bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Offender Personality Disorder Pathway: Evaluation of Team Consultation
Authors: McMullan Elaine , Ramsden Jo , Lowton Mark
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to highlight the findings of a service evaluation project assessing the impact of team consultation to criminal justice staff working with personality disordered offenders.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative design using content analysis of focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews.

Findings

– Criminal justice staff report increased awareness and understanding, use of a person-centred approach, development of formulation skills and defensible practice following team consultation.

Practical implications

– This paper will be of interest to practitioners who offer and/or receive consultation for work with offenders with personality disorder. Suggested changes to team consultation formats may be of interest to services involved with the Offender Personality Disorder Pathway.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes towards the emerging literature on the role of consultation and formulation on workforce development for individuals with personality disorder. It also contributes to the evaluation of the services offered by this specialist team as they support probation Trusts across Yorkshire/Humber to support the community specification of the national Offender Personality Disorder Pathway.
Population pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic modelling to describe the effects of paracetamol and N‐acetylcysteine on the international normalized ratio
Authors: Owens Katie H , Medlicott Natalie J , Zacharias Mathew , Whyte Ian M , Buckley Nicholas A , Reith David M
Published: October 2014

Paracetamol is one of the most common pharmaceutical agents taken in self‐poisonings, and can increase the prothrombin time (PT) through liver injury, and in overdose without hepatic injury by reducing functional factor VII. PT is a measure of hepatic injury used to predict and monitor hepatotoxicity, reported as the international normalized ratio (INR). The antidote for paracetamol poisoning, N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), has been reported to have an effect on the PT. This analysis included patients from a retrospective case series, a prospective inception cohort of paracetamol and psychotropic (control) overdoses, and a cross‐over clinical trial. A population pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model describing the pharmacodynamic effects of paracetamol and NAC on the INR was developed in Phoenix NLME. The dataset included 172 patients; the median age was 22 years (range 13–71 years). A one‐compartment model with first‐order input and linear disposition best described paracetamol pharmacokinetics. The population mean estimate of the concentration that induced a response halfway between the baseline and maximal pharmacological effect of paracetamol was 1302 μmol/L (242), the maximum effect of paracetamol was 0.534 (202; from baseline) and the maximum effect of NAC was 0.325 (9.03; from baseline). Both paracetamol and NAC contributed a pharmacological effect to the elevation of INR. The estimated paracetamol concentration that induced a response halfway between the baseline and maximal pharmacological effect was within the range of plasma paracetamol values studied, fivefold greater than the maximum therapeutic concentration, suggesting that an elevated INR would not be expected within the therapeutic range. Simulated 24 and 48 g paracetamol overdoses with NAC administration produced INR values (50th percentile) that reached the upper limit of, or exceeded, the reference range.
Twelve‐month outcomes following midurethral sling procedures for stress incontinence: impact of obesity
Authors: Brennand EA , Tang S , Williamson T , Birch C , Murphy M , Robert M , Ross S ,   the Calgary Women's Pelvic Health Research Group
Published: October 2014

Objective

To evaluate impact of body mass index (BMI) ≥30 on objective and subjective cure rates 12 months after midurethral sling surgery.

Design

Secondary analysis.

Setting

Three hospitals in Calgary, Canada, 2005–07.

Population

A total of 182 women enrolled in a randomised control trial of tension‐free vaginal tape versus transobturator tape.

Methods

Women were classified as obese or nonobese from height and weight on day of surgery. Women underwent postoperative standardised pad tests, self‐reporting of urinary incontinence, and quality of life scores. Categorical data compared with chi‐square or Fisher's exact, continuous data compared with Mann–Whitney U test.

Main outcome measures

Primary outcome was objective cure, defined as <1 g urine loss on postoperative 1‐hour pad test. Secondary outcomes were subjective cure of incontinence (no stress incontinence in previous 7 days), presence of urinary urgency in previous 7 days, Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI‐6) scores, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ‐7) scores, and surgical complication rates.

Results

Objective cure differed, with 85.6% of nonobese women leaking <1 g on 1‐hour pad test, versus 67.8% of obese women (P = 0.006, risk difference [RD] 17.8%, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 4.2–31.4%). Subjective cure was 85.8% for nonobese women versus 70.7% for obese women (P = 0.016, RD 15.1%, 95% CI 1.9–28.4%). For both groups, improvement was seen for postoperative UDI‐6 (median −33.3 [−44.4 to −22.2] and −27.2 [−44.4 to −16.7]) and IIQ‐7 scores (median −26.2 [−45.2 to −14.3] and −23.8 [−42.9 to −14.3]). No differences existed in rates of operative complications between the two groups.

Conclusion

Twelve months after midurethral sling surgery, obese women experience lower rates of cure than those who are nonobese.
Stereo and Scanning Electron Microscopy of In‐Shell Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.): Part Two—Surface Sound Nut Fungi Spoilage Susceptibility
Authors: Scussel Vildes M. , Manfio Daniel , Savi Geovana D. , Moecke Elisa H.S.
Published: October 2014

This work reports the in‐shell Brazil nut spoilage susceptible morpho‐histological characteristics and fungi infection (shell, edible part, and brown skin) through stereo and scanning electron microscopies (SEM). The following characteristics related to shell (a) morphology—that allow fungi and insects’ entrance to inner nut, and (b) histology—that allow humidity absorption, improving environment conditions for living organisms development, were identified. (a.1) locule in testae—the nut navel, which is a cavity formed during nut detaching from pods (located at 1.0 to 2.0/4th of the shell B&C nut faces linkage). It allows the nut brown skin (between shell and edible part) first contact to the external environment, through the (a.2) nut channel—the locule prolongation path, which has the water/nutrients cambium function for their transport and distribution to the inner seed (while still on the tree/pod). Both, locule followed by the channel, are the main natural entrance of living organisms (fungi and insects), including moisture to the inner seed structures. In addition, the (a.3) nut shell surface—which has a crinkled and uneven surface morphology—allows water absorption, thus adding to the deterioration processes too. The main shell histological characteristic, which also allows water absorption (thus improving environment conditions for fungi proliferation), is the (b.1) cell wall porosity—the multilayered wall and porous rich cells that compose the shell faces double tissue layers and the (b.2) soft tissue—the mix of tissues 2 faces corner/linkage. This work also shows in details the SEM nut spoilage susceptible features highly fungi infected with hyphae and reproductive structures distribution.
Investigation of Ice‐Assisted Sonication on the Microstructure and Chemical Quality of Ganoderma lucidum Spores
Authors: Zhao Ding , Chang Ming‐Wei , Li Jing‐Song , Suen William , Huang Jie
Published: October 2014

Ganoderma lucidum spores (GLS) are well known for disease treatment and vitality enhancement, and have been shown to contain a variety of bioactive components, such as polysaccharides and triterpenes. However, the resilient bilayer sporoderm structure of GLS restricts the release of bioactive components and limits its complete pharmacological effects. The current study was aimed to improve the quality of GLS by means of a customized sonication technique, particularly, the effect of sonication processing parameters on GLS‐breaking efficiencies was investigated. Significant morphological changes, such as cracked, fractured, and disintegrated GLS were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after sonication treatment. The performance for breaking GLS sporoderm was obtained at ultrasonic power density of 23.7 W/cm2, duty cycle 100%, and 90‐min processing time. Through the combination of sonication in an ice bath, sporoderm breaking efficiency can be further increased from 45% to almost 75%. FTIR analysis revealed an increase in bioactive components of polysaccharide, protein, and fatty acid from the sonication processed GLS when compared to ground spores available commercially. The current results indicated that the ice bath combined sonication method is more effective in delivering GLS ingredients and could be an economic technique for the production of high‐quality broken sporoderm GLS.
Low‐Fat Beef Patties with Augmented Omega‐3 Fatty Acid and CLA Levels and Influence of Grape Seed Extract
Authors: Gómez Inmaculada , Beriain María J. , Sarriés María V. , Insausti Kizkitza , Mendizabal José A.
Published: October 2014

The effects of raising the omega‐3 fatty acid (FA), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), or omega‐3 FA plus CLA levels on beef by means of dietary supplementation and of adding grape seed extract (250 mg/kg meat product) in beef patties stored at 2 ± 1 °C in aerobic packaging under simulated retail display conditions for 6 d was evaluated by measuring the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), pH, and instrumental color measurement values and by means of sensory analysis. The pH, instrumental color measurements, and sensory attribute values for patties made from beef with augmented omega‐3 FA and/or CLA contents were similar to the values for the control patties made from beef from animals fed a conventional diet. Adding GSE lowered oxidation levels on day 6 (P < 0.001) and did not affect the instrumental color or sensory analysis results during the display period. This suggests that omega‐3 FA and CLA‐augmented beef could be used to make low‐fat beef patties having characteristics similar to those of conventional beef patties while being more in keeping with currently recommended nutritional guidelines.
Investor Reaction to the Ambiguity and Mix of Positive and Negative Argumentation in Favorable Analyst Reports
Authors: Winchel Jennifer
Published: October 2014

This study experimentally tests the hypothesis that investor reaction to favorable investment ratings is influenced by attributes of analysts’ supporting arguments. Specifically, I argue that argument ambiguity and the mix of positive and negative argumentation interact to influence how investors process and, in turn, react to information contained in analysts’ arguments. When positive arguments are unambiguous, I predict and find that investors react to the content of the arguments because they perceive the arguments provide sufficient support for the rating. In this case, investors react more favorably when the report includes strictly positive argumentation (i.e., one‐sided argumentation) than when it includes a mix of positive and negative argumentation (i.e., two‐sided argumentation). In contrast, when positive arguments are ambiguous, two‐sided argumentation acts as a credibility cue and leads to a higher likelihood of investment than one‐sided argumentation. These results provide important insights about the conditions under which investors react to justifications in favorable analyst reports and shed light on how analysts can credibly convey favorable information.
Global diversity and genetic contributions of chicken populations from African, Asian and European regions
Authors: Lyimo C. M. , Weigend A. , Msoffe P. L. , Eding H. , Simianer H. , Weigend S.
Published: October 2014

Genetic diversity and population structure of 113 chicken populations from Africa, Asia and Europe were studied using 29 microsatellite markers. Among these, three populations of wild chickens and nine commercial purebreds were used as reference populations for comparison. Compared to commercial lines and chickens sampled from the European region, high mean numbers of alleles and a high degree of heterozygosity were found in Asian and African chickens as well as in Red Junglefowl. Population differentiation (FST) was higher among European breeds and commercial lines than among African, Asian and Red Junglefowl populations. Neighbour‐Net genetic clustering and structure analysis revealed two main groups of Asian and north‐west European breeds, whereas African populations overlap with other breeds from Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean region. Broilers and brown egg layers were situated between the Asian and north‐west European clusters. structure analysis confirmed a lower degree of population stratification in African and Asian chickens than in European breeds. High genetic differentiation and low genetic contributions to global diversity have been observed for single European breeds. Populations with low genetic variability have also shown a low genetic contribution to a core set of diversity in attaining maximum genetic variation present from the total populations. This may indicate that conservation measures in Europe should pay special attention to preserving as many single chicken breeds as possible to maintain maximum genetic diversity given that higher genetic variations come from differentiation between breeds.
Employability and Job Search after Compulsory Reemployment Courses: The Role of Choice, Usefulness, and Motivation
Authors: Koen Jessie , Klehe Ute‐Christine , van Vianen Annelies E.M.
Published: October 2014

Compulsory reemployment courses aim to increase unemployed people's chances of reemployment by enhancing their employability and job search activities. However, the course outcomes vary greatly. This study examined the conditions and mechanisms that influence the outcomes of reemployment courses. In a two‐wave study of 643 participants, we assessed participants’ course experience (perceived choice and perceived usefulness), motivation for finding reemployment (internalisation), and employability and job search before and after the course. The results confirmed that a more internalised motivation was positively related to most course outcomes. Unexpectedly, perceived choice was unrelated to internalised motivation and course outcomes. Instead, high perceived choice was beneficial for motivation and some course outcomes only when the participants perceived the course to be useful for finding reemployment but was detrimental when they perceived the course to be useless. Perceived usefulness was also directly and positively related to the participants’ internalised motivation, which was in turn positively associated with most employability dimensions and job search activities after the course. Our results imply that the compulsory nature of reemployment courses may not be detrimental to people's motivation and course outcomes as long as they perceive the course to be useful for finding reemployment.
Climatic effects on plant species distribution within the forest–steppe ecotone in northern China
Authors: Liu Hongyan , Yin Yi , Wang Qiuyi , He Siyuan
Published: October 2014

Questions

As a narrow belt extending from the northern to the southern edges of the temperate forest zone, there is not only a strong temperature gradient and a long geographic distance but also a very sharp precipitation gradient in the temperate forest–steppe in northern China at a regional scale. Patches of forest are scattered in the steppe matrix. At the local scale, each forest patch shows a climatic gradient from patch centre to its edge and to the open steppe. How do these climatic gradients determine plant species distribution for the forest and steppe within this ecotone?

Location

The temperate forest–steppe ecotone in northern China.

Methods

Species were recorded in paired plots of forest and steppe at 68 sites. t‐tests were conducted to show differences in floristic composition among forest types. Mantel tests were applied to correlate site‐level floristic distances with geographic and climatic distances for forest and steppe separately as well as for their combination. Floristic differences between paired plots of forest and steppe at each site were correlated to MAT, MAP and geographic factors at that site.

Results

There was no significant floristic difference in the understorey of forests dominated by Betula platyphylla, B. dahurica or Populus davidiana. Quercus mongolica forests, however, were floristically dissimilar to the other forest types. Floristic distance of both forests and steppes were significantly correlated with ΔMAT and geographic distance, while there was a significant correlation with ΔMAP for forests only, but not for steppes. The floristic difference between forest understorey and steppe plots within each site showed no significant correlations with climatic or geographic factors.

Conclusions

The plant species distribution of both forest and steppe was more dependent on temperature than on precipitation gradients. The floristic distance between the forest understorey and steppe plots within sites seemed to depend on factors other than climate.
Examining the characteristics of student postings that are liked and linked in a CSCL environment
Authors: Makos Alexandra , Lee Kyungmee , Zingaro Daniel
Published: October 2014

This case study is the first iteration of a large‐scale design‐based research project to improve Pepper, an interactive discussion‐based learning environment. In this phase, we designed and implemented two social features to scaffold positive learner interactivity behaviors: a “Like” button and linking tool. A mixed‐methods approach was used to examine communicative and cognitive characteristics of notes. Additionally, we develop and apply a new metric for cognitive complexity that acknowledges a range of cognitive behavior valuable to a learning community. The findings suggest that the Like and linking functions positively cultivated and sustained interactive behaviors among students, which also led to an increase in the cognitive complexity of student contributions to the online discussion. Suggestions for future iterations of this project are offered.
Construction of a digital learning environment based on cloud computing
Authors: Ding Jihong , Xiong Caiping , Liu Huazhong
Published: October 2014

Constructing the digital learning environment for ubiquitous learning and asynchronous distributed learning has opened up immense amounts of concrete research. However, current digital learning environments do not fully fulfill the expectations on supporting interactive group learning, shared understanding and social construction of knowledge. This paper introduces cloud computing to the construction of the digital learning environment for its on‐demand services with high reliability, scalability and availability in the distributed environment. Then a digital learning environment based on cloud computing (DLECC) is proposed, including the architecture, co‐construction and sharing model, and incentive mechanism of DLECC. Finally, an Educational Technology Space (ETS) platform under the concept of DLECC is constructed and applied to the educational technology training for 110 teachers from primary and secondary schools. The experimental results demonstrate that the co‐construction and sharing model and incentive mechanism of DLECC may provide meaningful learning support and interactive communities and promote the co‐construction of befitting educational resources.
Foundations of dynamic learning analytics: Using university student data to increase retention
Authors: de Freitas Sara , Gibson David , Du Plessis Coert , Halloran Pat , Williams Ed , Ambrose Matt , Dunwell Ian , Arnab Sylvester
Published: October 2014

With digitisation and the rise of e‐learning have come a range of computational tools and approaches that have allowed educators to better support the learners' experience in schools, colleges and universities. The move away from traditional paper‐based course materials, registration, admissions and support services to the mobile, always‐on and always accessible data has driven demand for information and generated new forms of data observable through consumption behaviours. These changes have led to a plethora of data sets that store learning content and track user behaviours. Most recently, new data analytics approaches are creating new ways of understanding trends and behaviours in students that can be used to improve learning design, strengthen student retention, provide early warning signals concerning individual students and help to personalise the learner's experience. This paper proposes a foundational learning analytics model (LAM) for higher education that focuses on the dynamic interaction of stakeholders with their data supported by visual analytics, such as self‐organising maps, to generate conversations, shared inquiry and solution‐seeking. The model can be applied for other educational institutions interested in using learning analytics processes to support personalised learning and support services. Further work is testing its efficacy in increasing student retention rates.
The perils of a lack of student engagement: Reflections of a “lonely, brave, and rather exposed” online instructor
Authors: Stott Philip
Published: October 2014

Wholly online presentation of courses is becoming increasingly common, but poor levels of student engagement pose challenges to institutions, instructors and students. In this paper, I explore the risks arising from those challenges using an analysis of the presentation of a wildlife management course as a model, comparing data about levels of student engagement with assessments of students, the instructor and the course. My findings are consistent with the assertion that, for this course, there were risks of poor grades for students and risks of poor student evaluations for the online instructor; risks that can be minimised using recent findings about the factors leading to poor engagement.
Beyond performance data: Improving student help seeking by collecting and displaying influential data in an online middle‐school science curriculum
Authors: Daley Samantha G. , Hillaire Garron , Sutherland LeeAnn M.
Published: October 2014

Technology makes possible abundant new opportunities to capture and display data in online learning environments. We describe here an example of using these opportunities to improve students' use of the rich supports available in online learning environments. We describe an example of a blended learning experience that uses an online inquiry‐based middle‐school science curriculum in which we provided sixth graders (n = 126) data aligned with the Universal Design for Learning instructional framework. Students were provided and asked to reflect on their own data not only about performance but also about use of optional embedded supports vis‐à‐vis their perceptions of difficulty of key concepts. We determined that students were generally able to understand and interpret these rich data and that providing these data influenced subsequent help seeking in the online environment. We discuss implications for supporting help seeking and designing assessment and feedback within online learning environments.
High red blood cell nitric oxide synthase activation is not associated with improved vascular function and red blood cell deformability in sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Grau Marijke , Mozar Anaïs , Charlot Keyne , Lamarre Yann , Weyel Linda , Suhr Frank , Collins Bianca , Jumet Stéphane , Hardy‐Dessources Marie‐Dominique , Romana Marc , Lemonne Nathalie , Etienne‐Julan Maryse , Antoine‐Jonville Sophie , Bloch Wilhelm , Connes Philippe
Published: October 2014

Human red blood cells (RBC) express an active and functional endothelial‐like nitric oxide (NO) synthase (RBC‐NOS). We report studies on RBC‐NOS activity in sickle cell anaemia (SCA), a genetic disease characterized by decreased RBC deformability and vascular dysfunction. Total RBC‐NOS content was not significantly different in SCA patients compared to healthy controls; however, using phosphorylated RBC‐NOS‐Ser1177 as a marker, RBC‐NOS activation was higher in SCA patients as a consequence of the greater activation of Akt (phosphorylated Akt‐Ser473). The higher RBC‐NOS activation in SCA led to higher levels of S‐nitrosylated α‐ and β‐spectrins, and greater RBC nitrite and nitrotyrosine levels compared to healthy controls. Plasma nitrite content was not different between the two groups. Laser Doppler flowmetric experiments demonstrated blunted microcirculatory NO‐dependent response under hyperthermia in SCA patients. RBC deformability, measured by ektacytometry, was reduced in SCA in contrast to healthy individuals, and pre‐shearing RBC in vitro did not improve deformability despite an increase of RBC‐NOS activation. RBC‐NOS activation is high in freshly drawn blood from SCA patients, resulting in high amounts of NO produced by RBC. However, this does not result in improved RBC deformability and vascular function: higher RBC‐NO is not sufficient to counterbalance the enhanced oxidative stress in SCA.
Phase I/II trial of vorinostat with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, etoposide and prednisone as palliative treatment for elderly patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma not eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Straus David J. , Hamlin Paul A. , Matasar Matthew J. , Lia Palomba Maria , Drullinsky Pamela R. , Zelenetz Andrew D. , Gerecitano John F. , Noy Ariela , Hamilton Audrey M. , Elstrom Rebecca , Wegner Brett , Wortman Katy , Cella David
Published: October 2014

The standard treatment of relapsed/refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in frail elderly patients has not been established. A variation was made on rituximab (R), cyclophosphamide (C), etoposide (E), procarbazine and prednisone (P), substituting vorinostat (V) for procarbazine. Patients ≥aged 60 years with relapsed/refractory DLBCL, not candidates for autologous stem cell transplantation, were treated R‐CVEP [R 375 mg/m2 intravenously (IV), day 1; C 600 mg/m2 IV days 1, 8: E 70 mg/m2 IV day 1, 140 mg/m2 days 2, 3 orally (PO); V (300 vs. 400 mg) PO and P 60 mg/m2 PO days 1–10] every 28 d for six cycles. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed in addition to response. Thirty patients (median age 76 years, 69–88) were enrolled (one died before treatment). Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for V was 300 mg. For 23 patients at MTD (six phase I + 17 phase II), two were discontinued for toxicity, one withdrew consent, eight achieved complete response (35%), five achieved partial response (22%) and seven progressed (25%). Median overall survival was 17·5 months. Median progression‐free survival was 9·2 months. Nine patients are alive. QoL declined during treatment but improved above baseline for patients who completed treatment. In conclusion, R‐CVEP was tolerated at MTD and produced durable responses with improved QoL.
Observer age and the social transmission of attractiveness in humans: Younger women are more influenced by the choices of popular others than older women
Authors: Little Anthony C. , Caldwell Christine A. , Jones Benedict C. , DeBruine Lisa M.
Published: October 2014

Being paired with an attractive partner increases perceptual judgements of attractiveness in humans. We tested experimentally for prestige bias, whereby individuals follow the choices of prestigious others. Women rated the attractiveness of photographs of target males which were paired with either popular or less popular model female partners. We found that pairing a photo of a man with a woman presented as his partner positively influenced the attractiveness of the man when the woman was presented as more popular (Experiment 1). Further, this effect was stronger in younger participants compared to older participants (Experiment 1). Reversing the target and model such that women were asked to rate women paired with popular and less popular men revealed no effect of model popularity and this effect was unrelated to participant age (Experiment 2). An additional experiment confirmed that participant age and not stimulus age primarily influenced the tendency to follow others' preferences in Experiment 1 (Experiment 3). We also confirmed that our manipulations of popularity lead to variation in rated prestige (Experiment 4). These results suggest a sophisticated model‐based bias in social learning whereby individuals are most influenced by the choices of those who have high popularity/prestige. Furthermore, older individuals moderate their use of such social information and so this form of social learning appears strongest in younger women.
A Cisplatin Derivative that Inhibits Collagen Fibril‐Formation in vitro
Authors: Zenda Miyu , Yasui Hiroyuki , Oishi Shinya , Masuda Ryo , Fujii Nobutaka , Koide Takaki
Published: October 2014

Using an in vitro random screening of small‐molecule compounds, we discovered cis‐diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cisplatin), an anticancer agent, as a potential inhibitor of collagen fibril‐formation. The inhibitory effect was found only when cisplatin was dissolved in dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO), indicating that the active species were cisplatin derivatives formed in the DMSO solution. The cisplatin derivatives inhibited the formation of collagen fibrils in vitro without affecting the triple‐helical conformation of the collagen molecules. Incubation with the cisplatin solution in DMSO also inhibited in situ deposition of collagen fibrils in a human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) culture. In addition, the derivatization of cisplatin in DMSO abolished the cytotoxicity of the original compound. The platinum complex was further revealed to interact with specific sites on the collagen triple helix, and the binding sites were suggested to contain His and/or Met residues. Mass spectrometry analysis of the cisplatin solution in DMSO and a structure–activity relationship study strongly suggested that the active compound is [Pt(NH3)2(Cl)(DMSO)]+. This platinum complex will be useful for investigating molecular mechanisms of collagen self‐assembly and for drug development for the treatment of fibrotic diseases.
4‐Substituted‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidine Derivatives: Design, Synthesis, Antitumor and EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Abbas Safinaz E.‐S. , Aly Enayat I. , Awadallah Fadi M. , Mahmoud Walaa R.
Published: October 2014

Four series of some 4‐substituted‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidine derivatives 5a–f, 6a–f, 8a–f, and 9a–f were designed to be screened for their antitumor activity. All compounds were evaluated against breast (MCF‐7) and lung (A‐549) cell lines. Six compounds 5a, 5b, 6b, 6e, 9e, and 9f displaying activity against both cell lines were further estimated for their EGFR‐TK inhibitory activity where they revealed 41–91% inhibition and compound 6b elicited the highest activity (91%). A docking study of these compounds into the ATP‐binding site of EGFR‐TK demonstrated their binding mode where H‐bonding interaction with Met793 through N1 of pyrimidine or N2 of pyrazole was observed.
A physiologically based model for spirometric reference equations in adults
Authors: Brisman Jonas , Kim Jeong‐Lim , Olin Anna‐Carin , Torén Kjell , Bake Björn
Published: October 2014

A spirometric reference equation consists of a mathematical model with constants and coefficients optimized to fit a specific data set from healthy individuals. Commonly applied models are selected on statistical rather than physiological considerations. A predetermined model with constants and coefficients optimized to various populations would enable interpretable and interesting comparisons between populations. Lubiński and Gólczewski recently presented a piecewise linear model with constants and coefficients claimed to be physiologically interpretable (Lubiński model). Three questions were addressed: Is the Lubiński model as useful clinically as other models: multiple linear, piecewise polynomial and exponential with splines? Will reference equations based on the Lubiński model and optimized to a Swedish and to a Polish population allow for interpretable comparisons? Are three well‐known reference equations clinically useful in the Swedish adult population? A recent Swedish random population sample with high‐quality spirometric measurements enabled the present analyses. When optimized to fit the Swedish population sample, the Lubiński model and two other models provided accurate predictive normal values. Interesting differences were demonstrated between the Polish and Swedish populations. The proportion of subjects below lower limit normal was adequate for the piecewise polynomial equations but too low and not clinically useful for the advocated exponential equations with splines. It is concluded that the Lubiński model is clinically as useful as other models, and it adds important value and is recommended for future spirometric reference equations for adults. The advocated exponential equations with splines are not recommended for Swedish adults because of too wide normal limits.
Effect of FGFR inhibitors on chicken limb development
Authors: Horakova Dana , Cela Petra , Krejci Pavel , Balek Lukas , Moravcova Balkova Simona , Matalova Eva , Buchtova Marcela
Published: October 2014

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling appears essential for the regulation of limb development, but a full complexity of this regulation remains unclear. Here, we addressed the effect of three different chemical inhibitors of FGF receptor tyrosine kinases (FGFR) on growth and patterning of the chicken wings. The inhibitor PD173074 caused shorter and thinner wing when using lower concentration. Microinjection of higher PD173074 concentrations (25 and 50 mmol/L) into the wing bud at stage 20 resulted in the development of small wing rudiment or the total absence of the wing. Skeletal analysis revealed the absence of the radius but not ulna, deformation of metacarpal bones and/or a reduction of digits. Treatment with PD161570 resembled the effects of PD173074. NF449 induced shortening and deformation of the developing wing with reduced autopodium. These malformed embryos mostly died at the stage HH25–29. PD173074 reduced chondrogenesis also in the limb micromass cultures together with early inhibition of cartilaginous nodule formation, evidenced by lack of sulphated proteoglycan and peanut agglutinin expression. The effect of FGFR inhibition on limb development observed here was unlikely mediated by excessive cell death as none of the inhibitors caused massive apoptosis at low concentrations. More probably, FGFR inhibition decreased both the proliferation and adhesion of mesenchymal chondroprogenitors. We conclude that FGFR signalling contributes to the regulation of the anterior‐posterior patterning of zeugopod during chicken limb development.
Efficient embryonic culture method for the Japanese striped snake, Elaphe quadrivirgata, and its early developmental stages
Authors: Matsubara Yoshiyuki , Sakai Atsushi , Kuroiwa Atsushi , Suzuki Takayuki
Published: October 2014

The morphogenesis of snake embryos is an elusive yet fascinating research target for developmental biologists. However, few data exist on development of early snake embryo due to limited availability of pregnant snakes, and the need to harvest early stage embryos directly from pregnant snakes before oviposition without knowing the date of fertilization. We established an ex vivo culture method for early snake embryos using the Japanese striped snake, Elaphe quadrivirgata. This method, which we named “sausage‐style (SS) culture”, allows us to harvest snake embryos at specific stages for each experiment. Using this SS culture system, we calculated somite formation rate at early stages before oviposition. The average somite formation rate between 6/7 and 12/13 somite stages was 145.9 min, between 60/70 and 80/91 somite stages 42.4 min, and between 113–115 and 126/127 somite stages 71 min. Thus, somite formation rate that we observed during early snake embryogenesis was changed over time. We also describe a developmental staging series for E. quadrivirgata. This is the first report of a developmental series of early snake embryogenesis prior to oviposition by full‐color images with high‐resolution. We propose that the SS culture system is an easy method for treating early snake embryos ex vivo.
ON THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE'S SERVICE AND ENFORCEMENT
Authors: Tsai Tsung‐Sheng , Yang C.C.
Published: October 2014

Built on the seminal work of Graetz et al. (1986), this study considers a model of tax compliance in which the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) services as well as audits taxpayers as in the real world. Taxpayers are uncertain about whether their incomes are eligible for deduction/exemption, and may seek advice from the taxpayer service provided by the IRS to mitigate the uncertainty. We show: (1) while the society's preferred quality of taxpayer service is likely to be sufficiently high, the IRS's preferred quality of taxpayer service is only at an intermediate level; and (2) the conflict between the society and the IRS tends to be intensified as the cost of tax audits becomes lower. Evidence in support of our results is addressed. We also extend our model to addressing the issue of corruption in tax administration and to considering a dynamic model. (JEL D82, H26, K42)
Temperature responses of a plant‐insect system using a food‐web performance approach
Authors: Flores‐Mejia Sandra , Fournier Valérie , Cloutier Conrad
Published: October 2014

Evaluation of the performance of a plant‐herbivore system as a whole is difficult due to the lack of fitness parameters that can be applied to both components. The individual use of traditional measures of performance (e.g., rm, biomass) can provide useful, but incomplete information on the performance of insect herbivores and seldom incorporates plant performance. We propose the use of the net generational productivity (NGP) to evaluate the fitness of the herbivore, which can then be compared directly with the performance of the plant in biomass units, to obtain the food‐web performance ratio (φH/P). We compared three biotypes of the potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thomas (Hemiptera: Aphididae), when raised on three different host plants: potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Norland) and two bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Fascinato and cv. Crosby) (all Solanaceae) at temperatures ranging from 8 to 36 °C. The temperature profiles of the potato aphid biotypes suggest that this aphid is better suited to temperate climates, and its performance generally depends on the particular host‐plant/biotype association. Plant growth performance showed that potato has a lower thermal tolerance, but has a faster growth rate than bell peppers, especially in the range of 16–24 °C. Temperature variation in the φH/P ratio shows that aphids have a greater performance than plants, especially at lower temperatures, at which they can accumulate biomass up to 148 times faster. Because of the aphid's biological inability to withstand long exposures to temperatures above 28 °C, plants have a slight advantage over aphids. Nonetheless, as the performance of plants is extremely reduced at high temperatures, this advantage cannot withstand long‐term exposures to extreme temperatures. This is the first attempt to obtain a parameter capable of determining the climatic profile and performance of a food web in an inclusive yet simple manner.
Mating rates and the prevalence of male‐killing Spiroplasma in Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Tsushima Yusuke , Nakamura Kayo , Tagami Yohsuke , Miura Kazuki
Published: October 2014

Maternally inherited bacteria that kill male but not female hosts during embryogenesis have been widely reported in invertebrates. Harmonia axyridis is one of the species infected by male‐killing Spiroplasma. The presence of male‐killers in host populations can lead to the occurrence of extremely female‐biased sex ratios. Furthermore, infected females may have fewer chances to mate if males can discriminate between infected and uninfected females and prefer the latter. Although there have been many investigations of male‐killer infection rates in H. axyridis, little is known about the influence of host mating on male‐killer infection dynamics. We investigated copulation rates and changes in infection frequency in a wild population of H. axyridis in western Japan. Almost all infected females collected each year laid fertilized eggs and had therefore mated. Mean infection rates of females collected each year were 13% in 2003, 15% in 2012 and 23% in 2013. Statistical analysis showed that neither the copulation rate nor the infection rate differed significantly among years. These results suggest that the infection rate of H. axyridis with male‐killing Spiroplasma is kept approximately constant and that there is no difference in the chance of mating with infected and uninfected females.
Fisheries‐induced neutral and adaptive evolution in exploited fish populations and consequences for their adaptive potential
Authors: Marty Lise , Dieckmann Ulf , Ernande Bruno
Published: October 2014

Fishing may induce neutral and adaptive evolution affecting life‐history traits, and molecular evidence has shown that neutral genetic diversity has declined in some exploited populations. Here, we theoretically study the interplay between neutral and adaptive evolution caused by fishing. An individual‐based eco‐genetic model is devised that includes neutral and functional loci in a realistic ecological setting. In line with theoretical expectations, we find that fishing induces evolution towards slow growth, early maturation at small size and higher reproductive investment. We show, first, that the choice of genetic model (based on either quantitative genetics or gametic inheritance) influences the evolutionary recovery of traits after fishing ceases. Second, we analyse the influence of three factors possibly involved in the lack of evolutionary recovery: the strength of selection, the effect of genetic drift and the loss of adaptive potential. We find that evolutionary recovery is hampered by an association of weak selection differentials with reduced additive genetic variances. Third, the contribution of fisheries‐induced selection to the erosion of functional genetic diversity clearly dominates that of genetic drift only for the traits related to maturation. Together, our results highlight the importance of taking into account population genetic variability in predictions of eco‐evolutionary dynamics.
Evolutionary rescue: linking theory for conservation and medicine
Authors: Alexander Helen K. , Martin Guillaume , Martin Oliver Y. , Bonhoeffer Sebastian
Published: October 2014

Evolutionary responses that rescue populations from extinction when drastic environmental changes occur can be friend or foe. The field of conservation biology is concerned with the survival of species in deteriorating global habitats. In medicine, in contrast, infected patients are treated with chemotherapeutic interventions, but drug resistance can compromise eradication of pathogens. These contrasting biological systems and goals have created two quite separate research communities, despite addressing the same central question of whether populations will decline to extinction or be rescued through evolution. We argue that closer integration of the two fields, especially of theoretical understanding, would yield new insights and accelerate progress on these applied problems. Here, we overview and link mathematical modelling approaches in these fields, suggest specific areas with potential for fruitful exchange, and discuss common ideas and issues for empirical testing and prediction.
Molecular detection of trophic interactions: emerging trends, distinct advantages, significant considerations and conservation applications
Authors: Clare Elizabeth L.
Published: October 2014

The emerging field of ecological genomics contains several broad research areas. Comparative genomic and conservation genetic analyses are providing great insight into adaptive processes, species bottlenecks, population dynamics and areas of conservation priority. Now the same technological advances in high‐throughput sequencing, coupled with taxonomically broad sequence repositories, are providing greater resolution and fundamentally new insights into functional ecology. In particular, we now have the capacity in some systems to rapidly identify thousands of species‐level interactions using non‐invasive methods based on the detection of trace DNA. This represents a powerful tool for conservation biology, for example allowing the identification of species with particularly inflexible niches and the investigation of food‐webs or interaction networks with unusual or vulnerable dynamics. As they develop, these analyses will no doubt provide significant advances in the field of restoration ecology and the identification of appropriate locations for species reintroduction, as well as highlighting species at ecological risk. Here, I describe emerging patterns that have come from the various initial model systems, the advantages and limitations of the technique and key areas where these methods may significantly advance our empirical and applied conservation practices.
Disease and freeways drive genetic change in urban bobcat populations
Authors: Serieys Laurel E. K. , Lea Amanda , Pollinger John P. , Riley Seth P. D. , Wayne Robert K.
Published: October 2014

Urbanization profoundly impacts animal populations by causing isolation, increased susceptibility to disease, and exposure to toxicants. Genetic effects include reduced effective population size, increased population substructure, and decreased adaptive potential. We investigated the influence that urbanization and a disease epizootic had on the population genetics of bobcats (Lynx rufus) distributed across a highly fragmented urban landscape. We genotyped more than 300 bobcats, sampled from 1996 to 2012, for variation at nine neutral and seven immune gene‐linked microsatellite loci. We found that two freeways are significant barriers to gene flow. Further, a 3‐year disease epizootic, associated with secondary anticoagulant rodenticide exposure, caused a population bottleneck that led to significant genetic differentiation between pre‐ and post‐disease populations that was greater than that between populations separated by major freeways for >60 years. However, balancing selection acted on immune‐linked loci during the epizootic, maintaining variation at functional regions. Conservation assessments need to assay loci that are potentially under selection to better preserve the adaptive potential of populations at the urban–wildland interface. Further, interconnected regions that contain appropriate habitat for wildlife will be critical to the long‐term viability of animal populations in urban landscapes.