bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoimmune diseases and myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Komrokji Rami S. , Kulasekararaj Austin , Al Ali Najla H. , Kordasti Shahram , Bart‐Smith Emily , Craig Benjamin M. , Padron Eric , Zhang Ling , Lancet Jeffrey E. , Pinilla‐Ibarz Javier , List Alan F. , Mufti Ghulam J. , Epling‐Burnette Pearlie K.
Published: February 2016

Immune dysregulation and altered T‐cell hemostasis play important roles in the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Recent studies suggest an increased risk of MDS among patients with autoimmune diseases. Here, we investigated the prevalence of autoimmune diseases among MDS patients, comparing characteristics and outcomes in those with and without autoimmune diseases. From our study group of 1408 MDS patients, 391 (28%) had autoimmune disease, with hypothyroidism being the most common type, accounting for 44% (n = 171) of patients (12% among all MDS patients analyzed). Other autoimmune diseases with ≥5% prevalence included idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in 12% (n = 46), rheumatoid arthritis in 10% (n = 41), and psoriasis in 7% (n = 28) of patients. Autoimmune diseases were more common in female MDS patients, those with RA or RCMD WHO subtype, and those who were less dependent on red blood cell transfusion. Median overall survival (OS) was 60 months (95% CI, 50–70) for patients with autoimmune diseases versus 45 months (95% CI, 40–49) for those without (log‐rank test, P = 0.006). By multivariate analysis adjusting for revised IPSS and age >60 years, autoimmune diseases were a statistically significant independent factor for OS (HR 0.78; 95% CI, 0.66–0.92; P = 0.004). The rate of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) transformation was 23% (n = 89) in MDS patients with autoimmune disease versus 30% (n = 301) in those without (P = 0.011). Patient groups did not differ in response to azacitidine or lenalidomide treatment. Autoimmune diseases are prevalent among MDS patients. MDS patients with autoimmune diseases have better OS and less AML transformation. Am. J. Hematol. 91:E280–E283, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Relationships of the Maxillary Sinus With the Superior Alveolar Nerves and Vessels as Demonstrated by Cone‐Beam CT Combined With μ‐CT and Histological Analyses
Authors: Kasahara Norio , Morita Wataru , Tanaka Ray , Hayashi Takafumi , Kenmotsu Shinichi , Ohshima Hayato
Published: February 2016

There are no available detailed data on the three‐dimensional courses of the human superior alveolar nerves and vessels. This study aimed to clarify the relationships of the maxillary sinus with the superior alveolar nerves and vessels using cone‐beam computed tomography (CT) combined with μ‐CT and histological analyses. Digital imaging and communication in medicine data obtained from the scanned heads/maxillae of cadavers used for undergraduate/postgraduate dissection practice and skulls using cone‐beam CT were reconstructed into three‐dimensional (3D) images using software. The 3D images were compared with μ‐CT images and histological sections. Cone‐beam CT clarified the relationships of the maxillary sinus with the superior alveolar canals/grooves. The main anterior superior alveolar canal/groove ran anteriorly through the upper part of the sinus and terminated at the bottom of the nasal cavity near the piriform aperture. The main middle alveolar canal ran downward from the upper part of the sinus to ultimately join the anterior one. The main posterior alveolar canal ran through the lateral lower part of the sinus and communicated with the anterior one. Histological analyses demonstrated the existence of nerves and vessels in these canals/grooves, and the quantities of these structures varied across each canal/groove. Furthermore, the superior dental nerve plexus exhibited a network that was located horizontally to the occlusal plane, although these nerve plexuses appeared to be the vertical network that is described in most textbooks. In conclusion, cone‐beam CT is suggested to be a useful method for clarifying the superior alveolar canals/grooves including the nerves and vessels. Anat Rec, 299:669–678, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Balance campus threat assessment with community engagement tactics
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: February 2016

When Hampton Cantrell became chief of the Department of Public Safety at Loyola Marymount University in 2008, he brought a wealth of practical experience with him. Cantrell started his career in law enforcement as a police officer in the Compton Police Department and then served with the Inglewood Police Department for 24 years. He left the force after nine years as a captain to take the position at LMU.
Apply business‐world techniques to campus security leadership
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: February 2016

Campus police chiefs and officers often spend more time in meetings than they'd like. But they also understand how important it is for everyone to have a voice in a campus environment.
Separation and Preconcentration of Aluminum by Candida albicans Immobilized on Cellulose Acetate Biomass
Authors: Ciftci Harun , Cevrimli Bekir Sitki
Published: February 2016

In the present study, separation parameters of aluminum ions from aqueous solutions by Candida albicans immobilized on the cellulose acetate biomass (CAICAB) were investigated. The optimum experimental conditions for the preconcentration of aluminum were investigated. Amount of CAICAB, effect of common matrix ions and capacity of CAICAB were also obtained. 5 mL of 2 mol L−1 HCl were used for elution of adsorbed aluminum ions on CAICAB. After elution, analyte ions were determined by high resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Under the optimized conditions, limit of detections for aluminum and adsorption capacity of CAICAB were 0.12 and 327.5 µg g−1, respectively. The method developed was applied to the separation and determination of aluminum in water samples.
Pharmacogenomic or ‐epigenomic biomarkers in drug treatment: Two sides of the same medal?
Authors: Ingelman‐Sundberg M , Cascorbi I
Published: February 2016

Interindividual differences in expression of ADME genes are controlled by both genetic and epigenetic factors. Much emphasis has been made to describe the genetic influence, whereas the epigenetic part is not fully understood. Currently, we utilize mainly genetic biomarkers for optimization of drug therapy, although many rare genetic variants are not taken into consideration. Now, also epigenomic biomarkers are at hand and together genetic and epigenetic biomarkers can indeed improve the predictability of drug treatment.
Educational innovations in clinical pharmacogenomics
Authors: Perry CG , Maloney KA , Beitelshees AL , Jeng LJB , Ambulos NP , Shuldiner AR , Blitzer MG
Published: February 2016

Genetic and genomic discovery is revolutionizing medicine at an extraordinary pace, leading to a better understanding of disease and improved treatments for patients. This advanced pace of discovery presents an urgency to expand medical school curricula to include genetic and genomic testing (including pharmacogenomics), and integration of genomic medicine into clinical practice. Consequently, organizations and healthcare authorities have charged medical schools with training future physicians to be competent in their knowledge of genomic implementation.
MicroRNAs and cancer resistance: A new molecular plot
Authors: Fanini F , Fabbri M
Published: February 2016

The most common cause of cancer relapse is drug resistance, acquired or intrinsic, which strongly limits the efficacy of both conventional and new targeted chemotherapy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a growing, large family of short noncoding RNAs frequently dysregulated in malignancies. Although the mechanism of miRNA‐mediated drug resistance is not fully understood, an increasing amount of evidence suggests their involvement in the acquisition of tumor cell drug resistance, pointing towards the need for novel and more innovative therapeutic approaches. Use of antagomiRs or mimics can modulate specific miRNAs in order to restore gene networks and signaling pathways, perhaps optimizing chemotherapies by increasing cancer cell sensitivity to drugs. The aim of this review is to provide a state‐of‐the‐art scenario with regard to the most recent discoveries in the field of miRNAs involved in the process of resistance to cancer therapy.
Patient‐derived xenografts as tools in pharmaceutical development
Authors: Izumchenko E , Meir J , Bedi A , Wysocki PT , Hoque MO , Sidransky D
Published: February 2016

Successful drug development in oncology is grossly suboptimal, manifested by the very low percentage of new agents being developed that ultimately succeed in clinical approval. This poor success is in part due to the inability of standard cell‐line xenograft models to accurately predict clinical success and to tailor chemotherapy specifically to a group of patients more likely to benefit from the therapy. Patient‐derived xenografts (PDXs) maintain the histopathological architecture and molecular features of human tumors, and offer a potential solution to maximize drug development success and ultimately generate better outcomes for patients. Although imperfect in mimicking all aspects of human cancer, PDXs are a more predictable platform for preclinical evaluation of treatment effect and in selected cases can guide therapeutic decision making in the clinic. This article summarizes the current status of PDX models, challenges associated with modeling human cancer, and various approaches that have been applied to overcome these challenges and improve the clinical relevance of PDX cancer models.
fullfact: an R package for the analysis of genetic and maternal variance components from full factorial mating designs
Authors: Houde Aimee Lee S. , Pitcher Trevor E.
Published: February 2016

Full factorial breeding designs are useful for quantifying the amount of additive genetic, nonadditive genetic, and maternal variance that explain phenotypic traits. Such variance estimates are important for examining evolutionary potential. Traditionally, full factorial mating designs have been analyzed using a two‐way analysis of variance, which may produce negative variance values and is not suited for unbalanced designs. Mixed‐effects models do not produce negative variance values and are suited for unbalanced designs. However, extracting the variance components, calculating significance values, and estimating confidence intervals and/or power values for the components are not straightforward using traditional analytic methods. We introduce fullfact – an R package that addresses these issues and facilitates the analysis of full factorial mating designs with mixed‐effects models. Here, we summarize the functions of the fullfact package. The observed data functions extract the variance explained by random and fixed effects and provide their significance. We then calculate the additive genetic, nonadditive genetic, and maternal variance components explaining the phenotype. In particular, we integrate nonnormal error structures for estimating these components for nonnormal data types. The resampled data functions are used to produce bootstrap‐t confidence intervals, which can then be plotted using a simple function. We explore the fullfact package through a worked example. This package will facilitate the analyses of full factorial mating designs in R, especially for the analysis of binary, proportion, and/or count data types and for the ability to incorporate additional random and fixed effects and power analyses.
Latitudinal variation in ecological opportunity and intraspecific competition indicates differences in niche variability and diet specialization of Arctic marine predators
Authors: Yurkowski David J. , Ferguson Steve , Choy Emily S. , Loseto Lisa L. , Brown Tanya M. , Muir Derek C. G. , Semeniuk Christina A. D. , Fisk Aaron T.
Published: February 2016

Individual specialization (IS), where individuals within populations irrespective of age, sex, and body size are either specialized or generalized in terms of resource use, has implications on ecological niches and food web structure. Niche size and degree of IS of near‐top trophic‐level marine predators have been little studied in polar regions or with latitude. We quantified the large‐scale latitudinal variation of population‐ and individual‐level niche size and IS in ringed seals (Pusa hispida) and beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis on 379 paired ringed seal liver and muscle samples and 124 paired beluga skin and muscle samples from eight locations ranging from the low to high Arctic. We characterized both within‐ and between‐individual variation in predator niche size at each location as well as accounting for spatial differences in the isotopic ranges of potential prey. Total isotopic niche width (TINW) for populations of ringed seals and beluga decreased with increasing latitude. Higher TINW values were associated with greater ecological opportunity (i.e., prey diversity) in the prey fish community which mainly consists of Capelin (Mallotus villosus) and Sand lance (Ammodytes sp.) at lower latitudes and Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) at high latitudes. In beluga, their dietary consistency between tissues also known as the within‐individual component (WIC) increased in a near 1:1 ratio with TINW (slope = 0.84), suggesting dietary generalization, whereas the slope (0.18) of WIC relative to TINW in ringed seals indicated a high degree of individual specialization in ringed seal populations with higher TINWs. Our findings highlight the differences in TINW and level of IS for ringed seals and beluga relative to latitude as a likely response to large‐scale spatial variation in ecological opportunity, suggesting species‐specific variation in dietary plasticity to spatial differences in prey resources and environmental conditions in a rapidly changing ecosystem.
Recurrent recessive mutation in deoxyguanosine kinase causes idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension
Authors: Vilarinho Sílvia , Sari Sinan , Yilmaz Güldal , Stiegler Amy L. , Boggon Titus J. , Jain Dhanpat , Akyol Gulen , Dalgic Buket , Günel Murat , Lifton Richard P.
Published: February 2016

Despite advances in the diagnosis and management of idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension, its pathogenesis remains elusive. Insight may be gained from study of early‐onset familial idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension, in which Mendelian mutations may account for disease. We performed exome sequencing of eight subjects from six kindreds with onset of portal hypertension of indeterminate etiology during infancy or childhood. Three subjects from two consanguineous families shared the identical rare homozygous p.N46S mutation in DGUOK, a deoxyguanosine kinase required for mitochondrial DNA replication; haplotype sharing demonstrated that the mutation in the two families was inherited from a remote common ancestor. All three affected subjects had stable portal hypertension with noncirrhotic liver disease for 6‐16 years of follow‐up. This mutation impairs adenosine triphosphate binding and reduces catalytic activity. Loss‐of‐function mutations in DGUOK have previously been implicated in cirrhosis and liver failure but not in isolated portal hypertension. Interestingly, treatment of patients with human immunodeficiency viral infection with the nucleoside analogue didanosine is known to cause portal hypertension in a subset of patients and lowers deoxyguanosine kinase levels in vitro; the current findings implicate these effects on deoxyguanosine kinase in the causal mechanism. Conclusion: Our findings provide new insight into the mechanisms mediating inherited and acquired noncirrhotic portal hypertension, expand the phenotypic spectrum of DGUOK deficiency, and provide a new genetic test for a specific cause of idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension. (Hepatology 2016;63:1977‐1986)
The relationships between serum cytokine levels and tumor infiltrating immune cells and their clinical significance in colorectal cancer
Authors: Väyrynen Juha P. , Kantola Tiina , Väyrynen Sara A. , Klintrup Kai , Bloigu Risto , Karhu Toni , Mäkelä Jyrki , Herzig Karl‐Heinz , Karttunen Tuomo J. , Tuomisto Anne , Mäkinen Markus J.
Published: February 2016

Increased inflammatory cell infiltration correlates to improved survival in colorectal cancer (CRC). Development and progression of CRC is associated with alterations in serum cytokine levels but their significance is not well defined. In this study, we investigated the relationships between the serum levels of 13 cytokines and the densities of eight types of tumor infiltrating inflammatory cells and their impact on disease‐free survival (DFS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) in a prospectively recruited group of 147 CRC patients. There were strong positive correlations between the serum concentrations of different cytokines, as well as between the different types of tumor infiltrating immune cells, whereas the associations between serum cytokines and tumor infiltrating immune cells were generally weak. High serum IL‐12 levels associated with increased densities of peritumoral CD8+ T cells, intraepithelial CD3+ T cells and intratumoral neutrophils, while high serum CCL4 levels associated with increased densities of peritumoral CD68+ cells. In multivariate survival models, increased infiltration of intraepithelial CD3+ T cells and increased serum CCL4 associated with improved DFS, whereas higher intratumoral CD83+ dendritic cell density and increased serum interferon gamma levels associated with improved CSS and OS. Also high density of peritumoral CD3+ T cells associated with improved CSS. In conclusion, serum cytokines and tumor infiltrating immune cells in CRC represent entities with high intragroup correlations but relatively weak intergroup correlations. The results suggest that tumor infiltrating CD3+ T cells, CD83+ dendritic cells, serum CCL4 and serum interferon gamma represent relevant markers of disease outcome.
PKM2 uses control of HuR localization to regulate p27 and cell cycle progression in human glioblastoma cells
Authors: Mukherjee Joydeep , Ohba Shigeo , See Wendy L. , Phillips Joanna J. , Molinaro Annette M. , Pieper Russell O.
Published: February 2016

The M2 isoform of pyruvate kinase (PK) is upregulated in most cancers including glioblastoma. Although PKM2 has been reported to use dual kinase activities to regulate cell growth, it also interacts with phosphotyrosine (pY)‐containing peptides independently of its kinase activity. The potential for PKM2 to use the binding of pY‐containing proteins to control tumor growth has not been fully examined. We here describe a novel mechanism by which PKM2 interacts in the nucleus with the RNA binding protein HuR to regulate HuR sub‐cellular localization, p27 levels, cell cycle progression and glioma cell growth. Suppression of PKM2 in U87, T98G and LN319 glioma cells resulted in increased p27 levels, defects in entry into mitosis, increased centrosome number, and decreased cell growth. These effects could be reversed by shRNA targeting p27. The increased levels of p27 in PKM2 knock‐down cells were caused by a loss of the nuclear interaction between PKM2 and HuR, and a subsequent cytoplasmic re‐distribution of HuR, which in turn led to increased cap‐independent p27 mRNA translation. Consistent with these results, the alterations in p27 mRNA translation, cell cycle progression and cell growth caused by PKM2 suppression could be reversed in vitro and in vivo by suppression of HuR or p27 levels, or by introduction of forms of PKM2 that could bind pY, regardless of their kinase activity. These results define a novel mechanism by which PKM2 regulates glioma cell growth, and also define a novel set of potential therapeutic targets along the PKM2–HuR–p27 pathway.
How Does the Board's “Joint Employer” Decision Affect Nonfranchise Businesses?
Authors: DeMaria Alfred T.
Published: February 2016

Much has been written about the Board's landmark decision in Browning‐Ferris, previously analyzed in the November 2015 edition of Management Report. In that case, the Board decided that Browning‐Ferris was a joint employer with a staffing company because it had indirect control and reserved contractual authority over essential terms and conditions of the work of employees it had obtained from the staffing company.
N‐methylnicotinamide protects against endothelial dysfunction and attenuates atherogenesis in apolipoprotein E‐deficient mice
Authors: Jiang Nan , Wang Min , Song Jiayi , Liu Yan , Chen Hongen , Mu Di , Xia Min
Published: February 2016

Scope

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that N‐methylnicotinamide (MNA) may exert antithrombotic and anti‐inflammatory effects on the endothelium. However, the exact role of MNA in endothelial function remains uncertain.

Methods and results

Apolipoprotein E‐deficient (apoE−/−) mice fed with a high‐fat, high‐cholesterol diet (HCD) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to explore the role of MNA in endothelial function and its underlying mechanism. The endothelium‐dependent vasorelaxation to acetylcholine in the aortas of low and high dose MNA‐fed apoE−/− mice was improved by 24 and 36% (p < 0.05), respectively, compared with high‐fat, HCD‐fed control. MNA significantly increased nitric oxide/cyclic guanosinemonophosphate levels and decreased asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) concentrations by induction of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH)2 both in aorta and endothelial cells. Neither the activity nor the protein expression of DDAH1 was influenced upon MNA treatment. Then, DDAH2 depletion by RNA interference in HUVECs abolished the protective effect of MNA on endothelial function. Mechanically, this could be attributed to a direct modulation of the methylation level of DDAH2 gene promoter region by MNA.

Conclusions

The present study reveals a novel mechanism through which MNA improves endothelial dysfunction and attenuates atherogenesis via the modulation of ADMA‐DDAH axis.
Retrospective correction of involuntary microscopic head movement using highly accelerated fat image navigators (3D FatNavs) at 7T
Authors: Gallichan Daniel , Marques José P. , Gruetter Rolf
Published: February 2016

Purpose

The goal of the present study was to use a three‐dimensional (3D) gradient echo volume in combination with a fat‐selective excitation as a 3D motion navigator (3D FatNav) for retrospective correction of microscopic head motion during high‐resolution 3D structural scans of extended duration. The fat excitation leads to a 3D image that is itself sparse, allowing high parallel imaging acceleration factors – with the additional advantage of a minimal disturbance of the water signal used for the host sequence.

Methods

A 3D FatNav was inserted into two structural protocols: an inversion‐prepared gradient echo at 0.33 × 0.33 × 1.00 mm resolution and a turbo spin echo at 600 μm isotropic resolution.

Results

Motion estimation was possible with high precision, allowing retrospective motion correction to yield clear improvements in image quality, especially in the conspicuity of very small blood vessels.

Conclusion

The highly accelerated 3D FatNav allowed motion correction with noticeable improvements in image quality, even for head motion which was small compared with the voxel dimensions of the host sequence. Magn Reson Med 75:1030–1039, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Video gaming and gender differences in digital and printed reading performance among 15‐year‐olds students in 26 countries
Authors: Borgonovi Francesca
Published: February 2016

Video games are a favorite leisure‐time activity among teenagers worldwide. This study examines cross‐national gender differences in reading achievement and video gaming and whether video gaming explains gender differences in reading achievement and differences in performance between paper‐based and computer‐based reading. We use data from a representative sample of 145,953 students from 26 countries who sat the PISA 2012 assessments and provided self‐reports on use of video games. Although boys tend to have poorer results in both the computer‐based and the paper‐based reading assessments, boys' under achievement is smaller when the assessment is delivered on computer than when it is delivered on paper. Boys underperformance compared to girls in the two reading assessments is particularly pronounced among low‐achieving students. Among both boys and girls moderate use of single‐player games is associated with a performance advantage. However, frequent engagement with collaborative online games is generally associated with a steep reduction in achievement, particularly in the paper‐based test and particularly among low‐achieving students. Excessive gaming may hinder academic achievement, but moderate gaming can promote positive student outcomes. In many countries video gaming explains the difference in the gender gap in reading between the paper‐based and the computer‐based assessments.
Socio-Demographic Differences in Supermarket Shopper Efficiency
Authors: Bogomolova Svetlana , Vorobyev Konstantin , Page Bill , Bogomolov Tim
Published: February 2016

Significance of the research paper

Time is one of the resources shoppers bring to a store (along with money). Enabling shoppers to complete their grocery shopping more efficiently, that is to spend less time to buy the desired number of items, could result in higher shopper satisfaction and continued patronage. This research proposes a novel way of measuring shopper efficiency by distinguishing the “fixed” vs “per item” times for a grocery trip. We then analyse the differences in shopping efficiency across different sub-groups offering insights into shopper efficiency heterogeneity and benchmarks.

Research methodology

We collected data from 1176 shoppers across three Australian supermarkets in 2014 using systematic sampling for entry/exit interviews and objectively recorded time using supermarket receipts and entry time stamps. We used linear regression to model the “fixed” and “per item” times, while ANCOVA analysis provided statistical confirmation of observed differences across the sub-groups.

Outcomes

The results revealed females were more efficient than males on a “per item” basis, while males had shorter “fixed” times associated with entry, navigation and checking out. Older shoppers were less efficient than younger shoppers. Unemployed respondents tended to spend more time in-store and were less efficient than employed shoppers. There was also a difference between part- and full-time employees. Shopping efficiency in peak and off peak periods was not significantly different. Contrary to the assumption in popular media that weekend shopping is more time consuming and hence inefficient, we found that weekend shopping is no less efficient than weekday trips.

Limitations

Our approach assumes that shopper efficiency stays constant across the trip. The data did not allow testing of interactions between factors. Future research should also consider other attributes such as shopping list use, presence of others, including children, and familiarity with the store.

Implications

We present a novel approach in measuring shopper efficiency that splits the time in-store across “fixed” and “per item” times, associated with different shopper tasks (navigating and checking out vs choosing and buying). This split allows for a deeper understanding of where and how retailers can make shopping more efficient for their consumers, thus improving the overall in-store experience and outcomes. The identified differences in efficiencies across sub-groups have important implications for benchmarking and comparison of the performance of different stores, as these will be influenced not only by different times of the day and days of the week, but also by differences in the make-up of the customer base.
Roles, Functions, and Mechanisms of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer
Authors: Fang Yiwen , Fullwood Melissa J.
Published: February 2016

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in cancer. They are involved in chromatin remodeling, as well as transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, through a variety of chromatin-based mechanisms and via cross-talk with other RNA species. lncRNAs can function as decoys, scaffolds, and enhancer RNAs. This review summarizes the characteristics of lncRNAs, including their roles, functions, and working mechanisms, describes methods for identifying and annotating lncRNAs, and discusses future opportunities for lncRNA-based therapies using antisense oligonucleotides.
Efficacy of early induced medical abortion with mifepristone when beginning progestin‐only contraception on the same day
Authors: Douthwaite Megan , Candelas Jose A. , Reichwein Barbara , Eckhardt Carla , Ngo Thoai D. , Domínguez Adriana
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To investigate whether starting progestin‐only contraception immediately after mifepristone reduced the efficacy of early medical abortion with a mifepristone–misoprostol regimen.

Methods

A review of patient records from October 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013 from four Marie Stopes Mexico clinics in Mexico City was conducted. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they had undergone a medical abortion with mifepristone–misoprostol at no later than 63 days of pregnancy, had a recorded outcome, and had either started progestin‐only contraception immediately after mifepristone administration or had not started contraception. The primary outcome–successful induced abortion–was defined as the complete evacuation of uterine contents without the need for further intervention. A secondary outcome was the number of induced abortions completed without the need for manual vacuum aspiration.

Results

Records from 2204 patients were included; 448 (20.3%) patients had started progestin‐only contraception, and 1756 (79.7%) had not. Patients not taking progestin‐only contraception were significantly more likely to be primigravidas and nulliparous. Medical abortion success did not vary between the two groups; 1890 (85.8%) were successful and 2085 (94.6%) were completed without the need for manual vacuum aspiration. Different methods of progestin‐only contraception did not affect medical abortion outcomes.

Conclusion

Beginning progestin‐only contraception immediately following mifepristone for early medical abortion was not associated with reduced medical abortion effectiveness.
The performance of female hedge fund managers
Authors: Aggarwal Rajesh , Boyson Nicole M.
Published: February 2016

Using data for the period 1994–2013, we examine the return and risk‐taking behavior of hedge funds having at least one female portfolio manager and funds that have all female portfolio managers. Funds with all female managers perform no differently than all male‐managed funds and have similar risk profiles. For single‐style funds, those with mixed teams of both genders underperform male‐only funds on both a raw and risk‐adjusted basis, although mixed funds incur less risk and their Sharpe ratios do not differ. For funds of funds, both all‐female and mixed funds have similar performance to male‐managed funds. We then consider the failure rate across all fund styles. Funds with at least one female manager fail at higher rates, driven by difficulty in raising capital—these funds are smaller and are less likely to be closed to new investment. Surviving funds with at least one female manager have better performance than male‐managed surviving funds, consistent with the idea that female managers need to perform better for their funds to survive. Yet, female‐managed surviving funds have fewer assets under management than surviving male‐managed funds. Using media mentions as a proxy for investor interest, female‐managed funds receive proportionately less attention. Our results suggest that there are no inherent differences in skill between female and male managers, but that only the best performing female managers manage to survive.
Childhood Sex-Role Behaviors: Similarities and Differences in Twins
Authors: Elizabeth P.H. , Green R.
Published: February 2016

Parents of 702 twin pairs, ages 4 through 12, completed a sex-role behavioral preference questionnaire for each cotwin. Data were analyzed to determine the effects of gender, zygosity, and age on behavioral similarities and differences between cotwins. Among same-sex cotwins, male MZ pairs were reported to behave the most similarly. Girl-boy pairs were the most dissimilar. Sex and zygosity contributed significantly to co-twin behavioral differences, with female pairs varying more on sex-typed behaviors than male pairs and DZ pairs varying more than MZ pairs. Age of twins was not a major source of differences within twin pairs.
Correction: Corrigendum: Delivery of crop pollination services is an insufficient argument for wild pollinator conservation
Authors: Kleijn David , Winfree Rachael , Bartomeus Ignasi , Carvalheiro Luísa G , Henry Mickaël , Isaacs Rufus , Klein Alexandra-Maria , Kremen Claire , M’Gonigle Leithen K. , Rader Romina , Ricketts Taylor H. , Williams Neal M. , Adamson Nancy Lee , Ascher John S. , Báldi András , Batáry Péter , Benjamin Faye , Biesmeijer Jacobus C. , Blitzer Eleanor J. , Bommarco Riccardo , Brand Mariëtte R. , Bretagnolle Vincent , Button Lindsey , Cariveau Daniel P. , Chifflet Rémy , Colville Jonathan F. , Danforth Bryan N. , Elle Elizabeth , Garratt Michael P. D. , Herzog Felix , Holzschuh Andrea , Howlett Brad G. , Jauker Frank , Jha Shalene , Knop Eva , Krewenka Kristin M. , Le Féon Violette , Mandelik Yael , May Emily A. , Park Mia G. , Pisanty Gideon , Reemer Menno , Riedinger Verena , Rollin Orianne , Rundlöf Maj , Sardiñas Hillary S. , Scheper Jeroen , Sciligo Amber R. , Smith Henrik G. , Steffan-Dewenter Ingolf , Thorp Robbin , Tscharntke Teja , Verhulst Jort , Viana Blandina F. , Vaissiére Bernard E. , Veldtman Ruan , Ward Kimiora L. , Westphal Catrin , Potts Simon G.
Published: February 2016

Nature Communications 6: Article number: 7414 (2015); Published: 16 June 2015; Updated: 18 February 2016. The authors inadvertently omitted Kimiora L. Ward, who managed and contributed data, from the author list. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Design of all-optical, hot-electron current-direction-switching device based on geometrical asymmetry
Authors: Kumarasinghe Chathurangi S. , Premaratne Malin , Gunapala Sarath D. , Agrawal Govind P.
Published: February 2016

We propose a nano-scale current-direction-switching device(CDSD) that operates based on the novel phenomenon of geometrical asymmetry between two hot-electron generating plasmonic nanostructures. The proposed device is easy to fabricate and economical to develop compared to most other existing designs. It also has the ability to function without external wiring in nano or molecular circuitry since it is powered and controlled optically. We consider a such CDSD made of two dissimilar nanorods separated by a thin but finite potential barrier and theoretically derive the frequency-dependent electron/current flow rate. Our analysis takes in to account the quantum dynamics of electrons inside the nanorods under a periodic optical perturbation that are confined by nanorod boundaries, modelled as finite cylindrical potential wells. The influence of design parameters, such as geometric difference between the two nanorods, their volumes and the barrier width on quality parameters such as frequency-sensitivity of the current flow direction, magnitude of the current flow, positive to negative current ratio and the energy conversion efficiency is discussed by considering a device made of Ag/TiO2/Ag. Theoretical insight and design guidelines presented here are useful for customizing our proposed CDSD for applications such as self-powered logic gates, power supplies and sensors.
Tussock and sod tussock grasslands of the New England Tablelands Bioregion of eastern Australia
Authors: Hunter John T. , Hunter Vanessa H.
Published: February 2016

We surveyed temperate montane natural grasslands across the New England Tablelands Bioregion (NETB) and assessed the phytosociology, occurrence and threats to these assemblages. In total, 123 full floristic survey plots were placed within natural grasslands across the NETB. Mapping was undertaken within a subset of the NETB using ADS40 imagery. Analysis of the floristic data was performed using the Kulzynski association measure and UPGMA fusion strategy. Canonical correspondence analysis was performed with species data in association with 42 environmental variables. An estimated 25 000 ha of native tussock and sod tussock grasslands within six floristic assemblages were found within the NETB. The maximum extent of predicted high-quality stands may only be 2500 ha with most occurrences degraded and threatened by agricultural practices, exotic species and changes in above- and below-ground water resources. Native taxa were significantly associated with altitude, rock type and differential temperature tolerances. Altitude, eastness (longitude) and radiation of the wettest period were significant drivers of exotic species occurrence.
Detection of cross-sex chimerism in the common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) in interphase cells using fluorescence in situ hybridisation probes specific for the marmoset X and Y chromosomes
Authors: Wedi E. , Müller S. , Neusser M. , Vogt P. H. , Tkachenko O. Y. , Zimmer J. , Smeets D. , Michelmann H. W. , Nayudu P. L.
Published: February 2016

Chimerism associated with placental sharing in marmosets has been traditionally analysed using conventional chromosome staining on metaphase spreads or polymerase chain reaction. However, the former technique requires the presence of proliferating cells, whereas the latter may be associated with possible blood cell contamination. Therefore, we aimed to develop a single-cell analysis technique for sexing marmoset cells. We applied fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) to cell nuclei using differentially labelled X and Y chromosome-specific probes. Herein we present the validation of this method in metaphase cells from a marmoset lymphoblastoid cell line, as well as application of the method for evaluation of cross-sex chimerism in interphase blood lymphocytes and haematopoietic bone marrow cells from marmosets of same- and mixed-sex litters. The results show conclusively that haematopoietic cells of bone marrow and leucocytes from blood are cross-sex chimeric when the litter is mixed sex. In addition, single samples of liver and spleen cell suspensions from one individual were tested. Cross-sex chimerism was observed in the spleen but not in liver cells. We conclude that FISH is the method of choice to identify cross-sex chimerism, especially when combined with morphological identification of nuclei of different cell types, which will allow a targeted tissue-specific analysis.
In vitro selection of DNA aptamers binding pesticide fluoroacetamide
Authors: Cao Fangqi , Lu Xinwei , Hu Xiaolong , Zhang Yurong , Zeng Libo , Chen Liankang , Sun Meiqi
Published: February 2016

Fluoroacetamide (Mw = 77.06) is a lethal rodenticide to humans and animals which is still frequently abused in food storage somewhere in China. The production of antibodies for fluoroacetamide is difficult due to its high toxicity to animals, which limits the application of immunoassay method in poison detection. In this work, aptamers targeting N-fluoroacetyl glycine as an analog of fluoroacetamide were selected by a specific systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) strategy. The binding ability of the selected aptamers to fluoroacetamide was identified using surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based assay. The estimated KD values in the low micromolar range showed a good affinity of these aptamers to the target. Our work verified that the SELEX strategy has the potential for developing aptamers targeted to small molecular toxicants and aptamers can be employed as new recognition elements instead of antibodies for poison detection.
(1R,2S,6R)-Papayanal: a new male-specific volatile compound released by the guava weevilConotrachelus psidii(Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Romero-Frías Alicia , Murata Yasuhiro , Simões Bento José Maurício , Osorio Coralia
Published: February 2016

The guava weevil, Conotrachelus psidii is an aggressive pest of guava (Psidium guajava L.) that causes irreparable damages inside the fruit. The volatile compounds of male and female insects were separately collected by headspace solid-phase microextraction or with dynamic headspace collection on a polymer sorbent, and comparatively analyzed by GC–MS. (1R,2S,6R)-2-Hydroxymethyl-2,6-dimethyl-3-oxabicyclo[4.2.0]octane (papayanol), and (1R,2S,6R)-2,6-dimethyl-3-oxabicyclo[4.2.0]octane-2-carbaldehyde (papayanal) were identified (ratio of 9:1, respectively) as male-specific guava weevil volatiles. Papayanal structure was confirmed by comparison of spectroscopic (EIMS) and chromatographic (retention time) data with those of the synthetic pure compound. The behavioral response of the above-mentioned compounds was studied in a Y-tube olfactometer bioassay, and their role as aggregation pheromone candidate components was suggested in this species.
Natural variation in the glucose content of dilute sulfuric acid–pretreated rice straw liquid hydrolysates: implications for bioethanol production
Authors: Goda Takashi , Teramura Hiroshi , Suehiro Miki , Kanamaru Kengo , Kawaguchi Hideo , Ogino Chiaki , Kondo Akihiko , Yamasaki Masanori
Published: February 2016

Rice straw is a promising resource for bioethanol production. Because the glucose content of pretreatment liquid hydrolysates is highly correlated with ethanol yield, the selection of appropriate rice cultivars is essential. The glucose content in liquid hydrolysates of pretreated rice straws of 208 diverse cultivars was evaluated in natural field in 2013 and 2014 using a novel high-throughput system. The glucose content of the rice straw samples varied across cultivars and was affected by environmental factors such as temperature and solar radiation. Several high-quality cultivars exhibiting high glucose content in both years were identified. The results of this study can aid in development of novel rice cultivars suitable as both feedstocks for bioethanol production and cooking.
The effect of rapamycin on biodiesel-producing protist Euglena gracilis
Authors: Mukaida Shiho , Ogawa Takumi , Ohishi Kazuko , Tanizawa Yasuhiro , Ohta Daisaku , Arita Masanori
Published: February 2016

Rapamycin induces autophagy with lipid remodeling in yeast and mammalian cells. To investigate the lipid biosynthesis of Euglena gracilis, rapamycin was supplemented in comparison with two model algae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Cyanidioschyzon merolae. In Euglena, rapamycin induced the reduction of chlorophylls and the accumulation of neutral lipids without deterring its cell proliferation. Its lipidomic profile revealed that the fatty acid composition did not alter by supplementing rapamycin. In Chlamydomonas, however, rapamycin induced serious growth inhibition as reported elsewhere. With a lower concentration of rapamycin, the alga accumulated neutral lipids without reducing chlorophylls. In Cyanidioschyzon, rapamycin did not increase neutral lipids but reduced its chlorophyll content. We also tested fatty acid elongase inhibitors such as pyroxasulfone or flufenacet in Euglena with no significant change in its neutral lipid contents. In summary, controlled supplementation of rapamycin can increase the yield of neutral lipids while the scheme is not always applicable for other algal species.
Learning to learn: improving attainment, closing the gap at Key Stage 3
Authors: Mannion James , Mercer Neil
Published: February 2016

In 2010, a comprehensive secondary school in the south of England implemented a whole‐school approach to ‘learning to learn’ (L2L). Drawing on a range of evidence‐based practices, a team of teachers worked collaboratively to design and deliver a taught L2L curriculum to all students throughout Key Stage 3. In total, the first cohort of students (n = 118) received more than 400 taught lessons throughout years 7–9. The impact of L2L on student attainment at Sea View was evaluated over those 3 years, using the pre‐L2L cohort as a matched control group (n = 148). By the end of year 9, a significantly higher proportion of L2L students were either hitting or exceeding their target grades, compared with the control group. There was also a significant closing of the attainment gap between students eligible for the pupil premium and their peers (2%, vs. 25% in the control group). Key features of the L2L approach at Sea View are considered in terms of similarities and differences with other L2L approaches. Conclusions are drawn that the success of this approach lies in the combination of multiple effective practices. Recommendations for further research and development of the field are proposed.
Transcendent work motivation: biblical and secular ontologies
Authors: Tongo Constantine Imafidon
Published: February 2016

Scholars in the field of work motivation have begun to formulate contemporary theories that address the self-transcendent needs of people who work in organizations. However, the core assumptions of these theories derive from a secular sociological paradigm purporting that humans are only motivated to sustain a symbiotic relationship initiated by the larger society. Thus, these theories may not accurately explicate the true essence of transcendent work motivation – TWM (i.e. a spiritually induced process driven by a selfless need to improve the welfare of society). Therefore, based on a conceptual model synthesized from biblical exegesis of the Salvationist views of Christianity, two recent theories on TWM were critiqued. In light of the capriciousness of human nature and the skewed depiction of altruism portrayed by these theories, it was argued that the biblical ontological frame of reference provides a better ethical platform through which future studies on TWM could spring up.
Self-leadership, spirituality, and entrepreneur performance: a conceptual model
Authors: Godwin Jeffrey L. , Neck Christopher P. , D’Intino Robert S.
Published: February 2016

This article investigates the value of integrating the constructs of self-leadership and spirituality as a resource for entrepreneurs to handle entrepreneurial demands/stressors. Entrepreneurship requires individuals to use their personal resources as they develop their business ventures.
Entrepreneurs face multiple challenges as they start and grow their endeavors. We propose a conceptual model showing how the constructs of spirituality and self-leadership influence each other and have an impact on the thought patterns and self-efficacy of the entrepreneur. In turn, the entrepreneur
thought patterns and self-efficacy enable the entrepreneur to more effectively confront demands/stressors and thus improve entrepreneurial firm performance.
VIRALpro: a tool to identify viral capsid and tail sequences
Authors: Galiez Clovis , Magnan Christophe N. , Coste Francois , Baldi Pierre
Published: February 2016

Motivation: Not only sequence data continue to outpace annotation information, but also the problem is further exacerbated when organisms are underrepresented in the annotation databases. This is the case with non-human-pathogenic viruses which occur frequently in metagenomic projects. Thus, there is a need for tools capable of detecting and classifying viral sequences.

Results: We describe VIRALpro a new effective tool for identifying capsid and tail protein sequences, which are the cornerstones toward viral sequence annotation and viral genome classification.

Availability and implementation: The data, software and corresponding web server are available from http://scratch.proteomics.ics.uci.edu as part of the SCRATCH suite.

Contact:  clovis.galiez@inria.fr or pfbaldi@uci.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.