bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A direct investigation of photocharge transfer across monomolecular layer between C60 and CdS quantum dots by photoassisted conductive atomic force microscopy
Authors: Jiang Xiaohong , Liu He , Zhang Xingtang , Cheng Gang , Wang Shujie , Du Zuliang
Published: April 2016

The composite assembly of C60 and CdS Quantum Dots (QDs) on ITO substrate was prepared by Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique using arachic acid (AA), stearic acid (SA) and octadecanyl amine (OA) as additives. Photoassisted conductive atomic force microscopy was used to make point contact current-voltage (I-V) measurements on both the CdS QDs and the composite assembly of C60/CdS. The result make it clear that the CdS, C60/CdS assemblies deposited on ITO substrate showed linear characteristics and the current increased largely under illumination comparing with that in the dark. The coherent, nonresonant tunneling mechanism was used to explain the current occurrence. It is considered that the photoinduced carriers CdS QDs tunneled through alkyl chains increased the current rapidly.
Advancing general practice nursing in Australia: roles and responsibilities of primary healthcare organisations
Authors: Lane Riki , Halcomb Elizabeth , McKenna Lisa , Zwar Nicholas , Naccarella Lucio , Davies Gawaine Powell , Russell Grant
Published: April 2016

Objectives Given increased numbers and enhanced responsibilities of Australian general practice nurses, we aimed to delineate appropriate roles for primary health care organisations (PHCOs) to support this workforce. Methods A two-round online Delphi consensus process was undertaken between January and June 2012, informed by literature review and key informant interviews. Participants were purposively selected and included decision makers from government and professional organisations, educators, researchers and clinicians from five Australian states and territories Results Of 56 invited respondents, 35 (62%) and 31 (55%) responded to the first and second invitation respectively. Participants reached consensus on five key roles for PHCOs in optimising nursing in general practice: (1) matching workforce size and skills to population needs; (2) facilitating leadership opportunities; (3) providing education and educational access; (4) facilitating integration of general practice with other primary care services to support interdisciplinary care; and (5) promoting advanced nursing roles. National concerns, such as limited opportunities for postgraduate education and career progression, were deemed best addressed by national nursing organisations, universities and peak bodies. Conclusions Advancement of nursing in general practice requires system-level support from a range of organisations. PHCOs play a significant role in education and leadership development for nurses and linking national nursing organisations with general practices. What is known about the topic? The role of nurses in Australian general practice has grown in the last decade, yet they face limited career pathways and opportunities for career advancement. Some nations have forged interprofessional primary care teams that use nurses’ skills to the full extent of their scope of practice. PHCOs have played important roles in the development of general practice nursing in Australia and internationally. What does this paper add? This study delineates organisational support roles for PHCOs in strengthening nurses’ roles and career development in Australian general practice. What are the implications for practitioners? Effective implementation of appropriate responsibilities by PHCOs can assist development of the primary care nursing workforce.
A Green Approach for the Synthesis of Novel 7,11-Dihydro-6H-chromeno[3,4-e]isoxazolo[5,4-b]pyridin-6-one Derivatives Using Acidic Ionic Liquid [C4mim][HSO4]
Authors: Kumari Sudesh , Rajeswari M. , Khurana Jitender M.
Published: April 2016

A multicomponent reaction capable of affording a wide range of novel 7,11-dihydro-6H-chromeno[3,4-e]isoxazolo[5,4-b]pyridin-6-one derivatives via one-pot three-component condensation of 4-hydroxycoumarin, aromatic aldehydes, and 5-amino-3-methylisoxazole in ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([C4mim][HSO4]) is reported. Structures have been confirmed by spectral and X-ray studies. Crystal packing of 4b has also been reported. Green solvent, short reaction time, easy workup, and high yields are the salient features of the present protocol.
Defined spatiotemporal features of RAS-ERK signals dictate cell fate in MCF-7 mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Herrero Ana , Casar Berta , Colón-Bolea Paula , Agudo-Ibáñez Lorena , Crespo Piero
Published: April 2016

Signals conveyed through the RAS-ERK pathway are essential for the determination of cell fate. It is well established that signal variability is achieved in the different microenvironments in which signals unfold. It is also known that signal duration is critical for decisions concerning cell commitment. However, it is unclear how RAS-ERK signals integrate time and space in order to elicit a given biological response. To investigate this, we used MCF-7 cells, in which EGF-induced transient ERK activation triggers proliferation, whereas sustained ERK activation in response to heregulin leads to adipocytic differentiation. We found that both proliferative and differentiating signals emanate exclusively from plasma membrane–disordered microdomains. Of interest, the EGF signal can be transformed into a differentiating stimulus by HRAS overexpression, which prolongs ERK activation, but only if HRAS localizes at disordered membrane. On the other hand, HRAS signals emanating from the Golgi complex induce apoptosis and can prevent heregulin-induced differentiation. Our results indicate that within the same cellular context, RAS can exert different, even antagonistic, effects, depending on its sublocalization. Thus cell destiny is defined by the ability of a stimulus to activate RAS at the appropriate sublocalization for an adequate period while avoiding switching on opposing RAS signals.
Realist Territory
Authors: Jaffe Audrey
Published: April 2016

This chapter shows how Adam Bede’s realist conventions frame the real as spectacle, simultaneously inviting readers into the novel’s idealized scenes of domesticity and establishing the rreal as a fantasy that readers can only observe. The novel literalizes the frames of realist convention, using space as a metaphor for ideological position. Adam Bede’s realism reproduces a cultural imaginary in which the reader, imagined as viewer or spectator, stands at the threshold of—and is invited to imagine entering—a space constructed as simultaneously real and fantasmatic. The novel’s replacement of Hetty by Dinah, relying on a repeated image of a woman in a threshold, exemplifies its replacement of individual fantasy with realist fantasy for Adam Bede, as he learns—as readers must as well—to replace his initial desires with those the novel constructs for him.
How I Met Your Mother and other Lucky Accidents
Authors: Jaffe Audrey
Published: April 2016

This chapter is divided into discussions of Dickens’s Oliver Twist and Hardy’s The Mayor of Casterbridge. For both novels it considers the framing of class identity and realist uniqueness as simultaneously grounded in the real and as products of fantasy, especially in the mapping of class onto family articulated by Freud’s idea of the family romance. Both novels use the fantasmatic device of coincidence to shore up the reality of familial connections. The chapter also discusses the structuring of realist character in the blankness and fungibility of Dickens’s Oliver and Hardy’s Elizabeth-Jane, as well as the idea of secondariness in the latter, continuing a discussion of the tension between realist subjectivity and uniqueness, on the one hand, and a sensational emphasis on position on the other that began in chapter 1 and continues throughout the book.
The Facts in Logical Space
Authors: Turner Jason
Published: April 2016

This book develops and defends in detail a factalist ontological picture, according to which reality’s ultimate constituents are structureless atomic facts. The existence (or appearances as) of non-facts are ultimately grounded in a system of quasi-geometric relations that the facts participate in. Axioms for this quasi-geometric system are given, and a representation theorem is proven. It establishes that if the facts satisfy the axioms, then they have a unique (up to isomorphism) ‘object-and-property’ representation: each fact can be thought of as though it were made up of individuals and properties (or relations), even though it is not. The metaphysical picture also makes room for an attractive combinatorial modal theory, according to which possibilities are simply collections of (possible) facts.
Conclusion
Authors: Turner Jason
Published: April 2016

This gives a very general overview of the book. Factalism is briefly assessed and evaluated. The author’s position in respect of it as a plausible approach is revealed. There follows a reflection on the value of a book such as this.
Effect of Cuff Design on Auscultatory and Oscillometric Blood Pressure Measurements
Authors: Ringrose Jennifer S. , McLean Donna , Ao Peter , Yousefi Farahnaz , Sankaralingam Sowndramalingam , Millay Jack , Padwal Raj
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

Two-piece blood pressure (BP) cuffs are the historical cuff standard. Use of 1-piece cuffs is increasing. Substituting 1-piece for 2-piece cuffs has an unknown effect on measurement accuracy. We compared these cuff types in a 2-phase study using auscultatory and oscillometric techniques.

METHODS

Consenting subjects (aged ≥18 years) with BP levels between 80 and 220mm Hg/50 and 120mm Hg and arm circumferences between 25 and 43cm were studied using the International Standards Organization (ISO) 2013 protocol (modified). A Baum 2-piece cuff was used as the reference standard. A 1-piece Welch Allyn cuff was the comparator. In phase 1 (2-observer auscultation with a mercury sphygmomanometer), 88 subjects were required to obtain 255 paired BP determinations. In phase 2 (oscillometric measurement with a Spacelabs 90207 device), 85 subjects were studied. Each phase was analyzed separately using paired t -tests.

RESULTS

Phase 1 mean age was 54.2±20.5 years, mean arm circumference was 29.9±3.7cm, 60% were female, and 32% had hypertension. One-piece cuff mean BPs were lower than the 2-piece cuff means (115.5±15.5/66.4±9.3 vs. 117.8±15.2/67.9±9.2; difference of −2.4±3.6/−1.5±2.4; P values <0.0001 for systolic and diastolic comparisons). Phase 2 mean age was 52.8±20.8 years, mean arm circumference was 29.4±3.9cm, 67% were female, and 38% had hypertension. Mean BPs were lower for the 1-piece compared to the 2-piece cuff (116.5±12.8/67.1±8.1 vs. 120.8±13.5/70.4±8.5; difference of −4.4±3.6/−3.3±2.7; P values <0.0001 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

Mean BP is lower with 1-piece cuffs vs. 2-piece cuffs. Differences are greater with oscillometry. When performing validation studies and measurements for clinical purposes, cuff type should be taken into account.
Importance of Calibration Method in Central Blood Pressure for Cardiac Structural Abnormalities
Authors: Negishi Kazuaki , Yang Hong , Wang Ying , Nolan Mark T. , Negishi Tomoko , Pathan Faraz , Marwick Thomas H. , Sharman James E.
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

Central blood pressure (CBP) independently predicts cardiovascular risk, but calibration methods may affect accuracy of central systolic blood pressure (CSBP). Standard central systolic blood pressure (Stan-CSBP) from peripheral waveforms is usually derived with calibration using brachial SBP and diastolic BP (DBP). However, calibration using oscillometric mean arterial pressure (MAP) and DBP (MAP-CSBP) is purported to provide more accurate representation of true invasive CSBP. This study sought to determine which derived CSBP could more accurately discriminate cardiac structural abnormalities.

METHODS

A total of 349 community-based patients with risk factors (71±5years, 161 males) had CSBP measured by brachial oscillometry (Mobil-O-Graph, IEM GmbH, Stolberg, Germany) using 2 calibration methods: MAP-CSBP and Stan-CSBP. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and left atrial dilatation (LAD) were measured based on standard guidelines.

RESULTS

MAP-CSBP was higher than Stan-CSBP (149±20 vs. 128±15mm Hg, P < 0.0001). Although they were modestly correlated (rho = 0.74, P < 0.001), the Bland–Altman plot demonstrated a large bias (21mm Hg) and limits of agreement (24mm Hg). In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, MAP-CSBP significantly better discriminated LVH compared with Stan-CSBP (area under the curve (AUC) 0.66 vs. 0.59, P = 0.0063) and brachial SBP (0.62, P = 0.027). Continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI) ( P < 0.001) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) ( P < 0.001) corroborated superior discrimination of LVH by MAP-CSBP. Similarly, MAP-CSBP better distinguished LAD than Stan-CSBP (AUC 0.63 vs. 0.56, P = 0.005) and conventional brachial SBP (0.58, P = 0.006), whereas Stan-CSBP provided no better discrimination than conventional brachial BP ( P = 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

CSBP is calibration dependent and when oscillometric MAP and DBP are used, the derived CSBP is a better discriminator for cardiac structural abnormalities.
An extreme paucity of second population AGB stars in the ‘normal’ globular cluster M4
Authors: MacLean B. T. , Campbell S. W. , De Silva G. M. , Lattanzio J. , D'Orazi V. , Simpson J. D. , Momany Y.
Published: April 2016

Galactic globular clusters (GCs) are now known to harbour multiple stellar populations, which are chemically distinct in many light element abundances. It is becoming increasingly clear that asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars in GCs show different abundance distributions in light elements compared to those in the red giant branch (RGB) and other phases, skewing towards more primordial, field-star-like abundances, which we refer to as subpopulation one (SP1). As part of a larger programme targeting giants in GCs, we obtained high-resolution spectra for a sample of 106 RGB and 15 AGB stars in Messier 4 (NGC 6121) using the 2dF+HERMES facility on the Anglo–Australian Telescope. In this Letter, we report an extreme paucity of AGB stars with [Na/O] >−0.17 in M4, which contrasts with the RGB that has abundances up to [Na/O] =0.55. The AGB abundance distribution is consistent with all AGB stars being from SP1. This result appears to imply that all subpopulation two stars (SP2; Na-rich, O-poor) avoid the AGB phase. This is an unexpected result given M4's horizontal branch morphology – it does not have an extended blue horizontal branch. This is the first abundance study to be performed utilizing the HERMES spectrograph.
Hyperbaric Oxygen following Bilateral Skin-sparing Mastectomies: A Case Report
Authors: Copeland-Halperin Libby R. , Bruce Sarah B. , Mesbahi Ali N.
Published: April 2016

We describe a case in which hyperbaric oxygen therapy was used to salvage ischemic skin flaps after nipple-sparing mastectomy.
PECULIARITIES OF VITRECTOMY AND MORPHOLOGIC CHANGES IN THE EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE AFTER INTRAVITREAL AFLIBERCEPT IN PATIENTS WITH SEVERE PROLIFERATIVE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Authors: Umanets Nikolai , Korol Andrii , Vit Valerii , Zavodnaya Vera , Pasyechnikova Natalya
Published: April 2016

Purpose:

To examine the peculiarities of vitrectomy and morphologic changes in the epiretinal membrane after intravitreal aflibercept in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Methods:

Prospective study of 21 consecutive cases with proliferative diabetic retinopathy complicated by vascularized epiretinal membrane forming tractional retinal detachment that underwent pars plana vitrectomy 4 days after intravitreal injection of aflibercept. After removal, the epiretinal membranes were taken for histologic examination using light microscopy. Obliteration of neovascularization of epiretinal membranes, the lack of bleeding in the intraoperative and early postoperative periods, retinal attachment, and improvement of visual acuity were taken for the criteria of treatment effectiveness.

Results:

On the fourth day after intravitreal injection, newly formed vessels of epiretinal membranes were completely obliterated. There was no bleeding during segmentation and delamination of epiretinal membranes during vitrectomy. In the early postoperative period, bleeding complications were not noted. A microscopic examination of epiretinal membranes showed single-thin-walled capillary vessels lined with endothelial cells, the lumen of which does not contain blood cells. Capillaries are submerged in the connective tissue of different degrees of maturity.

Conclusion:

Intravitreal aflibercept resulted in the obliteration of neovascularization of epiretinal membranes, thus avoiding intraoperative and postoperative bleeding during vitrectomy. The improvement in visual acuity was noted in all cases. Histologic examination of epiretinal membranes determined single-thin-walled capillary vessels lined with endothelial cells without blood cells.
Conduit-Free Retroperitoneal Access to the Iliac Artery in Endovascular Aortic Repair in Patients with Improper Access Vessels
Authors: Pirouzram Artai , Hörer Tal Martin , Larzon Thomas
Published: April 2016

Successful endovascular aortic repair is highly dependent on the quality of the iliac access vessels. Patients with poor access vessels can be turned down from endovascular aortic repair or thoracic endovascular aortic repair by the treating physician. Perioperative complications such as failure to deliver the device or iliac rupture can be addressed to improper access vessels. In this article, we describe a novel technique to access the common iliac artery when access vessels are poor in diameter or quality. This sutureless conduit-free access technique can be used in TEVAR or EVAR and requires less surgical exposure of the iliac arteries.
A statistical guide to the design of deep mutational scanning experiments
Authors: Matuszewski Sebastian , Hildebrandt Marcel E. , Ghenu Ana-Hermina , Jensen Jeffrey D. , Bank Claudia
Published: April 2016

The characterization of the distribution of mutational effects is a key goal in evolutionary biology. Recently developed deep-sequencing approaches allow for accurate and simultaneous estimation of the fitness effects of hundreds of engineered mutations by monitoring their relative abundance across time points in a single bulk competition. Naturally, the achievable resolution of the estimated fitness effects depends on the specific experimental setup, the organism and type of mutations studied, and the sequencing technology utilized, among other factors. By means of analytical approximations and simulations, we provide guidelines for optimizing time-sampled deep-sequencing bulk competition experiments, focusing on the number of mutants, the sequencing depth, and the number of sampled time points. Our analytical results show that sampling more time points together with extending the duration of the experiment improves the achievable precision disproportionately as compared with increasing the sequencing depth, or reducing the number of competing mutants. Even if the duration of the experiment is fixed, sampling more time points and clustering these at the beginning and the end of the experiment increases experimental power, and allows for efficient and precise assessment of the entire range of selection coefficients. Finally, we provide a formula for calculating the 95%-confidence interval for the measurement error estimate, which we implement as an interactive web tool. This allows for quantification of the maximum expecteda prioriprecision of the experimental setup, as well as for a statistical threshold for determining deviations from neutrality for specific selection coefficient estimates.
An experimental evaluation of drug-induced mutational meltdown as an antiviral treatment strategy
Authors: Bank Claudia , Renzette Nicholas , Liu Ping , Matuszewski Sebastian , Shim Hyunjin , Foll Matthieu , Bolon Daniel N. A. , Zeldovich Konstantin B. , Kowalik Timothy F. , Finberg Robert W. , Wang Jennifer P. , Jensen Jeffrey D.
Published: April 2016

The rapid evolution of drug resistance remains a critical public health concern. The treatment of influenza A virus (IAV) has proven particularly challenging, due to the ability of the virus to develop resistance against current antivirals and vaccines. Here we evaluate a novel antiviral drug therapy, favipiravir, for which the mechanism of action in IAV involves an interaction with the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase resulting in an effective increase in the viral mutation rate. We utilized an experimental evolution framework, combined with novel population genetic method development for inference from time-sampled data, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of favipiravir against IAV. Evaluating whole genome polymorphism data across fifteen time points under multiple drug concentrations and in controls, we present the first evidence for the ability of viral populations to effectively adapt to low concentrations of favipiravir. In contrast, under high concentrations, we observe population extinction, indicative of mutational meltdown. We discuss the observed dynamics with respect to the evolutionary forces at play and emphasize the utility of evolutionary theory to inform drug development.
Metavisitor, a suite of Galaxy tools for simple and rapid detection and discovery of viruses in deep sequence data
Authors: Carissimo Guillaume , van den Beek Marius , Pegoraro Juliana , Vernick Kenneth D , Antoniewski Christophe
Published: April 2016

We present user-friendly and adaptable software to provide biologists, clinical researchers and possibly diagnostic clinicians with the ability to robustly detect and reconstruct viral genomes from complex deep sequence datasets. A set of modular bioinformatic tools and workflows was implemented as the Metavisitor package in the Galaxy framework. Using the graphical Galaxy workflow editor, users with minimal computational skills can use existing Metavisitor workflows or adapt them to suit specific needs by adding or modifying analysis modules. Metavisitor can be used on our Mississippi server, or can be installed on any Galaxy server instance and a pre-configured Metavisitor server image is provided. Metavisitor works with DNA, RNA or small RNA sequencing data over a range of read lengths and can use a combination of de novo and guided approaches to assemble genomes from sequencing reads. We show that the software has the potential for quick diagnosis as well as discovery of viruses from a vast array of organisms. Importantly, we provide here executable Metavisitor use cases, which increase the accessibility and transparency of the software, ultimately enabling biologists or clinicians to focus on biological or medical questions.
Analysis of Shared Heritability in Common Disorders of the Brain
Authors: Anttila V , Bulik-Sullivan B , Finucane H , Walters R , Bras J , Duncan L , Escott-Price V , Falcone G , Gormley P , Malik R , Patsopoulos N , Ripke S , Wei Z , Yu D , Lee PH , Turley P ,   IGAP consortium,   IHGC consortium,   ILAE Consortium on Complex Epilepsies,   IMSGC consortium,   IPDGC consortium,   METASTROKE and Intracerebral Hemorrhage Studies of the International Stroke Genetics Consortium,   Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium,   Autism Spectrum Disorders Working Group of The Psychiatric Genomics Consortium,   Bipolar Disorders Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium,   Eating Disorders Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium,   Major Depressive Disorder Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium,   Tourette Syndrome and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium,   Schizophrenia Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, Breen G , Churchhouse C , Bulik C , Daly M , Dichgans M , Faraone SV , Guerreiro R , Holmans P , Kendler K , Koeleman B , Mathews CA , Price AL , Scharf JM , Sklar P , Williams J , Wood N , Cotsapas C , Palotie A , Smoller JW , Sullivan P , Rosand J , Corvin A , Neale BM ,   on behalf of the Brainstorm consortium
Published: April 2016

Disorders of the brain exhibit considerable epidemiological comorbidity and frequently share symptoms, provoking debate about the extent of their etiologic overlap. We quantified the genetic sharing of 25 brain disorders based on summary statistics from genome-wide association studies of 215,683 patients and 657,164 controls, and their relationship to 17 phenotypes from 1,191,588 individuals. Psychiatric disorders show substantial sharing of common variant risk, while neurological disorders appear more distinct from one another. We observe limited evidence of sharing between neurological and psychiatric disorders, but do identify robust sharing between disorders and several cognitive measures, as well as disorders and personality types. We also performed extensive simulations to explore how power, diagnostic misclassification and phenotypic heterogeneity affect genetic correlations. These results highlight the importance of common genetic variation as a source of risk for brain disorders and the value of heritability-based methods in understanding their etiology.
Cortical rhythms are modulated by respiration
Authors: Heck Detlef H. , McAfee Samuel S. , Liu Yu , Babajani-Feremi Abbas , Rezaie Roozbeh , Freeman Walter J. , Wheless James W. , Papanicolaou Andrew C. , Ruszinkó Miklós , Kozma Robert
Published: April 2016

The brain generates oscillatory neuronal activity at a broad range of frequencies and the presence and amplitude of certain oscillations at specific times and in specific brain regions are highly correlated with states of arousal, sleep, and with a wide range of cognitive processes. The neuronal mechanisms underlying the generation of brain rhythms are poorly understood, particularly for low-frequency oscillations. We recently reported that respiration-locked olfactory bulb activity causes delta band (0.5-4 Hz) oscillatory neuronal activity in the whisker sensory (barrel) cortex in mice. Furthermore, gamma oscillations (30 – 100Hz), which are widely implicated in cognitive processing, were power-modulated in synchrony with the respiratory rhythm. These findings link afferent sensory activity caused by respiration directly to cortical rhythms associated with cognitive functions. Here we review the related literature and present new evidence to propose that respiration has a direct influence on oscillatory cortical activity, including gamma oscillations, and on transitions between synchronous and asynchronous cortical network states (marked by phase transitions). Oscillatory cortical activity, as well as phase transitions, has been implicated in cognitive functions, potentially linking respiratory phase to cognitive processing. We further argue that respiratory influence on cortical activity is present in most, and possibly in all areas of the neocortex in mice and humans. We furthermore suggest that respiration had a role in modulating cortical rhythms from early mammalian evolution. Early mammals relied strongly on their olfactory sense and had proportionately large olfactory bulbs. We propose that to this day the respiratory rhythm remains an integral element of dynamic cortical activity in mammals. We argue that breathing modulates all cortical functions, including cognitive and emotional processes, which could elucidate the well-documented but largely unexplained effects of respiratory exercises on mood and cognitive function.
Network-based Computational Drug Combination Prediction
Authors: Li Fuhai , Lei Huang , Sheng Jianting , Wong Stephen
Published: April 2016

Cancers are complex diseases that are regulated by multiple signaling pathways. Patients often acquire resistance to single drug treatment. Use of drug combinations that target multiple parallel pathways is a promising strategy to reduce the drug resistance. Pharmacogenomics big data are being generated to uncover complex signaling mechanisms of cancers and correlate cancer-specific signaling with diverse drug responses. Thus, converting pharmacogenomics big data into knowledge can help the discovery of synergistic drug combination. However, it is challenging and remains an open problem due to the enormous number of combination possibilities and noise of genomics data.
Alternative Growth Behavior ofMycobacterium AviumSubspecies and Staphylococci with Implications for Clinical Microbiology and Blood Culture
Authors: Zhang Peilin , Minardi Lawrence M. , Kuenstner J. Todd , Zekan Steve M.
Published: April 2016

Rapid culture ofMycobacteriumavium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) from patients remains a challenge. During the process of developing a rapid culture method for MAP, we found that there is an alternative growth behavior present in MAP, MAH (Mycobacterium aviumsubspecies hominissuis) and other bacteria such asStaphylococcus aureus, andStaphylococcus pseudintermedius. The bacterial DNA, RNA and proteins are present in the supernatants of the liquid culture media after routine microcentrifugation. When cultured in the solid media plate, there are a limited number of colonies developed for MAP and MAH disproportionate to the growth. We believe there is an alternative growth behavior for MAP, MAH and other bacteria similar to “phenoptosis”. Based on the alternative bacterial growth behavior, we tested 62 blood culture specimens that have been reported negative by routine automated blood culture method after 5 days of incubation. We used alternative culture media and molecular diagnostic techniques to test these negative culture bottles, and we found a large percentage of bacterial growth by alternative culture media (32%) and by molecular PCR amplification using 16s rDNA primer set and DNA sequencing (69%). The sensitivity of detection by the molecular PCR/sequencing method is significantly higher than by routine automated blood culture. Given the challenge of early diagnosis of sepsis in the hospital setting, it is necessary to develop more sensitive and faster diagnostic tools to guide clinical practice and improve the outcome of sepsis management.
Eukaryotic Association Module in Phage WO Genomes fromWolbachia
Authors: Bordenstein Sarah R. , Bordenstein Seth R.
Published: April 2016

Viruses are trifurcated into eukaryotic, archaeal and bacterial categories. This domain-specific ecology underscores why eukaryotic viruses typically co-opt eukaryotic genes and bacteriophages commonly harbor bacterial genes. However, the presence of bacteriophages in obligate intracellular bacteria of eukaryotes may promote DNA transfers between eukaryotes and bacteriophages. Here we report the metagenomic analysis of purified bacteriophage WO particles ofWolbachiaand uncover a eukaryotic association module. It encodes domains, such as the black widow latrotoxin C-terminal domain, that are uninterrupted in bacteriophage genomes, enriched with eukaryotic protease cleavage sites, and combined with additional domains to forge one of the largest bacteriophage genes to date (14,256 bp). These domains have never before been reported in packaged bacteriophages, to our knowledge, and their phylogeny, distribution and sequence diversity imply lateral transfers between animal and bacteriophage genomes. Finally, the WO genome sequences and identification of attachment sites will potentially advance genetic manipulation ofWolbachia.
The Prevalence of Inappropriate Image Duplication in Biomedical Research Publications
Authors: Bik Elisabeth M. , Casadevall Arturo , Fang Ferric C.
Published: April 2016

Inaccurate data in scientific papers can result from honest error or intentional falsification. This study attempted to determine the percentage of published papers containing inappropriate image duplication, a specific type of inaccurate data. The images from a total of 20,621 papers in 40 scientific journals from 1995-2014 were visually screened. Overall, 3.8% of published papers contained problematic figures, with at least half exhibiting features suggestive of deliberate manipulation. The prevalence of papers with problematic images rose markedly during the past decade. Additional papers written by authors of papers with problematic images had an increased likelihood of containing problematic images as well. As this analysis focused only on one type of data, it is likely that the actual prevalence of inaccurate data in the published literature is higher. The marked variation in the frequency of problematic images among journals suggest that journal practices, such as pre-publication image screening, influence the quality of the scientific literature.
Relational capital, strategic alliances and learning
Authors: Lo Fang-Yi , Stepicheva Anastasia , Peng Tzu-Ju Ann
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to portray and analyze the importance of learning and knowledge transfer in strategic alliances created in the context of emerging markets, Russia and Taiwan in particular, and to identify the influence of relational capital factors on the effectives of learning in strategic alliances. Strategic alliances are one of the main tools companies resort to learn, acquire and develop new knowledge and skills.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is conducted by case study with four international strategic alliances between Taiwanese and Russian companies.

Findings

The results showed that the main driver determining the propensity of the companies located in the emerging markets to establish strategic alliances is learning intent. More specifically, the companies are willing to acquire partner’s managerial, marketing and production knowledge and skills. Relational capital created between partners, and presented through the existence of trust, communication and openness proved to have a determinant influence on the effectiveness and quality of learning process in the strategic alliances, especially in the context of the emerging markets. However, there is an inverted-U relationship between the learning potential of an alliance and the strength of relational involvement of the alliance partners, who utilize the certain means to prevent the negative effects of over-embeddedness.

Originality/value

The major contributions that were made by the study are the following: the authors made an attempt to synthesize different approaches and investigate what are the primary factors affecting strategic alliances formation and operation in the emerging markets context. The authors extended the previous research by reviewing, not only the impact of the relational capital on the process of learning among the partners in the strategic alliances but also by analyzing the forces influencing the strength of these ties. The authors further investigated whether the continuous strengthening of the relational ties is necessary and always beneficial for the companies.
The meaningfulness of managerial work: case of Taiwanese employees
Authors: Chen Hsien-Chun , Lee Amber Yun-Ping , Chen I-Heng , Wu Hsin-Li
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The importance and benefit of work meaningfulness has been recognized from many previous studies. The purpose of this study aimed at how employees in Taiwan sense their work as meaningful by introducing prosocial motivation along with two organizational-related factors – task significance and external prestige.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 451 questionnaires were used to analyze the relationships among task significance, external prestige, prosocial motivation and work meaningfulness.

Findings

The results confirm the research hypotheses. This study advanced our understanding of how work meaningfulness arises through an integration of an individual’s psychological state with work contexts. The implications for managerial practices and future research are discussed.

Originality/value

This research represented an initial empirical test for measuring these constructs in Taiwanese society. While all the measurements have good reliabilities, it is only a good start. The examination of these constructs using these measurements needs additional research, preferably, in different cultural and industrial contexts.
New organisations and new workplaces
Authors: Harris Rob
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline key changes occurring within office occupier businesses that will have a medium- to long-term impact upon the nature and design of the office workplace, and the implications for the corporate real estate manager.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based upon research involving detailed consultations with corporate occupiers in the City of London, as well as representatives of the property supply chain. This has been developed here to include practical experience and to relate the lessons of the work directly to corporate real estate management.

Findings

The findings suggest major changes are taking place in the demand profile of office occupiers, in terms of both quantitative and qualitative demand for space. There are a number of practical implications arising from the findings, not least the need for investors to consider the appropriateness of current standards for base building design and fit-out in contemporary offices, and the need for corporate real estate management to adapt.

Practical implications

The paper contains a number of implications arising from the changing workplace for the corporate real estate management profession.

Originality/value

The paper reflects direct practical experience and the output of primary research and consulting. It is also highly relevant: while much has been written about agile working, much less has covered the practical implications for building design and corporate real estate management.
Make it work! Creating an integrated workplace concept
Authors: Ekstrand Mari , Karsten Hansen Geir
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between organisational flexibility and individual adaptation in the implementation of integrated workplace concepts. The focus is on the interconnectedness between different concepts and organisational aspects, as well as on overcoming challenges to fully achieve the intended ends.

Design/methodology/approach

The discussion builds on a triangulated research design including: semi-structured interviews, observation studies and analysis of secondary material in the form of internal evaluation reports and quantitative questionnaire data.

Findings

To fully achieve the intended ends, organisational, cultural and managerial aspects need to be aligned with the interconnected workplace concept. To create alignment, the concept also needs to be supported by a process of continual improvement and organisational learning.

Research limitations/implications

The case study was conducted in one organisation. Additional empirical research is needed to provide more definite conclusions, guidelines and theories.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the importance of applying a socio-material perspective towards implementation and development of integrated workplace concepts. Emphasising change, learning and development rather than standardisation and equality, may, in the end, allow for better concept interconnectedness.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in the perspective of studying the implementation of integrated workplace concepts from a socio-material perspective, shedding light on employee and managerial adaptation to different interrelated aspects and measures.
Isolation of Endotoxin Eliminating Lactic Acid Bacteria and a Property of Endotoxin Eliminating Protein
Authors: Kondo Ayaka , Asami Kyoko , Suda Yoshihito , Shimoyamada Makoto , Kanauchi Makoto
Published: April 2016

Recently, many scholars have reported lactic acid bacteria (LAB) functions, such as anticancer activity and anti‐inflammatory activity for intestines. To decrease inflammatory substances such as endotoxins, LAB consumed safely with meals were isolated from food and food ingredients. First, LAB were isolated as 168 strains of bacillus LAB (49 strain) and coccus LAB (119 strains) from food ingredients and fermented foods such as rice, rice bran, malt, grains, miso soy paste, and some pickles. Their LAB (168 strains) were cultivated in medium containing endotoxin from Escherichia coli O18 LPS at 15 and 30 °C for 64 h to identify endotoxin‐eliminating LAB. Consequently, the AK‐23 strain was screened as an endotoxin‐eliminating LAB strain. The strain decreased endotoxin in YP medium without sugar at 30 °C for 64 h until 9% of endotoxin. The strain was identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus according to morphological characteristics such as its cell shape, physiological characteristics related to its fermentation type, assimilation of sugars, pH tolerance, optimum growth temperature, and molecular biological characteristics as its homology to 16S rRNA. To investigate the location of the endotoxin‐eliminating substance, 4 fractions were separated from AK‐23 cells as extracellular, cell wall digestion, cytoplasm, and cell membrane fractions. The endotoxin‐decreasing substance, located on a cell wall, was identified as a 217 kDa protein.
MiR‐23a Regulates the Vasculogenesis of Coronary Artery Disease by Targeting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor
Authors: Wang Shixi , He Weidong , Wang Caijin
Published: April 2016

Objective

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in patient body fluids have recently been considered to hold the potential of being novel disease biomarkers and drug targets. We aimed to investigate the correlation between the levels of circulating miR‐23a and the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in the pathogenesis of patients with coronary heart disease to further explore the mechanism involved in its vasculogenesis.

Method

Three different cohorts, including 13 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients, 176 angina pectoris patients, and 127 control subjects, were enrolled to investigate the expression levels of circulating miR‐23a in patients with myocardial ischemia and also the relationship between plasma miR‐23a and severity of coronary stenosis. Plasma miR‐23a levels of participants were examined by real‐time quantitative PCR. Simultaneously, plasma cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations were measured by ELISAs. We further detected the correlation of miR‐23a and EGFR by molecular and animal assays.

Result

MiR‐23a was enriched in not only diseased endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) but also in the plasma of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Besides, we found out miR‐23a was able to suppress EGFR expression and EPC activities. Reporter assays confirmed the direct binding and repression of miR‐23a to the 3′‐UTR of EGFR mRNA. Knockdown of miR‐23a not only restored EGFR levels and angiogenic activities of diseased EPCs in vitro, but further promoted blood flow recovery in ischemic limbs of mice.

Conclusion

Circulating miR‐23a may be a new biomarker for CAD and as a potential diagnostic tool. And increased miR‐23a level may be used to predict the presence and severity of coronary lesions in patients with CAD.
Parathyroid Hormone Levels and High‐Residual Platelet Reactivity in Patients Receiving Dual Antiplatelet Therapy With Acetylsalicylic Acid and Clopidogrel or Ticagrelor
Authors: Verdoia Monica , Pergolini Patrizia , Rolla Roberta , Nardin Matteo , Barbieri Lucia , Schaffer Alon , Bellomo Giorgio , Marino Paolo , Suryapranata Harry , De Luca Giuseppe ,   the Novara Atherosclerosis Study Group (NAS)
Published: April 2016

Background

High‐residual‐on‐treatment platelet reactivity still represents a challenging issue, potentially vanishing the benefits of dual antiplatelet treatment in patients with coronary artery disease. However, very few is known on the determinants of suboptimal response to antiplatelet agents. Recent interests have emerged on the potential prothrombotic effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the impact of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on platelet reactivity in patients receiving DAPT after an acute coronary syndrome or PCI.

Methods

Patients treated with DAPT (ASA and clopidogrel or ticagrelor) were scheduled for platelet function assessment at 30‐ to 90‐days postdischarge. By whole blood impedance aggregometry, HRPR was considered for ASPI test >862 AU*min (for ASA) and ADP test values ≥417 AU*min (for ADP antagonists).

Results

We included 362 patients on DAPT, 125 (34.5%) receiving clopidogrel, and 237 (65.5%) on ticagrelor. Patients were divided according to PTH quartiles values (<45.8; 45.8–60.3; 60.4–88; ≥88.1 pg/mL). Higher PTH was associated with older age (P = 0.001); renal failure (P < 0.001), higher HDL cholesterol (P = 0.006) and creatinine (P < 0.001) and lower 25‐OH cholecalciferol (P < 0.001). Suboptimal response to ASA was infrequent (2.8%), and not influenced by the levels of PTH (P = 0.57). ADP‐mediated platelet aggregation was significantly increased in patients with higher PTH (P = 0.03), with an absolute increase in the prevalence of HRPR to ADP antagonists for higher PTH (24.7% vs. 40%, P = 0.007 for 4th vs. 1–3rd quartiles, adjusted OR[95%CI] = 2.04[1.14–3.64], P = 0.02). By the use of the ROC curve, we identified PTH levels above 96.7 pg/mL as the best predictor of HRPR with ADP antagonists (adjusted OR[95%CI] = 2.52[1.31–4.87], P = 0.006). Higher rate of HRPR was confirmed for PTH >96.7 pg/mL among the subgroup of patients on clopidogrel (51.5 vs. 85.7%, P = 0.001; adjusted OR[95%CI] = 12.5[2.6–60.9], P = 0.002), but not among ticagrelor‐treated patients (11.3 vs. 16.7%, P = 0.31; adjusted OR[95%CI] = 1.55[0.56–4.6], P = 0.42).

Conclusion

In patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy for coronary artery disease, higher PTH levels are associated with an increased ADP‐mediated platelet reactivity and suboptimal response to clopidogrel, especially for values above 96.7 pg/mL, while not influencing the effectiveness of ASA and ticagrelor.
Present‐day Block Movement and Fault Activity on the Eastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wenqing TANG , Yongshuang ZHANG , Qingzhi ZHANG , Hongfu ZHOU , Zhongxi PAN , Jun LI , Cheng YANG
Published: April 2016

The geology and tectonics in the eastern margin of Tibetan Plateau are complex. The main tectonic framework is composed of blocks and faults. Using discontinuous global positioning system survey data for 2008–2014, the velocity field for the Eurasia reference framework was obtained. Based on the velocity field, the present‐day velocities of the blocks and boundary faults were estimated. The results reveal that the movement rates of the Chuan‐Qing, South China, Chuan‐Dian and Indo‐China blocks are (17.02±0.60) mm/a, (8.77±.51) mm/a, (13.85±.31) mm/a and (6.84 ± 0.74) mm/a, respectively, and their movement directions are 99.5°, 120.3°, 142.9° and 153.3°, respectively. All blocks exhibit clockwise rotation. The displacement rates of the Xianshuihe, Longmenshan, Anninghe, Zemuhe, Xiaojiang and Red River faults are (7.30±1.25–8.30±1.26) mm/a, (10.07±0.97–11.79±0.89) mm/a, (0.96±0.74–2.98±1.73) mm/a, (2.03±0.49–3.20±0.73) mm/a, (3.45±0.40–6.02±0.50) mm/a and (6.23±0.56) mm/a, respectively. The Xianshuihe, Anninghe, Zemuhe and Xiaojiang faults show left‐lateral strike‐slip movement, while the Longmenshan and Red River faults show right‐lateral strike‐slip. These characteristics of the blocks and faults are related to the particular tectonic location and dynamic mechanism.