bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International career motives, repatriation and career success of Indian women in Science & Technology
Authors: Valk Reimara , Van der Velde Mandy , Van Engen Marloes , Godbole Rohini
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into international career motives, repatriation and career success of Indian women in Science and Technology.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with (upper) middle-class Indian women in Science and Technology in Bangalore and New Delhi, India.

Findings

– Thematic analysis resulted in four themes – International career motives, Theme 1: cross-cultural and scientific exposure; Repatriation reasons and experiences, Theme 2: family reunion, career prospects and readjustment; Career success, Theme 3: international experience; and career growth, Theme 4: social responsibility. Motives for international career mobility of Indian women were: exposure to foreign cultures, international collaboration in science and personal and professional development. Family formation and reunion and career prospects were reasons for repatriation and positively influenced repatriation experiences of Indian women. Readjustment to people and conditions in India impacted their repatriation experiences negatively. The meaning women attribute to career success is grounded in recognition from peers in science, career growth, satisfaction and contribution to science and Indian society.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample of Indian female scientists may limit generalization of the findings to global career professionals in other professions from other countries with different socio-cultural and economic contexts.

Practical implications

– HR policies that foster international careers of women scientists as well as women's networks in science to share and apply knowledge, and their contribution to the Indian economy and society will enhance global career success of women and strengthen the sustainable competitive position of organizations.

Originality/value

– The study provides new insights into motivation for international career mobility and repatriation of women professionals from a developing country and their career success in the home country, and contributes to the development of theoretical frameworks on international career mobility and career success.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of rugby event sponsorship: a study of Dove Men+Care and the Welsh Rugby Union
Authors: Thomas Robert James
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this study is to evaluate rugby fans’ attitudes toward financial sponsorship, specifically event sponsorship and Dove Men+Care and its association with the Welsh Rugby Union. The study examines four issues: How do rugby fans perceive event sponsorship? How does such sponsorship affect consumption choices? Do fans engage in long-term relationships with the event’s sponsoring brand? Are relationships affected by the event sponsor’s engagement with other international teams and rugby events?

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is a theory-building, exploratory study that utilised a qualitative framework. Data were collected over a 12-month period, incorporating the autumn internationals of 2012 and 2013, with 198 fans participating in focus groups before and after games.

Findings

– The results reveal a distinct lack of brand awareness on the part of the participants, a collective perception of the sponsor as incongruent given the event and a demonstration of enmity arising from rival sponsorships by the sponsoring brand. Additionally, the findings reveal a reluctance to consume the sponsoring brand in either the short or long term given its incongruence, lack of functionality, pre-existing schematic frameworks and obdurate brand preferences.

Research limitations/implications

– Given that autumn internationals are held every season by several of the international rugby board (IRB) ranked teams, the findings of this research have an immediate and direct application for brand managers involved or implementing sponsorship programs. The research outlines both short and long term mistakes made by the sponsor as perceived by the fans’ themselves, and suggests that those brands considering becoming involved in sport and event sponsorship instigate a more informed, strategic approach to their sponsorship activities. However, the work is context driven and therefore not generalisable.

Practical implications

– The findings enable marketing brand managers to effectively evaluate events against the backdrop of strategic fit, as well as fan/consumer expectations, their needs and wants and willingness to engage.

Originality/value

– Despite rugby union’s growing global presence, little or no research has examined sponsorship within the context of rugby union and none exists that has evaluated event sponsorship, and been driven by fans’ perspectives. This paper fills that void. The research delineates fans attitudes, opinions and brand conceptualisations relating to event sponsorship, incorporating evaluations of identity, congruence and fit. Moreover, the paper highlights what to avoid from a strategic and brand building perspective when considering event sponsorship in a rugby union context.
Hypoacusia and Chronic Renal Dysfunction: New Etiopathogenetic Prospective
Authors: Cuna Vania , Battaglino Giuseppe , Capelli Irene , Sala Elisa , Donati Gabriele , Cianciolo Giuseppe , La Manna Gaetano
Published: September 2014

The oto‐renal axis describes the relationship between hearing loss and chronic nephropathy. Several clinical studies have investigated the incidence of hypoacusia in patients affected by chronic renal failure, but the etiopathogenic mechanism is not fully understood. In this context, there is a general agreement that hypoacusia is usually neurosensorial and the cochlea is the main site of lesion. Inner ear and kidney present an interesting similarity in terms of structure and function. In particular, the presence of pericytes and podocytes in inner ear and in glomeruli, respectively, evidence common characteristics of microcirculation. Defects in microcirculation in the inner ear mainly cause an electrolytic imbalance with the consequent impairment of endocochlear potential and sensorial transduction. In kidney, microvessels and podocytes contribute to glomerular stability and function. Microcirculation dysfunction often occurs during the inflammatory status, frequently reported both in chronic nephropathy and in cardiovascular disease. Clinical studies aimed to describe the hypoacusia in nephropathy patients are summarized. Then, in order to speculate the etiopathogenic mechanism of hearing loss in chronic nephropathy, we report the similarities between pericytes and podocytes in inner ear and glomeruli microcirculation in terms of structure and function. Finally, we propose a model in which inflammation plays an important role in oto‐renal dysfunction. Our model proposes the inflammation, as an etiopathogenic mechanism of hypoacusia in chronic nephropathy and the defective cross‐talk between pericytes/podocytes and vascular endothelium, as the initial event of the degenerative process.
Acceleration of Iron Utilization After Intravenous Iron Administration During Activated Erythropoiesis in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Study
Authors: Kuji Tadashi , Toya Yoshiyuki , Fujikawa Tetsuya , Kakimoto‐Shino Midori , Nishihara Masahiro , Shibata Kazuhiko , Tamura Kouichi , Hirawa Nobuhito , Satta Hidehisa , Kawata Sei‐ichi , Kouguchi Naoaki , Umemura Satoshi
Published: September 2014

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different timings of iron administration during erythropoiesis activated by continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) on reticulocyte iron uptake in hemodialysis patients. In total, 110 patients were randomized to receive 40 mg intravenous elemental iron doses at all three hemodialysis sessions in the first week (IW1 group: n = 57) or in the third week (IW3 group: n = 53) after CERA administration. Following CERA administration at day 0, reticulocyte count increased, peaking at day 7. At days 7 and 14, the observed changes in Ret‐He were higher in the IW1 group than in the IW3 group. Increases in total reticulocyte hemoglobin at day 7 were higher in the IW1 group than in the IW3 group. In contrast, there was only tendency toward greater total reticulocyte hemoglobin after iron administration in the third week in the IW3 group. Intravenous iron supplementation in the first week of CERA administration increases reticulocyte iron uptake; however, iron supplementation in the third week does not. The findings indicate that iron should be intravenously administered to increase the efficacy of CERA within 1 week of CERA administration during highly active erythropoiesis.
Bushmeat genetics: setting up a reference framework for theDNAtyping ofAfrican forest bushmeat
Authors: Gaubert Philippe , Njiokou Flobert , Olayemi Ayodeji , Pagani Paolo , Dufour Sylvain , Danquah Emmanuel , Nutsuakor Mac Elikem K. , Ngua Gabriel , Missoup Alain‐Didier , Tedesco Pablo A. , Dernat Rémy , Antunes Agostinho
Published: September 2014

The bushmeat trade in tropical Africa represents illegal, unsustainable off‐takes of millions of tons of wild game – mostly mammals – per year. We sequenced four mitochondrial gene fragments (cytb,COI, 12S, 16S) in >300 bushmeat items representing nine mammalian orders and 59 morphological species from five western and centralAfrican countries (Guinea,Ghana,Nigeria,Cameroon andEquatorialGuinea). Our objectives were to assess the efficiency of cross‐speciesPCRamplification and to evaluate the usefulness of our multilocus approach for reliable bushmeat species identification. We provide a straightforward amplification protocol using a single ‘universal’ primer pair per gene that generally yielded >90%PCRsuccess rates across orders and was robust to different types of meat preprocessing andDNAextraction protocols. For taxonomic identification, we set up a decision pipeline combining similarity‐ and tree‐based approaches with an assessment of taxonomic expertise and coverage of theGENBANKdatabase. Our multilocus approach permitted us to: (i) adjust for existing taxonomic gaps inGENBANKdatabases, (ii) assign to the species level 67% of the morphological species hypotheses and (iii) successfully identify samples with uncertain taxonomic attribution (preprocessed carcasses and cryptic lineages). High levels of genetic polymorphism across genes and taxa, together with the excellent resolution observed among species‐level clusters (neighbour‐joining trees andKlee diagrams) advocate the usefulness of our markers for bushmeatDNAtyping. We formalize ourDNAtyping decision pipeline through an expert‐curated query database –DNAbushmeat– that shall permit the automated identification of African forest bushmeat items.
Comparison of perioperative outcomes between open and minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer
Authors: Mao Teng , Fang Wentao , Gu Zhitao , Guo Xufeng , Ji Chunyu , Chen Wenhu
Published: September 2014

Background

To compare surgical outcomes of thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy with open esophagectomy in order to study the learning curve of minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancers.

Methods

Among 109 esophageal cancer patients retrospectively studied, 59 patients underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) and 50 underwent open surgery (OE). In the MIE group, the first 30 patients received hybrid procedures, including 16 thoracoscopic esophagectomies and 14 laparoscopic maneuvers. The later 29 patients received thoraco‐laparoscopic esophagectomy (TLE).

Results

The overall morbidity of MIE and OE was 42.4% (25/59) and 44.0% (22/50), respectively, with no statistical difference. However, the MIE group had a significantly lower incidence of functional complication (1.79%, 1/59) than the OE group (32.0%, 16/50, P < 0.01). The technical complication rate was not significantly different between the two groups (14/59, 23.7% vs. 6/50, 12.0%, P = NS), nor was the overall complication rate between the 30 early period cases and the 29 later cases (P = NS); although the later cases had TLE and there was no recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive approaches may help to decrease the risk of functional complication but not technical problems, after esophagectomy. For esophageal cancer patients to benefit from this minimally invasive surgery, an extended learning curve is necessary to avoid technical problems, such as anastomotic leakage and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy.
A Human Occupation Cave During theBronzeAge: Archaeological and Palynological Applications of a Case Study inSardinia (WesternMediterranean)
Authors: Buosi C. , Pittau P. , Paglietti G. , Scanu G. G. , Serra M. , Ucchesu M. , Tanda G.
Published: September 2014

Investigation of a prehistoric settlement in the south‐westernSardinia area attests to human occupation by the Nuragic civilization in a cave during the Early andMiddleBronzeAge. An occasional human presence is recorded from the EarlyBronzeAge and a continued one relating to rural (cultivation, storage) and domestic (ceramic, metallurgy) activities is documented in theMiddleBronzeAge. These distinct settlement phases have been radiocarbon‐dated and palynologically recognized. In addition, pollen analysis suggests that a degraded forest was present during theMiddleBronzeAge in southSardinia prior to centralSardinia, which is probably related to a hot climate and a regime of low annual precipitation. The data reveal a climate‐induced deforestation phase that is likely to be emphasized by anthropogenic pressure.
Sperm lengths of non‐marine cypridoidean ostracods (Crustacea)
Authors: Smith Robin J. , Matzke‐Karasz Renate , Kamiya Takahiro , De Deckker Patrick
Published: September 2014

Length measurements of sperms of 51 species of Cypridoidea ostracods were taken to supplement the paucity of ostracod sperm data in the published literature. The lengths of the posterior regions (carrying the mitochondria) and the thinner anterior regions were also measured when appropriate. Maximum lengths of sperms for individual species varied from 268 μm forFabaeformiscandona veliferaSmith and Janz, 2008 through to 11 787 μm forAustralocypris robustaDe Deckker, 1974; these lengths represent the shortest so far recorded for the superfamily and the longest ever recorded in ostracods, respectively. There appears to be only a loose relationship between taxonomy and sperm lengths. Species of the subfamily Candoninae generally have the shortest sperms compared with other subfamilies, but one Candoninae species,Candona altoidesPetkovski, 1961, has sperms longer than some species of the families Cyprididae, Ilyocyprididae and Notodromadidae. The family Cyprididae showed the most variation, with sperms ranging from 1000 μm through to 11 787 μm in length. No hypothesis satisfactorily explains the origin of giant sperms in ostracods or the longevity of this trait through geological eras, and their existence remains enigmatic.
Stereochemistry of mephedrone neuropharmacology: enantiomer‐specific behavioural and neurochemical effects in rats
Authors: Gregg Ryan A , Baumann Michael H , Partilla John S , Bonano Julie S , Vouga Alexandre , Tallarida Christopher S , Velvadapu Venkata , Smith Garry R , Peet M Melissa , Reitz Allen B , Negus S Stevens , Rawls Scott M
Published: September 2014

Background and Purpose

Synthetic cathinones, commonly referred to as ‘bath salts’, are a group of amphetamine‐like drugs gaining popularity worldwide. 4‐Methylmethcathinone (mephedrone, MEPH) is the most commonly abused synthetic cathinone in the UK, and exerts its effects by acting as a substrate‐type releaser at monoamine transporters. Similar to other cathinone‐related compounds, MEPH has a chiral centre and exists stably as two enantiomers: R‐mephedrone (R‐MEPH) and S‐mephedrone (S‐MEPH).

Experimental Approach

Here, we provide the first investigation into the neurochemical and behavioural effects of R‐MEPH and S‐MEPH. We analysed both enantiomers in rat brain synaptosome neurotransmitter release assays and also investigated their effects on locomotor activity (e.g. ambulatory activity and repetitive movements), behavioural sensitization and reward.

Key Results

Both enantiomers displayed similar potency as substrates (i.e. releasers) at dopamine transporters, but R‐MEPH was much less potent than S‐MEPH as a substrate at 5‐HT transporters. Locomotor activity was evaluated in acute and repeated administration paradigms, with R‐MEPH producing greater repetitive movements than S‐MEPH across multiple doses. After repeated drug exposure, only R‐MEPH produced sensitization of repetitive movements. R‐MEPH produced a conditioned place preference whereas S‐MEPH did not. Lastly, R‐MEPH and S‐MEPH produced biphasic profiles in an assay of intracranial self‐stimulation (ICSS), but R‐MEPH produced greater ICSS facilitation than S‐MEPH.

Conclusions and Implications

Our data are the first to demonstrate stereospecific effects of MEPH enantiomers and suggest that the predominant dopaminergic actions of R‐MEPH (i.e. the lack of serotonergic actions) render this stereoisomer more stimulant‐like when compared with S‐MEPH. This hypothesis warrants further study.
Albiglutide does not impair the counter‐regulatory hormone response to hypoglycaemia: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, stepped glucose clamp study in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hompesch M. , Jones‐Leone A. , Carr M. C. , Matthews J. , Zhi H. , Young M. , Morrow L. , Reinhardt R. R.
Published: September 2014

Aim

To determine if the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonist albiglutide, once weekly, impairs counter‐regulatory responses during hypoglycaemia.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, double‐blind, parallel, placebo‐controlled study in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A single dose of albiglutide 50 mg (n = 22) or placebo (n = 22) was administered on day 1. Glucose was clamped on day 4 (to coincide with the approximate albiglutide maximum plasma concentration) at 9.0, 5.0, 4.0, 3.3 and 2.8 mmol/l (162, 90, 72, 59.4 and 50.4 mg/dl), with a post‐clamp recovery period to 3.9 mmol/l (70 mg/dl). Hormone measurements were made at each plateau and adverse events (AEs) were recorded.

Results

The counter‐regulatory hormones glucagon, epinephrine, norepinephrine, growth hormone and cortisol were appropriately suppressed when plasma glucose levels were >4.0 mmol/l (>72 mg/dl), but increased in the albiglutide and placebo groups with glucose levels <3.3 mmol/l (<59.4 mg/dl) in response to hypoglycaemia. The area under the curve geometric mean ratios (albiglutide : placebo), calculated from the clamped plateau of 4.0 mmol/l (72 mg/dl) to the glucose recovery point, were not significantly different for any of the counter‐regulatory hormones. When plasma glucose levels were >5.0 mmol/l (>90 mg/dl), albiglutide increased pancreatic β‐cell secretion of C‐peptide in a glucose‐dependent manner to a greater extent than did placebo, and it was suppressed in each group when levels were <4.0 mmol/l (<72 mg/dl). No significant difference between groups was observed in the recovery time to glucose level ≥3.9 mmol/l (≥70 mg/dl). There were no clinically relevant differences in AEs or other safety variables.

Conclusions

A single 50‐mg dose of albiglutide was well tolerated and did not impair the counter‐regulatory response to hypoglycaemia. These data provide mechanistic evidence supporting the low intrinsic hypoglycaemic potential of albiglutide.
Genetic, morphological, and dietary changes associated with novel habitat colonisation in theCanaryIsland endemic grasshopperAcrostira bellamyi
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ‐TEIXIDOR DAVID , LÓPEZ HERIBERTO , NOGALES MANUEL , EMERSON BRENT C. , JUAN CARLOS , OROMÍ PEDRO
Published: September 2014

1. The large flightless grasshopperAcrostira bellamyiUvarov, endemic to the island ofLaGomera (CanaryIslands), inhabits two different environments: the xeric euphorb shrubland, as is typical for congenericCanarian species, and the humid laurel forest, a novel habitat for the genus.

2. We investigate genetic, morphological, and ecological variation among individuals ofA. bellamyifrom the two habitats.DNAsequence data were used to evaluate whether grasshoppers from the two environments represent distinct lineages. Morphological and trophic analyses were performed to assess phenotypic differentiation between the two different habitats.

3. Population genetic analyses support the hypothesis that the euphorb shrubland is the ancestral habitat for this species. Female laurel forest specimens are larger than those inhabiting the euphorb shrubland, and some external body parts exhibit significant morphometric differences between the two populations. Diet of shrubland individuals is completely different from that of laurel forest individuals. Although in each habitat they consume the most abundant plants, individuals are able to select food plants, which appear to be explained by their nutrient content.

4. Our results suggest thatA. bellamyihas colonised laurel forest from shrubland, and that this habitat shift has resulted in genetic, morphological, and ecological changes, perhaps as an adaptation to this new habitat.
Income resources and reproductive opportunities change life history traits and the egg/time limitation trade‐off in a synovigenic parasitoid
Authors: ZHANG YIBO , ZHANG HUALONG , YANG NIANWAN , WANG JINJUN , WAN FANGHAO
Published: September 2014

1. Synovigenic parasitoids emerging with no or only a few mature oocytes could not rely on only capital resources, but also need to acquire income resources. Income resources in nature can either contribute to egg maturation as a food resource and/or create unpredictability in realised reproductive opportunities for synovigenic parasitoids. Therefore, we hypothesised such resources could affect life history traits and the risks of egg/time limitation in synovigenic parasitoids.

2. Using the Ovigeny Index, we investigated the effects of various host availability levels (unavailable, limited, and unlimited availability) and non‐host foods (water and honey) on life history traits and on the occurrence of egg/time limitation in Eretmocerus hayati, a predominant parasitoid on Bemisia tabaci.

3. The Ovigeny Index of Er. hayati was 0.28, which suggested it was a typical synovigenic species. Both host availability levels and non‐food type had major effects on life history traits of this parasitoid, but the availability of hosts for both feeding and reproduction was the key factor. Meanwhile, egg/time limitation was encountered by all wasps and its intensity varied with host availability levels.

4. Our results confirmed that the income resource and reproductive opportunity played a central role in shaping the life history and risks of egg/time limitation of a synovigenic parasitoid.
Comparison of frailty among Japanese, Brazilian Japanese descendants and Brazilian community‐dwelling older women
Authors: Sewo Sampaio Priscila Yukari , Sampaio Ricardo Aurélio Carvalho , Yamada Minoru , Ogita Mihoko , Arai Hidenori
Published: September 2014

Aim

To investigate frailty in Japanese, Brazilian Japanese descendants and Brazilian older women.

Methods

The collected data included sociodemographic and health‐related characteristics, and the frailty index Kihon Checklist. We analyzed the differences between the mean scores of Kihon Checklist domains (using ancova) and the percentage of frail women (using χ2‐test). We carried out a binary logistic regression with Kihon Checklist domains.

Results

A total of 211 participants (Japanese n = 84, Brazilian Japanese descendants n = 55, Brazilian n = 72) participated in this research. The Brazilian participants had the highest total Kihon Checklist scores (more frail), whereas the Brazilian Japanese descendants had the lowest scores (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the Brazilian group had more participants with oral dysfunction (P < 0.001), seclusion (P < 0.001), cognitive impairment (P < 0.001) and depression (P < 0.001). They were more likely to be frail (OR 5.97, 95% CI 2.69–13.3, P < 0.001), to have oral dysfunction (OR 3.18, 95% CI 1.47–6.85, P = 0.003), seclusion (OR 9.15, 95% CI 3.53–23.7, P < 0.001), cognitive impairment (OR 3.87, 95% CI 1.93–7.75, P < 0.001) and depression (OR 6.63, 95% CI 2.74–16.0, P < 0.001) than the Japanese group.

Conclusions

The older Brazilian women were likely to be more frail than the participants in other groups. More than the environment itself, the lifestyle and sociodemographic conditions could affect the frailty of older Brazilian women. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 762–769.
Mobile teledermatology helping patients control high‐need acne: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Frühauf J. , Kröck S. , Quehenberger F. , Kopera D. , Fink‐Puches R. , Komericki P. , Pucher S. , Arzberger E. , Hofmann‐Wellenhof R.
Published: September 2014

Background

Acne is an important health issue with a major psychological impact in addition to the physical problems it causes.

Objectives

To investigate the superiority of mobile teledermatology in the care of patients with high‐need facial acne in comparison to outpatient services with particular attention to treatment efficacy, safety, and patient compliance. Further, patient satisfaction with remote care was evaluated.

Methods

Sixty‐nine consecutive patients (f: 25, m: 44, median age: 19 years, range: 13–37 years) were randomly allocated to either the teleconsultation (TCA) or the outpatient consultation (OCA) arm of the trial to receive isotretinoin treatment in weight and severity‐dependent dosages over 24 weeks. Acne grading was performed by one examiner using the Global Acne Severity Scale (GEA) and the total lesion counting (TLC).

Results

Due to noncompliance issues, 17 of 69 (24.6%) patients were excluded from the study, of who 10 had been assigned to the TCA (10/34; 29.4%) and 7 to the OCA (7/35; 20%). Both, in the TCA (GEA‐score: ∆ = 2.25; TLC: ∆ = 89.08) and in the OCA (GEA‐score: ∆ = 2.0; TLC: ∆ = 91.21) excellent and almost equivalent therapeutic outcomes were achieved. In the TCA, however, less patients experienced adverse reactions (P = 0.55). Even though additional live supervision would have been appreciated in some teledermatology cases, patients were satisfied with the mobile service and no consultation request was created.

Conclusion

Mobile teledermatology is an efficient, safe and well‐accepted tool among patients with high‐need acne constituting at least a valuable adjunct to outpatient care services. Further larger studies would be useful to confirm our findings.
Gross morphology and histology of the alimentary tract of the convict cichlid Amatitlania nigrofasciata
Authors: Hopperdietzel C. , Hirschberg R. M. , Hünigen H. , Wolter J. , Richardson K. , Plendl J.
Published: September 2014

The primary objectives of this study were to document the macroscopic and histological structure of the alimentary tract (AT) of the convict cichlid Amatitlania nigrofasciata, because there are no data available for this omnivorous freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. The morphology of the AT of A. nigrofasciata resembles that of related species. While having morphological criteria of the AT typical of most omnivorous fishes, such as a blind sac stomach and medium length intestine, A. nigrofasciata also has some structural peculiarities: the oesophagus is lined by a uniform stratified squamous epithelial layer with interspersed goblet cells along its entire length. Additionally, it has well‐developed layers of the tunica muscularis including muscle fibre bundles that ascend into its mucosal folds. Occasionally, taste buds are present. In the transitional area between oesophagus and stomach, a prominent torus‐like closure device is present. The mucosa of the stomach cannot be divided into different regions according to mucosal and morphological properties. The simple pattern of intestinal loops of A. nigrofasciata has few variations, irrespective of sex, mass and length of the individual fish. The first segment of the intestine is characterized by the largest mucososerosal ratio and the most complex mucosal surface architecture. A distinction of midgut and hindgut was not possible in A. nigrofasciata due to lack of defining structural components as described for other fish species.
The Challenge of Informed Consent and Return of Results in Translational Genomics: Empirical Analysis and Recommendations
Authors: Henderson Gail E. , Wolf Susan M. , Kuczynski Kristine J. , Joffe Steven , Sharp Richard R. , Parsons D. Williams , Knoppers Bartha M. , Yu Joon-Ho , Appelbaum Paul S.
Published: September 2014

Large-scale sequencing tests, including whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing (WES/WGS), are rapidly moving into clinical use. Sequencing is already being used clinically to identify therapeutic opportunities for cancer patients who have run out of conventional treatment options, to help diagnose children with puzzling neurodevelopmental conditions, and to clarify appropriate drug choices and dosing in individuals. To evaluate and support clinical applications of these technologies, the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and National Cancer Institute (NCI) have funded studies on clinical and research sequencing under the Clinical Sequencing Exploratory Research (CSER) program as well as studies on return of results (RoR). Most of these studies use sequencing in real-world clinical settings and collect data on both the application of sequencing and the impact of receiving genomic findings on study participants. They are occurring in the context of controversy over how to obtain consent for exome and genome sequencing.
A Policy in Flux: New York State's Evolving Approach to Human Subjects Research Involving Individuals Who Lack Consent Capacity
Authors: Koch Valerie Gutmann
Published: September 2014

Despite existing federal and state law and regulation, new human subjects research (HSR) scandals involving “vulnerable” populations continue to surface. Although existing oversight mechanisms were enacted to ensure voluntary informed consent for participants and institutional review board (IRB) oversight of HSR, these laws and regulations do not provide any special oversight mechanisms or protections to ensure the ethical and safe inclusion of cognitively impaired adults. The absence of rules to ensure consistently ethical conduct of research involving adults who lack consent capacity may either lead to exploitation of this vulnerable population or the dearth of important research into the broad range of diseases that impair cognition. In other words, while some institutions and investigators are conducting research with this group without guidance, others are taking an extremely conservative approach and are excluding these individuals from research. Without safeguards that are adequate and robust but not overly burdensome, conducting research involving this population is ethically and legally challenging.
Two are better than one: combining landscape genomics and common gardens for detecting local adaptation in forest trees
Authors: Lepais Olivier , Bacles Cecile F. E.
Published: September 2014

Predicting likely species responses to an alteration of their local environment is key to decision‐making in resource management, ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation practice in the face of global human‐induced habitat disturbance. This is especially true for forest trees which are a dominant life form on Earth and play a central role in supporting diverse communities and structuring a wide range of ecosystems. In Europe, it is expected that most forest tree species will not be able to migrate North fast enough to follow the estimated temperature isocline shift given current predictions for rapid climate warming. In this context, a topical question for forest genetics research is to quantify the ability for tree species to adapt locally to strongly altered environmental conditions (Kremer et al. ). Identifying environmental factors driving local adaptation is, however, a major challenge for evolutionary biology and ecology in general but is particularly difficult in trees given their large individual and population size and long generation time. Empirical evaluation of local adaptation in trees has traditionally relied on fastidious long‐term common garden experiments (provenance trials) now supplemented by reference genome sequence analysis for a handful of economically valuable species. However, such resources have been lacking for most tree species despite their ecological importance in supporting whole ecosystems. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, De Kort et al. () provide original and convincing empirical evidence of local adaptation to temperature in black alder, Alnus glutinosa L. Gaertn, a surprisingly understudied keystone species supporting riparian ecosystems. Here, De Kort et al. () use an innovative empirical approach complementing state‐of‐the‐art landscape genomics analysis of A. glutinosa populations sampled in natura across a regional climate gradient with phenotypic trait assessment in a common garden experiment (Fig. ). By combining the two methods, De Kort et al. () were able to detect unequivocal association between temperature and phenotypic traits such as leaf size as well as with genetic loci putatively under divergent selection for temperature. The research by De Kort et al. () provides valuable insight into adaptive response to temperature variation for an ecologically important species and demonstrates the usefulness of an integrated approach for empirical evaluation of local adaptation in nonmodel species (Sork et al. ).
Poster — Thur Eve — 19: Performance assessment of a 160‐leaf beam collimation system
Authors: M. Ali E. S. , La Russa D. J. , Vandervoort E.
Published: September 2014

In this study, the performance of the new beam collimation system with 160 leaves, each with a 5 mm leaf width projected at isocenter, is evaluated in terms of positional accuracy and plan/delivery quality. Positional accuracy was evaluated using a set of static and dynamic MLC/jaw delivery patterns at different gantry angles, dose rates, and MLC/jaw speeds. The impact on IMRT plan quality was assessed by comparing against a previous generation collimation system using the same optimization parameters, while delivery quality was quantified using a combination of patient‐specific QA measurements with ion chambers, film, and a bi‐planar diode array. Positional accuracy for four separate units was comparable. The field size accuracy, junction width, and total displacement over 16 cm leaf travel are 0.3 ± 0.2 mm, 0.4 ± 0.3 mm, and 0.5 ± 0.2 mm, respectively. The typical leaf minor offset is 0.05 ± 0.04 mm, and MLC hysteresis effects are 0.2 ± 0.1 mm over 16 cm travel. The dynamic output is linear with MU and MLC/jaw speed, and is within 0.7 ± 0.3 % of the planning system value. Plan quality is significantly improved both in terms of target coverage and OAR sparing due, in part, to the larger allowable MLC and jaw speeds. γ‐index pass rates for the patient‐specific QA measurements exceeded 97% using criteria of 2%/2 mm. In conclusion, the performance of the Agility system is consistent among four separate installations, and is superior to its previous generations of collimation systems.
Poster — Thur Eve — 35: The impact of intensity‐ and energy‐modulated photon radiotherapy (XMRT) optimization on a variety of organ geometries
Authors: McGeachy P. , Zinchenko Y. , Villarreal‐Barajas J. E. , Khan R.
Published: September 2014

We previously reported on a novel, modulated in both energy and intensity; photon radiotherapy (XMRT) optimization technique. The purpose of this investigation was to test this XMRT optimization against conventional intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) optimization on four different organ test geometries. All geometries mimicked clinically relevant scenarios. Both IMRT and XMRT were based on a linear programming approach where the objective function was the mean dose to healthy organs and organ‐specific linear dose‐point constraints were used. For IMRT, the beam energy was fixed to 6 MV while XMRT optimized in terms of both 6 and 18 MV beams. All plans consisted of a seven beam coplanar arrangement. All organ geometries were contoured on a 25cm diameter cylindrical water phantom in open source radiotherapy research software known as CERR. Solutions for both IMRT and XMRT were obtained for each geometry using a numerical solver Gurobi. Analyzing the quality of the solutions was done by comparing dose distributions and dose volume histograms calculated using CERR. For all four geometries, IMRT and XMRT solutions were comparable in terms of target coverage. For two of the geometries, IMRT provided an advantage in terms of reduced dose to the healthy structures. XMRT showed improved dose reduction to healthy organs for one geometry and a comparable dose distribution to IMRT for the remaining geometry. The inability to exploit the benefits of using multiple energies may be attributed to limited water phantom diameter and having the majority of the organs in close proximity to the transverse axis.
Poster — Thur Eve — 46: Monte Carlo model of the Novalis Classic 6MV stereotactic linear accelerator using the GATE simulation platform
Authors: Wiebe J , Ploquin N
Published: September 2014

Monte Carlo (MC) simulation is accepted as the most accurate method to predict dose deposition when compared to other methods in radiation treatment planning. Current dose calculation algorithms used for treatment planning can become inaccurate when small radiation fields and tissue inhomogeneities are present. At our centre the Novalis Classic linear accelerator (linac) is used for Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS). The first MC model to date of the Novalis Classic linac was developed at our centre using the Geant4 Application for Tomographic Emission (GATE) simulation platform. GATE is relatively new, open source MC software built from CERN's Geometry and Tracking 4 (Geant4) toolkit. The linac geometry was modeled using manufacturer specifications, as well as in‐house measurements of the micro MLC's. Among multiple model parameters, the initial electron beam was adjusted so that calculated depth dose curves agreed with measured values. Simulations were run on the European Grid Infrastructure through GateLab. Simulation time is approximately 8 hours on GateLab for a complete head model simulation to acquire a phase space file. Current results have a majority of points within 3% of the measured dose values for square field sizes ranging from 6×6 mm2 to 98×98 mm2 (maximum field size on the Novalis Classic linac) at 100 cm SSD. The x‐ray spectrum was determined from the MC data as well. The model provides an investigation into GATE'S capabilities and has the potential to be used as a research tool and an independent dose calculation engine for clinical treatment plans.
Sci—Thur PM: Imaging — 04: An iterative triple energy window (TEW) approach to cross talk correction in quantitative small animal Tc99m and In111 SPECT
Authors: Prior P , Timmins R , Wells R G
Published: September 2014

Dual isotope SPECT allows simultaneous measurement of two different tracers in vivo. With In111 (emission energies of 171keV and 245keV) and Tc99m (140keV), quantification of Tc99m is degraded by cross talk from the In111 photons that scatter and are detected at an energy corresponding to Tc99m. TEW uses counts recorded in two narrow windows surrounding the Tc99m primary window to estimate scatter. Iterative TEW corrects for the bias introduced into the TEW estimate resulting from un‐scattered counts detected in the scatter windows. The contamination in the scatter windows is iteratively estimated and subtracted as a fraction of the scatter‐corrected primary window counts. The iterative TEW approach was validated with a small‐animal SPECT/CT camera using a 2.5mL plastic container holding thoroughly mixed Tc99m/In111 activity fractions of 0.15, 0.28, 0.52, 0.99, 2.47 and 6.90. Dose calibrator measurements were the gold standard. Uncorrected for scatter, the Tc99m activity was over‐estimated by as much as 80%. Unmodified TEW underestimated the Tc99m activity by 13%. With iterative TEW corrections applied in projection space, the Tc99m activity was estimated within 5% of truth across all activity fractions above 0.15. This is an improvement over the non‐iterative TEW, which could not sufficiently correct for scatter in the 0.15 and 0.28 phantoms.
Hair tension influence on the vibroacoustic properties of the double bass bow
Authors: Pantelić Filip , Prezelj Jurij
Published: September 2014

The possibility of identifying vibration modes of a double bass bow, with a non-contact measurement of sound pressure in the Very Near Field (VNF) was investigated. This paper shows the application of this cost-effective method for vibroacoustic testings of the bow. The spectra of generated tones do not give sufficient information about a particular bow, but its vibroacoustical behavior provides additional properties. The visualization for all vibration modes below 4000 Hz was achieved by using sound pressure scanning in a VNF. Differences in the vibroacoustical properties of a double bass bow with different hair tension were analyzed.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Reassortant Avian Influenza H9N9 Virus Isolated from Chicken in Eastern China
Authors: Guo Xiling , Qi Xian , Cui Lunbiao , Ge Yiyue , Yu Huiyan , Zhu Xiaojuan , Chen Yin , Shi Zhiyang , Zhou Minghao
Published: September 2014

The genome sequence of the strain A/chicken/Changzhou/C08/2013 (H9N9) shows that the hemagglutinin (HA) genes of this strain are closely related to those of the strain A/chicken/Shanghai/1107/2013 (H9N2) and share 99.2% nucleotide homology, while the other seven genes had the greatest sequence identities with the novel H7N9 virus. We speculate that this strain may be a novel natural reassortant avian influenza virus (AIV).
Genome Sequences of Two Nondomesticated Bacillus subtilis Strains Able To Form Thick Biofilms on Submerged Surfaces
Authors: Sanchez-Vizuete Pilar , Tanaka Kosei , Bridier Arnaud , Shirae Yusuke , Yoshida Ken-ichi , Bouchez Théodore , Aymerich Stéphane , Briandet Romain , Le Coq Dominique
Published: September 2014

Genomes of two nondomesticated strains of
Bacillus subtilis
subspecies
subtilis
, NDmed and NDfood, have been sequenced. Both strains form very thick and spatially complex biofilms on submerged surfaces. Moreover, biofilms of the NDmed isolate were shown to be highly resistant to antimicrobials action.
Complete Genome Assembly of Reference Strain Ochrobactrum anthropi ATCC 49687
Authors: Minogue T. D. , Daligault H. A. , Davenport K. W. , Bishop-Lilly K. A. , Bruce D. C. , Chain P. S. , Chertkov O. , Coyne S. R. , Freitas T. , Frey K. G. , Jaissle J. , Koroleva G. I. , Ladner J. T. , Palacios G. F. , Redden C. L. , Xu Y. , Johnson S. L.
Published: September 2014

Ochrobactrum anthropi
is an occasional cause of nosocomial infections; however, interest in the organism lies in its phylogenetic proximity to the genus
Brucella
. Here, we present the 4.9-Mb finished genome of
Ochrobactrum anthropi
ATCC 49687, most commonly used as an exclusionary reference organism.
Complete Genome Assembly of Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615, a Group A β-Hemolytic Reference Strain
Authors: Minogue T. D. , Daligault H. A. , Davenport K. W. , Bishop-Lilly K. A. , Broomall S. M. , Bruce D. C. , Chain P. S. , Chertkov O. , Coyne S. R. , Freitas T. , Frey K. G. , Gibbons H. S. , Jaissle J. , Redden C. L. , Rosenzweig C. N. , Xu Y. , Johnson S. L.
Published: September 2014

We present the complete genome assembly of
Streptococcus pyogenes
ATCC 19615 (Rosenbach) as submitted to GenBank under accession number CP008926. This group A nonmotile β-hemolytic clinical isolate is used for quality control in a variety of commercially available tests. The assembled genome is 1.84 Mb (38.5% G+C content) and contains 1,788 coding regions.
Ergometer training volume and previous injury predict back pain in rowing; strategies for injury prevention and rehabilitation
Authors: Wilson Fiona , Gissane Conor , McGregor Alison
Published: September 2014

The most commonly reported injury site in rowers is the lower back. Research in recent years has focused on epidemiology and biomechanical analyses to try and understand mechanisms that contribute to this injury's onset. Injury surveillance mainly comprises retrospective questionnaires and reviews of medical records with a lack of prospective data. Of studies that reported 12-month data, the incidence of low back pain ranged from 31.8 to 51% of the cohort. Of the limited studies that specifically examined low back pain in rowers, (1) history of lumbar spine injury and (2) volume of ergometer training were the most significant risk factors for injury onset. Studies of technique on the rowing ergometer have indicated the importance of lumbopelvic rotation during rowing. Greater pelvic rotation at either end of the stroke is ideal—as opposed to lumbar flexion and extension; this tends to be poorly demonstrated in novice rowers on ergometers. Furthermore, technique can deteriorate with the demands of rowing intensity and duration, which puts the rower returning from injury at additional risk.
Diabetes self-management education: acceptability of using trained lay educators
Authors: Mandalia P K , Stone M A , Davies M J , Khunti K , Carey M E
Published: September 2014

Background

The use of lay people to deliver education programmes for people with chronic conditions is a potential method of addressing healthcare staff capacity and increasing the cost efficiency of delivering education. This qualitative substudy is embedded within an equivalence trial (2008–2011 including development stage).

Objectives

In the qualitative substudy, we aimed to elicit the views of key stakeholders (patients, educators) about using lay people to deliver education to people recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, alongside a healthcare professional educator with an equal role. In this way, we sought to explore perceptions about acceptability and also contribute to understanding the reasons underlying positive or negative quantitative findings from main trial.

Methods

We conducted 27 telephone interviews with a purposive sample of patients, lay educators and healthcare professional educators involved in the main trial. Thematic analysis of transcribed data was underpinned by the constant comparative approach and structured using Framework methodology.

Results

Overall, the data suggested that the use of lay educators was acceptable to educators and patients. Perceived difference in knowledge levels between lay and healthcare professional educators did not appear to have an impact on perceived acceptability or the effectiveness of the education received. Additional themes explored were related to peer status of educators and feasibility. Some concerns were raised about lay educators with diabetes, transferring personal issues and about the impact of healthcare professional time taken up by mentoring and supporting lay educators.

Conclusions

Positive perceptions about the use of lay educators support the positive quantitative findings from the main trial. Acceptability is an important consideration in relation to implementation of the model of delivery studied. Concerns raised within the interviews should be considered in the design of training for lay educators.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN 99350009.
A Calculus for (Meta)Models and Transformations
Authors: Thiry Laurent , Hassenforder Michel
Published: September 2014

This paper proposes a formal representation of modeling languages based on category theory. These languages are generally described by "metamodels", i.e. structures composed by classes and relations, and related by "transformations". Thus, this paper studies how the key categorical concepts such as functors and relations between functors (called natural transformations) can be used for equational reasoning about modeling artifacts (models, metamodels, transformations). As a result, this paper proposes a formal point of view of models usable to specify/prove equivalence between models or transformations (with an application to refactoring).