bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying Heterogeneity of Small Test Portion Masses of Geological Reference Materials by Portable XRF Spectrometry: Implications for Uncertainty of Reference Values
Authors: Rostron Peter D. , Ramsey Michael H.
Published: December 2016

There is an increasing use of analytical macro‐beam techniques (such as portable XRF, PXRF) for geochemical measurements, as a result of their convenience and relatively low cost per measurement. Reference materials (RMs) are essential for validation, and sometimes calibration, of beam measurements, just as they are for the traditional analytical techniques that use bulk powders. RMs are typically supplied with data sheets that tabulate uncertainties in the reference values by element, for which purpose they also specify a minimum recommended mass of material to be used in the chemical analysis. This minimum mass may not be achievable using analytical beam techniques. In this study, the mass of the test portion interrogated by a handheld PXRF within pellets made from three silicate RMs (SdAR L2, M2 and H1) was estimated using a theoretical approach. It was found to vary from 0.001 to 0.3 g for an 8 mm beam size and 0.0001 to 0.045 g for a 3 mm beam. These test portion masses are mainly well below the recommended minimum mass for these particular RMs (0.2 g), but were found to increase as a function of atomic number (as might be expected). The uncertainties caused by heterogeneity (UHET) in PXRF measurements of the three RMs were experimentally estimated using two different beam diameters for eighteen elements. The elements showing the highest levels of heterogeneity (UHET > 5%) seem generally to be those usually associated with either an accessory mineral (e.g., Zr in zircon, As in pyrite) or low test portion mass (associated with low atomic number). When the beam size was changed from nominally 8 to 3 mm, the uncertainty caused by heterogeneity was seen to increase for most elements by an average ratio of 2.2. These values of UHET were used to calculate revised uncertainties of the reference values that would be appropriate for measurements made using a PXRF with these beam sizes. The methods used here to estimate UHET in PXRF measurements have a potential application to other analytical beam techniques.
The role of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3) in peripheral nerve sheath tumours
Authors: Panse Gauri , Leung Cheuk H , Ingram Davis R , Wani Khalida , Torres Keila E , Lin Heather , Lazar Alexander J , Wang Wei‐Lien
Published: December 2016

Aims

STAT3 is a pro‐oncogenic transcription factor that requires phosphorylation for transcriptional activation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) expression in neurofibromas, schwannomas, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs).

Methods and Results

Twenty‐six neurofibromas, 62 schwannomas and 39 MPNSTs from a formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue microarray were examined. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed with an anti‐pSTAT3 (Tyr705) antibody. Nuclear expression was reviewed for both intensity and percentage of tumoral labelling. Distributions of disease‐specific overall survival (DSOS) and event‐free survival (EFS) were estimated with the Kaplan–Meier method, and compared between two pSTAT3 groups by use of the log‐rank test. MPNSTs had higher median tumoral labelling than neurofibromas (P = 0.0012) or schwannomas (P = 0.0008). Moderate to strong pSTAT3 expression (defined as at least moderate labelling in ≥50% of cells) was found more frequently in MPNSTs than in neurofibromas (P = 0.026). Among MPNSTs, pSTAT3 expression differed between primary, recurrent and metastatic disease (P = 0.063 with increased expression in recurrent and metastatic cases). pSTAT3 expression (at least moderate labelling in ≥10% of cells) in primary MPNSTs was associated with worse DSOS (P = 0.048) and trended towards being associated with worse EFS (P = 0.063). Paired specimens revealed no increase in pSTAT3 expression in the recurrences or metastases relative to the primary tumour, suggesting that pSTAT3 expression may be an early indicator of aggressive disease at disease onset.

Conclusions

pSTAT3 is expressed in a higher proportion of MPNSTs than neurofibromas and schwannomas. Moderate to strong pSTAT3 expression in ≥10% of cells was found to be a negative prognostic factor for DSOS among primary MPNSTs, suggesting a role of pSTAT3 in the progression of these tumours.
RNA interference in mosquito: understanding immune responses, double‐stranded RNA delivery systems and potential applications in vector control
Authors: Balakrishna Pillai A. , Nagarajan U. , Mitra A. , Krishnan U. , Rajendran S. , Hoti S. L. , Mishra R. K.
Published: December 2016

RNA interference (RNAi) refers to the process of post‐transcriptional silencing of cellular mRNA by the application of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA). RNAi strategies have been widely employed to regulate gene expression in plants and animals including insects. With the availability of the full genome sequences of major vector mosquitoes, RNAi has been increasingly used to conduct genetic studies of human pathogens in mosquito vectors and to study the evolution of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes. This review summarizes the recent progress in our understanding of mosquito–pathogen interactions using RNAi and various methods of dsRNA delivery in mosquitoes at different stages. We also discuss potential applications of this technology to develop novel tools for vector control.
International Migration and the Academic Performance of Mexican Adolescents
Authors: Jensen Bryant , Giorguli Saucedo Silvia , Hernández Padilla Eduardo
Published: December 2016

We analyze path models of a nationally representative sample of Mexican adolescents in 2008 to explore how migration variables interact with school retention to shape their migration plans, effort in school, and achievement on a standardized measure of Spanish literacy. Among other findings, we discover that more immediate plans are associated with lower performance for students considering migration and that this relationship varies by family socioeconomic status. We also find that parent migration exposure negatively affects achievement for some groups. We interpret findings in terms of structural inequalities in Mexico and conclude with recommendations to enrich academic learning opportunities for children and youth within migrant families and communities.
Very Preterm and Full‐Term Infants’ Response to Socio‐Emotional Stress: The Role of Postnatal Maternal Bonding
Authors: Provenzi Livio , Fumagalli Monica , Bernasconi Federica , Sirgiovanni Ida , Morandi Francesco , Borgatti Renato , Montirosso Rosario
Published: December 2016

Very preterm (VPT) infants are at risk for altered socio‐emotional stress regulation, even in the absence of perinatal complications. Moreover, becoming a mother of a VPT infant is a traumatic event, which might affect the establishment of a bonding relationship toward the infant during the postnatal period. The main aim of the present study was to assess the association between maternal postnatal bonding and socio‐emotional stress response in 3‐month‐old VPT infants, compared to full‐term (FT) controls. Thirty‐three VPT and 28 FT infant‐mother dyads underwent the maternal Face‐to‐Face Still‐Face (FFSF) procedure to assess socio‐emotional stress regulation. Maternal postnatal bonding was measured through the Maternal Post‐Natal Attachment Scale (MPAS), which includes three scales: Quality of attachment, Absence of hostility, and Pleasure in interaction. The VPT infants exhibited less self‐directed and other‐directed regulatory behaviors during the Still‐Face episode. Mothers of VPT infants reported lower Quality of attachment compared to FT counterparts. Importantly, higher levels of Quality of attachment were associated with more other‐directed behaviors during the Still‐Face episode in FT dyads, whereas this was not observed in VPT dyads. In conclusion, VPT infants might be exposed to a double‐risk condition for socio‐emotional development, encompassing both difficulties in stress response and the exposure to a less‐than‐optimal maternal bonding.
Parents’ Opinions about an Intervention to Manage Repetitive Behaviours in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hodgson Anna R. , Grahame Victoria , Garland Deborah , Gaultier Fiona , Lecouturier Jan , Le Couteur Ann
Published: December 2016

Background

Early intervention for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tends to focus on enhancing social communication skills. We report data collected via focus group discussions as part of a feasibility and acceptability pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) about a new parent group intervention to manage restricted and repetitive behaviours (RRB) in young children with ASD.

Methods

The focus groups were led by two independent facilitators and followed a semi‐structured topic guide with the aim of considering three key topics: experiences of participating in a RCT, opinions about the intervention and the impact of the intervention on the participants, their children and the family.

Results

Fourteen participants attended the focus groups. Most participants reported that they had little knowledge of RRB before attending the intervention and that it had had a positive impact on them, their children and their family.

Conclusion

The findings support the view that there is an unmet need for a parent‐mediated intervention focusing on RRB.
Mortality in Incident Cognitive Impairment: Results of the Prospective AgeCoDe Study
Authors: Luck Tobias , Riedel‐Heller Steffi G. , Roehr Susanne , Wiese Birgitt , van der Leeden Carolin , Heser Kathrin , Bickel Horst , Pentzek Michael , König Hans‐Helmut , Werle Jochen , Mamone Silke , Mallon Tina , Wolfsgruber Steffen , Weeg Dagmar , Fuchs Angela , Brettschneider Christian , Scherer Martin , Maier Wolfgang , Weyerer Siegfried ,   the AgeCoDe study group
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To investigate mortality risk and survival time in new‐incident cases of cognitive impairment (CI) in old age.

Design

Prospective cohort study in six German cities.

Setting

German Study on Ageing, Cognition, and Dementia in Primary Care Patients (AgeCoDe).

Participants

Two thousand eighty‐nine nondemented GP patients aged 75+.

Measurements

Every 18 months, trained psychologists and physicians conducted structured clinical interviews at the participants’ homes. Dates of death were obtained from relatives, general practitioner (GP), or the local registry offices. We used the Kaplan–Meier survival method to estimate survival times of individuals with and without incident CI and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regressions to assess the association between CI and mortality risk, controlled for covariates.

Results

Out of the 2,089 included patients at follow‐up I, 859 (41.1%) died during the subsequent mean observation period of 8.0 years. Patients with incident CI at follow‐up I showed a significantly higher case‐fatality rate per 1,000 person‐years (74.2, 95% CI = 64.2–84.2 vs 47.8, 95% CI = 44.6–51.0) and a significantly shorter mean survival time in the observation period than those without (7.8 vs 9.1 years; P < .001). The association between incident CI and mortality remained significant in the multivariable Cox analyses–incident CI was associated with a 42% increased, incident severe CI with a 75% increased mortality risk.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest an elevated mortality risk in newly acquired cognitive deficits in old age. Even though further studies are required to analyze potential underlying mechanisms, our findings support the notion that such cognitive deficits should be taken seriously in clinical practice not only for an increased risk of developing dementia but also for a broader range of possible adverse health outcomes.
COR27 and COR28 encode nighttime repressors integrating Arabidopsis circadian clock and cold response
Authors: Wang Peng , Cui Xuan , Zhao Chunsheng , Shi Liyan , Zhang Guowei , Sun Fenglong , Cao Xiaofeng , Yuan Li , Xie Qiguang , Xu Xiaodong
Published: December 2016

It was noted that circadian components function in plant adaptation to diurnal temperature cycles and freezing tolerance. Our genome‐wide transcriptome analysis revealed that evening‐phased COR27 and COR28 mainly repress the transcription of clock‐associated evening genes PRR5, ELF4 and cold‐responsive genes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation indicated that CCA1 is recruited to the site containing EE elements of COR27 and COR28 promoters in a temperature‐dependent way. Further genetic analysis shows COR28 is essential for the circadian function of PRR9 and PRR7. Together, our results support a role of COR27 and COR28 as nighttime repressors integrating circadian clock and plant cold stress responses.
Waiting and hoping: a phenomenographic study of the experiences of boarded patients in the emergency department
Authors: Han Chin‐Yen , Lin Chun‐Chih , Goopy Suzanne , Hsiao Ya‐Chu , Barnard Alan , Wang Li‐Hsiang
Published: December 2016

Aims and objectives

To understand the experiences and concerns of patients in the emergency department during inpatient boarding.

Background

Boarding in the emergency department is an increasingly common phenomenon worldwide. Emergency department staff, patients and their families become more stressed as the duration of boarding in the emergency department increases. Yet, there is limited knowledge of the experiences and concerns of boarded patients.

Design

The qualitative approach of phenomenography was used in the study.

Methods

The phenomenographic study was conducted in one emergency department that treats approximately 15,000 patients each month. Twenty emergency department boarding patients were recruited between July–September 2014. Semi‐structured interviews were used for data collection. The seven steps of qualitative data analysis for a phenomenographic study – familiarisation, articulation, condensation, grouping, comparison, labelling and contrasting – were employed to develop an understanding of participants’ experiences and concerns during their inpatient boarding in the emergency department.

Results

The perceptions that emerged from the data were collected into four categories of description of the phenomenon of emergency department boarding patients: a helpless choice; loyalty to specific hospitals and doctors; an inevitable challenge of life; and distrust of the healthcare system. The outcome space for the emergency department boarding patients was waiting and hoping for a cure.

Conclusion

The experiences and concerns of emergency department boarding patients include physical, psychological, spiritual and health system dimensions. It is necessary to develop an integrated model of care for these patients.

Relevance to clinical practice

Understanding the experiences and concerns of patients who are placed on boarding status in the ED will help emergency healthcare professionals to improve the quality of emergency care. There is a need to develop a care model and associated intervention measures for emergency department patients during the boarding process. The results of this study will help health regulatory authorities to develop an appropriate emergency department boarding system so that patients receive better emergency care.
An adolescent with limited mouth opening
Authors: Stoopler Eric T , Alomar Dalal , Alfaris Sausan , Granquist Eric
Published: December 2016

See Answer
RESERVOIR POTENTIAL OF DEEP‐WATER LACUSTRINE DELTA‐FRONT SANDSTONES IN THE UPPER TRIASSIC YANCHANG FORMATION, WESTERN ORDOS BASIN, CHINA
Authors: Li Shengli , Ma Y. Zee , Yu Xinghe , Li Shunli
Published: December 2016

This paper investigates the reservoir characteristics of deep‐water lacustrine‐delta sandstones in the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation in the western Ordos Basin, north‐central China. The Yanchang Formation has previously been interpreted as a shallow‐water lacustrine deltaic succession, and this interpretation has been used to guide petroleum exploration activities which have however met with only limited success. The present study integrates thin‐section, wireline log, X‐ray diffraction and SEM data from wells in the western Ordos Basin to determine the sedimentary and diagenetic characteristics of sandstones in the C6 and C4+5 sub‐members of the Yanchang Formation, and to interpret the units' depositional environment.

The C6 and C4+5 sub‐members in the study area are composed of: mudstones and fine‐grained sandstones, which are interpreted as deep‐water pro‐delta deposits; laterally‐extensive sand sheets (outer delta‐front deposits); and small‐scale distributary channel and mouth bar sandbodies (inner delta‐front deposits). The sandstones have reservoir potential but diagenesis has had a range of effects on reservoir quality. Compaction together with cementation by calcite and clay minerals including chlorite and kaolinite may have affected pore throat geometry and permeability adversely. However dissolution of feldspars and calcite cement created secondary porosity. Hydrocarbon accumulations may occur in delta‐front channel and mouth bar sandbodies. Core studies show that some sandstone intervals have relatively good reservoir properties with porosity up to 15% and permeability up to 9mD.
A survey of dental public health specialists on current dental public health competencies
Authors: Mascarenhas Ana Karina , Altman Donald
Published: December 2016

In preparation to update the Dental Public Health specialty competencies, the Expert Panel determined that a needs assessment be conducted. A nine item open and close ended survey developed by the Expert Panel was used to collect data on the Diplomates current work environment, the utility of the current set of Dental Public Health competencies, and to identify any gaps in the current competencies. In 2015, the survey was administered to all active Diplomates of the American Board of Dental Public Health. One hundred and nine Diplomates responded. Diplomates overwhelmingly reported that each of the ten current competencies were still relevant for Dental Public Health specialists in the 21st Century, but needed to be updated to be more contemporary. Domains suggested to achieve this were interprofessional care, cultural competency, health literacy, and evidence‐based dentistry.
Benefiting from Open Innovation: A Multidimensional Model of Absorptive Capacity*
Authors: Zobel Ann‐Kristin
Published: December 2016

While recent studies shed some light on the performance implications of open innovation, there is a gap in understanding how firms can translate their openness into innovation outcomes. In particular, it is unclear whether—and if so, how—firms can create a competitive advantage in product innovation by tapping into external sources of innovation. To address this gap, this study conceptualizes multidimensional components of absorptive capacity and develops a nomological network that explicates relationships between these components and competitive advantage in product innovation. By marrying the open innovation and absorptive capacity perspectives, higher‐order models of absorptive capacity are proposed which delineate the underlying processes to recognize, assimilate, and exploit external sources of innovation. The empirical analysis of the nomological network based on original survey data reveals important findings. First, there is a positive indirect baseline association between external technological resource access and competitive advantage in product innovation, mediated by the firm's technology‐related capabilities. Second, components of absorptive capacity modify this indirect baseline relationship. Recognition capacity is positively associated with external technological resource access and therefore, operates as an antecedent to the proposed baseline relationship. Assimilation capacity constitutes a relevant condition to the proposed baseline relationship. The indirect association between external technological resource access and competitive advantage in product innovation is dependent on the level of assimilation capacity. Exploitation capacity has an additional and independent direct positive association with competitive advantage in product innovation. This study contributes to the open innovation literature by delineating organizational processes that help to explain interfirm differences in benefiting from external sources of innovation. In addition, this study adds to the absorptive capacity literature by developing and validating a set of measures that captures, individually and in concert, three components of absorptive capacity.
Where does the community start, and where does it end? Including the seed bank to reassess forest herb layer responses to the environment
Authors: Plue Jan , De Frenne Pieter , Acharya Kamal , Brunet Jörg , Chabrerie Olivier , Decocq Guillaume , Diekmann Martin , Graae Bente J. , Heinken Thilo , Hermy Martin , Kolb Annette , Lemke Isgard , Liira Jaan , Naaf Tobias , Verheyen Kris , Wulf Monika , Cousins Sara A.O.
Published: December 2016

Question

Below‐ground processes are key determinants of above‐ground plant population and community dynamics. Still, our understanding of how environmental drivers shape plant communities is mostly based on above‐ground diversity patterns, bypassing below‐ground plant diversity stored in seed banks. As seed banks may shape above‐ground plant communities, we question whether concurrently analysing the above‐ and below‐ground species assemblages may potentially enhance our understanding of community responses to environmental variation.

Location

Temperate deciduous forests along a 2000 km latitudinal gradient in NW Europe.

Methods

Herb layer, seed bank and local environmental data including soil pH, canopy cover, forest cover continuity and time since last canopy disturbance were collected in 129 temperate deciduous forest plots. We quantified herb layer and seed bank diversity per plot and evaluated how environmental variation structured community diversity in the herb layer, seed bank and the combined herb layer–seed bank community.

Results

Seed banks consistently held more plant species than the herb layer. How local plot diversity was partitioned across the herb layer and seed bank was mediated by environmental variation in drivers serving as proxies of light availability. The herb layer and seed bank contained an ever smaller and ever larger share of local diversity, respectively, as both canopy cover and time since last canopy disturbance decreased. Species richness and β‐diversity of the combined herb layer–seed bank community responded distinctly differently compared to the separate assemblages in response to environmental variation in, e.g. forest cover continuity and canopy cover.

Conclusions

The seed bank is a below‐ground diversity reservoir of the herbaceous forest community, which interacts with the herb layer, although constrained by environmental variation in e.g. light availability. The herb layer and seed bank co‐exist as a single community by means of the so‐called storage effect, resulting in distinct responses to environmental variation not necessarily recorded in the individual herb layer or seed bank assemblages. Thus, concurrently analysing above‐ and below‐ground diversity will improve our ecological understanding of how understorey plant communities respond to environmental variation.
Variation and synchrony of tree species mast seeding in an old‐growth temperate forest
Authors: Wang Yunyun , Zhang Jian , LaMontagne Jalene M. , Lin Fei , Li Buhang , Ye Ji , Yuan Zuoqiang , Wang Xugao , Hao Zhanqing
Published: December 2016

Questions

Mast seeding, i.e. synchronous highly variable seed production among years, occurs in many perennial plant species and across diverse plant communities. Two predominant hypotheses for mast seeding are pollination efficiency and predator satiation, with weather conditions as a proximate cause. Little consensus has been achieved regarding the relative impacts of ultimate selection and proximate weather on variation in seed production. Moreover, mast‐seeding studies often focus on a single species or phylogenetically closely related species, while studies on plant communities consisting of tree species with a diversity of reproductive strategies are less common.

Location

A 25‐ha Changbaishan temperate forest dynamic plot, northeast China.

Methods

We used 8 yr of seed rain data to characterize patterns and evaluate underlying selective drivers of mast seeding. We employed generalized linear mixed‐effects models (GLMMs) to analyse the relationships between inter‐annual variability of mast seeding and weather conditions.

Results

All 20 species in this forest community exhibited high variability in annual seed production, but the magnitude of seed production among species was generally asynchronous across years. Wind‐pollinated species had higher inter‐annual variation of seed production than animal‐pollinated species, while species dispersed by seed predators and abiotic modes (e.g. wind and gravity) showed little variation. Species responded individually to weather conditions for both temperature and precipitation, and spring phenology in the same year as seed production had a larger effect among species than both the weather conditions of the same summer and season‐long lags.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that pollination efficiency hypothesis had a much stronger effect than predation satiation hypothesis on mast seeding, and weather conditions demonstrated the proximate role of weather drivers in producing the community‐wide mast‐seeding pattern. We emphasize the need to simultaneously assess drivers of mast seeding for multiple species within a plant community.
Protection of Penaeus monodon against white spot syndrome by continuous oral administration of a low concentration of Bacillus subtilis spores expressing the VP28 antigen
Authors: Pham K.-C. , Tran H.T.T. , Van Doan C. , Le P.H. , Van Nguyen A.T. , Nguyen H.A. , Hong H.A. , Cutting S.M. , Phan T.-N.
Published: December 2016

In this study, Bacillus subtilis spores expressing a chimeric protein, CotB-VP28, were used as a probiotic vaccine to protect black tiger shrimps (Penaeus monodon) against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection. Oral administration of pellets coated with CotB-VP28 spores (at ≥1 × 109 CFU per g pellet) to shrimps induced immune-relating phenoloxydase activity (PO) in shrimps after 14 days of feeding (prior challenge) and at day 3 post challenge (1·26 and 1·70 fold increase respectively). A 75% protection rate was obtained by continuous feeding of the spore-coated pellets at ≥1 × 109 CFU per g for 14 days prior to WSSV challenge and during all the postchallenge period. Even when the amount of CotB-VP28 spores in feed pellets was reduced down to ≥5 × 107 CFU per g and ≥1 × 106 CFU per g, relatively high protection rates of 70 and 67·5%, respectively, were still obtained. By contrast, feeding pellets without spores (untreated group) and with naked spores (PY79 group) at ≥1 × 109 CFU per g could not protect shrimps against WSSV. These data suggest that supplementation of CotB-VP28 spores at low dose of ≥1 × 106 CFU per g could be effective as a prophylactic treatment of WSS for black tiger shrimps.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study reports the protective efficacy of Bacillus subtilis CotB-VP28 spores on black tiger shrimps (Penaeus monodon) against white spot syndrome virus infection. Oral administration of pellets coated with CotB-VP28 spores (≥1 × 109 CFU per g) conferred 75% protection after white spot syndrome virus challenge. Even after reducing CotB-VP28 spores in feed pellets to ≥1 × 106 CFU per g, 67·5% protections was still obtained. These data indicate that supplementation of CotB-VP28 spores at a low dose of ≥1 × 106 CFU per g could be effective in prophylaxis against white spot syndrome in black tiger shrimps.
Alternating augite‐plagioclase wedges in basement dolerites of Lockne impact structure, Sweden: A new shock wave‐induced deformation feature
Authors: Agarwal A. , Reznik B. , Alva‐Valdivia L. M. , Srivastava D. C.
Published: December 2016

This paper reports peculiar alternating augite‐plagioclase wedges in basement dolerites of Lockne impact structure, Sweden. The combined microscopic and spectroscopic studies of the micro/nanoscale wedges reveal that these are deformation‐induced features. First, samples showing wedges, 12 out of 18 studied, are distributed in the impact structure within a radius of up to 10 km from the crater center. Second, the margins between the augite and labradorite wedges are sharp and the {110} prismatic cleavage of augite develops into fractures and thereafter into wedges. The fractures are filled with molten labradorite pushed from the neighboring bulk labradorite grain. Third, compared to the bulk labradorite, the dislocation density and the residual strain in the labradorite wedges are significantly higher. A possible mechanism of genesis of the wedges is proposed. The mechanism explains that passing of the shock waves in the basement dolerite induced (i) formation of microfractures in augite and labradorite; (ii) development of the augite prismatic cleavages into the wedges, which overprint the microfracture in the labradorite wedges; and (iii) thereafter, infilling of microfractures in the augite wedges by labradorite.
Acute Kidney Injury and mortality prognosis in Acute Coronary Syndrome patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Pickering John W , Blunt Isabella R H , Than Martin P
Published: December 2016

Aim

The aim of this study is to provide a robust estimate of mortality risk in acute coronary syndrome (ACS)‐associated acute kidney injury (AKI) to inform clinical practice and policy.

Methods

A meta‐analysis of cohort studies evaluating outcomes of ACS and which reported AKI and AKI‐associated mortality. Studies were excluded if they incorporated patients not admitted through the emergency department (i.e. for elective procedures), were limited to cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest, or relied on registry data for outcomes without further adjudication. The predictor was ACS‐associated AKI and outcomes early (30 day or in‐hospital) mortality and late‐mortality (post‐hospital discharge).

Results

Thirty‐six studies with 37 unique cohorts comprising 100 476 patients were included. The pooled rate of ACS‐associated AKI was 15.8%. In 32 cohorts reporting early mortality, the crude early mortality rate was 15.0% amongst those with AKI compared with 2.0% amongst those without AKI. The pooled estimate of the relative risk of AKI‐associated early mortality was 4.1 (95% confidence interval: 3.3 to 5.0) with high heterogeneity between studies (I

2
 = 84% (61% to 88%)). When heterogeneity was accounted for mathematically using credibility ceilings, the risk of mortality was lower, but still clinically significant (3.1 (2.6 to 3.6)). In 19 cohorts reporting late mortality (1 to 10 years), the relative risk of AKI‐associated mortality was 2.6 (2.0 to 3.3) with moderate heterogeneity (I

2
 = 65 % [35% to 88%]). Following application of credibility ceiling relative risk estimate dropped to 2.2 (1.9 to 2.6).

Conclusions

Acute coronary syndrome‐associated AKI is associated with more than a three‐fold increase in early mortality and more than two‐fold in long‐term mortality.
Expansion of inverted repeat does not decrease substitution rates in Pelargonium plastid genomes
Authors: Weng Mao‐Lun , Ruhlman Tracey A. , Jansen Robert K.
Published: December 2016

For species with minor inverted repeat (IR) boundary changes in the plastid genome (plastome), nucleotide substitution rates were previously shown to be lower in the IR than the single copy regions (SC). However, the impact of large‐scale IR expansion/contraction on plastid nucleotide substitution rates among closely related species remains unclear.

We included plastomes from 22 Pelargonium species, including eight newly sequenced genomes, and used both pairwise and model‐based comparisons to investigate the impact of the IR on sequence evolution in plastids.

Ten types of plastome organization with different inversions or IR boundary changes were identified in Pelargonium. Inclusion in the IR was not sufficient to explain the variation of nucleotide substitution rates. Instead, the rate heterogeneity in Pelargonium plastomes was a mixture of locus‐specific, lineage‐specific and IR‐dependent effects.

Our study of Pelargonium plastomes that vary in IR length and gene content demonstrates that the evolutionary consequences of retaining these repeats are more complicated than previously suggested.
Tailoring the composition of novel wax esters in the seeds of transgenic Camelina sativa through systematic metabolic engineering
Authors: Ruiz‐Lopez Noemi , Broughton Richard , Usher Sarah , Salas Joaquin J. , Haslam Richard P. , Napier Johnathan A. , Beaudoin Frédéric
Published: December 2016

The functional characterization of wax biosynthetic enzymes in transgenic plants has opened the possibility of producing tailored wax esters (WEs) in the seeds of a suitable host crop. In this study, in addition to systematically evaluating a panel of WE biosynthetic activities, we have also modulated the acyl‐CoA substrate pool, through the co‐expression of acyl‐ACP thioesterases, to direct the accumulation of medium‐chain fatty acids. Using this combinatorial approach, we determined the additive contribution of both the varied acyl‐CoA pool and biosynthetic enzyme substrate specificity to the accumulation of non‐native WEs in the seeds of transgenic Camelina plants. A total of fourteen constructs were prepared containing selected FAR and WS genes in combination with an acyl‐ACP thioesterase. All enzyme combinations led to the successful production of wax esters, of differing compositions. The impact of acyl‐CoA thioesterase expression on wax ester accumulation varied depending on the substrate specificity of the WS. Hence, co‐expression of acyl‐ACP thioesterases with Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus WS and Marinobacter aquaeolei FAR resulted in the production of WEs with reduced chain lengths, whereas the co‐expression of the same acyl‐ACP thioesterases in combination with Mus musculus WS and M. aquaeolei FAR had little impact on the overall final wax composition. This was despite substantial remodelling of the acyl‐CoA pool, suggesting that these substrates were not efficiently incorporated into WEs. These results indicate that modification of the substrate pool requires careful selection of the WS and FAR activities for the successful high accumulation of these novel wax ester species in Camelina seeds.
Crystal Structures of Bacterial (6‐4) Photolyase Mutants with Impaired DNA Repair Activity
Authors: Zhang Fan , Ma Hongju , Bowatte Kalinga , Kwiatkowski Dennis , Mittmann Esther , Qasem Heba , Krauß Norbert , Zeng Xiaoli , Ren Zhong , Scheerer Patrick , Yang Xiaojing , Lamparter Tilman
Published: December 2016

PhrB from Agrobacterium fabrum is the first prokaryotic photolyase which repairs (6‐4) UV DNA photoproducts. The protein harbors three cofactors: the enzymatically active FAD chromophore, a second chromophore, 6,7‐dimethyl‐8‐ribityllumazine (DMRL) and a cubane‐type Fe‐S cluster. Tyr424 of PhrB is part of the DNA‐binding site and could provide an electron link to the Fe‐S cluster. The PhrBY424F mutant showed reduced binding of lesion DNA and loss of DNA repair. The mutant PhrBI51W is characterized by the loss of the DMRL chromophore, reduced photoreduction and reduced DNA repair capacity. We have determined the crystal structures of both mutants and found that both mutations only affect local protein environments, whereas the overall fold remained unchanged. The crystal structure of PhrBY424F revealed a water network extending to His366, which are part of the lesion‐binding site. The crystal structure of PhrBI51W shows how the bulky Trp leads to structural rearrangements in the DMRL chromophore pocket. Spectral characterizations of PhrBI51W suggest that DMRL serves as an antenna chromophore for photoreduction and DNA repair in the wild type. The energy transfer from DMRL to FAD could represent a phylogenetically ancient process.
Electoral Rules and Bureaucratic Effectiveness
Authors: Jeong Gyung‐Ho
Published: December 2016

Literature on comparative institutions shows that electoral and constitutional rules affect the behavior of politicians, while the literature on political control of bureaucracies demonstrates how politicians exercise control over bureaucracies and affect their performance. This article explores how electoral rules affect bureaucratic effectiveness. In particular, I hypothesize that personal vote‐seeking incentives drive legislators to specialize in legislative committees to develop their personal reputations. Once legislators specialize in legislative committees, they are in a better position to increase bureaucratic effectiveness. Drawing on the World Bank index of bureaucratic effectiveness, this article finds significant associations between the personal vote‐seeking incentive, legislative specialization, and bureaucratic effectiveness. However, these associations are restricted to presidential systems, where the separation of powers makes legislative specialization in committees a key mechanism for effective bureaucratic oversight.

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Riccardo Pelizzo. 2013. “.” Politics & Policy 41 (): 420‐446. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12020/abstract

Levitt, Barry, and
Tatiana Kostadinova. 2014. “.” Politics & Policy 42: 513‐547. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12084/abstract

Related Media

. http://info.worldbank.org/governance/wgi/index.aspx#home

. http://polisci.berkeley.edu/people/person/m-steven-fish
Bridging the Divide: Measuring Party System Change and Classifying Party Systems
Authors: Pelizzo Riccardo , Nwokora Zim
Published: December 2016

Party systems research has proceeded along two parallel lines of inquiry, one predominantly “qualitative” and the other “quantitative.” This article attempts to bridge this divide in two ways. First, by showing that qualitative information can be valuable in the construction of quantitative measures. Second, by showing that the results from applying theoretically sensitive measurement tools can be useful for qualitative classification. These analyses are performed using an original dataset of party system changes in Sub‐Saharan Africa.

Related Articles

Nwokora, Zim, and
Riccardo Pelizzo. 2015. “.” Politics & Policy 43 (): 453‐473. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12124/abstract

Tusalem, Rollin F. 2016. “.” Politics & Policy 44 (): 712‐750. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12166/abstract

Vercesi, Michelangelo. 2016. “.” Politics & Policy 44 (): 168‐219. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12154/abstract

Related Media

. “Democracy in Africa: 5 Myths Explored.” https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/datablog/2016/feb/25/democracy-in-african-countries-five-myths-explored

. “Africa's Rocky Road to Democracy.” http://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/01/opinion/africa-democracy-mbaku/
Should we Sample a time Series more Frequently?: Decision Support via Multirate Spectrum Estimation
Authors: Nason Guy P. , Powell Ben , Elliott Duncan , Smith Paul A.
Published: December 2016

Suppose that we have a historical time series with samples taken at a slow rate, e.g. quarterly. The paper proposes a new method to answer the question: is it worth sampling the series at a faster rate, e.g. monthly? Our contention is that classical time series methods are designed to analyse a series at a single and given sampling rate with the consequence that analysts are not often encouraged to think carefully about what an appropriate sampling rate might be. To answer the sampling rate question we propose a novel Bayesian method that incorporates the historical series, cost information and small amounts of pilot data sampled at the faster rate. The heart of our method is a new Bayesian spectral estimation technique that is capable of coherently using data sampled at multiple rates and is demonstrated to have superior practical performance compared with alternatives. Additionally, we introduce a method for hindcasting historical data at the faster rate. A freeware R package, regspec, is available that implements our methods. We illustrate our work by using official statistics time series including the UK consumer price index and counts of UK residents travelling abroad, but our methods are general and apply to any situation where time series data are collected.
Use of 20% intravenous lipid emulsion for the treatment of loperamide toxicosis in a Collie homozygous for the ABCB1‐1∆ mutation
Authors: Long Whitney M. , Sinnott Virginia B. , Bracker Kiko , Thomas Danielle
Published: December 2016

Objective

To describe the successful treatment of loperamide toxicosis in a dog using intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE).

Case Summary

An 8‐month‐old male neutered Rough Collie weighing 20.0 kg was given a total dose of 0.75 mg/kg loperamide over 3 days as treatment for diarrhea. The dog was subsequently evaluated for signs of dull mentation, anxiety, ptyalism and ataxia, thought to be a result of loperamide intoxication. The dog was treated with a 1.5 mL/kg IV bolus of 20% ILE solution followed by 0.25 mL/kg/min of the same solution for 2 hours. The dog's mentation improved rapidly following ILE infusion, and he was neurologically normal 3 hours after initiation of ILE treatment. The dog was subsequently found to be homozygous for the ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter gene (ABCB1‐1∆) mutation. There were no adverse effects noted during or following ILE infusion.

New or Unique Information Provided

ILE was successful in the treatment of loperamide toxicosis in a Collie with the ABCB1‐1∆ mutation. ILE may be of benefit for treatment of other intoxications in dogs with ABCB1‐1Δ mutations.
Laparoscopic kidney biopsy in dogs: Comparison of cup forceps and core needle biopsy
Authors: Park Jiyoung , Lee Jinwoo , Lee Hae‐Beom , Jeong Seong Mok
Published: December 2016

Objective

To investigate the feasibility of laparoscopic kidney biopsy with cup biopsy forceps in dogs (CupBF), and to compare to the use of a core biopsy needle (CoreBN).

Study Design

Experimental; randomized, controlled design.

Animals

Eight healthy, adult Beagle dogs.

Methods

Dogs were randomized to undergo laparoscopic biopsy of the right kidney using either 5 mm CupBF or a 16 gauge CoreBN. Intraoperative hemorrhage of the biopsy site was monitored. Biopsy quality was evaluated for tissue fragmentation and crushing, presence of renal cortex with or without medulla, and number of glomeruli. Postoperative packed cell volume, urinalysis, and ultrasonographic appearance of the biopsy site were evaluated.

Results

Biopsy specimens were obtained by both techniques and reliable hemostasis was achieved with direct compression in all dogs. The histologic score for CupBF biopsies was not significantly different from CoreBN biopsies. One CoreBN biopsy contained both renal cortex and medullar, while all CupBF biopsies contained cortex only. The mean (SD) number of glomeruli was significantly higher in CupBF biopsies [60 (9.1)] than CoreBN biopsies [26 (4.3)]. There was no gross hematuria, perirenal hematoma, or hydronephrosis in any dog postoperative.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic kidney biopsy in dogs using 5 mm cup biopsy forceps is feasible with minimal risk and more glomeruli obtained compared to laparoscopic kidney biopsy using 16 gauge core biopsy needles.
Total laparoscopic gastropexy using 1 simple continuous barbed suture line in 63 dogs
Authors: Takacs Joel D. , Singh Ameet , Case J. Brad , Mayhew Philipp D. , Giuffrida Michelle A. , Caceres Ana V. , Fox‐Alvarez W. Alexander , Runge Jeffrey J.
Published: December 2016

Objective

To describe the use and outcome of a single, simple continuous, barbed suture line for prophylactic, total laparoscopic gastropexy in dogs.

Study Design

Multi‐center, retrospective case series.

Animals

Sixty‐three client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Medical records of dogs undergoing total laparoscopic gastropexy using a barbed suture at 4 academic veterinary hospitals from 2011‐2015 were reviewed. Data collected included signalment, procedure time, procedure‐associated complications, short‐term complications, and long‐term outcome. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia in dorsal to dorsal‐left oblique recumbency. Laparoscopic ports were placed on ventral midline in 1 of 3 port configurations, and 5 mm laparoscopic needle drivers were used for intracorporeal sutured gastropexy with unidirectional barbed suture. The gastropexy was positioned just caudal to the 13th rib, 2‐4 cm lateral to the rectus abdominis muscle.

Results

Sixty‐three dogs underwent total laparoscopic gastropexy with a single, simple continuous, barbed suture line. Median gastropexy surgery time was 70 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 60‐90 minutes). One dog sustained splenic laceration from Veress needle penetration during initial abdominal insufflation. Short term (>24 hours to 6 months postoperative) complications included incisional seroma formation (n = 2) and suture reaction (n = 1). Long term (>6 months postoperative) complications included intermittent regurgitation and chronic diarrhea in 1 dog. Fifteen dogs had postoperative ultrasound and all had intact gastropexy sites.

Conclusion

Total laparoscopic barbed gastropexy using a single, simple continuous, barbed suture line in dogs is safe and results in an intact gastropexy long term.
The mitochondrial calcium uniporter in the heart: energetics and beyond
Authors: Kwong Jennifer Q.
Published: December 2016

Ca2+ and mitochondria are inextricably linked to cardiac function and dysfunction. Ca2+ is central to cardiac excitation–contraction coupling and stimulates mitochondrial energy production to fuel contraction. Under pathological conditions of dysregulated Ca2+ cycling, mitochondrial Ca2+ overload activates cellular death pathways. Thus, in the cardiomyocyte, the mitochondrial Ca2+ microdomain is where contraction, energy and death collide. A key component of mitochondrial Ca2+ signalling is the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter complex (uniplex), an inner membrane Ca2+ transporter and major pathway of mitochondrial Ca2+ entry. Once known only as the unidentified target for ruthenium red and related compounds, in recent years, the uniplex has evolved into a complex multiprotein assembly. The identification of the molecular constituents of the uniplex has made possible the generation of targeted genetic models to interrogate uniplex function in vivo. This review will summarize our current understanding of the molecular structure of the uniplex, its impact on mitochondrial energetics and cardiac physiology, its contribution to cardiomyocyte death, and its expanding roles in cardiac biology.

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Experimental and Numerical Investigations on Louvered Fin-and-Tube Heat Exchanger With Variable Geometrical Parameters
Authors: Javaherdeh Kourosh , Vaisi Ahmad , Moosavi Rouhollah , Esmaeilpour Mehdi
Published: December 2016

The effects of geometrical arrangement on the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics in compact louvered fin-and-tube heat exchangers were studied experimentally and numerically along with ε−NTU method. Different geometrical parameters including louver angle, louver pitch, louver number, the nonlouvered inlet and exit fin length, and redirection of fluid flow are considered to determine their effects on the flow field. The study is performed for different louver angles varying from θL=12 to 60 deg, and optimal heat transfer rate is obtained at louver angle of θL=28deg. Also, it is found that increasing the louver number, NL, on the fin surface enhances the heat transfer performance. It is shown that the average Nusselt number is increased as the louver pitch is decreased and its optimum value is obtained at Lp=0.9 mm. However, comparing to the effect of louver number, the louver pitch has a small effect on the performance of the heat exchanger. Additionally, the optimum values of nonlouvered inlet and exit fin length and redirection length of fin are obtained with different flow conditions.