bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-drop capillary spooling of spider capture thread inspires hybrid fibers with mixed solid–liquid mechanical properties
Authors: Elettro Hervé , Neukirch Sébastien , Vollrath Fritz , Antkowiak Arnaud
Published: May 2016

Significance

The spiraling capture threads of spider orb webs are covered with thousands of tiny glue droplets whose primary function is to entrap insects. In this paper we demonstrate that the function of the drops goes beyond that of gluing prey for they also play a role in the mechanical properties of these fibers—usually ascribed solely to the complex molecular architecture of the silk. Indeed, each of the droplets can spool and pack the core silk filament, thus keeping the thread and the whole web under tension. We demonstrate that this effect is the result of the interplay between elasticity and capillarity by making a fully artificial drops-on-fiber compound as extensible as capture thread is.
Structural characterization of the ternary complex that mediates termination of NF-κB signaling by IκBα
Authors: Mukherjee Sulakshana P. , Quintas Pedro O. , McNulty Reginald , Komives Elizabeth A. , Dyson H. Jane
Published: May 2016

Significance

Rapid response to extracellular signals is promoted by the maintenance of the transcription factor NF-κB in resting cells in a stable complex with its inhibitor IκBα. Upon receipt of a signal, IκBα is degraded, allowing NF-κB to enter the nucleus. One of the downstream genes that is frequently transcribed in response to signals is that of IκBα. Newly synthesized IκBα enters the nucleus and strips NF-κB from the DNA, terminating the signal response by an unknown mechanism. Previous experiments provided evidence for formation of a ternary complex between DNA, NF-κB, and IκBα. Here we characterize this ternary complex by NMR and cryoelectron microscopy and show that it is a feasible intermediate in the termination process.
Reproductive Traits of Brown Trout in Two Contrasting Streams of Southeast Minnesota
Authors: Dieterman Douglas J. , Walker Thomas S. , Cochran Philip A. , Konsti Melissa
Published: May 2016

Brown Trout Salmo trutta are widely distributed fish that display substantial interpopulation variation in fundamental reproductive traits due to differences in local environmental conditions. This wide variation necessitates regional determination of key traits to aid local management efforts. In addition, several populations demonstrate a trade-off between fecundity and egg size, often as a function of growth history in response to environmental conditions. To determine these traits in the Driftless Area of the Upper Midwest, we identified two streams with contrasting environmental conditions and quantified reproductive traits just prior to the fall-spawning period in 2012. Reproductive traits included growth, length- and age-at-maturity, gonadosomatic index, and female fecundity and egg size. Environmental conditions were considered harsher at one site based on warmer water temperatures, more sand substrate, less adult fish cover, and presence of more potential interspecific competitors than at the other site. At both sites, Brown Trout of both sexes were short-lived; few Brown Trout older than age 3 were collected, and both sexes matured at age 2. Length-at-maturity ranged from 226 to 230 mm TL for males and from 214 to 238 mm TL for females. Fecundity and egg size were both positively related to female size, and females produced up to about 800 eggs. Ovaries represented a maximum of about 15% of female body weight. Female Brown Trout growth differed between the two sites, but most reproductive traits and growth of males did not. There was no evidence of a trade-off between fecundity and egg size, but length-adjusted egg sizes were significantly larger at the site with harsher environmental conditions. Differences in egg size probably were not due to the presence of competitors but may have been due to warmer water temperatures. Collectively, these fundamental reproductive data will prove useful for future population modeling efforts to support evaluation of several management strategies.

Received August 10, 2015; accepted December 16, 2015 Published online May 16, 2016
Population Dynamics of Fish Species in a Marine Ecosystem: A Case Study in the Bohai Sea, China
Authors: Shan Xiujuan , Jin Xianshi , Dai Fangqun , Chen Yunlong , Yang Tao , Yao Jianping
Published: May 2016

There were rapid shifts of the dominant species in the Bohai Sea from the 1950s to the 1990s, with large-sized, high-valued species (e.g., Small Yellow Croaker Larimichthys polyactis and Largehead Hairtail Trichiurus lepturus) being replaced by small-sized, low-valued species (e.g., Japanese Anchovy Engraulis japonicus and Hairfin Anchovy Setipinna taty). From the 1990s to the present, the Small Yellow Croaker and some of the small-sized species (Hairfin Anchovy and Dotted Gizzard Shad Konosirus punctatus) have become the dominant species. The food web is now simple, with species from relatively low trophic levels controlling the energy flow within the fishery ecosystem. Along with the shift in community structure, the abundance of dominant species changed, the diversity of fish species and species number density decreased, and interannual and seasonal variations in species number density were found. Fish abundance had a decreasing trend and fish interannual and seasonal distribution greatly changed. Variation in the sizes of the ecological niches of the dominant species regulated the succession of the fish community, and the alteration of ecological niches caused changes in the fishery community.

Received August 11, 2014; accepted September 30, 2015
PERMANOVA-S: association test for microbial community composition that accommodates confounders and multiple distances
Authors: Tang Zheng-Zheng , Chen Guanhua , Alekseyenko Alexander V.
Published: May 2016

Motivation: Recent advances in sequencing technology have made it possible to obtain high-throughput data on the composition of microbial communities and to study the effects of dysbiosis on the human host. Analysis of pairwise intersample distances quantifies the association between the microbiome diversity and covariates of interest (e.g. environmental factors, clinical outcomes, treatment groups). In the design of these analyses, multiple choices for distance metrics are available. Most distance-based methods, however, use a single distance and are underpowered if the distance is poorly chosen. In addition, distance-based tests cannot flexibly handle confounding variables, which can result in excessive false-positive findings.

Results: We derive presence-weighted UniFrac to complement the existing UniFrac distances for more powerful detection of the variation in species richness. We develop PERMANOVA-S, a new distance-based method that tests the association of microbiome composition with any covariates of interest. PERMANOVA-S improves the commonly-used Permutation Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA) test by allowing flexible confounder adjustments and ensembling multiple distances. We conducted extensive simulation studies to evaluate the performance of different distances under various patterns of association. Our simulation studies demonstrate that the power of the test relies on how well the selected distance captures the nature of the association. The PERMANOVA-S unified test combines multiple distances and achieves good power regardless of the patterns of the underlying association. We demonstrate the usefulness of our approach by reanalyzing several real microbiome datasets.

Availability and Implementation: miProfile software is freely available at https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/tang-lab/software/miProfile .

Contact:  z.tang@vanderbilt.edu or g.chen@vanderbilt.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The effect of superfluid hydrodynamics on pulsar glitch sizes and waiting times
Authors: Haskell B.
Published: May 2016

Pulsar glitches, sudden jumps in frequency observed in many radio pulsars, may be the macroscopic manifestation of superfluid vortex avalanches on the microscopic scale. Small-scale quantum mechanical simulations of vortex motion in a decelerating container have shown that such events are possible and predict power-law distributions for the size of the events, and exponential distributions for the waiting time. Despite a paucity of data, this prediction is consistent with the size and waiting time distributions of most glitching pulsars. Nevertheless, a few object appear to glitch quasi-periodically, and exhibit many large glitches, while a recent study of the Crab pulsar has suggested deviations from a power-law distribution for smaller glitches. In this Letter, we incorporate the results of quantum mechanical simulations in a macroscopic superfluid hydrodynamics simulation. We show that the effect of vortex coupling to the neutron and proton fluids in the star naturally leads to deviations from power-law distributions for sizes, and from exponential distributions for waiting times, and we predict a cutoff in the size distribution for small glitches.
Surgical Approach Options for Pilon Fractures
Authors: Warner Stephen J. , Lorich Dean G.
Published: May 2016

Pilon fractures are often caused by high-energy axial loads that create complex articular fracture patterns and significant soft tissue damage. This constellation of injuries in an anatomic region with limited soft tissue coverage and tenuous perfusion creates a surgical challenge with the potential for high rates of complications. The goals in surgically treating pilon fractures include achieving an anatomic articular reduction with stable fixation while minimizing disruption to the soft tissue envelope. Even after achieving anatomic reductions, clinical outcomes after surgical treatment of high-energy pilon fractures are often determined by the integrity of the surrounding soft tissue. This demands an intimate knowledge of the surgical anatomy of the lower leg and the approaches available to address these fractures. Here we review various surgical approaches that can be used for reduction and fixation of pilon fractures, including indications and limitations of each approach. Although no surgical approach is suitable for all patients with pilon fractures, an understanding of indications and limitations of several approaches will aid in selection of the most beneficial approach for each injury.
Intraoperative Indocyanine Green Laser Angiography in Pediatric Autologous Ear Reconstruction
Authors: Martins Deborah B. , Farias-Eisner Gina , Mandelbaum Rachel S. , Hoang Han , Bradley James P. , Lee Justine C.
Published: May 2016

Skin flap vascularity is a critical determinant of aesthetic results in autologous ear reconstruction. In this study, we investigate the use of intraoperative laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) as an adjunctive measure of skin flap vascularity in pediatric autologous ear reconstruction. Twenty-one consecutive pediatric patients undergoing first-stage autologous total ear reconstruction were retrospectively evaluated. The first 10 patients were treated traditionally (non-ICGA), and the latter 11 patients were evaluated with ICGA intraoperatively after implantation of the cartilage construct and administration of suction. Relative and absolute perfusion units in the form of contour maps were generated. Statistical analyses were performed using independent sample Student t test. Statistically significant differences in exposure and infection were not found between the 2 groups. However, decreased numbers of surgical revisions were required in cases with ICGA versus without ICGA (P = 0.03), suggesting that greater certainty in skin flap perfusion correlated with a reduction in revision surgeries. In cases of exposure, we found an average lowest absolute perfusion unit of 14.3, whereas cases without exposure had an average of 26.1 (P = 0.02), thereby defining objective parameters for utilizing ICGA data in tailoring surgical decision making for this special population of patients. Defined quantitative parameters for utilizing ICGA in evaluating skin flap vascularity may be a useful adjunctive technique in pediatric autologous ear reconstruction.
A RARE COMPLICATION OF POSTERIOR SUBTENON INJECTION
Authors: Mourya Deepesh , Balamurugan S. , Khanal Roshija
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

To report a case of posterior ciliary artery occlusion after posterior subtenon injection.

Methods:

Clinical examination and fundus fluorescein angiography was performed to confirm diagnosis. A 49-year-old female who was on treatment for bilateral chronic sclerokeratouveitis was given posterior subtenon injection for cystoid macular edema.

Results:

Posterior ciliary artery occlusion occurred after posterior subtenon injection.

Conclusion:

Choroidal vascular occlusion is a rare complication of posterior subtenon injection.
Regression and Progression Predictors of CIN2 in Women Younger Than 25 Years
Authors: Loopik Diede L. , Doucette Steve , Bekkers Ruud L.M. , Bentley James R.
Published: May 2016

Objective

The purpose of this study was to review the management and outcome of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 (CIN2) in women younger than 25 years.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed, investigating women younger than 25 years at the time of diagnosis with biopsy-proven CIN2 between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2014, who were seen in the colposcopy clinic at the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The regression, persistence, and progression rate of CIN2 in conservative managed women were evaluated, and potential risk factors were examined. Colposcopy, cytologic, and histopathologic findings were compared with women with immediate treatment (<6 months).

Results

Of the 319 women included in the study, 108 women received immediate treatment, and 211 women were managed conservatively; of these, 144 women remained untreated, and 67 women received treatment 6 months or greater. From the women managed conservatively, 150 women (71.1%) showed regression, 26 women (12.3%) had persistent disease, and 35 women (16.6%) progressed, with a median follow-up of 15.1 months. None of the women included in the study progressed to invasive cancer. The hazard ratio for time to progression was 2.40 for women who smoked (p = 0.006).

Conclusions

A conservative approach of CIN2 is the preferred management option for women younger than 25 years. Smoking was identified as a risk factor for progression.
Subclinical Ascites Does Not Affect the Long-term Prognosis in Hepatitis B Virus–related Cirrhosis Patients Receiving Antivirals
Authors: Yim Sun Young , Lee Jeong-Hoon , Ahn Hongkeun , Kim Seung Up , Kim Sang Gyune , Kim Young Seok , Kim Jeong Han , Choe Won Hyeok , Kim Tae Yeob , Jung Young Kul , Suh Sang Jun , Suk Ki Tae , An Hyunggin , Yim Hyung Joon , Seo Yeon Seok , Um Soon Ho
Published: May 2016

Background and Aims:

This study evaluated the clinical significance of subclinical ascites in patients with hepatitis B virus–related cirrhosis treated with lamivudine (LMV) or entecavir (ETV).

Methods:

This multicenter retrospective study involved 8 hospitals. Patients were classified by degree of ascites: (1) no ascites (no ascites on imaging, no diuretics), (2) subclinical ascites (small amount of ascites on imaging, no diuretics), and (3) clinical ascites (moderate to severe ascites or diuretics).

Results:

Out of 501 patients, 336 (68%), 51 (10%), and 114 (23%) patients were classified as no-ascites, subclinical ascites, and clinical ascites, respectively. In all, 100 (20%) and 401 (80%) were treated with LMV and ETV, respectively. Over 58±24 months of follow-up, 105 patients (21%) developed hepatocellular carcinoma. The cumulative incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma did not differ between LMV-treated and ETV-treated patients (P=0.61); it was higher in the clinical-ascites group than the no-ascites (P=0.054) and subclinical-ascites (P=0.03) groups, but it was comparable between the latter 2 (P=0.225). Forty-five patients (9%) died during follow-up. Survival was significantly shorter in the clinical-ascites group than the other 2 (both P<0.005), but it was comparable between no-ascites and subclinical-ascites groups (P=0.444). Multivariate analysis showed that mortality was significantly associated with prothrombin time [hazard ratio (HR)=2.42; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.59-3.70], serum albumin (HR=0.54; 95% CI, 0.29-0.99), and presence of clinical ascites (HR=3.58; 95% CI, 1.54-8.30).

Conclusions:

Subclinical ascites did not affect prognosis in patients with hepatitis B virus–related cirrhosis receiving antiviral treatment.
Special Concerns Through an Early Pregnancy Journey
Authors: Weismiller David Glenn , Kolasa Kathryn M.
Published: May 2016

Nutrition and supplementation in the woman of reproductive age can have profound and lasting effects on her child’s health. Preconceptional planning for all women should include advice to begin folic acid supplementation at 400 μg/d as a means to prevent neural tube defects. Under some circumstances, it is recommended that a woman take a higher dose. Lifestyle interventions include reaching a healthy body weight before conception. The focus of preconceptional weight loss should be on cutting empty-calorie foods and increasing nutrient-dense foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy and lean meats, poultry, and fish. Increasing physical activity before becoming pregnant will have benefits in helping cope with some of the unpleasant side effects associated with pregnancy. Some women require physician assessment to determine the appropriate program. One of the most common side effects of pregnancy is “morning sickness,” with up to 80% of women experiencing nausea and vomiting at some point, usually beginning between the 4th and 7th weeks after their last menses and ending for most by the 20th week. For 10% of those women, it remains an ongoing battle throughout the pregnancy. Some women self-treat with herbs. Healthcare professionals should become skilled in patient activation and culturally appropriate counseling skills. We present a case from our Family Medicine practice to demonstrate an approach to the issues of prevention of neural tube defects and treatment of morning sickness in an overweight Hispanic woman living in a rural area of the United States.
Pistachios for Health
Authors: Hernández-Alonso Pablo , Bulló Mònica , Salas-Salvadó Jordi
Published: May 2016

Human beings have known about pistachio nuts since 6000 bc. Since then, pistachios have been systematically incorporated into the diet of various cultures. They are nutrient-dense nuts with a healthy nutritional profile that contains fiber, unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant compounds.
Pilot Randomized Study of a Gratitude Journaling Intervention on Heart Rate Variability and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients With Stage B Heart Failure
Authors: Redwine Laura S. , Henry Brook L. , Pung Meredith A. , Wilson Kathleen , Chinh Kelly , Knight Brian , Jain Shamini , Rutledge Thomas , Greenberg Barry , Maisel Alan , Mills Paul J.
Published: May 2016

Objective

Stage B, asymptomatic heart failure (HF) presents a therapeutic window for attenuating disease progression and development of HF symptoms, and improving quality of life. Gratitude, the practice of appreciating positive life features, is highly related to quality of life, leading to development of promising clinical interventions. However, few gratitude studies have investigated objective measures of physical health; most relied on self-report measures. We conducted a pilot study in Stage B HF patients to examine whether gratitude journaling improved biomarkers related to HF prognosis.

Methods

Patients (n = 70; mean [standard deviation] age = 66.2 [7.6] years) were randomized to an 8-week gratitude journaling intervention or treatment as usual. Baseline (T1) assessments included the six-item Gratitude Questionnaire, resting heart rate variability (HRV), and an inflammatory biomarker index. At T2 (midintervention), the six-item Gratitude Questionnaire was measured. At T3 (postintervention), T1 measures were repeated but also included a gratitude journaling task.

Results

The gratitude intervention was associated with improved trait gratitude scores (F = 6.0, p = .017, η
2 = 0.10), reduced inflammatory biomarker index score over time (F = 9.7, p = .004, η
2 = 0.21), and increased parasympathetic HRV responses during the gratitude journaling task (F = 4.2, p = .036, η
2 = 0.15), compared with treatment as usual. However, there were no resting preintervention to postintervention group differences in HRV (p values > .10).

Conclusions

Gratitude journaling may improve biomarkers related to HF morbidity, such as reduced inflammation; large-scale studies with active control conditions are needed to confirm these findings.

Trial Registration:
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01615094
Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety and Depression Scale: Initial Validation in Three Clinical Trials
Authors: Kroenke Kurt , Wu Jingwei , Yu Zhangsheng , Bair Matthew J. , Kean Jacob , Stump Timothy , Monahan Patrick O.
Published: May 2016

Objective

We examine the reliability and validity of the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety and Depression Scale (PHQ-ADS)—which combines the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale and seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale—as a composite measure of depression and anxiety.

Methods

Baseline data from 896 patients enrolled in two primary-care based trials of chronic pain and one oncology-practice–based trial of depression and pain were analyzed. The internal reliability, standard error of measurement, and convergent, construct, and factor structure validity, as well as sensitivity to change of the PHQ-ADS were examined.

Results

The PHQ-ADS demonstrated high internal reliability (Cronbach α values of .8 to .9) in all three trials. PHQ-ADS scores can range from 0 to 48 (with higher scores indicating more severe depression/anxiety), and the estimated standard error of measurement was approximately 3 to 4 points. The PHQ-ADS showed strong convergent (most correlations, 0.7–0.8 range) and construct (most correlations, 0.4–0.6 range) validity when examining its association with other mental health, quality of life, and disability measures. PHQ-ADS cutpoints of 10, 20, and 30 indicated mild, moderate, and severe levels of depression/anxiety, respectively. Bifactor analysis showed sufficient unidimensionality of the PHQ-ADS score. PHQ-ADS change scores at 3 months differentiated (p < .0001) between individuals classified as worse, stable, or improved by a reference measure, providing preliminary evidence for sensitivity to change.

Conclusions

The PHQ-ADS may be a reliable and valid composite measure of depression and anxiety which, if validated in other populations, could be useful as a single measure for jointly assessing two of the most common psychological conditions in clinical practice and research.

Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00926588 (SCOPE); NCT00386243 (ESCAPE); NCT00313573 (INCPAD).
Molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients
Authors: Robert-Gangneux Florence , Belaz Sorya
Published: May 2016

Purpose of review

Toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients is associated with a high mortality rate. Molecular techniques are important tools to diagnose acute disease in immunocompromised patients, but there are various methods with variable efficiency. Some of them have been validated for the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis, but the impact of their use has not been evaluated in immunocompromised patients.

Recent findings

Toxoplasmosis is of increasing importance in non-HIV immunocompromised patients. In addition, the picture of disease shows greater severity in South America, both in immunocompetent study participants and in congenitally infected infants. These epidemiological differences could influence the sensitivity of diagnostic methods. This review analyzes recent data on molecular diagnosis and compares them with older ones, in light of progress gained in molecular techniques and of recent epidemiological findings. Most recent studies were conducted in South America and used PCR targeting the B1 gene. PCR on blood could allow diagnosing a significant proportion of patients with ocular toxoplasmosis in Brazil.

Quantitative PCR methods with specific probes should be used to improve sensitivity and warrant specificity. Performance of quantitative PCR targeting the repeated 529 bp sequence for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients needs evaluation in field studies in South America and in western countries.
Massive dispersal of Coxiella burnetii among cattle across the United States
Authors: Olivas Sonora , Hornstra Heidie , Priestley Rachael A. , Kaufman Emily , Hepp Crystal , Sonderegger Derek L. , Handady Karthik , Massung Robert F. , Keim Paul , Kersh Gilbert J. , Pearson Talima
Published: May 2016

Q-fever is an underreported disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, which is highly infectious and has the ability to disperse great distances. It is a completely clonal pathogen with low genetic diversity and requires whole-genome analysis to identify discriminating features among closely related isolates. C. burnetii, and in particular one genotype (ST20), is commonly found in cow’s milk across the entire dairy industry of the USA. This single genotype dominance is suggestive of host-specific adaptation, rapid dispersal and persistence within cattle. We used a comparative genomic approach to identify SNPs for high-resolution and high-throughput genotyping assays to better describe the dispersal of ST20 across the USA. We genotyped 507 ST20 cow milk samples and discovered three subgenotypes, all of which were present across the entire country and over the complete time period studied. Only one of these sub-genotypes was observed in a single dairy herd. The temporal and geographic distribution of these sub-genotypes is consistent with a model of large-scale, rapid, frequent and continuous dissemination on a continental scale. The distribution of subgenotypes is not consistent with wind-based dispersal alone, and it is likely that animal husbandry and transportation practices, including pooling of milk from multiple herds, have also shaped the patterns. On the scale of an entire country, there appear to be few barriers to rapid, frequent and large-scale dissemination of the ST20 subgenotypes.
Maize OXIDATIVE STRESS2 Homologs Enhance Cadmium Tolerance in Arabidopsis through Activation of a Putative SAM-Dependent Methyltransferase Gene
Authors: He Lilong , Ma Xiaoling , Li Zhenzhen , Jiao Zhengli , Li Yongqing , Ow David W.
Published: May 2016

Previously the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) zinc finger protein OXIDATIVE STRESS2 (AtOXS2) and four OXS2-like (AtO2L) family members were described to play a role in stress tolerance and stress escape. For stress escape, SOC1 was a target of AtOXS2. However, for stress tolerance, the downstream targets were not identified. We cloned two OXS2 homolog genes from sweet corn, ZmOXS2b and ZmO2L1. Both genes are transiently inducible by Cd treatment. When expressed in Arabidopsis, each enhances tolerance against cadmium. Further analysis showed that ZmOXS2b and ZmO2L1 proteins enhance Cd tolerance in Arabidopsis by activating at least one target gene, that encoding a putative S-adenosyl-l-Met-dependent methyltransferase superfamily protein (AT5G37990), which we named CIMT1. This activation involves the in vivo interaction with a segment of the CIMT1 promoter that contains a BOXS2 motif previously identified as the binding element for AtOXS2. More importantly, CIMT1 is induced by Cd treatment, and overexpression of this gene alone was sufficient to enhance Cd tolerance in Arabidopsis. The connection of ZmOXS2b and ZmO2L1 to Arabidopsis CIMT1 suggests a similar network may exist in maize (Zea mays) and may provide a clue to possibly using a CIMT1 maize homolog to engineer stress tolerance in a major crop.
Synthesis and crystal structures of C24-epimeric 20(R)-ocotillol-type saponins
Authors: Xu Yang-Rong , Yang Jing-Jing , Liu Juan , Hou Gui-Ge , Meng Qing-Guo
Published: May 2016

Ocotillol-type saponins have a wide spectrum of biological activities. Previous studies indicated that the configuration at the C24 position may be responsible for their stereoselectivity in pharmacological action and pharmacokinetics. Natural ocotillol-type saponins share a 20(S)-form but it has been found that the 20(R)-stereoisomers have different pharmacological effects. The semisynthesis of 20(R)-ocotillol-type saponins has not been reported and it is therefore worthwhile clarifying their crystal structures. Two C24 epimeric 20(R)-ocotillol-type saponins, namely (20R,24S)-20,24-epoxydammarane-3β,12β,25-triol, C30H52O4, (III), and (20R,24R)-20,24-epoxydammarane-3β,12β,25-triol monohydrate, C30H52O4·H2O, (IV), were synthesized, and their structures were elucidated by spectral studies and finally confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The (Me)C—O—C—C(OH) torsion angle of (III) is 146.41 (14)°, whereas the corresponding torsion angle of (IV) is −146.4 (7)°, indicating a different conformation at the C24 position. The crystal stacking in (III) generates anR44(8) motif, through which the molecules are linked into a one-dimensional double chain. The chains are linkedvianonclassical C—H...O hydrogen bonds into a two-dimensional network, and further stacked into a three-dimensional structure. In contrast to (III), epimer (IV) crystallizes as a hydrate, in which the water molecules act as hydrogen-bond donors linking one-dimensional chains into a two-dimensional network through intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds. The hydrogen-bonded chains extend helically along the crystallographicaaxis and generate aC44(8) motif.
Synthesis, crystal structure and antifungal activity of a divalent cobalt(II) complex with uniconazole
Authors: Zhang Yao , Li Jie , Ren Guoyu , Qin Baofu , Ma Haixia
Published: May 2016

Azole compounds have attracted commercial interest due to their high bactericidal and plant-growth-regulating activities. Uniconazole [or 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)pent-1-en-3-ol] is a highly active 1,2,4-triazole fungicide and plant-growth regulator with low toxicity. The pharmacological and toxicological properties of many drugs are modified by the formation of their metal complexes. Therefore, there is much interest in exploiting the coordination chemistry of triazole pesticides and their potential application in agriculture. However, reports of complexes of uniconazole are rare. A new cobalt(II) complex of uniconazole, namely dichloridotetrakis[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl-κN4)pent-1-en-3-ol]cobalt(II), [CoCl2(C15H18ClN3O)4], was synthesized and structurally characterized by element analysis, IR spectrometry and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The crystal structural analysis shows that the CoIIatom is located on the inversion centre and is coordinated by four uniconazole and two chloride ligands, forming a distorted octahedral geometry. The hydroxy groups of an uniconazole ligands of adjacent molecules form hydrogen bonds with the axial chloride ligands, resulting in one-dimensional chains parallel to theaaxis. The complex was analysed for its antifungal activity by the mycelial growth rate method. It was revealed that the antifungal effect of the title complex is more pronounced than the effect of fungicide uniconazole forBotryosphaeria ribis,Wheat gibberellicandGrape anthracnose.
Exploratory trial of a school-based alcohol prevention intervention with a family component
Authors: Segrott Jeremy , Rothwell Heather , Pignatelli Ilaria , Playle Rebecca , Hewitt Gillian , Huang Chao , Murphy Simon , Hickman Matthew , Reed Hayley , Moore Laurence
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Involvement of parents/carers may increase effectiveness of primary school-based alcohol-misuse prevention projects through strengthening family-based protective factors, but rates of parental engagement are typically low. This paper reports findings from an exploratory trial of a school-based prevention intervention – Kids, Adults Together (KAT), based on the Social Development Model, which aimed to promote pro-social family communication in order to prevent alcohol misuse, and incorporated strategies to engage parents/carers. The purpose of this paper is to assess the feasibility and value of conducting an effectiveness trial of KAT.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study was a parallel-group cluster randomised exploratory trial with an embedded process evaluation. The study took place in south Wales, UK, and involved nine primary schools, 367 pupils in Years 5/6 (aged 9-11 years) and their parents/carers and teachers. Questionnaires were completed by pupils at baseline and four month follow-up, and by parents at six month follow-up.

Findings

– Overall KAT was delivered with good fidelity, but two of five intervention schools withdrew from the study without completing implementation. In total, 50 per cent of eligible parents participated in the intervention, and KAT had good acceptability among pupils, parents and teachers. However, a number of “progression to effectiveness trial” criteria were not met. Intermediate outcomes on family communication (hypothesised to prevent alcohol misuse) showed insufficient evidence of an intervention effect. Difficulties were encountered in identifying age appropriate outcome measures for primary school-age children, particularly in relation to family communication processes. The study was unable to find comprehensive methodological guidance on exploratory trials.

Research limitations/implications

– It would not be appropriate to conduct an effectiveness trial as key progression criteria relating to intervention and trial feasibility were not met. There is a need for new measures of family communication which are suitable for primary school-age children, and more guidance on the design and conduct of exploratory/feasibility trials.

Originality/value

– KAT achieved high rates of parental involvement, and its theoretical framework and processes could be adapted by other interventions which experience difficulties with recruitment of parents/carers.
Uncovering paradoxes from physicians’ experiences of patient-centered ward-round
Authors: Bååthe Fredrik , Ahlborg Jr Gunnar , Edgren Lars , Lagström Annica , Nilsson Kerstin
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to uncover paradoxes emerging from physicians’ experiences of a patient-centered and team-based ward round, in an internal medicine department.

Design/methodology/approach

Abductive reasoning relates empirical material to complex responsive processes theory in a dialectical process to further understandings.

Findings

This paper found the response from physicians, to a patient-centered and team-based ward round, related to whether the new demands challenged or confirmed individual physician’s professional identity. Two empirically divergent perspectives on enacting the role of physician during ward round emerged: We-perspective and I-perspective, based on where the physician’s professional identity was centered. Physicians with more of an I-perspective experienced challenges with the new round, while physicians with more of a We-perspective experienced alignment with their professional identity and embraced the new round. When identity is challenged, anxiety is aroused, and if anxiety is not catered to, then resistance is likely to follow and changes are likely to be hampered.

Practical implications

For change processes affecting physicians’ professional identity, it is important for managers and change leaders to acknowledge paradox and find a balance between new knowledge that needs to be learnt and who the physician is becoming in this new procedure.

Originality/value

This paper provides increased understanding about how physicians’ professional identity is interacting with a patient-centered ward round. It adds to the knowledge about developing health care in line with recent societal requests and with sustainable physician engagement.
Synthetic p55 tandem DNA vaccine against Pneumocystiscarinii in rats
Authors: Fan Hua , Guo Jiu‐Ying , Ma Su‐Li , Zhang Nan , An Chun‐Li
Published: May 2016

Pneumocystis spp. are opportunistic fungal pathogens that are closely associated with severe pneumonia and pulmonary complications in patients with impaired immunity. In this study, the antigenic epitopes of the gene encoding the 55 kDa antigen fragment of Pneumocystis (p55), which may play an important role in Pneumocystis pneumonia, were analyzed. A gene containing tandem variants of the p55 antigen was synthesized and named the tandem antigen gene (TAG). TAG's potential as a DNA vaccine was assessed in immunosuppressed rats. Immunization with p55‐TAG DNA vaccine significantly reduced both the pathogen burden and lung–weight to body–weight ratios. Additionally, p55‐TAG vaccination in immunosuppressed rats elicited both cell‐mediated and humoral immunity.
Replication, effect sizes and identifying the biological impacts of pesticides on bees under field conditions
Authors: Woodcock Ben A. , Heard Matthew S. , Jitlal Mark S. , Rundlöf Maj , Bullock James M. , Shore Richard F. , Pywell Richard F.
Published: May 2016

Honeybees have world‐wide importance as crop pollinators. To ensure their persistence in agricultural systems, statistically robust field trials of plant protection products are vital.

We consider the implications of regulations from the European Food Safety Authority that require the detection of a 7% effect size change in bee colony sizes under field conditions.

Based on a power analysis, we argue that the necessary levels of replication (68 replicates) may pose practical constraints to field testing.

Policy implications. Regulatory studies benefit from data sources collated over a range of spatial scales, from laboratory to landscapes. Basing effect size thresholds solely on expert judgement, as has been done, may be inappropriate. Rather, definition through experimental or simulation studies that assess the biological consequences of changes in colony size for bee populations is required. This has implications for regulatory bodies outside the European Union.
Debt Covenant Violations, Firm Financial Distress, and Auditor Actions
Authors: Bhaskar Lori Shefchik , Krishnan Gopal V. , Yu Wei
Published: May 2016

We conduct a comprehensive study on the associations between debt covenant violations (“violations”) and auditor actions for financially distressed and nondistressed firms. Our study is motivated by a lack of research on the consequences of violations resulting from auditors' actions. We find that firms with violations have significantly higher audit fees, a greater likelihood of receiving a going‐concern opinion, and a greater likelihood of experiencing an auditor resignation. Importantly, the positive associations hold for all types of firms, including financially nondistressed firms. In fact, we find that, after controlling for other financial information, the relation between violations and an increased likelihood of a going‐concern opinion is stronger for nondistressed versus distressed firms. Our evidence is consistent with belief‐revision research in auditing that finds auditors react more strongly to information that is inconsistent with their prior beliefs. This study provides further evidence on the indirect yet significant consequences of covenant violations on firms resulting from auditor actions.
Absorptive Capacity and Ambidexterity in R&D: Linking Technology Alliance Diversity and Firm Innovation
Authors: Lucena Abel , Roper Stephen
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study is to examine how firms realize the benefits associated with a diverse range of technology alliances. We propose and test the hypothesis that firms’ knowledge combinative capabilities mediate the relationship between technology alliance diversity and innovation. Using panel data for Spanish manufacturing companies during the period 2004–2011, we provide evidence that firms’ absorptive capacity and ambidexterity in R&D serve as mediating mechanisms between technology alliance diversity and innovative performance. Our study advances the literature on technology alliances by showing how firms use their portfolios of technology alliances to form their combinative capabilities, and subsequently, to enhance innovation outcomes.
Emergence of white pine needle damage in the northeastern United States is associated with changes in pathogen pressure in response to climate change
Authors: Wyka Stephen A. , Smith Cheryl , Munck Isabel A. , Rock Barrett N. , Ziniti Beth L. , Broders Kirk
Published: May 2016

The defoliation of the eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) across the northeastern United States is an escalating concern threatening the ecological health of northern forests and economic vitality of the region's lumber industry. First documented in the spring of 2010 affecting 24 328 hectares in the state of Maine, white pine needle damage (WPND) has continued to spread and is now well established in all New England states. While causal agents ofWPNDare known, current research is lacking in both sampling distribution and the specific environmental factor(s) that affect the development and spread of this disease complex. This study aims to construct a more detailed distribution map of the four primary causal agents within the region, as well as utilize long‐termWPNDmonitoring plots and data collected from land‐based weather stations to develop a climatic model to predict the severity of defoliation events in the proceeding year. Sampling results showed a greater distribution ofWPNDthan previously reported.WPNDwas generally found in forest stands that compromised >50% eastern white pine by basal area. No single species, nor a specific combination of species had a dominating presence in particular states or regions, thus supporting the disease complex theory thatWPNDis neither caused by an individual species nor by a specific combination of species. In addition, regional weather data confirmed the trend of increasing temperature and precipitation observed in this region with the previous year's May, June, and July rainfall being the best predictor of defoliation events in the following year. Climatic models were developed to aid land managers in predicting disease severity and accordingly adjust their management decisions. Our results clearly demonstrate the role changing climate patterns have on the health of eastern white pine in the northeastern United States.
Long‐term climate impacts on breeding bird phenology in Pennsylvania,USA
Authors: McDermott Molly E. , DeGroote Lucas W.
Published: May 2016

Climate change is influencing bird phenology worldwide, but we still lack information on how many species are responding over long temporal periods. We assessed how climate affected passerine reproductive timing and productivity at a constant effort mist‐netting station in western Pennsylvania using a model comparison approach. Several lines of evidence point to the sensitivity of 21 breeding passerines to climate change over five decades. The trends for temperature and precipitation over 53 years were slightly positive due to intraseasonal variation, with the greatest temperature increases and precipitation declines in early spring. Regardless of broodedness, migration distance, or breeding season, 13 species hatched young earlier over time with most advancing >3 days per decade. Warm springs were associated with earlier captures of juveniles for 14 species, ranging from 1‐ to 3‐day advancement for every 1 °C increase. This timing was less likely to be influenced by spring precipitation; nevertheless, higher rainfall was usually associated with later appearance of juveniles and breeding condition in females. Temperature and precipitation were positively related to productivity for seven and eleven species, respectively, with negative relations evident for six and eight species. We found that birds fledged young earlier with increasing spring temperatures, potentially benefiting some multibrooded species. Indeed, some extended the duration of breeding in these warm years. Yet, a few species fledged fewer juveniles in warmer and wetter seasons, indicating that expected future increases could be detrimental to locally breeding populations. Although there were no clear relationships between life history traits and breeding phenology, species‐specific responses to climate found in our study provide novel insights into phenological flexibility in songbirds. Our research underscores the value of long‐term monitoring studies and the importance of continuing constant effort sampling in the face of climate change.
Physicochemical parameters, bioactive compounds and microbial quality of sonicated pear juice
Authors: Saeeduddin Muhammad , Abid Muhammad , Jabbar Saqib , Hu Bing , Hashim Malik Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Ammar , Xie Minhao , Wu Tao , Zeng Xiaoxiong
Published: May 2016

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of sonication on physicochemical parameters and microorganisms of pear juice. Ultrasound processing of fresh pear juice was done at fixed amplitude [70% (500 W) and frequency (25 kHz) for 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min at 25 °C. Total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity and Ca and Mn remained stable, while the cloud value, ascorbic acid, total phenols, total flavonoids, total antioxidant capacity, sugar contents and Na, K, Fe and Mg showed a significant increase. Decreases in microbial population and P and Cu were also observed. It may be inferred that ultrasound processing for 60 min exhibited optimum results in terms of physicochemical and microbial quality.
Does Data Collection Device Affect Sensory Descriptive Analysis Results?
Authors: Fisher C.M. , King S.K. , Castura J.C. , Findlay C.J.
Published: May 2016

The objective of this study was to determine if data capture device type had a significant influence on sensory descriptive analysis results. 12 trained assessors evaluated 4 snack bar products in triplicate on each of three devices (iPod, iPad, external monitor). Four‐way univariate analysis of variance detected no significant product by device interaction in 19 of 20 attributes. Products were ranked in a similar manner with regards to attribute intensity on all devices. Both Principal Component Analysis and Generalized Procrustes Analysis multivariate configurations showed very similar arrangements for all products and devices. The input device is identified as a potential factor in the trend toward lower absolute scale values with increasing screen sizes.

Practical Applications

The computerized devices that are available for sensory data collection have changed over the years. Research facilities often compare historical data to newly obtained data sets; however, the question remains: can data be compared when different data collection devices were used? This study determined that descriptive analysis test results are comparable if data are collected on an iPod, an iPad and a laptop with a monitor display.