bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein Collapse is Encoded in the Folded State Architecture
Authors: Samanta Himadri S. , Zhuravlev Pavel I. , Hinczewski Michael , Hori Naoto , Chakrabarti Shaon , Thirumalai D.
Published: August 2016

Folded states of single domain globular proteins, the workhorses in cells, are compact with high packing density. It is known that the radius of gyration,Rg, of both the folded and unfolded (created by adding denaturants) states increase asNνwhereNis the number of amino acids in the protein. The values of the celebrated Flory exponentνare, respectively,, and ≈ 0.6 in the folded and unfolded states, which coincide with those found in homopolymers in poor and good solvents, respectively. However, the extent of compaction of the unfolded state of a protein under low denaturant concentration, conditions favoring the formation of the folded state, is unknown. This problem which goes to the heart of how proteins fold, with implications for the evolution of foldable sequences, is unsolved. We develop a theory based on polymer physics concepts that uses the contact map of proteins as input to quantitatively assess collapsibility of proteins. The model, which includes only two-body excluded volume interactions and attractive interactions reflecting the contact map, has only expanded and compact states. Surprisingly, we find that although protein collapsibility is universal, the propensity to be compact depends on the protein architecture. Application of the theory to over two thousand proteins shows that the extent of collapsibility depends not only onNbut also on the contact map reflecting the native fold structure. A major prediction of the theory is thatβ-sheet proteins are far more collapsible than structures dominated by α-helices. The theory and the accompanying simulations, validating the theoretical predictions, fully resolve the apparent controversy between conclusions reached using different experimental probes assessing the extent of compaction of a couple proteins. As a by product, we show that the theory correctly predicts the scaling of the collapse temperature of homopolymers as a function of the number of monomers. By calculating the criterion for collapsibility as a function of protein length we provide quantitative insights into the reasons why single domain proteins are small and the physical reasons for the origin of multi-domain proteins. We also show that non-coding RNA molecules, whose collapsibility is similar to proteins withβ-sheet structures, must undergo collapse prior to folding, adding support to “Compactness Selection Hypothesis” proposed in the context of RNA compaction.
Prevalence of Congenital Amusia
Authors: Peretz Isabelle , Vuvan Dominique T.
Published: August 2016

Congenital amusia (commonly known as tone-deafness) is a lifelong musical disorder that should affect 4% of the population according to a single estimate based on a single test from 1980. Here we present the first large-based measure of prevalence with a sample of 20,000 participants that does not rely on self-referral. On the basis of three objective tests and a questionnaire, we show that (a) the prevalence of congenital amusia is only 1.5% with slightly more females than males, unlike other developmental disorders where males often predominate; (b) self-disclosure is a reliable index of congenital amusia, that suggests that congenital amusia is hereditary with 46% first-degree relatives similarly affected; c) that the deficit is not attenuated by musical training and d) it emerges in relative isolation from other cognitive disorder except for spatial orientation problems. Hence, we suggest that congenital amusia is likely to result from genetic variations that affect musical abilities specifically.
Asymmetric band flipping for time-of-flight neutron diffraction data
Authors: Whitfield Pamela S. , Coelho Alan A.
Published: August 2016

Charge flipping with powder diffraction data is known to produce a result more reliably with high-resolution data, i.e. visible reflections at small d spacings. Such data are readily accessible with the neutron time-of-flight technique but the assumption that negative scattering density is nonphysical is no longer valid where elements with negative scattering lengths are present. The concept of band flipping was introduced in the literature, where a negative threshold is used in addition to a positive threshold during the flipping. However, it was not tested with experimental data at the time. Band flipping has been implemented in TOPAS together with the band modification of low-density elimination and tested with experimental powder and Laue single-crystal neutron data.
Reactions between arylhydrazinium chlorides and 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehydes: molecular and supramolecular structures of a hydrazone, a 4,9-dihydro-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoline and two 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinolines
Authors: Kumara Tholappanavara H. Suresha , Nagendrappa Gopalpur , Chandrika Nanjappa , Sowmya Haliwana B. V. , Kaur Manpreet , Jasinski Jerry P. , Glidewell Christopher
Published: August 2016

Hydrazone derivatives exhibit a wide range of biological activities, while pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoline derivatives, on the other hand, exhibit both antimicrobial and antiviral activity, so that all new derivatives in these chemical classes are potentially of value. Dry grinding of a mixture of 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde and 4-methylphenylhydrazinium chloride gives (E)-1-[(2-chloroquinolin-3-yl)methylidene]-2-(4-methylphenyl)hydrazine, C17H14ClN3, (I), while the same regents in methanol in the presence of sodium cyanoborohydride give 1-(4-methylphenyl)-4,9-dihydro-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoline, C17H15N3, (II). The reactions between phenylhydrazinium chloride and either 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde or 2-chloro-6-methylquinoline-3-carbaldehyde give, respectively, 1-phenyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoline, C16H11N3, (III), which crystallizes in the space groupPbcnas a nonmerohedral twin havingZ′ = 3, or 6-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoline, C17H13N3, (IV), which crystallizes in the space groupR\overline{3}. The molecules of compound (I) are linked into sheets by a combination of N—H...N and C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds, and the molecules of compound (II) are linked by a combination of N—H...N and C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds to form a chain of rings. In the structure of compound (III), one of the three independent molecules forms chains generated by C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds, with a second type of molecule linked to the chains by a second C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bond and the third type of molecule linked to the chain by multiple π–π stacking interactions. A single C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bond links the molecules of compound (IV) into cyclic centrosymmetric hexamers having \overline{3} (S6) symmetry, which are themselves linked into a three-dimensional array by π–π stacking interactions.
Debunking myths about soft leadership and exploring it to achieve organizational excellence and effectiveness
Authors: Rao M.S.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to debunk myths about soft leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper distinguishes soft leadership from other leadership styles.

Findings

It calls for companies exploring this new leadership perspective to achieve organizational excellence and effectiveness; and countries to achieve peace and prosperity.

Practical implications

This new leadership perspective can be adopted by leaders for companies and countries.

Social implications

The social implications of this research suggests that leaders can improve employees’ performance and productivity by treating them as partners.

Originality/value

It defines and explains soft leadership with four OB models. It unfolds that it is the age of partnership, not followership. It unveils that employees prefer to work in an egalitarian set up. They appreciate leaders with an integrative, participative, collaborative, and relationship-oriented leadership mindset.
Design and modeling adsorption kinetics of methylene blue on zeolite adsorbents and clay
Authors: Lamia Maaza , Fatiha Djafri , Mohammed Bouchekara , Mustapha Djebbar , Ayada Djafri
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the batch adsorption system of a cationic dye (methylene blue, widely used in various sectors) on two adsorbents; ZSM-5 zeolite which was prepared with the molar composition: 0.2057 Na2O-0.00266 Al2O3-SiO2-0.68 (pyrrolidine)-40 H2O-0.12 H2SO4.

Design/methodology/approach

By the hydrothermal synthesis method, and the purified clay and is analyzed by IR and DRX method.

Findings

For this, the authors conducted a parametric study of adsorption and effect of several important parameters on the adsorption of BM on the material used, in particular, the contact time (equilibrium is established after 120 min), different concentrations of adsorbents, different masses, the pH and temperature. The experiments demonstrated the crucial role of these parameters. A kinetic study was done and kinetic models were applied to the experimental results such as the pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order.

Originality/value

This work is original.
Colour gamut with easy sources of natural dyes
Authors: Tayade Priti B. , Adivarekar Ravindra V.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

In nature, thousands of different colours and shades exist. Basic set of dyes, namely, yellow, red, blue and green are necessary for a complete colour gamut. Creating a complete gamut with natural dyes with one common extraction and application procedure is not exploited hitherto. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, an attempt was made to create a complete colour gamut with easily available natural dyes with one common extraction and application procedure.

Findings

Silk fabrics were dyed using various natural dyes alone and in combination to yield various shades, namely, yellow, red, green, blue. Pre-mordanting of silk fabrics was carried out with mordants, namely, alum, ferrous sulphate, copper sulphate, stannous chloride, potassium dichromate followed by dyeing. The fastness properties and colour strength values of all the shades obtained were determined.

Originality/value

Creating a complete gamut with natural dyes with one common extraction and application procedure is not exploited hitherto.
The impact of external social and internal personal forces on consumers’ brand community engagement on Facebook
Authors: Simon Carina , Brexendorf Tim Oliver , Fassnacht Martin
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Consumer engagement has been designated as an approach to describing online interactions that more comprehensively reflects the nature of consumers’ interactive relationships in online brand communities. This paper aims to explore consumers’ brand community engagement in the context of Facebook brand pages. This research puts forth the hypothesis that consumers’ brand community engagement on Facebook is dependent upon two overarching themes: external social forces and internal personal forces.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on social impact theory, social identity theory and social exchange theory, a conceptual research model is developed and empirically tested through structural equation modelling using cross-sectional data of 460 Facebook brand fans.

Findings

The empirical results suggest that internal personal forces primarily positively influence brand community engagement, while external social forces can even impact consumers’ brand community engagement negatively.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should test and validate the proposed model for specific categories and brands.

Practical implications

This paper offers help to online brand marketers to trigger meaningful engagement of consumers in a brand community on Facebook.

Originality/value

This paper examines the consumer engagement construct from a behavioural perspective in a defined social media context and highlights the peculiarities of online brand communities on Facebook that distinguish them from traditional brand communities. The research uses a strong theoretical foundation to develop a model that investigates the prevalent variables that influence consumers’ brand community engagement on Facebook.
Ponds, Power and Institutions: The Everyday Governance of Accessing Urban Water Bodies in a Small Bengali City
Authors: Cornea Natasha , Zimmer Anna , Véron René
Published: August 2016

While researchers in the growing field of urban political ecology have given significant attention to the fragmented hydroscape that characterizes access to drinking water in the global South, so far the (re)production of other urban waters and its related power relations have been underexplored. This article seeks to contribute to filling this gap by exploring the everyday negotiations over access to urban water bodies, in particular ponds. These are understood as a composite resource that is simultaneously water, land and public space. This analysis draws on a case study from a small city in West Bengal, India, and is based primarily on data from open interviews with different actors with a stake in urban ponds. The article demonstrates that in a context of ambiguity of the statutory governance regime and fragmented control, the (re)production of the pondscape is embedded within complex relationships of power whereby social marginalization can be offset at least momentarily by local institutions such as neighbourhood clubs and political parties.
Self‐administration of injectable contraceptives: a systematic review
Authors: Kim CR , Fønhus MS , Ganatra B
Published: August 2016

Background

The contraceptive injectable is a safe and effective method that is used worldwide. With the variety of injectable delivery systems, there is potential for administration by the woman herself. Self‐administration of the contraceptive injectable is the subject of this systematic review.

Objectives

To assess how effective and safe the contraceptive injectable method is when women themselves perform/administer it, compared with when the usual healthcare providers administer it.

Search strategy

We searched PubMed, Popline, Cochrane, CINAHL, and Embase for articles with subject headings or text words related to ‘self‐administration’ and ‘contraception’.

Selection criteria

Studies that compared the administration of the contraceptive injectable by the woman herself versus administration by the healthcare provider were included. Outcomes of interest were continuation rates, safety, and the women's overall satisfaction with the contraceptive provider and method.

Data collection and analysis

We undertook data extraction, descriptive analysis, and assessment of risk of bias.

Main results

Three studies met the inclusion criteria. The best available evidence shows that there may be little or no difference in continuation rates when women self‐administer contraceptive injections (326 per 1000 women; 95% CI 192–554 per 1000 women) compared with administration by healthcare providers (304 per 1000 women). Safety was not estimable as no serious adverse events were reported in any of the studies. With regards to overall satisfaction towards the provider and the method, the effect of the intervention was uncertain.

Authors’ conclusions

Findings suggest that with appropriate information and training the provision of contraceptive injectables for the woman to self‐administer at home can be an option in some contexts.

Tweetable abstract

This review assessed the continuation rates and safety of self‐administration of the contraceptive injection.
Are there really two cultures? A pilot study on the application of qualitative and quantitative methods in political science
Authors: KUEHN DAVID , ROHLFING INGO
Published: August 2016

In their 2012 publication A Tale of Two Cultures, Gary Goertz and James Mahoney argue that empirical research in the social sciences aiming at causal inference can be differentiated into a qualitative and a quantitative methodological culture. The two cultures differ fundamentally in how researchers approach and implement empirical studies. The argument is well laid out and comprehensively illustrated, but the empirical validity of the two cultures hypothesis has not yet been evaluated systematically. This note introduces a research project that aims to test the two cultures hypothesis via an empirical analysis of how qualitative and quantitative methods are applied. To determine whether there is a qualitative and quantitative method culture, the researchers initially sampled 30 articles from three journals (Comparative Political Studies, European Journal of Political Research, World Politics) in the 2008–2012 period. Based on this dataset, no evidence was found for the existence of coherent systems of methods practices in political science.
Decreasing Malpractice Claims by Reducing Preventable Perinatal Harm
Authors: Riley William , Meredith Les W. , Price Rebecca , Miller Kristi K. , Begun James W. , McCullough Mac , Davis Stanley
Published: August 2016

Objective

To evaluate the association of improved patient safety practices with medical malpractice claims and costs in the perinatal units of acute care hospitals.

Data Sources

Malpractice and harm data from participating hospitals; litigation records and medical malpractice claims data from American Excess Insurance Exchange, RRG, whose data are managed by Premier Insurance Management Services, Inc. (owned by Premier Inc., a health care improvement company).

Study Design

A quasi‐experimental prospective design to compare baseline and postintervention data. Statistical significance tests for differences were performed using chi‐square, Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, and t‐test.

Data Collection

Claims data were collected and evaluated by experienced senior claims managers through on‐site claim audits to evaluate claim frequency, severity, and financial information. Data were provided to the analyzing institution through confidentiality contracts.

Principal Findings

There is a significant reduction in the number of perinatal malpractice claims paid, losses paid, and indemnity payments (43.9 percent, 77.6 percent, and 84.6 percent, respectively) following interventions to improve perinatal patient safety and reduce perinatal harm. This compares with no significant reductions in the nonperinatal claims in the same hospitals during the same time period.

Conclusions

The number of perinatal malpractice claims and dollar amount of claims payments decreased significantly in the participating hospitals, while there was no significant decrease in nonperinatal malpractice claims activity in the same hospitals.
Morphine treatment enhances glutamatergic input onto neurons of the nucleus accumbens via both disinhibitory and stimulating effect
Authors: Yuan Kejing , Sheng Huan , Song Jiaojiao , Yang Li , Cui Dongyang , Ma Qianqian , Zhang Wen , Lai Bin , Chen Ming , Zheng Ping
Published: August 2016

Drug addiction is a chronic brain disorder characterized by the compulsive repeated use of drugs. The reinforcing effect of repeated use of drugs on reward plays an important role in morphine‐induced addictive behaviors. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is an important site where morphine treatment produces its reinforcing effect on reward. However, how morphine treatment produces its reinforcing effect on reward in the NAc remains to be clarified. In the present study, we studied the influence of morphine treatment on the effects of DA and observed whether morphine treatment could directly change glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the NAc. We also explored the functional significance of morphine‐induced potentiation of glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the NAc at behavioral level. Our results show that (1) morphine treatment removes the inhibitory effect of DA on glutamatergic input onto NAc neurons; (2) morphine treatment potentiates glutamatergic input onto NAc neurons, especially the one from the basolateral amygdala (BLA) to the NAc; (3) blockade of glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the NAc or ablation of projection neurons from BLA to NAc significantly decreases morphine treatment‐induced increase in locomotor activity. These results suggest that morphine treatment enhances glutamatergic input onto neurons of the NAc via both disinhibitory and stimulating effect and therefore increases locomotor activity.
Utility of antenatal clinical factors for prediction of postpartum outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)
Authors: Ingram Emily R. , Robertson Iain K. , Ogden Kathryn J. , Dennis Amanda E. , Campbell Joanne E. , Corbould Anne M.
Published: August 2016

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with life‐long increased risk of type 2 diabetes: affected women are advised to undergo oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) at 6–12 weeks postpartum, then glucose screening every 1–3 years.

Aims

We investigated whether in women with GDM, antenatal clinical factors predicted postpartum abnormal glucose tolerance and compliance with screening.

Materials and methods

In women with GDM delivering 2007 to mid‐2009 in a single hospital, antenatal/obstetric data and glucose tests at 6–12 weeks postpartum and during 5.5 years post‐pregnancy were retrospectively collected. Predictors of return for testing and abnormal glucose tolerance were identified using multivariate analysis.

Results

Of 165 women, 117 (70.9%) returned for 6–12 week postpartum OGTT: 23 (19.6%) were abnormal. Smoking and parity, independent of socioeconomic status, were associated with non‐return for testing. Fasting glucose ≥5.4 mmol/L on pregnancy OGTT predicted both non‐return for testing and abnormal OGTT. During 5.5 years post‐pregnancy, 148 (89.7%) women accessed glucose screening: nine (6.1%) developed diabetes, 33 (22.3%) had impaired fasting glucose / impaired glucose tolerance. Predictors of abnormal glucose tolerance were fasting glucose ≥5.4 mmol/L and 2‐h glucose ≥9.3 mmol/L on pregnancy OGTT (~2.5‐fold increased risk), and polycystic ovary syndrome (~3.4 fold increased risk). Risk score calculation, based on combined antenatal factors, did not improve predictions.

Conclusions

Antenatal clinical factors were modestly predictive of return for testing and abnormal glucose tolerance post‐pregnancy in women with GDM. Risk score calculations were ineffective in predicting outcomes: risk scores developed in other populations require validation. Ongoing glucose screening is indicated for all women with GDM.
The makeup of destiny: Predestination and the labor of hope in a Moroccan emigrant town
Authors: ELLIOT ALICE
Published: August 2016

As young women in a Moroccan emigrant town search for suitable husbands, they frame seemingly irreverent practices such as using makeup and premarital romances as ways to precipitate their unknown conjugal destinies. This complex “labor of hope” flows from the Islamic precept of predestination, which, far from being a fatalistic backdrop to social life, compels people to act in the human world in view of a future that has already been divinely determined. Here, destiny effectively “folds” Islam into the very texture of mundane practices that, on the surface, may seem not just distant from Islam but even antithetical to it. This phenomenon obliges us to recast Max Weber's argument on predestination and action, as well as to reconsider current anthropological debates on “everyday Islam.” [destiny, migration, hope, courtship, future, Islam, Morocco]

image
Atmosphere: Context, detachment, and the view from above Earth
Authors: VALENTINE DAVID
Published: August 2016

Since the 1950s, views of Earth from above have been critiqued for provoking detachment from and decontextualization of human, terrestrial concerns. These critiques thus establish Earth's enveloping atmosphere as the ultimate context for meaningful and grounded accounts of humanness, and outer space as a site for abstract, generalizable knowledge. But in outer space, the explanatory work done by “context” is put in question, because spacefaring humans must attend to basic and constantly shifting conditions for life that lie beyond “context” on Earth, including breathing. Attention to humans in real and speculative space environments reveals context as a naturalizing device that establishes universal nature/culture distinctions through recourse to grounding terrestrial ontologies.
Forms of exclusion: Undocumented students navigating financial aid and inclusion in the United States
Authors: FLORES ANDREA
Published: August 2016

Excluded from public financial aid because of their immigration status, undocumented youth in the United States frequently depend on private schools’ merit‐based financial aid. This aid, which operates according to a neoliberal logic, provides them with a critical pathway to tertiary education and potentially to institutional and national inclusion. Yet this private‐sector inclusion ultimately harms their sense of public belonging, as shown by the experiences of undocumented Latino youth in Nashville, Tennessee. Students who do not meet the schools’ high standards cannot access either institutional or civic inclusion; those who can meet the standards experience inclusion as contingent on continued excellence. Their experiences reveal the critical role that private institutions play in mediating undocumented people's national inclusion and how neoliberal merit restricts the terms of this inclusion. [undocumented migrants, inclusion, exclusion, higher education, neoliberalism, bureaucratic documents, United States]
Low‐Dose Quinidine Effectively Reduced Shocks in Brugada Syndrome Patients with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator: A Chinese Case Series Report
Authors: Shen Tongtong , Yuan Binbin , Geng Jie , Chen Chun , Zhou Xiujuan , Shan Qijun
Published: August 2016

Background

Only implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) have been proven to prevent sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS). However, ICD discharge, whether appropriate or inappropriate, leads to impaired quality of life and even increases rehospitalization. Quinidine might prevent the recurrence of ventricular arrhythmia (VA); however, the effect of low‐dose quinidine for preventing spontaneous arrhythmias remains less clear.

Methods

In our cardiology center, 10 confirmed patients with BrS (all men, mean age 38.7 ± 6.72 years) who underwent appropriate ICD shocks due to recurrent VAs were treated with quinidine (≤200 mg/day) and followed regularly.

Results

All the patients underwent ICD shocks due to ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF) before taking quinidine. A 24‐hour distribution of VT/VF demonstrated that most of the events occurred in the sleeping time from 22:00 to 8:00. Quinidine prevented recurrence of VAs in nine patients. The other one patient took quinidine discontinuously because of anxiety suffered from less episodes of VA, and after psychological guidance, he took quinidine 200 mg/day and experienced no VA episodes from then on. In our series, only one patient suffered leukopenia related to quinidine. No other side effect was observed.

Conclusions

Quinidine with a very low dose (≤200 mg/day) well controlled VT/VF recurrence for a long‐term period in Chinese patients with BrS. Administration (at 21:00) according to the circadian distribution of VT/VF episodes might increase the efficiency and improve the patient's tolerance.
Chorioamnionitis at birth does not increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disability in premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Bashir Rani A. , Bhandari Vineet , Vayalthrikkovil Sakeer , Rabi Yacov , Soraisham Amuchou , Tang Selphee , Al Awad Essa , Lodha Abhay
Published: August 2016

Aim

To compare preterm infants with no bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), BPD with chorioamnionitis (BPDC) and BPD with no chorioamnionitis (BPDNC) for the association with neurodevelopmental disability (NDD) at three years corrected age.

Methods

Demographic and outcome data of infants with birthweight (BW) ≤1250 g born during two epochs (1995–2000 and 2002–2007 with an interim washout period of one year) were compared on the basis of whether they had BPD, chorioamnionitis or both. Any NDD was considered present if there was either mild–severe cerebral palsy (CP), cognitive delay, visual or hearing impairment. Logistic regression modelling was performed.

Results

Infants (n = 1009) were included into three groups – no BPD (n = 442), BPDNC (n = 437) and BPDC (n = 130). The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of any NDD at three years in infants with BPDC versus BPDNC was 1.37; 95% CI 0.85–2.20, and for CP the aOR was 1.66; 95% CI 0.76–3.62. Infants in the BPDC group were of lower BW, gestational age and had longer length of hospital stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, more blood transfusions and sepsis compared to BPDNC and no BPD groups (all p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Chorioamnionitis was not associated with any increase in the odds of NDD in infants with BPD at three years corrected age.
Adding sweet potato vines improve the quality of rice straw silage
Authors: Li Ping , Ji Shuren , Wang Qian , Qin Mengzhen , Hou Chen , Shen Yixin
Published: August 2016

Rice straw and sweet potato vines are the main by‐products of agricultural crops, and their disposal creates problems for the environment in the south of China. In order to establish an easy method for making rice straw silage successfully, experiments were conduct to evaluate fermentation quality and nutritive value of rice straw silages ensiled with or without sweet potato vine. Paddy rice straw (PR) and upland rice straw (UP) were ensiled alone or with sweet potato vines (SP) by a ratio of 1:1 (fresh matter basis), over 3 years. Compared with rice straw silages ensiled alone, the mixed‐material silages (PR + SP, UR + SP) showed higher fermentation quality with lower propionic acid content and NH3‐N ratio of total N, and higher (P < 0.05) concentrations of lactic acid and acetic acid, resulting in decrease (P < 0.05) of dry matter loss and higher (P < 0.05) in vitro ruminal dry matter digestion. When the fermentation quality, chemical composition and in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics were considered, ensiling would be an effective way of utilization of rice straw and sweet potato vines in the regions where rice and sweet potato are harvested at same season, and the sweet potato vines have the potential to improve rice straw fermentation quality with low water soluble carbohydrate content in south of China.
Sevuparin binds to multiple adhesive ligands and reduces sickle red blood cell‐induced vaso‐occlusion
Authors: Telen Marilyn J. , Batchvarova Milena , Shan Siqing , Bovee‐Geurts Petra H. , Zennadi Rahima , Leitgeb Anna , Brock Roland , Lindgren Maria
Published: August 2016

Sevuparin is a novel drug candidate in phase II development as a treatment for vaso‐occlusive crises (VOC) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). As a heparin‐derived polysaccharide, sevuparin has been designed to retain anti‐adhesive properties, while the antithrombin‐binding domains have been eliminated, substantially diminishing its anticoagulant activity. Here, we demonstrate that sevuparin inhibits the adhesion of human sickle red blood cells (SS‐RBCs) to stimulated cultured endothelial cells in vitro. Importantly, sevuparin prevents vaso‐occlusion and normalizes blood flow in an in vivo mouse model of SCD vaso‐occlusion. Analyses by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) demonstrate that sevuparin binds to P‐ and L‐selectins, thrombospondin, fibronectin and von Willebrand factor, all of which are thought to contribute to vaso‐occlusion in SCD. Despite low anticoagulation activity, sevuparin has anti‐adhesive efficacy similar to the low molecular weight heparin tinzaparin both in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that the anti‐adhesive properties rather than the anticoagulant effects of heparinoids are critical for the treatment of vaso‐occlusion in SCD. Therefore, sevuparin is now being evaluated in SCD patients hospitalized for treatment of VOC.
‘What Does Donor Mean to a Four‐Year‐Old?’: Initial Insights into Young Children's Perspectives in Solo Mother Families
Authors: Zadeh Sophie , Freeman Tabitha , Golombok Susan
Published: August 2016

This study reports on the questions, thoughts and feelings of children aged 4–9 conceived by donor insemination to single mothers. Fifty‐one mothers and 47 children from the same families were each administered a semi‐structured interview. Mothers generally reported that while children either lack understanding, or have not yet been told, about their donor conception, they may be thinking and talking about the absence of a father. Most children did not mention either donor conception or father absence and reported positive feelings about their families and friendships. Possible explanations for the discrepancy between mothers’ and children's reports are discussed.
Cell‐to‐cell communication in guided bone regeneration: molecular and cellular mechanisms
Authors: Gruber Reinhard , Stadlinger Bernd , Terheyden Hendrik
Published: August 2016

This overview provides insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in guided bone regeneration, in particular focusing on aspects presented in the 3D movie, Cell‐To‐Cell Communication in Guided Bone Regeneration. The information presented here is based almost exclusively on genetic mouse models in which single genes can be deleted or overexpressed, even in a specific cell type. This information needs to be extrapolated to humans and related to aspects relevant to graft consolidation under the clinical parameters of guided bone regeneration. The overview follows the ground tenor of the Cell‐To‐Cell Communication series and focuses on aspects of cell‐to‐cell communication in bone regeneration and guided bone regeneration. Here, we discuss (1) the role of inflammation during bone regeneration, including (2) the importance of the fibrin matrix, and (3) the pleiotropic functions of macrophages. We highlight (4) the origin of bone‐forming osteoblasts and bone‐resorbing osteoclasts as well as (5) what causes a progenitor cell to mature into an effector cell. (6) We touch on the complex bone adaptation and maintenance after graft consolidation and (7) how osteocytes control this process. Finally, we speculate on (8) how barrier membranes and the augmentation material can modulate graft consolidation.
A rare cutaneous adnexal neoplasm: cystic panfolliculoma
Authors: Neill Brett , Bingham Colby , Braudis Kara , Zurowski Susan
Published: August 2016

A cystic panfolliculoma is a benign follicular neoplasm which recapitulates several portions of the hair follicle. The patient was a 64‐year‐old Caucasian female who presented with a new growth on her right forearm. The lesion had slowly enlarged over the previous 11 months. She complained of it bleeding on several occasions and being very tender when touched. On exam was an 8 mm firm pink papule which appeared slightly eroded. The growth was excised in clinic. Histology showed a well‐circumscribed neoplasm with foci of matrical, infundibular, inner and outer root sheath differentiation. A BerEp3 labeled focal areas of follicular germinative differentiation at the periphery of the proliferation. The lesion was narrowly excised in the available planes of section. The surgical site healed well and there are no residual symptoms from the tumor.
Dapagliflozin once‐daily and exenatide once‐weekly dual therapy: A 24‐week randomized, placebo‐controlled, phase II study examining effects on body weight and prediabetes in obese adults without diabetes
Authors: Lundkvist Per , Sjöström C. David , Amini Sam , Pereira Maria J. , Johnsson Eva , Eriksson Jan W.
Published: August 2016

Aims

To explore the effects of dual therapy with dapagliflozin and exenatide on body weight, body composition, glycaemic variables and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in obese adults without diabetes.

Materials and methods

In this single‐centre, double‐blind trial, we randomized 50 obese adults without diabetes (aged 18–70 years; body mass index 30–45 kg/m2) to oral dapagliflozin 10 mg once daily plus subcutaneous long‐acting exenatide 2 mg once weekly or placebo. MRI was used to assess change in body composition. Participants were instructed to follow a balanced diet and exercise moderately.

Results

Of 25 dapagliflozin/exenatide‐ and 25 placebo‐treated participants, 23 (92.0%) and 20 (80.0%) completed 24 weeks of treatment, respectively. At baseline, the mean participant age was 52 years, 61% were female, the mean body weight was 104.6 kg, and 73.5% of participants had prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance). After 24 weeks, for dapagliflozin/exenatide versus placebo: the difference in body weight change was −4.13 kg (95% confidence interval −6.44, −1.81; P < .001), which was mostly attributable to adipose tissue reduction without lean tissue change; 36.0% versus 4.2% of participants achieved ≥5% body weight loss, respectively; and prediabetes was less frequent with active treatment (34.8% vs 85.0%, respectively; P < .01). The difference in SBP change for dapagliflozin/exenatide versus placebo was −6.7 mm Hg. As expected, nausea and injection‐site reactions were more frequent with dapagliflozin/exenatide than with placebo. Only two and three participants, respectively, discontinued because of adverse events.

Conclusions

Compared with placebo, dapagliflozin/exenatide dual therapy reduced body weight, frequency of prediabetes and SBP over 24 weeks and was well tolerated in obese adults without diabetes.
Sugar landscapes and pollinator‐mediated interactions in plant communities
Authors: Nottebrock Henning , Schmid Baptiste , Mayer Katharina , Devaux Céline , Esler Karen J. , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin , Schleuning Matthias , Pagel Jörn , Schurr Frank M.
Published: August 2016

Pollinator‐mediated interactions between plants can play an important role for the dynamics of plant communities. Pollination services depend on the abundance and the foraging behaviour of pollinators, which in turn respond to the availability and distribution of floral resources (notably nectar sugar). However, it is still insufficiently understood how the ‘sugar landscapes’ provided by flowering plant communities shape pollinator‐mediated interactions between multiple plant species and across different spatial scales. A better understanding of pollinator‐mediated interactions requires an integrative approach that quantifies different aspects of sugar landscapes and investigates their relative importance for pollinator behaviour and plant reproductive success. In this study, we quantified such sugar landscapes from individual‐based maps of Protea shrub communities in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. The 27 study sites of 4 ha each jointly comprise 127 993 individuals of 19 species. We analysed how rates of visitation by key bird pollinators and the seed set of plants respond to different aspects of sugar landscapes: the distribution of nectar sugar amounts, as well as their quality, taxonomic purity and phenology. We found that pollinator visitation rates strongly depended on phenological variation of site‐scale sugar amounts. The seed set of focal plants increased with nectar sugar amounts of conspecific neighbours and with site‐scale sugar amounts. Seed set increased particularly strongly if site‐scale sugar amounts were provided by plants that offer less sugar per inflorescence. These combined effects of the amount, quality, purity and phenological variation of nectar sugar show that nectar sugar is a common interaction currency that determines how multiple plant species interact via shared pollinators. The responses of pollinator‐mediated interactions to different aspects of this interaction currency alter conditions for species coexistence in Protea communities and may cause community‐level Allee effects that promote extinction cascades.
Bumble bee species exhibit divergent responses to urbanisation in a Southern California landscape
Authors: SCHOCHET AMANDA B. , HUNG KENG‐LOU J. , HOLWAY DAVID A.
Published: August 2016

1. Bees are ecologically important pollinators that are threatened by disease, habitat degradation, and habitat loss. Bee species that share ecological traits (e.g. body size, diet breadth, and sociality) may often respond similarly to environmental disturbance; however, few studies have examined the extent to which closely related, ecologically similar species exhibit divergent responses to the same forms of disturbance.

2. In the present study, the responses of bumble bees (Apidae: genus Bombus) to urbanization are examined by combining field surveys with the quantification of local‐ and landscape‐level variables using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). During the spring and summer of 2012 and 2013, 57, bumble bees were surveyed in 1‐ha plots in San Diego County, California that spanned a gradient of urbanisation. Species‐level, occurrence (presence/absence) data and logistic regressions were then used to identify determinants of Bombus occurrence across this landscape.

3. Approximately 1000 Bombus individuals belonging to three species were observed: B. californicus Smith, B. melanopygus Cresson, and B. vosnesenskii Radoszkowski. The occurrence of all Bombus species was negatively related to impermeable surface cover within study plots, but species responded uniquely to other plot‐scale variables and exhibited distinctive patterns of scale‐dependency with respect to impermeable surface cover surrounding plots.

4. Urbanisation negatively affected all three focal bumble bee species in this study. Species‐specific responses to plot‐scale and landscape‐scale variables presumably reflect interspecific trait differences (e.g. body size, tongue length, and foraging behaviour). Unique responses to urbanisation caution against pooling species into functional groups based merely on taxonomic relationships or perceived ecological similarities.
Revisiting the Mediating Effect of Entrepreneurial Behaviour on Proactiveness – Performance Relationship: The Role of Business Ties and Competitive Intensity
Authors: Yeniaras Volkan , Unver Suheyl
Published: August 2016

Drawing on previous literature proposing that entrepreneurial orientation (EO) – performance relationship is mediated by entrepreneurial activity, we examine the mediating role that exploratory and exploitative innovation plays in proactiveness‐new product performance association. We complement the literature concerning the EO‐performance relationship with the introduction of business ties and competitive intensity that the mediation effect is conditioned to. While data from 344 small‐medium enterprises indicate the mediation effects, we provide empirical evidence that these mediation effects are conditional to the strategic resources and external stimuli. In this context, whereas the mediation effect of exploratory innovation in the proactiveness‐new product performance relationship is not conditional to either business ties or competitive intensity, we show that exploitative innovation mediates this relationship only in the presence of business ties irrespective of competitive intensity level.
Exploring the Trajectory of an Educational Innovation: Instructors’ Attitudes Toward IPA Implementation in a Postsecondary Intensive Summer Language Program
Authors: Martel Jason , Bailey Kathleen M.
Published: August 2016

To date, research on the Integrated Performance Assessment (IPA) has focused principally on student performance, largely neglecting the experiences of instructors. This is a substantial gap, for it is instructors who are responsible for both designing and administering the IPA. The present study, therefore, used concepts from the literature on educational innovations to investigate instructors’ attitudes toward summative IPA use in a postsecondary intensive summer language program, a context that is novel to research on the IPA. Findings include attitudes toward standardizing task procedures, using the IPA rubrics and assigning grades, and the sustainability of the innovation in the program. Based on these data, the authors call for the continued development of IPAs whose content/context correspond with the adult intellect, in addition to further research on IPA implementation and adaptation across a range of program types.
Yield responses of wild C3 and C4 crop progenitors to subambient CO2: a test for the role of CO2 limitation in the origin of agriculture
Authors: Cunniff Jennifer , Jones Glynis , Charles Michael , Osborne Colin P.
Published: August 2016

Limitation of plant productivity by the low partial pressure of atmospheric CO2 (Ca) experienced during the last glacial period is hypothesized to have been an important constraint on the origins of agriculture. In support of this hypothesis, previous work has shown that glacial Ca limits vegetative growth in the wild progenitors of both C3 and C4 founder crops. Here, we present data showing that glacial Ca also reduces grain yield in both crop types. We grew four wild progenitors of C3 (einkorn wheat and barley) and C4 crops (foxtail and broomcorn millets) at glacial and postglacial Ca, measuring grain yield and the morphological and physiological components contributing to these yield changes. The C3 species showed a significant increase in unthreshed grain yield of ~50% with the glacial to postglacial increase in Ca, which matched the stimulation of photosynthesis, suggesting that increases in photosynthesis are directly translated into yield at subambient levels of Ca. Increased yield was controlled by a higher rate of tillering, leading to a larger number of tillers bearing fertile spikes, and increases in seed number and size. The C4 species showed smaller, but significant, increases in grain yield of 10–15%, arising from larger seed numbers and sizes. Photosynthesis was enhanced by Ca in only one C4 species and the effect diminished during development, suggesting that an indirect mechanism mediated by plant water relations could also be playing a role in the yield increase. Interestingly, the C4 species at glacial Ca showed some evidence that photosynthetic capacity was upregulated to enhance carbon capture. Development under glacial Ca also impacted negatively on the subsequent germination and viability of seeds. These results suggest that the grain production of both C3 and C4 crop progenitors was limited by the atmospheric conditions of the last glacial period, with important implications for the origins of agriculture.