bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-throughput DNA sequencing of the moose rumen from different geographical locations reveals a core ruminal methanogenic archaeal diversity and a differential ciliate protozoal diversity
Authors: Ishaq Suzanne L. , Sundset Monica A. , Crouse John , Wright André-Denis G.
Published: September 2015

Moose rumen samples from Vermont, Alaska and Norway were investigated for methanogenic archaeal and protozoal density using real-time PCR, and diversity using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S and 18S rRNA genes. Vermont moose showed the highest protozoal and methanogen densities. Alaskan samples had the highest percentages of Methanobrevibacter smithii, followed by the Norwegian samples. One Norwegian sample contained 43 % Methanobrevibacter thaueri, whilst all other samples contained < 10 %. Vermont samples had large percentages of Methanobrevibacter ruminantium, as did two Norwegian samples. Methanosphaera stadtmanae represented one-third of sequences in three samples. Samples were heterogeneous based on gender, geographical location and weight class using analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). Two Alaskan moose contained >70 % Polyplastron multivesiculatum and one contained >75 % Entodinium spp. Protozoa from Norwegian moose belonged predominantly (>50 %) to the genus Entodinium, especially Entodinium caudatum. Norwegian moose contained a large proportion of sequences (25–97 %) which could not be classified beyond family. Protozoa from Vermont samples were predominantly Eudiplodinium rostratum (>75 %), with up to 7 % Diploplastron affine. Four of the eight Vermont samples also contained 5–12 % Entodinium spp. Samples were heterogeneous based on AMOVA, principal coordinate analysis and UniFrac. This study gives the first insight into the methanogenic archaeal diversity in the moose rumen. The high percentage of rumen archaeal species associated with high starch diets found in Alaskan moose corresponds well to previous data suggesting that they feed on plants high in starch. Similarly, the higher percentage of species related to forage diets in Vermont moose also relates well to their higher intake of fibre.
The UCSC Genome Browser database: 2016 update
Authors: Speir Matthew L. , Zweig Ann S. , Rosenbloom Kate R. , Raney Brian J. , Paten Benedict , Nejad Parisa , Lee Brian T. , Learned Katrina , Karolchik Donna , Hinrichs Angie S. , Heitner Steve , Harte Rachel A. , Haeussler Maximilian , Guruvadoo Luvina , Fujita Pauline A. , Eisenhart Christopher , Diekhans Mark , Clawson Hiram , Casper Jonathan , Barber Galt P. , Haussler David , Kuhn Robert M. , Kent W. James
Published: September 2015

For the past 15 years, the UCSC Genome Browser (http://genome.ucsc.edu/) has served the international research community by offering an integrated platform for viewing and analyzing information from a large database of genome assemblies and their associated annotations. The UCSC Genome Browser has been under continuous development since its inception with new data sets and software features added frequently. Some release highlights of this year include new and updated genome browsers for various assemblies, including bonobo and zebrafish; new gene annotation sets; improvements to track and assembly hub support; and a new interactive tool, the “Data Integrator”, for intersecting data from multiple tracks. We have greatly expanded the data sets available on the most recent human assembly, hg38/GRCh38, to include updated gene prediction sets from GENCODE, more phenotype- and disease-associated variants from ClinVar and ClinGen, more genomic regulatory data, and a new multiple genome alignment.
Molecular mechanisms of ribosomal protein gene coregulation
Authors: Reja Rohit , Vinayachandran Vinesh , Ghosh Sujana , Pugh B. Franklin
Published: September 2015

The 137 ribosomal protein genes (RPGs) of Saccharomyces provide a model for gene coregulation. We examined the positional and functional organization of their regulators (Rap1 [repressor activator protein 1], Fhl1, Ifh1, Sfp1, and Hmo1), the transcription machinery (TFIIB, TFIID, and RNA polymerase II), and chromatin at near-base-pair resolution using ChIP-exo, as RPGs are coordinately reprogrammed. Where Hmo1 is enriched, Fhl1, Ifh1, Sfp1, and Hmo1 cross-linked broadly to promoter DNA in an RPG-specific manner and demarcated by general minor groove widening. Importantly, Hmo1 extended 20–50 base pairs (bp) downstream from Fhl1. Upon RPG repression, Fhl1 remained in place. Hmo1 dissociated, which was coupled to an upstream shift of the +1 nucleosome, as reflected by the Hmo1 extension and core promoter region. Fhl1 and Hmo1 may create two regulatable and positionally distinct barriers, against which chromatin remodelers position the +1 nucleosome into either an activating or a repressive state. Consistent with in vitro studies, we found that specific TFIID subunits, in addition to cross-linking at the core promoter, made precise cross-links at Rap1 sites, which we interpret to reflect native Rap1–TFIID interactions. Our findings suggest how sequence-specific DNA binding regulates nucleosome positioning and transcription complex assembly >300 bp away and how coregulation coevolved with coding sequences.
Molecular weight–gyration radius relation of globular proteins: a comparison of light scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering and structure-based data
Authors: Smilgies Detlef-M. , Folta-Stogniew Ewa
Published: September 2015

The molecular weight–gyration radius relation for a number of globular proteins based on experimental light scattering data is compared with small-angle X-ray scattering data recently published by Mylonas & Svergun [J. Appl. Cryst.(2007),40, s245–s249]. In addition, other recent experimental data and theoretical calculations are reviewed. It is found that theMW–Rgrelation for the globular proteins is well represented by a power law with an exponent of 0.37 (2).
Topology and temperature dependence of the diffuse X-ray scattering in Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3ferroelectric single crystals
Authors: Gorfman Semën , Keeble Dean S. , Bombardi Alessandro , Thomas Pam A.
Published: September 2015

The results of high-resolution measurements of the diffuse X-ray scattering produced by a perovskite-based Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3ferroelectric single crystal between 40 and 620 K are reported. The study was designed as an attempt to resolve numerous controversies regarding the average structure of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3, such as the mechanism of the phase transitions between the tetragonal,P4bm, and rhombohedral | monoclinic,R3c | Cc, space groups and the correlation between structural changes and macroscopic physical properties. The starting point was to search for any transformations of structural disorder in the temperature range of thermal depoling (420–480 K), where the average structure is known to remain unchanged. The intensity distribution around the {032} pseudocubic reflection was collected using a PILATUS 100K detector at the I16 beamline of the Diamond Light Source (UK). The data revealed previously unknown features of the diffuse scattering, including a system of dual asymmetric L-shaped diffuse scattering streaks. The topology, temperature dependence, and relationship between Bragg and diffuse intensities suggest the presence of complex microstructure in the low-temperatureR3c | Ccphase. This microstructure may be formed by the persistence of the higher-temperatureP4bmphase, built into a lower-temperatureR3c | Ccmatrix, accompanied by the related long-range strain fields. Finally, it is shown that a correlation between the temperature dependence of the X-ray scattering features and the temperature regime of thermal depoling is present.
Structure and morphology of shape-controlled Pd nanocrystals
Authors: Solla-Gullon Jose , Garnier Emmanuel , Feliu Juan M. , Leoni Matteo , Leonardi Alberto , Scardi Paolo
Published: September 2015

Pd nanocrystals were produced with uniform truncated-cube shape and a narrow size distribution, yielding controlled surface area fractions from low Miller index ({100}, {110}, {111}) crystalline facets. Details on the structure and morphology of the nanocrystals were obtained by combining X-ray powder diffraction line profile analysis, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and surface electrochemistry based on Cu underpotential deposition.
The hydrochloride and hydrobromide salt forms of (S)-amphetamine
Authors: Dennany Lynn , Kennedy Alan R. , Walker Brandon
Published: September 2015

Despite the high profile of amphetamine, there have been relatively few structural studies of its salt forms. The lack of any halide salt forms is surprising as the typical synthetic route for amphetamine initially produces the chloride salt. (S)-Amphetamine hydrochloride [systematic name: (2S)-1-phenylpropan-2-aminium chloride], C9H14N+·Cl−, has aZ′ = 6 structure with six independent cation–anion pairs. That these are indeed crystallographically independent is supported by different packing orientations of the cations and by the observation of a wide range of cation conformations generated by rotation about the phenyl–CH2bond. The supramolecular contacts about the anions also differ, such that both a wide variation in the geometry of the three N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds formed by each chloride anion and differences in C—H...Cl contacts are apparent. (S)-Amphetamine hydrobromide [systematic name: (2S)-1-phenylpropan-2-aminium bromide], C9H14N+·Br−, is broadly similar to the hydrochloride in terms of cation conformation, the existence of three N—H...Xhydrogen-bond contacts per anion and the overall two-dimensional hydrogen-bonded sheet motif. However, only the chloride structure features organic bilayers andZ′ > 1.
Halogen-bonded adduct of 1,2-dibromo-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane
Authors: Brisdon Alan K. , Muneer Abeer M. T. , Pritchard Robin G.
Published: September 2015

Halogen bonding is an intermolecular interaction capable of being used to direct extended structures. Typical halogen-bonding systems involve a noncovalent interaction between a Lewis base, such as an amine, as an acceptor and a halogen atom of a halofluorocarbon as a donor. Vapour-phase diffusion of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) with 1,2-dibromotetrafluoroethane results in crystals of the 1:1 adduct, C2Br2F4·C6H12N2, which crystallizes as an infinite one-dimensional polymeric structure linked by intermolecular N...Br halogen bonds [2.829 (3) Å], which are 0.57 Å shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii.
A structural study of Si6-ring-containing [Si6Cl14]2−chlorosilicates
Authors: Tillmann Jan , Lerner Hans-Wolfram , Bolte Michael
Published: September 2015

The crystal structures of four substituted-ammonium dichloride dodecachlorohexasilanes are presented. Each is crystallized with a different cation and one of the structures contains a benzene solvent molecule: bis(tetraethylammonium) dichloride dodecachlorohexasilane, 2C8H20N+·2Cl−·Cl12Si6, (I), tetrabutylammonium tributylmethylammonium dichloride dodecachlorohexasilane, C16H36N+·C13H30N+·2Cl−·Cl12Si6, (II), bis(tetrabutylammonium) dichloride dodecachlorohexasilane benzene disolvate, 2C16H36N+·2Cl−·Cl12Si6·2C6H6, (III), and bis(benzyltriphenylphosphonium) dichloride dodecachlorohexasilane, 2C25H22P+·2Cl−·Cl12Si6, (IV). In all four structures, the dodecachlorohexasilane ring is located on a crystallographic centre of inversion. The geometry of the dichloride dodecachlorohexasilanes in the different structures is almost the same, irrespective of the cocrystallized cation and solvent. However, the crystal structure of the parent dodecachlorohexasilane molecule shows that this molecule adopts a chair conformation. In (IV), the P atom and the benzyl group of the cation are disordered over two sites, with a site-occupation factor of 0.560 (5) for the major-occupied site.
Grooming management graduates as leaders, entrepreneurs and chief executives
Authors: Rao M.S.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Prepares management graduates to become leaders, entrepreneurs and chief executives.

Design/methodology/approach

– Offers leadership lessons based on the career of Jack Welch, former Chief Executive and Chairman of General Electric.

Findings

– Shows that becoming a chief executive requires consistent and persistent effort.

Practical implications

– Shows that the lessons can be applied in any industry to prepare management graduates as leaders, entrepreneurs and chief executives.

Social implications

– Shows how to groom management graduates as successful leaders, entrepreneurs and chief executives.

Originality/value

– Highlights what business schools do not teach. Emphasizes the importance of both classroom learning and corporate experience. Outlines tools and techniques to fast-track a career.
How to build an inclusive workplace
Authors: Sarkar Anita
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Describes the role of HR in creating an inclusive workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

– Explains how organizations can build an inclusive workplace that addresses the diverse needs of different employee groups.

Findings

– Shows that affirmative action is an important first step toward managing diversity, but successful management of diversity goes beyond merely complying with the letter of the law.

Practical implications

– Advances the view that scholarship programs for minority members, diversity scorecards, mentoring programs, language assistance, diversity councils and support from relevant stakeholders can go a long way in ensuring an inclusive work environment.

Social implications

– Argues that the effective management of diversity is a business and social imperative.

Originality/value

– Provides insights into how organizations can effectively manage workplace diversity.
Debunking the myths of career success
Authors: Rao M.S.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Offers tools and techniques to choose a career wisely.

Design/methodology/approach

– Outlines the importance of attitude, aptitude, abilities and awareness.

Findings

– Advances the view that career success is sometimes easier to achieve in smaller companies than in big ones.

Practical implications

– Argues that the tools and techniques adopted by leaders to advance their careers can be applied in any industry and in any size of organization.

Social implications

– Suggests that leaders can provide meaning to their lives by choosing their careers carefully.

Originality/value

– Debunks some of the myths of career development.
Keeping things simple – why ease of use is key in eCourseware
Authors: Philpot Andre
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine why ease of use is key in ecourseware.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper provides an overview of the issue.

Findings

– One of the other key benefits of the latest eCourseware solutions is that course providers can use embedded videos in their materials.

Originality/value

– This is the first paper to specifically argue that ease of use is key in ecourseware.
The cognitive interview as memory enhancing technique among Arab children
Authors: El Asam Aiman , Samara Muthanna
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the Cognitive Interview (CI) and its usefulness in improving recall among Arab children. Totally, 64 Arab children (9-12 years old) took part in this study; they viewed a short video scene followed by the CI or a Structured Interview (control).

Design/methodology/approach

– The study measured for recall of correct, incorrect, confabulated details and accuracy level. Using the interview type, delay type (2-4, 7-10 and 14-16 days) and age group (9-10 and 11-12 years) a MANCOVA test showed that the CI group produced significantly more correct, incorrect and confabulated details compared to the control.

Findings

– Delay had a significant effect on recall of correct detail while the older group of children produced significantly more correct details, higher accuracy and fewer incorrect and confabulated details. Although the CI is a potentially transferable method to be used with Arab children, careful consideration should be given to its difficulty along with cultural issues.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to consider CI among Arab sample of children. Most research have looked at western cultures, hence this study was needed to extend knowledge and test if the CI is transferable to a different culture.
Understanding customer perceptions of internet banking: the case of the UK
Authors: Shanmugam Mohana , Wang Yen-Yao , Bugshan Hatem , Hajli Nick
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Existing work on internet banking has provided substantial knowledge of the benefits and economic impacts of internet banking from the bank’s perspective. However, internet banking provides advantages for customers as well as the banking industry. The purpose of this paper is to investigate customer perceptions of internet banking in the UK with the goal of providing a comprehensive understanding of British internet banking.

Design/methodology/approach

– In order to provide the detailed understanding of customers’ perceptions of internet banking, a qualitative study was conducted. The primary method of data collection were 25 interviews. To provide triangulation and increase reliability, various documents and secondary data analyses about internet banking in the UK were also used to supplement the analysis.

Findings

– The results indicate that money transfers and bill payment are the most popular facilities with UK internet banking adopters. More importantly, security is the most important factor affecting the rate of internet banking adoption in the UK. To resolve customers’ security concerns about internet banking, some banks have introduced technologies such as card readers to avoid online fraud. In addition, the authors also found that customers are highly satisfied with internet banking.

Research limitations/implications

– The qualitative nature of the study meant that in-depth interviews with a relatively small sample were the most appropriate method to address the research question. Future studies with larger, more representative sample sizes are encouraged to investigate how the findings can be generalized to larger populations. In addition, due to the popularity of social media, future studies are also advised to examine how they can influence customers’ perceptions of internet banking and boost its adoption rate.

Originality/value

– This paper investigates current perceptions of internet banking in the UK from the customers’ perspective. Therefore, the findings of this study complement with existing work that focusses more on the bank’s perspective to present a comprehensive understanding of this topic.
Häagen-Dazs in Japan: leading brand renewal
Authors: Grossberg Kenneth Alan
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– After years of financial success with consumers in Japan, the Häagen-Dazs brand suffered accelerating sales declines. This case study presents the three significant reasons and the solutions developed to successfully reinvent the brand.

Design/methodology/approach

– The key to this challenge was the vision and strength of the leader who was tasked with the turnaround and the case looks at his problem assessment, insights and solutions.

Findings

– Even a strong and popular brand needs good leadership to retain its position in the marketplace.

Practical implications

– As your market evolves you need to reinvent your brand constantly, but that does not mean churning the product. In Japan, product churn is an occupational hazard of consumer marketing and, as in this case, resisting such a tendency was the best strategy.

Originality/value

– This case shows that it takes leadership qualities to get innovative strategic initiatives past the marketing gatekeepers who are best at monitoring the status quo but not quick to sense the need for change.
Assessments of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and platelet to lymphocyte ratio in Korean patients with psoriasis vulgaris and psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Kim Dae Suk , Shin Dongyun , Lee Min Seok , Kim Hee Joo , Kim Do Young , Kim Soo Min , Lee Min‐Geol
Published: September 2015

The objective of this retrospective study is to assess neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) as inflammatory markers in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). A hundred and eleven psoriasis patients and 25 PsA patients were compared with 94 healthy controls. Demographic, clinical and laboratory information were collected and analyzed. NLR and PLR were calculated. White blood cell (WBC), neutrophils, eosinophils and NLR were increased in psoriasis patients compared with controls. WBC, neutrophils, NLR, monocytes, platelets and PLR were increased in PsA patients compared with both controls and psoriasis patients. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C‐reactive protein were significantly higher in PsA patients compared with psoriasis patients. Among psoriasis patients, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score correlated positively with platelets, NLR and PLR. These parameters were all significantly higher in moderate to severe psoriasis patients (PASI ≥ 10) compared with mild patients (PASI < 10). Elevated platelets, NLR and PLR were significantly associated with the increased PASI scores in multivariate analysis. NLR, PLR and ESR were statistically significant predictors for the presence of PsA in psoriasis patients. NLR was the strongest predictor (odds ratio = 3.351, P = 0.005). In conclusion, elevated NLR and PLR were significantly associated with psoriasis and PsA. Both NLR and PLR were strong predictors for the presence of PsA among psoriasis patients.
Public Space and the Public Sphere: The Legacy of Neil Smith
Authors: Low Setha
Published: September 2015

This article attempts to untangle two threads of the intellectual and political legacy of Neil Smith. The first concerns the work that Neil and I did together on theThe Politics of Public Space(Low and Smith, Routledge) on public space and the public sphere and then explains how our paths diverged. I elaborate some of the ways that the public space and public sphere have been expanded by later researchers and that left me with a sense of optimism about the future of public space as a forum for new social and political encounters. The second part of the discussion turns to Neil's thinking and writing as he moved away from having any faith in liberal urban policy, and his conclusion that neoliberalism was waning. Drawing upon publications by his students, I have attempted to assess the impact of his work—particularly on anthropology students focusing on his contribution to gentrification as a global urban strategy and his later turn to revolution as the necessary corrective to the death of neoliberalism. I contrast his revolutionary imperative with my desire to imagine new kinds of translocal public spaces that could expand into a global public sphere.
Nonparametric Evaluation of Economies of Scope in the Context of Technical Efficiency: The Case of Rice and Vegetable Farms in Korea
Authors: Kim Kwansoo , An Donghwan
Published: September 2015

This paper provides a nonparametric evaluation of economies of scope in the context of technical efficiency allowing for non‐convexity, with an application to Korean rice and vegetable farms. Relying on non‐parametric‐free disposal hull and data envelopment analysis approaches and input–output data for rice and vegetable farms from the Korea Farm Household Economy Survey data collected in 2007, this article examines technical inefficiency and its decomposition under non‐convexity and convexity. Empirical measures of technical inefficiency and its decomposition results are provided, with a focus on a component of technical inefficiency associated with economies of scope (i.e. diversification benefits) under non‐convexity in production technology. The decomposition measures of technical inefficiency include pure technical inefficiency, size inefficiency and diversification inefficiency. The results provide empirical evidence supporting size‐dependent diversification strategies, where benefits of diversification are larger for small farms on average compared to those of large farms.
Phylogenetic divergences of the true bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera), with emphasis on the aquatic lineages: the last piece of the aquatic insect jigsaw originated in the Late Permian/Early Triassic
Authors: Wang Yan‐hui , Cui Ying , Rédei Dávid , Baňař Petr , Xie Qiang , Štys Pavel , Damgaard Jakob , Chen Ping‐ping , Yi Wen‐bo , Wang Ying , Dang Kai , Li Chuan‐ren , Bu Wen‐jun
Published: September 2015

Heteroptera are among the most diverse hemimetabolous insects. Seven infraorders have been recognized within this suborder of Hemiptera. Apart from the well‐established sister‐group relationship between Cimicomorpha and Pentatomomorpha (= Terheteroptera), the two terminal lineages, the relationships among the other five infraorders are still controversial, of which three (Gerromorpha, Nepomorpha and Leptopodomorpha) are intimately connected to aquatic environments. However, the various and often conflicting available phylogeny hypotheses do not offer a clear background for a connection between diversification and palaeoenvironments. In this study, a molecular data set representing 79 taxa and 10 149 homologous sites is used to infer the phylogenetic relationships within Heteroptera. Bayesian inference, maximum‐likelihood and maximum parsimony analyses were employed. The results of phylogenetic inferences largely confirm the widely accepted phylogenetic context. Estimation of the divergence time based on the phylogenetic results revealed that Gerromorpha, Nepomorpha and Leptopodomorpha originated successively during the period from the Late Permian to Early Triassic (269–246 Ma). This timescale is consistent with the origin and radiation time of various aquatic holometabolans. Our results indicate that the aquatic and semi‐aquatic true bugs evolved under environmental conditions of high air temperature and humidity in an evolutionary scenario similar to that of the aquatic holometabolans.
Tandem vaginoscopy with colonoscopy: a diagnostic technique for the assessment of colovaginal fistula
Authors: Alkhatib A. A. , Santoro G. A. , Gorgun E. , Abbas M. A.
Published: September 2015

Aim

Colovaginal fistula (CVF) has a negative impact on quality of life. Identifying the fistula track is a critical step in its management. In a subset of patients, localizing the fistula preoperatively can be difficult. The purpose of this report is to describe the technique and results of tandem vaginoscopy with colonoscopy (TVC).

Method

A retrospective analysis was conducted of all patients referred to a tertiary centre with symptoms suggestive of CVF but no prior successful localization of a fistula. TVC was performed by one colorectal surgeon in the endoscopy suite under intravenous sedation.

Results

Between 2003 and 2013, 18 patients (median age 58 years) underwent TVC. CVF was ruled out in three patients. In the remaining 15 patients, TVC documented the fistula in 13. In eight cases a wire was passed through the fistulous track from the vagina to the colon, in three the track was large enough to be traversed with the endoscope and in two a fistulous opening was noted on the vaginal side but passage of a wire to localize the opening on the colonic side was not possible due to extensive scarring. No TVC‐related complications were recorded. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for TVC in detecting CVF were 86.7%, 100%, 100% and 60%, respectively.

Conclusion

TVC is a useful technique that can localize the fistulous track in most patients with CVF.
An evaluation of the contribution of hatchery stocking on population density and biomass: a lesson from masu salmon juveniles within a Japanese river system
Authors: Sahashi G. , Morita K. , Ohnuki T. , Ohkuma K.
Published: September 2015

Stocking is an important management tool for enhancing fisheries resources, but its actual contribution to fisheries resources is controversial, taking into consideration both the positive and negative effects. This study compared density and biomass of hatchery (otolith thermal marked) and wild masu salmon parr between stocked and unstocked rivers to evaluate the contribution of stocking with hatchery‐reared fish. Density and biomass of all fish did not differ between stocked and unstocked rivers. Moreover, density and biomass of wild fish in the stocked rivers were lower than those of the unstocked rivers. Density and biomass of hatchery fish in a non‐natural reproducing river were similar with those of all fish in natural reproducing rivers. These results indicate that hatchery stocking does not have positive effects on population density or biomass but replaces wild fish with hatchery fish and that non‐natural reproducing areas are more suitable as stocking sites.
DER TROST DER POESIE: STIFTERS ABDIAS
Authors: Lauer Gerhard
Published: September 2015

Stifter's ‘Erzählungen’ belong to a metaphysically oriented tradition of narration which does not share the modern notion of aesthetic autonomy. Instead art has a moral duty to scrutinise the human heart and to console it in its limitations. With reference to the story Abdias, this essay examines Stifter's narrative techniques of moral explication, exemplification and inculcation, which grant his short stories a strong moral sense. The essay shows how Stifter intimately connected art with the purpose of moral education and sensual pleasure. In this aim, Stifter is not modern. He is, however, modern in the way his stories emphasise subjective perspective and a form of insight only to be achieved through art. That is why his stories belong to a specific type of metaphysical and moral narration within modernity.

Stifters Erzählungen gehören einer Tradition des metaphysischen Erzählens an, die das Autonomiepostulat moderner Kunst nicht teilt. Unverstellt hat Kunst die moralphilosophische Aufgabe, das menschliche Herz zu erkunden und in seinen Beschränkungen zu trösten. Am Beispiel der Abdias‐Erzählung untersucht der Aufsatz Stifters Verfahren der moralischen Explikation, Exemplifikation und Einübung, die seinen Erzählungen offensiv Sinn verleihen. Wie der Aufsatz zeigt, bindet Stifter damit die Kunst an Zwecke expliziter Lehrhaftigkeit und die Erzeugung sinnlichen Vergnügens zurück. Mit diesem Anspruch ist Stifter nicht modern. Modern ist er dagegen dort, wo seine Erzählungen die subjektive Perspektive und die nur durch die Kunst zu vermittelnde Erkenntnis betonen. Darin gehört er einem eigentümlich lehrhaften Typus metaphysisch‐moralischen Erzählens in der Moderne an.

Für Wolfgang Frühwald zum 80. Geburtstag
Long‐term exposure to pro‐inflammatory cytokines inhibits the osteogenic/dentinogenic differentiation of stem cells from the apical papilla
Authors: Liu C. , Xiong H. , Chen K. , Huang Y. , Huang Y. , Yin X.
Published: September 2015

Aim

To investigate the in vitro effects of TNF‐α and IL‐1β on the osteogenic/dentinogenic differentiation of stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAP).

Methodology

SCAPs treated with 10 ng mL−1 TNF‐α and/or 5 ng mL−1 IL‐1β were defined as the treatment groups, with untreated cells defined as the control group. Cell proliferation was measured using the MTT assay and cell cycle analysis. Cells in all of the groups were cultured in the osteogenic/dentinogenic differentiation medium and processed for analysis at days 3, 7 and 14. The Alizarin Red S assay, alkaline phosphatase staining and real‐time PCR were used to evaluate the differentiation capacity. Differences between the treatment groups and the control groups were analysed statistically using one‐way anova and Dunnett's post‐test.

Results

Compared with the control group, the treated SCAPs were associated with a significantly greater proliferation activity at days 3 and 5 but reduced proliferation at day 9 (P < 0.05). Significantly lower calcium deposition and ALP activity were observed in the treatment groups at day 14 (P < 0.05), as well as reduced ALP, DSPP and DMP‐1 expression levels (P < 0.05); however, treated SCAPs had significantly higher levels of DSPP and DMP‐1 at day 7 (P < 0.05). In the control group, the ALP, DSPP and DMP‐1 expression levels increased significantly from day 3 to day 14 (P < 0.05), but the treatment groups were not associated with increased expression from day 7 to day 14 (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α and IL‐1β inhibited mineralization and osteogenic‐/dentinogenic‐related gene expression in SCAPs in vitro after long‐term culturing. However, these cytokines induced cell proliferation and mineralization in short‐term culture probably as a protective response. These findings help to elucidate the impact of inflammation on tooth development.
Impact of Food and Drug Administration hepatotoxicity warning on prescribing and monitoring of dronedarone in a tertiary teaching hospital
Authors: Arif Sally A , Drury Rachel , Ader Pamela
Published: September 2015

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hepatotoxicity warning on 14 January 2011 on the prescribing practices and hepatic monitoring of patients receiving dronedarone.

Methods

Patients who received dronedarone 1 year before and after the FDA warning were retrospectively evaluated for the appropriateness of dronedarone prescribing, hepatic injury evaluation and medication discontinuation rates in a tertiary medical centre.

Key findings

Ninety-one patients (66.4%) were prescribed dronedarone prior to the FDA warning, compared with 46 patients (33.6%) after the warning. The frequency of liver function testing (72.5% versus 76.1%) and discontinuation rates (42.9% versus 50%) were similar before and after the FDA warning.

Conclusions

There was no significant change in dronedarone prescribing practice, monitoring of hepatic function or discontinuation rates following an FDA hepatotoxicity warning.
Do no harm: the role of community pharmacists in regulating public access to prescription drugs in Saudi Arabia†
Authors: Bahnassi Anas
Published: September 2015

Objective

Pharmacists have a crucial role to ensure regulated public access to prescription drugs. The study aimed to investigate the views of community pharmacists practising in Saudi Arabia on their role in the unauthorised supply of prescription drugs, consider the possible contributory factors and report pharmacists' suggested strategies to regulate supply.

Methods

One hundred community pharmacists were invited to participate in an interview-based survey, including questions on demographic characteristics, and the unauthorised supply of prescription drugs. Descriptive statistics were conducted, and associations between categorical responses tested; a P value of ≤0.05 was considered significant. Responses to open questions were analysed thematically.

Key findings

In Saudi Arabia, there is widespread unregulated supply of prescription drugs; pharmacists are under pressure from patients to provide prescription drugs for a wide range of clinical conditions. There are safety and appropriateness concerns when drugs are provided based on patient demand rather than clinical need. Pharmacists do not maintain patient records with information on drugs supplied and associated actions.

Conclusion

While most pharmacists supply prescription drugs without the necessary prescriber authorisation, they also this may jeopardise patients safety. While we have many concerns about this practice its present form, we believe pharmacists should have certain prescribing privileges within their areas of competence. A legal framework is needed to guarantee proper pharmacists' training, support, mentorship and access to the tools required to provide safe pharmacy practice.
Editorial: Painting by numbers: using modern approaches to analyse and visualise clinical and research data
Authors: Coghill David
Published: September 2015

A broad range of modern mathematical and statistical approaches alongside vastly increased computing power have opened up new posibilities for the management and analysis of research data. These approaches have allowed researchers to link data from large public registries and then explore these very large and complex datasets. Machine learning approaches that can both learn from and make predictions about data are helping us move closer to a personalised medicine approach. These advances in data management and analysis have been mirrored by the development of various innovative, creative and informative visualisation tools and approaches that offer the researcher fantastic possibilities to improve the clarity of their presentations and increase the impact of their research. In order to make the best use of these opportunities it will be important to ensure that we are more consistent in bringing the right kind of skills into our research teams at the beginning of the process rather than turning to them as an afterthought at the end of the process.
Diagnosis of monogenic diabetes: 10‐Year experience in a large multi‐ethnic diabetes center
Authors: Thomas Ellen RA , Brackenridge Anna , Kidd Julia , Kariyawasam Dulmini , Carroll Paul , Colclough Kevin , Ellard Sian
Published: September 2015

Aims/Introduction

Monogenic diabetes accounts for approximately 1–2% of all diabetes, and is difficult to distinguish from type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Molecular diagnosis is important, as the molecular subtype directs appropriate treatment. Patients are selected for testing according to clinical criteria, but up to 80% of monogenic diabetes in the UK has not been correctly diagnosed. We investigated outcomes of genetic testing in our center to compare methods of selecting patients, and consider avenues to increase diagnostic efficiency.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed 36 probands tested for monogenic diabetes in the last 10 years in a large adult diabetes outpatient clinic, serving an ethnically diverse urban population. We compared published clinical criteria and an online maturity onset diabetes of the young calculator applied to these 36 patients, and presented the predictions together with the molecular results.

Results

The overall mutation detection rate was 42%, reflecting the strict clinical selection process applied before genetic testing. Both methods had high sensitivity for identifying patients with mutations: 88 and 89% for the clinical criteria and online calculator, respectively. Cascade testing in a total of 16 relatives led to diagnosis of a further 13 cases.

Conclusions

Existing patient selection criteria were effective in identifying patients with monogenic forms of diabetes, but the number of patients missed using these strict criteria is unknown. Because of the potential savings resulting from correct molecular diagnosis, it is possible that testing a larger pool of patients using less stringent selection criteria would be cost‐effective. Further evidence is required to inform this assessment.
A Radiation Dose Reduction Technology to Improve Patient Safety During Cardiac Catheterization Interventions
Authors: Bracken John A. , Mauti Maria , Kim Michael S. , Messenger John C. , Carroll John D.
Published: September 2015

Objectives

A novel radiation dose reduction technology was evaluated in a cardiac catheterization laboratory during routine clinical care to determine if it could reduce radiation dose to patients undergoing coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention. These results were compared to patients undergoing similar procedures in a cardiac catheterization laboratory without this technology.

Background

There is a safety priority in clinical care to reduce X‐ray radiation dose to patients in order to lower the risk of deterministic and stochastic effects. Dose reduction technologies must be verified in clinical settings to prove if they reduce X‐ray radiation dose and to what extent.

Methods

Radiation dose data and procedure characteristics of 268 consecutive patients were collected and analyzed from a cardiac catheterization laboratory with dose reduction technology installed (referred to as Lab A, n = 135) and from a cardiac catheterization laboratory without this technology (referred as Lab B, n = 133).

Results

For diagnostic procedures, the median total dose‐area product in Lab A was reduced by 46% (P < 0.0001) compared to Lab B, with no differences in terms of body mass index (P = 0.180), total fluoroscopy times (P = 1), number of acquired images (P = 0.920), and contrast medium (P = 0.660). For interventional procedures, the median total dose‐area product in Lab A was reduced by 34% (P = 0.015) compared to Lab B, with no differences in terms of body mass index (P = 0.665), total fluoroscopy times (P = 0.765), number of acquired images (P = 0.923), and contrast medium (P = 0.969).

Conclusions

This new dose reduction technology significantly reduces X‐ray radiation dose without affecting fluoroscopy time, number of images, and contrast medium used during diagnostic and interventional coronary procedures. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:493–497)
Family Flexibility in Response to Economic Conditions: Fathers' Involvement in Child‐Care Tasks
Authors: Knop Brian , Brewster Karin L.
Published: September 2015

Recession‐related increases in men's child care are well documented, but supporting evidence describes the last several decades of the 20th century. Changes in family life and in the association between families' economic conditions and the macro economy provide reason to question the continued existence of a “recession effect.” This article evaluates the frequency of married and cohabiting fathers' engagement in the day‐to‐day tasks of child care during the so‐called Great Recession, using data from male respondents to the 2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth. Results indicated an increase in men's frequency of engagement in physical care and feeding, starting in 2008 and continuing into 2010. The share of men engaged in daily play fell sharply at the recession's onset but rebounded in subsequent years. These results suggest that, even with a narrowing of the gendered division of domestic labor, room remains for families to respond flexibly to economic shifts.
Efficiency of Cordless Versus Cord Techniques of Gingival Retraction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Huang Cui , Somar Mirinal , Li Kang , Mohadeb Jhassu Varsha Naveena
Published: September 2015

Purpose

Primarily to assess the efficacy of cordless versus cord techniques in achieving hemostasis control and gingival displacement and their influence on gingival/periodontal health. In addition, subjective factors reported by the patient (pain, sensitivity, unpleasant taste, discomfort) and operator's experience to both techniques were analyzed.

Materials and methods

An electronic database search was conducted using five main databases ranging from publication year 1998 to December 2014 to identify any in vivo studies comparing cord and cordless gingival retraction techniques.

Results

Seven potential studies were analyzed. Out of the four articles that reported achievement of hemostasis control, three compared patients treated by an epi‐gingival finish line and concluded that paste techniques were more efficient in controlling bleeding. Five studies reported on the amount of sulcus dilatation, with contrasting evidence. Only one study reported an increased gingival displacement when paste systems were used. Two studies did not observe any significant difference, although two showed greater gingival displacement associated with cords, particularly in cases where the finish line was placed at a subgingival level. Of the four studies that assessed the influence of both techniques on the gingival/periodontal health, three noted less traumatic injury to soft tissues when gingival paste was used. A paste system, in general, was documented to be more comfortable to patients and user‐friendly to the operator.

Conclusions

Because of heterogeneity of measurement variables across studies, this study precluded a meta‐analytic approach. Although both techniques (cord/cordless) are reliable in achieving gingival retraction, some situations were identified wherein each of the techniques proved to be more efficient.
From Birth through Transition to Maturation: The Evolution of Technology‐Based Alliance Networks
Authors: Gilsing Victor , Cloodt Myriam , Roijakkers Nadine
Published: September 2015

This article considers the evolution of interfirm networks within a context of technological change. More specifically, it studies the evolution of structural and positional embeddedness in a network of technology‐based alliances when it moves from an early period of invention creation to a subsequent period of new product development and commercialization. Empirically, we study the evolution of technology‐based alliance networks in the biopharmaceutical industry over a period of about 25 years, from 1975 until 1999. Examining interorganizational networks over such an extended time period allows us to move beyond more static approaches that have characterized most network studies until now, and consider network evolution along its various phases of birth, growth, and early maturation instead. Our findings indicate that the evolution of both structural and positional embeddedness does not follow the common idea of a path of linear progression, but instead strongly exhibits nonlinearity by resembling a sigmoid pattern. These findings have a number of implications. First, the break in the process of linear progression contrasts with the standing literature that (implicitly) assumes the informational and resource value of a network structure to remain constant over time or to evolve linearly from carrying low value to progressively higher value. Instead, our finding that the evolution of structural and positional embeddedness is nonlinear echoes the speculative idea, as expressed byGulati andGarguilo, that network change may possibly be nonlinear when seen over the long run. A second implication concerns the validity of standing insights from the social network literature such asColeman's theory of social capital and Burt's theory of structural holes. These theories may not apply to the extent that there are strong changes in environmental conditions like environmental uncertainty and/or munificence, such as during a transition phase as considered in this study.
Nitric Oxide and Hydrogen Sulfide Regulation of Ischemic Vascular Remodeling
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Kevil Christopher G.
Published: September 2015

Blockage or restriction of blood flow through conduit arteries results in tissue ischemia downstream of the disturbed area. Local tissues can adapt to this challenge by stimulating vascular remodeling through angiogenesis and arteriogenesis thereby restoring blood perfusion and removal of wastes. Multiple molecular mechanisms of vascular remodeling during ischemia have been identified and extensively studied. However, therapeutic benefits from these findings and insights are limited due to the complexity of various signaling networks and a lack of understanding central metabolic regulators governing these responses. The gasotransmitters NO and H2S have emerged as master regulators that influence multiple molecular targets necessary for ischemic vascular remodeling. In this review, we discuss how NO and H2S are individually regulated under ischemia, what their roles are in angiogenesis and arteriogenesis, and how their interaction controls ischemic vascular remodeling.