bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The synaptonemal complex is assembled by a polySUMOylation-driven feedback mechanism in yeast
Authors: Leung Wing-Kit , Humphryes Neil , Afshar Negar , Argunhan Bilge , Terentyev Yaroslav , Tsubouchi Tomomi , Tsubouchi Hideo
Published: November 2015

During meiotic prophase I, proteinaceous structures called synaptonemal complexes (SCs) connect homologous chromosomes along their lengths via polymeric arrays of transverse filaments (TFs). Thus, control of TF polymerization is central to SC formation. Using budding yeast, we show that efficiency of TF polymerization closely correlates with the extent of SUMO conjugation to Ecm11, a component of SCs. HyperSUMOylation of Ecm11 leads to highly aggregative TFs, causing frequent assembly of extrachromosomal structures. In contrast, hypoSUMOylation leads to discontinuous, fragmented SCs, indicative of defective TF polymerization. We further show that the N terminus of the yeast TF, Zip1, serves as an activator for Ecm11 SUMOylation. Coexpression of the Zip1 N terminus and Gmc2, a binding partner of Ecm11, is sufficient to induce robust polySUMOylation of Ecm11 in nonmeiotic cells. Because TF assembly is mediated through N-terminal head-to-head associations, our results suggest that mutual activation between TF assembly and Ecm11 polySUMOylation acts as a positive feedback loop that underpins SC assembly.
Regulating the regulator: Numb acts upstream of p53 to control mammary stem and progenitor cell
Authors: Faraldo Marisa M. , Glukhova Marina A.
Published: November 2015

In this issue, Tosoni et al. (2015. J. Cell Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201505037) report that cell fate determinant and tumor suppressor Numb imposes asymmetric cell divisions in mammary stem cells by regulating p53. Numb thereby restricts mammary stem cell expansion and controls the proliferation and lineage-specific characteristics of their progeny.
Mitosis is swell
Authors: Zatulovskiy Evgeny , Skotheim Jan M.
Published: November 2015

Cell volume and dry mass are typically correlated. However, in this issue, Zlotek-Zlotkiewicz et al. (2015. J. Cell Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201505056) and Son et al. (2015. J. Cell Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201505058) use new live-cell techniques to show that entry to mitosis coincides with rapid cell swelling, which is reversed before division.
Thomas Pucadyil: Piecing together membrane fission
Authors: Sedwick Caitlin
Published: November 2015

Pucadyil investigates membrane fission using novel model membrane systems.
BioJS-HGV Viewer: Genetic Variation Visualizer
Authors: Choudhary Saket , Garcia Leyla , Nightingale Andrew , Martin Maria
Published: November 2015

Motivation

Studying the pattern of genetic variants is a primary step in deciphering the basis of biological diversity, identifying key ‘driver variants’ that affect disease states and evolution of a species. Catalogs of genetic variants contain vast numbers of variants and are growing at an exponential rate, but lack an interactive exploratory interface.

Results

We present BioJS-HGV Viewer, a BioJS component to represent and visualize genetic variants pooled from different sources. The tool displays sequences and variants at different levels of detail, facilitating representation of variant sites and annotations in a user friendly and interactive manner.

Availability

Source code for BioJS-HGV Viewer is available at:https://github.com/saketkc/biojs-genetic-variation-viewer

A demo is available at:http://saketkc.github.io/biojs-genetic-variation-viewer

Contact:martin@ebi.ac.uk
Psychotropic induced sexual dysfunction for people with a dual diagnosis
Authors: Hamilton Ian , Pringle Rose , Hemingway Stephen
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is: first, to consider the reported problems in sexual function caused by psychotropic medication. Second, the complex undertaking of completing an assessment of sexual functioning. Third, the role of the pharmaceutical industry is explored. Finally, implications for future research and practice are suggested.

Design/methodology/approach

– As a commentary this paper draws on the available literature to synthesise what is already known about the relationship between psychoactive substances and sexual functioning.

Findings

– The limited literature and lack of research attention given to psychotropic induced sexual dysfunction limits our collective understanding of how many people are affected and in what way.

Research limitations/implications

– A greater focus on psychotropic induced sexual dysfunction is needed for people with a dual diagnosis. There has been an over reliance on single case studies and self-reporting. Large scale epidemiological investigation would help understand the extent and nature of the problem more fully. The demographic shift particularly in relation to an ageing population should be considered as psychotropic substances effect individuals in different ways as they grow older.

Practical implications

– There is scope for workers to engage more fully in a conversation with clients about their experience of using psychotropic substances and how this has impacted their sexual functioning. The literature suggests that clients want to talk about this issue but staff are unwilling or unable to discuss the topic.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ knowledge this is the first paper that draws on the available literature to explore the known and likely implications of psychotropic induced sexual dysfunction for this client group.
Determining the value of your Library Science degree
Authors: Crumpton Michael A
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a discussion of some of the issues related to the perceived value of Library and Information Science (LIS) degrees.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a viewpoint supported with research from current field literature.

Findings

– This is recognizing some of the problems encountered with perceived value of LIS degrees and comparing other disciplines. Recommendations are made for individuals to lead their own career needs.

Originality/value

– This is the author’s own points of view.
The privileged role of researchers in “evidence-based” policy: implications and engagement of other voices
Authors: Ritter Alison
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper starts from the familiar premise of evidence-based policy, and examines the active role that researchers play in policy development processes. The interactive nature of much research translation immediately suggests the need to consider the dynamic way in which problems come to be understood, which is explored in this paper. Furthermore, the integration of research knowledge with the knowledges of “ordinary” citizens is a key challenge. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper represents a synthesis of recent studies conducted by the author and her colleagues along with other drug policy literature.

Findings

– The interactive and dialogic processes that researchers engage with, whether as knowledge brokers or participants in elite policy development forums, have implications for how policy problems (and solutions) come to be constituted. Four perspectives and theoretical approaches are briefly outlined: research design; policy processes; problematization; and critical social sciences analyses. These offer different ways of seeing, understanding and analyzing the relationship between problems, policy solutions and the policy processes. Yet all have lessons for the ways in which research evidence and researchers constitute policy. This needs to sit alongside the role of other drug policy stakeholders – notably the “ordinary” citizen. It is argued that the elite role of research can be tempered with engagement of ordinary citizens. While it can be challenging to reconcile general public views about drugs with the evidence-base, deliberative democracy approaches may hold some promise.

Originality/value

– This paper draws together a number of central themes for drug policy processes research: where the evidence-based policy paradigm intersects with participatory democracy; how problems are constituted; and the privileged role of research and researchers.
Heroin assisted treatment and research networks
Authors: Houborg Esben , Andersen Rasmus Munksgaard
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to map research communities related to heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) and the scientific network they are part of to determine their structure and content.

Design/methodology/approach

– Co-authorship as the basis for conducting social network analysis with regard to degree, weighted degree, betweenness centrality, and edge betweenness centrality.

Findings

– A number of central researchers were identified on the basis of the number of their collaborative relations. Central actors were also identified on the basis of their position in the research network. In total, 11 research communities were constructed with different scientific content. HAT research communities are closely connected to medical, psychiatric, and epidemiological research and very loosely connected to social research.

Originality/value

– The first mapping of the collaborative network HAT researchers using social network methodology.
Measuring housing exclusion using the ETHOS typology
Authors: Brändle Gaspar , García Olga
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a thorough assessment of the current statistical sources in Spain, as well as new indicators that extend and improve the European Typology on Homelessness and Housing Exclusion (ETHOS) to better address every housing exclusion situation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The main categories of the ETHOS typology are reviewed: definition, subcategories and the availability of data and statistical sources in Spain. The assessment of the information available is carried out by considering objective and subjective indicators. Additionally, the inclusion of new subcategories is proposed.

Findings

– The strengths and weaknesses of the ETHOS model when applied in the study of housing exclusion are highlighted, and the need to have an appropriate set of indicators for measuring housing exclusion is stressed. The ETHOS typology may be the reference conceptual framework to elaborate a system of housing exclusion indicators. However, it would be necessary to extent this model in order to cover some situations of exclusion risk owing to insecure housing for economic reasons and environmental degradation, and including the subjective assessment of the people affected by these processes.

Originality/value

– This study implements the ETHOS methodology checking the statistical information available distinguishing between objective and subjective indicators. Further, this paper shows an integrated overview of the four main ETHOS categories (rooflessness, houselessness, insecure and inadequate housing) with the four types of housing restrictions (accessibility, stability, adequacy and habitability).
A strategy for the development of the private country club: focusing on brand prestige
Authors: Hwang Jinsoo , Han Heesup , Choo Seung-woo
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study was to examine the antecedents and consequences of brand prestige in the private country club industry. More specifically, it was proposed that five attributes of a private country club form brand prestige: golf course conditions, service quality during a round, food and beverage cart service, golf shop and clubhouse food and beverage service. In addition, it was also hypothesized that brand prestige can result in three managerial outcomes: social value, brand attachment and brand loyalty. During the theory-building process, it was proposed that brand consciousness moderates the relationship between brand prestige and its outcome variables.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on the theoretical relationships between the conceptual constructs, a model was proposed and then tested utilizing data collected from 290 amateur golfers in the USA.

Findings

– Data analysis results show that four attributes of a private country club (all except for food and beverage cart service) help to enhance brand prestige and, thus, aid in the creation of social value, brand attachment and brand loyalty. Lastly, brand consciousness plays a moderating role in the relationship between brand prestige and brand loyalty.

Practical implications

– First, private country clubs are required to consider golf course management before (e.g. hiring top golf architects) and after operating the club (e.g. hiring competent golf course managers). Second, private country clubs need golf course rangers with much experience who can properly manage pace of play. Third, the golf shop needs to prepare diverse souvenirs that well symbolize the private country club. Fourth, the clubhouse at private country clubs needs to provide services at the same level as that found in fine dining restaurants.

Originality/value

– Despite the important role played by the prestigious image, no research has attempted to empirically test its influence on the private country club industry. Therefore, this study is the first to apply the concept of brand prestige to the private country club industry. In this regard, the study extends the existing literature on brand prestige by finding the antecedents and consequences in the private country club industry.
Innovating for the future: charting the innovation agenda for firms in developing countries
Authors: Srivastava Shirish C
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the four principles for firms in developing countries to enhance and augment their innovation agenda for staying competitive. With increasing globalization, firms need to continually calibrate and realign their innovation strategies to remain competitive. Although many firms in the developed countries are making sustained efforts to adopt the developing world perspective on innovation, similar efforts by firms in developing countries to reorient their innovation strategies to the developed world are minimal. In the long run, this might erode the competitiveness of firms in developing countries. Leveraging the global innovation strategy framework, the paper suggests four principles that can help developing country firms transition from a local to a global innovation strategy. Specifically, the paper exhorts developing country firms to move from a “good-enough” innovation approach to an “augmented” innovation philosophy that aims to serve the latent needs of the users. The four principles suggested for the developing country firms to further their innovation agenda are: invest in research; learn to fail; be patient; and alliance and acquire.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses prior literature and frameworks to identify the four principles that firms in developing countries should follow for furthering their innovation agenda with a view to becoming global in their approach.

Findings

– The four principles suggested for the developing country firms to further their innovation agenda are: invest in research; learn to fail; be patient; and alliance and acquire.

Originality/value

– The paper identifies the four principles for firms in developing countries to enhance and augment their innovation agenda for staying competitive.
SEC proposes new compensation clawback rules
Authors: Brady Andrew , Zaiss Rolf , Persaud Nyron
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– To examine the proposed rules issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) pursuant to Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, which, if adopted, would require national stock exchanges to establish listing standards that would require listed issuers to adopt so-called clawback policies for the recovery of excess incentive-based compensation in the event that an issuer is required to prepare an accounting restatement resulting from material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement.

Design/methodology/approach

– The article discusses the SEC’s proposed rules, including the circumstances that would require recovery of excess incentive-based compensation, the types of compensation that, and the individuals whose compensation, would be subject to recovery, and certain new disclosure requirements for listed issuers.

Findings

– The SEC’s proposed rules will, if adopted, impose additional burdens on listed issuers to adopt and comply with recovery policies for excess incentive-based compensation and adhere to new public disclosure requirements.

Originality/value

– Expert analysis from experienced securities and executive compensation lawyers.
US Securities and Exchange Commission settles administrative action against fund manager concerning use of fund assets to pay management company expenses
Authors: Pershkow Amy Ward , Kanter Adam D.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– To explain a recently settled administrative proceeding that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) brought against a private fund manager in connection with the use of fund assets to pay for the manager’s operating expenses.

Design/methodology/approach

– Explains the major takeaways from the settled case, and places them in the context of prior administrative proceedings and public statements from SEC staff.

Findings

– This case is the latest example of the SEC taking action against a private fund manager related to the improper deduction or allocation of expenses, and related disclosure lapses, and further cases are expected in the future.

Practical implications

– Private fund managers should examine their practices involving the reimbursement and allocation of expenses and related disclosures to fund investors.

Originality/value

– Practical guidance and explanation from experienced securities regulatory lawyers.
Not just a compliance program, but an effective compliance program: SEC, DOJ issue strong reminders
Authors: Ingerman Brett , Hynes Michael D. , Benjet Brian H. , Neff Kristina
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– To alert corporations of a May 2015 speech issued by a top Department of Justice Official and a May 2015 settlement agreement between a global resources company and the Securities and Exchange Commission, both of which emphasize the importance of effective corporate compliance programs and provide guidelines and recommendations for achieving compliance programs that actually work.

Design/methodology/approach

– Summarizes and analyzes the May 2015 speech of Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell at the 10th Annual Compliance Week conference in Washington DC and the May 2015 settlement between BHP Billiton and the SEC to settle Foreign Corrupt Practices Charges.

Findings

– The Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission continue to scrutinize not just whether corporations have compliance programs in place, but whether the compliance programs are actually effective.

Originality/value

– Practical guidance from experienced compliance professionals based on recent government opinions and actions concerning corporate compliance programs.
Students
'
understandings of mental health and their preferred learning platforms
Authors: Bone Claire , Dugard Pat , Vostanis Panos , Dogra Nisha
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine students’ understandings of mental health and their learning preferences, in order to provide guidance for developing targeted mental health education.

Design/methodology/approach

– A study-specific self-administered questionnaire was used at two English schools (n=980; ages 11-18), incorporating a combination of open-ended and fixed-choice items. Data were subject to content analysis, cross-tabulation of frequencies and statistical analyses.

Findings

– Overall, students understood mental health in terms of personal attributes or disorder, however older students were more likely to talk about relationships. Males were less likely to say they wanted to learn about mental health than females, believing they had no need to learn more. White students were also less interested in learning about mental health than Indian students. Overall, students said they would not use social media to learn, however Indian students were most likely to want to use it. Younger students preferred school-based learning to online.

Research limitations/implications

– The questionnaires were study specific and self-report. However interesting demographic variations in responses were found, worthy of further exploration.

Social implications

– Policymakers should consider targeted mental health interventions in schools and research the potential roles/barriers of the internet and social media. Long-term possible benefits relate to improved preventative strategies within schools.

Originality/value

– Previous research has focused on the delivery of mental health promotion/education in schools, whereas the current study drew on a large sample of students to understand how they define mental health for themselves, as well as how they prefer to learn about it.
Co-production in mental health care
Authors: Clark Michael
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– Co-production is becoming a more widely used term in mental health care in England, but it is not always clear what this means nor what the evidence base is behind particular uses of the concept. The purpose of this paper is to set some of this discussion into a historical context and examine some of the relevant evidence base to begin to highlight the challenges with operationalising more co-production. This is by way of setting the scene for the other articles in this special edition of the journal. The paper then provides an overview of the other articles on co-production in this edition.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is a short review and discussion of some key issues and evidence relevant to co-production in mental health.

Findings

– Some key historical insights from other moves to transform mental health care are discussed, recognising that these developments can take a long time to reach maturity in services and practice across the whole country. The discussion of some pertinent research and of the other articles in this special edition helps to highlight what foundations the author have in place for greater co-production in mental health care, and what remains as some of the challenges and gaps in the knowledge.

Originality/value

– The paper provides a historical overview of some key issues, evidence and lessons pertaining to moves to develop more co-production in mental health.
Assessment is not enough for libraries to be valued
Authors: Nitecki Danuta A , Wiggins John , Turner Nancy B
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This essay is offered in response to an invitation to share reflections on a topic of current concern. The concern is how to position the library profession to not just gain appreciation and support of academic libraries, but to develop librarians as leaders continuing the values of higher education as essential to maintain and improve a democratic society. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a viewpoint piece.

Findings

– The paper speculates that assessment alone may be an inadequate objective of an organizational culture for academic libraries; assessment is not universally accepted throughout higher education as a primary focus, perhaps with the exception when meeting accreditation requirements.

Practical implications

– An informed citizenry, freedom of information, open and equitable access to knowledge, and intellectual diversity are important values to preserve. This concern overlaps with the authors’ shared and independent work to engage in assessment efforts and developing a library culture of assessment.

Social implications

– Preparation of academic librarians may benefit from more strongly advancing the core mission of their institutions rather than their service relationship to its customers as an objective of the library culture.

Originality/value

– This is the first work to examine why assessment is not enough for libraries to be valued.
Dynamics and persistence in a metacommunity centred on the plantAntirrhinum majus: theoretical predictions and an empirical test
Authors: Jaworski Coline C. , Thébaud Christophe , Chave Jérôme
Published: November 2015

Spatial processes have a major influence on the stability of species interaction networks and their resilience to environmental fluctuations. Here, we combine field observations and a dynamic model to understand how spatial processes may affect a network composed of the flowering plantAntirrhinum majus, its cohort of pollinators, and a specialist seed‐predator and its parasitoid.

The interactions taking place within this system were investigated by determining the fate of flowers and fruits on flowering and fruiting stems at 16 study sites. We then used this information to estimate spatial and temporal variation in the pollination rate, parasitism rate and hyperparasitism rate.

We found that the plants were pollinator‐limited, with relatively variable fruit‐to‐flower ratios across sites. On almost all sites, plants were both parasitized and hyperparasitized, at a low to moderate rate.

Comparing our field observations with a tritrophic Nicholson‐Bailey model, we found that empirical data are not always consistent with the conditions for local tritrophic persistence. This suggests that other mechanisms such as random disturbances and recolonizations (patch dynamics) or inter‐site migration through metacommunity dynamics (source‐sink dynamics) play a role in this system. Model simulations showed that dispersal could contribute to increasing tritrophic persistence in this system, and that source‐sink structure, not just environmental stochasticity, may cause the observed pattern of spatial variation.

Synthesis. We defined and measured metrics related to species interactions and densities. This led us to suggest that the functioning of theA. majusmetacommunity is more consistent with source‐sink than patch metacommunity dynamics, highlighting the extent to which dispersal explains the persistence of the system.
Pitfalls in the Interpretation of Traumatic Socioethnic Practices
Authors: Tanner Brendan S. , Catanese Charles , Lew Emma O. , Rapkiewicz Amy
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this case study was to raise awareness among forensic pathologists and medicolegal death investigators regarding two unique socioethnic practices and regional customs that have significant forensic implications. We present two cases involving coining (gua sha) and bloodletting (sapi) that represent two forms of traditional customs that involve the use of blunt force and sharp force trauma, respectively. In coining, the skin lesions are produced as a result of dermabrasion with oils and oval objects such as coin. In sapi, multiple superficial linear scrapes are made in the skin as part of a bloodletting ceremony. The identification of these lesions will prevent the interpretation of them as non‐voluntary‐inflicted trauma.
Investigating the Joint Development of Approach Bias and Adolescent Alcohol Use
Authors: Janssen Tim , Wood Mark D. , Larsen Helle , Peeters Margot , Vollebergh Wilma A. M. , Wiers Reinout W.
Published: November 2015

Background

We investigated the joint development between implicit approach bias and early adolescent alcohol use, and examined whether the link between approach bias and alcohol use was moderated by working memory (WM).

Methods

The current study used data from a 2‐year, 4‐wave online sample of 378 Dutch early adolescents (mean age 14.9 years, 64.8% female). First, using latent growth curve modeling, we examined trajectories of approach bias and alcohol use over time. Second, we examined relations between baseline approach bias and WM and the development of alcohol use. Third, we examined the joint development of approach bias and alcohol use. Fourth, we examined whether the nature of this joint development varied for different levels of WM.

Results

Unconditional growth curve model analyses indicated that the functional forms of alcohol use and cognitive bias were best captured by quadratic and linear trajectories, respectively. We found that cognitive bias decreased over time. We found no significant relations between baseline predictors and observed increases in alcohol use. We found relations between the intercepts, but not to growth factors, in the joint development of alcohol use and approach bias. WM was not found to moderate relations between growth in approach bias and alcohol use in this sample.

Conclusions

While we observed evidence of association between approach bias and alcohol use at baseline, there was no evidence of relations between development trajectories of the two. These findings replicate prior research demonstrating a role of implicit approach bias in predicting early adolescent alcohol use but do not demonstrate, in a light drinking early adolescent sample, the importance of interrelations between changes in approach bias and alcohol use over time, or a moderating role of WM. It is important to consider the potential consequences of repeated online approach bias assessment (e.g., changes in stimulus valence) when interpreting these results.
Women in leadership: an analysis of the gender pay gap in ASX‐listed firms
Authors: Hutchinson Marion , Mack Janet , Verhoeven Peter
Published: November 2015

This study provides evidence that after several decades of fighting for equal pay for equal work, an unexplained gender pay gap remains amongst senior executives in ASX‐listed firms. After controlling for a large suite of personal, occupational and firm observables, we find female senior executives receive, on average, 22.58 percent less in base salary for the period 2002–2013. When executives are awarded performance‐based pay, females receive on average 16.47 percent less in cash bonus and 18.21 percent less in long‐term incentives than males. The results are robust to using firm fixed effects and propensity‐score matching. Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition results show that the mean pay gap cannot be attributed to gender differences in attributes, including job titles. Instead, the results point to differences in returns on firm‐specific variables, in particular firm risk.
Differential gene expression patterns between smokers and non‐smokers: cause or consequence?
Authors: Vink Jacqueline M. , Jansen Rick , Brooks Andy , Willemsen Gonneke , van Grootheest Gerard , de Geus Eco , Smit Jan H. , Penninx Brenda W. , Boomsma Dorret I.
Published: November 2015

The molecular mechanisms causing smoking‐induced health decline are largely unknown. To elucidate the molecular pathways involved in cause and consequences of smoking behavior, we conducted a genome‐wide gene expression study in peripheral blood samples targeting 18 238 genes. Data of 743 smokers, 1686 never smokers and 890 ex‐smokers were available from two population‐based cohorts from the Netherlands. In addition, data of 56 monozygotic twin pairs discordant for ever smoking were used. One hundred thirty‐two genes were differentially expressed between current smokers and never smokers (P < 1.2 × 10−6, Bonferroni correction). The most significant genes were G protein‐coupled receptor 15 (P < 1 × 10−150) and leucine‐rich repeat neuronal 3 (P < 1 × 10−44). The smoking‐related genes were enriched for immune system, blood coagulation, natural killer cell and cancer pathways. By taking the data of ex‐smokers into account, expression of these 132 genes was classified into reversible (94 genes), slowly reversible (31 genes), irreversible (6 genes) or inconclusive (1 gene). Expression of 6 of the 132 genes (three reversible and three slowly reversible) was confirmed to be reactive to smoking as they were differentially expressed in monozygotic pairs discordant for smoking. Cis‐expression quantitative trait loci for GPR56 and RARRES3 (downregulated in smokers) were associated with increased number of cigarettes smoked per day in a large genome‐wide association meta‐analysis, suggesting a causative effect of GPR56 and RARRES3 expression on smoking behavior. In conclusion, differential gene expression patterns in smokers are extensive and cluster in several underlying disease pathways. Gene expression differences seem mainly direct consequences of smoking, and largely reversible after smoking cessation. However, we also identified DNA variants that may influence smoking behavior via the mediating gene expression.
Inhibition of mitogen‐activated protein kinase 1/2 in the acute phase of stroke improves long‐term neurological outcome and promotes recovery processes in rats
Authors: Mostajeran M. , Edvinsson L. , Warfvinge K. , Singh R. , Ansar S.
Published: November 2015

Aim

Extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 is activated during acute phase of stroke and contributes to stroke pathology. We have found that acute treatment with MEK1/2 inhibitors decreases infarct size and neurological deficits 2 days after experimental stroke. However, it is not known whether benefits of this inhibition persist long‐term. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess neurological function, infarct size and recovery processes 14 days after stroke in male rats to determine long‐term outcome following acute treatment with the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126.

Methods

Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion was induced in male rats. U0126 or vehicle was given at 0 and 24 h of reperfusion. Neurological function was assessed by staircase, 6‐point and 28‐point neuroscore tests up to 14 days after induction of stroke. At day 14, infarct volumes were determined and recovery processes were evaluated by measuring protein expression of the tyrosine kinase receptor Tie‐2 and nestin. Levels of p‐ERK1/2 protein were determined.

Results

Acute treatment with U0126 significantly improved long‐term functional recovery, reduced infarct size, and enhanced Tie‐2 and nestin protein expression at 14 days post‐stroke. There was no residual blockade of p‐ERK1/2 at this time point.

Conclusion

It is demonstrated that benefits of early treatment with U0126 persist beyond subacute phase of ischaemic stroke in male rats. Prevention of ERK1/2 activation in the acute phase results in improved long‐term functional outcome and enhances later‐stage recovery processes. These results expand our understanding of the benefits and promise of using MEK1/2 inhibitors in stroke recovery.
Do early-life exposures explain why more advantaged children get eczema? Findings from the U.K. Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Taylor-Robinson D.C. , Williams H. , Pearce A. , Law C. , Hope S.
Published: November 2015

Background

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) in childhood is socially patterned, with higher incidence in more advantaged populations. However, it is unclear what factors explain the social differences.

Objectives

To identify early-life risk factors for eczema, and to explore how early-life risk factors explain any differences in eczema.

Methods

We estimated odds ratios (ORs) for ever having had eczema by age 5 years in 14 499 children from the U.K. Millennium Cohort Study (MCS), with a focus on maternal, antenatal and early-life risk factors and socioeconomic circumstances (SECs). Risk factors were explored to assess whether they attenuated associations between SECs and eczema.

Results

Overall 35·1% of children had ever had eczema by age 5 years. Children of mothers with degree-level qualifications vs. no educational qualifications were more likely to have eczema (OR 1·52, 95% confidence interval 1·31–1·76), and there was a gradient across the socioeconomic spectrum. Maternal atopy, breastfeeding (1–6 weeks and ≥ 6 months), introduction of solids under 4 months or cow's milk under 9 months, antibiotic exposure in the first year of life and grime exposure were associated with an increased odds of having eczema. Female sex, Pakistani and Bangladeshi ethnicity, smoking during pregnancy, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and having more siblings were associated with reduced odds for eczema. Controlling for maternal, antenatal and early-life characteristics (particularly maternal smoking during pregnancy, breastfeeding and number of siblings) reduced the OR for eczema to 1·26 (95% confidence interval 1·03–1·50) in the group with the highest educational qualifications compared with the least.

Conclusions

In a representative U.K. child cohort, eczema was more common in more advantaged children. This was explained partially by early-life factors including not smoking during pregnancy, breastfeeding and having fewer siblings.
Existing Food Habits and Recent Choices Lead to Disregard of Food Safety Announcements
Authors: Cao Ying (Jessica) , Just David R. , Turvey Calum , Wansink Brian
Published: November 2015

On whom do food safety announcements have the least impact? Building on research on cognitive dissonance and confirmatory bias, this study shows that consumers tend to inadequately process (food safety) information, pay limited attention to signals, and make purchase decisions that are biased toward their initial choices. Using an incentive compatible auction mechanism, this study elicited consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) under different informational settings. Results showed that consumers were willing to pay much higher prices when they chose to commit to food items (treatment) than when they were randomly assigned (control), suggesting cognitive dissonance. The gaps in WTP were further enlarged as food safety information was revealed to consumers. Confirmatory bias was supported by findings that those who made an earlier commitment were more reluctant to change their WTPs despite increased risk perceptions. In terms of market responses, demand curves were less likely to shift down in the presence of food safety risks because consumers were less responsive to public information due to their existing habits and psychological biases. Specialized targeted strategies will be necessary to target those who are heavy or recent users of the target food when there is a food safety scare.
Bi‐layered zirconia/fluor‐apatite bridges supported by ceramic dental implants: a prospective case series after thirty months of observation
Authors: Spies Benedikt Christopher , Witkowski Siegbert , Butz Frank , Vach Kirstin , Kohal Ralf‐Joachim
Published: November 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the success and survival rate of all‐ceramic bi‐layered implant‐supported three‐unit fixed dental prostheses (IS‐FDPs) 3 years after implant placement.

Material and methods

Thirteen patients (seven males, six females; age: 41–78 years) received two one‐piece ceramic implants (alumina‐toughened zirconia) each in the region of the premolars or the first molar and were finally restored with adhesively cemented bi‐layered zirconia‐based IS‐FDPs (3 in the maxilla, 10 in the mandible) composed of CAD/CAM‐fabricated zirconia frameworks pressed‐over with fluor‐apatite glass‐ceramic ingots. At prosthetic delivery and the follow‐ups after 1, 2 and 3 years, the restorations were evaluated using modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Restorations with minor veneer chippings, a small‐area occlusal roughness, slightly soundable restoration margins, minimal contour deficiencies and tolerable color deviations were regarded as success. In case of more distinct defects that could, however, be repaired to a clinically acceptable level, IS‐FDPs were regarded as surviving. Kaplan–Meier plots were used for the success/survival analyses. To verify an impact on subjective patients’ perceptions, satisfaction was evaluated by visual analog scales (VAS).

Results

All patients were seen 3 years after implant installation. No IS‐FDP had to be replaced, resulting in 100% survival after a mean observation period of 29.5 months (median: 30.7). At the 3‐year follow‐up, 7/13 IS‐FDPs showed a veneer chipping, 13/13 an occlusal roughness and 12/13 minimal deficiencies of contour/color. Since six restorations showed a major chipping and/or a major occlusal roughness, the Kaplan–Meier success rate was 53.8%. However, patients’ significantly improved perceptions of function, esthetics, sense, and speech at prosthetic delivery remained stable over time.

Conclusion

Bi‐layered zirconia/fluor‐apatite IS‐FDPs entirely survived the observation period but showed a high frequency of technical complications. Nevertheless, the treatment highly satisfied patients’ expectations.
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: comparison of clinical and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of AQP4‐IgG versus MOG‐IgG seropositive cases in the Netherlands
Authors: van Pelt E. D. , Wong Y. Y. M. , Ketelslegers I. A. , Hamann D. , Hintzen R. Q.
Published: November 2015

Background and purpose

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) are a group of rare inflammatory demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system. The identification of specific antibodies directed to aquaporin 4 (AQP4‐IgG) led to the distinction from multiple sclerosis. However, up to 25% of the clinically diagnosed NMO patients are seronegative for AQP4‐IgG. A subgroup of these patients might be identified by antibodies directed to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG‐IgG). Our objective was to investigate whether the clinical characteristics of these patients differ.

Methods

Using a cell‐based assay, samples of 61 AQP4‐IgG seronegative patients and 41 AQP4‐IgG seropositive patients with clinically NMOSD were analysed for the presence of MOG‐IgG. Clinical characteristics of the AQP4‐IgG, MOG‐IgG seropositive and double seronegative NMOSD patients were compared.

Results

Twenty of the 61 AQP4‐IgG seronegative patients tested MOG‐IgG seropositive (33%). MOG‐IgG seropositive patients were more frequently males in contrast to AQP4‐IgG seropositive patients (55% vs. 15%, P < 0.01) and Caucasians (90% vs. 63%, P = 0.03). They more frequently presented with coincident optic neuritis and transverse myelitis (40% vs. 12%, P = 0.02) and had a monophasic disease course (70% vs. 29%, P < 0.01). AQP4‐IgG seropositive patients were 2.4 times more likely to suffer from relapses compared with MOG‐IgG seropositive patients (relative risk 2.4, 95% confidence interval 1.2–4.7). AQP4‐IgG seropositive patients had higher Expanded Disability Status Scale levels at last follow‐up (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Antibodies directed to MOG identify a subgroup of AQP4‐IgG seronegative NMO patients with generally a favourable monophasic disease course.
Explaining public satisfaction with health‐care systems: findings from a nationwide survey in China
Authors: Munro Neil , Duckett Jane
Published: November 2015

Objective

To identify factors associated with health‐care system satisfaction in China.

Context

Recent research suggests that socio‐demographic characteristics, self‐reported health, income and insurance, ideological beliefs, health‐care utilization, media use and perceptions of services may affect health‐care system satisfaction, but the relative importance of these factors is poorly understood. New data from China offer the opportunity to test theories about the sources of health‐care system satisfaction.

Design

Stratified nationwide survey sample analysed using multilevel logistic regression. Setting and participants: 3680 Chinese adults residing in family dwellings between 1 November 2012 and 17 January 2013.

Main outcome measure

Satisfaction with the way the health‐care system in China is run.

Results

We find only weak associations between satisfaction and socio‐demographic characteristics, self‐reported health and income. We do, however, find that satisfaction is strongly associated with having insurance and belief in personal responsibility for meeting health‐care costs. We also find it is negatively associated with utilization, social media use, perceptions of access as unequal and perceptions of service providers as unethical.

Conclusions

To improve satisfaction, Chinese policymakers – and their counterparts in countries with similar health‐care system characteristics – should improve insurance coverage and the quality of health services, and tackle unethical medical practices.
Electrophoretic Deposition of Aqueous Nano‐Cr2O3 Suspension
Authors: Zhang Daixiong , Li Xueming , Zhu Yuhua , Guo Xiaogang , He Hongyun
Published: November 2015

The coating of nano‐Cr2O3 was successfully fabricated via aqueous electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The deposition behavior aqueous nano‐Cr2O3 suspension was affected by the added amount of nitric acid. The morphology of electrophoretic Cr2O3 coating was significantly influenced by the deposition voltage. For a suitable EPD, stable aqueous nano‐Cr2O3 suspension could be obtained by the addition of 0.0025 M nitric acid, and the suitable deposition voltage was 5 V. For the purpose of increasing deposition rate which was limited by lower deposition voltage, it was suggested to employ higher suspension concentration of Cr2O3.
The ideology of learner agency and the neoliberal self
Authors: Miller Elizabeth R.
Published: November 2015

This paper compares how the neoliberal self and the agentive language learner self have been conceptualized in the scholarly literature. It shows that both selves are construed as self‐regulating and free to choose, but that they are treated very differently in terms of origin or essence. In discussing the apparent contradiction between the neoliberal self as an ideological effect and the agentive self as naturally agentive, the paper proposes a radically social, relational view of learner agency. It illustrates this perspective using narrative analysis to explore the life history account of an Indonesian immigrant to the US and also positions this individual account in its (neoliberal) historical context. It calls for second language scholars to conceptualize agency as always exercised at articulation points within a nexus of practice.
Is the cardholder an efficient alarm system to detect credit card incidents?
Authors: Pavía Jose M. , Veres‐Ferrer Ernesto J.
Published: November 2015

There is a growing tendency in credit card industry to increase the contribution of the smallest players, the cardholders, in the detection of card incidents. This article examines whether cardholders are efficient at detecting/communicating incidents of theft, loss or fraudulent use of their cards. The analysis focuses on whether they demonstrate enough speed of response to support a risk control subsystem by the issuer. The research follows a completely new approach showing how the issue can be handled by applying the concept of elasticity, a notion just recently exported from economics to the field of statistics by linking it with the reverse hazard rate. The issue is focused on the analysis of the characteristics of the elasticity function of the random variable that measures the delay of cardholders in reporting incidents. This study is illustrated with an application to a real data set of 1069 incidents.