bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A class of monolayer metal halogenides MX2: Electronic structures and band alignments
Authors: Lu Feng , Wang Weichao , Luo Xiaoguang , Xie Xinjian , Cheng Yahui , Dong Hong , Liu Hui , Wang Wei-Hua
Published: March 2016

With systematic first principles calculations, a class of monolayer metal halogenides MX2 (M = Mg, Ca, Zn, Cd, Ge, Pb; M = Cl, Br, I) has been proposed. Our study indicates that these monolayer materials are semiconductors with the band gaps ranging from 2.03 eV of ZnI2 to 6.08 eV of MgCl2. Overall, the band gap increases with the increase of the electronegativity of the X atom or the atomic number of the metal M. Meanwhile, the band gaps of monolayer MgX2 (X = Cl, Br) are direct while those of other monolayers are indirect. Based on the band edge curvatures, the derived electron (me) and hole (mh) effective masses of MX2 monolayers are close to their corresponding bulk values except that the me of CdI2 is three times larger and the mh for PbI2 is twice larger. Finally, the band alignments of all the studied MX2 monolayers are provided using the vacuum level as energy reference. These theoretical results may not only introduce the monolayer metal halogenides family MX2 into the emerging two-dimensional materials, but also provide insights into the applications of MX2 in future electronic, visible and ultraviolet optoelectronic devices.
Phosphorylation of OPTN by TBK1 enhances its binding to Ub chains and promotes selective autophagy of damaged mitochondria
Authors: Richter Benjamin , Sliter Danielle A. , Herhaus Lina , Stolz Alexandra , Wang Chunxin , Beli Petra , Zaffagnini Gabriele , Wild Philipp , Martens Sascha , Wagner Sebastian A. , Youle Richard J. , Dikic Ivan
Published: March 2016

Significance

Selective autophagy of damaged mitochondria (mitophagy) requires protein kinases PINK1 and TBK1, ubiquitin ligase Parkin, and autophagy receptors such as OPTN, driving ubiquitin-labeled mitochondria into autophagosomes. Because all proteins have been genetically linked to either Parkinson’s disease (PINK1 and Parkin) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (TBK1 and OPTN), it is of great interest to understand their physiological functions. By utilizing quantitative proteomics we show that TBK1 phosphorylates four receptors on several autophagy-relevant sites. Constitutive interaction of TBK1 with OPTN and the ability of OPTN to bind to ubiquitin chains are essential for TBK1 recruitment and activation on mitochondria. TBK1-mediated phosphorylation of OPTN creates a signal amplification loop through combining recruitment and retention of OPTN/TBK1 on ubiquitinated mitochondria.
Legumes are different: Leaf nitrogen, photosynthesis, and water use efficiency
Authors: Adams Mark Andrew , Turnbull Tarryn L. , Sprent Janet I. , Buchmann Nina
Published: March 2016

Significance

Leaf traits are used to drive models of global carbon fluxes and understand plant evolution. Many syntheses have highlighted relationships between plant leaf nitrogen and photosynthesis as evidence of a strong evolutionary drive to “intercept light and capture CO
2
.” Different from previous studies, we compiled a global dataset constrained to sites and studies where nitrogen-fixing plants (N
2
FP) and nonfixing species [other plants (OP)] could be directly compared. We show that photosynthesis is not related to leaf nitrogen for N
2
FP, irrespective of climate or growth form. N
2
FP have clear advantages in water use efficiency over OP. These findings contribute to a more complete explanation of global distributions of N
2
FP and can help improve models of global carbon and nitrogen cycles.
A bacterial Argonaute with noncanonical guide RNA specificity
Authors: Kaya Emine , Doxzen Kevin W. , Knoll Kilian R. , Wilson Ross C. , Strutt Steven C. , Kranzusch Philip J. , Doudna Jennifer A.
Published: March 2016

Significance

Argonaute proteins are key effectors of eukaryotic RNA interference and, in prokaryotes, function in host genome defense. We show here that a noncanonical clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated
Marinitoga piezophila
Argonaute uses 5′-hydroxylated guide RNAs to recognize and cleave substrates rather than using the 5′-phosphorylated guides used by all other known Argonautes. By identifying other prokaryotic Argonautes with a 5′-hydroxyl RNA preference, our data suggest the evolution of an Argonaute subfamily with unique specificity for a 5′-hydroxylated guide.
Knowledge management for logistics service providers: the role of learning culture
Authors: Cooper Andrew L. , Huscroft Joseph R , Overstreet Robert E. , Hazen Benjamin T
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Knowledge management capabilities have proven to be key success factors for organizations within our increasingly information-based economy. Although knowledge management literature has a rich history, less is known about how an organization’s learning culture affects outcomes realized via knowledge management initiatives. Moreover, there is a dearth of understanding regarding how to successfully operationalize knowledge management activities in order to achieve performance in the dynamic logistics and supply chain management environment. Rooted in competence-based theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine the role that learning culture plays with regard to knowledge management capabilities, human capital, and organizational performance at logistics service providers.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses survey data from 448 managers and covariance based structural equation modeling to assess how knowledge management, learning culture, and human capital influence organizational performance.

Findings

– The results of this study indicate that knowledge management has a significant positive relationship with learning culture and human capital. There was also an indirect effect of knowledge management through learning culture on human capital and organizational performance. Interestingly, human capital did not have a significant relationship with organizational performance as hypothesized.

Practical implications

– The results support the vital role that leaders and managers have in creating a culture that is conducive to the success of knowledge management initiatives.

Originality/value

– This study goes beyond the simple direct relationship between knowledge management and personal and organizational outcomes that is usually examined by testing learning culture as an important mediator.
The effect of local business climate on employment
Authors: Fölster Stefan , Jansson Li , Nyrenström Gidehag Anton
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse empirically whether policies to improve the local business climate affect employment in general, and among groups of immigrants that suffer from structural unemployment.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper analyses the relation between Swedish entrepreneurs’ perception of the local business climate and total employment as well as employment among immigrants born outside of Europe, a group that tends to be particularly affected by structural unemployment. Instrumental variable and Arellano-Bond GMM estimation indicate that a better local business climate improves immigrants employment considerably more than total employment.

Findings

– The results suggest that improvements in institutions and policies that entrepreneurs perceive as shaping the business climate may have an important effect on employment, in particular employment of groups that tend to have high rates of structural unemployment. Given the limitations, the estimates appear robust over a variety of specifications.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors use a subjective measure of local business climate policies, but instrument this with an exogenous variable and lagged variables. The unit of observation are Swedish municipalities, which in contrast to other countries control many factors important for business.

Practical implications

– Employment policies often focus on labour market institutions. The results suggest that other policies and their local implementation may be equally important for employment. Unfortunately the study does not reveal much detail of which specific measures give the greatest effects. That remains to be done in future research.

Social implications

– The positive employment effects the authors find are particularly large for immigrants born outside of Europe. If the results are correct, then better local business climate could make an important contribution to social cohesion.

Originality/value

– While there are more studies that analyse the relation between entrepreneurship and employment, much fewer previous studies have tried to establish a link between business climate policies and employment. The authors do this with a novel approach.
The impact of higher quality government regulation of business and greater economic freedom on living standards
Authors: Cebula Richard , Rossi Fabrizio , Clark Jeff
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate whether two specific forms of government policy influence entrepreneurship and hence the performance economy as a whole. Performance is measured in terms of living standards and growth therein. The policies are, as follows: higher quality government regulation of businesses and higher levels of economic freedom.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper first provides a basic model focussing upon the regulation and economic freedom variables. The study then adds a dummy variable for G8 nations, a tax burden variable, and the long-term interest rate and provides six estimates. The empirical analysis involves pooled time-series/cross-section data for the OECD over the period 2003-2007.

Findings

– The findings indicate that for OECD nations, higher quality public regulation promotes entrepreneurial spirit and performance. Higher economic freedom does the same. The findings are that higher quality government regulation of business and higher levels of economic freedom lead to higher growth rates in the standard of living.

Originality/value

– The time period studied, i.e., just prior to the Great Recession, the context of the OECD, the adoption of pooled time-series/cross-section data, and the specific choice of variables in the analysis, along with the estimation of possibly unique or close to unique specifications involving the growth rate of living standards per se make this study different.
Rising damp in Portuguese cultural heritage – a flood risk map
Authors: Boinas Raquel , Guimarães Ana Sofia , Delgado João M.P.Q.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a critical review of a criterion of risk, created to assess the flood risk of the international heritage building. In order to evaluate this criterion, it was applied to a sample of Portuguese building heritage.

Design/methodology/approach

– This effort will start with the definition of the most important historical buildings in Portugal, its location and a full study about its constitution considering not only the materials they are made to but also the layers and the influence of the porosity/porometry for the drying process. Then it will also crucial the classification of the flood risk occurrence having in mind the previous information. A mapping will be made with the classification here developed.

Findings

– This work presents a critical review of the main information related with the Portuguese monuments classified as “National Monuments”. A new empirical model was proposed takes into account all of the factors defined as the most influent in flood risk determination. A risk map was created on the basis classification developed. It will be possible to observe that a significant amount of Portuguese monuments are classified as medium to high risk of flooding.

Originality/value

– This paper presents a new methodology to analyse the flood risk of international heritage building. The main benefit of the work is that it discusses the importance architectural heritage and justifies the need to safeguard it from extreme climatic phenomena such as floods.
Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: A proposal of diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms
Authors: Nomura Takashi , Katoh Mayumi , Yamamoto Yosuke , Miyachi Yoshiki , Kabashima Kenji
Published: March 2016

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) is a sterile inflammatory dermatosis of unknown etiology. In addition to classic EPF, which affects otherwise healthy individuals, an immunocompromised state can cause immunosuppression‐associated EPF (IS‐EPF), which may be referred to dermatologists in inpatient services for assessments. Infancy‐associated EPF (I‐EPF) is the least characterized subtype, being observed mainly in non‐Japanese infants. Diagnosis of EPF is challenging because its lesions mimic those of other common diseases, such as acne and dermatomycosis. Furthermore, there is no consensus regarding the treatment for each subtype of EPF. Here, we created procedure algorithms that facilitate the diagnosis and selection of therapeutic options on the basis of published work available in the public domain. Our diagnostic algorithm comprised a simple flowchart to direct physicians toward proper diagnosis. Recommended regimens were summarized in an easy‐to‐comprehend therapeutic algorithm for each subtype of EPF. These algorithms would facilitate the diagnostic and therapeutic procedure of EPF.
Facultative grazing and bioturbation by macrodetritivores alter saltmarsh plant–plant interactions under stress
Authors: Howison Ruth A. , Olff Han , van Puijenbroek Marinka E. B. , Smit Christian
Published: March 2016

The importance of positive plant–plant interactions is generally suggested to increase towards more stressful conditions, due to mutual stress amelioration between plants. Bioturbating macrodetritivores can also ameliorate stress through bioturbation, but can also become selective herbivores under food‐limited conditions, making the outcome of plant–plant interactions under stress in the presence of macrodetritivores unclear.

We studied how combining environmental stress (waterlogging) with the presence of the soil macrodetritivore Orchestia gammarellus affected the outcome of the interaction between two salt marsh plants: the tall, late successional Elytrigia atherica and the shorter, early successional Festuca rubra.

In a replacement design competition experiment under controlled conditions, we found that soil redox potential was negatively affected by waterlogging and positively affected by the presence of O. gammarellus. The survival and shoot biomass of E. atherica was not significantly affected by waterlogging or by the presence of bioturbators. The survival and shoot biomass of F. rubra was especially decreased when waterlogging was combined with the presence of O. gammarellus, as this macrodetritivore turned into a selective grazer on F. rubra under these conditions.

We found that E. atherica produced double shoot biomass and F. rubra produced much less shoot biomass in their mixed cultures than was expected from the monocultures of same waterlogging/Orchestia treatments. Hence, the presence of the bioturbator strongly promoted the competitive advantage of E. atherica over F. rubra due to the combination of stress amelioration for the first species and selective herbivory on the second species.

Synthesis. This study shows that the inclusion of bioturbating macrodetritivores complicates the standard prediction that plant–plant interactions become more positive towards more stressful conditions. A novel insight is that macrodetritivores can affect the structure and diversity of plant communities through multiple mechanisms. Under benign conditions bioturbating macrodetritivores ameliorated soil conditions, permitting co‐occurrence of competing plant species. At high environmental stress (waterlogging) macrodetritivores selectively graze higher quality plant species and emerging seedlings, thus promoting dominance of the lower quality species. Hence, the facultative feeding behaviour of macrodetritivores deserves further attention.
Fake it till you make it: imagined social capital
Authors: Ivana Greti-Iulia
Published: March 2016

Social capital is one of the most widely used (in both scholarly and non-scholarly contexts) and one of the least critically examined concepts in Bourdieu’s framework. This article aims at questioning the objectivist standpoint from which the concept of social capital has been developed, by looking into the interpretative processes which shape it. In doing so, it proposes a new understanding of the notion of imagined social capital, which has gained prominence in the literature of the last several years. The contribution of the current paper lays in elaborating on the ways in which the existing notion of imagined social capital can be put in dialogue with Bourdieu’s work and in introducing the overlooked, yet fundamental question of otherness into the debate on imagined social capital.
Revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention does not affect androgen status in males with chronic stable angina pectoris
Authors: Gosai J. N. , Charalampidis P. , Nikolaidou T. , Parviz Y. , Morris P. D. , Channer K. S. , Jones T. H. , Grech E. D.
Published: March 2016

There is a clear association between low serum testosterone and coronary artery disease (CAD) in men. Hypotestosteronaemia is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and a quarter of men with CAD are biochemically hypogonadal. Amongst those with CAD, hypotestosteronaemia is associated with increased mortality. Testosterone vasodilates coronary arteries, and exogenous testosterone reduces ischaemia. Whether hypotestosteronaemia is a cause or a consequence of CAD remains unanswered. The aim of this prospective observational study was to investigate whether coronary revascularization affected androgen status in men with stable angina pectoris. Twenty five men (mean age 62.7, SD 9.18) with angiographically significant CAD and symptomatic angina underwent full coronary revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention. Androgen status and symptoms of angina, stress, depression and sexual function were assessed before, and at one and 6 months after the coronary revascularization. All patients underwent complete revascularization which was associated with a significant reduction in angina symptoms and ischaemia. No significant difference was seen in total testosterone (11.33 nmol/L baseline; 12.56, 1 month post; 13.04 at 6 months; p = 0.08). A significant and sustained rise in sex hormone‐binding globulin was seen (33.99 nm/L baseline; 36.11 nm/L 1 month post PCI; 37.94 nm/L at 6 months; p = 0.03) Overall, there was no significant alteration in any other marker of androgen status including free testosterone or bioavailable testosterone. There was no change in symptoms of anxiety, depression or sexual function. Coronary revascularization has no sustained effect on androgen status. This supports the hypothesis that hypotestosteronaemia is not a consequence of angina pectoris or myocardial ischaemia.
Challenges in nourishing the intrauterine growth‐restricted foetus – Lessons learned from studies in the intrauterine growth‐restricted foetal sheep
Authors: Hay William W. , Brown Laura D. , Rozance Paul J. , Wesolowski Stephanie R. , Limesand Sean W.
Published: March 2016

Previous attempts to improve growth and development of the intrauterine growth‐restricted (IUGR) foetus during pregnancy have not worked or caused harm. Our research identifies tissue‐specific mechanisms underlying foetal growth restriction and then tests strategies to improve growth and ameliorate many of the metabolic problems before the infant is born. The goal of our studies is to reduce the impact of foetal growth restriction at critical stages of development on the lifelong complications of IUGR offspring.

Conclusion

Defining specific mechanisms that cause growth restriction in the foetus might identify specific nutrients and hormones that could be given to the mother to improve foetal growth and reduce metabolic complications, using strategies first tested in our IUGR animal model.
High event‐free survival rate with minimum‐dose‐anthracycline treatment in childhood acute promyelocytic leukaemia: a nationwide prospective study by the Japanese Paediatric Leukaemia/Lymphoma Study Group
Authors: Takahashi Hiroyuki , Watanabe Tomoyuki , Kinoshita Akitoshi , Yuza Yuki , Moritake Hiroshi , Terui Kiminori , Iwamoto Shotaro , Nakayama Hideki , Shimada Akira , Kudo Kazuko , Taki Tomohiko , Yabe Miharu , Matsushita Hiromichi , Yamashita Yuka , Koike Kazutoshi , Ogawa Atsushi , Kosaka Yoshiyuki , Tomizawa Daisuke , Taga Takashi , Saito Akiko M. , Horibe Keizo , Nakahata Tatsutoshi , Miyachi Hayato , Tawa Akio , Adachi Souichi
Published: March 2016

We evaluated the efficacy of treatment using reduced cumulative doses of anthracyclines in children with acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) in the Japanese Paediatric Leukaemia/Lymphoma Study Group AML‐P05 study. All patients received two and three subsequent courses of induction and consolidation chemotherapy respectively, consisting of all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA), cytarabine and anthracyclines, followed by maintenance therapy with ATRA. Notably, a single administration of anthracyclines was introduced in the second induction and all consolidation therapies to minimize total doses of anthracycline. The 3‐year event‐free (EFS) and overall survival rates for 43 eligible children were 83·6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 68·6–91·8%] and 90·7% (95% CI: 77·1–96·4%), respectively. Although two patients died of intracranial haemorrhage or infection during induction phases, no cardiac adverse events or treatment‐related deaths were observed during subsequent phases. Patients not displaying M1 marrow after the first induction therapy, or those under 5 years of age at diagnosis, showed inferior outcomes (3‐year EFS rate; 33·3% (95% CI: 19·3–67·6%) and 54·6% (95% CI: 22·9–78·0%), respectively). In conclusion, a single administration of anthracycline during each consolidation phase was sufficient for treating childhood APL. In younger children, however, conventional ATRA and chemotherapy may be insufficient so that alternative therapies should be considered.
Fighting disease, like fighting fires: The lessons Ebola teaches
Authors: Koch Tom
Published: March 2016

Key Messages

Rural disease surveillance is similar to rural surveillance in forestry.

GPS and GIS technologies may serve for data collection and management.

The failure of timely origin/destination maps was a critical factor in the Ebola epidemic.
Chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell anal carcinoma: a review of prognostic factors
Authors: Kapacee Z. A. , Susnerwala S. , Wise M. , Biswas A. , Danwata F. , Scott N.
Published: March 2016

Aim

Previous literature has sought prognostic factors for the survival of anal cancer patients. The present study aimed to determine prognostic factors for local disease recurrence, distant metastasis and survival for patients treated with radical chemoradiotherapy (CRT) at the Rosemere Cancer Centre, Preston, UK.

Method

Patients treated with CRT for nonmetastatic squamous cell anal cancer between September 2000 and January 2013 were studied. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analysis assessed the prognostic value of age, sex, tumour size, the proportion of the anal canal circumference involved (ACCI), nodal disease, tumour location and pretreatment haemoglobin.

Results

One hundred and 48 patients with a mean age of 63 years were studied, of whom 15% suffered local disease recurrence and 10% developed distant metastasis. The 5‐year overall and cancer‐specific survival rates were 84% and 86%, respectively. Predictors of local recurrence were tumour size >5 cm and over two‐thirds ACCI (P < 0.01). Predictors of distant metastasis and poor survival were tumour size >5 cm (P < 0.01), node positive disease on imaging (P < 0.05), over two‐thirds ACCI (P < 0.01) and a pretreatment haemoglobin level below 130 g/l (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis found large tumour size to be the most significant factor for local recurrence (P = 0.002) and survival (P = 0.02) whilst over two‐thirds ACCI was most predictive of distant metastasis (P < 0.001). Age, gender, palpable lymph nodes and tumour location were not of prognostic value for local disease recurrence, distant metastasis or survival.

Conclusion

Tumour size, nodal disease, over two‐thirds ACCI and low pretreatment haemoglobin confer poorer prognostic and survival outcomes. Use of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy may allow greater radiation doses to be given for locally advanced tumours, thus improving local control and survival and reducing morbidity.
The impact of privatization on efficiency and profitability
Authors: Shi Wendong , Sun Jingwei
Published: March 2016

Over the past three decades, China has undergone tremendous economic and social change as a consequence of the transition from a centrally planned to a market economy. This paper examines a key feature of this transition – the privatization of the state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) – through both a theoretical model and empirical analysis. Using newly collected primary data from a variety of sources, we study how privatization of listed SOEs affects employment, wages, profits and other aspects of economic performance at the firm level. Our major finding is that privatization results in substantial downsizing of employment, increased labour productivity and rising profitability.
High emissions of greenhouse gases from grasslands on peat and other organic soils
Authors: Tiemeyer Bärbel , Albiac Borraz Elisa , Augustin Jürgen , Bechtold Michel , Beetz Sascha , Beyer Colja , Drösler Matthias , Ebli Martin , Eickenscheidt Tim , Fiedler Sabine , Förster Christoph , Freibauer Annette , Giebels Michael , Glatzel Stephan , Heinichen Jan , Hoffmann Mathias , Höper Heinrich , Jurasinski Gerald , Leiber‐Sauheitl Katharina , Peichl‐Brak Mandy , Roßkopf Niko , Sommer Michael , Zeitz Jutta
Published: March 2016

Drainage has turned peatlands from a carbon sink into one of the world's largest greenhouse gas (GHG) sources from cultivated soils. We analyzed a unique data set (12 peatlands, 48 sites and 122 annual budgets) of mainly unpublished GHG emissions from grasslands on bog and fen peat as well as other soils rich in soil organic carbon (SOC) in Germany. Emissions and environmental variables were measured with identical methods. Site‐averaged GHG budgets were surprisingly variable (29.2 ± 17.4 t CO2‐eq. ha−1 yr−1) and partially higher than all published data and the IPCC default emission factors for GHG inventories. Generally, CO2 (27.7 ± 17.3 t CO2 ha−1 yr−1) dominated the GHG budget. Nitrous oxide (2.3 ± 2.4 kg N2O‐N ha−1 yr−1) and methane emissions (30.8 ± 69.8 kg CH4‐C ha−1 yr−1) were lower than expected except for CH4 emissions from nutrient‐poor acidic sites. At single peatlands, CO2 emissions clearly increased with deeper mean water table depth (WTD), but there was no general dependency of CO2 on WTD for the complete data set. Thus, regionalization of CO2 emissions by WTD only will remain uncertain. WTD dynamics explained some of the differences between peatlands as sites which became very dry during summer showed lower emissions. We introduced the aerated nitrogen stock (Nair) as a variable combining soil nitrogen stocks with WTD. CO2 increased with Nair across peatlands. Soils with comparatively low SOC concentrations showed as high CO2 emissions as true peat soils because Nair was similar. N2O emissions were controlled by the WTD dynamics and the nitrogen content of the topsoil. CH4 emissions can be well described by WTD and ponding duration during summer. Our results can help both to improve GHG emission reporting and to prioritize and plan emission reduction measures for peat and similar soils at different scales.
Temporal effects of Notch signaling and potential cooperation with multiple downstream effectors on adenohypophysis cell specification in zebrafish
Authors: Nakahara Yoshinari , Muto Akihiko , Hirabayashi Ryo , Sakuma Tetsushi , Yamamoto Takashi , Kume Shoen , Kikuchi Yutaka
Published: March 2016

The adenohypophysis (AH) consists of six distinct types of hormone‐secreting cells. In zebrafish, although proper differentiation of all AH cell types has been shown to require Notch signaling within a period of 14–16 h postfertilization (hpf), the mechanisms underlying this process remain to be elucidated. Herein, we observed using the Notch inhibitor dibenzazepine (DBZ) that Notch signaling also contributed to AH cell specification beyond 16 hpf. Specification of distinct cell types was perturbed by DBZ treatment for different time frames, suggesting that AH cells are specified by Notch‐dependent and cell‐type‐specific mechanisms. We also found that two hes‐family genes, her4.1 and hey1, were expressed in the developing AH under the influence of Notch signaling. her4.1 knockdown reduced expression of proopiomelanocortin a (pomca), growth hormone (gh), and prolactin, whereas hey1 was responsible only for gh expression. Simultaneous loss of both Her4.1 and Hey1 produced milder phenotypes than that of DBZ‐treated embryos. Moreover, DBZ treatment from 18 hpf led to a significant down‐regulation of both gh and pomca genes only when combined with injection of a subthreshold level of her4.1‐morpholino. These observations suggest that multiple downstream effectors, including Her4.1 and Hey1, mediate Notch signaling during AH cell specification.
Resilience: synthesis of concept analyses and contribution to nursing classifications
Authors: Caldeira S. , Timmins F.
Published: March 2016

Aim

To synthetize elements of research on concept analyses of resilience; and to propose a definition of resilience to NANDA International (NANDA‐I) and International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP®).

Background

Nursing classifications represent nursing knowledge that is clinically relevant and in continuous development.

Introduction

Nursing is considered holistic and there is always the need to consider human responses to health and life processes. Continuously there are new and emerging concepts concerning humans and health that should be considered within the organization and delivery of health care as resilience.

Methods

In March 2015, the authors performed a synthesis of the findings of research concept analysis research derived from a systematic literature search of electronic databases (PsycINFO, CINAHL and PubMed). Search terms used in the title were: ‘resilience’ AND ‘analysis’ AND ‘concept’. Papers written in Portuguese or English were included.

Findings

A total of 27 papers were identified and eight papers were included. Of these, seven papers used Walker & Avant's () model and one used Rodger's () model. Resilience emerged as a fundamental concept across the lifespan that is closely related to health and well‐being.

Discussion

Resilience is a phenomenon of interest for nurses. Similar attributes, antecedents, consequents and definitions were synthesized into a new proposal of a definition of resilience. While some diagnoses related to resilience are classified in NANDA‐I, the concept is not included in ICNP®.

Conclusion and implications for nursing and health policy

The inclusion of the concept into ICNP® and the update in NANDA‐I is a contribution for nursing knowledge through education and for clinical practice, as this could promote the effectiveness of interventions in several contexts.
Gingival crevicular fluid levels of cytokines/chemokines in chronic periodontitis: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Stadler Amanda F. , Angst Patrícia D. M. , Arce Roger M. , Gomes Sabrina C. , Oppermann Rui V. , Susin Cristiano
Published: March 2016

Aims

To compare gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) cytokines/chemokines levels between periodontally healthy subjects and subjects diagnosed with chronic periodontitis (ChP), before and after non‐surgical periodontal treatment, and to establish their predictive value for periodontal disease progression.

Methods

Studies indexed in MEDLINE and EMBASE published in English, Portuguese and Spanish were eligible for this review. Database searches up to December 2015, and manual search of the reference list from reviews and selected articles was performed. Only studies providing data on GCF cytokines/chemokines levels in subjects diagnosed with ChP and periodontally healthy controls were included. Cross‐sectional, case series, single‐arm clinical studies, randomized controlled trials and prospective/retrospective cohort studies were included. Meta‐analyses were conducted for those cytokines/chemokines with at least three available studies.

Results

GCF levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IFN‐γ and MCP‐1/CCL2 were significantly higher in subjects diagnosed with ChP than periodontally healthy subjects. A significant decrease in GCF levels of IL‐1β and IL‐17 was observed after non‐surgical periodontal treatment, whereas a significant increase was observed for IL‐4.

Conclusion

Evidence for significant differences between periodontal health and ChP was observed for a few cytokines and one chemokine. No conclusions could be drawn with regards to increased risk of disease progression.
Periodontal conditions among employed adults in Spain
Authors: Carasol Miguel , Llodra Juan Carlos , Fernández‐Meseguer Ana , Bravo Manuel , García‐Margallo María Teresa , Calvo‐Bonacho Eva , Sanz Mariano , Herrera David
Published: March 2016

Aim

To assess the prevalence and severity of periodontal conditions among a representative sample of employed adults in Spain.

Material and Methods

A national cross‐sectional study was conducted during 2008–2011. Periodontal status of 5130 workers, stratified by gender, age and occupation, was assessed based on Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL), following the WHO criteria.

Results

The percentage of subjects with periodontal pockets (CPI codes 3–4) was 38.4%, [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 36.4–40.5] increasing significantly in subjects ≥45 years; 13.7% (95% CI: 12.8–14.7) of workers showed CAL 4–5 mm, while 7.7% (95% CI: 7.0–8.5) showed CAL ≥6 mm, again increasing significantly in the population ≥45 years. Prevalence of worse periodontal conditions was significantly higher in male workers, in subjects with primary school education and lower income, and in smokers and former smokers. The periodontal condition in young adults (35–44 years) was worse in comparison with those previously reported in Spanish national surveys.

Conclusion

Prevalence of destructive periodontal diseases was age‐, gender‐, education‐, income‐ and tobacco smoking‐related. Young adults showed worse periodontal conditions than has been previously reported in national surveys in Spain. It is suggested to include oral evaluation and preventive strategies in work‐related medical check‐ups.
Cutaneuos findings in patients with predialysis chronic kidney disease
Authors: Solak B. , Acikgoz S.B. , Sipahi S. , Erdem T.
Published: March 2016

Background

Several cutaneous findings are seen in dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. However, there are only a few small studies on cutaneous findings in predialysis CKD patients. We aimed to determine cutaneous findings in predialysis CKD patients.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study. Consecutive predialysis CKD patients from nephrology outpatient clinic in a university affiliated hospital were recruited to this study. Detailed dermatologic examination was performed by a senior dermatologist. Blood urea, creatinine, hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C antibody test were studied for each participant.

Results

A total of 365 consecutive predialysis CKD patients (stages 2–5) included in the study. Three hundred and fifty‐eight patients (98.1%) had at least one dermatologic finding. The most common cutaneous finding was xerosis (64.9%) followed by hair findings (41.4%), pruritus (19.2%), pigmentary changes (17.5%), nail findings (15.3%) and oral mucosal findings (9.3%). Longitudinal striations was the most common nail finding, diffuse brown hyperpigmentation was the most common pigmentary change, coated tongue was the most common oral mucosal finding and androgenetic alopecia was the most common hair finding. Frequency and diversity of dermatologic findings did not change across CKD stages.

Conclusions

This is the largest study investigating dermatologic findings in a well‐characterized predialysis CKD patient population. We found that at least one cutaneous finding was present in almost all of the CKD patients. Cutaneous findings are very common and diverse among predialysis CKD patients.
Microtubules, polarity and vertebrate neural tube morphogenesis
Authors: Cearns Michael D. , Escuin Sarah , Alexandre Paula , Greene Nicholas D. E. , Copp Andrew J.
Published: March 2016

Microtubules (MTs) are key cellular components, long known to participate in morphogenetic events that shape the developing embryo. However, the links between the cellular functions of MTs, their effects on cell shape and polarity, and their role in large‐scale morphogenesis remain poorly understood. Here, these relationships were examined with respect to two strategies for generating the vertebrate neural tube: bending and closure of the mammalian neural plate; and cavitation of the teleost neural rod. The latter process has been compared with ‘secondary’ neurulation that generates the caudal spinal cord in mammals. MTs align along the apico‐basal axis of the mammalian neuroepithelium early in neural tube closure, participating functionally in interkinetic nuclear migration, which indirectly impacts on cell shape. Whether MTs play other functional roles in mammalian neurulation remains unclear. In the zebrafish, MTs are important for defining the neural rod midline prior to its cavitation, both by localizing apical proteins at the tissue midline and by orienting cell division through a mirror‐symmetric MT apparatus that helps to further define the medial localization of apical polarity proteins. Par proteins have been implicated in centrosome positioning in neuroepithelia as well as in the control of polarized morphogenetic movements in the neural rod. Understanding of MT functions during early nervous system development has so far been limited, partly by techniques that fail to distinguish ‘cause’ from ‘effect’. Future developments will likely rely on novel ways to selectively impair MT function in order to investigate the roles they play.
Microbial eukaryote plankton communities of high‐mountain lakes from three continents exhibit strong biogeographic patterns
Authors: Filker Sabine , Sommaruga Ruben , Vila Irma , Stoeck Thorsten
Published: March 2016

Microbial eukaryotes hold a key role in aquatic ecosystem functioning. Yet, their diversity in freshwater lakes, particularly in high‐mountain lakes, is relatively unknown compared with the marine environment. Low nutrient availability, low water temperature and high ultraviolet radiation make most high‐mountain lakes extremely challenging habitats for life and require specific molecular and physiological adaptations. We therefore expected that these ecosystems support a plankton diversity that differs notably from other freshwater lakes. In addition, we hypothesized that the communities under study exhibit geographic structuring. Our rationale was that geographic dispersal of small‐sized eukaryotes in high‐mountain lakes over continental distances seems difficult. We analysed hypervariable V4 fragments of the SSU rRNA gene to compare the genetic microbial eukaryote diversity in high‐mountain lakes located in the European Alps, the Chilean Altiplano and the Ethiopian Bale Mountains. Microbial eukaryotes were not globally distributed corroborating patterns found for bacteria, multicellular animals and plants. Instead, the plankton community composition emerged as a highly specific fingerprint of a geographic region even on higher taxonomic levels. The intraregional heterogeneity of the investigated lakes was mirrored in shifts in microbial eukaryote community structure, which, however, was much less pronounced compared with interregional beta‐diversity. Statistical analyses revealed that on a regional scale, environmental factors are strong predictors for plankton community structures in high‐mountain lakes. While on long‐distance scales (>10 000 km), isolation by distance is the most plausible scenario, on intermediate scales (up to 6000 km), both contemporary environmental factors and historical contingencies interact to shift plankton community structures.
Review: A neglected Flavivirus: an update on Zika virus in 2016 and the future direction of research
Authors: Bharucha Tehmina , Breuer Judith
Published: March 2016

The 2015–16 global emergence of Zika virus infection (ZIKV) and its link with Guillain–Barré Syndrome and microcephaly, at the tail‐end of the Ebola epidemic, has provoked unease throughout the international community. The World Health Organisation declared ZIKV a public health emergency on 1st February 2016, but until the 31st March 2016 maintained that there was insufficient evidence that ZIKV was independently responsible for any serious complications. Our current understanding of this arthropod‐borne flavivirus is still at an early stage. The first reported human infections were 60 years ago, and until the first outbreak in Micronesia in 2007, there were only 14 documented cases. Nonetheless, there are parallels that we can draw from our understanding of other related arbo‐flaviviruses, such as dengue, Japanese encephalitis and West Nile viruses. This article provides a focussed review of the literature on ZIKV to date, with perspectives on the direction of future research.
Characterization of photomorphogenic responses and signaling cascades controlled by phytochrome‐A expressed in different tissues
Authors: Kirchenbauer Daniel , Viczián András , Ádám Éva , Hegedűs Zoltán , Klose Cornelia , Leppert Michael , Hiltbrunner Andreas , Kircher Stefan , Schäfer Eberhard , Nagy Ferenc
Published: March 2016

The photoreceptor phytochrome A acts as a light‐dependent molecular switch and regulates responses initiated by very low fluences of light (VLFR) and high fluences (HIR) of far‐red light. PhyA is expressed ubiquitously, but how phyA signaling is orchestrated to regulate photomorphogenesis is poorly understood.

To address this issue, we generated transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana phyA‐201 mutant lines expressing the biologically active phyA‐YFP photoreceptor in different tissues, and analyzed the expression of several reporter genes, including ProHY5:HY5‐GFP and Pro35S:CFP‐PIF1, and various FR‐HIR‐dependent physiological responses.

We show that phyA action in one tissue is critical and sufficient to regulate flowering time and root growth; control of cotyledon and hypocotyl growth requires simultaneous phyA activity in different tissues; and changes detected in the expression of reporters are not restricted to phyA‐containing cells.

We conclude that FR‐HIR‐controlled morphogenesis in Arabidopsis is mediated partly by tissue‐specific and partly by intercellular signaling initiated by phyA. Intercellular signaling is critical for many FR‐HIR induced responses, yet it appears that phyA modulates the abundance and activity of key regulatory transcription factors in a tissue‐autonomous fashion.
Rapid Device‐Detected Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia in the Risk Stratification of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: VISWANATHAN KARTHIK , SUSZKO ADRIAN M , DAS MOLOY , JACKSON NICHOLAS , GOLLOB MICHAEL , CAMERON DOUGLAS , SPEARS DANNA , WOO ANNA , RAKOWSKI HARRY , KHURANA MAMTA , CHAUHAN VIJAY S
Published: March 2016

Background

Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) detected by ambulatory Holter (Holter NSVT) is a major risk factor for sudden cardiac death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We hypothesized that the prognostic utility of Holter NSVT in HCM would improve with prolonged monitoring and a higher heart rate cut‐off for detection.

Methods

We enrolled 60 patients (44 ± 14 years) with HCM, who had a prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Positive Holter NSVT (prior to implant) was defined as ≥3 beats at ≥120 beats per minute (bpm). We assessed the prevalence of rapid NSVT (RNSVT) detected by their ICD within 12 months of its implant, defined as 4–16 beats at ≥150–200 bpm. The primary outcome was appropriate ICD therapy (antitachycardia pacing and shocks) for sustained ventricular arrhythmia (VA).

Results

Holter NSVT was detected in 34 patients. RNSVT occurred in 21 (35%) patients of whom five did not have Holter NSVT. Over a median follow‐up of 61 (interquartile range 29, 129) months after ICD implant, nine patients had VA. RNSVT, but not Holter NSVT, was significantly associated with VA (hazard ratio 6.2, 95% confidence interval [1.3–30], P = 0.01) by multivariable Cox regression analysis that included conventional risk factors. Receiver operating characteristic analysis for RNSVT (area under curve 0.80, P = 0.005) showed that the occurrence of ≥2 episodes of RNSVT discriminated patients for VA optimally (sensitivity 78%, specificity 84%, positive predictive value 47%, negative predictive value 96%).

Conclusions

In this pilot study, RNSVT detected by continuous monitoring independently predicted VA in HCM and offered superior discrimination of VA risk compared to conventional risk factors, including Holter NSVT. Future studies are needed to validate these findings in a larger, unselected HCM cohort.
Reno‐ and splenoportal anastomosis for a retransplant patient with situs inversus
Authors: Uchida Hajime , Fukuda Akinari , Sasaki Kengo , Shigeta Takanobu , Hirata Yoshihiro , Kanazawa Hiroyuki , Mali Vidyadhar Padmakar , Miyazaki Osamu , Nosaka Shunsuke , Sakamoto Seisuke , Mureo Kasahara
Published: March 2016

PV thrombosis following pediatric LT is a serious complication that may lead to graft loss. LDLT poses limitations with regard to the availability of vein grafts for complex PV reconstructions. We herein report a unique reconstruction of the PV inflow in a one‐yr‐old boy with situs inversus undergoing re‐LDLT. The inflow was derived from the SPV and the RRV. A common channel was created utilizing a donor IMV and the recipient explant LHV as vascular conduits. With the application of innovative surgical reconstructions, pre‐existing portomesenteric thrombosis may be amenable to re‐LDLT in the pediatric population.
Colored Revolutions, Interpersonal Trust, and Confidence in Institutions: The Consequences of Mass Uprisings*
Authors: Ishiyama John , Pechenina Anna
Published: March 2016

Objective

Recent upheavals in the Middle East raise a number of questions regarding the consequences of mass uprisings. We examine the impact that earlier peaceful revolutions had on interpersonal and institutional trust in the postcommunist world.

Methods

Data were collected from eight countries using two waves from the World Values Survey, three of which had experienced a colored revolt. The article uses mixed effects logit analysis and quasi‐experimental techniques.

Results

Levels of social trust are much less in countries where a colored revolution occurred than in countries that had not experienced such an uprising. However, confidence in political institutions increased in contrast to countries that had not experienced an uprising.

Conclusion

The level of interpersonal trust is not necessarily connected to the level of institutional trust. The decline in interpersonal trust in post‐colored‐revolution societies does not bode well for the development of democracy after mass upheaval.