bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Affordability of adult HIV/AIDS treatment in developing countries: modelling price determinants for a better insight of the market functioning
Authors: Sagaon‐Teyssier Luis , Singh Sauman , Dongmo‐Nguimfack Boniface , Moatti Jean‐Paul
Published: October 2016

Introduction

This study aims to provide a landscape of the global antiretroviral (ARV) market by analyzing the transactional data on donor‐funded ARV procurement between 2003 and 2015, and the ARV price determinants.

Design

The data were obtained from the Global Price Reporting Mechanism (GPRM) managed by the AIDS Medicines and Diagnostics Service of the WHO, and it consists of information that covers approximately 80% of the total donor‐funded adult ARV transactions procurement.

Methods

ExWorks prices and procured quantities were standardized according to the guidelines in terms of yearly doses. Descriptive statistics on quantities and prices show the main trends of the ARV market. Ordinary least squares estimation was carried out for the whole sample, then stratified according to the type of supplier (originator and generic) and controlled for time and geographical fixed‐effects. Given that analyses were carried out on a public dataset on ARV transactional prices from the GPRM, ethics are respected and consent was not necessary.

Results

Originator medicines are on average the least expensive in the sub‐Saharan Africa region, where at the same time, generic medicines are on average the most expensive. By contrast, originator medicines are the most expensive in Europe and Central Asia, and generic medicines are the least expensive. In fact, the data suggest mixed strategies by ARV suppliers to exploit opportunities for profit maximization and to adapt to the specific conditions of market competition in each region. Our results also suggest that the expiration of patents is not sufficient to boost additional developments in generic competition (at least in the ARV market) and that formal or informal agreements between generic firms may de facto slow down or even reverse long‐term trends towards price decreases.

Conclusions

Our findings provide an improved understanding of the ARV market that can help countries strengthen policy measures to increase their bargaining power in price negotiations and the use of TRIPS flexibilities, with a special emphasis on negotiations with generic manufacturers.
Ways to Open Science. Open Research Infrastructures and the role of repositories
Authors: Blumesberger Susanne
Published: October 2016

Watch the VIDEO of the presentation.The Way to Open Science contains many  components. One of these  components would be open repositories based on open source software  with free access to researchers. Open access policies are essential, as are open infrastructures and open contents. Repositories can support this openness by offering open licenses, open metadata , the possibility to use open formats  and open thesauri.  Another principal point is transparency. Open peer review should be possible, and the description of processes should also be transparent. Of course, an open license should provide all data types and metadata as well.It is important to help researchers to make their results visible and accessible and to encourage them to publish in OA-Journals and use repositories for the underlying data. Open Access Policies are supporting these efforts. Open data can be freely used, modified, and shared by anyone for any purpose. In order to do so, Open Licenses are required.Also Metadata are important components of the Way  to Open Science. Metadata are data about data which should be free of all restrictions on access, structured and based on standards.Open formats are defined by a published specification and are not restricted in their use. They are mainly used by open-source software. Open Thesauruses are freely accessible for everyone without costs and with a free license.Open Processes should be documented, transparent, repeatable and reusable.An open peer review process is also  a step  forward to Open Science. Authors and referees are no longer anonymous. The whole process and the decision letters are open.Of course Open licenses allow the reuse of any work or data without any restrictions.The lecture will deal with various aspects of open science and focus on the role of repositories – with all chances and challenges.
Engaging your audience: using altmetrics to drive faculty outreach and raise the profile of expertise within an institution
Authors: Lambe Lucy , Bucknell Terry
Published: October 2016

Watch the VIDEO of the presentation.Today’s researchers exist in a very connected world, in which scholarly knowledge is rapidly published, disseminated and shared online amongst a global audience. They are communicating their research between each other and with the wider world, aiming to make an impact on society. Gathering evidence of this activity can provide powerful and data-driven insights into the reach and influence of specific content, which can then be utilised to help develop an individual’s professional reputation and build future strategy. Online tools such as Altmetric can collect and analyse this data, and present it in a way that makes sense to researchers and university administrators.In this session we’ll explore why the London School of Economics is supporting altmetrics as a priority for identifying impact. We will discuss the tools and workflows that make this effective and engaging for researchers, and enable a broad view of departments and the institution as a whole. We’ll have examples of how the information that the Altmetric Explorer collates can then be interpreted and incorporated into reporting, statements of impact and supplement the traditional metrics academics already use.You will also find out how LSE have used altmetric data to generate engagement between the library, research office and faculty. Altmetrics can provide the data for a story of how research is creating impact. At LSE the library is working with the research office, department heads and individual researchers to identify and interpret this data, combined with citation metrics to create an overall picture of the activities of the School and staff. In particular, we’ll focus on what benefits this brings both the institution as a whole, and the individual researcher.Attendees will leave the session with some practical tips for how they can begin to get familiar with such data themselves, and some ideas to help them consider how they might integrate similar practices within their own organisation.
A small molecule targeting protein translation does not rescue spatial learning and memory deficits in the hAPP-J20 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Johnson Erik C.B. , Kang Jing
Published: October 2016

A small molecule named ISRIB has recently been described to enhance memory in rodents. In this study we aimed to test whether ISRIB would reverse learning and memory deficits in the J20 mouse model of human amyloid precursor protein (hAPP) overexpression, a model that simulates many aspects of Alzheimer’s disease in which memory deficits are a hallmark feature. We did not observe a significant rescue effect with ISRIB treatment on spatial learning and memory as assessed in the Morris water maze in J20 mice. We also did not observe a significant enhancement of spatial learning or memory in nontransgenic mice with ISRIB treatment, although a trend emerged for memory enhancement in one cohort of mice. Future preclinical studies with ISRIB would benefit from additional robust markers of target engagement in the brain.
Residency in white-eared hummingbirds (Hylocharis leucotis) and its effect in territorial contest resolution
Authors: Mendiola-Islas Verónica , Lara Carlos , Corcuera Pablo , Valverde Pedro Luis
Published: October 2016

Background

Territory owners usually defeat intruders. One explanation for this observation is the uncorrelated asymmetry hypothesis which argues that contests might be settled by an arbitrary convention such as “owners win.” We studied the effect of territorial residency on contest asymmetries in the white-eared hummingbird (Hylocharis leucotis) in a fir forest from central Mexico.

Methods

Twenty white-eared male adult hummingbird territories were monitored during a winter season, recording the territorial behavior of the resident against intruding hummingbirds. The size and quality of the territory were related to the probability that the resident would allow the use of flowers by the intruder. Various generalized models (logistical models) were generated to describe the probabilities of victory for each individual resident depending on the different combinations of three predictor variables (territory size, territory quality, and intruder identity).

Results

In general, small and low quality territory owners tend to prevent conspecific intruders from foraging at a higher rate, while they frequently fail to exclude heterospecific intruders such as the magnificent hummingbird (Eugenes fulgens) or the green violetear hummingbird (Colibri thalassinus) on any territory size. Our results showed that the identity of the intruder and the size and quality of the territory determined the result of the contests, but not the intensity of defense.

Discussion

Initially, the rule that “the resident always wins” was supported, since no resident was expelled from its territory during the study. Nevertheless, the resident-intruder asymmetries during the course of a day depended on different factors, such as the size and quality of the territory and, mainly, the identity of the intruders. Our results showed that flexibility observed in contest tactics suggests that these tactics are not fixed but are socially plastic instead and they can be adjusted to specific circumstances.
Glycogen metabolism in the glucose‐sensing and supply‐driven β‐cell
Authors: Andersson Lotta E. , Nicholas Lisa M. , Filipsson Karin , Sun Jiangming , Medina Anya , Al‐Majdoub Mahmoud , Fex Malin , Mulder Hindrik , Spégel Peter
Published: October 2016

Glycogen metabolism in β‐cells may affect downstream metabolic pathways controlling insulin release. We examined glycogen metabolism in human islets and in the rodent‐derived INS‐1 832/13 β‐cells and found them to express the same isoforms of key enzymes required for glycogen metabolism. Our findings indicate that glycogenesis is insulin‐independent but influenced by extracellular glucose concentrations. Levels of glycogen synthase decrease with increasing glucose concentrations, paralleling accumulation of glycogen. We did not find cAMP‐elicited glycogenolysis and insulin secretion to be causally related. In conclusion, our results reveal regulated glycogen metabolism in human islets and insulin‐secreting cells. Whether glycogen metabolism affects insulin secretion under physiological conditions remains to be determined.
Structure and inhibition ofN‐acetylneuraminate lyase from methicillin‐resistantStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: North Rachel A. , Watson Andrew J. A. , Pearce F. Grant , Muscroft‐Taylor Andrew C. , Friemann Rosmarie , Fairbanks Antony J. , Dobson Renwick C. J.
Published: October 2016

N‐Acetylneuraminate lyase is the first committed enzyme in the degradation of sialic acid by bacterial pathogens. In this study, we analyzed the kinetic parameters ofN‐acetylneuraminate lyase from methicillin‐resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA). We determined that the enzyme has a relatively highKMof 3.2 mm, suggesting that flux through the catabolic pathway is likely to be controlled by this enzyme. Our data indicate that sialic acid alditol, a known inhibitor ofN‐acetylneuraminate lyase enzymes, is a stronger inhibitor ofMRSAN‐acetylneuraminate lyase than ofClostridium perfringens N‐acetylneuraminate lyase. Our analysis of the crystal structure of ligand‐free and 2R‐sialic acid alditol‐boundMRSAN‐acetylneuraminate lyase suggests that subtle dynamic differences in solution and/or altered binding interactions within the active site may account for species‐specific inhibition.
Crystal structures of wild‐type Trichoderma reesei Cel7A catalytic domain in open and closed states
Authors: Bodenheimer Annette M. , Meilleur Flora
Published: October 2016

Trichoderma reesei Cel7A efficiently hydrolyses cellulose. We report here the crystallographic structures of the wild‐type TrCel7A catalytic domain (CD) in an open state and, for the first time, in a closed state. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations indicate that the loops along the CD tunnel move in concerted motions. Together, the crystallographic and MD data suggest that the CD cycles between the tense and relaxed forms that are characteristic of work producing enzymes. Analysis of the interactions formed by R251 provides a structural rationale for the concurrent decrease in product inhibition and catalytic efficiency measured for product‐binding site mutants.
Stretched exponential relaxation of viscous remanence and magnetic dating of erratic boulders
Authors: Sato T. , Nakamura N. , Nagahama H. , Minoura K.
Published: October 2016

Viscous remanence continuously increases with the duration of reorientation of rocks, and the remanence gets partially overprinted in rocks parallel to the Earth's magnetic field. This overprinted viscous remanence is unblocked at a certain temperature that enables the estimation of the time required for the rock to acquire the magnetism, by assuming the exponential law of Néel's single‐domain theory. However, previous results of dating the rocks by the exponential law have shown older ages than radiometric or cosmogenic exposure ages. Néel's exponential decay law is applicable to a system whose magnetic grains have an identical relaxation time. However, in real systems, the expected behavior is not usually observed because relaxation times vary for individual grains. Moreover, the variation of viscous remanence with the logarithmic law for a distribution of relaxation times is predicted to be concave downward. Here we found that the stretched exponential law, exp{−(t/τ)1 − n} with 0 ≤ n < 1, explains previously published data on viscous decay. The observed stretched exponential relaxation can be interpreted in terms of the global relaxation of a system containing many relaxing species, each of which decays exponentially in time with a specific fixed relaxation rate. Using this law, we derived an extended time‐temperature relationship of magnetite involving the Néel's exponential decay law with n = 0 and a system containing many relaxing times with variable n. The extended time‐temperature relationship shows that the age of a coral tsunami boulder with high anomalous unblocking temperatures can be fitted with an assigned radiometric age.
Vertical overlap of probability density functions of cloud and precipitation hydrometeors
Authors: Ovchinnikov Mikhail , Lim Kyo‐Sun Sunny , Larson Vincent E. , Wong May , Thayer‐Calder Katherine , Ghan Steven J.
Published: October 2016

Coarse‐resolution climate models increasingly rely on probability density functions (PDFs) to represent subgrid‐scale variability of prognostic variables. While PDFs characterize the horizontal variability, a separate treatment is needed to account for the vertical structure of clouds and precipitation. When subcolumns are drawn from these PDFs for microphysics or radiation parameterizations, appropriate vertical correlations must be enforced via PDF overlap specifications. This study evaluates the representation of PDF overlap in the Subgrid Importance Latin Hypercube Sampler (SILHS) employed in the assumed PDF turbulence and cloud scheme called the Cloud Layers Unified by Binormals (CLUBB). PDF overlap in CLUBB‐SILHS simulations of continental and tropical oceanic deep convection is compared with overlap of PDF of various microphysics variables in cloud‐resolving model (CRM) simulations of the same cases that explicitly predict the 3‐D structure of cloud and precipitation fields. CRM results show that PDF overlap varies significantly between different hydrometeor types, as well as between PDFs of mass and number mixing ratios for each species—a distinction that the current SILHS implementation does not make. In CRM simulations that explicitly resolve cloud and precipitation structures, faster falling species, such as rain and graupel, exhibit significantly higher coherence in their vertical distributions than slow falling cloud liquid and ice. These results suggest that to improve the overlap treatment in the subcolumn generator, the PDF correlations need to depend on hydrometeor properties, such as fall speeds, in addition to the currently implemented dependency on the turbulent convective length scale.
Maskless Fabrication of Highly Robust, Flexible Transparent Cu Conductor by Random Crack Network Assisted Cu Nanoparticle Patterning and Laser Sintering
Authors: Suh Young D. , Kwon Jinhyeong , Lee Jinhwan , Lee Habeom , Jeong Seongmin , Kim Dongkwan , Cho Hyunmin , Yeo Junyeob , Ko Seung Hwan
Published: October 2016

A novel maskless fabrication method for highly flexible Cu random network transparent conductor has been developed by random nanocrack generation and subsequent Cu nanoparticle ink filling, transfer, and oxidation‐free laser sintering without the aid of conventional photolithography or vacuum metal deposition steps. Use of random nanocrack on a silicon as a transfer printing template enables large area, high resolution network patterning, and fabrication in a simple maskless manner. At the same time, the laser sintering process allows low temperature, fast processing time, and oxidation suppression of Cu nanoparticle under ambient atmosphere. The fabricated Cu metal network establishes strong adhesion to plastic substrates, thus mechanical stability against tensile and compressive bending is attainable. Moreover, the template‐assisted Cu metal network fabrication method minimizes waste of Cu nanoparticle as compared with other methods. A simple touch screen using Cu metal network‐based transparent conductor is also demonstrated.
Moisture sorption isotherm characteristics and Taguchi analysis of rice bran extraction parameters
Authors: Chen Hua‐Wei , Hong Gui‐Bing , Chen Zong‐Jiang
Published: October 2016

This work determined the moisture sorption isotherm of rice bran and investigated the effects of the pre‐treatment method, solvent type, solid–liquid ratio and soaping temperature on extract yield, total phenolic content, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical‐scavenging activity assay and 2,2′‐azino‐bis antioxidant capacity assay of rice bran extract. The Taguchi method and L9 (34) orthogonal array were employed in this study. The sorption isotherms of rice bran showed a sigmoidal pattern and displayed type II of van der Waals adsorption. Adsorption and desorption data on rice bran were best fitted using the Henderson model among the six models tested at three temperatures. The net isosteric heat of desorption was higher than the net isosteric heat of adsorption. Based on the analysis of the signal‐to‐noise ratio, solvent selection effected the largest contribution to the overall performance. Confirmation experiments showed that the optimal combination that contained the four quality attributes was appropriate (error margin <5%) and reproducible. © 2016 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prognostic and staging implications of mandibular canal invasion in lower gingival squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Okura Masaya , Yanamoto Souichi , Umeda Masahiro , Otsuru Mitsunobu , Ota Yoshihide , Kurita Hiroshi , Kamata Takahiro , Kirita Tadaaki , Yamakawa Nobuhiro , Yamashita Tetsuro , Ueda Michihiro , Komori Takahide , Hasegawa Takumi , Aikawa Tomonao ,   Japan Oral Oncology Group
Published: October 2016

A multi‐institutional study was undertaken to determine whether mandibular canal (MC) invasion and mandibular medullary bone invasion are independent factors in lower gingival squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A total of 345 patients with lower gingival SCC were retrospectively reviewed. Mandibular bone invasion was categorized into three types; no bone invasion; invasion through cortical bone (medullary); and MC invasion. The overall survival rate and factors affecting local, regional, and distant failures were assessed by Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and Kaplan–Meier estimates. Bone invasion was present in 201 (58%) patients, of whom 107 (31%) had medullary invasion and 94 (27%) had MC invasion. Using the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) staging system and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) system, 171 (50%) patients were classified as T4a. When the bone invasion criteria were excluded from the UICC/AJCC system definition, 152 T4a tumors were downstaged and reclassified to T1 in 12 (3%), to T2 in 98 (28%), and to T3 in 42 (12%). In Cox multivariate analysis, MC invasion was an independent predictor of overall survival but medullary bone invasion was not. Medullary bone invasion was an independent variable for distant control. The current T staging system has restricted prognostic utility. The authors recommend a modified T staging system, whereby tumors with MC invasion instead of medullary bone invasion are classified as T4a, and tumors are first classified as T1 to T3 based on size and then upstaged by one T classification in the presence of medullary invasion.
Clinical significance of sunitinib‐associated macrocytosis in metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Bourlon Maria T. , Gao Dexiang , Trigero Sara , Clemons Julia E. , Breaker Kathryn , Lam Elaine T. , Flaig Thomas W.
Published: October 2016

Increases in the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) have been observed in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) on tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment; however, its association with progression‐free‐survival (PFS) is unknown. We aimed to characterize TKI‐associated macrocytosis in mRCC and its relationship with PFS. Retrospective review of data on macrocytosis and thyroid dysfunction on mRCC patients treated with sunitinib and/or sorafenib. These results are evaluated in the context of our previous report on the association of hypothyroidism in this setting. We assessed PFS as clinically defined by the treating physician. Seventy‐four patients, 29 of whom received both drugs, were included. A treatment period was defined as time from initiation to discontinuation of either sunitinib or sorafenib; 103 treatment periods [sorafenib (47), sunitinib (56)] were analyzed. Macrocytosis was found in 55 and 8% of sunitinib‐ and sorafenib‐treated patients, respectively, P < 0.001. The median time to developing macrocytosis was 3 months (m, range 1–7). Median PFS in sunitinib‐treated patients was 11 m (95% CI: 6–19). Median PFS was higher among those with macrocytosis compared to normocytosis (21 m [95% CI: 11–25] vs. 4 m [95% CI: 3–8] P = 0.0001). Macrocytosis and hypothyroidism were two significant predictors of PFS. The greatest difference in PFS among all patients was observed in patients with both macrocytosis and hypothyroidism (25 m), compared to the normocytic and euthyroid patients (5 m) (P < 0.0001). Sunitinib‐related macrocytosis was associated with prolonged PFS, and concurrent development of hypothyroidism and macrocytosis further prolonged PFS. Increased MCV may have a role as a predictive biomarker for sunitinib. Prospective studies accounting for other known prognostic factors are needed to confirm this finding.
Stroke Prevention: Let's Prepare for Generation XTAVR
Authors: Davidson Laura J. , Davidson Charles J.
Published: October 2016

Key Points

Stroke leads to significant morbidity, disability, and mortality after TAVR. CKD and prior stroke are risk factors for stroke.

Stratification of stroke risk would improve outcomes associated with TAVR.

Ongoing prospective randomized trials on embolic protection and post implant anticoagulation are promising strategies to reduce stroke risk and new brain MRI lesions.
Impact of Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors Use on Outcomes After Lower Extremity Endovascular Interventions From Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2006–2011)
Authors: Echeverria Angela , Krajcer Zvonimir
Published: October 2016

Key Points

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications are necessary in peripheral endovascular intervention, but a standardized approach has not yet been established.

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor use in endovascular lower extremity interventions decreased overall amputation rates.

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor use in endovascular lower extremity interventions increased postprocedural bleeding and complications requiring intervention.
High‐Performance Carbon Anode Derived from Sugarcane for Packed Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Zhou Yuhong , Zhou Guowang , Yin Lu , Guo Jinyi , Wan Xiankai , Shi Huixiang
Published: October 2016

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) provide a new opportunity to produce sustainable energy from the treatment of the organic matter in wastewater. However, the power density of MFCs for large‐scale application is limited by the performance of anode, with one of the major factors being low bacterial adhesion capacity. In this work, a novel macroporous sugarcane carbon (SC) is prepared by a direct carbonization process, and is used as anode material in a packed MFC. A maximum power density of 59.94±2.81 W m−3 is achieved in an MFC equipped with the SC anode, which is 2.62 times higher than that of the granular activated carbon (GAC) anode. A microbial analysis shows that the SC anode has a higher amount of biomass and the abundance of Geobacter is 6.6 times higher than that of the GAC anode, which indicates that the SC anode has higher biocompatibility. Further studies show that the macroporous structure, high surface roughness, large surface hydrophobicity and low absolute value of zeta potential favor bacterial adhesion to the SC anode surface. Therefore, this study provides an excellent anode material for high‐performance MFCs, and reveals the impact of physicochemical properties on power generation.
Formation of a Dimeric Precursor Intermediate during the Nonaqueous Synthesis of Titanium Dioxide Nanocrystals
Authors: Zimmermann Mandy , Ibrom Kerstin , Jones Peter G. , Garnweitner Georg
Published: October 2016

For tailoring the size and morphology of nanoparticles, a deep knowledge of the mechanism leading to particle formation is required. We have investigated the reaction mechanisms in the synthesis of anatase nanocrystals by the so‐called benzyl alcohol route as a model for binary metal oxides, and elucidated the chemical structure of cluster species involved in the reaction using NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X‐ray structure analysis. In the first reaction step, a novel dimeric coordination complex is formed via ligand exchange, and was identified as the crucial compound initiating particle formation in the synthesis process.
Disturbance in Georgia salt marshes: variation across space and time
Authors: Li Shanze , Pennings Steven C.
Published: October 2016

We documented the frequency and effect on live biomass of five different types of disturbance over 14 years in creekbank and mid‐marsh zones of eight salt marshes dominated by Spartina alterniflora in Georgia, USA. Wrack (floating debris) and creekbank slumping were the most common disturbances at the creekbank, and snails were the most common disturbance agent in the mid‐marsh. Disturbance frequency varied among sites due to differences in plot elevation and landscape position. Wrack disturbance at the creekbank was positively correlated with plot elevation, and both initial slumping and terminal slumping of creekbank plots were negatively correlated with plot elevation. Wrack disturbance at the creekbank and snail disturbance in the mid‐marsh were also most common at barrier island vs. interior marshes. Disturbance varied up to 14‐fold among years. Wrack disturbance at the creekbank was negatively correlated with river discharge and sea level, and initial slumping of creekbank plots was also negatively correlated with sea level. The different disturbance types varied in their effects on end‐of‐year standing plant biomass. At the creekbank, wrack disturbance reduced biomass in affected plots by ~46%, but slumping did not affect biomass until the plot was totally lost. In the mid‐marsh, slumping and wrack were not important disturbances, but snail disturbance reduced biomass in affected plots by ~70%. In addition, abiotic conditions (river discharge, maximum monthly temperature, sea level, and precipitation) strongly affected year‐to‐year variation in biomass. Across the entire landscape, fewer than a quarter of the plots on average were disturbed, and disturbance reduced overall standing biomass by ~18% in the creekbank zone and ~3% in the mid‐marsh zone. Our results indicate that wrack has fairly strong effects on end‐of‐year biomass at the creekbank. Overall, however, variation in abiotic conditions among years had stronger effects on end‐of‐year standing biomass in both marsh zones than did disturbance.
Carcasses of invasive species are predominantly utilized by invasive scavengers in an island ecosystem
Authors: Abernethy Erin F. , Turner Kelsey L. , Beasley James C. , DeVault Travis L. , Pitt William C. , Rhodes Olin E.
Published: October 2016

Invasive species have significantly affected ecosystems, particularly islands, and species invasions continue with increasing globalization. Largely unstudied, the influence of invasive species on island ecosystem functions, especially scavenging and decomposition, could be substantive. Quantifying carcass utilization by different scavengers and shifts in community dynamics in the presence of invasive animals is of particular interest for understanding impacts on nutrient recycling. Invasive species could benefit greatly from carcass resources within highly invaded island ecosystems, through increased invasion success and population growth, subsequently exacerbating their impacts on native species. We quantified how experimentally placed invasive amphibian, reptile, small mammal, and bird carcasses were utilized by vertebrate and invertebrate scavengers on the Big Island of Hawai'i in three island habitats: a barren lava field, a vegetated lava field, and a rainforest. We used camera traps to record vertebrate scavengers removing carcasses and elapsed time until removal. We evaluated differences in scavenging between vertebrates and invertebrates and within the vertebrate community across different habitats and carcass types. Despite the small carcass sizes (<1 kg) used in this study, 55% of carcasses were removed by vertebrate scavengers, all invasive: mongoose, rodents, cats, pigs, and a common myna. Our data indicate that invasive vertebrate scavengers in this island ecosystem are highly efficient at assimilating a range of carrion resources across a variety of habitats. Carcasses of invasive animals could contribute substantially to energy budgets of other invasive vertebrate species. This may be a critical component contributing to successful invasions especially on islands and subsequent impacts on ecosystem function.
Efficacy of GPS cluster analysis for predicting carnivory sites of a wide‐ranging omnivore: the American black bear
Authors: Kindschuh Sarah R. , Cain James W. , Daniel David , Peyton Mark A.
Published: October 2016

The capacity to describe and quantify predation by large carnivores expanded considerably with the advent ofGPStechnology. Analyzing clusters ofGPSlocations formed by carnivores facilitates the detection of predation events by identifying characteristics which distinguish predation sites. We present a performance assessment ofGPScluster analysis as applied to the predation and scavenging of an omnivore, the American black bear (Ursus americanus), on ungulate prey and carrion. Through field investigations of 6854GPSlocations from 24 individual bears, we identified 54 sites where black bears formed a cluster of locations while predating or scavenging elk (Cervus elaphus), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), or cattle (Bosspp.). We developed models for three data sets to predict whether aGPScluster was formed at a carnivory site vs. a non‐carnivory site (e.g., bed sites or non‐ungulate foraging sites). Two full‐season data sets containedGPSlocations logged at either 3‐h or 30‐min intervals from April to November, and a third data set contained 30‐min interval data from April through July corresponding to the calving period for elk. Longer fix intervals resulted in the detection of fewer carnivory sites. Clusters were more likely to be carnivory sites if they occurred in open or edge habitats, if they occurred in the early season, if the mean distance between all pairs ofGPSlocations within the cluster was less, and if the cluster endured for a longer period of time. Clusters were less likely to be carnivory sites if they were initiated in the morning or night compared to the day. The top models for each data set performed well and successfully predicted 71–96% of field‐verified carnivory events, 55–75% of non–carnivory events, and 58–76% of clusters overall. Refinement of this method will benefit from further application across species and ecological systems.
Comparison of two detailed models of Aedes aegypti population dynamics
Authors: Legros Mathieu , Otero Marcelo , Romeo Aznar Victoria , Solari Hernan , Gould Fred , Lloyd Alun L.
Published: October 2016

The success of control programs for mosquito‐borne diseases can be enhanced by crucial information provided by models of the mosquito populations. Models, however, can differ in their structure, complexity, and biological assumptions, and these differences impact their predictions. Unfortunately, it is typically difficult to determine why two complex models make different predictions because we lack structured side‐by‐side comparisons of models using comparable parameterization. Here, we present a detailed comparison of two complex, spatially explicit, stochastic models of the population dynamics of Aedes aegypti, the main vector of dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. Both models describe the mosquito's biological and ecological characteristics, but differ in complexity and specific assumptions. We compare the predictions of these models in two selected climatic settings: a tropical and weakly seasonal climate in Iquitos, Peru, and a temperate and strongly seasonal climate in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Both models were calibrated to operate at identical average densities in unperturbed conditions in both settings, by adjusting parameters regulating densities in each model (number of larval development sites and amount of nutritional resources). We show that the models differ in their sensitivity to environmental conditions (temperature and rainfall) and trace differences to specific model assumptions. Temporal dynamics of the Ae. aegypti populations predicted by the two models differ more markedly under strongly seasonal Buenos Aires conditions. We use both models to simulate killing of larvae and/or adults with insecticides in selected areas. We show that predictions of population recovery by the models differ substantially, an effect likely related to model assumptions regarding larval development and (direct or delayed) density dependence. Our methodical comparison provides important guidance for model improvement by identifying key areas of Ae. aegypti ecology that substantially affect model predictions, and revealing the impact of model assumptions on population dynamics predictions in unperturbed and perturbed conditions.
Do wetlands enhance downstream denitrification in agricultural landscapes?
Authors: Hansen Amy T. , Dolph Christine L. , Finlay Jacques C.
Published: October 2016

Wetlands are known to be effective sinks for nitrate. Wetland restoration and construction have gained traction as viable conservation measures to improve water quality in intensively managed agricultural landscapes. In addition to reducing nitrate in situ, wetlands may have impacts on water chemistry and temperature dynamics that extend beyond the confines of the wetlands themselves. Nonsaturating nitrate concentrations (NO3−), enhanced organic carbon effluxes, and altered temperature dynamics in streams downstream of wetlands could all affect denitrification rates within a stream network, potentially extending water quality benefits beyond wetland boundaries. We investigated the effect of wetlands on water chemistry, water temperature, and benthic denitrification rates in downstream agricultural ditches through a field measurement campaign over the open water season. We found that although ditches located downstream of wetlands had lower NO3− and higher DOC, ditch denitrification rate was not significantly altered by the presence of upstream wetlands. Rather, wetlands indirectly affected denitrification within ditches by strongly influencing the stoichiometry of the two limiting resources, NO3− and organic carbon. Peak denitrification rates in ditches were observed when DOC and NO3− supplies were approximately balanced, that is, at DOC: NO3− ratios that were near the microbial requirement for denitrification. NO3− limitation occurred primarily at sites with >3% wetland cover, and in the fall season at all sites, and DOC limitation occurred primarily at sites with <1% wetland cover. Temperature was found to be a secondary control that was important only when NO3− and DOC availabilities were balanced. Our results suggest that wetland restoration and construction targeting nitrate reduction within intensively agriculturally managed basins should be implemented in a way that promotes balanced resource availability throughout fluvial networks. Wetlands are an important regulator of resource availability and thus could be used to create conditions that maximize denitrification in NO3−‐enriched watersheds.
Serum ferritin and risk for new‐onset heart failure and cardiovascular events in the community
Authors: Klip IJsbrand T. , Voors Adriaan A. , Swinkels Dorine W. , Bakker Stephan J.L. , Kootstra‐Ros Jenny E. , Lam Carolyn S. , van der Harst Pim , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , van der Meer Peter
Published: October 2016

Aims

Heart failure (HF) is a common manifestation of patients with primary and secondary causes of iron overload, whereas in patients with established HF iron deficiency impairs outcome. Whether iron stores, either depleted or in overload, amplify the risk for new‐onset HF among healthy individuals is unknown. The present study aimed to assess whether markers of iron status or the iron‐regulatory hormone hepcidin are associated with new‐onset HF or cardiovascular (CV) events in the general population.

Methods and results

In 6386 subjects from the Prevention of REnal and Vascular ENd‐stage Disease (PREVEND) trial, a prospective, community‐based, cohort study, markers of iron status and the iron‐regulatory hormone hepcidin were measured. Mean age was 53.1 ± 12.0 years, and 50.7% of the cohort was female. During a median follow‐up of 8.3 (interquartile range 7.8–8.9) years, 199 subjects (3.1%) were newly diagnosed with HF, 456 (7.1%) experienced a CV event, and 356 (5.6%) died from all causes. A higher annual HF incidence per ferritin quartile was observed in women (P < 0.001), but not in men (P for interaction 0.032). Multivariable analyses demonstrated ferritin levels to remain independently predictive for new‐onset HF in women only (P = 0.024). This association persisted within strata defined by markers of the metabolic syndrome, markers of inflammation, or other markers of iron homeostasis, including hepcidin. No association between ferritin or hepcidin and incident CV events or all‐cause mortality was observed in either sex.

Conclusions

Increased serum ferritin levels independently amplify the risk for new‐onset HF in women in the community.
Phospholipase Cγ1 is required for pre‐TCR signal transduction and pre‐T cell development
Authors: Fu Guoping , Yu Mei , Chen Yuhong , Zheng Yongwei , Zhu Wen , Newman Debra K. , Wang Demin , Wen Renren
Published: October 2016

Pre‐T cell receptor (TCR) signaling is required for pre‐T cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation from the CD4 and CD8 double negative (DN) to the double positive (DP) stage. However, the pre‐TCR signal transduction pathway is not fully understood and the signaling molecules involved have not been completely identified. Phospholipase Cγ (PLCγ) 1 is an important signaling molecule that generates two second messengers, diacylglycerol and inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate, that are important to mediate PKC activation and intracellular Ca2+ flux in many signaling pathways. Previously, we have shown that PLCγ1 is important for TCR‐mediated signaling, development and T‐cell activation, but the role of PLCγ1 in pre‐TCR signal transduction and pre‐T cell development is not known. In this study, we demonstrated that PLCγ1 expression level in pre‐T cells was comparable to that in mature T cells. Deletion of PLCγ1 prior to the pre‐TCR signaling stage partially blocked the DN3 to DN4 transition and reduced thymic cellularity. We also demonstrated that deletion of PLCγ1 impaired pre‐T cell proliferation without affecting cell survival. Further study showed that deficiency of PLCγ1 impaired pre‐TCR mediated Ca2+ flux and Erk activation. Thus our studies demonstrate that PLCγ1 is important for pre‐TCR mediated signal transduction and pre‐T cell development.
Practice effective retention strategies to increase enrollment
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: October 2016

Several years ago I wrote A Practical Guide to Enrollment and Retention Management in Higher Education. I was fortunate that my president agreed with me that progressing students from the first to second year and retaining students to graduation was as important as enrolling students. I was also fortunate that my publisher agreed that the book should include information and recommendations on retention management.
Bladeless Wind Turbine as Wind Energy Possible Future Technology
Authors: El‐Shahat Adel
Published: October 2016

Access to clean energy is a fundamental need, yet it is by all accounts an extravagance only a few can afford.
Mandating Low‐Carbon Fuels to Reshape a Regional Electricity Market
Authors: O'Connor David
Published: October 2016

The national policy debate over how to reduce carbon emissions while preserving the integrity of wholesale electricity markets heard a jarring message from the Northeast this summer. In a region known for first creating and then defending competition in its wholesale electricity market, the largest consuming state, Massachusetts, passed legislation that requires distribution utilities to purchase carbon‐free electricity under long‐term contracts for up to 30 percent of the state's electricity supply.
Antimicrobial activity of immobilized lactoferrin and lactoferricin
Authors: Chen Renxun , Cole Nerida , Dutta Debarun , Kumar Naresh , Willcox Mark D. P.
Published: October 2016

Lactoferrin and lactoferricin were immobilized on glass surfaces via two linkers, 4‐azidobenzoic acid (ABA) or 4‐fluoro‐3‐nitrophenyl azide (FNA). The resulting surfaces were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and contact angle measurements. The antimicrobial activity of the surfaces was determined using Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus strains by fluorescence microscopy. Lactoferrin and lactoferricin immobilization was confirmed by XPS showing significant increases (p < 0.05) in nitrogen on the glass surface. The immobilization of both proteins slightly increased the overall hydrophobicity of the glass. Both lactoferrin and lactoferricin immobilized on glass significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the numbers of viable bacterial cells adherent to the glass. For P. aeruginosa, the immobilized proteins consistently increased the percentage of dead cells compared to the total cells adherent to the glass surfaces (p < 0.03). Lactoferrin and lactoferricin were successfully immobilized on glass surfaces and showed promising antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 2612–2617, 2017.
DLX3-Dependent Regulation of Ion Transporters and Carbonic Anhydrases is Crucial for Enamel Mineralization
Authors: Duverger Olivier , Ohara Takahiro , Bible Paul W , Zah Angela , Morasso Maria I
Published: October 2016

Patients with tricho-dento-osseous (TDO) syndrome, an ectodermal dysplasia caused by mutations in the homeodomain transcription factor DLX3, exhibit enamel hypoplasia and hypomineralization. Here we used a conditional knockout mouse model to investigate the developmental and molecular consequences of Dlx3 deletion in the dental epithelium in vivo. Dlx3 deletion in the dental epithelium resulted in the formation of chalky hypomineralized enamel in all teeth. Interestingly, transcriptomic analysis revealed that major enamel matrix proteins and proteases known to be involved in enamel secretion and maturation were not affected significantly by Dlx3 deletion in the enamel organ. In contrast, expression of several ion transporters and carbonic anhydrases known to play an important role in enamel pH regulation during maturation was significantly affected in enamel organs lacking DLX3. Most of these affected genes showed binding of DLX3 to their proximal promoter as evidenced by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis on rat enamel organ. These molecular findings were consistent with altered pH staining evidenced by disruption of characteristic pH oscillations in the enamel. Taken together, these results show that DLX3 is indispensable for the regulation of ion transporters and carbonic anhydrases during the maturation stage of amelogenesis, exerting a crucial regulatory function on pH oscillations during enamel mineralization. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
EXPLORING THE CONTOURS OF RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY IN CREATING COMMUNITY: A FOCUS ON PERSONS WITH PSYCHOSIS
Authors: Virdee Gursharan , Frederick Tyler , Tarasoff Lesley A. , McKenzie Kwame , Davidson Larry , Kidd Sean A.
Published: October 2016

For persons living with psychosis, religious and spiritual spaces are a readily available resource that can support recovery and community inclusion. However, these resources are often underutilized in treatment planning. This in‐depth qualitative analysis explored the construction of community through faith spaces, religion, and spirituality for persons with psychosis. An ethnically and racially diverse group of 31 people with psychosis were interviewed at 3 time points over 8 months. Key supports and community members also were interviewed. A grounded theory analytic strategy revealed 3 themes: (a) creating community and increasing resilience through religion and spirituality, (b) barriers to engaging in religion and spirituality, and (c) facilitating inclusion in faith spaces. Faith spaces provided an environment in which the whole person was embraced, enabling a more coherent sense of self. These findings have implications for enhancing social capital and spiritual capital among persons with psychosis.
Medication management in the operating suite
Authors: Singh Helender J. , Waddell Jason J. , Yeoh Chai G. , Porter Sally A.
Published: October 2016

Background

The Logan Hospital Pharmacy Department undertook a review of medication management within the operating suite (OS).

Aim

This review sought to identify the medication management pathways within the OS and how the department could contribute to the safe, effective and efficient use of medications within this highly specialised environment.

Method

A clinical pharmacist project officer (CPPO) visited the suite and observed, documented and reviewed the current medication management processes. Staff interviews were also conducted.

Results

A number of key issues were identified. These included the process of medication storage for general and cold‐chain pharmaceuticals, the dilution and wastage of pre‐drawn medications and open access to restricted antimicrobials. There were also issues with inter‐ and intra‐departmental communication. Following the project, a multi‐disciplinary working group was established to address the issues raised.

Conclusion

There is an active role for the pharmacist to play in the medication management cycle within the OS.