bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-density grids for efficient data collection from multiple crystals
Authors: Baxter Elizabeth L. , Aguila Laura , Alonso-Mori Roberto , Barnes Christopher O. , Bonagura Christopher A. , Brehmer Winnie , Brunger Axel T. , Calero Guillermo , Caradoc-Davies Tom T. , Chatterjee Ruchira , Degrado William F. , Fraser James S. , Ibrahim Mohamed , Kern Jan , Kobilka Brian K. , Kruse Andrew C. , Larsson Karl M. , Lemke Heinrik T. , Lyubimov Artem Y. , Manglik Aashish , McPhillips Scott E. , Norgren Erik , Pang Siew S. , Soltis S. M. , Song Jinhu , Thomaston Jessica , Tsai Yingssu , Weis William I. , Woldeyes Rahel A. , Yachandra Vittal , Yano Junko , Zouni Athina , Cohen Aina E.
Published: December 2015

Higher throughput methods to mount and collect data from multiple small and radiation-sensitive crystals are important to support challenging structural investigations using microfocus synchrotron beamlines. Furthermore, efficient sample-delivery methods are essential to carry out productive femtosecond crystallography experiments at X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) sources such as the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS). To address these needs, a high-density sample grid useful as a scaffold for both crystal growth and diffraction data collection has been developed and utilized for efficient goniometer-based sample delivery at synchrotron and XFEL sources. A single grid contains 75 mounting ports and fits inside an SSRL cassette or uni-puck storage container. The use of grids with an SSRL cassette expands the cassette capacity up to 7200 samples. Grids may also be covered with a polymer film or sleeve for efficient room-temperature data collection from multiple samples. New automated routines have been incorporated into theBlu-Ice/DCSSexperimental control system to support grids, including semi-automated grid alignment, fully automated positioning of grid ports, rastering and automated data collection. Specialized tools have been developed to support crystallization experiments on grids, including a universal adaptor, which allows grids to be filled by commercial liquid-handling robots, as well as incubation chambers, which support vapor-diffusion and lipidic cubic phase crystallization experiments. Experiments in which crystals were loaded into grids or grown on grids using liquid-handling robots and incubation chambers are described. Crystals were screened at LCLS-XPP and SSRL BL12-2 at room temperature and cryogenic temperatures.
Managing Nationality Diversity: The Interactive Effect of Leaders’ Cultural Intelligence and Task Interdependence
Authors: Rosenauer Doris , Homan Astrid C. , Horstmeier Christiane A. L. , Voelpel Sven C.
Published: December 2015

In light of the workforce's increasing nationality diversity, our study explores the antecedents for the successful management of nationality diversity as visualized in a favourable diversity climate and enhanced team performance. We propose a double‐contingency model in which we argue that the effects of nationality diversity will be dependent upon task interdependence and leaders’ cultural intelligence. We propose that nationality diversity will be more consequential in more interdependent teams, in which team interactions and processes are more salient. Moreover, team leaders with higher cultural intelligence will possess the skills to foster adequate team processes and thereby enhance diversity climate and performance of nationally diverse, more interdependent teams. We collected multi‐source data from 63 work teams (N = 410) and their supervisors at a German facility management company. Moderated regression analyses supported the hypothesized three‐way interaction between nationality diversity, task interdependence and leaders’ cultural intelligence. Additional simple slope analysis showed that nationality diversity is positively related to diversity climate and performance only when both team leaders’ cultural intelligence and task interdependence are high. Our study not only provides recommendations for successful nationality diversity management but also yields theoretical implications for diversity and cultural intelligence research.
The Link between Family Background and Later Lifetime Income: How Does the UK Compare with Other Countries?
Authors: Jerrim John
Published: December 2015

The link between family background and labour market outcomes is an issue of great academic, social and political concern. It is frequently claimed that such intergenerational associations are stronger in Britain than in other countries. But is this really true? I investigate this issue by estimating the link between parental education and later lifetime income, using three cross‐nationally comparable data sets covering more than 30 countries. My results suggest that the UK is broadly in the middle of the cross‐country rankings, with intergenerational associations notably stronger than in Scandinavia but weaker than in eastern Europe. Overall, I find limited support for claims that family background is a greater barrier to economic success in Britain than in other parts of the developed world.
Cold Oxygen Plasma Treatments for the Improvement of the Physicochemical and Biodegradable Properties of Polylactic Acid Films for Food Packaging
Authors: Song Ah Young , Oh Yoon Ah , Roh Si Hyeon , Kim Ji Hyeon , Min Sea C.
Published: December 2015

The effects of cold plasma (CP) treatment on the physicochemical and biodegradable properties of polylactic acid (PLA) films were studied. The PLA films were exposed to CP for 40 min at 900 W and 667 Pa using oxygen as the plasma‐forming gas. The tensile, optical, and dynamic mechanical thermal properties, surface morphology, printability, water contact angle, chemical structure, weight change, and biodegradability properties of the films were evaluated during storage for up to 56 d. The tensile and optical properties of the PLA films were not significantly affected by CP treatment (CPT; P > 0.05). The surface roughness and water contact angle of PLA films increased by CPT and further increased during storage for 56 d. The printability of the PLA films increased following CPT and remained stable throughout the storage period. CP‐induced hydrophilicity was also sustained during the storage period. The PLA films lost 1.9% of their weight after CPT, but recovered 99.5% of this loss after 14 d in storage. Photodegradation, thermal, and microbial biodegradable properties of the films were significantly improved by CPT (P < 0.05). Accelerated biodegradation of CP‐treated PLA sachets with and without cheese was observed in compost. These results demonstrate the potential of CPT for modifying the stiffness, water contact angle, and chemical structure of PLA films and improving the printability and biodegradability of the films for food packaging.
Effect of Flavourzyme® on Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Peptides Formed in Skim Milk and Whey Protein Concentrate during Fermentation by Lactobacillus helveticus
Authors: Ahtesh Fatah , Stojanovska Lily , Shah Nagendra , Mishra Vijay Kumar
Published: December 2015

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitory (ACE‐I) activity as affected by Lactobacillus helveticus strains (881315, 881188, 880474, and 880953), and supplementation with a proteolytic enzyme was studied. Reconstituted skim milk (12% RSM) or whey protein concentrate (4% WPC), with and without Flavourzyme® (0.14% w/w), were fermented with 4 different L. helveticus strains at 37 °C for 0, 4, 8, and 12 h. Proteolytic and in vitro ACE‐I activities, and growth were significantly affected (P < 0.05) by strains, media, and with enzyme supplementation. RSM supported higher growth and produced higher proteolysis and ACE‐I compared to WPC without enzyme supplementation. The strains L. helveticus 881315 and 881188 were able to increase ACE‐I to >80% after 8 h of fermentation when combined with Flavourzyme® in RSM compared to the same strains without enzyme supplementation. Supplementation of media by Flavourzyme® was beneficial in increasing ACE‐I peptides in both media. The best media to release more ACE‐I peptides was RSM with enzyme supplementation. The L. helveticus 881315 outperformed all strains as indicated by highest proteolytic and ACE‐I activities.
The Stream‐Catchment (StreamCat) Dataset: A Database of Watershed Metrics for the Conterminous United States
Authors: Hill Ryan A. , Weber Marc H. , Leibowitz Scott G. , Olsen Anthony R. , Thornbrugh Darren J.
Published: December 2015

We developed an extensive database of landscape metrics for ~2.65 million stream segments, and their associated catchments, within the conterminous United States (U.S.): The Stream‐Catchment (StreamCat) Dataset. These data are publically available (http://www2.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys/streamcat) and greatly reduce the specialized geospatial expertise needed by researchers and managers to acquire landscape information for both catchments (i.e., the nearby landscape flowing directly into streams) and full upstream watersheds of specific stream reaches. When combined with an existing geospatial framework of the Nation's rivers and streams (National Hydrography Dataset Plus Version 2), the distribution of catchment and watershed characteristics can be visualized for the conterminous U.S. In this article, we document the development and main features of this dataset, including the suite of landscape features that were used to develop the data, scripts and algorithms used to accumulate and produce watershed summaries of landscape features, and the quality assurance procedures used to ensure data consistency. The StreamCat Dataset provides an important tool for stream researchers and managers to understand and characterize the Nation's rivers and streams.
A hierarchical distance sampling model to estimate abundance and covariate associations of species and communities
Authors: Sollmann Rahel , Gardner Beth , Williams Kathryn A. , Gilbert Andrew T. , Veit Richard R.
Published: December 2015

Distance sampling is a common survey method in wildlife studies, because it allows accounting for imperfect detection. The framework has been extended to hierarchical distance sampling (HDS), which accommodates the modelling of abundance as a function of covariates, but rare and elusive species may not yield enough observations to fit such a model.

We integrate HDS into a community modelling framework that accommodates multi‐species spatially replicated distance sampling data. The model allows species‐specific parameters, but these come from a common underlying distribution. This form of information sharing enables estimation of parameters for species with sparse data sets that would otherwise be discarded from analysis. We evaluate the performance of the model under varying community sizes with different species‐specific abundances through a simulation study. We further fit the model to a seabird data set obtained from shipboard distance sampling surveys off the East Coast of the USA.

Comparing communities comprised of 5, 15 or 30 species, bias of all community‐level parameters and some species‐level parameters decreased with increasing community size, while precision increased. Most species‐level parameters were less biased for more abundant species. For larger communities, the community model increased precision in abundance estimates of rarely observed species when compared to single‐species models. For the seabird application, we found a strong negative association of community and species abundance with distance to shore. Water temperature and prey density had weak effects on seabird abundance. Patterns in overall abundance were consistent with known seabird ecology.

The community distance sampling model can be expanded to account for imperfect availability, imperfect species identification or other missing individual covariates. The model allowed us to make inference about ecology of species communities, including rarely observed species, which is particularly important in conservation and management. The approach holds great potential to improve inference on species communities that can be surveyed with distance sampling.
Radiation shielding in dentistry: an update
Authors: Crane GD , Abbott PV
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this article was to review the literature and provide guidelines on the use of radiation protection for patients in the dental setting. There are limited published data on the effects of low radiation doses such as those used in dental radiology. Most of the evidence is subject to bias, with risk models extrapolated from higher dose models such as studies of the Hiroshima bomb survivors. However, the lack of evidence does not denote the absence of risk, as there is no established ‘safe’ level of radiation exposure. All imaging utilizing ionizing radiation carries a risk for the patient. Hence the patient benefits of imaging must outweigh the potential risk. All diagnostic imaging should adhere to three basic principles, these being justification, optimization and application of dose limits. This article discusses dose reduction techniques and shielding of sensitive organs, particularly the thyroid, during procedures such as intraoral imaging, orthopantomograms and imaging of the pregnant patient.
Management of urinary catheters following hip fracture
Authors: Street Philip , Thompson Janie , Bailey Michael
Published: December 2015

Aim

To examine current practices and factors associated with outcomes of urinary catheter removal (‘trial of void’ or TOV) in patients following hip fracture.

Method

Retrospective file audit of patients discharged over a three‐year period with a diagnosis of recent hip fracture.

Results

There were 133 TOVs in 310 patients. Of the 78 TOVs occurring in the aged care rehabilitation hospital, 50% were successful. Adherence to the hospital's TOV guideline was documented infrequently. TOV outcome was not related to interval since catheter insertion, constipation or inability to mobilise. Multivariate analysis showed that dementia was independently associated with the presence of an in‐dwelling catheter (IDC) on discharge and that patients discharged with an IDC had a higher probability of residential care placement.

Conclusions

Practices in managing TOVs are inconsistent. No potentially modifiable predictors of TOV success were identified. The presence of an IDC has implications for discharge destination.
Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework to categorise goals and assess goal attainment for transition care clients
Authors: Salih Salih A , Peel Nancye M , Marshall Wendy
Published: December 2015

Aim

To classify goals according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and to examine factors associated with goal attainment for transition care program (TCP) clients.

Methods

Recorded goals at admission were rated at discharge as achieved, partially achieved or not achieved. Two researchers independently linked each statement to the most closely corresponding ICF categories.

Results

Of 268 TCP clients, 215 had 851 goal statements recorded. Of these, 794 (93%) statements were linked to 12 different ICF categories. A total of 515 (61.4%) were attained at discharge, 117 (14%) were partially attained and 207 (24.6%) were not attained. Multivariate analysis identified number of goals, TCP length of stay and high or very high case manager perception of goal attainment to be significant predictors for goal attainment.

Conclusions

The ICF framework can be used to identify and structure clients’ goals in transitional care. Goal attainment can be used to determine overall functional improvement.
Glaucoma drainage device surgery after vitreoretinal surgery: incidence and risk factors
Authors: de Vries Margriet M. , Müskens Rogier P. H. M. , Renardel de Lavalette Victor W. , Hooymans Johanna M. M. , Jansonius Nomdo M.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

The initial success of vitreoretinal surgery can be annihilated by an acceleration of preexisting glaucoma or the development of secondary glaucoma. Aim of this study was to determine the incidence of and risk factors for medically uncontrollable glaucoma after vitreoretinal surgery.

Methods

Case–control study amongst patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery at the University Medical Center Groningen between 1991 and 2011 (in total 14 942 interventions). Cases were all patients who received a glaucoma drainage device after vitreoretinal surgery. Controls were a subset of the patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery without a subsequent drainage device. Cases and controls were matched (three controls per case) with regard to the year of the (first) vitreoretinal intervention. The incidence rate was calculated from the number of cases and the number of person‐years corresponding to all vitreoretinal interventions performed in the study period. Risk factors were analysed with logistic regression.

Results

Ninety‐five cases were identified after a follow‐up of 101 961 person‐years (one per 1000 person‐years). Cases were younger (p = 0.017), were more often men (p = 0.035), underwent more interventions (p < 0.001) or were treated with silicone oil (p = 0.021), had a higher intra‐ocular pressure 1 week after the intervention (p < 0.001) and had more often a history of glaucoma or ocular hypertension (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Glaucoma after vitreoretinal surgery that requires a glaucoma drainage device is not very common and patients who need a device differ from those who do not. This gives the opportunity to monitor certain subgroups more closely.
Synthesis of 4‐[2‐(3,4‐dimethoxybenzyl)cyclopentyl]‐1,2‐dimethoxybenzene Derivatives and Evaluations of Their Carbonic Anhydrase Isoenzymes Inhibitory Effects
Authors: Artunç Tekin , Çetinkaya Yasin , Göçer Hülya , Gülçin İlhami , Menzek Abdullah , Şahin Ertan , Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: December 2015

Rearrangement of 1,6‐bis(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)hexane‐1,6‐dione (8) gave two isomeric products having cyclopentene moiety. Starting from the major product (3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)[2‐(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)cyclopent‐1‐en‐1‐yl]methanone (11), eight new compounds (16–23) were obtained by the reactions such as reduction (by catalytic hydrogenation and NaBH4), nitration, 1,4‐addition, bromination, and esterification reactions. Carbonic anhydrases (CA, E.C.4.2.1.1) are ubiquitous metalloenzymes present in almost all living organism that catalyze a simple reaction, the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) to bicarbonate ion (HCO3−) and a proton (H+). CA isoenzymes I and II (hCA I and II) inhibition effects of synthesized eleven new and four known compounds (8–13 and 15–23) were investigated. Inhibition studies of the hCA I and II with 4‐[2‐(3,4‐dimethoxybenzyl)cyclopentyl]‐1,2‐dimethoxybenzene derivatives revealed that they possess effective inhibitory potency. Cytosolic hCA I and II isoenzymes were potently inhibited by new synthesized 4‐[2‐(3,4‐dimethoxybenzyl)cyclopentyl]‐1,2‐dimethoxybenzene derivatives with Kis in the range of 313.16–1537.00 nm against hCA I and in the range of 228.31–1927.31 nm against hCA II, respectively.
“Devil Tools & Tech”: A Synergy of Conservation Research and Management Practice
Authors: Hogg Carolyn J. , Grueber Catherine E. , Pemberton David , Fox Samantha , Lee Andrew V. , Ivy Jamie A. , Belov Katherine
Published: December 2015

Biodiversity conservation continually presents new challenges, yet conservation resources are limited, and funding for applied conservation research projects more so. Recently, many have reported on the “research–implementation gap,” whereby conservation research findings are infrequently translated into conservation actions. In this perspective, we describe our experiences working in a large multi‐institutional, multi‐disciplinary team as we attempt to bridge the research–implementation gap by developing conservation tools needed to address the conservation challenges faced by Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii). We discuss our project's history, lessons learnt, outcomes, and future plans to provide insights that may help others develop multi‐institutional projects, designed to target rapid and direct implementation of conservation research into management action. Key to our success is the needs‐based prioritization of research measured against the management team's questions, recognition of the different needs of academia, industry and government, a collegiate approach, and willingness to embrace adaptive management. Challenges include developing a project which meets all strategic targets of different institutions, in addition to sourcing funds. Overall, our goal has been to establish an enduring research‐management framework, to facilitate improved integration of scientific research into the management needs of Tasmanian devil conservation, and serve as a template for other species management projects.
Prolonged air leakage in secondary spontaneous pneumothorax: is proportion of emphysema important?
Authors: Sevinc Serpil , Kaya Seyda Ors , Akcam Tevfik Ilker , Ceylan Kenan Can , Ozturk Ozgur , Susam Seher
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Prolonged air leakage is the most common complication that can cause severe problems in cases of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP). The purpose of this study was to explore whether Goddard Classification Score (GCS) can be a marker of prolonged air leakage, particularly during the post‐operative period, for patients with emphysema.

Methods

Fifty patients, who underwent tube thoracostomy for SSP, were retrospectively evaluated. For the evaluation of emphysematous on the preoperative computed tomography image, visual scoring system described by Goddard was used. The correlations between age, duration of hospitalization, duration of drainage, number of pneumothorax episodes, prolonged air leakage and GCS parameters, were evaluated.

Results

When 50 patients were scored, based on GCS, the distribution was as follows: G1: four cases, G2: 16 cases, G3: 17 cases, and G4: 13 cases. The mean number of pneumothorax episodes was 1.3 ± 0.5, the mean duration of drainage was 15.7 ± 11.3 days, and the mean duration of hospitalization was 9.2 ± 5.1 days. Prolonged air leakage was seen in 26 (52.2%) cases. The rate of prolonged air leakage was significantly higher in higher GCS cases (P = 0.035). There was a positive correlation between age and GCS (P = 0.011). The number of pneumothorax episodes rose significantly with increasing GCS (P = 0.011). The duration of hospitalization increased with the growing number of pneumothorax episodes (P = 0.027).

Conclusion

Prolonged air leakage and the recurrence rate of SSP rise with increasing GCS. Taking this condition into consideration in the treatment algorithm can be helpful for clinicians in patient follow‐up.
Associations between injecting illicit drugs into the femoral vein and deep vein thrombosis: A case control study
Authors: Wright Nat M. J. , Allgar Victoria , Tompkins Charlotte N. E.
Published: December 2015

Introduction and Aims

Injecting drug use is a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and people who inject drugs commonly report injecting into the femoral vein. However, it is unclear whether the act of inserting a needle into the femoral vein or the pharmacodynamic properties of the injected drug increases DVT risk. We aimed to quantify the strength of association between injecting illicit drugs into the femoral vein and the odds of acquiring ileo‐femoral DVT.

Design and Methods

We used case control methodology. The study took place in Leeds, UK. A total of 313 people who inject drugs (112 ‘cases’ with a diagnosis of DVT from hospital accident and emergency departments and 201 ‘controls’ with no DVT from needle exchanges) completed a questionnaire about their drug use and administration routes.

Results

The act of injecting into the femoral vein was strongly associated with DVT (χ2(1) = 53.453, P < 0.001), a finding that remained significant after adjusting for the type of illicit drug injected, age, gender, smoking status and history of clotting disorder. Independent of the act of femoral vein injecting, after adjusting for the effects of potential confounders, crack cocaine use was significantly associated with DVT, whereas amphetamine and heroin use were negatively independently associated with DVT.

Conclusions

The practice of injecting into the femoral vein in the groin and the practice of injecting crack cocaine are associated with the odds of acquiring ileo‐femoral DVT. [Wright NMJ, Allgar V, Tompkins CNE. Associations between injecting illicit drugs into the femoral vein and deep vein thrombosis: A case control study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:605–610]
Assessment of practical tasks in the Phantom course of Conservative Dentistry by pre‐defined criteria: a comparison between self‐assessment by students and assessment by instructors
Authors: Huth K. C. , Baumann M. , Kollmuss M. , Hickel R. , Fischer M. R. , Paschos E.
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Assessment of practical skills in undergraduate dental education has difficulties, including a lack of transparency/objectivity in student evaluations. This prospective study investigated whether agreement between student‐ and faculty‐based assessments increased when students were trained to use the assessment criteria.

Materials and methods

Assessment criteria were available for 6 tasks in the Phantom course of Conservative Dentistry: Class II cavity preparation, composite restoration, gold and ceramic partial crown preparation, trepanation and access cavity preparation, and root canal filling. Forty‐two students were allocated to three different assessment training groups. Students’ self‐assessments of practical tests were compared with instructors’ assessments, depending on training intensity and task type (Pearson's rho, ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc test, Kruskal–Wallis test). Students/instructors were questioned regarding benefits/drawbacks of the criteria.

Results

Student self‐assessments showed either consent (24.2%), overestimation (31%) or underestimation (44.8%). Gender differences were negligible. Regarding passing/failing grades, more intensive training yielded significantly increased agreement only for preparation of gold partial crowns (rho = +0.313, P = 0.044). Ratings exhibited significant differences amongst tasks (P = 0.002), for example, trepanation assessment had significantly lower differences than gold or ceramic preparation assessments. These discrepancies decreased with increased training. Students consistently reported benefitting most from learning the criteria for gold preparations, followed by composite and ceramic preparations. They also reported that learning the criteria was beneficial for knowledge transfer/feedback. Instructors rated the criteria as helpful for task evaluation and feedback efficiency.

Conclusions

Pre‐defined assessment criteria may increase consistency between student self‐assessment and instructor assessment depending on the task, improving transparency and feedback in dental education.
Randomized crossover sham‐controlled clinical trial of targeted low‐frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation comparing a figure‐8 and a round coil to treat refractory neocortical epilepsy
Authors: Seynaeve Laura , Devroye Annemie , Dupont Patrick , Van Paesschen Wim
Published: December 2015

Objective

Determine the efficacy and side effects of low‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to treat refractory neocortical epilepsy and study differences in effect between a figure‐8 and round coil type.

Methods

This single‐center randomized sham‐controlled crossover trial (NCT01745952 on ClinicalTrials.gov) included 11 patients with well‐defined focal epilepsy. rTMS (0.5 Hz) was targeted to the focus during three treatment conditions consisting of 1,500 stimulations/day for 10 weekdays at 90% of resting motor threshold (rMT) followed by a 10‐week observation period. Patients were randomized for the order in which the figure‐8, round, and sham coil were used. Outcome assessors and patients were blinded to the type of coil used. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of seizure reduction after active rTMS treatment. Other outcome measures were responder rate, quality of life, and side effects.

Results

There was no difference between a figure‐8 and round coil. None of the patients achieved an overall 50% seizure reduction. One patient responded during 1 month after treatment with either active coil, followed by a significant increase in seizure frequency. Another patient had a fourfold increase in seizure frequency during rTMS treatment.

Significance

This study provides evidence that rTMS is on average not effective for reducing seizure frequency. No difference in effectiveness between the different coil types was observed. It can, however, exacerbate seizures during treatment and lead to a rebound in seizure frequency after an initial reduction.
RNA‐binding proteins, neural development and the addictions
Authors: Bryant C. D. , Yazdani N.
Published: December 2015

Transcriptional and post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression defines the neurobiological mechanisms that bridge genetic and environmental risk factors with neurobehavioral dysfunction underlying the addictions. More than 1000 genes in the eukaryotic genome code for multifunctional RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) that can regulate all levels of RNA biogenesis. More than 50% of these RBPs are expressed in the brain where they regulate alternative splicing, transport, localization, stability and translation of RNAs during development and adulthood. Dysfunction of RBPs can exert global effects on their targetomes that underlie neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases as well as neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and schizophrenia. Here, we consider the evidence that RBPs influence key molecular targets, neurodevelopment, synaptic plasticity and neurobehavioral dysfunction underlying the addictions. Increasingly well‐powered genome‐wide association studies in humans and mammalian model organisms combined with ever more precise transcriptomic and proteomic approaches will continue to uncover novel and possibly selective roles for RBPs in the addictions. Key challenges include identifying the biological functions of the dynamic RBP targetomes from specific cell types throughout subcellular space (e.g. the nuclear spliceome vs. the synaptic translatome) and time and manipulating RBP programs through post‐transcriptional modifications to prevent or reverse aberrant neurodevelopment and plasticity underlying the addictions.
Caribbean mesophotic coral ecosystems are unlikely climate change refugia
Authors: Smith Tyler B. , Gyory Joanna , Brandt Marilyn E. , Miller William J. , Jossart Jonathan , Nemeth Richard S.
Published: December 2015

Deeper coral reefs experience reduced temperatures and light and are often shielded from localized anthropogenic stressors such as pollution and fishing. The deep reef refugia hypothesis posits that light‐dependent stony coral species at deeper depths are buffered from thermal stress and will avoid bleaching‐related mass mortalities caused by increasing sea surface temperatures under climate change. This hypothesis has not been tested because data collection on deeper coral reefs is difficult. Here we show that deeper (mesophotic) reefs, 30–75 m depth, in the Caribbean are not refugia because they have lower bleaching threshold temperatures than shallow reefs. Over two thermal stress events, mesophotic reef bleaching was driven by a bleaching threshold that declines 0.26 °C every +10 m depth. Thus, the main premise of the deep reef refugia hypothesis that cooler environments are protective is incorrect; any increase in temperatures above the local mean warmest conditions can lead to thermal stress and bleaching. Thus, relatively cooler temperatures can no longer be considered a de facto refugium for corals and it is likely that many deeper coral reefs are as vulnerable to climate change as shallow water reefs.
An ecoclimatic framework for evaluating the resilience of vegetation to water deficit
Authors: Mitchell Patrick J. , O'Grady Anthony P. , Pinkard Elizabeth A. , Brodribb Timothy J. , Arndt Stefan K. , Blackman Chris J. , Duursma Remko A. , Fensham Rod J. , Hilbert David W. , Nitschke Craig R. , Norris Jaymie , Roxburgh Stephen H. , Ruthrof Katinka X. , Tissue David T.
Published: December 2015

The surge in global efforts to understand the causes and consequences of drought on forest ecosystems has tended to focus on specific impacts such as mortality. We propose an ecoclimatic framework that takes a broader view of the ecological relevance of water deficits, linking elements of exposure and resilience to cumulative impacts on a range of ecosystem processes. This ecoclimatic framework is underpinned by two hypotheses: (i) exposure to water deficit can be represented probabilistically and used to estimate exposure thresholds across different vegetation types or ecosystems; and (ii) the cumulative impact of a series of water deficit events is defined by attributes governing the resistance and recovery of the affected processes. We present case studies comprising Pinus edulis and Eucalyptus globulus, tree species with contrasting ecological strategies, which demonstrate how links between exposure and resilience can be examined within our proposed framework. These examples reveal how climatic thresholds can be defined along a continuum of vegetation functional responses to water deficit regimes. The strength of this framework lies in identifying climatic thresholds on vegetation function in the absence of more complete mechanistic understanding, thereby guiding the formulation, application and benchmarking of more detailed modelling.
Synergistic and antagonistic interactions of future land use and climate change on river fish assemblages
Authors: Radinger Johannes , Hölker Franz , Horký Pavel , Slavík Ondřej , Dendoncker Nicolas , Wolter Christian
Published: December 2015

River ecosystems are threatened by future changes in land use and climatic conditions. However, little is known of the influence of interactions of these two dominant global drivers of change on ecosystems. Does the interaction amplify (synergistic interaction) or buffer (antagonistic interaction) the impacts and does their interaction effect differ in magnitude, direction and spatial extent compared to single independent pressures. In this study, we model the impact of single and interacting effects of land use and climate change on the spatial distribution of 33 fish species in the Elbe River. The varying effects were modeled using step‐wise boosted regression trees based on 250 m raster grid cells. Species‐specific models were built for both ‘moderate’ and ‘extreme’ future land use and climate change scenarios to assess synergistic, additive and antagonistic interaction effects on species losses, species gains and diversity indices and to quantify their spatial distribution within the Elbe River network. Our results revealed species richness is predicted to increase by 0.7–2.9 species by 2050 across the entire river network. Changes in species richness are likely to be spatially variable with significant changes predicted for 56–85% of the river network. Antagonistic interactions would dominate species losses and gains in up to 75% of the river network. In contrast, synergistic and additive effects would occur in only 20% and 16% of the river network, respectively. The magnitude of the interaction was negatively correlated with the magnitudes of the single independent effects of land use and climate change. Evidence is provided to show that future land use and climate change effects are highly interactive resulting in species range shifts that would be spatially variable in size and characteristic. These findings emphasize the importance of adaptive river management and the design of spatially connected conservation areas to compensate for these high species turnovers and range shifts.
Aerobic Exercise for Reducing Migraine Burden: Mechanisms, Markers, and Models of Change Processes
Authors: Irby Megan B. , Bond Dale S. , Lipton Richard B. , Nicklas Barbara , Houle Timothy T. , Penzien Donald B.
Published: December 2015

Background

Engagement in regular exercise routinely is recommended as an intervention for managing and preventing migraine, and yet empirical support is far from definitive. We possess at best a weak understanding of how aerobic exercise and resulting change in aerobic capacity influence migraine, let alone the optimal parameters for exercise regimens as migraine therapy (eg, who will benefit, when to prescribe, optimal types, and doses/intensities of exercise, level of anticipated benefit). These fundamental knowledge gaps critically limit our capacity to deploy exercise as an intervention for migraine.

Overview

Clear articulation of the markers and mechanisms through which aerobic exercise confers benefits for migraine would prove invaluable and could yield insights on migraine pathophysiology. Neurovascular and neuroinflammatory pathways, including an effect on obesity or adiposity, are obvious candidates for study given their role both in migraine as well as the changes known to accrue with regular exercise. In addition to these biological pathways, improvements in aerobic fitness and migraine alike also are mediated by changes in psychological and sociocognitive factors. Indeed a number of specific mechanisms and pathways likely are operational in the relationship between exercise and migraine improvement, and it remains to be established whether these pathways operate in parallel or synergistically. As heuristics that might conceptually benefit our research programs here forward, we: (1) provide an extensive listing of potential mechanisms and markers that could account for the effects of aerobic exercise on migraine and are worthy of empirical exploration and (2) present two exemplar conceptual models depicting pathways through which exercise may serve to reduce the burden of migraine.

Conclusion

Should the promise of aerobic exercise as a feasible and effective migraine therapy be realized, this line of endeavor stands to benefit migraineurs (including the many who presently remain suboptimally treated) by providing a new therapeutic avenue as an alternative or augmentative compliment to established interventions for migraine.
A self‐directed home yoga programme for women with breast cancer during chemotherapy: A feasibility study
Authors: Komatsu Hiroko , Yagasaki Kaori , Yamauchi Hideko , Yamauchi Teruo , Takebayashi Toru
Published: December 2015

Recent studies suggest yoga as a promising approach for improving the cognitive function of cancer survivors. We studied whether a self‐directed home yoga programme was feasible for patients with breast cancer who were undergoing chemotherapy. Participants' preferences for the type of yoga course and the clinical effects of the programme were also assessed.

In this study, 18 women (mean age, 43.9 years) were enrolled (44.7% recruitment rate). Of the participants, 63.6% had stage II cancer and 71.4% received adjuvant chemotherapy. Favourable retention (86%), adherence (94.4%) and acceptability (96.5%) rates were determined. Most (94.4%) of the women practiced the home programme more than twice a week on average. The participants preferred to gradually increase the intensity of the exercises.

We only observed improvements in the cognitive aspects of fatigue. No serious adverse events were encountered during the programme. This self‐directed home yoga programme was safe and feasible for patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.
Individual Wage Growth: The Role of Industry Experience
Authors: Battisti Michele
Published: December 2015

This paper focuses on the effect of experience within an industry on wages. I use a correlated random effects simultaneous equation model that allows individual and match heterogeneity to affect wages, job tenure, and industry experience. I estimate my model separately for men and women using a large panel of young Italian workers for the years 1986–2004. Results show that wage returns to industry experience are much higher than wage returns to job seniority. The hypotheses of exogeneity of job seniority and industry experience in the wage equation are rejected: high‐wage workers and high‐wage matches last longer.
Does Leaving School in an Economic Downturn Persistently Affect Body Weight? Evidence from Panel Data
Authors: Maclean Johanna Catherine
Published: December 2015

In this study I test whether leaving school when the state unemployment rate is high persistently affects body weight. Because the time and location of school leaving are potentially endogenous, I predict the economic conditions at school leaving with instruments based on birth date and residence at age 14. My findings show that by age 40 men (women) who left school when the state unemployment rate was high have lower (higher) body weight.
Optimal pricing contracts and level of information asymmetry in a supply chain
Authors: Wang Jian‐Cai , Yang Liu , Wang Yao‐Yu , Wang Zhaohua
Published: December 2015

This study considers a stylized supply chain model consisting of a dominant supplier and a buyer, in which the latter possesses superior knowledge of his private cost information. The supplier's imperfect knowledge about the buyer's cost is denoted by a subjective distribution. By assuming that the distribution is uniform, we first derive the explicit expressions of the optimal equilibrium outcomes of two contract formats offered by the supplier, the simple price‐only contract and sophisticated menu of contracts, respectively. Based on the optimal results, we continue to investigate how the supplier's expected profit varies with the level of information asymmetry, which is measured by the variance of the supplier's subjective distribution. Our findings indicate that the supplier's expected profits initially decrease and then increase as the supplier's knowledge of the buyer's cost becomes increasingly uncertain. That is, if the supplier could choose the level of information asymmetry, she would prefer a symmetric case (with the variance being zero) or a totally asymmetric case (with the variance being as high as possible). Numerical experiments demonstrate that our result still holds when we take into account such distributions as a truncated gamma and normal, and a fixed support of the distribution function instead of a moving support.
Circuit Impedance Could Be a Crucial Factor Influencing Radiofrequency Ablation Efficacy and Safety: A Myocardial Phantom Study of the Problem and Its Correction
Authors: BHASKARAN ABHISHEK , BARRY M.A. , POULIOPOULOS JIM , NALLIAH CHRISHAN , QIAN PIERRE , CHIK WILLIAM , THAVAPALACHANDRAN SUJITHA , DAVIS LLOYD , MCEWAN ALISTAIR , THOMAS STUART , KOVOOR PRAMESH , THIAGALINGAM ARAVINDA
Published: December 2015

RF Lesion Size and Overheating Are Dependent on Circuit Impedance

Background

Circuit impedance could affect the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) ablation.

Aim

To perform irrigated RF ablations with graded impedance to compare (1) lesion dimensions and overheated dimensions in fixed power ablations (2) and in power corrected ablations.

Methods

Ablations were performed with irrigated Navistar Thermocool catheter and Stockert EP shuttle generator at settings of 40 W power for 60 seconds, in a previously validated myocardial phantom. The impedance of the circuit was set at 60 Ω, 80 Ω, 100 Ω, 120 Ω, 140 Ω, and 160 Ω. The lesion and overheated dimensions were measured at 53 °C and 80 °C isotherms, respectively. In the second set of ablations, power was corrected according to circuit impedance.

Results

In total, 70 ablations were performed. The lesion volume was 72.0 ± 4.8% and 44.7 ± 4.6% higher at 80 Ω and 100 Ω, respectively, compared to that at 120 Ω and it was 15.4 ± 1.2%, 28.1 ± 2.0%, and 38.0 ± 1.8% lower at 140 Ω, 160 Ω, and 180 Ω, respectively. The overheated volume was four times larger when impedance was reduced to 80 Ω from 100 Ω. It was absent at 120 Ω and above. In the power corrected ablations, the lesion volumes were similar to that of 40 W/120 Ω ablations and there was no evidence of overheating.

Conclusion

The lesion and overheated dimensions were significantly larger with lower circuit impedance during irrigated RF ablation and the lesion size was smaller in high impedance ablations. Power delivery adjusted to impedance using a simple equation improved the consistency of lesion formation and prevented overheating.
Is ischemia modified albumin a disease activity marker for inflammatory bowel diseases?
Authors: Kaplan Mustafa , Yuksel Mahmut , Ates Ihsan , Kilic Zeki Mesut Yalın , Kilic Hasan , Kuzu Ufuk Barıs , Kayacetin Ertugrul
Published: December 2015

Background and Aim:

We aimed to identify ischemia‐modified albumin (IMA) levels in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and IBD subgroups, and to examine its relation with disease activity index.

Methods:

Sixty‐eight patients with IBD (35 ulcerative colitis [UC] and 33 crohn disease [CD]) and 65 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Rachmilewitz scoring system (endoscopic activity index [EAI]) was used to determine UC activity, and as for CD activity, CD activity index (CDAI) scoring was used. IMA measurement was performed with ELISA kit.

Results:

Ischemia‐modified albumin levels in IBD, UC, and CD groups were comparably higher than the control group (37.7 ng/mLvs42.4 ng/mLvs36.4 ng/mLvs21.8 ng/mL, respectively;P < 0.05). In IBD group, a positive correlation was identified between IMA level and CRP (r = 0.325,P = 0.011), EAI(r = 0.302,P = 0.020), and CDAI (r = 0.311,P = 0.013). In stepwise regression model; it was identified that IMA(OR = 1.496;P = 0.016) and CRP(OR = 3.457;P = 0.015) are predictors of IBD in comparison with the control group. In linear regression model, it was identified that risk factors such as log(IMA) and log(CRP) were independent predictors of log(CDAI) and log(EAI) levels.

Conclusion:

This is the first study showing that IMA levels in IBD were determined higher in comparison with the control group. Moreover, IMA being a predictor for IBD and being positively correlated with disease activity indexes were determined for the first time in the study. In accordance with these results, it is possible to say that IMA in IBD might be related with the pathogenesis of disease and correlated with the severity of the disease.
CT differentiation of diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma and peritoneal carcinomatosis
Authors: Liang Yu‐Fei , Zheng Guo‐Qi , Chen Yue‐Feng , Song Hui , Yin Wen‐Jie , Zhang Li
Published: December 2015

Background and Aim:

Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) and peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) have similar imaging in computer tomography (CT). We aimed to distinguish them.

Methods:

Computer tomography findings were evaluated in 48 DMPM and 47 PC for the peritoneal, mesenteric, omentum, lymph nodes, viscera infiltration, ascites and pleural plaques.

Results:

Two groups had no difference in terms of thickness, clinical manifestation, diameter of lymph nodes, ascites, and viscera infiltration. But they showed differences in the following: Ratio of asbestos exposure in DMPM group was higher. Smooth and irregular peritoneal thickening were more seen in DMPM group; peritoneal nodules were more commonly detected in PC group. Forty‐eight cases of peritoneum in DMPM showed mild enhanced, while 14 patients in PC showed severe enhanced. Nodular type of omentum was more common in PC group than in DMPM group; omental cake was more commonly detected in DMPM group. Mesentery involvement was more commonly seen in DMPM group. Location of enlarged lymph nodes in cardiophrenic region was more frequently identified in DMPM, whereas location of enlarged lymph nodes in retroperitoneal region was more frequently identified in PC. Lymph nodes fusion was more frequently visualized in PC. Fixation of the intestinal wall was more common in DMPM. Pleural plaque was more common in DMPM. PC had distant metastasis except primary foci and peritoneum. In PC, tumor origins were ovary in 10, digestive system in 21, breast in one.

Conclusion:

Using a combination of CT findings may increase our ability to distinguish PC from DMPM.