bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sculptors, Architects, and Painters Conceive of Depicted Spaces Differently
Authors: Cialone Claudia , Tenbrink Thora , Spiers Hugo J.
Published: June 2017

Sculptors, architects, and painters are three professional groups that require a comprehensive understanding of how to manipulate spatial structures. While it has been speculated that they may differ in the way they conceive of space due to the different professional demands, this has not been empirically tested. To achieve this, we asked architects, painters, sculptors, and a control group questions about spatially complex pictures. Verbalizations elicited were examined using cognitive discourse analysis. We found significant differences between each group. Only painters shifted consistently between 2D and 3D concepts, architects were concerned with paths and spatial physical boundedness, and sculptors produced responses that fell between architects and painters. All three differed from controls, whose verbalizations were generally less elaborate and detailed. Thus, for the case of sculptors, architects, and painters, profession appears to relate to a different spatial conceptualization manifested through a systematically contrasting way of talking about space.
Endoscopic treatment of pancreatic duct stones under direct vision: Revolution or resignation? Systematic review
Authors: Beyna Torsten , Neuhaus Horst , Gerges Christian
Published: June 2017

Background and Aim

The main treatment aim in chronic pancreatitis (CP) is symptom control and especially pain relief. Management of stone‐predominant CP is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has emerged as the cornerstone of non‐surgical treatment as a result of disappointing results of available endoscopic treatment options during the last decades. With new developments in the field of direct peroral pancreatoscopy (POP) and intracorporeal lithotripsy, direct intraluminal treatment of main pancreatic duct (MPD) stones returns to the spotlight.

Methods

Herein, we reviewed the current data on direct pancreatoscopic treatment of MPD stones with a focus on efficiency and safety of available technologies, endoscopes and lithotripsy devices. A systematic Medline search for relevant studies was done.

Results

Ten relevant publications meeting the inclusion criteria were identified (two prospective series, six retrospective trials, two case reports, n = 87 patients). Successful ductal clearance for POP‐guided treatment was reported as between 43% and 100% compared to ESWL with 59% to 80%. Adverse event rate for POP‐guided therapy was reported as 0–13.5%. One study showed a noticeable higher adverse event rate of 43%. In this trial, POP was carried out after ESWL. There is no reported mortality following POP treatment.

Conclusion

Available results are promising in terms of ductal clearance and pain relief compared to standard endoscopic techniques and ESWL as the current gold standard for lithotripsy. Interpretation of this data is limited by the small number of cases for POP and the lack of prospective randomized controlled trials.
Employment and labour productivity in high unemployment countries
Authors: Nattrass Nicoli , Seekings Jeremy
Published: June 2017

Contemporary development strategies emphasize labour productivity growth because it has historically underpinned rising living standards. Today, however, poverty reduction and inclusive development in those developing countries with high unemployment require increasing the employment rate even if this means lower average labour productivity. We critique the International Labour Organization (ILO) for its overly universalizing advocacy of high‐productivity growth strategies and for failing to confront the trade‐off between more and better‐quality jobs. This is particularly problematic in high unemployment contexts in Southern Africa, where labour productivity growth between 2000 and 2013 came at the cost of a falling employment rate.
Pilot study of the Mini Nutritional Assessment on predicting outcomes in older adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Liu Gong‐Xiang , Chen Yan , Yang Ying‐Xue , Yang Kun , Liang Jin , Wang Shuang , Gan Hua‐Tian
Published: June 2017

Aim

To date, few studies have focused on the nutritional status of elderly hospitalized patients with diabetes. Our aims were to explore the prevalence of malnutrition among elderly diabetes patients admitted to the hospital, and to explore the relationships between malnutrition and geriatric syndromes, diabetic complications, and clinical outcomes.

Methods

A prospective, observational study including diabetes patients aged ≥65 years was carried out in a central hospital in Western China. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment incorporated into a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Follow up was carried out for ≤2.8 years.

Results

Of 302 participants, the prevalence of malnutrition, risk of malnutrition, and normal nutrition was 18.5%, 33.1% and 48.3%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, incontinence (odds ratio [OR] 3.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–9.36), diabetic microvascular complications (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.06–4.61) and activities of daily living (ADL) dependence (OR 11.6, 95% CI 5.10–26.5) were independently associated with malnutrition. Malnourished patients had longer hospital stays (P = 0.003) and higher mortality rates (P < 0.001) than patients either at risk of malnutrition or with a normal nutritional status. Multivariate analysis also showed that malnutrition was independently associated with an increased risk of death (OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.30–6.28).

Conclusions

The present study showed a high prevalence of malnutrition among elderly diabetes patients hospitalized for geriatric care. Considering the negative impact of malnutrition on hospital stay and mortality, adequate nutritional care should be emphasized for each elderly patient with diabetes, regardless of body mass index. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2485–2492.
Sleep complaints are associated with frailty in Mexican older adults in a rural setting
Authors: Moreno‐Tamayo Karla , Manrique‐Espinoza Betty , Rosas‐Carrasco Oscar , Pérez‐Moreno Alejandro , Salinas‐Rodríguez Aarón
Published: June 2017

Aim

The aim of the present study was to examine the association between sleep complaints and frailty status in a cohort of older adults from rural Mexico, and determine if this association varies according to sex.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried out on a total of 591 community‐dwelling adults aged ≥70 years in rural settings of Mexico. Sleep complaints were based on self‐reported sleep problems. Frailty status was assessed according to the Fried et al. proposal, as well as general health measurements taken from participants. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between sleep complaints and frailty.

Results

Frail participants accounted for 10.7% of the study sample. After adjusting for potential confounders, sleep complaints were associated with increased odds of frailty in women (OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.34–7.84), but not in men (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.23–2.51).

Conclusions

In this cohort of rural Mexican older adults, sleep complaints were associated with frailty in older women. Because sleep quality is potentially remediable, future frailty prevention interventions should take sleep complaints into account. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2573–2578.
Preventing Episodic Migraine With Caloric Vestibular Stimulation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wilkinson David , Ade Kristen K. , Rogers Lesco L. , Attix Deborah K. , Kuchibhatla Maragatha , Slade Martin D. , Smith Lanty L. , Poynter Kathryn P. , Laskowitz Daniel T. , Freeman Marshall C. , Hoffer Michael E. , Saper Joel R. , Scott Dianne L. , Sakel Mohamed , Calhoun Anne H. , Black Robert D.
Published: June 2017

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel solid‐state, caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS) device to provide adjuvant therapy for the prevention of episodic migraine in adult migraineurs.

Background

Migraine causes significant disability in ∼12% of the world population. No current migraine preventive treatment provides full clinical relief, and many exhibit high rates of discontinuation due to adverse events. Thus, new therapeutic options are needed. CVS may be an effective and safe adjuvant‐therapy for the prevention of episodic migraine.

Methods

In a multicenter, parallel‐arm, block‐randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01899040), subjects completed a 3‐month treatment with the TNM™ device for CVS (refer to Fig. 2 for patient enrollment and allocation). The primary endpoint was the change in monthly migraine days from baseline to the third treatment month. Secondary endpoints were 50% responder rates, change in prescription analgesic usage and difference in total subjective headache‐related pain scores. Device safety assessments included evaluation of any impact on mood, cognition, or balance.

Results

Per‐protocol, active‐arm subjects showed immediate and continued steady declines in migraine frequency over the treatment period. After 3 months of treatment, active‐arm subjects exhibited significantly fewer migraine days (−3.9 ± 0.6 from a baseline burden of 7.7 ± 0.5 migraine days). These improvements were significantly greater than those observed in control subjects (−1.1 ± 0.6 from a baseline burden = 6.9 ± 0.7 migraine days) and represented a therapeutic gain of −2.8 migraine days, CI = −0.9 to −4.7, P = .012. Active arm subjects also reported greater reductions in acute medication usage and monthly pain scores compared to controls. No adverse effects on mood, cognition, or balance were reported. Subjects completed the trial with an average rate of 90% treatment adherence. No serious or unexpected adverse events were recorded. The rate of expected adverse events was similar across the active and the placebo groups, and evaluation confirmed that subject blinding remained intact.

Conclusion

The TNM™ device for CVS appears to provide a clinically efficacious and highly tolerable adjuvant therapy for the prevention of episodic migraine.
Formation of spheroids by dental pulp cells in the presence of hypoxia and hypoxia mimetic agents
Authors: Janjić K. , Lilaj B. , Moritz A. , Agis H.
Published: June 2017

Aim

To evaluate the impact of hypoxia and hypoxia mimetic agents (HMA) on the formation and activity of spheroids by dental pulp cells (DPC).

Methodology

DPC on agarose‐coated plates were treated with hypoxia and the HMA dimethyloxallyl glycine (DMOG), desferrioxamine (DFO) and L‐mimosine (L‐MIM). Images of spheroids were taken directly after seeding and at 6 h and 24 h. Spheroid sizes were quantified by area measurement with ImageJ software. Viability was assessed with Live‐Dead staining, MTT and resazurin‐based toxicity assay. Production of VEGF, IL‐8 and SDF‐1 was evaluated using immunoassays. Data were analysed using Kruskal–Wallis test and post hoc Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Results

DPC formed spheroids in the presence of hypoxia, HMA and combined treatment with hypoxia and HMA. No pronounced difference in spheroid size was found in the groups treated with hypoxia, DMOG, DFO, L‐MIM and the combination of hypoxia and the HMA relative to their normoxic controls (P > 0.05). Spheroids appeared vital in Live‐Dead and MTT staining and the resazurin‐based toxicity assay. Evaluation of protein production with immunoassays revealed significantly enhanced levels of VEGF and IL‐8 (P < 0.05), but there was no significant effect on SDF‐1 production (P > 0.05). Treatment with a combination of hypoxia and HMA did not further boost VEGF and IL‐8 production (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Pre‐conditioning with hypoxia and HMA increased the pro‐angiogenic capacity of spheroids whilst not interfering with their formation. Pre‐clinical studies will reveal whether pre‐conditioning of spheroids with hypoxia and HMA can effectively improve the efficiency of cell transplantation approaches for regenerative endodontics.
Stability of the antimicrobial activity of acetogenins from avocado seed, under common food processing conditions, against Clostridium sporogenes vegetative cell growth and endospore germination
Authors: Pacheco Adriana , Rodríguez‐Sánchez Dariana Graciela , Villarreal‐Lara Raúl , Navarro‐Silva Jesús Manuel , Senés‐Guerrero Carolina , Hernández‐Brenes Carmen
Published: June 2017

Anticlostridial activity of acetogenins from avocado seed was further characterised, and their stability and effectiveness under food processing conditions, and in a model food system, studied for the first time. Isolated AcO‐avocadenyne (1) and AcO‐avocadene (2) showed anticlostridial potential, particularly the latter molecule. Enriched acetogenins extracts, obtained at laboratory scale (EAE) and semi‐commercially (Avosafe®), presented similar MIC values (3.9–9.8 ppm) and a bacteriostatic effect. Extracts bioactivity showed resistance to heat (≤120 °C), high hydrostatic pressure (HHP; 300–600 MPa, 3–6 min, 25 °C) and salt (≤3% w/v). In addition, the extract was most stable at pH ≥ 7.0 and potency against endospores increased after HHP treatment and exposure to pH 9.5, suggesting a positive effect on solubility or structure of particular acetogenins. In a model food system processed by HHP, acetogenins were retained; however, initial quantities gradually declined by 63% and 32% at 25 and 4 °C, respectively, at the end of the storage period (42 days). Most stable molecules (persediene (4) > persenones > AcO‐avocadene (2)) possess a keto or trans‐enone group at C‐4 in the aliphatic chain, which could support hydrogen donation to surrounding carbon atoms and confer antioxidant activity. Active endospores were completely inhibited by 5000 ppm Avosafe® in the model food system (37 °C, 72 h) and lower concentrations (500–1000 ppm) resulted in 1–2 log reduction of a 3 log inoculum target. Efficacy information generated in the present work is considered crucial to improve scientific knowledge on spore inhibition properties of avocado acetogenins.
The interplay between genetic and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Otsuka Atsushi , Nomura Takashi , Rerknimitr Pawinee , Seidel Judith A. , Honda Tetsuya , Kabashima Kenji
Published: June 2017

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin disorder characterized by pruritus and recurrent eczematous lesions that are accompanied by T‐helper (Th)2‐dominated inflammation. AD Etiology is not yet completely understood, but it is multifactorial. Moreover, the disease is characterized by complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors, such as skin barrier dysfunctions, allergy/immunity, and pruritus. For example, filaggrin is a key protein involved in skin barrier function. Th2 cells produce interleukin (IL)‐31, which provokes pruritus, and other Th2 cytokines decrease filaggrin expression by keratinocytes. Dupilumab has recently been developed for AD treatment; its mechanism of action is to bind to IL‐4 receptor α and inhibit downstream signaling induced by IL‐4 and IL‐13. This review summarizes the etiopathogenesis of AD and provides the rationale for selecting a novel targeted therapy.
The nutrition‐gut microbiome‐physiology axis and allergic diseases
Authors: McKenzie Craig , Tan Jian , Macia Laurence , Mackay Charles R.
Published: June 2017

Dietary and bacterial metabolites influence immune responses. This raises the question whether the increased incidence of allergies, asthma, some autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, and others might relate to intake of unhealthy foods, and the decreased intake of dietary fiber. In recent years, new knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underpinning a ‘diet‐gut microbiota‐physiology axis’ has emerged to substantiate this idea. Fiber is fermented to short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly acetate, butyrate, and propionate. These metabolites bind ‘metabolite‐sensing’ G‐protein‐coupled receptors such as GPR43, GPR41, and GPR109A. These receptors play fundamental roles in the promotion of gut homeostasis and the regulation of inflammatory responses. For instance, these receptors and their metabolites influence Treg biology, epithelial integrity, gut homeostasis, DC biology, and IgA antibody responses. The SCFAs also influence gene transcription in many cells and tissues, through their inhibition of histone deacetylase expression or function. Contained in this mix is the gut microbiome, as commensal bacteria in the gut have the necessary enzymes to digest dietary fiber to SCFAs, and dysbiosis in the gut may affect the production of SCFAs and their distribution to tissues throughout the body. SCFAs can epigenetically modify DNA, and so may be one mechanism to account for diseases with a ‘developmental origin’, whereby in utero or post‐natal exposure to environmental factors (such as nutrition of the mother) may account for disease later in life. If the nutrition‐gut microbiome‐physiology axis does underpin at least some of the Western lifestyle influence on asthma and allergies, then there is tremendous scope to correct this with healthy foodstuffs, probiotics, and prebiotics.
The role of hospice in the transition from hospital to home for technology‐dependent children—A qualitative study
Authors: Price Jayne , McCloskey Sharon , Brazil Kevin
Published: June 2017

Aims and objectives

To report parent and professional perspectives of step‐down care in assisting the transition from hospital to home, within one children's hospice in a constituent country of the United Kingdom.

Background

In recent years, increasing numbers of children‐dependent on long term assisted ventilation have been noted. Meeting the complex physical, emotional and social needs of the child and family is challenging. Many of these children spend extended periods in hospital even when medically stable.

Design

This was a qualitative study using an inductive, semantic analytic approach within a realist epistemology.

Methods

Data collection was carried out in 2013. Interviews took place with parents (n = 5) and focus groups with professionals (n = 26) who had experience of step‐down care.

Results

Multiple benefits of step‐down in the hospice were clear. Both sets of accounts suggested that for children and families life was “on hold” in hospital. Hospice was considered a home‐like environment where the child and family could “live again”. Parents reflected that, in hospice they were “living, not existing” while professionals highlighted hospice as nurturing and empowering the whole family, promoting the child's development while safely meeting their clinical needs.

Conclusions and relevance to clinical practice

The study highlights a number of crucial benefits to the child and family both in the immediate and longer terms. The collective perspectives therefore endorse hospice as a potential viable choice for these children and their families during the always difficult, usually protracted transition from hospital to home.
Synergistic effect of melatonin and ghrelin in preventing cisplatin‐induced ovarian damage via regulation of FOXO3a phosphorylation and binding to the p27Kip1 promoter in primordial follicles
Authors: Jang Hoon , Na Younghwa , Hong Kwonho , Lee Sangho , Moon Sohyeon , Cho Minha , Park Miseon , Lee Ok‐Hee , Chang Eun Mi , Lee Dong Ryul , Ko Jung Jae , Lee Woo Sik , Choi Youngsok
Published: June 2017

Premature ovarian failure during chemotherapy is a serious problem for young women with cancer. To preserve the fertility of these patients, approaches to prevent chemotherapy‐induced ovarian failure are needed. In a previous study, we reported that melatonin treatment prevents the depletion of the dormant follicle pool via repression of the simultaneous activation of dormant primordial follicles by cisplatin. However, melatonin's protective effect was only partial and thus insufficient. In this study, we found that the hormone ghrelin enhances the protective effect of melatonin against cisplatin‐induced ovarian failure in mouse model. Co‐administration of melatonin and ghrelin more effectively prevented cisplatin‐induced follicle disruption. Simultaneous treatment with melatonin and ghrelin almost restored the number of primordial follicles and the corpus luteum in cisplatin‐treated ovaries, compared with single administration. We found melatonin and ghrelin receptors on the cell membrane of premature oocytes of primordial follicles. In addition, melatonin and ghrelin co‐administration inhibited the cisplatin‐induced phosphorylation of PTEN and FOXO3a that induces cytoplasmic translocation of FOXO3a. Inhibition of FOXO3a phosphorylation by melatonin and ghrelin increased the binding affinity of FOXO3a for the p27Kip1 promoter in primordial follicles. Co‐administration of melatonin and ghrelin in cisplatin‐treated ovaries restored the expression of p27Kip1, which is critical for retention of the dormant status of primordial follicles. In conclusion, these findings suggest that melatonin and ghrelin co‐administration is suitable for use as a fertoprotective adjuvant therapy during cisplatin chemotherapy in young female cancer patients.
The future of Stardust science
Authors: Westphal A. J. , Bridges J. C. , Brownlee D. E. , Butterworth A. L. , De Gregorio B. T. , Dominguez G. , Flynn G. J. , Gainsforth Z. , Ishii H. A. , Joswiak D. , Nittler L. R. , Ogliore R. C. , Palma R. , Pepin R. O. , Stephan T. , Zolensky M. E.
Published: June 2017

Recent observations indicate that >99% of the small bodies in the solar system reside in its outer reaches—in the Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud. Kuiper Belt bodies are probably the best‐preserved representatives of the icy planetesimals that dominated the bulk of the solid mass in the early solar system. They likely contain preserved materials inherited from the protosolar cloud, held in cryogenic storage since the formation of the solar system. Despite their importance, they are relatively underrepresented in our extraterrestrial sample collections by many orders of magnitude (~1013 by mass) as compared with the asteroids, represented by meteorites, which are composed of materials that have generally been strongly altered by thermal and aqueous processes. We have only begun to scratch the surface in understanding Kuiper Belt objects, but it is already clear that the very limited samples of them that we have in our laboratories hold the promise of dramatically expanding our understanding of the formation of the solar system. Stardust returned the first samples from a known small solar system body, the Jupiter‐family comet 81P/Wild 2, and, in a separate collector, the first solid samples from the local interstellar medium. The first decade of Stardust research resulted in more than 142 peer‐reviewed publications, including 15 papers in Science. Analyses of these amazing samples continue to yield unexpected discoveries and to raise new questions about the history of the early solar system. We identify nine high‐priority scientific objectives for future Stardust analyses that address important unsolved problems in planetary science.
Sex matters in massive parallel sequencing: Evidence for biases in genetic parameter estimation and investigation of sex determination systems
Authors: Benestan Laura , Moore Jean‐Sébastien , Sutherland Ben J. G. , Le Luyer Jérémy , Maaroufi Halim , Rougeux Clément , Normandeau Eric , Rycroft Nathan , Atema Jelle , Harris Les N. , Tallman Ross F. , Greenwood Spencer J. , Clark Fraser K. , Bernatchez Louis
Published: June 2017

Using massively parallel sequencing data from two species with different life history traits, American lobster (Homarus americanus) and Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus), we highlight how an unbalanced sex ratio in the samples and a few sex‐linked markers may lead to false interpretations of population structure and thus to potentially erroneous management recommendations. Here, multivariate analyses revealed two genetic clusters separating samples by sex instead of by expected spatial variation: inshore and offshore locations in lobster, or east and west locations in Arctic Char. To further investigate this, we created several subsamples artificially varying the sex ratio in the inshore/offshore and east/west groups and then demonstrated that significant genetic differentiation could be observed despite panmixia in lobster, and that FST values were overestimated in Arctic Char. This pattern was due to 12 and 94 sex‐linked markers driving differentiation for lobster and Arctic Char, respectively. Removing sex‐linked markers led to nonsignificant genetic structure in lobster and a more accurate estimation of FST in Arctic Char. The locations of these markers and putative identities of genes containing or nearby the markers were determined using available transcriptomic and genomic data, and this provided new information related to sex determination in both species. Given that only 9.6% of all marine/diadromous population genomic studies to date have reported sex information, we urge researchers to collect and consider individual sex information. Sex information is therefore relevant for avoiding unexpected biases due to sex‐linked markers as well as for improving our knowledge of sex determination systems in nonmodel species.
Modelling economic structures from a qualitative input–output perspective: Greece in 2005 and 2010
Authors: Aroche Reyes Fidel , García Muñiz Ana Salomé
Published: June 2017

Sectors in economic systems are interdependent because they trade goods that consuming sectors use as inputs; the relative values of those supply and demand links define economic structures. Industries play different roles depending on the relative number of connections they maintain with one another and on whether those links are preferably demands or supplies. On this regards, we extend a stochastic social structural model into the economic context. Further, we apply it to recent Greek data, analysing the role of different technological intensity sectors. We show that our results help to explain some structural features of this economy.
Tight control of sulfur assimilation: an adaptive mechanism for a plant from a severely phosphorus‐impoverished habitat
Authors: Prodhan M. Asaduzzaman , Jost Ricarda , Watanabe Mutsumi , Hoefgen Rainer , Lambers Hans , Finnegan Patrick M.
Published: June 2017

Hakea prostrata (Proteaceae) has evolved in extremely phosphorus (P)‐impoverished habitats. Unlike species that evolved in P‐richer environments, it tightly controls its nitrogen (N) acquisition, matching its low protein concentration, and thus limiting its P requirement for ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Protein is a major sink for sulfur (S), but the link between low protein concentrations and S metabolism in H. prostrata is unknown, although this is pivotal for understanding this species’ supreme adaptation to P‐impoverished soils.

Plants were grown at different sulfate supplies for 5 wk and used for nutrient and metabolite analyses.

Total S content in H. prostrata was unchanged with increasing S supply, in sharp contrast with species that typically evolved in environments where P is not a major limiting nutrient. Unlike H. prostrata, other plants typically store excess available sulfate in vacuoles. Like other species, S‐starved H. prostrata accumulated arginine, lysine and O‐acetylserine, indicating S deficiency.

Hakea prostrata tightly controls its S acquisition to match its low protein concentration and low demand for rRNA, and thus P, the largest organic P pool in leaves. We conclude that the tight control of S acquisition, like that of N, helps H. prostrata to survive in P‐impoverished environments.
The roles of B vitamins in phytoplankton nutrition: new perspectives and prospects
Authors: Helliwell Katherine E.
Published: June 2017

B vitamins play essential roles in central metabolism. These organic water‐soluble molecules act as, or as part of, coenzymes within the cell. Unlike land plants, many eukaryotic algae are auxotrophic for certain B vitamins. Recent progress in algal genetic resources and environmental chemistry have promoted a renewal of interest in the role of vitamins in governing phytoplankton dynamics, and illuminated amazing versatility in phytoplankton vitamin metabolism. Accumulating evidence demonstrates metabolic complexity in the production and bioavailability of different vitamin forms, coupled with specialized acquisition strategies to salvage and remodel vitamin precursors. Here, I describe recent advances and discuss how they redefine our view of the way in which vitamins are cycled in aquatic ecosystems and their importance in structuring phytoplankton communities.ContentsSummary62I.Introduction62II.Comparative genomics: filling in the blanks63III.The emergence of vitamin auxotrophy63IV.Beyond the genome: metabolic complexity in algal vitamin acquisition strategies66V.Rethinking vitamin cycling in phytoplankton communities66VI.Conclusions67Acknowledgements67References67
Suspension depletion approach for exemption of infected Solanum jasminoides cells from pospiviroids
Authors: Digel I. , Wehlitz V. , Kayser P. , Figiel‐Lange A. , Bassam R. , von Rundstedt F.
Published: June 2017

Despite numerous studies, viroid elimination from infected plants remains a very challenging task. This study introduces for the first time a novel ‘suspension depletion’ approach for exemption of Solanum jasminoides plants from viroids. The proposed method implies initial establishment of suspension cultures of the infected plant cells. The suspended cells were then physically treated (mild thermotherapy, 33 °C), which presumably delayed the replication of the viroid. The viroid concentration in the treated biomass was monitored weekly using pospiviroid‐specific PCR. After 10–12 weeks of continuous treatment, a sufficient decrease in viroid concentration was observed such that the infection became undetectable by PCR. The treated single cells then gave rise to microcolonies on a solid culture medium and the obtained viroid‐negative clones were further promoted to regenerate into viroid‐free plants. Three years of accumulated experimental data suggests feasibility, broad applicability, and good efficacy of the proposed approach.
The Voting Rights Act: Impact and Lessons Learned
Authors: Williams Amber E.
Published: June 2017

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Editor's Introduction
Authors: Balfour Danny L.
Published: June 2017

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Commentary: Public Service Motivation: Lessons from NASA’s Janitor
Authors: Lachance Janice R.
Published: June 2017

Related Content: Christensen, Paarlberg and Perry (PAR July/August 2017)
Chemical agents transported by xylem mass flow propagate variation potentials
Authors: Evans Matthew J. , Morris Richard J.
Published: June 2017

Long‐distance signalling is important for coordinating plant responses to the environment. Variation potentials (VPs) are a type of long‐distance electrical signal that are generated in plants in response to wounding or flaming. Unlike self‐propagating action potentials, VPs can be measured beyond regions of dead or chemically treated tissue that block signal generation, suggesting a different mode of propagation. Two alternative propagation mechanisms have been proposed: movement of a chemical agent and a pressure wave through the vasculature. Variants of these two signalling mechanisms have been suggested. Here, we use simple models of the underlying physical processes to evaluate and compare these predictions against independent data. Our models suggest that chemical diffusion and pressure waves are unlikely to capture existing data with parameters that are known from other sources. The previously discarded hypothesis of mass flow in the xylem transporting a chemical agent, however, is able to reproduce experimental propagation speeds for VPs. We therefore suggest that chemical agents transported by mass flow within the xylem are more likely than a pressure wave or chemical diffusion as a VP propagation mechanism. Understanding this mode of long‐distance signalling within plants is important for unravelling how plants coordinate physiological responses via cell‐to‐cell communication.
The effect of World Blood Donor Day on digital information seeking and donor recruitment
Authors: Kranenburg Floris J. , Kreuger Aukje L. , Arbous M. Sesmu , Laeijendecker Daphne , van Kraaij Marian G.J.
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

The purpose of World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) is to raise awareness for the importance of blood donation. The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of WBDD on digital information seeking and donor recruitment.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Google Trends data were used to quantify seeking behavior on “blood donation” and “blood donor.” Differences in relative search volume (RSV) between the 3 weeks surrounding WBDD and the rest of the year were calculated. Second, mean differences in RSV were compared to assess the additional effect of hosting using translated search terms. Third, we compared the period around WBDD with the control period regarding page views of the Sanquin website and Facebook likes and number of newly registered donors in 2016.

RESULTS

The mean RSV for “blood donation” in the period of interest was 78.6, compared to 72.1 in the control period (difference, 6.5; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.2‐11.8). For “blood donor” this was 78.9 compared to 65.9 (difference, 12.9; 95% CI, 8.1‐17.8). We found no additional effect of hosting. In the period of interest, the website of Sanquin was visited 6862 times a day and 4293 times in the control period (difference, 2569; 95% CI, 1687‐3451). In June 2016, 54.6% (95% CI, 53.0‐56.2) more new donors were registered compared to the control period.

CONCLUSION

An international campaign like WBDD raises the awareness of blood donation and is effective in convincing people to register as blood donors.
Physiological Profile of an Uphill Time Trial in Elite Cyclists
Authors: Peinado Ana B. , Romero-Parra Nuria , Rojo-Tirado Miguel A. , Cupeiro Rocío , Butragueño Javier , Castro Eliane A. , Calderón Francisco J. , Benito Pedro J.
Published: June 2017

Context: While a number of studies have researched road-cycling performance, few have attempted to investigate the physiological response in field conditions. Purpose: To describe the physiological and performance profile of an uphill time trial (TT) frequently used in cycling competitions. Methods: Fourteen elite road cyclists (mean ± SD age 25 ± 6 y, height 174 ± 4.2 cm, body mass 64.4 ± 6.1 kg, fat mass 7.48% ± 2.82%) performed a graded exercise test to exhaustion to determine maximal parameters. They then completed a field-based uphill TT in a 9.2-km first-category mountain pass with a 7.1% slope. Oxygen uptake (VO2), power output, heart rate (HR), lactate concentration, and perceived-exertion variables were measured throughout the field-based test. Results: During the uphill TT, mean power output and velocity were 302 ± 7 W (4.2 ± 0.1 W/kg) and 18.7 ± 1.6 km/h, respectively. Mean VO2 and HR were 61.6 ± 2.0 mL · kg−1 · min−1 and 178 ± 2 beats/min, respectively. Values were significantly affected by the 1st, 2nd, 6th, and final kilometers (P < .05). Lactate concentration and perceived exertion were 10.87 ± 1.12 mmol/L and 19.1 ± 0.1, respectively, at the end of the test, being significantly different from baseline measures. Conclusion: The studied uphill TT is performed at 90% of maximum HR and VO2 and 70% of maximum power output. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study assessing cardiorespiratory parameters combined with measures of performance, perceived exertion, and biochemical variables during a field-based uphill TT in elite cyclists.
Peers without fears? Barriers to effective communication among primary care physicians and oncologists about diagnostic delays in cancer
Authors: Lipitz-Snyderman Allison , Kale Minal , Robbins Laura , Pfister David , Fortier Elizabeth , Pocus Valerie , Chimonas Susan , Weingart Saul N
Published: June 2017

Objective

Relatively little attention has been devoted to the role of communication between physicians as a mechanism for individual and organisational learning about diagnostic delays. This study’s objective was to elicit physicians’ perceptions about and experiences with communication among physicians regarding diagnostic delays in cancer.

Design, setting, participants

Qualitative analysis based on seven focus groups. Fifty-one physicians affiliated with three New York-based academic medical centres participated, with six to nine subjects per group. We used content analysis to identify commonalities among primary care physicians and specialists (ie, medical and surgical oncologists).

Primary outcome measure

Perceptions and experiences with physician-to-physician communication about delays in cancer diagnosis.

Results

Our analysis identified five major themes: openness to communication, benefits of communication, fears about giving and receiving feedback, infrastructure barriers to communication and overcoming barriers to communication. Subjects valued communication about cancer diagnostic delays, but they had many concerns and fears about providing and receiving feedback in practice. Subjects expressed reluctance to communicate if there was insufficient information to attribute responsibility, if it would have no direct benefit or if it would jeopardise their existing relationships. They supported sensitive approaches to conveying information, as they feared eliciting or being subject to feelings of incompetence or shame. Subjects also cited organisational barriers. They offered suggestions that might facilitate communication about delays.

Conclusions

Addressing the barriers to communication among physicians about diagnostic delays is needed to promote a culture of learning across specialties and institutions. Supporting open and honest discussions about diagnostic delays may help build safer health systems.
Pixel Characterization of a Protein-Based Retinal Implant Using a Microfabricated Sensor Array
Authors: Greco Jordan A. , Fernandes Luis André L. , Wagner Nicole L. , Azadmehr Mehdi , Häfliger Philipp , Johannessen Erik A. , Birge Robert R.
Published: June 2017

Retinal degenerative diseases are characterized by the loss of photoreceptor cells within the retina and affect 30-50 million people worldwide. Despite the availability of treatments that slow the progression of degeneration, affected patients will go blind. Thus, there is a significant need for a prosthetic that is capable of restoring functional vision for these patients. The protein-based retinal implant offers a high-resolution option for replacing the function of diseased photoreceptor cells by interfacing with the underlying retinal tissue, stimulating the remaining neural network, and transmitting this signal to the brain. The retinal implant uses the photoactive protein, bacteriorhodopsin, to generate an ion gradient in the subretinal space that is capable of activating the remaining bipolar and ganglion cells within the retina. Bacteriorhodopsin can also be photochemically driven to an active (bR) or inactive (Q) state, and we aim to exploit this photochemistry to mediate the activity of pixels within the retinal implant. In this study, we made use of a novel retinomorphic foveated image sensor to characterize the formation of active and inactive pixels within a protein-based retinal implant, and have measured a significant difference between the output frequencies associated with the bR and Q states.
Mosaic Crystal Model for Dynamical X-Ray Diffraction from Step-Graded InxGa1-xAs and InxAl1-xAs/GaAs (001) Metamorphic Buffers and Device Structures
Authors: Rago P. B. , Ayers J. E.
Published: June 2017

In this paper we apply a mosaic crystal model for dynamical x-ray diffraction to step-graded metamorphic semiconductor device structures containing dislocations. This model represents an extension of the previously-reported phase-invariant model, which is broadly applicable and serves as the basis for the x-ray characterization of metamorphic structures, allowing determination of the depth profiles of strain, composition, and dislocation density. The new model has more general applicability and is more appropriate for step-graded metamorphic device structures, which are of particular interest for high electron mobility transistors and light emitting diodes. Here we present the computational details of the mosaic crystal model and demonstrate its application to step-graded InxGa1-xAs/GaAs (001) and InxAl1-xAs/GaAs (001) metamorphic buffers and device structures.
Quantum states of a neutral massive fermion with an anomalous magnetic moment in an Aharonov–Casher field
Authors: Khalilov V. R.
Published: June 2017

The planar nonrelativistic quantum dynamics of a neutral massive fermion with an anomalous magnetic moment (AMM) in the electric field of infinitely long and thin thread with a charge density distributed uniformly along it (an Aharonov–Casher field) is examined. The relevant Hamiltonian is singular and requires additional specification of a one-parameter self-adjoint extension, which can be given in terms of physically acceptable boundary conditions. We find all possible self-adjoint Hamiltonians with an Aharonov–Casher field (ACF) by constructing the corresponding Hilbert space of square-integrable functions, including the [Formula: see text] region, for all their Hamiltonians. We determine the most relevant physical quantities, such as energy spectrum and wave functions and discuss their correspondence with those obtained by the physical regularization procedure. We show that energy levels of bound states are simple poles of the scattering amplitude. It is shown that the scattering amplitudes and cross-sections depend essentially on the initial-state spin of fermions.
Fast and powerful hashing using tabulation
Authors: Thorup Mikkel
Published: June 2017

Randomized algorithms are often enjoyed for their simplicity, but the hash functions employed to yield the desired probabilistic guarantees are often too complicated to be practical. Here, we survey recent results on how simple hashing schemes based on tabulation provide unexpectedly strong guarantees.

Simple tabulation hashing
dates back to Zobrist (A new hashing method with application for game playing. Technical Report 88, Computer Sciences Department, University of Wisconsin). Keys are viewed as consisting of
c
characters and we have precomputed character tables
h
1
, . . .,

h
c

mapping characters to random hash values. A key
x
= (
x
1
, . . .,

x
c

) is hashed to
h
1
[
x
1
] ⊕
h
2
[
x
2
]..... ⊕

h
c

[

x
c

] This schemes is very fast with character tables in cache. Although simple tabulation is not even four-independent, it does provide many of the guarantees that are normally obtained via higher independence, for example, linear probing and Cuckoo hashing.

Next, we consider
twisted tabulation
where one input character is "twisted" in a simple way. The resulting hash function has powerful distributional properties: Chernoff-style tail bounds and a very small bias for minwise hashing. This is also yields an extremely fast pseudorandom number generator that is provably good for many classic randomized algorithms and data-structures.

Finally, we consider
double tabulation
where we compose two simple tabulation functions, applying one to the output of the other, and show that this yields very high independence in the classic framework of Wegman and Carter. In fact, w.h.p., for a given set of size proportional to that of the space consumed, double tabulation gives fully random hashing. We also mention some more elaborate tabulation schemes getting near-optimal independence for given time and space.

Although these tabulation schemes are all easy to implement and use, their analysis is not.
Clostridium difficile Toxin Biology
Authors: Aktories Klaus , Schwan Carsten , Jank Thomas
Published: June 2017

Clostridium difficile is the cause of antibiotics-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis. The pathogen produces three protein toxins: C. difficile toxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB), and C. difficile transferase toxin (CDT). The single-chain toxins TcdA and TcdB are the main virulence factors. They bind to cell membrane receptors and are internalized. The N-terminal glucosyltransferase and autoprotease domains of the toxins translocate from low-pH endosomes into the cytosol. After activation by inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6), the autoprotease cleaves and releases the glucosyltransferase domain into the cytosol, where GTP-binding proteins of the Rho/Ras family are mono-O-glucosylated and, thereby, inactivated. Inactivation of Rho proteins disturbs the organization of the cytoskeleton and affects multiple Rho-dependent cellular processes, including loss of epithelial barrier functions, induction of apoptosis, and inflammation. CDT, the third C. difficile toxin, is a binary actin-ADP-ribosylating toxin that causes depolymerization of actin, thereby inducing formation of the microtubule-based protrusions. Recent progress in understanding of the toxins’ actions include insights into the toxin structures, their interaction with host cells, and functional consequences of their actions.
Renal vascular and glomerular pathologies associated with spontaneous hypertension in the nonhuman primate Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus
Authors: Rhoads Megan K. , Goleva Slavina B. , Beierwaltes William H. , Osborn Jeffrey L.
Published: June 2017

Hypertension is a complex, multifactorial disease affecting an estimated 78 million adults in the United States. Despite scientific gains, the etiology of human essential hypertension is unknown and current experimental models do not recapitulate all the behavioral and physiological characteristics of the pathology. Researchers should assess the translational capacity of these models and look to other animal models for the discovery of new therapies. Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus, the African Green Monkey (AGM), is a nonhuman primate that develops spontaneous hypertension and may provide a novel translational model for the study of hypertension and associated diseases. In a randomly selected group of 424 adult AGMs, 37% (157/424) exhibited systolic blood pressures (SBP) >140 mmHg (SBP: 172.0 ± 2.2 mmHg) and were characterized as hypertensive (HT). 44% (187/424) were characterized as normotensive with SBP <120 mmHg (NT, SBP: 99.6 ± 1.0 mmHg) and the remaining 18% (80/424) as borderline hypertensive (BHT, SBP: 130.6 ± 0.6 mmHg). When compared with NT animals, HT AGMs are older (8.7 ± 0.6 vs. 12.4 ± 0.7 yr, P < 0.05) with elevated heart rates (125.7 ± 2.0 vs. 137.7 ± 2.2 beats/min, P < 0.05). BHT animals had average heart rates of 138.2 ± 3.1 beats/min ( P < 0.05 compared with NT) and were 11.00 ± 0.9 yr old. NT and HT animals had similar levels of angiotensinogen gene expression, plasma renin activity, and renal cortical renin content ( P > 0.05). HT monkeys exhibit renal vascular remodeling (wall-to-lumen ratio NT 0.11 ± 0.01 vs. HT 0.15 ± 0.02, P < 0.05) and altered glomerular morphology (Bowman’s capsular space: NT 30.9 ± 1.9% vs. HT 44.4 ± 3.1%, P < 0.05). The hypertensive AGM provides a large animal model that is highly similar to humans and should be studied to identify novel, more effective targets for the treatment of hypertension.