threats to Academic Freedom?
Authors: Tooley Michael
Published: April 2014

In my commentary on Francesca Minerva's article ‘New Threats to Academic Freedom’, I agree with her contention that the existence of the Internet has given rise to new and very serious threats to academic freedom. I think that it is crucial that we confront those threats, and find ways to eliminate them, which I believe can be done.

The threats in question involve both authors and editors. In the case of authors, I argue that the best solution is not anonymous publication, but publication using pseudonyms, and I describe how that would work. In the case of editors, my proposal is a website that a number of journals would have access to, where papers that editors judge to be clearly worthy of publication, but whose publication seems likely to set off a firestorm of public and media protest, could be published without any indication of the journal that had accepted the paper for publication.
Academic Freedom and the Professional Responsibilities of Applied Ethicists: A comment on Minerva
Authors: Dawson Angus , Herington Jonathan
Published: April 2014

Academic freedom is an important good, but it comes with several responsibilities. In this commentary we seek to do two things. First, we argue against Francesca Minerva's view of academic freedom as presented in her article ‘New threats to academic freedom’ on a number of grounds. We reject the nature of the absolutist moral claim to free speech for academics implicit in the article; we reject the elitist role for academics as truth‐seekers explicit in her view; and we reject a possible more moderate re‐construction of her view based on the harm/offence distinction. Second, we identify some of the responsibilities of applied ethicists, and illustrate how they recommend against allowing for anonymous publication of research. Such a proposal points to the wider perils of a public discourse which eschews the calm and careful discussion of ideas.
Interleukin‐18 as a target for modulation of irinotecan‐induced intestinal toxicity: a step towards a better therapeutic index?: Commentary on Lima‐Junior et al., Br J Pharmacol 171: 2335–2350
Authors: Spyropoulos B G
Published: April 2014

Linked Article

This article is a Commentary on Lima‐Júnior RCP, Freitas HC, Wong DVT, Wanderley CWS, Nunes LG, Leite LL, Miranda SP, Souza MHLP, Brito GAC, Magalhães PJC, Teixeira MM, Cunha FQ and Ribeiro RA (2014). Targeted inhibition of IL‐18 attenuates irinotecan‐induced intestinal mucositis in mice. Br J Pharmacol 171: 2335–2350. doi: 10.1111/bph.12584
Agomelatine: mechanism of action and pharmacological profile in relation to antidepressant properties
Authors: Guardiola‐Lemaitre B , De Bodinat C , Delagrange P , Millan M J , Munoz C , Mocaër E
Published: April 2014

Agomelatine behaves both as a potent agonist at melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors and as a neutral antagonist at 5‐HT2C receptors. Accumulating evidence in a broad range of experimental procedures supports the notion that the psychotropic effects of agomelatine are due to the synergy between its melatonergic and 5‐hydroxytryptaminergic effects. The recent demonstration of the existence of heteromeric complexes of MT1 and MT2 with 5‐HT2C receptors at the cellular level may explain how these two properties of agomelatine translate into a synergistic action that, for example, leads to increases in hippocampal proliferation, maturation and survival through modulation of multiple cellular pathways (increase in trophic factors, synaptic remodelling, glutamate signalling) and key targets (early genes, kinases). The present review focuses on the pharmacological properties of this novel antidepressant. Its mechanism of action, strikingly different from that of conventional classes of antidepressants, opens perspectives towards a better understanding of the physiopathological bases underlying depression.
Immunosuppressive and anti‐inflammatory properties of engineered nanomaterials
Authors: Ilinskaya A N , Dobrovolskaia M A
Published: April 2014

Nanoparticle interactions with various components of the immune system are determined by their physicochemical properties such as size, charge, hydrophobicity and shape. Nanoparticles can be engineered to either specifically target the immune system or to avoid immune recognition. Nevertheless, identifying their unintended impacts on the immune system and understanding the mechanisms of such accidental effects are essential for establishing a nanoparticle's safety profile. While immunostimulatory properties have been reviewed before, little attention in the literature has been given to immunosuppressive and anti‐inflammatory properties. The purpose of this review is to fill this gap. We will discuss intended immunosuppression achieved by either nanoparticle engineering, or the use of nanoparticles to carry immunosuppressive or anti‐inflammatory drugs. We will also review unintended immunosuppressive properties of nanoparticles per se and consider how such properties could be either beneficial or adverse.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Nanomedicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐17
Ink‐jet printing of cotton with natural dyes
Authors: Savvidis George , Karanikas Evangelos , Nikolaidis Nikolaos , Eleftheriadis Ioannis , Tsatsaroni Eforia
Published: April 2014

Four natural dyes, annatto, cutch, pomegranate fruit rind, and golden dock, were used as colorants for the preparation of water‐based ink‐jet inks for digital textile printing. The physical and rheological properties (pH, conductivity, surface tension, and viscosity) of the inks were measured over a period of 90 days for the evaluation of ink stability and suitability for ink‐jet printing. The inks were found to be suitable and were used for the digital printing of cotton fabrics. The prints were subjected to wash, light, and rub fastness tests and colour measurements. Colour consistency and fastness results, especially after fixation, are comparable with those of synthetic dyes, which paves the way for the production of environmentally friendly ink‐jet inks using natural dyes for the digital printing of cotton through the formulation of suitable printing techniques.
Comparison of capnovolumetry‐derived dead space parameters with pulmonary function test in normal adults using histamine provocation
Authors: Sun Xiaoli , Zhang Yan , Yang Wenlan , Liu Jinming
Published: April 2014

Objectives

This study in healthy adults was conducted to explore the clinical application of capnovolumetric indices as compared to lung function parameters using histamine provocation.

Methods

Forty healthy subjects received aerosol histamine or salbutamol in an automatic stimulation system with escalating doses of histamine. Dead space volumes of capnovolumetry and lung function parameters were examined with increased concentrations of histamine at a fixed time interval. The doses of histamine were selected from 0.0562 mg–2.2 mg and 0.1 mg salbutamol was inhaled when a maximal dose of histamine was reached. Baseline values in each group were calculated prior to histamine inhalation.

Results

Fowler dead space (VDF), Wolff dead space (VDW), threshold dead space (VDT), Bohr dead space (VDB), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) showed a dose‐dependent reduction following histamine provocation, but there were no statistical differences in the measurements at baseline and post S6 provocation. The value of dC3/DV at the maximal dose was significantly increased over its baseline value (P < 0.05). VDF, VDT and VDW were significantly increased after bronchodilator use (P < 0.05 or <0.01). The changes in capnovolumetry did not correspond with the results of lung function test.

Conclusions

The dC3/DV and airway dead spaces of capnovolumetry in healthy adults are significantly increased compared to lung function parameters before or after bronchodilator use, suggesting that capnovolumetry is feasible in diagnostic evaluation of airway reactivity, especially for persons who are unable to undertake lung function test.
A new pattern of pulmonary graft vs host disease in a hematopoietic stem cell transplant patient
Authors: Wahla Ali S. , Khan Irtaza I. , Loya Asif , Chin Robert
Published: April 2014

Background

The primary pulmonary manifestation of chronic graft vs host disease (GvHD) is the development of bronchiolitis obliterans. Other pulmonary manifestations of chronic GvHD that have been reported include diffuse alveolar damage, lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia, bronchiolitis organising pneumonia and lymphocytic bronchiolitis/bronchitis.

Case presentation

We report an unusual case of a 34‐year‐old patient with acute myeloid leukaemia, status post‐allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation who subsequently developed GvHD with skin involvement. He presented to our hospital with new onset respiratory failure and on subsequent surgical lung biopsy was found to have non‐specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP).

Conclusion

This is the third case of a patient with biopsy‐proven GvHD who had NSIP pattern on surgical lung biopsy. We believe this may represent a rare manifestation of pulmonary GvHD.
Case of round pneumonia: pulmonary infarct and a rare situation that is similar with the lung cancer
Authors: Çimen Dilay , Bulcun Emel , Ekici Aydanur , Güngör Ömür , Ekici Mehmet
Published: April 2014

Background and Aims

Round pneumonia (RP) is a rare radiological presentation of a subtype of lobar pneumonia that arises because of a developmental defect in connective tissues (pores of Köhn and channels of Lambert). The round appearance on chest X‐ray (CXR) is thought to occur from an infectious process that spreads from small peripheral alveoli centrifugally through interalveolar channels via the pores of Kohn and the canals of Lambert. This explains the nonsegmental distribution and shape of RP. The pathogenesis of RP is unknown. An alternative theory holds that RP in children occurs because of underdeveloped pores of Kohn and the absence of canals of Lambert, limiting the spread of the organism and resulting in a focal, round mass seen on radiographs. As a result of this developmental defect, dissemination of infection remains in a limited area. While this is a well‐known entity in childhood, it has been described infrequently in adults. Lesions of RP are not necessarily round; oval lesions can also be seen. It is a radiological subtype of the pneumonia subtype and presents as a solitary nodule or a mass lesion in CXR.

Methods

We presented two cases of RP. One mimicked and was mistaken for pulmonary infarction because of triangular pleural‐based density and the other mimicked pulmonary malignancy because of a homogeneous triangular opacity based on the pleura on the posteroanterior radiography and computed tomography.

Conclusion

These cases were presented because of RP's importance, and RP should be considered a part of differential diagnosis of pulmonary infarct and lung tumor.
Low‐load/high‐repetition elastic band resistance training in patients with COPD: a randomized, controlled, multicenter trial
Authors: Nyberg Andre , Lindström Britta , Rickenlund Anette , Wadell Karin
Published: April 2014

Background and Aims

High‐repetitive resistance training (RT) is recommended to increase peripheral muscular endurance in healthy adults; however, the effects of RT with this design on exercise capacity and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unknown. The study aimed to investigate if low‐load/high‐repetition elastic band RT could improve functional capacity, muscular function, endurance cycle capacity or HRQOL in patients with COPD.

Methods

A prospective, randomized, controlled, multicentre trial was constructed with concealed allocation, blinded outcome assessment and intention‐to‐treat analysis. A total of 44 patients with moderate‐to‐very‐severe COPD (forced expiratory volume during the first second, 44.6% predicted) were included. Patients were randomized to either the experimental group receiving 8 weeks of RT (three sessions/week) in combination with patient education (four occasions) or the control group receiving the patient education alone.

Results

At post‐tests, the between‐group differences were in favor of the experimental group on the 6‐min walk test [mean difference (95% confidence interval)]: 34 m (14–54) and the 6‐min pegboard and ring test [20 rings (3–37)]. No difference between groups was found on the chronic respiratory disease questionnaire [0.1 (−0.2 to 0.4)]. On secondary outcomes, results were in favor of the experimental group regarding upper extremity endurance capacity, muscular function and depression, but no difference was seen between groups on endurance cycle capacity and HRQOL.

Conclusion

RT can increase functional capacity and muscular function but not cycle endurance capacity and HRQOL in patients with moderate‐to‐severe COPD.
Alterations in platelet count and mean platelet volume as predictors of patient outcome in the respiratory intensive care unit
Authors: Sezgi Cengizhan , Taylan Mahsuk , Kaya Halide , Selimoglu Sen Hadice , Abakay Ozlem , Demir Melike , Abakay Abdurrrahman , Tanrikulu Abdullah Cetin
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Thrombocytopenia is associated with increased mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Mean platelet volume (MPV) reflects platelet function and activation. Elevated MPV is associated with poor outcomes and increased mortality rate in diseases that are commonly encountered in the respiratory ICU.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 95 patients who died in the ICU (dead group), 80 patients who improved and were transferred from the ICU (survived group), and 80 healthy individuals as controls. Laboratory parameters including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‐reactive protein (CRP), albumin, and complete blood count (CBC) were recorded within 24 h on admission and transfered from the ICU or died. White blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb), red cell distribution width, MPV, platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet count (PC) were obtained from the CBC.

Results

Admission PC and MPV levels were not different in the survived and dead groups. But in the survived group, admission WBC, MPV and PDW levels decreased, while PC increased when compared with admission levels. In the dead group, admission MPV and PDW levels increased, while PC decreased with respect to admission levels. The admission mean PC of the dead group was 182 103, which was above the thrombocytopenia limit. The ratio of admission thrombocytopenia was 45.3% in the dead group, which was significantly higher than that of the survived group (13.8%) (P < 0.001)

Conclusions

Increasing MPV and decreasing platelet count may alert intensivists to the worse course of disease in patients who had normal platelet counts at ICU admission. The development of thrombocytopenia may also be essential to assessing the outcome of ICU patients
SCALING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE: HOME COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY AND STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Authors: VIGDOR JACOB L. , LADD HELEN F. , MARTINEZ ERIKA
Published: April 2014

Does differential access to computer technology at home compound the educational disparities between rich and poor? Would a program of government provision of computers to early secondary school students reduce these disparities? We use administrative data on North Carolina public school students to corroborate earlier surveys that document broad racial and socioeconomic gaps in home computer access and use. Using within‐student variation in home computer access, and across‐ZIP code variation in the timing of the introduction of high‐speed Internet service, we also demonstrate that the introduction of home computer technology is associated with modest, but statistically significant and persistent negative impacts on student math and reading test scores. Further evidence suggests that providing universal access to home computers and high‐speed Internet access would broaden, rather than narrow, math and reading achievement gaps. (JEL I2, J24)
ILAE Official Report: A practical clinical definition of epilepsy
Authors: Fisher Robert S. , Acevedo Carlos , Arzimanoglou Alexis , Bogacz Alicia , Cross J. Helen , Elger Christian E. , Engel Jerome , Forsgren Lars , French Jacqueline A. , Glynn Mike , Hesdorffer Dale C. , Lee B.I. , Mathern Gary W. , Moshé Solomon L. , Perucca Emilio , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Tomson Torbjörn , Watanabe Masako , Wiebe Samuel
Published: April 2014

Epilepsy was defined conceptually in 2005 as a disorder of the brain characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate epileptic seizures. This definition is usually practically applied as having two unprovoked seizures >24 h apart. The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) accepted recommendations of a task force altering the practical definition for special circumstances that do not meet the two unprovoked seizures criteria. The task force proposed that epilepsy be considered to be a disease of the brain defined by any of the following conditions: (1) At least two unprovoked (or reflex) seizures occurring >24 h apart; (2) one unprovoked (or reflex) seizure and a probability of further seizures similar to the general recurrence risk (at least 60%) after two unprovoked seizures, occurring over the next 10 years; (3) diagnosis of an epilepsy syndrome. Epilepsy is considered to be resolved for individuals who either had an age‐dependent epilepsy syndrome but are now past the applicable age or who have remained seizure‐free for the last 10 years and off antiseizure medicines for at least the last 5 years. “Resolved” is not necessarily identical to the conventional view of “remission or “cure.” Different practical definitions may be formed and used for various specific purposes. This revised definition of epilepsy brings the term in concordance with common use.

A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Competition in Research Activity among Economic Departments: Evidence by Negative Spatial Autocorrelation
Authors: Elhorst J. Paul , Zigova Katarina
Published: April 2014

Despite the prevalence of both competitive forces and patterns of collaboration within academic communities, studies on research productivity generally treat universities as independent entities. By exploring the research productivity of all academic economists employed at 81 universities and 17 economic research institutes in Austria, Germany, and German‐speaking Switzerland, this study finds that a research unit's productivity negatively depends on that of neighboring research units weighted by inverse distances. This significant and exemplary robust negative relationship is compatible with the notion of competition for priority of discovery among individual researchers and the universities that employ them, and with the notion that the willingness to relocate decreases with distance. In addition, the empirical results support the hypotheses that collaboration and that the existence of economies of scale increase research productivity.

A pesar de la existencia de tanto fuerzas de competencia como de patrones de colaboración dentro de la comunidad académica, los estudios sobre la productividad de investigación tratan por lo general a las universidades como entidades independientes. El presente estudio explora la productividad de investigación de todos los economistas académicos empleados en 81 universidades y 17 institutos de investigación económica en Austria, Alemania y Suiza germano‐parlante, y concluye que la productividad de una unidad de investigación depende negativamente de la productividad de las unidades vecinas ponderada por las distancias inversas que las separan. Esta relación negativa es robusta, significativa y emblemática, lo cual concuerda con el concepto de competencia por prioridad de descubrimiento (priority of discovery) entre investigadores individuales y entre las universidades que los emplean. Así mismo concuerda con la idea de que la voluntad de desplazarse disminuye con la distancia. Adicionalmente, los resultados empíricos de este estudio apoyan la hipótesis de que la colaboración y la presencia de economías de escala tienen un efecto positivo sobre (incrementan) la productividad de investigación.

尽管对学术团体的研究主要针对竞争力和合作模式，但在研究科研生产率时，大学仍被视为独立的实体。本文通过调查奥地利、德国和瑞士德语区的81所高校和17个经济研究单位经济学家的研究产出率，研究发现一个研究单位的产出效率高低负依赖于反距离加权相邻研究单位的研究产出率。这种重要且典型稳健的负相关关系与个人研究者及其所在大学关于发现优先权的竞争观念相符，同时也与研究者的调动意愿因距离增加而减少的情况相一致。此外，经验结果也支持了合作和规模经济的存在能提高研究产出率的假设。