bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
5-[2,4-Dihydroxy-5-(5-hydroxy-2,4,6-trioxo-3,5-dihydro-1H-pyrimidin-5-yl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-5-hydroxy-3,5-dihydro-1H-pyrimidine-2,4,6-trione pentahydrate
Authors: Bengiat Ravell , Klein Asne , Gil Maayan , Bogoslavsky Benny , Cohen Shmuel , Yardeni Guy , Zilbermann Israel , Almog Joseph
Published: February 2016

The title compound, C15H12N4O11·5H2O, has a `propeller-like' structure. The two alloxan units have screw-boat conformations. Their mean planes are normal to the central aromatic ring with dihedral angles of 87.91 (7) and 88.27 (7)°, and they are inclined to one another by 40.86 (7)°. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaO—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional framework. There are also C—H...O hydrogen bonds present within the framework.
The potential of prisons to support drug recovery
Authors: Hearty Philippa , Wincup Emma , Wright Nat M. J.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– Recovery is the predominant discourse within current UK drug policy, promoted as freedom from dependence. In support of such a policy driver, prison drug recovery wings have been piloted in ten prisons in England and Wales to address high drug prevalence rates in prisoner populations. The purpose of this paper is to explore the development of these specialist wings within the context of wider developments to tackle reoffending among drug-using prisoners.

Design/methodology/approach

– The first part of the paper offers an analysis of the emergence of the recovery paradigm in the prison context through analysis of official policy documents. The second draws predominantly upon two process evaluations of the drug recovery wings, alongside literature on prison drug treatment.

Findings

– There is limited empirical evidence to inform the debate about whether prisons can provide settings to facilitate recovery from the effects of illicit drug use. What is available suggests that effective therapeutic environments for recovering drug users could be established within prisons. Key components for these appear to be sufficient numbers of staff who are competent and confident in providing a dual role of support and discipline, and a common purpose of all prisoners committing to recovery from illicit drugs and supporting each other. Further research regarding the impact of drug recovery wings upon health, crime and wider social outcomes is needed.

Originality/value

– This paper provides an updated perspective on the development of drug treatment in prisons, with a particular focus on the implications of the new recovery paradigm.
Diet and nutrient intake of people receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT): implications for recovery
Authors: Ii Suzanne Sayuri , Ryan Lisa , Neale Joanne
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide new insights into the diet and nutrient intake of people receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT) in the UK, offering implications for recovery-oriented treatment and care.

Design/methodology/approach

– Diet and nutrient intake were assessed using quantitative methods. The research tools used were: a socio-demographic and drug use questionnaire, 24-hour dietary recall interview and anthropometry measures. A four-month follow-up was conducted using the same methods.

Findings

– Mean (SD) body mass index for males (n=15) and females (n=10) exceeded the normal range (25.2 (5.9) kg/m2 and 33.3 (8.6) kg/m2, respectively) at baseline. Males decreased to the normal range at follow-up (mean (SD)=24.1 (±6.2) kg/m2]. Females increased to obesity Class II at follow-up (mean (SD)=35.1 (±8.0) kg/m2). Non-starch polysaccharide intakes were significantly lower than the reference nutrient intake (RNI). Iron intakes for females were significantly below the RNI. Saturated fat intake and sodium intake exceeded the RNI. In total, 11 (44 per cent) participants had multiple health conditions. Participants regularly consumed meals and reported frequent snacking events.

Research limitations/implications

– There is a need for better understanding of nutrition-related issues and dietary deficiencies amongst people receiving OAT, including larger studies that explore differences between males and females, other sub-groups and changes over time.

Practical implications

– Nutritional recommendations or guidelines and increased attention to nutrition and diet within treatment programmes are needed to help people receiving OAT.

Originality/value

– This paper demonstrates how diet and nutrient intake are essential to recovery processes and outcomes.
Citizens’ perceived value of locally-provided services
Authors: Immonen Mika , Sintonen Sanna
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– Ageing and population movement from rural regions to regional centres have raised new questions regarding the value of locally available services. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the influence of individuals’ functioning status, housing arrangements and social context on services value. The authors approach the topic with the following research question: how do the personal capabilities and social spheres of rural residents influence demand for local services?

Design/methodology/approach

– Results are based on a postal survey conducted in southeast Finland. Data were collected using a random sample of 3,000 people from age 60 to 90 years in rural areas surrounding a regional centre. A total of 1,121 valid responses were received.

Findings

– The influence of individuals’ mobility on value depended on the travel distance between services and living arrangements. The authors find that subjective norms and social interactions influenced attitudes; meanwhile, the government indirectly influenced the perceived value of services.

Research limitations/implications

– The self-efficacy of future rural populations in adopting new services would also be a worthwhile topic. Further research should compare different living arrangements and cultures.

Originality/value

– The findings of this study highlight the importance of community-wide interventions. Governmental influence did not have a direct influence on perceived value of service but has significance for the subjective norm. The moderation effect, however, revealed that governmental influence is significant where community population density is high.
Support, opposition, emotion and contentious issue risk perception
Authors: Bourassa Maureen , Doraty Kelton , Berdahl Loleen , Fried Jana , Bell Scott
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– Research on emotion in the context of risk perception has historically focused on negative emotions, and has emphasized the effect of these negative emotions on the perception of risk amongst those who oppose (rather than support) contentious issues. Drawing on theory, the purpose of this paper is to hypothesize that both positive and negative emotions are correlated with risk perceptions regarding contentious public issues and that this occurs amongst supporters and opponents alike.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper explores the relationship between emotions and perceived risk through consideration of the highly contentious case of nuclear energy in Saskatchewan, Canada. The analysis uses data from a representative telephone survey of 1,355 residents.

Findings

– The results suggest that positive emotions, like negative emotions, are related to nuclear energy risk perceptions. Emotions are related to risk perception amongst both supporters and opponents.

Research limitations/implications

– The data set’s limited number of emotion measures and single public issue focus, combined with the survey’s cross-sectional design, make this research exploratory in nature. Future research should incorporate multiple positive emotions, explore opposition, and support across a range of contentious public issues, and consider experimental models to assess causal relationships.

Practical implications

– The paper offers insights into how public sector managers must be cognizant of the emotional underpinnings of risk perceptions amongst both supporters and opponents of contentious public issues.

Originality/value

– This paper builds on and expands previous work by considering both positive and negative emotions and both supporters and opponents of contentious issues.
Where to from here? Current status of school libraries in Sri Lanka: a survey
Authors: Wickramanayake Lalith
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to determine the present status of the school libraries in Sri Lanka that were not developed under the General Education Project 2 implemented during 1997-2005.

Design/methodology/approach

– A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 135 school libraries drawn at random from two educational zones in Sri Lanka. The instrument included objective-oriented close-ended questions to be answered appropriately and analysis was done accordingly.

Findings

– The majority of school libraries in Sri Lanka are run by less qualified school librarians with no professional librarianship qualification. Scarcity of appropriate library buildings, inadequate funding and lack of reading materials and other physical resources were common among the studied school libraries. Unavailability of dedicated timeslots within the school timetable for library and information skills sessions had significantly decreased the library usage by students. It was also found that school librarians had rather negative attitudes concerning their job.

Research limitations/implications

– Neglecting other stakeholders and taking samples only from school librarians for the study and selecting only government schools by excluding private/international schools and monasteries (Pirivenas) created considerable limitation for the study.

Originality/value

– This study derived significant findings which could be used to understand the reality of school libraries in Sri Lanka, and these findings could be used to overcome practical issues which may negatively affect school library development.
Les femmes, les hommes et l'emploi en période d'austérité: l'Irlande, l'Italie et le Portugal dans une perspective comparée
Authors: ADDABBO Tindara , BASTOS Amélia , FALCÃO CASACA Sara , DUVVURY Nata , NÍ LÉIME Áine
Published: February 2016

En s'appuyant sur des données d'Eurostat de 2007, 2010 et 2012, les auteures étudient les effets de la crise de 2008 sur la situation des travailleurs hommes et femmes en Italie, en Irlande et au Portugal, en s'intéressant plus particulièrement aux nouvelles dynamiques du marché du travail, aux profils d'emploi au sein des ménages et aux revenus. La réduction des écarts entre les hommes et les femmes en matière d'emploi, de chômage et de travail précaire révèle moins une progression vers l'égalité des sexes qu'une détérioration de la situation des hommes, aux dépens du niveau de vie des ménages.
Le recul de l'activité féminine au Kerala: des éléments empiriques à l'appui de la thèse du découragement?
Authors: MATHEW Shalina Susan
Published: February 2016

En Inde, l'activité féminine recule depuis le milieu des années 2000, et l'évolution du Kerala, Etat autrefois exemplaire en la matière, est particulièrement défavorable. L'auteure examine la variation des taux d'activité et d'emploi des femmes au Kerala entre 2004 et 2012 en tenant compte du revenu du ménage, de l'âge, du niveau d'instruction et de la profession. Le désengagement de femmes plutôt jeunes, instruites, pouvant viser des postes au plus haut niveau, suggère un effet du travailleur découragé, encore renforcé par l'écart salarial croissant entre les sexes dans les professions les plus prestigieuses, aux dépens des particularités historiques du marché du travail du Kerala.
Déterminants des priorités des hommes et des femmes quant aux grands aspects de la vie: le cas d'Israël
Authors: SHARABI Moshe
Published: February 2016

Exploitant une enquête de 2006 auprès d'un échantillon de la population active israélienne sur la signification du travail, l'auteur examine la centralité relative des diverses sphères de la vie: travail, famille, loisirs, collectivité et religion. La famille reste plus importante pour les femmes que pour les hommes, mais il n'y a pas de différence quant au travail, en rupture avec la moindre préférence traditionnelle des femmes pour celui‐ci. L'auteur identifie au moyen d'une régression les déterminants socio‐économiques des différences d'attitudes entre hommes et femmes. Il en ressort un risque croissant de conflit entre travail et famille chez les Israéliennes.
Déterminants de l'écart entre chômages masculin et féminin en Italie et au Royaume‐Uni: une analyse comparative
Authors: BAUSSOLA Maurizio , MUSSIDA Chiara , JENKINS Jamie , PENFOLD Matthew
Published: February 2016

Les auteurs examinent l'écart entre chômages masculin et féminin en Italie et au Royaume‐Uni en analysant les déterminants des flux sur le marché du travail au moyen d'un modèle logit multinomial. En outre, ils évaluent la contribution à cet écart des transitions entre emploi, chômage et inactivité, dans une perspective comparative, à partir de données issues des enquêtes sur la population active italienne et britannique pour la période 2004–2013. La décomposition de cet écart à l'aide d'une matrice de probabilités de transition fait apparaître que ce sont les femmes qui sont défavorisées sur le marché du travail en Italie mais que c'est l'inverse qui prévaut au Royaume‐Uni.
Modes de garde et mobilité des jeunes actifs dans le sud de l'Europe
Authors: MÉNDEZ Ildefonso
Published: February 2016

L'auteur analyse l'association entre mode de garde et mobilité des travailleurs dans le sud de l'Europe, où les couples parentaux effectifs ou potentiels cherchent à résider près de leurs parents pour concilier travail et famille, en tirant profit du faible taux d'activité des femmes de la génération précédente. Il propose un modèle de comportement et prédit ainsi les décisions du couple sur sa fécondité, sa mobilité et l'activité de la femme à partir de données du Panel communautaire des ménages (PCM). Ce n'est que pour les couples avec enfants du sud de l'Europe que l'on constate un effet défavorable significatif du travail féminin sur la mobilité.
Will mouth wash solutions of water, salt, sodiumbicarbonate or citric acid improve upper gastrointestinal symptoms in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Manley Karen Joy
Published: February 2016

Background

Uraemic symptoms including taste changes, nausea and dry retching are common in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Taste buds detect five basic tastes: sweet, salty, sour, umami and bitter. Saliva in CKD usually has increased concentrations of urea, sodium, potassium, phosphate and higher pH levels. Genetic sensitivities to the bitter taste, with the changes in saliva can cause taste changes and impact uraemic symptoms.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess if mouth wash solutions of water, salt, sodium bicarbonate or citric acid improves upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in CKD patients.

Methods

An interventional crossover study with 42 CKD patients (21 men, 21 women) complaining of upper GI symptoms were recruited. Subjects completed a questionnaire to assess symptoms and tested for genetic taste sensitivities. Saliva samples were analysed. Mouth rinse solutions of salt, bicarbonate, citric acid and de‐ionised water were trialled in randomized order for patient reaction and symptom improvement.

Results

All 42 patients experienced anorexia, 39 (93%) reported taste changes, 27 (48%) nausea and 27 (48%) dry retching. All solutions improved symptoms in some patients. Sodium bicarbonate (P = 0.005) gave the greatest improvement in mouth feel and symptom control compared with the least favoured citric acid solution. Sixty‐six percent of patients found sodium bicarbonate beneficial with 40% preference over other solutions.

Conclusion

Simple mouthwashes can be used to relieve or eliminate some uraemic symptoms. Rinsing the mouth with a sodium bicarbonate solution cleanses receptors on taste buds and may alter mouth pH thereby reducing some upper GI symptoms that CKD patients can experience.
TiN diffusion barrier failure by the formation of Cu3Si investigated by electron microscopy and atom probe tomography
Authors: Mühlbacher Marlene , Greczynski Grzegorz , Sartory Bernhard , Mendez-Martin Francisca , Schalk Nina , Lu Jun , Hultman Lars , Mitterer Christian
Published: February 2016

The authors investigate the interdiffusion damage of Cu/TiN stacks deposited on Si(001) substrates by low-temperature unbalanced direct current magnetron sputtering. Pristine and diffusion-annealed samples are examined by x-ray diffraction, four-point-probe resistivity measurements, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and atom probe tomography. Two relevant diffusion processes are identified. The local diffusion of Cu through defects and grain boundaries in the TiN layer leads to the formation of the η″-Cu3Si phase at the barrier/substrate interface. Three-dimensional reconstructions obtained by atom probe tomography additionally reveal the outward diffusion of Si atoms from the substrate through the TiN bulk toward the Cu top layer, eventually also resulting in the formation of a discontinuous Cu3Si surface layer.
Computer modeling of angular emission from Ag(100) and Mo(100) surfaces due to Arn cluster bombardment
Authors: Maciazek Dawid , Kanski Michal , Gaza Lukasz , Garrison Barbara J. , Postawa Zbigniew
Published: February 2016

Molecular dynamics computer simulations are employed to investigate the effect of projectile size and surface morphology on the angular emission stimulated by impact of Ar gas cluster projectiles. Argon clusters of sizes n = 10–1000 and kinetic energies of 10 and 20 keV Arn aimed at normal incidence are used to sputter Ag(100) and Mo(100) samples. The total sputtering yield is larger for Ag(100) than for Mo(100). The ratio of sputtering yields is inversely proportional to the ratio of sublimation energies of these solids for projectiles between Ar20 and Ar250. In both systems, the angular distributions are sensitive to both the projectile size and the surface roughness. The maximum of angular spectra shifts from direction normal to the surface toward off-normal direction with the increase in the projectile size. An opposite trend is observed with the increase in the surface roughness. Formation of a cloud composed of projectile atoms and the enhanced lateral material relocation caused by projectile lateral expansion upon impact are the main factors responsible for promoting off-normal ejection. On the other hand, material ejection from randomly inclined surface areas and the influence of nearby topography are found to be responsible for enhancing ejection along the surface normal for rough surfaces.
Long-term Surveillance of Physical Activity Habits of Latinas Enrolled in a 12-Month Physical Activity Intervention
Authors: Carr Lucas J. , Dunsinger Shira , Marcus Bess H.
Published: February 2016

Background:

Long-term physical activity surveillance has not been conducted among Latinas. This study explored the variability of daily physical activity habits of inactive adult Latinas participating in a 12-month physical activity intervention.

Methods:

We collected objective physical activity data (pedometer) from 139 Spanish speaking Latinas (age = 41.6 ± 10.1 years; BMI = 29.6 ± 4.3 kg/m2) enrolled in a 12-month physical activity intervention. Total and aerobic steps (>100 steps/minute) were computed by year, season, month, day of week, time of day, and hour.

Results:

Participants walked an average of 6509 steps/day of which 1303 (20%) were aerobic steps. Significant physical activity differences were observed for subgroups including generational status, education, employment, income, marital status and health literacy. Significant and similar differences were observed for both total steps and aerobic steps for day of the week (weekdays > weekends) and season (summer > spring > fall > winter). Opposing trends were observed over the course of the day for total steps (early afternoon > late morning > late afternoon > early morning > evening) and aerobic steps (early morning > evening > late morning > late afternoon > early afternoon).

Conclusions:

Both seasonality and week day predicted physical activity habits of Latinas. This is the first long-term study to track daily physical activity habits of Latinas. These data have potential to inform the design of future physical activity interventions targeting Latinas.
The scientist who spotted the fateful signal—and let the cat out of the bag
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: February 2016

Marco Drago thought the "wave detected" reading in LIGO's data couldn't be real. By the time he found out otherwise, 1000 other researchers were in on the secret.
Early-branching gut fungi possess a large, comprehensive array of biomass-degrading enzymes
Authors: Solomon Kevin V. , Haitjema Charles H. , Henske John K. , Gilmore Sean P. , Borges-Rivera Diego , Lipzen Anna , Brewer Heather M. , Purvine Samuel O. , Wright Aaron T. , Theodorou Michael K. , Grigoriev Igor V. , Regev Aviv , Thompson Dawn A. , O’Malley Michelle A.
Published: February 2016

Mining gut fungi to break down biomass

The recalcitrance of plant biomass remains a formidable bottleneck in the production of biofuels and other chemicals from renewable sources. Enzymes from microbial communities found within ruminants and hindgut fermenters, however, show considerable promise to break down plant material into simple sugars efficiently. Solomon
et al.
used 'omics-level and biochemical assays to reveal a suite of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes from early-diverging anaerobic fungi isolated from the guts of horses, goats, and sheep. This approach not only reveals the regulation of these pathways but also represents a method to identify enzymes with no known homologs that would be unidentifiable using conventional screening methods.

Science
, this issue p.
1192
Response to Comments on “Cortical folding scales universally with surface area and thickness, not number of neurons”
Authors: Mota Bruno , Herculano-Houzel Suzana
Published: February 2016

De Lussanet claims that our model that accounts for the degree of folding of the cerebral cortex based on the product of cortical surface area and the square root of cortical thickness is better reduced to the product of gray-matter proportion and folding index. Lewitus
et al
., in turn, claim that the assumptions of our model are in conflict with experimental data; that the model does not accurately fit the data; and that the ancestral mammalian brain was gyrencephalic. Here, we show that both claims are inappropriate.
Gut bacteria that prevent growth impairments transmitted by microbiota from malnourished children
Authors: Blanton Laura V. , Charbonneau Mark R. , Salih Tarek , Barratt Michael J. , Venkatesh Siddarth , Ilkaveya Olga , Subramanian Sathish , Manary Mark J. , Trehan Indi , Jorgensen Josh M. , Fan Yue-mei , Henrissat Bernard , Leyn Semen A. , Rodionov Dmitry A. , Osterman Andrei L. , Maleta Kenneth M. , Newgard Christopher B. , Ashorn Per , Dewey Kathryn G. , Gordon Jeffrey I.
Published: February 2016

Microbiota and infant development

Malnutrition in children is a persistent challenge that is not always remedied by improvements in nutrition. This is because a characteristic community of gut microbes seems to mediate some of the pathology. Human gut microbes can be transplanted effectively into germ-free mice to recapitulate their associated phenotypes. Using this model, Blanton
et al.
found that the microbiota of healthy children relieved the harmful effects on growth caused by the microbiota of malnourished children. In infant mammals, chronic undernutrition results in growth hormone resistance and stunting. In mice, Schwarzer
et al.
showed that strains of
Lactobacillus plantarum
in the gut microbiota sustained growth hormone activity via signaling pathways in the liver, thus overcoming growth hormone resistance. Together these studies reveal that specific beneficial microbes could potentially be exploited to resolve undernutrition syndromes.

Science
, this issue p.
10.1126/science.aad3311
, p.
854
Visualizing antibody affinity maturation in germinal centers
Authors: Tas Jeroen M. J. , Mesin Luka , Pasqual Giulia , Targ Sasha , Jacobsen Johanne T. , Mano Yasuko M. , Chen Casie S. , Weill Jean-Claude , Reynaud Claude-Agnès , Browne Edward P. , Meyer-Hermann Michael , Victora Gabriel D.
Published: February 2016

Diversity reigns in antibody responses

During the course of an immune response, B cells specific for an invading pathogen divide. The antibodies they produce increase in affinity via somatic mutation in specialized lymph node structures called germinal centers. Tas
et al.
used multiphoton microscopy and sequencing to determine how different B cell clones compete with one another within mouse germinal centers. Multiple B cell clones can seed individual germinal centers, and germinal centers lose diversity at disparate rates. Such heterogeneity suggests that manipulating minor clonal populations to gain an advantage during vaccination may one day be possible.

Science
, this issue p.
1048
Sequential ionic and conformational signaling by calcium channels drives neuronal gene expression
Authors: Li Boxing , Tadross Michael R. , Tsien Richard W.
Published: February 2016

Calcium channels deliver a one-two punch

To help generate long-lasting neuronal plasticity, CaV1.2 (L-type) calcium channels link electrical activity to nuclear gene expression. However, exactly how this coupling works is not fully understood. Li
et al.
developed a strategy to control two voltage-dependent signals—Ca
2+
influx and non-ionic conformational changes—separately. The combinatorial delivery of both signals was required to maximize transcription. Ca
2+
influx first mobilized the kinase CaMKII from the cytosol. This allowed subsequent voltage-dependent conformational changes to localize the kinase at CaV1.2 signaling hot spots. Abnormality of nonionic conformational signaling is associated with neurological dysfunction in Timothy syndrome, a highly penetrant form of autism-spectrum disorder.

Science
, this issue p.
863
Structural basis of lipoprotein signal peptidase II action and inhibition by the antibiotic globomycin
Authors: Vogeley Lutz , El Arnaout Toufic , Bailey Jonathan , Stansfeld Phillip J. , Boland Coilin , Caffrey Martin
Published: February 2016

Insight into a bacterial membrane protease

Lipoproteins have key functions in many bacteria. They are synthesized in a precursor form that requires processing by enzymes that are essential in many pathogenic bacteria but have no equivalent in humans, making them potential drug targets. LspA is a key membrane protein involved in lipoprotein maturation in the bacterium
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. Vogeley
et al.
determined the crystal structure of LspA bound to the antibiotic globomycin. Their structure and mutagenesis studies reveal how LspA processes substrate lipoproteins and indicate that globomycin inhibits the enzyme by binding to the active site. These findings should be useful in the development of new antibiotics.

Science
, this issue p.
876
Isolation of potent neutralizing antibodies from a survivor of the 2014 Ebola virus outbreak
Authors: Bornholdt Zachary A. , Turner Hannah L. , Murin Charles D. , Li Wen , Sok Devin , Souders Colby A. , Piper Ashley E. , Goff Arthur , Shamblin Joshua D. , Wollen Suzanne E. , Sprague Thomas R. , Fusco Marnie L. , Pommert Kathleen B. J. , Cavacini Lisa A. , Smith Heidi L. , Klempner Mark , Reimann Keith A. , Krauland Eric , Gerngross Tillman U. , Wittrup Karl D. , Saphire Erica Ollmann , Burton Dennis R. , Glass Pamela J. , Ward Andrew B. , Walker Laura M.
Published: February 2016

Profiling the antibody response to Ebola

The recent Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa illustrates the need not only for a vaccine but for potential therapies, too. One promising therapy is monoclonal antibodies that target Ebola's membrane-anchored glycoprotein (GP). Bornholdt
et al.
isolated and characterized 349 antibodies from a survivor of the 2014 outbreak. A large fraction showed some neutralizing activity and several were quite potent. Structural analysis revealed an important site of vulnerability on the membrane stalk region of GP. Antibodies targeting this area were therapeutically effective in Ebola virus–infected mice.

Science
, this issue p.
1078
Innovation inspiration
INVENTology How We Dream Up Things That Change the World
Pagan Kennedy
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016. 304 pp.
Authors: Lathe Warren
Published: February 2016

Engaging anecdotes abound, but a new treatise on the process of invention falls short on actionable advice
If a tree falls in a forest…
The Adaptors
Season 1
www.theadaptors.org
Authors: Goldsmith Gregory R.
Published: February 2016

Will a podcast about climate change reach the audiences that need to hear it most?
Draft Genome Sequence of
Shewanella
sp. Strain P1-14-1, a Bacterial Inducer of Settlement and Morphogenesis in Larvae of the Marine Hydroid
Hydractinia echinata
Authors: Rischer Maja , Klassen Jonathan L. , Wolf Thomas , Guo Huijuan , Shelest Ekaterina , Clardy Jon , Beemelmanns Christine
Published: February 2016

The assembly and annotation of the draft genome sequence of
Shewanella
sp. strain P1-14-1 are reported here to investigate the genes responsible for interkingdom interactions, secondary metabolite production, and microbial electrogenesis.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Type Strain of Aeromonas schubertii, ATCC 43700
Authors: Liu Lihui , Li Ningqiu , Zhang Defeng , Fu Xiaozhe , Shi Cunbin , Lin Qiang
Published: February 2016

We sequenced the complete genome of the type strain of
Aeromonas schubertii
, ATCC 43700. The full genome sequence of
A. schubertii
ATCC 43700 is 4,356,858 bp, which encodes 3,842 proteins and contains 110 predicted RNA genes.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Photoheterotrophic
Chloracidobacterium thermophilum
Strain OC1 Found in a Mat at Ojo Caliente
Authors: Hallenbeck Patrick C. , Grogger Melanie , Mraz Megan , Veverka Donald
Published: February 2016

Metagenomics of an enrichment culture from a New Mexico hot spring allowed the description of a draft genome of a
Chloracidobacterium thermophilum
strain for the first time outside Yellowstone National Park with a surprisingly high degree of identity with the type strain.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Thermophilic Cyanobacterium from the Family
Oscillatoriales
(Strain MTP1) from the Chalk River, Colorado
Authors: Hallenbeck Patrick C. , Grogger Melanie , Mraz Megan , Veverka Donald
Published: February 2016

The draft genome (57.7% GC, 7,647,882 bp) of the novel thermophilic cyanobacterium MTP1 was determined by metagenomics of an enrichment culture. The genome shows that it is in the family
Oscillatoriales
and encodes multiple heavy metal resistances as well as the capacity to make exopolysaccharides.
Draft Genome Sequences of Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from Subclinical Bovine Mastitis in Brazil
Authors: Silva Danielle Mendes , da Silva Mônica Pacheco , Vidigal Pedro M. Pereira , Barcelos Rafael Mazioli , Klein Raphael Contelli , Aguilar Ananda Pereira , Fabres-Klein Mary Hellen , Oliveira Guilherme , Ribon Andréa Oliveira Barros
Published: February 2016

Here, we present the draft genome sequences of four
Staphylococcus aureus
strains isolated from mastitic milk collected from animals with subclinical manifestations. Three of them were typed as sequence type 126 (ST126), a genotype with no genome sequence available. ST126 is found in several herds of southern Brazil and is described as a bovine pathogen strongly associated with milk around the world.
Draft Genome Sequence of “
Candidatus
Methanomethylophilus” sp. 1R26, Enriched from Bovine Rumen, a Methanogenic Archaeon Belonging to the
Methanomassiliicoccales
Order
Authors: Noel Samantha Joan , Højberg Ole , Urich Tim , Poulsen Morten
Published: February 2016

Here, we present the draft genome of “
Candidatus
Methanomethylophilus” sp. 1R26, a member of the newly described
Methanomassiliicoccales
order of
Euryarcheaota
. The enrichment culture was established from bovine rumen contents and produced methane from trimethylamine and methanol. The draft genome contains genes for methanogenesis from methylated compounds.
Complete Genome Sequencing of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus 1, Subgenotypes 1n and 1o
Authors: Sato Asuka , Tateishi Kentaro , Shinohara Minami , Naoi Yuki , Shiokawa Mai , Aoki Hiroshi , Ohmori Keitaro , Mizutani Tetsuya , Shirai Junsuke , Nagai Makoto
Published: February 2016

To gain further insight into the genomic features of bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 (BVDV-1) subgenotypes, we sequenced the complete genome of BVDV-1n Shitara/02/06 and BVDV-1o IS26NCP/01. The complete genome of Shitara/02/06 and IS26NCP/01 shared 77.7 to 79.3% and 78.0 to 85.7% sequence identities with other BVDV-1 subgenotype strains, respectively.
High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of
Leucobacter
sp. Strain G161, a Distinct and Effective Chromium Reducer
Authors: Ge Shimei , Ai Wenjing , Dong Xinjiao
Published: February 2016

Here, we report the genome sequence for
Leucobacter
sp. strain G161 due to its distinct and effective hexavalent chromium reduction under aerobic growth conditions, followed by facultative anaerobic incubation. The draft genome sequence of
Leucobacter
sp. G161 comprises 3,554,188 bp, with an average G+C content of 65.3%, exhibiting 3,341 protein-coding genes and 55 predicted RNA genes.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Chinese Highly Pathogenic Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus That Has a Further Deletion in the Nsp2 Gene
Authors: Ji Guobiao , Li Yingying , Tan Feifei , Zhuang Jinshan , Li Xiangdong , Tian Kegong
Published: February 2016

Here, we report the complete genome of a Chinese highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) characterized by a further 29-amino acid (87 nucleotides) deletion in its Nsp2-coding region compared to the prototype of the HP-PRRSV JXA1 strain.
Draft Genome Sequence of Acinetobacter johnsonii MB44, Exhibiting Nematicidal Activity against Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Tian Shijing , Ali Muhammad , Xie Li , Li Lin
Published: February 2016

Acinetobacter johnsonii
MB44 was isolated from a frost-plant-tissue sample, which showed noteworthy nematicidal activity against the model organism
Caenorhabditis elegans
. Here, we report the 3.4 Mb draft genome of
A. johnsonii
MB44, which will help in understanding the molecular mechanism of its ability to infect nematodes.
Cohort study to test the predictability of the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement Paediatric Early Warning System
Authors: Mason B W , Edwards E D , Oliver A , Powell C V E
Published: February 2016

Objective

To test the predictability of the National Health Service Institute for Innovation and Improvement (NHSIII) Paediatric Early Warning System (PEWS) score to identify children at risk of developing critical illness.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Admissions to all paediatric wards at the University Hospital of Wales between 1 December 2005 and 30 November 2006.

Outcome measures

Unscheduled paediatric high dependency unit (PHDU) admission, paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission and death.

Results

There were 9075 clinical observations from 1000 children. An NHSIII PEWS score of 2 or more, which triggers review, has a sensitivity of 73.2% (95% CI 62.2% to 82.4%), specificity of 75.2% (95% CI 74.3% to 76.1%), positive predictive value (PPV) of 2.6% (95% CI 2.0% to 3.4%), negative predictive value of 99.7% (95% CI 99.5% to 99.8%) and positive likelihood ratio of 3.0 (95% CI 2.6 to 3.4) for predicting PHDU admission, PICU admission or death. Six (37.5%) of the 16 children with an adverse outcome did not have an abnormal NHSIII PEWS score. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the NHSIII PEWS score was 0.83 (95% CI 0.77 to 0.88).

Conclusions

The NHSIII PEWS has a low PPV and its full implementation would result in a large number of false positive triggers. The issue with PEWS scores or triggers is neither their sensitivity nor children with high scores which require clinical interventions who are not ‘false positives’; but their low specificity and low PPV arising from the large number of children with low but raised scores.
Early treatment revisions by addition or switch for type 2 diabetes: impact on glycemic control, diabetic complications, and healthcare costs
Authors: Schwab Phil , Saundankar Vishal , Bouchard Jonathan , Wintfeld Neil , Suehs Brandon , Moretz Chad , Allen Elsie , DeLuzio Antonio
Published: February 2016

Background

The study examined the prevalence of early treatment revisions after glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥9.0% (75 mmol/mol) and estimated the impact of early treatment revisions on glycemic control, diabetic complications, and costs.

Research design and methods

A retrospective cohort study of administrative claims data of plan members with type 2 diabetes and HbA1c ≥9.0% (75 mmol/mol) was completed. Treatment revision was identified as treatment addition or switch. Glycemic control was measured as HbA1c during 6–12 months following the first qualifying HbA1c ≥9.0% (75 mmol/mol) laboratory result. Complications severity (via Diabetes Complication Severity Index (DCSI)) and costs were measured after 12, 24, and 36 months. Unadjusted comparisons and multivariable models were used to examine the relationship between early treatment revision (within 90 days of HbA1c) and outcomes after controlling for potentially confounding factors measured during a 12-month baseline period.

Results

8463 participants were included with a mean baseline HbA1c of 10.2% (75 mmol/mol). Early treatment revision was associated with greater reduction in HbA1c at 6–12 months (−2.10% vs −1.87%; p<0.001). No significant relationship was observed between early treatment revision and DCSI at 12, 24, or 36 months (p=0.931, p=0.332, and p=0.418). Total costs, medical costs, and pharmacy costs at 12, 24, or 36 months were greater for the early treatment revision group compared with the delayed treatment revision group (all p<0.05).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, treatment revision within 90 days of finding an HbA1c ≥9.0% is associated with a greater level of near-term glycemic control and higher cost. The impact on end points such as diabetic complications may not be realized over relatively short time frames.
Is herpes zoster an additional complication in old age alongside comorbidity and multiple medications? Results of the post hoc analysis of the 12-month longitudinal prospective observational ARIZONA cohort study
Authors: Pickering Gisèle , Gavazzi Gaëtan , Gaillat Jacques , Paccalin Marc , Bloch Karine , Bouhassira Didier
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To examine the burden of comorbidity, polypharmacy and herpes zoster (HZ), an infectious disease, and its main complication post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) in young (50–70 years of age: 70−) and old (≥70 years of age: 70+) patients.

Design

Post hoc analysis of the results of the 12-month longitudinal prospective multicentre observational ARIZONA cohort study.

Settings and participants

The study took place in primary care in France from 20 November 2006 to 12 September 2008. Overall, 644 general practitioners (GPs) collected data from 1358 patients aged 50 years or more with acute eruptive HZ.

Outcome measures

Presence of HZ-related pain or PHN (pain persisting >3 months) was documented at day 0 and at months 3, 6, and 12. To investigate HZ and PHN burden, pain, quality of life (QoL) and mood were self-assessed using validated questionnaires (Zoster Brief Pain Inventory, 12-item Short-Form health survey and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, respectively).

Results

As compared with younger patients, older patients more frequently presented with comorbidities, more frequently took analgesics and had poorer response on all questionnaires, indicating greater burden, at inclusion. Analgesics were more frequently prescribed to relieve acute pain or PHN in 70+ than 70− patients. Despite higher levels of medication prescription, poorer pain relief and poorer response to all questionnaires were reported in 70+ than 70− patients.

Conclusions

Occurrence of HZ and progression to PHN adds extra burden on top of pharmacological treatment and impaired quality of life, especially in older patients who already have health problems to cope with in everyday life.
Seismic stability of a long unlined circular tunnel in sloping ground
Authors: Banerjee Sounik Kumar , Chakraborty Debarghya
Published: February 2016

The stability of an unlined long circular tunnel underneath an infinite slope is examined with the inclusion of seismic body forces. The study is carried out by using the lower bound finite element limit analysis. The values of γH/c are plotted as a function of H/D, [Formula: see text], β, and kh in the form of charts. The magnitude of γH/c is found to decrease consistently with an increase in β and kh. With an increase in the magnitude of β and kh, the plastic zone around the periphery of the tunnel becomes more and more asymmetric. The stability charts presented in this note would be useful for examining the effect of slope angle on the stability of an unsupported circular tunnel under seismic forces.
HOW DOES FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT INTERACT WITH ECONOMIC GROWTH IN FIVE ASEAN COUNTRIES?
Authors: CHUNG PHAN THANH , SUN SIZHONG , VO DIEM THI HONG
Published: February 2016

This study examines the causal relationship between financial development, liberalization and economic growth through technological innovation channel in five South East Asia countries during the period 1980–2012, using a fully modified ordinary least square estimation technique. We find that technological deepening is driven by deepening in the financial system and financial liberalization rather than changes in a country’s market capitalization. We also find a negative effect from the financial openness, and a positive effect from financial deregulation.
BUSINESS SERVICE, INTERNATIONAL OUTSOURCING, AND WAGE INEQUALITY
Authors: LO CHU-PING
Published: February 2016

This paper adds business services to Feenstra and Hanson’s (1996) model to show that if a country is more prosperous in business services, tending to carry out less international outsourcing activities than it would otherwise. In this model, the more varieties of specialized business services a country endows, the more welfare gains arise in the presence of positive production externalities to the manufacturing sector. Since developed countries are more prosperous in business service sector, this model helps to explain why the impact of opening trade on the dispersion of both wages and unemployment is stronger in developing economies.
Frequency characteristics of defect states in a two-dimensional phononic crystal with slit structure
Authors: Wang X. P. , Jiang P. , Chen T. N. , Yu K. P.
Published: February 2016

In this paper, the defect state and band gap characteristics in a two-dimensional slit structure phononic crystal, consisting of slotted steel tubes embedded in an air matrix, are investigated theoretically and experimentally. Using the finite element method and supercell technique, the dispersion relationships and power transmission spectra of the slit structures are calculated. The vibration modes of the band gap edges are analyzed to clarify the mechanism of the generation of the band gaps. Additionally, the influence of the slit width on the band gaps in slit structure is investigated. The slit width was found to influence the band gaps; this is critical to understand for practical applications. Based on this finding, a method to form defect scatterers by changing the slit width of a single central scatterer, or one row of scatterers, in the perfect PC was developed. Defect bands can be induced by creating defects inside the original complete band gaps. The frequency can then be tuned by changing the slit width of defect scatterers. Meanwhile, the relationship between point defect and line defect is investigated. Finally, we verify the results of theoretical research by experiments. These results will help in fabricating devices such as acoustic filters and waveguides whose band frequency can be modulated.
New generation chiral metamaterials based on omega resonators with small and smooth chirality over a certain frequency band
Authors: Dincer Furkan , Akgol Oguzhan , Karaaslan Muharrrem , Unal Emin , Demirel Ekrem , Sabah Cumali
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we have designed, simulated and analyzed a new generation chiral metamaterials (MTMs) with two geometries. There are various types of chiral MTM structures in the literature and almost all of them are indented to be designed for high level of chirality. In fact, small chirality and its application areas were mostly ignored by researchers. In this sense, our study is one of the pioneer works for this type of research. Each structure based on omega resonators (ORs) with small chirality value is investigated both numerically and experimentally. The results are in very good agreement which will lead us to conclude that our structures can be easily used as devices for controlling polarization, EM wave transmission filtering, antireflection and so on for a wide range of the EM spectrum.
An analytical solution for light scattering by metallic cylindrical nanoparticles with core–shell structure
Authors: Daneshfar Nader , Moradi Majid
Published: February 2016

In this paper, the optical scattering from cylindrical plasmonic nanoparticles with a core–shell structure, while the core is dielectric coated by a metallic shell such as gold, is investigated by using an analytical solution in the framework of Mie theory. A closed-form (CF) formalism that determines the optical properties of cylindrical nanoparticles based on the series expansions of Bessel functions for the Mie scattering coefficients is introduced and presented. By using this formulation, we will show the optical response and the surface plasmon resonance of hybrid metal-based nanoparticles with cylindrical shape is dependent on the radius of nanoparticle, the refractive index of core and physical environment of nanoparticle. Also, the influence of interband transitions on the optical scattering by plasmonic nanoparticles is discussed and interpreted using the Drude–Lorentz model because the optical properties of metals arise from both the optical excitation of interband transitions and the free electron response.
Disease Spread and Its Effect on Population Dynamics in Heterogeneous Environment
Authors: Upadhyay Ranjit Kumar , Roy Parimita
Published: February 2016

In this paper, an eco-epidemiological model in which both species diffuse along a spatial gradient has been shown to exhibit temporal chaos at a fixed point in space. The proposed model is a modification of the model recently presented by Upadhyay and Roy [2014]. The spatial interactions among the species have been represented in the form of reaction–diffusion equations. The model incorporates the intrinsic growth rate of fish population which varies linearly with the depth of water. Numerical results show that diffusion can drive otherwise stable system into aperiodic behavior with sensitivity to initial conditions. We show that spatially induced chaos plays an important role in spatial pattern formation in heterogeneous environment. Spatiotemporal distributions of species have been simulated using the diffusivity assumptions realistic for natural eco-epidemic systems. We found that in heterogeneous environment, the temporal dynamics of both the species are drastically different and show chaotic behavior. It was also found that the instability observed in the model is due to spatial heterogeneity and diffusion-driven. Cumulative death rate of predator has an appreciable effect on model dynamics as the spatial distribution of all constituent populations exhibit significant changes when this model parameter is changed and it acts as a regularizing factor.
Limit Cycles of a Class of Piecewise Smooth Liénard Systems
Authors: Sheng Lijuan
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we study the problem of limit cycle bifurcation in two piecewise polynomial systems of Liénard type with multiple parameters. Based on the developed Melnikov function theory, we obtain the maximum number of limit cycles of these two systems.