bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-crystal structures of the protein kinase haspin with bisubstrate inhibitors
Authors: Lavogina Darja , Kestav Katrin , Chaikuad Apirat , Heroven Christina , Knapp Stefan , Uri Asko
Published: April 2016

Haspin is a mitotic protein kinase that is responsible for the phosphorylation of Thr3 of histone H3, thereby creating a recognition motif for docking of the chromosomal passenger complex that is crucial for the progression of cell division. Here, two high-resolution models of haspin with previously reported inhibitors consisting of an ATP analogue and a histone H3(1–7) peptide analogue are presented. The structures of the complexes confirm the bisubstrate character of the inhibitors by revealing the signature binding modes of the moieties targeting the ATP-binding site and the protein substrate-binding site of the kinase. This is the first structural model of a bisubstrate inhibitor targeting haspin. The presented structural data represent a model for the future development of more specific haspin inhibitors.
The Myb domain of LUX ARRHYTHMO in complex with DNA: expression, purification and crystallization
Authors: Silva Catarina S. , Lai Xuelei , Nanao Max , Zubieta Chloe
Published: April 2016

LUX ARRHYTHMO (LUX) is a Myb-domain transcription factor that plays an important role in regulating the circadian clock.Luxmutations cause severe clock defects and arrhythmia in constant light and dark. In order to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying the function of LUX, the DNA-binding Myb domain was cloned, expressed and purified. The DNA-binding activity of the Myb domain was confirmed using electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs), demonstrating that the LUX Myb domain is able to bind to DNA with nanomolar affinity. In order to investigate the specificity determinants of protein–DNA interactions, the protein was co-crystallized with a 10-mer cognate DNA. Initial crystallization results for the selenomethionine-derivatized protein and data-set collection statistics are reported. Data collection was performed using theMeshAndCollectworkflow available at the ESRF.
The periplasmic sensing domain ofVibrio fischerichemoreceptor protein A (VfcA): cloning, purification and crystallographic analysis
Authors: Salah Ud-Din Abu Iftiaf Md , Roujeinikova Anna
Published: April 2016

Flagella-mediated motility and chemotaxis towards nutrients are important characteristics ofVibrio fischerithat play a crucial role in the development of its symbiotic relationship with its Hawaiian squid hostEuprymna scolopes. TheV. fischerichemoreceptor A (VfcA) mediates chemotaxis toward amino acids. The periplasmic sensory domain of VfcA has been crystallized by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method using polyethylene glycol 3350 as a precipitating agent. The crystals belonged to space groupP1, with unit-cell parametersa = 39.9,b= 57.0,c= 117.0 Å, α = 88.9, β = 80.5, γ = 89.7°. A complete X-ray diffraction data set has been collected to 1.8 Å resolution using cryocooling conditions and synchrotron radiation.
Trimethyl 3,3′,3′′-(benzene-1,3,5-triyl)tripropynoate
Authors: Katzsch Felix , Gruber Tobias , Weber Edwin
Published: April 2016

In the title compound, C18H12O6, the alkyne bonds are distorted, featuring bond angles around the C—C[triple-bond]C—C group of 173.6 (1)/179.0 (1), 178.1 (1)/178.4 (1) and 174.9 (1)/175.9 (1)°, and the ester groups make angles of 3.5 (1), 13.8 (1) and 14.5 (1)° with the central benzene ring. In the crystal, molecules are connected in layers parallel to (131) by weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds, giving rise to a system of hydrogen-bonded ring motifs with graph setsR22(14) andR44(22). The layers are linked by C—H...O and C—H...π contacts.
2-[(4-Chlorophenyl)(2-phenyl-1H-indol-3-yl)methyl]cyclohexan-1-one
Authors: Venkatachalam M. , Srinivasan N. , Krishnakumar R. V. , Chitra S. , Manisankar P.
Published: April 2016

In the title compound, C27H24ClNO, the indole ring is almost orthogonal to the chlorophenyl ring and the mean plane of the cyclohexanone ring, making a dihedral angles of 82.11 (6) and 89.96 (4)°, respectively. In the crystal, a strong N—H...O hydrogen bond links the molecules, forming chains running along thecaxis. The chains are linked by weak C—H...π interactions, forming layers parallel to theacplane.
1-Ethyl-4-phenyl-1H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2(3H)-one
Authors: Essaghouani Abdelhanine , Bouzian Younos , Essassi El Mokhtar , Saadi Mohamed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: April 2016

The title compound, C17H16N2O, consists of a benzodiazepin-2-one moiety substituted with a phenyl ring and an ethyl group. The seven-membered diazepine ring has a boat conformation and the fused benzene ring is nearly perpendicular to the phenyl ring, as indicated by the dihedral angle of 74.90 (8)°. The atoms of the ethyl group are disordered over two sets of sites, with a refined occupancy ratio of 0.603 (15):0.397 (15). In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers. The dimers are linkedviaa further C—H...O hydrogen bond, forming layers parallel to (001), which are in turn linked by C—H...π interactions, forming a three-dimensional structure.
Institutional inertia in a changing climate
Authors: Taylor Anna
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to present an investigation of the climate adaptation planning and implementation process undertaken by the municipal government of Cape Town, South Africa, situating the findings within the broader literature on governance-related barriers to adaptation.

Design/methodology/approach

– By developing an in-depth case study using methods of organizational ethnography, the research traces phases of climate adaptation planning and implementation in Cape Town. Applied thematic analysis surfaces issues of coordination, decision-making, resource constraints and tracking progress as key constraints to urban climate adaptation.

Findings

– While considerable progress has been made on developing a citywide climate adaptation plan for Cape Town, implementation is constrained by poor monitoring and feedback within and between departments and a lack of oversight and impetus from central authorities within the government hierarchy.

Research limitations/implications

– Further research is needed on the interface between technical and political decision-making, governance arrangements that facilitate coordination and iterative adjustment and the organizational uptake of externally commissioned work on climate adaptation.

Practical implications

– The paper points to the need for a climate adaptation coordination function situated higher up in the municipal government structure than the environment department to implement, monitor, evaluate and revise measures to reduce climate risks and vulnerabilities citywide.

Originality/value

– The paper is of value to those seeking to understand local government decision-making, as it pertains to climate adaptation and those looking for means to address climate risks and vulnerabilities in cities, especially in South Africa.
Securing well-being with the advent of climate hazards
Authors: Chia Eugene Loh , Tiani Anne Marie , Sonwa Denis Jean , Perez-Teran Alba Saray , Tchatchou Berenger
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the contribution of forests resource systems to the different aspects of community well-being, the implications of climate variability on the different sources of well-being and further identifies direct and indirect social and policy opportunities relevant for communities to enhance their capabilities in the face of climate variability and change in the Tri-National de la Sangha landscape of Cameroon.

Design/methodology/approach

– It illustrates on data collected from focus group discussions and from 151 households randomly selected in three villages to operationalize the conceptual links between community well-being and vulnerability.

Findings

– The study shows that vulnerability to climate change interferes with community strategies to achieve well-being, in addition to non-climatic processes which are both internal and external to communities. The study further indicates that healthy forest ecosystems provide opportunities for the local folks to build assets, improve food security, improve health and reduce risks. However, this requires capacity building and the channeling of resources to the local level, in addition to win–win sectoral policy amendments.

Research limitations/implications

– Biophysical methods required to complement community perceptions on the suitability of forest resource systems to climate variability.

Practical implications

– This paper argues that appropriate strategies which aim at improving well-being needs to capture the role of forest ecosystems, climate change risks and uncertainty and macroeconomic and social processes.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the literature on the relationship between climate risk and the well-being of forest communities. This is relevant for practitioners and policy makers to reflect on the risk of climate change and the rationale for conserving forest resources for community well-being in the post-2015 Millennium Development Goals conclusions.
Organisational communication on climate change
Authors: Gonzalez Gonzalez Jose Maria , Zamora Ramírez Constancio
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to analyse how the components of the institutional context and the adoption patterns of business practices determine the approach to carbon reporting used by organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

– Drawing on the New Institutional Sociology theory, this paper analyses, compares and interprets the results of the cases of four large Spanish companies which operate in different organisational fields and therefore they are subject to different institutional pressures. The results of these case studies illustrate the different approaches to carbon reporting used by organisations.

Findings

– The theoretical proposal of this paper establishes that the components of the institutional context (regulative, normative and cognitive), along with the adoption pattern used by organisations to control their carbon emissions (substantive or symbolic), contribute to determining their approach to carbon reporting (outside-in, inside-out, twin-track and isolated).

Originality/value

– The approaches to reporting and the adoption patterns have been considered independently in the previous literature, paying also scarce attention to the components of the institutional context that can have an influence on the approach to reporting used by organisations to share their environmental information. This paper contributes to bridge this gap, and its results can be of interest for supporting the decisions of policymakers, managers of organisations and society in general.
A stakeholder approach to building community resilience: awareness to implementation
Authors: Burnside-Lawry Judy , Carvalho Luis
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The paper aims to examine one local government’s efforts to increase local-level engagement in building community disaster resilience. Presenting the empirical evidence of stakeholder engagement activities that increase risk awareness and encourage collective action, the study addresses a key priority for the Post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (Hyogo Framework for Action 2) to identify methods for increasing local-level implementation of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative, case study approach is used to explore the case in depth. A review of literature from the multidisciplinary areas of communication, social and political theory frames data collection and analysis. Data collection includes observation, document analysis and interviews with policymakers, practitioners and local stakeholders to document achievements and lessons learnt from all perspectives.

Findings

Preliminary results indicate that strong political leadership and inter-departmental coordination have contributed to engaging local-level participation in disaster risk reduction in the Municipality of Amadora, Portugal. Findings indicate that the implementation of a wide spectrum of public engagement initiatives has increased awareness of hazard risks amongst specific demographic groups and improved community and government capacity to identify and implement risk reduction strategies.

Research limitations/implications

As this study is a work-in-progress and data analysis is in the early stages, interview transcripts included in this paper are limited to members of the team and their Director, Amadora Town Councillor for Civil Protection Services.

Practical implications

It is commonly acknowledged that to date, achievements of the Hyogo Framework for Action 2010-2015 largely remain at the national level and have not reached local levels in a substantial manner. Addressing the need for more industry-led research to explore examples of successful stakeholder participation, the paper’s findings can be used by emergency management practitioners who recognise the need to merge climate change adaptation, risk reduction and local-level engagement to encourage public participation, inclusiveness and proactive planning.

Originality/value

Co-authored by an Australian academic and a member of Amadora’s Campaign Team, the paper is a combination of empirical data from one city’s practical experience to develop and implement communication strategies in developing and implementing strategies to build community disaster resilience, analysed within a framework of communication, social and political theory.
Optimal maintenance level of equipment with multiple components
Authors: Rana Anil
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is to provide a method for selection of an optimum level of repair by replacement of an equipment based on its cost. In a ship where the engineer has a vast variety of equipment and systems to operate and maintain within limited time frames and availability of human resources, it is often difficult to disassemble a whole equipment to replace a faulty component. It is instead a lot easier to just replace the faulty equipment with whole new equipment. However, such a decision comes at an enormous capital cost. Therefore, the key question is, can we have a model to help us arrive at a decision on the correct level of carrying out repairs?

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses a model based on cost and convolution of failure distributions of critical sub-components of an equipment. Necessary assumptions based on real life experience have been incorporated in the model.

Findings

– The paper used an example of a particular type of motor driven sea water centrifugal pump which was commonly used in main engine sea water system, firefighting system, air conditioning system, etc. The pump had one of the highest failure rates in the ship (approximately one failure per 150 days) and the engineers found it cost and time effective to replace the entire pump on failure rather than carrying out replacement of the failed components. The model analyzed that the engineer’s hunch was not off the mark.

Research limitations/implications

– The implication of the work presented in the paper will be savings in maintenance cost and downtime due to optimal level of repairs on a multi-component equipment. The limitations of the work are assumption of independence of failures of components. This may not be true in all the cases. Further, opportunity based maintenance has also not been considered.

Originality/value

– The originality of the paper lies in the presentation of a method for selection of an optimum level of maintenance for a multi-component equipment
Development of ABS based wire as feedstock filament of FDM for industrial applications
Authors: Singh Rupinder , Singh Sunpreet , Mankotia Karan
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)-based plastic is one of the most widely used filament materials for fused deposition modelling (FDM) applications. Because the FDM system, as well as its filament material (ABS), has been patented by commercial manufacturers, the cost of the filament material is significantly high, which affects the commercialization of this technology for medium- and small-scale industries. This problem may be addressed by developing alternative FDM filament material at the user end. The present research work aims to make an effort to develop cost-effective ABS filament with acceptable mechanical properties at par with the filament prepared by commercial manufacturers. Further, mathematical models have been developed for optimizing mechanical properties (like: tensile strength, Young’s modulus and dimensional accuracy) of in-house-fabricated filament.

Design/methodology/approach

The processing parameters (such as barrel temperature, screw speed and take-up speed) of single-screw extruder used to fabricate ABS filament have been studied and optimized.

Findings

Although the mechanical properties of fabricated ABS filament were not better than those of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) filament, yet significant cost reduction was achieved with in-house fabrication. Mechanical properties like tensile strength, Young’s modulus and dimensional accuracy have been optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) for acceptability of in-house-fabricated filament (for commercial applications) at par with the OEM filament.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the systematic steps for in-house fabrication of cost-effective FDM filament. Further, RSM-based mathematical models have been developed for optimizing mechanical properties of newly fabricated filament.
Corrosion evaluation of Ti-6Al-4V parts produced with electron beam melting machine
Authors: Abdeen Dana H. , Palmer Bruce R.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the corrosion behavior of Ti-6Al-4V parts produced with electron beam melting (EBM) machine and compare it with wrought Ti-6Al-4V alloy.

Design/methodology/approach

Potentiodynamic and potentiostatic tests were applied on EBM Ti-6Al-4V in 3.5 per cent mass NaCl solution to determine the pitting potential and critical pitting temperature (CPT). A relation between pitting potential and temperature was established for EBM Ti-6Al-4V alloy by conducting potentiodynamic testing under different temperatures. CPT was also measured for EBM Ti-6Al-4V alloy in 3.5 per cent mass NaCl solution at a standard potential of 800 mV vs saturated calomel electrode (SCE). The same tests were performed on wrought Ti-6Al-4V for comparison purposes. Moreover, CPT for EBM Ti-6Al-4V alloy was measured in 3.5 per cent mass NaCl solution of different pH of 2.0, 5.7 and 10.0 to examine the effect of aggressive conditions on the pitting corrosion of EBM alloy.

Findings

Potentiodynamic test resulted in a relatively high pitting potential of EBM alloy, which was close to the pitting potential of wrought alloy even at higher temperatures. In addition, EBM samples did not pit when potentiostatic test was performed at 800 mV vs SCE, even at high and low values of pH.

Originality/value

EBM Ti-6Al-4V alloy has been increasingly playing an important role in aerospace, automobile and industrial fields. The technique and conditions of manufacturing form voids and increase roughness of the exterior surface of EBM objects, which might increase the tendency to initiate pitting corrosion within its holes and surface folds. This article shows that, despite surface variations and porosity in EBM Ti-6Al-4V alloy, the material maintained its corrosion resistance. It was found that the corrosion behavior of EBM alloy was close to that of the conventionally made wrought Ti-6Al-4V alloy.
Effect of weld power and build compliance on ultrasonic consolidation
Authors: Hehr Adam , Wolcott Paul J. , Dapino Marcelo J.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) is a fabrication technology based on ultrasonic metal welding. As a solid-state process, temperatures during UAM fabrication reach a fraction of the melting temperatures of the participating metals. UAM parts can become mechanically compliant during fabrication, which negatively influences the ability of the welder to produce consistent welds. This study aims to evaluate the effect of weld power on weld quality throughout a UAM build, and develop a new power-compensation approach to achieve homogeneous weld quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes mechanical push-pin testing as a metric of delamination resistance, as well as focused ion beam and scanning electron microscopy to analyze the interface microstructure of UAM parts.

Findings

Weld power was found to negatively affect mechanical properties and microstructure. By keeping weld power constant, the delamination energy of UAM coupons was increased 22 per cent along with a consistent grain structure. As a result, to ensure constant properties throughout UAM component construction, maintaining weld power is preferable over the conventional strategy based on amplitude control.

Research limitations/implications

Further characterization could be conducted to evaluate the power control strategy on other material combinations, though this study strongly suggests that the proposed approach should work regardless of the metals being welded.

Practical implications

The proposed power control strategy can be implemented by monitoring and controlling the electrical power supplied to the welder. As such, no additional hardware is required, making the approach both useful and straightforward to implement.

Originality/value

This research paper is the first to recognize and address the negative effect of build compliance on weld power input in UAM. This is also the first paper to correlate measured weld power with the microstructure and mechanical properties of UAM parts.
Experimental investigations of curling phenomenon in selective laser sintering process
Authors: Almabrouk Mousa Alkhair
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the curling behaviour of selective laser sintered polyamide/glass bead composites with changes in material compositions, part bed temperature, powder base thickness, laser power and layer cooling time.

Design/methodology/approach

The Taguchi parameter design method (design of experiments, DOE) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique were applied in the investigation to determine the optimal process parameter settings.

Findings

The results of statistical analysis and ANOVA provided evidence for the effectiveness of filler content and its surface treatment on reducing the amount of curling.

Research limitations/implications

Warping and curling phenomena is one of several aspects of this work that can be pursued further. The present investigation could be expanded to explore other fillers and interface adhesion using other modifiers. Experiments could be conducted with other complicated geometries, various sizes, different positions and locations to widen the knowledge base of geometric accuracy of selective laser sintering process.

Practical implications

This experimental work is beneficial for materials development and accuracy characterisation in rapid manufacturing techniques. The experimental techniques adopted are readily transferable to virtually any material system used in rapid manufacturing.

Originality/value

Although many materials have been developed, there is still a need for research into new materials. This work demonstrates that it is possible to improve the geometric accuracy of selective laser sintered components from glass bead- filled polyamide 12 and achieve near-zero curling by adding rigid multiphase-coated particle to the material system.
Correlation of Descriptive Analysis and Instrumental Puncture Testing of Watermelon Cultivars
Authors: Shiu J.W. , Slaughter D.C. , Boyden L.E. , Barrett D.M.
Published: April 2016

The textural properties of 5 seedless watermelon cultivars were assessed by descriptive analysis and the standard puncture test using a hollow probe with increased shearing properties. The use of descriptive analysis methodology was an effective means of quantifying watermelon sensory texture profiles for characterizing specific cultivars’ characteristics. Of the 10 cultivars screened, 71% of the variation in the sensory attributes was measured using the 1st 2 principal components. Pairwise correlation of the hollow puncture probe and sensory parameters determined that initial slope, maximum force, and work after maximum force measurements all correlated well to the sensory attributes crisp and firm. These findings confirm that maximum force correlates well with not only firmness in watermelon, but crispness as well. The initial slope parameter also captures the sensory crispness of watermelon, but is not as practical to measure in the field as maximum force. The work after maximum force parameter is thought to reflect cellular arrangement and membrane integrity that in turn impact sensory firmness and crispness. Watermelon cultivar types were correctly predicted by puncture test measurements in heart tissue 87% of the time, although descriptive analysis was correct 54% of the time.
Isolation and Identification of Aerobic Bacteria Carrying Tetracycline and Sulfonamide Resistance Genes Obtained from a Meat Processing Plant
Authors: Li Lili , Ye Lei , Zhang Sen , Meng Hecheng
Published: April 2016

Microbial contamination in food‐processing plants can play a fundamental role in food quality and safety. The purpose of this study was to investigate aerobic bacteria carrying tetracycline and sulfonamide resistance genes from a meat processing plant as possible sources of meat contamination. One hundred swab samples from surfaces of conveyor belts, meat slicers, meat knives, benches, plastic trays, gloves, and aprons were analyzed. A total of 168 isolates belonging to 10 genera were obtained, including Pseudomonas sp. (n = 35), Acinetobacter sp. (n = 30), Aeromonas sp. (n = 20), Myroides sp. (n = 15), Serratia sp. (n = 15), Staphylococcus sp. (n = 14), Enterobacter sp. (n = 11), Escherichia coli (n = 10), Lactococcus sp. (n = 10), and Klebsiella sp. (n = 8). Of the 168 isolates investigated, 60.7% showed resistance to tetracycline and 57.7% to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. The tetracycline resistance genes tetL, tetA, tetB, tetC, tetE, tetM, tetS, tetK, and tetX were found in the frequency of 7.7%, 6.0%, 4.8%, 4.8%, 3.6%, 3.6%, 3.6%, 1.2%, and 0.6%, respectively. Sulfonamide resistance genes sul1 and sul2 were observed in the frequency of 17.9% and 38.1%, respectively. The tetracycline resistance genes tetX was first found in Myroides sp. This investigation demonstrated that food contact surfaces in a meat processing plant may be sources of contamination of aerobic bacteria carrying tetracycline and sulfonamide antibiotic resistance genes.
Large‐Scale Fine‐Resolution Hydrological Modeling Using Parameter Regionalization in the Missouri River Basin
Authors: Daggupati Prasad , Deb Debjani , Srinivasan Raghavan , Yeganantham Dhanesh , Mehta Vikram M. , Rosenberg Norman J.
Published: April 2016

This study simulated crop and water yields in the Missouri River Basin (MRB; 1,371,000 km2), one of the largest river basins in the United States, using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) at a fine resolution of 12‐digit Hydrological Unit Codes (HUCs) using the regionalization calibration approach. Very few studies have simulated the entire MRB, and those that have developed were at a coarser resolution of 8‐digit HUCs and were minimally calibrated. The MRB was first divided into three subbasins and was further divided into eleven regions. A “head watershed” was selected in each region and was calibrated for crop and water yields. The parameters from the calibrated head watershed were extrapolated to other subwatersheds in the region to complete comprehensive spatial calibration. The simulated crop yields at the head watersheds were in close agreement with observed crop yields. Spatial validation of the aggregated crop yields resulted in reasonable predictions for all crops except dryland corn in a few regions. Simulated and observed water yields in head watersheds and also in the validation locations were in close agreement in naturalized streams and poor agreement in streams with high groundwater‐surface water interactions and/or reservoirs found upstream of the gauges. Overall, the SWAT model was able to reasonably capture the hydrological and crop growth dynamics occurring in the basin despite some limitations.
Evaluating Hydrologically Connected Surface Water and Groundwater Using a Groundwater Model
Authors: Li Ruopu , Pun Mahesh , Bradley Jesse , Ou Gengxin , Schneider Jim , Flyr Brandi , Winter Jessie , Chinta Sudhansh
Published: April 2016

Determination of the nature and extent of the connection between groundwater and surface water is of paramount importance to managing water supplies. The development of analyses that detail the surface water‐groundwater system may lead to more effective utilization of available water. A tool was developed to help determine the effects of groundwater and surface water interactions. The software tool includes two graphic user interfaces to allow full compatibility with numerical MODFLOW groundwater models. This case study shows the tool, in conjunction with MODFLOW groundwater models and carefully designed scenarios, can successfully calculate the rates of stream‐groundwater interactions, thereby providing the basis for designating management areas with the most significant hydrologic impact. This tool can be applied in other regions with similar settings and needs for integrated water management.
Abdominal adiposity contributes to adverse glycemic control and albuminuria in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Zhengyi , Ding Lin , Huang Xiaolin , Chen Ying , Sun Wanwan , Lin Lin , Huang Ya , Wang Po , Peng Kui , Lu Jieli , Chen Yuhong , Xu Min , Wang Weiqing , Bi Yufang , Xu Yu , Ning Guang
Published: April 2016

Background

Abdominal adipose tissue plays an important role in the development of type 2 diabetes. However, few data have suggested its role in the prognosis of diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the association between waist‐hip ratio (WHR), glycemic control, and early nephropathy in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 1709 previously‐ and newly‐diagnosed diabetic patients nested in a cohort study consisting of 10 375 participants aged ≥40 years in Shanghai, China. General characteristics through questionnaire, anthropometric measures, and biochemical results were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS v20.0.

Results

Each quartile increase in WHR was significantly associated with a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥ 126 mg/dl [OR (95% CI):1.18 (1.06–1.30)], an HbA1c ≥ 7.0% [1.21 (1.08–1.35)], and a HOMA‐IR ≥ 2.5 [1.30 (1.16–1.46)] after multivariable adjustments. WHR was not associated with a 2h PG ≥ 200mg/dl [1.13 (0.97–1.31)]. The risk for increased albuminuria (UACR ≥10.18mg/g) was also significantly associated with higher WHR after adjustment for HbA1c [1.14 (1.02–1.27)]. However, no significant relationship was seen between WHR and an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 90 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Interactions of sex, or physical activity with WHR in association with glycemic control and increased albuminuria were found (P values for interaction <0.05).

Conclusions

These data demonstrated an independent role of abdominal adipose tissue in glycemic control and renal complications of type 2 diabetes. Interventions aiming to reduce abdominal adipose tissue may have additional benefits.
Competition in the presence of individual demand uncertainty
Authors: Möller Marc , Watanabe Makoto
Published: April 2016

This article offers a tractable model of (oligopolistic) competition in differentiated product markets characterized by individual demand uncertainty. The main result shows that, in equilibrium, firms offer advance purchase discounts and that these discounts are larger than in the monopolistic benchmark. Competition reduces welfare by increasing the fraction of consumers who purchase in advance, that is, without (full) knowledge of their preferences.
A Nabataean funerary inscription from the Blaihed Museum
Authors: Alzoubi Mahdi , Smadi Sahar
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a study of an unpublished Nabataean funerary inscription from Dûmat al‐Jandal in Saudi Arabia. The inscription, in the Blaihed Museum private collection in al‐Jawf District in Saudi Arabia, is an important addition to the study of Nabataean funerary inscriptions, as it gives the first and only indication of the sale of a tomb, a practice that is considered abnormal for the Nabataeans. Parts of the inscription are missing or eroded. It is our hope that the publication of this article will lead to further research concerning the missing parts of the inscription.
The prognostic value of polycomb group protein B‐cell‐specific moloney murine leukemia virus insertion site 1 in stage II colon cancer patients
Authors: Espersen Maiken L. M. , Linnemann Dorte , Christensen Ib J. , Alamili Mahdi , Troelsen Jesper T. , Høgdall Estrid
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of B‐cell‐specific moloney murine leukemia virus insertion site 1 (BMI1) protein expression in primary tumors of stage II colon cancer patients. BMI1 protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in a retrospective patient cohort consisting of 144 stage II colon cancer patients. BMI1 expression at the invasive front of the primary tumors correlated with mismatch repair status of the tumors. Furthermore, BMI1 expression at the luminal surface correlated with T‐stage, tumor location, and the histological subtypes of the tumors. In a univariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, no statistical significant association between risk of relapse and BMI1 protein expression at the invasive front (HR: 1.12; 95% CI 0.78–1.60; p = 0.53) or at the luminal surface of the tumor (HR: 1.06; 95% CI 0.75–1.48; p = 0.70) was found. Likewise, there was no association between 5‐year overall survival and BMI1 expression at the invasive front (HR: 1.12; 95% CI 0.80–1.56; p = 0.46) or at the luminal surface of the tumor (HR: 1.16; 95% CI 0.86–1.60; p = 0.33). In conclusion, BMI1 expression in primary tumors of stage II colon cancer patients could not predict relapse or overall survival of the patients, thus having a limited prognostic value in stage II colon cancer patients.
Performance of robotic simulated skills tasks is positively associated with clinical robotic surgical performance
Authors: Aghazadeh Monty A. , Mercado Miguel A. , Pan Michael M. , Miles Brian J. , Goh Alvin C.
Published: April 2016

Objective

To compare user performance of four fundamental inanimate robotic skills tasks (FIRST) as well as eight da Vinci Skills Simulator (dVSS) virtual reality tasks with intra‐operative performance (concurrent validity) during robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and to show that a positive correlation exists between simulation and intra‐operative performance.

Materials and Methods

A total of 21 urological surgeons with varying robotic experience were enrolled. Demographics were captured using a standardized questionnaire. User performance was assessed concurrently in simulated (FIRST exercises and dVSS tasks) and clinical environments (endopelvic dissection during RARP). Intra‐operative robotic clinical performance was scored using the previously validated six‐metric Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) tool. The relationship between simulator and clinical performance was evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation.

Results

Performance was assessed in 17 trainees and four expert robotic surgeons with a median (range) number of previous robotic cases (as primary surgeon) of 0 (0–55) and 117 (58–600), respectively (P = 0.001). Collectively, the overall FIRST (ρ = 0.833, P < 0.001) and dVSS (ρ = 0.805, P < 0.001) simulation scores correlated highly with GEARS performance score. Each individual FIRST and dVSS task score also demonstrated a significant correlation with intra‐operative performance, with the exception of Energy Switcher 1 exercise (P = 0.063).

Conclusions

This is the first study to show a significant relationship between simulated robotic performance and robotic clinical performance. Findings support implementation of these robotic training tools in a standardized robotic training curriculum.
José Joaquín de Mora in Chile: From Neo‐Europe to the ‘Beocia Americana’
Authors: IGLESIAS ROGERS GRACIELA
Published: April 2016

The Spanish jurist, poet and journalist José Joaquín de Mora was probably the first foreign political consultant to be hired by several different South American governments in the period immediately following the wars of independence (mid‐1820–1830s). This paper takes a transnational approach to focus on his activities concerning Chile. It argues that Mora fitted the requirements of regional elites who aspired to have the New World drenched in European cultural values to make it a beacon of rational liberty, particularly for the Old World under the autocratic constrains of the Holy Alliance.
The Chilean Economy during the 1810–1830s and its Entry into the World Economy
Authors: LLORCA‐JAÑA MANUEL , NAVARRETE‐MONTALVO JUAN
Published: April 2016

This article discusses Chile's entry into the international economy, the performance of the national economy and institutional change during the 1810–1830s. It argues that the country consolidated a successful process of entry into the expanding world economy. GDP per capita was poor, but alternative indicators suggest a more optimistic picture (e.g., agricultural, copper and silver production increased, population grew and terms of trade improved). Furthermore, there were some positive institutional developments. All these changes made possible the sustained growth that took place from the 1830s and must be seen as more important than the growth record itself during the 1810–1820s.
One Local Dimension of a Global Project: The Introduction of the Monitorial System of Education in Post‐Independent Chile, 1821–1833
Authors: BAEZA ANDRÉS
Published: April 2016

This article explores the reception and adaptation of the Monitorial system of education in Chile after the struggles for independence. This process was characterised by the confluence of the ‘civilising’ discourses of those who diffused (the Quakers of the British and Foreign School Society and the British and Foreign Bible Society) and received (the Chilean liberal elite and Catholic clergy) the system. As a result, the original model was adapted to local circumstances and interests during the 1820s, according to the specific type of citizen that the political leaders sought for the new republic of Chile.
Revisiting the Holy Grail: using plant functional traits to understand ecological processes
Authors: Funk Jennifer L. , Larson Julie E. , Ames Gregory M. , Butterfield Bradley J. , Cavender‐Bares Jeannine , Firn Jennifer , Laughlin Daniel C. , Sutton‐Grier Ariana E. , Williams Laura , Wright Justin
Published: April 2016

One of ecology's grand challenges is developing general rules to explain and predict highly complex systems. Understanding and predicting ecological processes from species' traits has been considered a ‘Holy Grail’ in ecology. Plant functional traits are increasingly being used to develop mechanistic models that can predict how ecological communities will respond to abiotic and biotic perturbations and how species will affect ecosystem function and services in a rapidly changing world; however, significant challenges remain. In this review, we highlight recent work and outstanding questions in three areas: (i) selecting relevant traits; (ii) describing intraspecific trait variation and incorporating this variation into models; and (iii) scaling trait data to community‐ and ecosystem‐level processes. Over the past decade, there have been significant advances in the characterization of plant strategies based on traits and trait relationships, and the integration of traits into multivariate indices and models of community and ecosystem function. However, the utility of trait‐based approaches in ecology will benefit from efforts that demonstrate how these traits and indices influence organismal, community, and ecosystem processes across vegetation types, which may be achieved through meta‐analysis and enhancement of trait databases. Additionally, intraspecific trait variation and species interactions need to be incorporated into predictive models using tools such as Bayesian hierarchical modelling. Finally, existing models linking traits to community and ecosystem processes need to be empirically tested for their applicability to be realized.
You never transition alone! Exploring the experiences of youth with chronic health conditions, parents and healthcare providers on self‐management
Authors: Nguyen T. , Henderson D. , Stewart D. , Hlyva O. , Punthakee Z. , Gorter J. W.
Published: April 2016

Background

Recent evidence suggests that fostering strategies to enable youth with chronic health conditions to work towards gradual self‐management of their health is key in successful transition to adult healthcare. To date, there is limited research on self‐management promotion for youth. The purpose of this study is to explore self‐management from the perspectives of youth, parents and healthcare providers in transition to adult healthcare.

Methods

Part of a larger longitudinal transition (TRACE‐2009–2013) study, interpretive phenomenology was used to explore the meaning of the lived experiences and perceptions of youth, parents, and healthcare providers about transition to adult healthcare. Purposeful sampling was utilized to select youth with a range of chronic health conditions from the TRACE cohort (spanning 20 diagnoses including developmental disabilities and chronic conditions), their parents and healthcare providers.

Results

The emerging three themes were: increasing independence of youth; parents as safety nets and healthcare providers as enablers and collaborators. The findings indicate that the experiences of transitioning youth, parents and service providers are interconnected and interdependent.

Conclusions

Results support a dynamic and developmentally appropriate approach when working with transitioning youth and parents in practice. As youth depend on parents and healthcare providers for support in taking charge of their own health, parents and healthcare providers must work together to enable youth for self‐management. At a policy level, adequate funding, institutional support and accreditation incentives are recommended to allow for designated time for healthcare providers to foster self‐management skills in transitioning youth and parents.
A novel mutation in NDUFB11 unveils a new clinical phenotype associated with lactic acidosis and sideroblastic anemia
Authors: Torraco A. , Bianchi M. , Verrigni D. , Gelmetti V. , Riley L. , Niceta M. , Martinelli D. , Montanari A. , Guo Y. , Rizza T. , Diodato D. , Di Nottia M. , Lucarelli B. , Sorrentino F. , Piemonte F. , Francisci S. , Tartaglia M. , Valente E.M. , Dionisi‐Vici C. , Christodoulou J. , Bertini E. , Carrozzo R.
Published: April 2016

NDUFB11, a component of mitochondrial complex I, is a relatively small integral membrane protein, belonging to the “supernumerary” group of subunits, but proved to be absolutely essential for the assembly of an active complex I. Mutations in the X‐linked nuclear‐encoded NDUFB11 gene have recently been discovered in association with two distinct phenotypes, i.e. microphthalmia with linear skin defects and histiocytoid cardiomyopathy. We report on a male with complex I deficiency, caused by a de novo mutation in NDUFB11 and displaying early‐onset sideroblastic anemia as the unique feature. This is the third report that describes a mutation in NDUFB11, but all are associated with a different phenotype. Our results further expand the molecular spectrum and associated clinical phenotype of NDUFB11 defects.
Pharmacological Modulation of Calcium Homeostasis in Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy: An In Vitro Analysis From an RBM20 Patient‐Derived iPSC Model
Authors: Wyles SP , Hrstka SC , Reyes S , Terzic A , Olson TM , Nelson TJ
Published: April 2016

For inherited cardiomyopathies, abnormal sensitivity to intracellular calcium (Ca2+), incurred from genetic mutations, initiates subsequent molecular events leading to pathological remodeling. Here, we characterized the effect of β‐adrenergic stress in familial dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) using human‐induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)‐derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) from a patient with RBM20 DCM. Our findings suggest that β‐adrenergic stimulation accelerated defective Ca2+ homeostasis, apoptotic changes, and sarcomeric disarray in familial DCM hiPSC‐CMs. Furthermore, pharmacological modulation of abnormal Ca2+ handling by pretreatment with β‐blocker, carvedilol, or Ca2+‐channel blocker, verapamil, significantly decreased the area under curve, reduced percentage of disorganized cells, and decreased terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick‐end labeling (TUNEL)‐positive apoptotic loci in familial DCM hiPSC‐CMs after β‐adrenergic stimulation. These translational data provide patient‐based in vitro analysis of β‐adrenergic stress in RBM20‐deficient familial DCM hiPSC‐CMs and evaluation of therapeutic interventions to modify heart disease progression, which may be personalized, but more importantly generalized in the clinic.
THREE NEW SPECIES OF BERBERIS FROM YUNNAN
Authors: Harber Julian
Published: April 2016

Three new species of Berberis from Yunnan are described and illustrated: B. dokerlaica Harber, B. yiliangensis Harber and B. brevipedicillata Harber. The remarkable diversity of this genus in the Hengduan Mountains of south central China is discussed.
Diagnostic Impact of Transesophageal Echocardiography in Patients with Acute Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Pallesen Lars‐Peder , Ragaller Margaretha , Kepplinger Jessica , Barlinn Kristian , Zerna Charlotte , Siepmann Timo , Wiedemann Baerbel , Braun Silke , Weise Matthias , Bodechtel Ulf , Puetz Volker
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the diagnostic gold standard for the detection of structural heart diseases as potential sources of cardiac emboli in patients with acute cerebral ischemia. We sought to determine the diagnostic yield of TEE in patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with acute cerebral ischemia who were admitted to our hospital between October 2008 and December 2011. TEE reports were screened for detection of cardiac source of embolism judged by the recommendation to change medical management. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to identify predictors of clinically relevant TEE findings among baseline characteristics.

Results

Of 3314 patients with ischemic stroke or TIA, TEE was performed in 791 (24%) patients (mean age 64 ± 13 years, 589 [74%] ischemic stroke, 202 [26%] TIA). A potential cardioembolic source was found in 71 (9%) patients with patent foramen ovale with atrial septal aneurysm being the most common finding (24/71 patients, 34%). In multivariate analysis, peripheral vascular disease (OR 2.57; 95%CI 1.00–6.61), imaging evidence of infarction in multiple locations (OR 4.13; 95%CI 1.36–12.58), and infarction in the posterior circulation (OR 2.11; 95%CI 1.01–4.42) were associated with the identification of a potential cardioembolic source with TEE.

Conclusion

TEE identified a potential structural cardioembolic source in nearly 10% of our selected patient population with acute ischemic stroke or TIA, thus underlining its diagnostic value. Our data suggest that patients with hitherto unknown stroke etiology should be considered for additional TEE.