bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of synganglion neuropeptides, neuropeptide receptors and neurotransmitter receptors and their gene expression in response to feeding in Ixodes scapularis (Ixodidae) vs. Ornithodoros turicata (Argasidae)
Authors: Egekwu N. , Sonenshine D. E. , Garman H. , Barshis D. J. , Cox N. , Bissinger B. W. , Zhu J. , M. Roe R.
Published: January 2016

Illumina GAII high‐throughput sequencing was used to compare expressed genes for female synganglion neuropeptides, neuropeptide receptors and neurotransmitter receptors of the soft tick Ornithodoros turicata with the hard tick Ixodes scapularis. Gene ontology molecular level three mapping revealed no significant differences amongst the same categories represented in O. turicata and I. scapularis. Transcripts predicting 22 neuropeptides or their receptors in the O. turicata synganglion were similar to annotations for 23 neuropeptides or receptors previously identified from I scapularis, with minor exceptions. A transcript predicting ecdysis triggering hormone receptor was identified in O. turicata; transcripts encoding for proprotein convertase and glycoprotein B were identified in both species. Transcripts predicting the same neurotransmitter receptors were found in the synganglion of both species. Gene expression of the transcripts showed numerous differences in response to feeding. Major differences were observed in expression of genes believed important in regulating slow vs. rapid feeding, blood water elimination, cuticle synthesis plasticity and in signalling reproductive activity. Although the glutamate receptor was strongly upregulated in both species, the gamma aminobutyric acid receptor, which inhibits glutamate, was upregulated significantly only in I. scapularis. These differences are consistent with the slow vs. rapid action of the pharyngeal pump in the two species.
A Bargaining Model of Friendly and Hostile Takeovers
Authors: Loyola Gino , Portilla Yolanda
Published: January 2016

Abstract

A bargaining model is developed that characterizes the conditions under which a takeover will either be friendly, hostile, or unsuccessful when the target management can tilt the selling procedure toward a white knight. The conditions considered mainly involve private control benefits, toehold size, and breakup fees. Also established by the model are the conditions for an efficient takeover. The proposed framework of strong management influence on takeover outcome, an alternative modeling of hostility and the adoption of a negotiation procedure, rather than an auction setup with strong shareholder influence as in most of the existing literature, delivers new insights into the US market of corporate control, which are consistent with the available evidence.
Comparing Measurements of CT Angiography, TEE, and Fluoroscopy of the Left Atrial Appendage for Percutaneous Closure
Authors: SAW JACQUELINE , FAHMY PETER , SPENCER RYAN , PRAKASH ROSHAN , MCLAUGHLIN PATRICK , NICOLAOU SAVVAS , TSANG MICHAEL
Published: January 2016

Comparing Measurements of CT Angiography, TEE, and Fluoroscopy

Background

Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure requires accurate preprocedural measurements, and trans‐esophageal echocardiography (TEE), cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and fluoroscopy can be utilized. However, correlations between these measurements remain inadequately assessed.

Methods

Patients who underwent LAA closure at Vancouver General Hospital who had baseline LAA measurements by CCTA, TEE, and fluoroscopy were included in this analysis. CCTAs were performed with prospective‐ECG‐gating with Toshiba 320‐detector or Siemens second generation 128‐slice dual‐source scanners, and images interpreted with VitreaWorkstation.™ LAA maximal dimensions were obtained for all patients at: (1) Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (ACP)/Amulet landing zone 10 mm within orifice, (2) WATCHMAN ostium, and (3) WATCHMAN depth measurements. Correlations and agreements were compared.

Results

We report 50 consecutive patients who underwent LAA closure (8 ACP, 10 Amulet, 32 WATCHMAN). Average age was 75.2 ± 8.7 years, mean CHADS2 score 3.0 ± 1.3, and CHA2DS2‐VASc 4.7 ± 1.5. Procedural device implantation success was 100%. For ACP landing zone, mean maximal measurements were 24.1 ± 4.7 mm with CCTA, 22.3 ± 4.9 mm TEE, and 19.9 ± 5.6 mm fluoroscopy (P < 0.001); R value 0.81 fluoroscopy/CTA, 0.67 fluoroscopy/TEE, and 0.80 CTA/TEE. For WATCHMAN ostium, mean maximal measurements were 25.8 ± 4.7 mm CCTA (P < 0.001 vs. fluoroscopy, P = 0.16 vs. TEE), 25.1 ± 4.4 mm TEE (P = 0.016 vs. fluoroscopy), and 23.8 ± 4.9 mm fluoroscopy; R value 0.71 fluoroscopy/CTA, 0.65 fluoroscopy/TEE, and 0.74 CTA/TEE. Depth measurements were 34.3 ± 5.7 mm with CCTA, 31.1 ± 6.5 mm TEE, and 27.8 ± 7.1 mm fluoroscopy (all P < 0.01); and correlations with R value 0.28 fluoroscopy/CTA, 0.22 fluoroscopy/TEE, and 0.56 CTA/TEE.

Conclusions

All 3 imaging modalities correlated with ACP landing zone and WATCHMAN ostium measurements, with CCTA providing the largest measurements, followed by TEE and fluoroscopy.
Contemporary evolution of host plant range expansion in an introduced herbivorous beetle Ophraella communa
Authors: Fukano Y. , Doi H. , Thomas C. E. , Takata M. , Koyama S. , Satoh T.
Published: January 2016

Host range expansion of herbivorous insects is a key event in ecological speciation and insect pest management. However, the mechanistic processes are relatively unknown because it is difficult to observe the ongoing host range expansion in natural population. In this study, we focused on the ongoing host range expansion in introduced populations of the ragweed leaf beetle, Ophraella communa, to estimate the evolutionary process of host plant range expansion of a herbivorous insect. In the native range of North America, O. communa does not utilize Ambrosia trifida, as a host plant, but this plant is extensively utilized in the beetle's introduced range. Larval performance and adult preference experiments demonstrated that native O. communa beetles show better survival on host plant individuals from introduced plant populations than those from native plant populations and they also oviposit on the introduced plant, but not on the native plant. Introduced O. communa beetles showed significantly higher performance on and preference for both introduced and native A. trifida plants, when compared with native O. communa. These results indicate the contemporary evolution of host plant range expansion of introduced O. communa and suggest that the evolutionary change of both the host plant and the herbivorous insect involved in the host range expansion.
Prevalence, Risk Factors and Multilocus Genotyping of Giardia intestinalis in Dairy Cattle, Northwest China
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Xuan , Tan Qi‐Dong , Zhao Guang‐Hui , Ma Jian‐Gang , Zheng Wen‐Bin , Ni Xiao‐Ting , Zhao Quan , Zhou Dong‐Hui , Zhu Xing‐Quan
Published: January 2016

Giardia intestinalis is a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite that can infect a range of animals, including dairy cattle. As information regarding the prevalence and genotyping of G. intestinalis infection in dairy cattle in northwestern China is limited, 2,945 feces samples from 1,224 dairy cattle in Gansu Province and from 1,614 in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (NXHAR) were examined between December 2012 and March 2014. The overall prevalence of G. intestinalis was 3.63% (107/2,945), with 2.63% and 4.38% in Gansu and NXHAR, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed region, age and season to be significant risk factors for G. intestinalis infection. Assemblage analysis identified 106 assemblage E and one assemblage A at the triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) locus in this study. Intravariations were also detected at tpi, glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) and beta giardin (bg) loci within assemblage E, showing seven, three, and five new subtypes, respectively. Moreover, 13 new multilocus genotypes (E20‐E32) were observed in assemblage E. Effective strategies and measures should be taken to prevent and control giardiasis in Gansu and NXHAR.
Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells in gastrointestinal cancers: A systematic review
Authors: Hirbod‐Mobarakeh Armin , Mirghorbani Masoud , Hajiju Fatemeh , Marvi Mahnaz , Bashiri Kiandokht , Rezaei Nima
Published: January 2016

Background and Aim:

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a heterogeneous group of cancers originating from the digestive system. Considering key roles of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the immunosuppression network, levels of MDSCs in patients with cancer are assumed to be of prognostic and predictive value. In this systematic review, we aimed to evaluate the clinical relevancy of MDSCs and their relationship with clinical features and prognosis of GI malignancies in patients with GI cancers.

Methods:

We searched Medline, Scopus, DART, OpenGrey, and ProQuest without applying any language filter up to 1 August 2015. Two of the authors independently reviewed search results for irrelevant and duplicate studies and extracted data from studies. We used tabulation to synthesize the findings of the studies and transformed data into a common rubric and calculated a weighted treatment effect across studies using Review Manager.

Results:

We found 1238 references in five databases, and after exclusion of irrelevant and duplicate studies, 17 studies with a total number of 1115 patients with GI cancers were included. A meta‐analysis of three studies showed associations of high MDSC levels with higher mortality during follow‐up periods (hazard ratio = 3.35; 95% confidence interval = 1.46–7.68, P = 0.0004). A meta‐analysis of four studies showed that patients with higher levels of MDSC had higher odds of having an advanced cancer (odds ratio = 2.64; 95% confidence interval = 1.53–4.53; P = 0.0004). There were also significant associations between MDSC levels and relapse, tumor progression, lymph node involvement, and metastasis.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, results of this systematic review based on the available literature suggest that MDSC levels are of clinical relevancy and prognostic and predictive value.
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio predicts recurrence after radiofrequency ablation in hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Tajiri Kazuto , Baba Hayato , Kawai Kengo , Minemura Masami , Yasumura Satoshi , Takahara Terumi , Sugiyama Toshiro
Published: January 2016

Background and Aim:

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an established treatment for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) wherein non‐recurrence is essential for long‐term survival. Recently, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a marker of systemic inflammation that is associated with tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs), was suggested to be a prognostic marker of HCC treated with RFA. Therefore, we evaluated predictive factors, including NLR, associated with recurrence after curative RFA.

Methods:

A total of 163 patients initially diagnosed with HCC and treated with RFA were enrolled. We retrospectively analyzed factors associated with recurrence and survival after RFA. Furthermore, TAMs were evaluated using surgically resected specimens.

Results:

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was the most frequent cause of HCC in this population (111 cases, 68.1%), whereas hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection accounted for 26 cases (16.0%). Recurrence, mostly intrahepatic distant recurrence, was found in 101 cases (61.9%). Recurrence and posttreatment NLR were independent prognostic factors related to survival, and male sex, HCV infection, serum des‐γ‐carboxy prothrombin >  40 AU/L, and posttreatment NLR were associated with recurrence. Pretreatment NLR showed no association with recurrence, whereas posttreatment NLR showed prognostic value. Interestingly, pretreatment NLR >  2.5 was significantly associated with recurrence in HBV‐HCC patients (odds ratio 3.439, P = 0.037) not but HCV‐HCC (odds ratio 1.430, P = 0.17). Furthermore, TAMs were increased in the peripheral area of HCCs with HBV infection compared with those with HCV.

Conclusions:

Recurrence of HCC after RFA was strongly associated with survival. NLR is useful as a predictive marker of recurrence, especially in HBV‐HCC patients.
Scholarly work products of the doctor of nursing practice: one approach to evaluating scholarship, rigour, impact and quality
Authors: Terhaar Mary F , Sylvia Martha
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectives

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate, monitor and manage the quality of projects conducted and work produced as evidence of scholarship upon completion of Doctor of Nursing Practice education.

Background

The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a relatively new degree which prepares nurses for high impact careers in diverse practice settings around the globe. Considerable variation characterises curricula across schools preparing Doctors of Nursing Practice. Accreditation assures curricula are focused on attainment of the Doctor of Nursing Practice essentials, yet outcomes have not been reported to help educators engage in programme improvement. This work has implications for nursing globally because translating strong evidence into practice is key to improving outcomes in direct care, leadership, management and education. The Doctor of Nursing Practice student learns to accomplish translation through the conduct of projects. Evaluating the rigour and results of these projects is essential to improving the quality, safety and efficacy of translation, improvements in care and overall system performance.

Design

A descriptive study was conducted to evaluate the scholarly products of Doctor of Nursing Practice education in one programme across four graduating classes.

Methods

A total of 80 projects, conducted across the USA and around the globe, are described using a modification of the Uncertainty, Pace, Complexity Model.

Results

The per cent of students considered to have produced high quality work in relation to target expectations as well as the per cent that conducted means testing increased over the four study years.

Conclusions

Evaluation of scope, complexity and rigour of scholarly work products has driven improvements in the curriculum and informed the work of faculty and advisors.

Relevance to clinical practice

Methods, evaluation and outcomes conformed around a set of expectations for scholarship and rigour have resulted in measurable outcomes, and quality publications have increased over time.
Carers’ views on patient self‐care in chronic heart failure
Authors: Cameron Jan , Rhodes Kerryn L. , Ski Chantal F. , Thompson David R.
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectives

To examine carers’ views on patient self‐care in chronic heart failure (CHF).

Background

Self‐care, a key strategy in the long‐term management of CHF, can be complex and difficult to master. Carers play a key role in supporting patients in self‐care, yet their views on it are rarely sought.

Design

A qualitative approach was adopted with a purposeful sample of carers of patients with CHF residing in Australia.

Methods

Carers who identified themselves as providing informal care to a person diagnosed with chronic heart failure were interviewed about their views on patient self‐care. Data were collected by face‐to‐face interviews with a semi‐structured interview guide. Qualitative content analysis of the interviews was undertaken by two nurses and one psychologist.

Results

Four key themes were identified pertaining to CHF patient self‐care: hindrance to engagement; roles and relationships; social support and community engagement and competency. Most carers viewed patients’ fatigue and inactivity, mood and coping, and memory loss as major challenges to engagement in self‐care. They viewed emotional support and encouragement, independence and organised routines as important aspects of their relationship with the patient and as facilitators of self‐care, but also required for themselves support from their families, communities and healthcare professionals. They also viewed patient and carer experience and knowledge as being essential to successful self‐care.

Conclusion

Carers viewed self‐care as an important issue for patients with CHF and indicated that they could play an enhanced role with the provision of better support and knowledge from their families, communities and health care professionals.

Relevance to clinical practice

Carers are closely involved in supporting patients in CHF self‐care, even though their views are rarely considered in the organisation and delivery of heart failure management programmes. Therefore, their important contribution should be acknowledged and supported in contemporary heart failure health services.
Impact of Operators’ Height on Individual Radiation Exposure Measurements During Catheter‐Based Cardiovascular Interventions
Authors: Rigatelli Gianluca , Panin Stefano , Fiorrevanti Rossella , Oliva Laura , Dario Adami , Tiberio Lorella , Bedendo Emiliano , Pertoldi Donatella , Chambers Charles
Published: January 2016

Aim

This study is aimed to evaluate the impact of an operators’ height on personal radiation exposure measurements during cardiovascular interventional procedures. Based upon both clinical data and phantom simulation, a new approach for monitoring an individual's exposure is proposed.

Methods

The clinical component of this study was composed of the operators and staff in a single center full service cardiovascular laboratory being divided into 2 groups based upon their height: group A included all individuals whose height was <165 cm; group B included the individuals >165 cm. All operators wore a standard TLD dosimeter at all times with doses recorded for 12 months. To support these clinical findings, a second investigation was performed utilizing a phantom. Measurements were obtained at 100 and 135 cm from the radiation source during simulation of different cardiovascular interventional procedures.

Results

The radiation dose measured from the personal dosimeters identified that Group A, operators <165 cm, had significantly higher doses than those recorded in Group B, operators >165 cm, when compared among individuals performing similar tasks (physicians, technicians, and nurses): 4.55 ± 4.0 (Group A) versus 1.95 ± 1.0 (Group B) mSv (P < 0.01). During procedure simulation with the phantom, the doses measured were similarly significantly higher if measured at 100 cm than at 135 cm from the radiation source.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the height from radiation source does impact the measured dose from an operator worn personal TLD. This was operator specific, consistent thought‐out multiple procedures, and confined with phantom measurements. (J Interven Cardiol 2016;29:83–88)
Active Versus Passive Anchoring Vascular Closure Devices Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Safety and Efficacy Comparative Analysis
Authors: Baker Nevin C. , Escarcega Ricardo O. , Lipinski Michael J. , Magalhaes Marco A. , Koifman Edward , Kiramijyan Sarkis , Negi Smita I. , Torguson Rebecca , Waksman Ron
Published: January 2016

Objective

We evaluate the prevalence of complications and failure rates between the most commonly used “active” anchoring vascular closure device (VCD), AngioSeal™ and the “passive” anchoring VCD, Mynx™, in all‐comers undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

A total of 4,074 patients between 2008 and 2014, representing an era when both devices were available, were included. Thirty‐two percent were acute coronary syndromes (37% STEMI). VCD choice was at the operator's discretion and included AngioSeal (n = 2,910) or Mynx (1,164). Cardiogenic shock or patients receiving intra‐aortic balloon pumps were excluded. Safety was assessed by vascular complications defined as either vascular injury (perforation, dissection, acute limb ischemia, arteriovenous fistula, pseudoaneurysm with thrombin injection, or surgical repair) or access‐site bleed (hemoglobin droP >3 g/dL requiring transfusion, retroperitoneal bleed, or hematoma >5 cm, or the composite of both. Efficacy was evaluated by device failure and defined as inability to achieve immediate hemostasis or use of additional hemostatic mechanisms. Outcomes at 30‐days were evaluated.

Results

Groups (AngioSeal vs Mynx) were fairly balanced with regards to bleeding risk factors of gender (male, 65% vs 66%), body mass index (30 ± 6 vs 30 ± 7), heart failure class III/IV (5% vs 6%), chronic kidney disease (15% vs 17%), use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (5% vs 4%), or bivalirudin (86% vs 88%), all P >0.5. The AngioSeal group was slightly younger (64 ± 12 vs 65 ± 12, P < 0.001) with less peripheral arterial disease (11.3% vs 13.9%, P = 0.03), and increased 7F sheath use compared with Mynx (59% vs 22%, P < 0.001). Safety and efficacy outcomes were similar between groups.

Conclusions

AngioSeal and Mynx appear to be equally safe and efficacious VCDs following PCI. The passive anchoring system may prove desirable as no intra‐arterial anchor remains upon device removal. (J Interven Cardiol 2016;29:108–112)
Canine tracheal collapse
Authors: Tappin S. W.
Published: January 2016

Tracheal collapse occurs most commonly in middle‐aged, small breed dogs. Clinical signs are usually proportional to the degree of collapse, ranging from mild airway irritation and paroxysmal coughing to respiratory distress and dyspnoea. Diagnosis is made by documenting dynamic airway collapse with radiographs, bronchoscopy or fluoroscopy. Most dogs respond well to medical management and treatment of any concurrent comorbidities. Surgical intervention may need to be considered in dogs that do not respond or have respiratory compromise. A variety of surgical techniques have been reported although extraluminal ring prostheses or intraluminal stenting are the most commonly used. Both techniques have numerous potential complications and require specialised training and experience but are associated with good short‐ and long‐term outcomes.
Inference on a Structural Break in Trend with Fractionally Integrated Errors
Authors: Chang Seong Yeon , Perron Pierre
Published: January 2016

Perron and Zhu (2005) established the consistency, convergence rate and limiting distributions of parameter estimates in time trends with a change in slope with or without a concurrent level change for the cases with I(1) or I(0) errors. We extend their analysis to the general case of fractionally integrated errors with memory parameter d∗. Our results uncover interesting features; e.g., with a level shift allowed, the convergence rate for the break date estimate is the same for all d∗∈(−0.5,0.5). In other cases, it is decreasing as d∗ increases. We also provide results about the so‐called spurious break issue.
Small state imperialism: the place of empire in contemporary nationalist discourse
Authors: Fabrykant Marharyta , Buhr Renee
Published: January 2016

Many modern European nations can trace their heritage back to one of the large multinational empires that once encompassed much of the European landscape, and nationalising elites often refer back to their place in these empires for the materials upon which their nation was purportedly built. In this article we examine some Belarusian nationalising elites and their references to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in order to demonstrate a recent trend in East European small‐state national identity construction, which we refer to as ‘small state imperialism.’ Small state imperialism exhibits realist characteristics and paints the small nation's place in empires of the past as privileged and aggressive, and in this way deviates from the oppressed but morally superior image one typically expects of a small nation. This interpretation is not limited to Belarus; in a number of East European states a similar imperialist turn has taken root in nationalist discourses.
‘An exploration of the health beliefs of Chinese nurses' and nurse academics' health beliefs: A Q‐methodology study’
Authors: Cai Dan , Stone Teresa E. , Petrini Marcia A. , McMillan Margaret
Published: January 2016

Q‐methodology was used to investigate the health beliefs of Chinese clinical nurses and nurse academics. Twenty‐eight participants from one hospital and nursing school in China were involved. The four stages of this study included: (i) concourse development from literature review, Internet searches, and key informant interviews; (ii) A pilot study to develop the Q‐sample from the concourse; (iii) participants sorted the Q‐sample statements along a continuum of preference (Q‐sorting); and (iv) PQ data analysis using principal component analysis and varimax rotation. Five viewpoints were revealed: (i) factor 1 – health management and the importance of evidence; (ii) factor 2 – challenging local cultural belief, and Eastern and Western influences; (iii) factor 3 – commonsense; (iv) factor 4 – health and clinical practice; and (v) factor 5 – health and nursing education. This study presents a need for nurses and nurse academics to think critically, examine their long‐held health beliefs, and promote the use of evidence‐based practice.
Middle Bronze Age Burials in the Southern Levant: Spartan Warriors or Ordinary People?
Authors: Kletter Raz , Levi Yosi
Published: January 2016

Intermediate and Middle Bronze Age tombs with weapons (mainly daggers) in the southern Levant were often interpreted as ‘warrior graves’. Taking into consideration new data from Rishon Le‐Zion (Israel), recent work on early warfare and warriors, and a study of so‐called ‘warrior graves’ in Mesopotamia (Rehm 2003), we suggest that most of these graves are not graves of elite warriors, but typical male burials. We also discuss the assumed ‘burial kit’ and the decline in numbers of weapons per burial, which is in our view related to the shift from individual burials (in the Intermediate Bronze and Middle Bronze IIA periods) to multiple shaft burials (in the Middle Bronze IIB period).
Social Stratification in the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages: An Intra‐Site Investigation at Megiddo
Authors: Sapir‐Hen Lidar , Sasson Aharon , Kleiman Assaf , Finkelstein Israel
Published: January 2016

The article presents an intra‐site investigation of the Strata VIIA and VIA faunal remains at Megiddo, Israel, which date to the LB III and late Iron I respectively. We examined social disparity between the populations of two areas of the city. Our finds indicate a difference in social status and division of labour: a dichotomy between producer‐consumers and consumers, who most probably interacted. Viewed in light of other types of remains at Megiddo, these findings reveal that the inhabitants of one sector engaged in agriculture and cottage industries, while the people in the other part of the city, close to the palace, were more affluent – related to the local ruler and administrators. Our study demonstrates the potential in intra‐site investigation at large, multi‐period sites.
Accommodative movements of the lens/capsule and the strand that extends between the posterior vitreous zonule insertion zone & the lens equator, in relation to the vitreous face and aging
Authors: Croft Mary Ann , Heatley Gregg , McDonald Jared P. , Katz Alexander , Kaufman Paul L.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

To elucidate the dynamic accommodative movements of the lens capsule, posterior lens and the strand that attaches to the posterior vitreous zonule insertion zone and posterior lens equator (PVZ INS‐LE), and their age‐related changes.

Methods

Twelve human subjects (ages 19–65 years) and 12 rhesus monkeys (ages 6–27 years) were studied. Accommodation was induced pharmacologically (humans) or by central electrical stimulation (monkeys). Ultrasound biomicroscopy was used to image intraocular structures in both species. Surgical procedures and contrast agents were utilized in the monkey eyes to elucidate function and allow visualization of the intraocular accommodative structures.

Results

Human: The posterior pole of the lens moves posteriorly during accommodation in proportion to accommodative amplitude and ciliary muscle movement. Monkey: Similar accommodative movements of the posterior lens pole were seen in the monkey eyes. Following extracapsular lens extraction (ECLE), the central capsule bows backward during accommodation in proportion to accommodative amplitude and ciliary muscle movement, while the peripheral capsule moves forward. During accommodation the ciliary muscle moved forward by ~1.0 mm, pulling forward the vitreous zonule and the PVZ INS‐LE structure. During the accommodative response the PVZ INS‐LE structure moved forward when the lens was intact and when the lens substance and capsule were removed. In both the monkey and the human eyes these movements declined with age.

Conclusions

The accommodative shape change of the central capsule may be due to the elastic properties of the capsule itself. For these capsule/lens accommodative posterior movements to occur, the vitreous face must either allow for it or facilitate it. The PVZ INS‐LE structure may act as a ‘strut’ to the posterior lens equator (pushing the lens equator forward) and thereby facilitate accommodative forward lens equator movement and lens thickening. The age‐related posterior restriction of the ciliary muscle, vitreous zonule and the PVZ‐INS LE structure dampens the accommodative lens shape change. Future descriptions of the accommodative mechanism, and approaches to presbyopia therapy, may need to incorporate these findings.
Twelfth Night and the philology of nonsense
Authors: Zucker Adam
Published: January 2016

This article argues that nonsense words in Twelfth Night and other early modern English comedies can help us think more clearly about our attempts to explicate difficult language in historical contexts. Focusing in particular on Sir Toby's untranslatable exclamation ‘Castiliano Vulgo’ and other meaningless foreign‐sounding phrases in a range of plays, the article discusses the social ramifications of miscomprehension or false interpretations, both for imagined characters on stage, and for scholars, editors, teachers, students, and audience members. How does our desire to eliminate confusion in our encounter with historical literature shape our responses to comic texts? Can we imagine a classroom or a Shakespearean theatre in which baffling, incomprehensible nonsense is a productive presence?
Understanding the Obesity Problem: Policy Implications of a Motivational Account of (Un)Healthy Eating
Authors: Orehek Edward , Vazeou‐Nieuwenhuis Anna
Published: January 2016

Obesity represents a serious public health issue. One major contributor to obesity is the quality and quantity of foods one consumes. Psychological research trying to understand overeating and unhealthy eating behavior has often attributed it to homeostatic malfunction and/or lack of self‐regulatory ability. We propose a different approach here, suggesting that eating behavior represents goal pursuit and that obesity is the result of reliance on foods that fulfill convenience goals and price goals at the expense of health goals. We propose and present empirical evidence suggesting that people are capable of making healthier choices when health (rather than convenience and price) concerns predominate and healthy options are available. Based on this existing evidence we suggest that (1) future research should further explore individuals’ food choice as a function of the multiple goals they attempt to achieve rather than as a lack of willpower, and (2) policy may contribute to healthy eating by reprioritizing these goals and emphasizing health while increasing the availability and affordability of healthy foods.
The “Make Your Own Religion” Project
Authors: Bauman Chad M. , Hege Brent A. R. , Kleckley Russell , Willsky‐Ciollo Lydia , Lopez Davina C.
Published: January 2016

The “Make Your Own Religion” class project was designed to address a perceived need to introduce more theoretical thinking about religion into a typical religion survey course, and to do so in such a way that students would experience the wonder of theoretical discovery, and through or because of that discovery hopefully both better retain knowledge gained from the project and nurture within themselves the practice of thinking more analytically about religion (and other social and cultural things). Despite a number of challenges and unresolved questions associated with the project, it has proven relatively successful at introducing and provoking theoretical thinking about religion in a compressed period of time, without taking an inordinate number of class periods away from the survey itself. A brief description and analysis of the assignment is followed by four short responses.
Concentration‐dependent effect of hypocalcaemia on in vitro clot strength in patients at risk of bleeding: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ho K. M. , Yip C. B.
Published: January 2016

Aim

It is uncertain whether hypocalcaemia is associated with an increased risk of bleeding. This study assessed the dose‐related relationship between ionised calcium concentrations and in vitro clot strength measured by maximum amplitude (MA) on the thromboelastograph (TEG).

Methods

A total of 610 patients who were at risk of bleeding or had active bleeding between 2010 and 2014 were considered in this retrospective cohort study. A scatter plot with Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and multiple linear regression was used to assess the dose‐related relationship between ionised calcium concentrations and MA on the TEG.

Results

The mean ionised calcium of the patients was 1·10 mmol L−1 (interquartile range: 1·04–1·17) and 235 (38·5%) of them had hypocalcaemia (<1·1 mmol L−1). Hypocalcaemia was more common in patients with significant coexisting coagulopathy. Ionised calcium concentrations (r = 0·285, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·211–0·356, P = 0·001), as well as fibrinogen concentrations, platelet counts, international normalised ratio (INR) and activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT), had a significant linear correlation with the MA on the TEG. Ionised calcium concentrations and its interaction term with platelet count were both significantly associated with the MA on the TEG (slope of the regression line 1·1 per 0·1 mmol L−1 increment, 95%CI 0·3 to 1·9, P = 0·011), after adjusting for fibrinogen concentrations, platelet counts, INR and aPTT.

Conclusions

Ionised calcium concentrations had a concentration‐dependent association with in vitro clot strength after adjusting for other coagulation abnormalities in patients with coexisting coagulopathy. Maintaining a normal ionised calcium concentration, >1 mmol L−1, during critical bleeding is recommended.
The Arabidopsis DELAY OF GERMINATION 1 gene affects ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 5 (ABI5) expression and genetically interacts with ABI3 during Arabidopsis seed development
Authors: Dekkers Bas J.W. , He Hanzi , Hanson Johannes , Willems Leo A.J. , Jamar Diaan C.L. , Cueff Gwendal , Rajjou Loïc , Hilhorst Henk W.M. , Bentsink Leónie
Published: January 2016

The seed expressed gene DELAY OF GERMINATION (DOG) 1 is absolutely required for the induction of dormancy. Next to a non‐dormant phenotype, the dog1‐1 mutant is also characterized by a reduced seed longevity suggesting that DOG1 may affect additional seed processes as well. This aspect however, has been hardly studied and is poorly understood. To uncover additional roles of DOG1 in seeds we performed a detailed analysis of the dog1 mutant using both transcriptomics and metabolomics to investigate the molecular consequences of a dysfunctional DOG1 gene. Further, we used a genetic approach taking advantage of the weak aba insensitive (abi) 3‐1 allele as a sensitized genetic background in a cross with dog1‐1. DOG1 affects the expression of hundreds of genes including LATE EMBRYOGENESIS ABUNDANT and HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN genes which are affected by DOG1 partly via control of ABI5 expression. Furthermore, the content of a subset of primary metabolites, which normally accumulate during seed maturation, was found to be affected in the dog1‐1 mutant. Surprisingly, the abi3‐1 dog1‐1 double mutant produced green seeds which are highly ABA insensitive, phenocopying severe abi3 mutants, indicating that dog1‐1 acts as an enhancer of the weak abi3‐1 allele and thus revealing a genetic interaction between both genes. Analysis of the dog1 and dog1 abi3 mutants revealed additional seed phenotypes and therefore we hypothesize that DOG1 function is not limited to dormancy but that it is required for multiple aspects of seed maturation, in part by interfering with ABA signalling components.
Tribological efficacy and stability of phospholipid-based membrane lubricants in varying pH chemical conditions
Authors: Pawlak Zenon , Urbaniak Wieslaw , Afara Isaac O. , Yusuf Kehinde Q. , Banaszak-Piechowska Agnieszka , Oloyede Adekunle
Published: January 2016

In this study, the authors examine the influence of joint chemical environment by measuring changes in the tribological properties (friction coefficient and charge density) of contacting surfaces of normal and degenerated cartilage samples in bath solutions of varying pH (2.0–9.0). Bovine articular cartilage samples (n = 54) were subjected to several surface measurements, including interfacial energy, contact angle, and friction coefficient, at varying pH. The samples were delipidized and then subjected to the same measurement protocols. Our results reveal that the interfacial energy and charge density, which have been shown to be related to friction coefficient, decrease with pH in the acidic range and approach constant values at physiological (or synovial fluid) pH of 7.4 and beyond it, i.e., toward basic pH domain. The authors conclude that this rather complex response explains the long-term efficacy with respect to ageing and associated pH changes, of the phospholipid layers that facilitate the almost frictionless, hydration–lubrication involving contact in the mammalian musculoskeletal system.
The neural encoding of formant frequencies contributing to vowel identification in normal-hearing listeners
Authors: Won Jong Ho , Tremblay Kelly , Clinard Christopher G. , Wright Richard A. , Sagi Elad , Svirsky Mario
Published: January 2016

Even though speech signals trigger coding in the cochlea to convey speech information to the central auditory structures, little is known about the neural mechanisms involved in such processes. The purpose of this study was to understand the encoding of formant cues and how it relates to vowel recognition in listeners. Neural representations of formants may differ across listeners; however, it was hypothesized that neural patterns could still predict vowel recognition. To test the hypothesis, the frequency-following response (FFR) and vowel recognition were obtained from 38 normal-hearing listeners using four different vowels, allowing direct comparisons between behavioral and neural data in the same individuals. FFR was employed because it provides an objective and physiological measure of neural activity that can reflect formant encoding. A mathematical model was used to describe vowel confusion patterns based on the neural responses to vowel formant cues. The major findings were (1) there were large variations in the accuracy of vowel formant encoding across listeners as indexed by the FFR, (2) these variations were systematically related to vowel recognition performance, and (3) the mathematical model of vowel identification was successful in predicting good vs poor vowel identification performers based exclusively on physiological data.
Lateralization of stimuli with alternating interaural time differences: The role of monaural envelope cues
Authors: Reed Darrin K. , Dietz Mathias , Josupeit Angela , van de Par Steven
Published: January 2016

A temporally acute binaural system can help to resolve inherent fluctuations in binaural information that are often present in complex auditory scenes. Using a broadband noise stimulus that rapidly alternates between two different values of interaural time difference (ITD), the ability of the binaural system to hear the lateral position resulting from one of the ITD values was investigated. Results show that listeners are able to accurately lateralize brief noise tokens of only 3–7 ms in duration. In two subsequent experiments, the role of an amplitude modulation (AM) imposed on the ITD-switching stimulus used in the first experiment was tested. For wideband stimuli, the temporal position of the ITD target relative to the phase of the AM did not influence absolute lateralization or detection performance. When the stimuli were narrowband, however, detection of the ITD target was best when temporally positioned in the rising portion of the AM. These experiments illustrate that the auditory system is capable of making accurate lateral estimates of very brief moments of ITD information. Furthermore, for these instantaneous changes in ITD information, the stimulus bandwidth can influence the role of envelope cues for the readout of binaural information.
Field observation of low-to-mid-frequency acoustic propagation characteristics of an estuarine salt wedge
Authors: Reeder D. Benjamin
Published: January 2016

The estuarine environment often hosts a salt wedge, the stratification of which is a function of the tide's range and speed of advance, river discharge volumetric flow rate, and river mouth morphology. Competing effects of temperature and salinity on sound speed in this stratified environment control the degree of acoustic refraction occurring along an acoustic path. A field experiment was carried out in the Columbia River Estuary to test the hypothesis: the estuarine salt wedge is acoustically observable in terms of low-to-mid-frequency acoustic propagation. Linear frequency-modulated acoustic signals in the 500–2000 Hz band were transmitted during the advance and retreat of the salt wedge during May 27–29, 2013. Results demonstrate that the salt wedge front is the dominant physical mechanism controlling acoustic propagation in this environment: received signal energy is relatively stable before and after the passage of the salt wedge front when the acoustic path consists of a single medium (either entirely fresh water or entirely salt water), and suffers a 10–15 dB loss and increased variability during salt wedge front passage. Physical parameters and acoustic propagation modeling corroborate and inform the acoustic observations.
Papers of note in
Science
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: January 2016

Three articles provide insights into a protein complex that enables cells to sense leucine and regulate metabolism.
Reprogramming lipid metabolism to boost antiviral responses
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: January 2016

Changes in cholesterol biosynthetic flux affect the sensitivity of an antiviral immune pathway.
Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolate from a New York City Hospital Belonging to Sequence Type 258 and Carrying
bla
KPC-2
and
bla
VIM-4
Authors: Castanheira Mariana , Deshpande Lalitagauri M. , Mills Janet C. , Jones Ronald N. , Soave Rosemary , Jenkins Stephen G. , Schuetz Audrey N.
Published: January 2016

Among 69 of 139 (49.6%) carbapenem-nonsusceptible
Enterobacteriaceae
carrying
bla
KPC
, 1
Klebsiella pneumoniae
was also positive for
bla
VIM
. The isolate belonged to sequence type 258 (ST258) and carried
bla
KPC-2
on a copy of
Tn4401
a and
bla
VIM-4
on a class 1 integron. Genes were located on distinct plasmids belonging to Inc types A/C and FII. Elevated expression of the efflux pump AcrAB-TolC (
acrA
, 15.3 times) and reduced expression of outer membrane protein genes
ompK35
and
ompK37
(0.16 and 0.081 times, respectively) associated with various amino acid alterations on OmpK37 were observed. The presence of two carbapenemases in ST258
K. pneumoniae
is of great concern due to the ability of this organism to widely disseminate.
Chromosomally and Extrachromosomally Mediated High-Level Gentamicin Resistance in Streptococcus agalactiae
Authors: Sendi Parham , Furitsch Martina , Mauerer Stefanie , Florindo Carlos , Kahl Barbara C. , Shabayek Sarah , Berner Reinhard , Spellerberg Barbara
Published: January 2016

Streptococcus agalactiae
(group B
Streptococcus
[GBS]) is a leading cause of sepsis in neonates. The rate of invasive GBS disease in nonpregnant adults also continues to climb. Aminoglycosides alone have little or no effect on GBS, but synergistic killing with penicillin has been shown
in vitro
. High-level gentamicin resistance (HLGR) in GBS isolates, however, leads to the loss of a synergistic effect. We therefore performed a multicenter study to determine the frequency of HLGR GBS isolates and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms leading to gentamicin resistance. From eight centers in four countries, 1,128 invasive and colonizing GBS isolates were pooled and investigated for the presence of HLGR. We identified two strains that displayed HLGR (BSU1203 and BSU452), both of which carried the
aacA-aphD
gene, typically conferring HLGR. However, only one strain (BSU1203) also carried the previously described chromosomal gentamicin resistance transposon designated Tn
3706
. For the other strain (BSU452), plasmid purification and subsequent DNA sequencing resulted in the detection of plasmid pIP501 carrying a remnant of a Tn
3
family transposon. Its ability to confer HLGR was proven by transfer into an
Enterococcus faecalis
isolate. Conversely, loss of HLGR was documented after curing both GBS BSU452 and the transformed
E. faecalis
strain from the plasmid. This is the first report showing plasmid-mediated HLGR in GBS. Thus, in our clinical GBS isolates, HLGR is mediated both chromosomally and extrachromosomally.
Pneumonia Caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Does Vancomycin Heteroresistance Matter?
Authors: Claeys Kimberly C. , Lagnf Abdalhamid M. , Hallesy Jessica A. , Compton Matthew T. , Gravelin Alison L. , Davis Susan L. , Rybak Michael J.
Published: January 2016

Vancomycin remains the mainstay treatment for methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) infections, including pneumonia. There is concern regarding the emergence of vancomycin tolerance, caused by heterogeneous vancomycin-intermediate
S. aureus
(hVISA), and subsequent vancomycin treatment failure. Pneumonia is associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially with delays in appropriate therapy. This study evaluated the clinical outcomes of patients with hVISA pneumonia compared to those with vancomycin-susceptible
S. aureus
(VSSA) pneumonia. A retrospective cohort of patients with MRSA pneumonia from 2005 to 2014 was matched at a ratio of 2:1 VSSA to hVISA infections to compare patient characteristics, treatments, and outcomes. hVISA was determined by the 48-h population analysis profile area under the curve. Characteristics between VSSA and hVISA infections were compared by univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine independent risk factors of inpatient mortality. Eighty-seven patients were included, representing 29 hVISA and 58 VSSA cases of pneumonia. There were no significant differences in demographics or baseline characteristics. Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores were a median of 7 (interquartile ratio [IQR], 5 to 8) in hVISA patients and 5 (IQR, 3 to 8) in VSSA (
P
= 0.092) patients. Inpatient mortality was significantly higher in hVISA patients (44.8% versus 24.1%;
P
= 0.049). Predictors of inpatient mortality upon multivariable regression were SOFA score (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08 to 1.70), Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) positivity (aOR, 6.63; 95% CI, 1.79 to 24.64), and hVISA phenotype (aOR, 3.95; 95% CI, 1.18 to 13.21). Patients with hVISA pneumonia experienced significantly higher inpatient mortality than those with VSSA pneumonia. There is a need to consider the presence of vancomycin heteroresistance in pneumonia caused by MRSA in order to potentially improve clinical outcomes.