bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Titanium T-Plate as a Platform for Globe Stabilization in Acquired Nystagmus and Oscillopsia Without a Null Zone
Authors: Tse Brian C. , McKeown Craig A. , Tse David T.
Published: July 2016

A 49-year-old woman with debilitating nystagmus and oscillopsia failed conservative therapy. A titanium T-plate was anchored to the lateral orbital rim and cantilevered into the orbit where it was secured to the inferior rectus muscle tendon with a suture. After the procedure was performed on both eyes, the patient had significant decreases in the amplitudes of her nystagmus and oscillopsia, thereby improving her daily function. She had sustained duration of effect through 7 years of follow up. This novel surgical technique holds promise in the treatment of acquired nystagmus and debilitating oscillopsia for which conventional therapy may be ineffective. The case report is in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
Monitoring microcirculation in critical illness
Authors: Kara Atila , Akin Sakir , Ince Can
Published: July 2016

Purpose of review

Critical illness includes a wide range of conditions from sepsis to high-risk surgery. All these diseases are characterized by reduced tissue oxygenation. Macrohemodynamic parameters may be corrected by fluids and/or vasoactive compounds; however, the microcirculation and its tissues may be damaged and remain hypoperfused. An evaluation of microcirculation may enable more physiologically based approaches for understanding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of critically ill patients.

Recent findings

Microcirculation plays a pivotal role in delivering oxygen to the cells and maintains tissue perfusion. Negative results of several studies, based on conventional hemodynamic resuscitation procedures to achieve organ perfusion and decrease morbidity and mortality following conditions of septic shock and other cardiovascular compromise, have highlighted the need to monitor microcirculation. The loss of hemodynamic coherence between the macrocirculation and microcirculation, wherein improvement of hemodynamic variables of the systemic circulation does not cause a parallel improvement of microcirculatory perfusion and oxygenation of the essential organ systems, may explain why these studies have failed.

Critical illness is usually accompanied by abnormalities in microcirculation and tissue hypoxia. Direct monitoring of sublingual microcirculation using hand-held microscopy may provide a more physiological approach. Evaluating the coherence between macrocirculation and microcirculation in response to therapy seems to be essential in evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic interventions.
Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome type 2: report of nine new cases that extend the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum
Authors: Hamilton Mark J. , Newbury-Ecob Ruth , Holder-Espinasse Muriel , Yau Shu , Lillis Suzanne , Hurst Jane A. , Clement Emma , Reardon William , Joss Shelagh , Hobson Emma , Blyth Moira , Al-Shehhi Maryam , Lynch Sally A. , Suri Mohnish
Published: July 2016

Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome (RTS) is an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by growth deficiency, broad thumbs and great toes, intellectual disability and characteristic craniofacial appearance. Mutations in CREBBP account for around 55% of cases, with a further 8% attributed to the paralogous gene EP300. Comparatively few reports exist describing the phenotype of Rubinstein–Taybi because of EP300 mutations. Clinical and genetic data were obtained from nine patients from the UK and Ireland with pathogenic EP300 mutations, identified either by targeted testing or by exome sequencing. All patients had mild or moderate intellectual impairment. Behavioural or social difficulties were noted in eight patients, including three with autistic spectrum disorders. Typical dysmorphic features of Rubinstein–Taybi were only variably present. Additional observations include maternal pre-eclampsia (2/9), syndactyly (3/9), feeding or swallowing issues (3/9), delayed bone age (2/9) and scoliosis (2/9). Six patients had truncating mutations in EP300, with pathogenic missense mutations identified in the remaining three. The findings support previous observations that microcephaly, maternal pre-eclampsia, mild growth restriction and a mild to moderate intellectual disability are key pointers to the diagnosis of EP300-related RTS. Variability in the presence of typical facial features of Rubinstein–Taybi further highlights clinical heterogeneity, particularly among patients identified by exome sequencing. Features that overlap with Floating–Harbor syndrome, including craniofacial dysmorphism and delayed osseous maturation, were observed in three patients. Previous reports have only described mutations predicted to cause haploinsufficiency of EP300, whereas this cohort includes the first described pathogenic missense mutations in EP300.
Diagnostic Accuracy of the Combination of Clinical Symptoms and CT or MR Angiography in Patients With Chronic Gastrointestinal Ischemia
Authors: Harki Jihan , Vergouwe Yvonne , Spoor Johannes A. , Mensink Peter B. , Bruno Marco J. , van Noord Désirée , Kuipers Ernst J. , Tjwa Eric T.T.L.
Published: July 2016

Background:

No golden diagnostic standard is available to diagnose chronic gastrointestinal ischemia (CGI).

Goals:

We aimed to establish an accurate prediction model for CGI, based on clinical symptoms and radiologic evaluation of the amount of stenosis in the celiac artery (CA) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) by means of computed tomography-angiography or magnetic resonance (MR)-angiography.

Study:

We prospectively included 436 consecutive patients with clinical suspicion of CGI in a tertiary referral center. Predictors for CGI were obtained by comparing clinical parameters to the diagnosis of CGI. Multivariable logistic regression was used to combine the strongest predictors in a model. A score chart based on the prediction model was provided to calculate the risk of CGI.

Results:

CGI was present in 171/436 (39%) patients (67 y; range, 54 to 74 y; 27% male). Strongest predictors for CGI were female gender [odds ratio (OR)=1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.85-2.43], weight loss (OR=1.63, 95% CI, 0.98-2.72), concomitant cardiovascular disease (OR=1.70, 95% CI, 1.04-2.78), duration of symptoms (OR=0.88, 95% CI, 0.79-0.99), and stenosis of CA and SMA (50% to 70% stenosis CA: OR=1.33, 95% CI, 0.56-3.19; >70% stenosis CA: OR=5.79, 95% CI, 3.42-9.81; 50% to 70% stenosis SMA: OR=3.21, 95% CI, 0.81-12.74; >70% stenosis SMA: OR=4.39, 95% CI, 2.30-8.41). A model based on clinical symptoms alone showed limited discriminative ability for diagnosing CGI (c-statistic 0.62). Adding radiologic imaging of the mesenteric arteries improved the discriminative ability (c-statistic 0.79).

Conclusions:

Clinical symptoms alone are insufficient to predict the risk of CGI. Radiologic evaluation of the mesenteric arteries is essential. This tool may be useful for clinicians to assess the risk of CGI and to decide whether further diagnostic work-up for CGI is needed.
A Systematic Review Assessing Medical Treatment for Rectovaginal and Enterovesical Fistulae in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Kaimakliotis Pavlos , Simillis Constantinos , Harbord Marcus , Kontovounisios Christos , Rasheed Shahnawaz , Tekkis Paris P.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Rectovaginal and enterovesical fistulae are difficult to treat in patients with Crohn’s disease. Currently, there is no consensus regarding their appropriate management.

Aim of the Study:

The aim of the study was to review the literature on the medical management of rectovaginal and enterovesical fistulae in Crohn’s disease and to assess their response to treatment.

Method:

A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, and Cochrane was performed.

Results:

Twenty-three studies were identified, reporting on 137 rectovaginal and 44 enterovesical fistulae. The overall response rates of rectovaginal fistulae to medical therapy were: 38.3% complete response (fistula closure), 22.3% partial response, and 39.4% no response. For enterovesical fistulae the response rates to medical therapy were: 65.9% complete response, 20.5% partial response, and 13.6% no response. Specifically, response to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy of 78 rectovaginal fistulae was: 41.0% complete response, 21.8% partial response, and 37.2% no response. Response of 14 enterovesical fistulae to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy was: 57.1% complete response, 35.7% partial response, and 7.1% no response. The response to a combination of medical and surgical therapy in 43 rectovaginal fistulae was: 44.2% complete response, 20.9% partial response, and 34.9% no response.

Conclusions:

Medical therapy, alone or in combination with surgery, appears to benefit some patients with rectovaginal or enterovesical fistula. However, given the small size and low quality of the published studies, it is still difficult to draw conclusions regarding treatment. Larger, better quality studies are required to assess response to medical treatment and evaluate indications for surgery.
Disturbances of sleep and circadian rhythms: novel risk factors for obesity
Authors: Broussard Josiane L. , Van Cauter Eve
Published: July 2016

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to summarize recent developments linking disturbances of sleep and circadian rhythms to an increased risk for obesity, and to review novel research on potential countermeasures.

Recent findings

Effective treatments for obesity are limited, with long-term adherence to lifestyle changes proving difficult to maintain. Identifying new preventive strategies based on modifiable risk factors is therefore imperative in the fight against obesity. Disturbances of sleep and circadian rhythms have an adverse impact on food choices, hunger and appetite, and have lifelong deleterious metabolic consequences when they occur during childhood and early adulthood. The upregulation of the endocannabinoid system and abnormalities in the temporal distribution of caloric intake were recently implicated in the link between sleep loss and obesity risk. In addition, alterations in circadian variation in the composition and functionality of the gut microbiome have been identified as potential contributors to metabolic dysfunction during jet lag and shift work. Insufficient sleep and circadian misalignment are thus new modifiable risk factors for obesity. Emerging evidence suggests that novel countermeasures, such as manipulations of the timing of food intake, may be effective strategies in the prevention of obesity.

Four important findings are briefly reviewed: disturbances of sleep and circadian rhythms in children and young adults are risk factors for the development of lifelong obesity; circadian misalignment, as occurs in shift work, has an adverse impact on energy balance and increases the risk of weight gain; the endocannabinoid system, an important regulator of hedonic feeding, could be a potential link between sleep, circadian rhythms, and feeding behavior; and disturbances of the circadian variation in composition of the gut microbiome may be involved in the increased risk of obesity associated with insufficient sleep and circadian misalignment.
Emergency department-based interventions for women suffering domestic abuse: a critical literature review
Authors: Ansari Sereena , Boyle Adrian
Published: July 2016

Domestic abuse represents a serious public health and human rights concern. Interventions to reduce the risk of abuse include staff training and standardized documentation improving detection and adherence to referral pathways. Interventional studies have been conducted in primary care, maternity and outpatient settings. Women disclosing abuse in emergency departments differ from women attending other healthcare settings, and it is unclear whether these interventions can be transferred to the emergency care setting. This review examines interventional studies to evaluate the effectiveness of emergency department-based interventions in reducing domestic abuse-related morbidity. Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library were searched, according to prespecified selection criteria. Study quality was assessed using the Jadad scale. Of 273 search results, nine were eligible for review. Interventions involving staff training demonstrated benefits in subjective measures, such as staff knowledge regarding abuse, but no changes in clinical practice, based on detection and referral rates. When staff training was implemented in conjunction with supporting system changes – for example, standardized documentation for assessment and referral – clinically relevant improvements were noted. Interventions centred around staff training are insufficient to bring about improvements in the management and, thus, outcome of patients suffering abuse. Instead, system changes, such as standardized documentation and referral pathways, supported by training, may bring about beneficial changes. It remains uncertain whether surrogate outcomes employed by most studies translate to changes in abuse-related morbidity: the ultimate goal.
Safety and Benefits of Bronchoalveolar Lavage and Lung Biopsy in the Management of Pulmonary Infiltrates in Children With Leukemia
Authors: Elbahlawan Lama M. , Avent Yvonne , Montoya Libby , Wilder Keith , Pei Deqing , Cheng Cheng , Morrison R. R. , Jeha Sima
Published: July 2016

Background:

Children with leukemia are at risk of developing life-threatening opportunistic pulmonary infections. The role of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung biopsy (BX) in the management of these patients is controversial. In this study, we evaluate the yield and safety of BAL and BX in children with leukemia.

Procedure:

We reviewed the records of all children with leukemia who underwent either BAL or BX between 1997 and 2007 at the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Results:

A total of 64 patients were included, of whom 35 (55%) had BX and 29 (45%) had BAL. Positive results were obtained in 69% of BAL cohort and in 46% of BX cohort. Both procedures resulted in change in antimicrobial coverage (77% in BX, 83% in BAL). Pulmonary hemorrhage occurred in 2 patients, and transient hypoxia was the most frequent complication. All resolved without negatively impacting the clinical course.

Conclusions:

Both BAL and BX are safe and useful in the management of children with leukemia and pulmonary disease.
Development of Quality Metrics to Evaluate Pediatric Hematologic Oncology Care in the Outpatient Setting
Authors: Teichman Jennifer , Punnett Angela , Gupta Sumit
Published: July 2016

There are currently no clinic-level quality of care metrics for outpatient pediatric oncology. We sought to develop a list of quality of care metrics for a leukemia-lymphoma (LL) clinic using a consensus process that can be adapted to other clinic settings. Medline-Ovid was searched for quality indicators relevant to pediatric oncology. A provisional list of 27 metrics spanning 7 categories was generated and circulated to a Consensus Group (CG) of LL clinic medical and nursing staff. A Delphi process comprising 2 rounds of ranking generated consensus on a final list of metrics. Consensus was defined as ≥70% of CG members ranking a metric within 2 consecutive scores. In round 1, 19 of 27 (70%) metrics reached consensus. CG members’ comments resulted in 4 new metrics and revision of 8 original metrics. All 31 metrics were included in round 2. Twenty-four of 31 (77%) metrics reached consensus after round 2. Thirteen were chosen for the final list based on highest scores and eliminating redundancy. These included: patient communication/education; pain management; delay in access to clinical psychology, documentation of chemotherapy, of diagnosis/extent of disease, of treatment plan and of follow-up scheme; referral to transplant; radiation exposure during follow-up; delay until chemotherapy; clinic cancellations; and school attendance. This study provides a model of quality metric development that other clinics may use for local use. The final metrics will be used for ongoing quality improvement in the LL clinic.
Renal Thrombotic Microangiopathy in Proliferative Lupus Nephritis: Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Barrera-Vargas Ana , Rosado-Canto Rodrigo , Merayo-Chalico Javier , Arreola-Guerra José M. , Mejía-Vilet Juan M. , Correa-Rotter Ricardo , Gómez-Martín Diana , Alcocer-Varela Jorge
Published: July 2016

Background

Renal thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) may be associated with lupus nephritis. Its relationship to other disease factors and its specific effect on prognosis are not precisely known. Evidence regarding these aspects is controversial, and information focusing on kidney-limited TMA in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients is scarce.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to identify risk factors for renal TMA in patients with lupus nephritis and to determine its impact on clinical outcomes.

Methods

A case-control study was performed. We studied 245 renal biopsies from SLE patients. We included patients with renal TMA, as well as control subjects adjusted for glomerulonephritis class, estimated glomerular filtration rate, activity and chronicity indices, and follow-up time. Serological and clinical features were measured at the time of the biopsy and during follow-up.

Results

Twenty-three patients with renal TMA and 21 control subjects were included. There were no differences in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index score, end-stage renal disease, or mortality between groups during follow-up. After multivariate analysis, lymphopenia (odds ratio, 10.69; 95% CI, 1.35–84.74) and anti-Ro antibody positivity (odds ratio, 8.96; 95% CI, 1.49–53.57) remained significantly associated with renal TMA.

Conclusions

Lymphopenia and anti-Ro positivity are independent risk factors for renal TMA in SLE patients. This increased risk could be a consequence of the potential role of these factors in endothelial dysfunction and damage. Outcomes were similar for patients with the same estimated glomerular filtration rate and biopsy characteristics, regardless of the presence of TMA.
Experience With and Attitudes Toward Psychotherapy and Antidepressants Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Authors: Mikocka-Walus Antonina , Andrews Jane M.
Published: July 2016

This study aimed to explore and compare experiences with and attitudes toward psychotherapy and antidepressants of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGiDs). Patients from gastroenterology clinic databases were invited to an online survey. Student's t test, Mann–Whitney U test, chi-square test, and Fisher's test were used to compare patients with IBD and FGiD on demographics and variables of interest. Of 86 participants, 56 (65%) had IBD and 30 (35%) had FGiDs. Mean levels of anxiety, depressive, and stress symptoms were within the moderate to severe range. Psychological care and antidepressants were offered to significantly more FGiD than to IBD respondents (37% vs. 9%; p = .009). Although the symptoms were generally reduced after the prescription of antidepressants, only 30% of IBD respondents and 21% of FGiD respondents using antidepressants would recommend them to others. In contrast, 53% of IBD respondents and 69% of FGiD respondents who used psychotherapy would recommend it to others. Both these therapies were valued by recipients; however, neither was reported to improve gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Given the high desire for and positive experiences of psychological care for these 2 common GI conditions, access to formal psychological support services within GI clinics would appear to be the most efficient model.
Foley Catheters as Temporary Gastrostomy Tubes
Authors: Metussin Adli , Sia Rusanah , Bakar Suriawati , Chong Vui Heng
Published: July 2016

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube is the modality of choice for long-term enteral nutrition. In the event that replacement tubes are not available, urinary catheters can be used to maintain patency of the gastrostomy tract. This study reports our experience in a nurse-led service using Foley catheters as temporary gastrostomy tubes and the associated complications. Patients who had used Foley catheter as gastrostomy tube over a 2-year period (Jan 2011 to December 2012) were studied. Twenty-one patients had used Foley catheters as a temporary gastrostomy tube, and 12 (57.4%) did not experience any complications, including three patients who were still using Foley catheters at a median of 15 months (range 3–18). Two patients preferred the Foley catheter as feeding tubes. Six patients had replacements with formal balloon replacement tubes, and two patients did not require replacement. Complications occurred in nine (42.6%) patients: repeated burst Foley catheter balloon with peristomal leakage (n = 4), lumen blockage (n = 1), and catheter migration resulting in small bowel obstruction (n = 4). All complications were successfully managed with tube replacements. We showed that in a nurse-led service, using a Foley catheter as a temporary feeding gastrostomy tube is safe, but requires monitoring for complications.
Medical Management of Sexual Dysfunction in the Aging Male
Authors: Rubin Rachel S. , Goldstein Irwin
Published: July 2016

As life expectancy improves, men and women are trying to preserve their sexuality into old age. Chronic medical conditions, polypharmacy, and physical constraints can make sexual dysfunction a common complaint in this aging population. This review focuses on common causes of sexual dysfunction in the aging male, and discusses safe and effective medical management strategies.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Rehabilitation to Improve Sexual Function in Geriatric Men
Authors: Kirages Daniel J. , Johnson Eileen V.
Published: July 2016

Background:

There is a growing population of geriatric men experiencing sexual health concerns. These issues may stem from surgical interventions of the prostate gland, age-related changes affecting erectile dysfunction, or other concerns.

Objectives:

To illuminate the male sexual dysfunctions lessened via pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation and proper education to assist clinicians in achieving positive patient outcomes.

Methods:

The literature was reviewed from 1996 to 2015 using PubMed.

Results:

Effective conservative care strategies exist for appropriate patients via pelvic floor muscle therapy, manual therapy, education regarding cardiovascular health, and triage to psychological and sexual counseling.

Conclusion:

Efficacy is present for this population, but some conditions are more effectively treated conservatively than others.
Physical Therapy Management of Chronic Testicular Pain Impacting Sexual Function
Authors: Horton Ramona C.
Published: July 2016

Chronic testicular pain creates a significant negative impact on a patient's quality of life, which includes impaired function and desire for sexual activity. Failure to correctly identify the origin of testicular and scrotal pain and a poor response to long-term medications and invasive procedures such as orchiectomy lead to increased psychological and financial burden for the patient and medical system. Overlooked origins of testicular pain may be a result of musculoskeletal dysfunction within the thoracolumbar, thigh, pelvis, abdomen, and hip. This article describes the successful management of chronic testicular pain that interfered with sleep and sexual function of a 74-year-old man.
Female Sexual Function and Aging
Authors: Kellogg Spadt Susan , Kusturiss Elizabeth
Published: July 2016

Sexuality is an integrated, unique type of personal expression that includes physiologic and psychological processes inherent in sexual development. A multidimensional construct, human sexuality encompasses a view of oneself as a female and presentation of oneself as a woman, sexual desire, sexual response, and sexual orientation. A woman's sexuality is an important aspect of her health throughout the life span. Through her sexuality, a woman expresses her identity and her need for emotional and physical closeness with others. No 2 women express sexuality in exactly the same way. Sexuality need not be limited by age, attractiveness, partner availability or participation, or sexual orientation Expressed positively, sexuality can bring much pleasure, but it also has the potential to cause great pain. It is imperative that the medical professional have a complete understanding of the importance of their role in addressing female sexual dysfunction in the biopsychosocial context.
High Prevalence of Vitamin D Insufficiency in Farming and Nonfarming Populations in South Dakota
Authors: Weidauer Lee , McCormack Lacey , Gorres-Martens Brittany , Specker Bonny
Published: July 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of lifestyle (farming vs nonfarming), age, season, and percent body fat on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Serum 25-OHD concentrations were lower in winter than in summer and in older than in younger individuals. Dietary intake of vitamin D was associated with greater serum 25-OHD concentrations. A significant inverse relationship between PTH and 25-OHD was observed in older but not younger individuals. Trabecular volumetric bone mineral density was inversely associated with serum PTH, but not 25-OHD concentrations. Modern farm practices do not necessitate excessive sunlight exposure and that may help explain the lack of differences between farming and nonfarming populations.
Associations Between Tooth Loss, With or Without Dental Prostheses, and Malnutrition Risk in Older Adults
Authors: Zelig Rena , Touger-Decker Riva , Chung Mei , Byham-Gray Laura
Published: July 2016

A systematic review was conducted to investigate the associations between missing teeth, teeth replaced with dental prostheses, and malnutrition risk, as determined by the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), among community-dwelling older adults. A comprehensive search strategy was designed to identify studies published between 2000 and 2014 that met inclusion criteria. Searches were conducted in Medline, CINAHL, and Cochrane Libraries. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses guidelines were followed and risk-of-bias analyses were performed. Study data were abstracted and synthesized in narrative and summary tables. Of the 8 studies that met inclusion criteria, 5 found significant associations between MNA score and tooth loss. Those with fewer teeth/limited occlusion had lower MNA scores, hence were at greater risk for malnutrition than those with a greater number of teeth and/or more occluding teeth pairs. Provision of dentures to older adults was associated with significant increases in MNA scores. The studies reviewed support associations between tooth loss, replacement with prostheses, and malnutrition risk; individuals with more missing teeth and limited occlusion were at increased risk of malnutrition. Additional high-quality research seems warranted to substantiate a causal relationship between dental and nutritional status. Inadequate oral health and poor nutritional status are associated with increased mortality risk in older adults. Efforts to optimize oral health and nutritional status of older adults are needed.
Research Interest and Research Involvement Among US Registered Dietitian Nutritionists
Authors: Boyd Melinda , Byham-Gray Laura , Touger-Decker Riva , Marcus Andrea Fleish , King Carrie
Published: July 2016

Research is important for advancing the profession of dietetics. This secondary analysis explored relationships between US registered dietitian nutritionists' professional characteristics and research interest and involvement. Respondents (n = 580) had mean scores on the Interest in Research Questionnaire (IRQ) and the Dietitian Research Involvement Survey (DRIS) of 55.0 and 23.5 out of 80.0 and 60.0 points, respectively. Frequency of reading research (r = 0.298, P < .0001) was positively correlated with IRQ scores. A moderate positive correlation was found between IRQ and DRIS scores (r = 0.435, P < .0001). Registered dietitian nutritionists in clinical practice in the United States are more likely to be involved with research if they express more interest in research.
Richard Henry Dalitz. 28 February 1925 — 13 January 2006
Authors: Aitchison Ian J. R. , Smith Sir Chris Llewellyn
Published: July 2016

Richard (Dick) Henry Dalitz was a theoretical physicist whose principal contributions were intimately connected to some of the major breakthroughs of the twentieth century in particle and nuclear physics. His formulation of the ‘τ–θ’ puzzle led to the discovery that parity is not a symmetry of nature—the first of the assumed space-time symmetries to fail. He pioneered the theoretical study of hypernuclei, of strange baryon resonances, and of baryon spectroscopy in the quark model (at a time when many considered it ‘naive’), to all of which he made lasting contributions. The ‘Dalitz plot’ and ‘Dalitz pairs’ are part of the vocabulary of particle physics. Throughout his career he remained in close touch with many experimentalists, and he had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the data. Many of his papers were stimulated by experimental results and were concerned with their analysis and interpretation, work that often required the forging of new phenomenological tools; many also indicated what new experiments needed to be done. As a consequence, he was a theorist exceptionally valued by experimentalists. He created and ran a strong particle theory group at Oxford, which attracted many talented students and researchers, and which has continued to thrive.
Optimal switching between geocentric and egocentric strategies in navigation
Authors: Peleg O. , Mahadevan L.
Published: July 2016

Animals use a combination of egocentric navigation driven by the internal integration of environmental cues, interspersed with geocentric course correction and reorientation. These processes are accompanied by uncertainty in sensory acquisition of information, planning and execution. Inspired by observations of dung beetle navigational strategies that show switching between geocentric and egocentric strategies, we consider the question of optimal reorientation rates for the navigation of an agent moving along a preferred direction in the presence of multiple sources of noise. We address this using a model that takes the form of a correlated random walk at short time scales that is punctuated by reorientation events leading to a biased random walks at long time scales. This allows us to identify optimal alternation schemes and characterize their robustness in the context of noisy sensory acquisition as well as performance errors linked with variations in environmental conditions and agent–environment interactions.
Network connections, dyadic bonds and fitness in wild female baboons
Authors: Cheney Dorothy L. , Silk Joan B. , Seyfarth Robert M.
Published: July 2016

In many social mammals, females who form close, differentiated bonds with others experience greater offspring survival and longevity. We still know little, however, about how females' relationships are structured within the social group, or whether connections beyond the level of the dyad have any adaptive value. Here, we apply social network analysis to wild baboons in order to evaluate the comparative benefits of dyadic bonds against several network measures. Results suggest that females with strong dyadic bonds also showed high eigenvector centrality, a measure of the extent to which an individual's partners are connected to others in the network. Eigenvector centrality was a better predictor of offspring survival than dyadic bond strength. Previous results have shown that female baboons derive significant fitness benefits from forming close, stable bonds with several other females. Results presented here suggest that these benefits may be further augmented if a female's social partners are themselves well connected to others within the group rather than being restricted to a smaller clique.
North error estimation based on solar elevation errors in the third step of sky-polarimetric Viking navigation
Authors: Száz Dénes , Farkas Alexandra , Barta András , Kretzer Balázs , Egri Ádám , Horváth Gábor
Published: July 2016

The theory of sky-polarimetric Viking navigation has been widely accepted for decades without any information about the accuracy of this method. Previously, we have measured the accuracy of the first and second steps of this navigation method in psychophysical laboratory and planetarium experiments. Now, we have tested the accuracy of the third step in a planetarium experiment, assuming that the first and second steps are errorless. Using the fists of their outstretched arms, 10 test persons had to estimate the elevation angles (measured in numbers of fists and fingers) of black dots (representing the position of the occluded Sun) projected onto the planetarium dome. The test persons performed 2400 elevation estimations, 48% of which were more accurate than ±1°. We selected three test persons with the (i) largest and (ii) smallest elevation errors and (iii) highest standard deviation of the elevation error. From the errors of these three persons, we calculated their error function, from which the North errors (the angles with which they deviated from the geographical North) were determined for summer solstice and spring equinox, two specific dates of the Viking sailing period. The range of possible North errors Δ
ω
N
was the lowest and highest at low and high solar elevations, respectively. At high elevations, the maximal Δ
ω
N
was 35.6° and 73.7° at summer solstice and 23.8° and 43.9° at spring equinox for the best and worst test person (navigator), respectively. Thus, the best navigator was twice as good as the worst one. At solstice and equinox, high elevations occur the most frequently during the day, thus high North errors could occur more frequently than expected before. According to our findings, the ideal periods for sky-polarimetric Viking navigation are immediately after sunrise and before sunset, because the North errors are the lowest at low solar elevations.
Turbulent jet manipulation using two unsteady azimuthally separated radial minijets
Authors: Yang H. , Zhou Y. , So R. M. C. , Liu Y.
Published: July 2016

The active manipulation of a turbulent round jet is experimentally investigated based on the injection of two radial unsteady minijets, prior to the issue of the main jet. The parametric study is conducted for the mass flow ratio
C
m
of the minijets to the main jet, and the ratio
f
e
/
f
0
of the minijet frequency to the preferred-mode frequency of the main jet. It is found that the decay rate of the jet centreline mean velocity could be greatly increased if the two minijets are separated azimuthally by an angle
θ
=60°, instead of by
θ
=180°. This increase is a consequence of the flapping motion of the jet column, and the formation process and generation mechanism of this flapping motion are unveiled by careful analysis of the experimental data.
The impact of seasonality on niche breadth, distribution range and species richness: a theoretical exploration of Janzen's hypothesis
Authors: Hua Xia
Published: July 2016

Being invoked as one of the candidate mechanisms for the latitudinal patterns in biodiversity, Janzen's hypothesis states that the limited seasonal temperature variation in the tropics generates greater temperature stratification across elevations, which makes tropical species adapted to narrower ranges of temperatures and have lower effective dispersal across elevations than species in temperate regions. Numerous empirical studies have documented latitudinal patterns in species elevational ranges and thermal niche breadths that are consistent with the hypothesis, but the theoretical underpinnings remain unclear. This study presents the first mathematical model to examine the evolutionary processes that could back up Janzen's hypothesis and assess the effectiveness of limited seasonal temperature variation to promote speciation along elevation in the tropics. Results suggest that trade-offs in thermal tolerances provide a mechanism for Janzen's hypothesis. Limited seasonal temperature variation promotes gradient speciation not due to the reduction in gene flow that is associated with narrow thermal niche, but due to the pleiotropic effects of more stable divergent selection of thermal tolerance on the evolution of reproductive incompatibility. The proposed modelling approach also provides a potential way to test a speciation model against genetic data.
The price of being seen to be just: an intention signalling strategy for indirect reciprocity
Authors: Tanaka Hiroki , Ohtsuki Hisashi , Ohtsubo Yohsuke
Published: July 2016

Cooperation among strangers is a marked characteristic of human sociality. One prominent evolutionary explanation for this form of human cooperation is indirect reciprocity, whereby each individual selectively helps people with a ‘good’ reputation, but not those with a ‘bad’ reputation. Some evolutionary analyses have underscored the importance of second-order reputation information (the reputation of a current partner's previous partner) for indirect reciprocity as it allows players to discriminate justified ‘good’ defectors, who selectively deny giving help to ‘bad’ partners, from unjustified ‘bad’ defectors. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether people in fact make use of second-order information in indirect reciprocity settings. As an alternative, we propose the intention signalling strategy, whereby defectors are given the option to abandon a resource as a means of expunging their ‘bad’ reputation. Our model deviates from traditional modelling approaches in the indirect reciprocity literature in a crucial way—we show that first-order information is sufficient to maintain cooperation if players are given an option to signal their intention. Importantly, our model is robust against invasion by both unconditionally cooperative and uncooperative strategies, a first step towards demonstrating its viability as an evolutionarily stable strategy. Furthermore, in two behavioural experiments, when participants were given the option to abandon a resource so as to mend a tarnished reputation, participants not only spontaneously began to use this option, they also interpreted others' use of this option as a signal of cooperative intent.
Cultured Ostreococcus is cobalamin-independent
Authors: Pašek Mark Paul
Published: July 2016

The marine microalga Ostreococcus is considered to depend on the methionine synthase METH and its methylated cobalamin cofactor for methionine synthesis because it lacks METE, the methylcobalamin-independent methionine synthase. Here I describe minimal media lacking both biotin and cobalamin yet suitable for growth of cultured Ostreococcus.
Feedforward and feedback frequency-dependent interactions in a large-scale laminar network of the primate cortex
Authors: Mejias Jorge F. , Murray John D. , Kennedy Henry , Wang Xiao-Jing
Published: July 2016

Interactions between top-down and bottom-up processes in the cerebral cortex hold the key to understanding predictive coding, executive control and a gamut of other brain functions. The underlying circuit mechanism, however, remains poorly understood and represents a major challenge in neuroscience. In the present work we tackled this problem using a large-scale computational model of the primate cortex constrained by new directed and weighted connectivity data. In our model, the interplay between feedforward and feedback signaling depends on the cortical laminar structure and involves complex dynamics across multiple (intra-laminar, inter-laminar, inter-areal and whole cortex) scales. The model was tested by reproducing, and shedding insights into, a wide range of neurophysiological findings about frequency-dependent interactions between visual cortical areas: feedforward pathways are associated with enhanced gamma (30-70 Hz) oscillations, whereas feedback projections selectively modulate alpha/low beta (8-15 Hz) oscillations. We found that in order for the model to account for the experimental observations, the feedback projection needs to predominantly target infragranular layers in a target area, which leads to a proposed circuit substrate for predictive coding. The model reproduces a functional hierarchy based on frequency-dependent Granger causality analysis of inter-areal signaling, as reported in recent monkey and human experiments. Taken together, this work highlights the importance of multi-scale approaches and provides a modeling platform for studies of large-scale brain circuit dynamics and functions.
Synchrotron X-ray footprinting as a method to visualize water in proteins
Authors: Gupta Sayan , Feng Jun , Chan Leanne Jade G. , Petzold Christopher J. , Ralston Corie Y.
Published: July 2016

The vast majority of biomolecular processes are controlled or facilitated by water interactions. In enzymes, regulatory proteins, membrane-bound receptors and ion-channels, water bound to functionally important residues creates hydrogen-bonding networks that underlie the mechanism of action of the macromolecule. High-resolution X-ray structures are often difficult to obtain with many of these classes of proteins because sample conditions, such as the necessity of detergents, often impede crystallization. Other biophysical techniques such as neutron scattering, nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy are useful for studying internal water, though each has its own advantages and drawbacks, and often a hybrid approach is required to address important biological problems associated with protein–water interactions. One major area requiring more investigation is the study of bound water molecules which reside in cavities and channels and which are often involved in both the structural and functional aspects of receptor, transporter and ion channel proteins. In recent years, significant progress has been made in synchrotron-based radiolytic labeling and mass spectroscopy techniques for both the identification of bound waters and for characterizing the role of water in protein conformational changes at a high degree of spatial and temporal resolution. Here the latest developments and future capabilities of this method for investigating water–protein interactions and its synergy with other synchrotron-based methods are discussed.
Characterization of the NTPR and BD1 interacting domains of the human PICH–BEND3 complex
Authors: Pitchai Ganesha P. , Hickson Ian D. , Streicher Werner , Montoya Guillermo , Mesa Pablo
Published: July 2016

Chromosome integrity depends on DNA structure-specific processing complexes that resolve DNA entanglement between sister chromatids. If left unresolved, these entanglements can generate either chromatin bridging or ultrafine DNA bridging in the anaphase of mitosis. These bridge structures are defined by the presence of the PICH protein, which interacts with the BEND3 protein in mitosis. To obtain structural insights into PICH–BEND3 complex formation at the atomic level, their respective NTPR and BD1 domains were cloned, overexpressed and crystallized using 1.56 Mammonium sulfate as a precipitant at pH 7.0. The protein complex readily formed large hexagonal crystals belonging to space groupP6122, with unit-cell parametersa=b= 47.28,c= 431.58 Å and with one heterodimer in the asymmetric unit. A complete multiwavelength anomalous dispersion (MAD) data set extending to 2.2 Å resolution was collected from a selenomethionine-labelled crystal at the Swiss Light Source.
Crystal structure of Rv3899c184–410, a hypothetical protein fromMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Liu Yingying , Gao Yunrong , Li Defeng , Fleming Joy , Li Honglin , Bi Lijun
Published: July 2016

Rv3899c is a hypothetical protein fromMycobacterium tuberculosiswhich is conserved across mycobacteria. It is predicted to be secreted and has been found in culture filtrates. It has been proposed as a potential vaccine candidate; however, its biological function is unknown. Here, the global structure of Rv3899c184–410, a fragment of Rv3899c, is reported. The structure resembles the shell of a sea snail, and its N- and C-termini form two relatively independent compact domains: an α/β/α sandwich folding domain and an α-helix bundle domain. There are no reported protein structures for any Rv3899c homologues; this structure provides the first structural glimpse of a new protein family consisting of Rv3899c and its homologues.
Structural analysis of a function-associated loop mutant of the substrate-recognition domain of Fbs1 ubiquitin ligase
Authors: Nishio Kazuya , Yoshida Yukiko , Tanaka Keiji , Mizushima Tsunehiro
Published: July 2016

The SCF ubiquitin ligase comprises four components: Skp1, Cul1, Rbx1 and a variable-subunit F-box protein. The F-box protein Fbs1, which recognizes the N-linked glycoproteins, is involved in the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation pathway. Although FBG3, another F-box protein, shares 51% sequence identity with Fbs1, FBG3 does not bind glycoproteins. To investigate the sequence–structure relationship of the substrate-binding pocket, the crystal structure of a mutant substrate-binding domain of Fbs1 in which the six nonconserved regions (β1, β2–β3, β3–β4, β5–β6, β7–β8 and β9–β10) of Fbs1 were substituted with those of FBG3 was determined. The substrate-binding pocket of this model exhibits structural features that differ from those of Fsb1.
Road towards Lean Six Sigma in service industry: a multi-factor integrated framework
Authors: Tsironis Loukas K , Psychogios Alexandros G.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to adopt a multiple case-study approach, of three companies, in order to identify the factors affecting Lean Six Sigma (L6σ) implementation in service industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– Secondary data were collected through companies’ documents, written procedures and quality assurance policies. Primary data were collected through a number of in-depth interviews with managers and quality experts.

Findings

– The analysis of qualitative data gathered through in-depth interviews with managers in all three cases resulted in the emergence of variety of critical success factors (CSFs) regarding L6σ implementation in service industry. As it can be seen the great majority of the factors have been identified in all three cases. Moreover the analysis shows that there are two categories of factors emerged.

Originality/value

– This study has four major contributions. First, it provides an intergraded multi-factor framework regarding the implementation of L6σ in service industry. In particular, this study contributes with three more particular factors that influence the implementation of L6σ in services, namely, top-management active involvement, HR support activities, and practices and systems. Second, it focusses on the responses of managers, who play the critical role in the adoption of L6σ. Third, supports and expands current literature on the key success factors of L6σ application. Finally, it provides future ideas to explore and develop more the suggested L6σ framework.