bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced herding of flounders by floating bridles: application in Gulf of Maine Northern shrimp trawls to reduce bycatch
Authors: He Pingguo , Rillahan Christopher , Balzano Vincent
Published: December 2014

We hypothesized that a floating trawl bridle that does not contact the seabed would reduce the herding of fish, especially bottom dwelling flounders, and thus reduce bycatch of these fish in shrimp trawls. We further hypothesized that, due to the non-herding nature of northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis), the use of an off-bottom floating bridle would not reduce shrimp catch. These hypotheses were tested in the field by comparing a trawl with regular bottom-tendering wire bridles and the same trawl with floating synthetic bridles in the Gulf of Maine northern shrimp fishery. As expected, no statistically significant differences in catch rates and size were found for the targeted northern shrimp (146.3 ± 10.58 kg h−1 control vs. 140.8 ± 9.35 kg h−1, p = 0.13). Total finfish bycatch was reduced by 14.9%, and the difference was statistically different (p = 0.01). The most important reduction was the catch of juvenile American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides) with a significant reduction of 20.0% (p = 0.01). For witch flounder (Glyptocephalus cynoglossus), a reduction of 19.3% was found, but it was not statistically significant (p = 0.14). The reduction of Acadian redfish (Sebastes fasciatus) (by 28.0%, p = 0.02) was also statistically different. Catch of targeted silver hake (Merluccius bilinearis) was reduced by 10.8%, but the difference was only marginally significant (p = 0.07). An analysis of length frequencies for the targeted shrimp and major bycatch species revealed no size-related selection between the gears with regular bridles and floating bridles. The reductions in flounder bycatch indicate reduced herding of benthic species when the bridles are kept off bottom. This easy modification may be readily adopted in the northern shrimp fisheries in the North Atlantic, and can also possibly be applied in other shrimp and prawn fisheries with further experimentation.
Mass-segregation trends in SDSS galaxy groups
Authors: Roberts Ian D. , Parker Laura C. , Joshi Gandhali D. , Evans Fraser A.
Published: December 2014

It has been shown that galaxy properties depend strongly on their host environment. In order to understand the relevant physical processes driving galaxy evolution it is important to study the observed properties of galaxies in different environments. Mass segregation in bound galaxy structures is an important indicator of evolutionary history and dynamical friction time-scales. Using group catalogues derived from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7 (SDSS DR7), we investigate mass-segregation trends in galaxy groups at low redshift. We investigate average galaxy stellar mass as a function of group-centric radius and find evidence for weak mass segregation in SDSS groups. The magnitude of the mass segregation depends on both galaxy stellar mass limits and group halo mass. We show that the inclusion of low-mass galaxies tends to strengthen mass-segregation trends, and that the strength of mass segregation tends to decrease with increasing group halo mass. We find the same trends if we use the fraction of massive galaxies as a function of group-centric radius as an alternative probe of mass segregation. The magnitude of mass segregation that we measure, particularly in high-mass haloes, indicates that dynamical friction is not acting efficiently.
The use of body condition and haematology to detect widespread threatening processes in sleepy lizards (Tiliqua rugosa) in two agricultural environments
Authors: Smyth Anita K. , Smee Elizabeth , Godfrey Stephanie S. , Crowther Mathew , Phalen David
Published: December 2014

Agricultural practices, including habitat alteration and application of agricultural chemicals, can impact wildlife resulting in their decline. Determining which of these practices are contributing to declines is essential if the declines are to be reversed. In this study, the health of two geographically separated sleepy lizard (Tiliqua rugosa) populations was compared between a rangeland environment and cropping environment using linear body size index (LBSI) and haematology. Animals in the cropping site were smaller, suggesting genetic differences as the result of geographical isolation. The animals in the cropping site had a lower LBSI and many were experiencing a regenerative anaemia. The anaemia was postulated to be the cause of the low LBSI. The anaemia appeared to be the result of haemolysis and was likely to be caused by exposure to agricultural chemicals applied in the cropping site but not the rangeland site. Elevated white blood cell counts in lizards in the rangeland site suggested that they were experiencing an inflammatory disease of possible ecological significance. Together, these results demonstrate the value of combining physical and haematological parameters when studying the impact of agricultural practices on wildlife. They also show that reptiles may be useful as sentinel species for livestock and humans.
A comprehensive multicenter comparison of whole genome sequencing pipelines using a uniform tumor-normal sample pair
Authors: Buchhalter Ivo , Hutter Barbara , Alioto Tyler S. , Beck Timothy A. , Boutros Paul C. , Brors Benedikt , Butler Adam P. , Chotewutmontri Sasithorn , Denroche Robert E. , Derdak Sophia , Diessl Nicolle , Feuerbach Lars , Fujimoto Akihiro , Gröbner Susanne , Gut Marta , Harding Nicholas J. , Heinold Michael , Heisler Lawrence E. , Hinton Jonathan , Jäger Natalie , Jones David , Kabbe Rolf , Korshunov Andrey , McPherson John D. , Menzies Andrew , Nakagawa Hidewaki , Previti Christopher , Raine Keiran , Ribeca Paolo , Schmidt Sabine , Shepherd Rebecca , Stebbings Lucy , Tarpey Patrick S. , Teague Jon W. , Tonon Laurie , Wheeler David A. , Xi Liu , Yamaguchi Takafumi N. , Sertier Anne-Sophie , Pfister Stefan M. , Campbell Peter J. , Schlesner Matthias , Lichter Peter , Eils Roland , Gut Ivo G. , Jones David T. W. ,   on behalf of the ICGC Verification and Validation Working Group
Published: December 2014

As next-generation sequencing becomes a clinical tool, a full understanding of the variables affecting sequencing analysis output is required. Through the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), we compared sequencing pipelines at five independent centers (CNAG, DKFZ, OICR, RIKEN and WTSI) using a single tumor-blood DNA pair. Analyses by each center and with one standardized algorithm revealed significant discrepancies. Although most pipelines performed well for coding mutations, library preparation methods and sequencing coverage metrics clearly influenced downstream results. PCR-free methods showed reduced GC-bias and more even coverage. Increasing sequencing depth to ∼100x (two- to three-fold higher than current standards) showed a benefit, as long as the tumor:control coverage ratio remained balanced. To become part of routine clinical care, high-throughput sequencing must be globally compatible and comparable. This benchmarking exercise has highlighted several fundamental parameters to consider in this regard, which will allow for better optimization and planning of both basic and translational studies.
RAX2: genome-wide detection of condition-associated transcription variation
Authors: Tan Yuan-De , Deng Jixin , Neilson Joel R.
Published: December 2014

Almost all of mammalian genes have mRNA variants due to alternative promoters, alternative splice sites, and alternative cleavage and polyadenylation sites. In most cases, change in transcript due to choosing alternative cleavage and polyadenylation sites does not lead to change in protein sequence, while selection of alternative promoters and alternative splice sites would alter protein sequence. Nevertheless, all these alternations would give rise to different RNA isoforms. Selection of alternative RNA isoforms has been found to be associated with change in condition. For example, many studies have revealed that alternative cleavage and polyadenylation (poly(A)) are correlated to proliferation, differentiation, and cellular transformation. Thus, unlike gene expression in microarray, change in usage of splice sites or poly(A) sites associated with conditions does not involve differential expression and hence cannot be detected by differential analysis methods but can be done by association methods. Traditional association methods such as Pearson chi-square test and Fisher Exact test are single test methods and do not work on the RNA count data derived from replicate libraries. For this reason, we here developed a large-scale association method, called ranking analysis of chi-squares (RAX2). Simulations demonstrated that RAX2 worked well for finding association of changes in usage of poly(A) sites with condition change. We applied our RAX2 to our primary T-cell transcriptomic data of over 9899 tags scattered in 3812 genes and found that 1610 (16.3%) tags were associated in transcription with immune stimulation at FDR < 0.05 and most of these tags associated with stimulation also had differential expression. Analysis of two and three tags within genes revealed that under immune stimulation, short RNA isoforms were significantly preferably used. Like cell proliferation and division, short RNA isoforms are highly prioritized to be used for cell growth.
FLAVODIIRON2 and FLAVODIIRON4 Proteins Mediate an Oxygen-Dependent Alternative Electron Flow in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 under CO2-Limited Conditions
Authors: Shimakawa Ginga , Shaku Keiichiro , Nishi Akiko , Hayashi Ryosuke , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Sakamoto Katsuhiko , Makino Amane , Miyake Chikahiro
Published: December 2014

This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanism of an alternative electron flow (AEF) functioning under suppressed (CO2-limited) photosynthesis in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Photosynthetic linear electron flow, evaluated as the quantum yield of photosystem II [Y(II)], reaches a maximum shortly after the onset of actinic illumination. Thereafter, Y(II) transiently decreases concomitantly with a decrease in the photosynthetic oxygen evolution rate and then recovers to a rate that is close to the initial maximum. These results show that CO2 limitation suppresses photosynthesis and induces AEF. In contrast to the wild type, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 mutants deficient in the genes encoding FLAVODIIRON2 (FLV2) and FLV4 proteins show no recovery of Y(II) after prolonged illumination. However, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 mutants deficient in genes encoding proteins functioning in photorespiration show AEF activity similar to the wild type. In contrast to Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 has no FLV proteins with high homology to FLV2 and FLV4 in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. This lack of FLV2/4 may explain why AEF is not induced under CO2-limited photosynthesis in S. elongatus PCC 7942. As the glutathione S-transferase fusion protein overexpressed in Escherichia coli exhibits NADH-dependent oxygen reduction to water, we suggest that FLV2 and FLV4 mediate oxygen-dependent AEF in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 when electron acceptors such as CO2 are not available.
DEVELOPMENTALLY REGULATED PLASMA MEMBRANE PROTEIN of Nicotiana benthamiana Contributes to Potyvirus Movement and Transports to Plasmodesmata via the Early Secretory Pathway and the Actomyosin System
Authors: Geng Chao , Cong Qian-Qian , Li Xiang-Dong , Mou An-Li , Gao Rui , Liu Jin-Liang , Tian Yan-Ping
Published: December 2014

The intercellular movement of plant viruses requires both viral and host proteins. Previous studies have demonstrated that the frame-shift protein P3N-PIPO (for the protein encoded by the open reading frame [ORF] containing 5′-terminus of P3 and a +2 frame-shift ORF called Pretty Interesting Potyviridae ORF and embedded in the P3) and CYLINDRICAL INCLUSION (CI) proteins were required for potyvirus cell-to-cell movement. Here, we provide genetic evidence showing that a Tobacco vein banding mosaic virus (TVBMV; genus Potyvirus) mutant carrying a truncated PIPO domain of 58 amino acid residues could move between cells and induce systemic infection in Nicotiana benthamiana plants; mutants carrying a PIPO domain of seven, 20, or 43 amino acid residues failed to move between cells and cause systemic infection in this host plant. Interestingly, the movement-defective mutants produced progeny that eliminated the previously introduced stop codons and thus restored their systemic movement ability. We also present evidence showing that a developmentally regulated plasma membrane protein of N. benthamiana (referred to as NbDREPP) interacted with both P3N-PIPO and CI of the movement-competent TVBMV. The knockdown of NbDREPP gene expression in N. benthamiana impeded the cell-to-cell movement of TVBMV. NbDREPP was shown to colocalize with TVBMV P3N-PIPO and CI at plasmodesmata (PD) and traffic to PD via the early secretory pathway and the actomyosin motility system. We also show that myosin XI-2 is specially required for transporting NbDREPP to PD. In conclusion, NbDREPP is a key host protein within the early secretory pathway and the actomyosin motility system that interacts with two movement proteins and influences virus movement.
Thresholds in Caribbean coral reefs: implications for ecosystem‐based fishery management
Authors: Karr Kendra A. , Fujita Rod , Halpern Benjamin S. , Kappel Carrie V. , Crowder Larry , Selkoe Kimberly A. , Alcolado Pedro M. , Rader Doug
Published: December 2014

Ecosystem‐based management of coral reef fisheries aims to sustainably deliver a diverse portfolio of ecosystem services. This goal can be undermined if the ecosystem shifts into a different state, with altered ecosystem functions and benefits to people. If levels of drivers that cause transitions between states are identified, management measures could be aimed at maintaining drivers below these levels to avoid ecosystem shifts.

Analysing data from a large number of Caribbean coral reefs (N = 2001), suites of nonlinear thresholds were identified between metrics of coral reef processes and structure along a gradient of total fish biomass (a proxy for fishing pressure). Several metrics (macroalgal cover, invertivorous fishes and fish species richness) associated with coral‐dominated reefs exhibited thresholds at relatively high fish biomass levels (50–88% of unfished biomass). Other metrics (urchin biomass, ratio of macroalgal to coral cover, herbivorous fishes and coral cover) showed thresholds at lower fish biomass levels (28–37% of unfished biomass).

Ratios of total fish biomass in fishing areas to closed areas (unfished biomass) in the Caribbean indicate that reefs may generally be at risk for change at ratios between 0·5 (coral dominated) and 0·3 (macroalgal dominated). Similar relationships were found for coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. While these results illustrate thresholds at the scale of the entire Caribbean, assessing local reefs is advisable because biomass levels vary within the region, and reef trajectories depend on past, present and future local conditions.

Synthesis and applications. If the thresholds in this study are generalizable to scales relevant to management, it may be possible to produce sustainable yield while simultaneously maintaining coral‐dominated reefs by restricting fishing mortality to levels that result in biomass ratios near 0·5. Fishing down to biomass ratios near 0·3 may increase the risk of overfishing (resulting in lower long‐term yields) and transition to macroalgal‐dominated reefs. Thresholds offer a simple and powerful way for managers to operationalize precautionary ecosystem‐based fishery management by adaptively limiting fishing pressure in order to (i) maintain desirable coral reef conditions, (ii) establish a system‐specific target for generating pretty good yield and (iii) maintain sustainable multi‐species fishery yields.
Elevated cannabinoid receptor 1 and G protein‐coupled receptor 55 expression in proximal tubule cells and whole kidney exposed to diabetic conditions
Authors: Jenkin Kayte A , McAinch Andrew J , Zhang Yuan , Kelly Darren J , Hryciw Deanne H
Published: December 2014

Hyperglycaemia increases the risk of developing diabetic nephropathy, with primary targets in the glomerulus and proximal tubule. Importantly, glomerular damage in the kidney leads to elevated albumin levels in the filtrate, which contributes to tubular structural modifications that lead to dysfunction. Diabetes alters the endocannabinoid system in a number of target organs, with previous research characterizing tissue‐specific changes in the expression of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and G protein‐coupled receptor 55 (GPR55), a putative cannabinoid receptor, in diabetes. Although these receptors have a functional role in the cannabinoid system in the kidney, there has been little investigation into changes in the expression of CB1 and GPR55 in the proximal tubule under diabetic conditions. In this study, CB1 and GPR55 messenger RNA and protein levels were quantified in cultured human kidney cells and then treated with either elevated glucose, elevated albumin, or a combination of glucose and albumin for 4, 6, 18, or 24 h. In addition, CB1 and GPR55 protein expression was characterized in whole‐kidney lysate from streptozotocin‐induced diabetic Sprague‐Dawley rats. In vitro exposure to elevated glucose and albumin increased CB1 and GPR55 messenger RNA and protein expression in proximal tubule cells in a time‐dependant manner. In whole kidney of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats, CB1 protein was upregulated, whereas GPR55 protein concentration was not altered. Thus, expression of CB1 and GPR55 in proximal tubules is altered in response to elevated levels of glucose and albumin. Further investigations should determine if these receptors are effective physiological targets for the treatment and prevention of diabetic nephropathy.
The Modalities of Iranian Soft Power: From Cultural Diplomacy to Soft War
Authors: Wastnidge Edward
Published: December 2014

Through exploring Iran's public diplomacy at the international level, this article demonstrates how the Islamic Republic's motives should not only be contextualised within the oft-sensationalised, material or ‘hard’ aspects of its foreign policy, but also within the desire to project its cultural reach through ‘softer’ means. Iran's utilisation of culturally defined foreign policy objectives and actions demonstrates its understanding of soft power's potentialities. This article explores the ways in which Iran's public diplomacy is used to promote its soft power and craft its, at times, shifting image on the world stage.
‘Routledge (58) Argues …’: A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation of Different Formats to Teach Students How to Reference
Authors: Sarmiento-Mirwaldt Katja
Published: December 2014

Referencing academic and other sources is a key study skill, but very little research has been dedicated to the effectiveness of different methods to teach students how to reference. This research seeks to determine which teaching methods are most effective in helping politics students to learn how to reference correctly. The research design is quasi-experimental: different students’ ability to cite academic sources are mapped onto the same students’ attendance at different learning activities dedicated to referencing. The analysis indicates that lecture-based and online methods, as well as group work in seminars, have no impact on students’ ability to reference. While one has to bear in mind the limited internal validity of quasi-experiments, this research suggests that attending a one-to-one tutorial on referencing has a positive impact on students’ ability to reference.
On Trojan Horses and revolving doors: Assessing the autonomy of national officials in the European Commission
Authors: Trondal Jarle , Murdoch Zuzana , Geys Benny
Published: December 2014

National officials working in international bureaucracies regularly invoke the fear that member states strategically use such officials for influencing decision making and agenda‐setting to their advantage. This article theoretically analyses conditions under which the autonomy of national civil servants in international bureaucracies might become compromised. The ensuing predictions are then tested using a unique survey among seconded national experts (SNEs) in the European Commission (N ≈ 400). Finally, evaluating the characteristics linked to reduced autonomy among SNEs in the Commission, the article illustrates that these officials are, in practice, likely to be relatively independent from member state influence.
Skin Autofluorescence Is a Predictor of Cardiovascular Disease in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Furuya Fumihiko , Shimura Hiroki , Takahashi Kazuya , Akiyama Daiichiro , Motosugi Ai , Ikegishi Yukinobu , Haraguchi Kazutaka , Kobayashi Tetsuro
Published: December 2014

Accelerated formation and tissue accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), reflecting cumulative glycemic and oxidative stress, occurs in age‐related and chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus (DM) and renal failure, and contributes to vascular damage. Skin autofluorescence (AFR), a noninvasive measurement method, reflects tissue accumulation of AGEs. AFR has been reported to be an independent predictor of mortality in Caucasian hemodialysis patients. We assessed the relationship between levels of AFR and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and clarified the prognostic usefulness of skin AFR levels in Asian (non‐Caucasian) hemodialysis (HD) patients. AFR was measured with an autofluorescence reader in 64 HD patients. Overall and cardiovascular mortality was monitored prospectively during the 3‐year follow‐up. During follow‐up, CVD events occurred in 21 patients. The deaths of 10 HD patients were associated with CVD. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that initial AFR was an independent risk factor for de novo CVD in HD patients with or without diabetes. When patients were classified on the basis of AFR tertiles, Cochran‐Armitage analysis demonstrated that the highest tertile of AFR level showed an increased odds ratio for the prevalence of CVD. These findings suggest that AFR levels can be used to detect the prevalence of CVD in HD patients with or without diabetes.
Descriptions and comparison of two species closely resembling Simulium (Simulium) including a new species with an updated key to Korean Simuliidae (Diptera)
Authors: Kim Sam‐Kyu
Published: December 2014

Immature stages of Simulium (Simulium) coreanum sp. nov. and morphologically similar Simulium (Simulium) nikkoense are described from Korea. Detailed descriptions are supplemented with photographs and habitat information. The new species can be distinguished from the latter by rectal papillae with 3 simple lobes and labral fan with 51–58 primary rays. Keys to larvae and pupae of all known Korean simuliid species are also provided.
Preference‐expectation reversal in the ratings of independent and interdependent individuals: A USA–Japan comparison
Authors: Hashimoto Hirofumi , Yamagishi Toshio
Published: December 2014

We predicted and supported the prediction that a ‘preference‐expectation reversal’ would occur among Japanese but not among Americans. American and Japanese participants evaluated ideal‐typical independent and interdependent persons on the negative–positive dimension, and estimated how others would evaluate these persons. They also indicated their preference for acting like each of the target persons; that is, which of the two target persons they would prefer to act like. Both the American and Japanese participants wanted to act like the typical independent person rather than the typical interdependent person. However, the Japanese participants expected that others would evaluate the interdependent person more positively than the independent person. This preference‐expectation reversal was not observed among the American participants. Further analysis demonstrated that the American participants' personal evaluations of the two targets were consistent with their preferences. The Japanese participants' personal evaluation represented a compromise between their preferences and the expected responses of others. These results suggest that the culturally shared belief in Japan that interdependent persons would receive more positive evaluations than independent persons created an incentive for them to behave interdependently despite their preferences.
A two‐year follow‐up of oral antioxidant supplementation in primary open‐angle glaucoma: an open‐label, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Garcia‐Medina Jose Javier , Garcia‐Medina Manuel , Garrido‐Fernandez Pablo , Galvan‐Espinosa Jose , Garcia‐Maturana Carlos , Zanon‐Moreno Vicente , Pinazo‐Duran Maria Dolores
Published: December 2014

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of oral antioxidant supplementation (OAS) on primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) over a 2‐year follow‐up period.

Patients and methods

In this open‐label, randomized controlled trial, 117 eyes of 117 patients with mild or moderate POAG and intraocular pressure under control with topical antiglaucoma medications were recruited and randomly divided into three groups according to supplementation: (1) OAS with (ICAPS R® – Alcon Laboratories, n = 26); (2) OAS without ω‐3 fatty acids (OFTAN MACULA® – Laboratorios Esteve, n = 28); and (3) a control group without OAS (n = 63). They all underwent visual field (VF) tests (Humphrey 24‐2) and scans using a Fourier‐domain optical coherence tomography (FD‐OCT) device (RTVue‐100) at the beginning of the study and 2 years later. Mean deviation (MD), standard pattern deviation (PSD), peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) parameters were considered for the analysis. Patients were also classified according to MD deterioration (fast deterioration vs. slow deterioration).

Results

Visual field global indices, peripapillary RNFL thickness and macular GCC thickness showed no differences among the groups at the beginning and end of the follow‐up. Besides all the comparisons among groups for differences before and after the follow‐up of the MD, PSD, RNFL and GCC parameters were also non‐significant. The proportions of patients according to MD deterioration were similar among the groups and subgroups (p > 0.05 for all the comparisons).

Conclusion

Oral antioxidant supplementation with or without ω‐3 fatty acids does not appear useful as an adjuvant treatment of mild/moderate POAG in the short term.
Adiponectin ‐11377C/G and +276G/T Polymorphisms affect Adiponectin Levels but do not Modify Responsiveness to Therapy in Resistant Hypertension
Authors: de Faria Ana Paula C. , Modolo Rodrigo , Sabbatini Andréa R. , Barbaro Natália R. , Corrêa Nathália B. , Brunelli Veridiana , Tanus‐Santos José E. , Fontana Vanessa , Moreno Heitor
Published: December 2014

Resistant hypertension (RHTN) is a multifactorial and polygenic disease, frequently associated with obesity. Low plasma adiponectin levels, a hormone produced by the adipose tissue, were associated withRHTN. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) ‐11377C/G (rs266729) and +276G/T (rs1501299) inADIPOQ(adiponectin gene) were associated with hypertension. This study evaluated the association between twoSNPs (‐11377C/G and +276G/T) and adiponectin levels inRHTN. This study comprised 109 patients withRHTNgenotyped for both polymorphisms. A cross‐sectional study was designed to compare features ofCChomozygousversusG allele carriers for ‐11377C/G andGGhomozygousversusT allele carriers for +276G/T. Office and ambulatoryBPmeasurements were similar among genotypes subgroups in bothSNPs as well as the markers of target organ damage (arterial stiffness, left ventricular mass index and microalbuminuria). Adiponectin concentrations were significantly higher inCCcompared to G carrier for ‐11377C/G (CC:7.0 (4.0–10.2) versusG allele:5.5 (2.5–7.9),p = 0.04) and lower inGGcompared to T carrier for +276G/T (GG:5.3 (2.3–7.7) versusT allele:7.1 (3.6–10.5),p = 0.04). Adjusting for systolic ambulatoryBP, body mass index, age, gender, race and presence of type 2 diabetes, multiple linear regression analyses revealed that the minor alleles G (β‐coefficient= ‐0.14,SE=0.07,p = 0.03) and T (β‐coefficient=0.12,SE=0.06,p = 0.04) were independent predictors of adiponectin. The ‐11377C/G and +276G/TSNPs inADIPOQwere associated with adiponectin levels inRHTNindividuals.
Rituximab combined with DexaBEAM followed by high dose therapy as salvage therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory B‐cell lymphoma: mature results of a phase II multicentre study
Authors: Kirschey Sebastian , Flohr Thomas , Wolf Hans H. , Frickhofen Norbert , Gramatzki Martin , Link Hartmut , Basara Nadezda , Peter Norma , Meyer Ralf G. , Schmitz Norbert , Weidmann Eckhart , Banat Andre , Schulz Andrea , Kolbe Karin , Derigs Guenter , Theobald Matthias , Hess Georg
Published: December 2014

Salvage therapy followed by high‐dose therapy (HDT) remains a mainstay for patients with relapsed lymphoma, however no optimal regimen has been defined. Here we report on the results of R‐DexaBEAM (rituximab, dexamethasone, carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan) followed by HDT. Patients aged 18–65 years, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score 0–2, with relapsed/refractory B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) were eligible. R‐Dexa‐BEAM was given for two cycles followed by stem cell mobilization and HDT. Primary endpoint of the trial was progression‐free‐survival (PFS). One hundred and three patients were included: aggressive NHL (aNHL): diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma 55, mantle cell lymphoma 7, follicular lymphoma (FL) grade 3: 5, indolent Lymphoma (iNHL): FL grade 1–2: 29, marginal zone lymphoma 6, Immunocytoma 1. The overall response rate after salvage therapy was 62% for aNHL and 78% for iNHL patients. 66% of patients with aNHL and 86% with iNHL underwent HDT. Treatment‐related mortality for HDT was 1·3%. For aNHL patients, the median PFS was 0·83 years with 44% alive at the median follow‐up of 7·3 years. Corresponding figures for iNHL were: median PFS 3·7 years and 72% alive after 8 years. The combination of rituximab with DexaBEAM followed by HDT resulted in high response rates and sustained remissions in responders. R‐DexaBEAM followed by HDT can be considered a valid salvage option for NHL.
Creating Ideas for Innovation: Effects of Organizational Distance on Knowledge Creation Processes
Authors: Bergendahl Magnus , Magnusson Mats
Published: December 2014

Innovation is to a large extent considered a social and communicative process, and input from other individuals potentially improves the generation of novel and valuable ideas also in the early stages of idea creation and development. Both colleagues inside organizations and external parties have frequently been proposed as important sources of information and knowledge within this part of the innovation process. Other contributions addressing social networks and innovation bring into focus the potentially negative effects that certain network structures may have on innovation, pointing to inconsistencies in received theory. In order to address these inconsistencies, an empirical study of ideation in a Swedish multinational firm was performed, taking into account two different knowledge creation processes – combination and in‐depth analysis – and their inter‐relationships with organizational distance between contributing individuals. Data was collected using a survey and was analysed using regression models. It was found that different levels of organizational distance correlate with different knowledge creation processes. In‐depth analysis occurred more often with employees' close colleagues, whereas the combination of existing ideas and information was more frequent in interaction with employees' close colleagues and with external parties. Both these interaction patterns were also found to be positive for the generation of patents, whereas no such relationship could be seen when individuals interacted with colleagues in other departments in the same firm. The findings have implications for theory on cognitive distance, and also suggest that management needs to facilitate different types of collaboration and networking when aiming to facilitate and support ideation, taking into consideration the type of innovation aimed for, as well as its supporting knowledge creation processes.
Empowerment Strategies for Ideation through Online Communities
Authors: Chou Christine , Yang Kuo‐Pin , Jhan James
Published: December 2014

Successful ideation is vital for new product development. In a novel approach, firms have recently and successfully empowered their customers through online communities by applying democratic principles to open innovation. In this paper, we borrow insights from the democratic system to examine the enhancement of, and the boundary conditions for, the adoption of this empowerment strategy. We conducted three series of experiments to investigate whether online community size and lead user status might affect the link between empowerment strategy and perceived impact. This study also highlights the double‐edged influence of the selected outcome of an empowerment task by focusing on the negative emotions that threaten the effectiveness and sustainability of empowerment strategy. Our results show that empowerment strategy in small communities and higher lead user status can produce higher perceived impact. In addition, the outcome of empowerment strategy may engender positive and negative emotions in members of the community, which leads to distinct and different corresponding behaviour. The theoretical and practical implications of our research are discussed in the conclusion.
Occupational contact allergy in nurses: results from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology 2003–2012
Authors: Molin Sonja , Bauer Andrea , Schnuch Axel , Geier Johannes
Published: December 2014

Background

Healthcare workers are occupationally exposed to various allergens in protective gloves, surface or instrument disinfectants, drugs, and skin care products. An increased prevalence of sensitization to thiurams, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde and glyoxal in nurses with occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) has been known since the 1990s.

Objectives

To update the range of occupational allergens in healthcare professionals.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed patch test data from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), 2003–2012. Patch test results from 2248 nurses with OCD were compared with those of 2138 nurses without OCD.

Results

Significantly increased sensitization rates were found for thiuram mix (6.7%), potassium dichromate (5.7%), methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (4.4%), colophonium (3.4%), 2‐bromo‐2‐nitropropane‐1,3‐diol (1.7%), and zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (1.7%). Patch testing with products from the patients' workplaces gave additional clues to further allergens, for example tetrazepam.

Conclusions

The known range of contact sensitization in nurses with OCD has been confirmed. Formaldehyde allergy seems to be less important today. Drugs such as tetrazepam are occupational sensitizers in nurses. The increase in chromium sensitization remains unexplained.
Illicit drug consumption estimated by wastewater analysis in different districts of Milan: A case study
Authors: Castiglioni Sara , Borsotti Andrea , Riva Francesco , Zuccato Ettore
Published: December 2014

Introduction and Aims

Wastewater analysis is a new approach developed to estimate illicit drug (ID) consumption in large communities, such as a city. We tested the ability of this approach to detect differences in consumption in different districts of a city.

Design and Methods

Consumption of cocaine, heroin, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (cannabis active principle), amphetamine, methamphetamine and ecstasy was estimated by analysis of selected drug excretion residues in composite 24 h samples of untreated urban wastewater by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Samples were collected from the inlet of the three main Milan wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), each serving a district of the city (west, center and east). In each WWTP, samples were taken daily for seven consecutive days in November 2010 and March 2011.

Results

We observed significant differences of ID consumption (expressed as mg/day/1000 inhabitants) among districts: consumption of some ID was significantly higher in the eastern district (P < 0.01 for THC, P < 0.001 for cocaine and P < 0.0001 for heroin by one‐way analysis of variance), while consumption of methamphetamine and amphetamine was higher in the central area (P < 0.0001). Overall, from 2010 to 2011, ID consumption decreased in all the districts, in line with a recent population survey showing decreases from 25 to 55% in the annual prevalence of ID users in Italy.

Discussion and Conclusions

This approach may help to detect ID consumption in different districts of a city and may be useful for planning interventions aimed at specific city areas and substances. [Castiglioni S, Borsotti A, Riva F, Zuccato E. Illicit drug consumption estimated by wastewater analysis in different districts of Milan: A case study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:128–32]
Bilingualism changes children's beliefs about what is innate
Authors: Byers‐Heinlein Krista , Garcia Bianca
Published: December 2014

Young children engage in essentialist reasoning about natural kinds, believing that many traits are innately determined. This study investigated whether personal experience with second language acquisition could alter children's essentialist biases. In a switched‐at‐birth paradigm, 5‐ and 6‐year‐old monolingual and simultaneous bilingual children expected that a baby's native language, an animal's vocalizations, and an animal's physical traits would match those of a birth rather than of an adoptive parent. We predicted that sequential bilingual children, who had been exposed to a new language after age 3, would show greater understanding that languages are learned. Surprisingly, sequential bilinguals showed reduced essentialist beliefs about all traits: they were significantly more likely than other children to believe that human language, animal vocalizations, and animal physical traits would be learned through experience rather than innately endowed. These findings suggest that bilingualism in the preschool years can profoundly change children's essentialist biases.
Understanding and enhancing future infrastructure resiliency: a socio‐ecological approach
Authors: Sage Daniel , Sircar Indraneel , Dainty Andrew , Fussey Pete , Goodier Chris
Published: December 2014

The resilience of any system, human or natural, centres on its capacity to adapt its structure, but not necessarily its function, to a new configuration in response to long‐term socio‐ecological change. In the long term, therefore, enhancing resilience involves more than simply improving a system's ability to resist an immediate threat or to recover to a stable past state. However, despite the prevalence of adaptive notions of resilience in academic discourse, it is apparent that infrastructure planners and policies largely continue to struggle to comprehend longer‐term system adaptation in their understanding of resilience. Instead, a short‐term, stable system (STSS) perspective on resilience is prevalent. This paper seeks to identify and problematise this perspective, presenting research based on the development of a heuristic ‘scenario–episode’ tool to address, and challenge, it in the context of United Kingdom infrastructure resilience. The aim is to help resilience practitioners to understand better the capacities of future infrastructure systems to respond to natural, malicious threats.
Building disaster‐resilient micro enterprises in the developing world
Authors: Prasad Sameer , Su Hung‐Chung , Altay Nezih , Tata Jasmine
Published: December 2014

Family‐owned micro enterprises operating within the informal sector of most developing countries provide millions of citizens with a livelihood and are the economic backbone of many communities. Yet, the turbulence that emanates up or down respective supply chains following a disaster can cause these entities to fail. This study develops a model that recognises the relative weakness of micro enterprises to such disaster‐related shocks. The model proposes that micro enterprises can moderate the effect of such shocks by creating resilience through cognitive preparation, continuous learning, and the generation of various forms of social capital (cognitive, relational, and structural). The propositions for the model are established through an extensive literature review, coupled with examples drawn from the documents of humanitarian agencies performing disaster relief work in India. This model also serves as a preliminary basis with which to derive metrics to set benchmarks or to assess the viability of a micro enterprise's ability to survive disaster‐related shocks.
Disaster risk insurance and catastrophe models in risk‐prone small Caribbean islands
Authors: Joyette Antonio R.T. , Nurse Leonard A. , Pulwarty Roger S.
Published: December 2014

Post‐catastrophe recovery and financial liquidity have long challenged small Caribbean islands. These states are vulnerable to multifarious natural hazards that often cause considerable socioeconomic dislocation. Such events inflict heavy losses on businesses and households, and significantly disrupt all aspects of government operations. After Hurricane Ivan devastated the economies of some islands in September 2004—with estimated losses of as much as 200 per cent of gross domestic product in some cases—regional governments, aided by the World Bank and international donors, approved the creation of a regional catastrophe insurance scheme. This parametric‐based mechanism is underpinned by derivatives‐based catastrophe modelling whose outputs determine policy triggers and pay outs. Hazard models, particularly catastrophe models, are not widely accepted as yet. Despite recent advancements, major concerns have rendered them peripheral tools for many establishments. This paper reviews the region's vulnerabilities and examines constraints on the application of these models and suggests a means of improving their efficacy and acceptability.
WNT10A coding variants and maxillary lateral incisor agenesis with associated dental anomalies
Authors: Mostowska Adrianna , Biedziak Barbara , Zadurska Małgorzata , Matuszewska‐Trojan Sylwia , Jagodziński Paweł P.
Published: December 2014

Congenital maxillary lateral incisor agenesis (MLIA) is one of the most common subtypes of dental agenesis. Because little is known with regard to the aetiology of this anomaly, the aim of the study was to determine the contribution of nucleotide variants in wingless‐type MMTV integration site family, member 10A (WNT10A), msh homeobox 1 (MSX1), and paired box 9 (PAX9) to the risk of MLIA in a Polish population. Coding regions of the selected genes were analysed by direct sequencing in a group of 20 individuals with unilateral and bilateral MLIA, associated or not with other dental anomalies. The frequencies of the identified nucleotide variants were assessed in an additional cohort of patients with isolated dental agenesis (n = 147) and in 178 controls. Mutation screening showed four non‐synonymous substitutions located in the highly conserved coding sequence of WNT10A in five (25%) of the 20 patients. Analysis of genotyping results revealed that three of these variants – p.Arg113Cys, p.Phe228Ile, and the newly identified p.Arg171Leu – may represent aetiological mutations underlying MLIA with associated dental anomalies. No mutations that were potentially aetiologic were identified in MSX1 and PAX9. In conclusion, this is the first report implicating coding variants in the WNT10A gene in the aetiology of MLIA. These results will require further confirmation using larger‐scale studies.
Assessing the effects of guppy life history evolution on nutrient recycling: from experiments to the field
Authors: El‐Sabaawi Rana W. , Marshall Michael C. , Bassar Ronald D. , López‐Sepulcre Andrés , Palkovacs Eric P. , Dalton Christopher
Published: December 2014

Trait evolution can occur in response to anthropogenic alterations to ecosystems and can occur on timescales similar to those of ecological processes suggesting that it could alter ecosystem function. In this study, we characterise the effects of life history evolution on nutrient recycling using the Trinidadian guppy (Poecilia reticulata) as a model system.

Guppy life history traits evolve in response to predation pressure. When predation pressure is removed, guppy population density and average body size of the population also increase. Therefore, the evolution of guppy life histories involves changes in individual traits and demographic characteristics, both of which can alter nutrient recycling. The relative contributions of these variables to guppy‐driven nutrient recycling are unknown.

We synthesise data from published experiments to disentangle how differences in individual traits, population characteristics and environmental conditions contribute to differences in guppy excretion rates. Individual guppies adapted to the absence of predators [low‐predation (LP) guppies] have lower nitrogen and phosphorus excretion rates than individual guppies adapted to predators [high‐predation (HP) guppies]. However, LP guppy populations excrete twice as much nitrogen as HP populations because of their larger average body size and higher population densities.

We compare these findings to guppy excretion data collected from HP and LP sites in four rivers in Trinidad. Phenotypic and population differences in excretion rates are consistent with those observed in the experiments.

Our study demonstrates that life history evolution can alter nutrient recycling in freshwater ecosystems. Characterizing the combined effects of traits and demographics is essential for understanding the effects of life history evolution on ecosystem processes.
Resistance and resilience of invertebrate communities to seasonal and supraseasonal drought in arid‐land headwater streams
Authors: Bogan Michael T. , Boersma Kate S. , Lytle David A.
Published: December 2014

Climate change is expected to intensify drought in many regions, but ecological impacts on stream communities are poorly understood. Many arid‐land streams are characterised by predictable seasonal cycles of wetting and drying, to which species are adapted, but unpredictable supraseasonal droughts may constitute extreme events that challenge resident biota.

In this article, we synthesise research conducted in arid‐land streams of the Madrean Sky Islands (MSI) in Arizona, U.S.A, to evaluate the resistance and resilience of invertebrate communities to drying disturbances caused by normal seasonal drying and severe supraseasonal drought. We also highlight how spatial context (e.g. distance to perennial refuges) influences recovery patterns.

Invertebrate community structure changes predictably as habitat contraction progresses from loss of lateral connectivity to complete drying of MSI streams. When drying events are predictable (e.g. seasonal drying), post‐drought community recovery is often rapid, since most MSI taxa possess life history traits conferring high resistance and/or resilience to stream drying.

Extreme supraseasonal droughts, in contrast, cause unprecedented transitions from perennial to intermittent flow in some MSI streams. While species richness may recover quickly following this flow regime shift, marked turnover in community structure can occur and may delay or preclude recovery to pre‐drought conditions. In such cases, short‐lived (<1 year) strong dispersers replace relatively long‐lived (≥1 year) weak dispersers. As habitat isolation increases, the potential for community recovery from extreme drought decreases.

Many MSI aquatic species are threatened by extreme drought. Extinctions of endemic aquatic species due to habitat drying have already been observed in nearby deserts. Further studies are urgently needed to identify drought‐sensitive species and understand how the loss of such species may affect stream ecosystem functioning.