bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convergence of isometries, with semicontinuity of symmetry of Alexandrov spaces
Authors: Harvey John
Published: October 2015

The equivariant Gromov–Hausdorff convergence of metric spaces is studied. Where all isometry groups under consideration are compact Lie, it is shown that an upper bound on the dimension of the group guarantees that the convergence is by Lie homomorphisms. Additional lower bounds on curvature and volume strengthen this result to convergence by monomorphisms, so that symmetries can only increase on passing to the limit.
Topological complexity of spatial polygon spaces
Authors: Davis Donald
Published: October 2015

Let

ℓ
¯

=
(

ℓ
1

,
…
,

ℓ
n

)

\overline {\ell }=(\ell _1,\ldots ,\ell _n)

be an

n
n

-tuple of positive real numbers, and let

N
(

ℓ
¯

)

N(\overline {\ell })

denote the space of equivalence classes of oriented

n
n

-gons in

R

3

\mathbb {R}^3

with consecutive sides of lengths

ℓ
1

,
…
,

ℓ
n

\ell _1,\ldots ,\ell _n

, identified under translation and rotation of

R

3

\mathbb {R}^3

. Using known results about the integral cohomology ring, we prove that its topological complexity satisfies

TC
⁡
(
N
(

ℓ
¯

)
)
=
2
n
−
5

\operatorname {TC}(N(\overline {\ell }))= 2n-5

, provided that

N
(

ℓ
¯

)

N(\overline {\ell })

is nonempty and contains no straight-line polygons.
Integral Hodge classes on fourfolds fibered by quadric bundles
Authors: Li Zhiyuan , Tian Zhiyu
Published: October 2015

We discuss the space of sections and certain bisections on a quadric surfaces bundle

X
X

over a smooth curve. The Abel-Jacobi from these spaces to the intermediate Jacobian will be shown to be dominant with rationally connected fibers. As an application, we prove that the integral Hodge conjecture holds for degree

4
4

integral Hodge classes (IHC) of fourfolds fibered by quadric bundles over a smooth curve. This gives an alternative proof of a result of Colliot-Thélène and Voisin.
Isometric dilations and 𝐻^{∞} calculus for bounded analytic semigroups and Ritt operators
Authors: Arhancet Cédric , Fackler Stephan , Le Merdy Christian
Published: October 2015

We show that any bounded analytic semigroup on

L
p

L^p

(with

1
>
p
>
∞

1>p>\infty

) whose negative generator admits a bounded

H

∞

(

Σ
θ

)

H^{\infty }(\Sigma _\theta )

functional calculus for some

θ
∈
(
0
,

π
2

)

\theta \in (0,\frac {\pi }{2})

can be dilated into a bounded analytic semigroup

(

R
t

)

t
⩾
0

(R_t)_{t\geqslant 0}

on a bigger

L
p

L^p

-space in such a way that

R
t

R_t

is a positive contraction for any

t
⩾
0

t\geqslant 0

. We also establish a discrete analogue for Ritt operators and consider the case when

L
p

L^p

-spaces are replaced by more general Banach spaces. In connection with these functional calculus issues, we study isometric dilations of bounded continuous representations of amenable groups on Banach spaces and establish various generalizations of Dixmier’s unitarization theorem.
RNA structure framework: automated transcriptome-wide reconstruction of RNA secondary structures from high-throughput structure probing data
Authors: Incarnato Danny , Neri Francesco , Anselmi Francesca , Oliviero Salvatore
Published: October 2015

Summary: The rapidly increasing number of discovered non-coding RNAs makes the understanding of their structure a key feature toward a deeper comprehension of gene expression regulation. Various enzymatic- and chemically- based approaches have been recently developed to allow whole-genome studies of RNA secondary structures. Several methods have been recently presented that allow high-throughput RNA structure probing (CIRS-seq, Structure-seq, SHAPE-seq, PARS, etc.) and unbiased structural inference of residues within RNAs in their native conformation. We here present an analysis toolkit, named RNA Structure Framework (RSF), which allows fast and fully-automated analysis of high-throughput structure probing data, from data pre-processing to whole-transcriptome RNA structure inference.

Availability and implementation: RSF is written in Perl and is freely available under the GPLv3 license from http://rsf.hugef-research.org.

Contact:  salvatore.oliviero@hugef-torino.org

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Marsupial population dynamics in a tropical rainforest: intraspecific competition and nonlinear effect of rainfall
Authors: Ferreira Mariana Silva , Kajin Maja , Cerqueira Rui , Vieira Marcus Vinícius
Published: October 2015

Population fluctuations are the result of the combined action of endogenous (feedback structure) and exogenous factors (large- and local-scale climate variables). In this paper, we used a 13-year time series to identify the feedback structure in a population of the brown 4-eyed opossum Metachirus nudicaudatus and to test a hypothesis on the effects of El Niño Southern Oscillation and rainfall using Royama’s theoretical framework. Metachirus nudicaudatus was regulated by a strong 1st-order negative feedback, with intraspecific competition for food resources as the probable factor governing the endogenous system. Contrary to our expectations, El Niño did not explain the marsupial dynamics better than 1-year lagged rainfall, that may operate in 2 different manners: as a nonlinear perturbation effect influencing the strength of density dependence (intraspecific competition and intraguild predation) or as a lateral perturbation effect influencing the carrying capacity of the environment.

As flutuações populacionais são resultado da ação conjunta de fatores endógenos (estrutura de retroalimentação) e exógenos (variáveis climáticas locais e de larga escala). A partir de uma série temporal de 13 anos, nós identificamos a estrutura de retroalimentação da população da cuíca marrom de quatro olhos Metachirus nudicaudatus , e testamos hipóteses a respeito dos efeitos do El Niño Oscilação Sul e chuva utilizando a abordagem teórica de Royama. Metachirus nudicaudatus é regulado por uma forte retroalimentação negativa de primeira ordem, com a competição intraespecífica por recursos alimentares como o provável fator que rege o sistema endógeno. Ao contrário do que esperávamos, o El Niño não explicou a dinâmica populacional deste marsupial melhor do que a chuva com a defasagem de 1 ano, que pode atuar em duas formas: como um efeito de perturbação não-linear, influenciando a força da dependência densidade (competição intraespecífica e predação intraguilda), ou como um efeito de perturbação lateral, influenciando a capacidade de suporte do ambiente.
Abiotic and biotic factors affecting the denning behaviors in Asiatic black bears
Ursus thibetanus
Authors: Yamamoto Toshiaki , Tamatani Hiroo , Tanaka Junpei , Oshima Gen , Mura Serina , Koyama Masaru
Published: October 2015

For bears, numerous associations between biotic and abiotic factors have been reported to correlate with the timing of den entry and emergence; however, an analysis showing which factors influence the timing of den entry and emergence has not been performed enough. In this study, a generalized linear mixed model was generated using 66 entry dates for 26 females and 40 entry dates for 26 males, and 56 emergence dates for 26 females and 25 emergence dates for 18 males between 1999 and 2012. Regarding factors for den entry, the average temperature in November and mast production of Mongolian oaks were significant for both males and females. For the date of den emergence, the average temperature in March affected strongly. For males, good mast production of Mongolian oaks in the previous year was found to be associated with early den emergence. For females, the presence of newborns had a significant influence on their den entry and emergence. This study indicated that denning behavior appears to be regulated by several abiotic and biotic factors and regulation factors are sex specific.
Three in one go: consequential angular momentum loss can solve major problems of CV evolution
Authors: Schreiber M. R. , Zorotovic M. , Wijnen T. P. G.
Published: October 2015

The average white dwarf (WD) masses in cataclysmic variables (CVs) have been measured to significantly exceed those of single WDs, which is the opposite of what is theoretically expected. We present the results of binary population synthesis models taking into account consequential angular momentum loss (CAML) that is assumed to increase with decreasing WD mass. This approach cannot only solve the WD mass problem but also brings in agreement theoretical predictions and observations of the orbital period distribution and the space density of CVs. We speculate that frictional angular momentum loss following nova eruptions might cause such CAML and could be the missing ingredient of CV evolution.
X-ray fluorescent lines from the Compton-thick AGN in M51
Authors: Xu Weiwei , Liu Zhu , Gou Lijun , Liu Jiren
Published: October 2015

The cold disc/torus gas surrounding active galactic nuclei (AGN) emits fluorescent lines when irradiated by hard X-ray photons. The fluorescent lines of elements other than Fe and Ni are rarely detected due to their relative faintness. We report the detection of Kα lines of neutral Si, S, Ar, Ca, Cr, and Mn, along with the prominent Fe Kα, Fe Kβ, and Ni Kα lines, from the deep Chandra observation of the low-luminosity Compton-thick AGN in M51. The Si Kα line at 1.74 keV is detected at ∼3σ, the other fluorescent lines have a significance between 2 and 2.5 σ, while the Cr line has a significance of ∼1.5σ. These faint fluorescent lines are made observable due to the heavy obscuration of the intrinsic spectrum of M51, which is revealed by NuSTAR observation above 10 keV. The hard X-ray continuum of M51 from Chandra and NuSTAR can be fitted with a power-law spectrum with an index of 1.8, reprocessed by a torus with an equatorial column density of NH ∼ 7 × 1024 cm−2 and an inclination angle of 74°. This confirms the Compton-thick nature of the nucleus of M51. The relative element abundances inferred from the fluxes of the fluorescent lines are similar to their solar values, except for Mn, which is about 10 times overabundant. It indicates that Mn is likely enhanced by the nuclear spallation of Fe.
Optimizing Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing Interventions for Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States: A Modeling Study
Authors: Delaney Kevin P. , Rosenberg Eli S. , Kramer Michael R. , Waller Lance A. , Sullivan Patrick S.
Published: October 2015

Background.  In the United States, public health recommendations for men who have sex with men (MSM) include testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at least annually. We model the impact of different possible HIV testing policies on HIV incidence in a simulated population parameterized to represent US MSM.

Methods.  We used exponential random graph models to explore, among MSM, the short-term impact on baseline (under current HIV testing practices and care linkage) HIV incidence of the following: (1) increasing frequency of testing; (2) increasing the proportion who ever test; (3) increasing test sensitivity; (4) increasing the proportion of the diagnosed population achieving viral suppression; and combinations of 1–4. We simulated each scenario 20 times and calculated the median and interquartile range of 3-year cumulative incidence of HIV infection.

Results.  The only intervention that reduced HIV incidence on its own was increasing the proportion of the diagnosed population achieving viral suppression; increasing frequency of testing, the proportion that ever test or test sensitivity did not appreciably reduce estimated incidence. However, in an optimal scenario in which viral suppression improved to 100%, HIV incidence could be reduced by an additional 17% compared with baseline by increasing testing frequency to every 90 days and test sensitivity to 22 days postinfection.

Conclusions.  Increased frequency, coverage, or sensitivity of HIV testing among MSM is unlikely to result in reduced HIV incidence unless men diagnosed through enhanced testing programs are also engaged in effective HIV care resulting in viral suppression at higher rates than currently observed.
Introduction
Authors: Della Rocca Michael
Published: October 2015

This introduction describes the relative neglect, until very recently, of Spinoza’s philosophy in Anglo-American circles. The resurgence of interest in Spinoza is tied to several factors, including the revival of metaphysics since the 1970s and the newfound fascination with the so-called Radical Enlightenment, of which Spinoza has come to be seen as the leading figure. The themes in Spinoza’s philosophy that are central to this renaissance and that are the focus of many of the chapters in this volume include Spinoza’s extreme rationalism, which is structured around the Principle of Sufficient Reason; his naturalism, according to which everything—including human beings—follows the same general laws; and the ways in which political and religious structures can be formed so as to maintain a stable society.
Do Women Compete for Mates When Men Are Scarce?
Authors: Stone Emily
Published: October 2015

This review explores whether and how imbalances in the number of men and women—the sex ratio—affects mating competition. I evaluate the available evidence against two hypotheses: a mating supply and demand hypothesis, which predicts mate competition to increase when mates are scarce, and predictions from a ‘faithful as your options’ hypothesis, which suggests mate competition should increase with a surplus of mates because the returns to mating effort are greatest. Men’s mating effort consistently increased with a surplus of mates, supporting the ‘faithful as your options’ hypothesis, but results for women’s mating effort were mixed. Some measures supported the mating supply and demand hypothesis, some supported the ‘faithful as your options’ hypothesis, and some found no relationship with the sex ratio. Socioeconomic development may explain variation in sex ratio effects for women if men are better able to constrain women’s mating effort in traditional societies, or other variables, like variation in mate quality, may better explain women’s mate competition.
Biomarkers as Inputs
Authors: Lehrer Steven
Published: October 2015

This chapter provides an overview of research primarily within the discipline of economics that empirically examines how biomarkers influences specific health and socioeconomic outcomes. Since the role that biomarkers are hypothesized to play in the estimating equation differs across studies, a distinction is first made between two separate categories of biomarkers: biological time-varying measures such as hormones and biological time-invariant measures including DNA. Recent research in these two categories is then reviewed, focusing on studies that can present the most credible evidence of the role of specific biomarkers. Last, an emerging literature that focuses on the interactions between time-varying environmental conditions and time-invariant genetic factors is discussed. The chapter concludes by highlights three promising areas for future research and suggesting researchers should shift their attention away from investigating specific candidate genes to polygenic risk scores, as well as focus on genetic interactions with more aggregated rather than specific environmental influences.
Obesity and Income Inequality in OECD Countries
Authors: Su Dejun
Published: October 2015

Countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) exhibit substantial increases in both income inequality and obesity prevalence since the 1970s. Income inequality may affect obesity through increased psychosocial distress, concentrated poverty, erosion of social cohesion, and inadequate policy interventions. Substantial variations appear in estimated obesity prevalence across OECD countries in 2010. Particularly important are the United States and Mexico, which lead OECD countries in current obesity rates, income inequality, and the pace of increases in obesity prevalence over time. When both countries are included in the analysis, differences in obesity prevalence are more related to differences in income inequality than to differences in absolute income across these countries. This association between income inequality and obesity prevalence virtually disappears when both countries are excluded from analysis. So far, limited research exploring the association between income inequality and obesity has not yielded conclusive, unequivocal findings.
Leadership and Professionals
Authors: Langley Ann , Empson Laura
Published: October 2015

This chapter examines the foci, resources, and mechanisms of leadership in Professional Service Firms, a context where traditional conceptions of leadership and followership are problematic given the importance of individual autonomy to knowledge-based work. The authors argue that leadership in professional service firms is, above all, a process of interaction among professionals seeking to exercise influence at the individual, organizational, and strategic level. It is manifested explicitly through professional expertise, discretely through political interaction, and implicitly through personal embodiment. The authors suggest that these resources are rarely combined in single individuals, which gives rise to the prevalence of collective forms of leadership, supported by embedded mechanisms of social control that channel professional activity.
Service Innovation in Professional Service Firms
Authors: Barratt Michael , Hinings Bob
Published: October 2015

Service innovation in Professional Service Firms involves the development and use of new practices by professionals. In the face of increasing competition and the rapid pace of technology development service innovation is of increasing importance for these firms. Despite these developments, there has been little discussion of innovation in the Professional Service Firm (PSF) literature. The emphasis has been on change and knowledge management with little recognition as to how these are related to innovation. In this chapter, the authors review the PSF literature and recent developments on service innovation and propose future research directions around a practice perspective for exploring service innovation in professional service firms.
Interplay of Professional, Bureaucratic, and Entrepreneurial Career Forms in Professional Service Firms
Authors: Cohen Laurie
Published: October 2015

This chapter examines individuals’ career-making in professional service firms. Using Kanter’s (1989) typology of bureaucratic, professional, and entrepreneurial career forms, it argues that within PSFs are elements of all three, sometimes working in parallel and sometimes in competition. After a broad overview of Kanter’s ideal types as manifest within the PSF, the chapter considers how these are institutionalized through particular career practices. It highlights the importance of the client in professional career-making, working either as a mechanism of social closure, or of transformation. The chapter then turns to career enactment: the ways in which individuals engage with professional, bureaucratic, and entrepreneurial practices on a daily basis and over time. Central to this analysis is the tension between the professional career as a vehicle for the exercise of personal agency, or as a disciplinary mechanism of management control. The concluding discussion proposes some fruitful for further research.
Diversity and Inclusion in Professional Service Firms
Authors: Ashley Louise , Sommerlad Hilary
Published: October 2015

Professional status is based on accreditation; furthermore rationality, impartiality, and equity are all implicit in the idea of professionalism. As a result, a widely held belief is that meritocracy is a defining characteristic of the professions. Yet this assumption is belied by the evidence of research. The resistance to diversity and inclusion in PSFs and tensions generated by the claims and aspirations of these firms to engage in meritocratic practices are the central concern of this chapter. It examines the socio-economic changes of the last few decades and the backdrop of neoliberalism which reflects in part changes in how patterns of exclusion and inclusion have been theorized over the past four decades. The authors describe these changes and the associated evolution of policy and practice within PSFs from an emphasis on same treatment towards the recognition of difference, and provide a brief summary of suggested future research directions.
Professional Ethics
Authors: Gunz Hugh , Gunz Sally , Dinovitzer Ronit
Published: October 2015

This chapter introduces professional ethics as a specific example of applied or practical ethics. The authors provide a short review of the literature on theoretical and applied ethics in order to give context for the subsequent discussion. They examine three foundational concepts of professional ethics: codes adopted by professional bodies, professional autonomy, and the contested role of gatekeeper. Next, the authors consider ethical pressures experienced by professionals in the non-professional organization (NPO), and then the Professional Service Firm (PSF). Here the authors compare the pressure exerted by employer and clients and examine how so-called “client capture” can become a complex phenomenon when both client and professional are corporate entities. Finally, the chapter considers the challenges for the study of ethics in the PSF highlighted by this account.
Internationalization of Professional Service Firms
Authors: Morgan Glenn , Boussebaa Mehdi
Published: October 2015

This chapter examines the internationalization of Professional Service Firms (PSFs), outlining its drivers, varying forms, and organizational implications. It argues that conventional internationalization theory does not apply straightforwardly to PSFs. The authors identify three key sources of PSF distinctiveness—governance, clients, and knowledge—and show how these generate not only differences between PSFs and other types of organizations but also heterogeneity amongst PSFs themselves. Based on this, four different forms of PSF internationalization are identified—network, project, federal, and transnational—and the authors note that scholarly interest has mostly focused on the last two of these. The chapter highlights change towards the transnational model as an underlying theme in PSF research. It finds little convincing evidence that this model has been successfully implemented and it is argued that, in general, PSFs are better understood as federal structures controlled by a few powerful offices than as transnational enterprises.
Sources of Homogeneity and Heterogeneity across Professional Services
Authors: von Nordenflycht Andrew , Malhotra Namrata , Morris Timothy
Published: October 2015

Research on Professional Service Firms (PSFs) has tended to treat them as homogeneous and to assume there are similarities in how they are organized and managed. This assumption has been challenged recently as scholars have drawn attention to organizational differences stemming from sources of heterogeneity. The authors argue that rigorous theorizing about the organization and management of PSFs requires an understanding of sources of both homogeneity and heterogeneity and their specific implications. They synthesize insights from the sociology of professions literature and the economics and organization theory literatures to distil key sources of homogeneity and heterogeneity. They also identify firm-level characteristics that drive heterogeneity within a particular professional service. The authors propose an overarching framework of sources of homogeneity and heterogeneity that helps interpret the generalizability of existing research and has the potential to better inform future empirical research on PSFs.
Disorders of Consciousness and Neuro-Palliative Care
Authors: Fins Joseph J. , Masters Maria
Published: October 2015

This chapter explains how neuro-palliative care can be provided to patients with severe brain injury. Before arguing that the right to die must be preserved and that the right to care for patients who are minimally conscious must be supported, it defines and reviews brain states that constitute disorders of consciousness along with their differential biology. It then gives an overview of palliative care for patients with severe brain injury and the challenges involved in diagnosing the minimally conscious state. It proceeds by discussing advances in technology, particularly neuroimaging, that may help meet the needs of such patients. It also considers the neuroethics of diagnosis and concludes by suggesting ways to integrate the needs of individuals suffering from disorders of consciousness in both the local and national palliative care infrastructure.
Goodbye, Thomas
Authors: Battin Margaret P.
Published: October 2015

This chapter, following the format of Thomas Aquinas’s repudiation of suicide inSumma Theologiae, reviews the three central arguments against physician-assisted suicide: (1) suicide is killing and thus violates universal human moral standards against killing; (2) if physician-assisted suicide becomes legal, it could corrupt physicians’ integrity; and (3) the risk of abuse. It responds to each argument, claiming that none is strong enough to defeat the central case for legalization, tacit recognition, and social acceptance of physician aid in dying. It then offers two basic grounds for holding that physician aid-in-dying is morally permissible: (1) the basic principle of liberty, also called freedom or self-determination (limited by the harm principle), a central principle of a free society; and (2) the right to avoid suffering and pain, grounded in the right to the pursuit of happiness—interpreted as entailing the right to try to avoid unhappiness, including suffering and pain.
Genomic Foundation of Starch-to-Lipid Switch in Oleaginous Chlorella spp.
Authors: Fan Jianhua , Ning Kang , Zeng Xiaowei , Luo Yuanchan , Wang Dongmei , Hu Jianqiang , Li Jing , Xu Hui , Huang Jianke , Wan Minxi , Wang Weiliang , Zhang Daojing , Shen Guomin , Run Conglin , Liao Junjie , Fang Lei , Huang Shi , Jing Xiaoyan , Su Xiaoquan , Wang Anhui , Bai Lili , Hu Zanmin , Xu Jian , Li Yuanguang
Published: October 2015

The ability to rapidly switch the intracellular energy storage form from starch to lipids is an advantageous trait for microalgae feedstock. To probe this mechanism, we sequenced the 56.8-Mbp genome of Chlorella pyrenoidosa FACHB-9, an industrial production strain for protein, starch, and lipids. The genome exhibits positive selection and gene family expansion in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and genes related to cell cycle and stress response. Moreover, 10 lipid metabolism genes might be originated from bacteria via horizontal gene transfer. Transcriptomic dynamics tracked via messenger RNA sequencing over six time points during metabolic switch from starch-rich heterotrophy to lipid-rich photoautotrophy revealed that under heterotrophy, genes most strongly expressed were from the tricarboxylic acid cycle, respiratory chain, oxidative phosphorylation, gluconeogenesis, glyoxylate cycle, and amino acid metabolisms, whereas those most down-regulated were from fatty acid and oxidative pentose phosphate metabolism. The shift from heterotrophy into photoautotrophy highlights up-regulation of genes from carbon fixation, photosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway, and starch catabolism, which resulted in a marked redirection of metabolism, where the primary carbon source of glycine is no longer supplied to cell building blocks by the tricarboxylic acid cycle and gluconeogenesis, whereas carbon skeletons from photosynthesis and starch degradation may be directly channeled into fatty acid and protein biosynthesis. By establishing the first genetic transformation in industrial oleaginous C. pyrenoidosa, we further showed that overexpression of an NAD(H) kinase from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) increased cellular lipid content by 110.4%, yet without reducing growth rate. These findings provide a foundation for exploiting the metabolic switch in microalgae for improved photosynthetic production of food and fuels.
Correlation between biofilm production, antibiotic susceptibility and exopolysaccharide composition in Burkholderia pseudomalleibpsI, ppk, and rpoS mutant strains
Authors: Mongkolrob Rungrawee , Taweechaisupapong Suwimol , Tungpradabkul Sumalee
Published: October 2015

Burkholderia pseudomallei is the cause of melioidosis, a fatal tropical infectious disease, which has been reported to have a high rate of recurrence, even when an intensive dose of antibiotics is used. Biofilm formation is believed to be one of the possible causes of relapse because of its ability to increase drug resistance. EPS in biofilms have been reported to be related to the limitation of antibiotic penetration in B. pseudomallei. However, the mechanisms by which biofilms restrict the diffusion of antibiotics remain unclear. The present study presents a correlation between exopolysaccharide production in biofilm matrix and antibiotic resistance in B. pseudomallei using bpsI, ppk, and rpoS mutant strains. CLSM revealed a reduction in exopolysaccharide production and disabled micro‐colony formation in B. pseudomallei mutants, which paralleled the antibiotic resistance. Different ratios of carbohydrate contents in the exopolysaccharides of the mutants were detected, although they have the same components, including glucose, galactose, mannose, and rhamnose, with the exception being that no detectable rhamnose peak was observed in the bpsI mutant. These results indicate that the correlation between these phenomena in the B. pseudomallei biofilm at least results from the exopolysaccharide, which may be under the regulation of bpsI, ppk, or rpoS genes.
Variance and potential niche separation of microbial communities in subseafloor sediments off Shimokita Peninsula, Japan
Authors: Nunoura Takuro , Takaki Yoshihiro , Shimamura Shigeru , Kakuta Jungo , Kazama Hiromi , Hirai Miho , Masui Noriaki , Tomaru Hitoshi , Morono Yuki , Imachi Hiroyuki , Inagaki Fumio , Takai Ken
Published: October 2015

Subseafloor pelagic sediments with high concentrations of organic matter form habitats for diverse microorganisms. Here, we determined depth profiles of genes for SSU rRNA, mcrA, dsrA and amoA from just beneath the seafloor to 363.3 m below the seafloor (mbsf) using core samples obtained from the forearc basin off the Shimokita Peninsula. The molecular profiles were combined with data on lithostratigraphy, depositional age, sedimentation rate and pore‐water chemistry. The SSU rRNA gene tag structure and diversity changed at around the sulfate‐methane transition zone (SMTZ), whereas the profiles varied further with depth below the SMTZ, probably in connection with the variation in pore‐water chemistry. The depth profiles of diversity and abundance of dsrA, a key gene for sulfate reduction, suggested the possible niche separations of sulfate‐reducing populations, even below the SMTZ. The diversity and abundance patterns of mcrA, a key gene for methanogenesis/anaerobic methanotrophy, suggested a stratified distribution and separation of anaerobic methanotrophy and hydrogenotrophic or methylotrophic methanogensis below the SMTZ. This study provides novel insights into the relationships between the composition and function of microbial communities and the chemical environment in the nutrient‐rich continental margin subseafloor sediments, which may result in niche separation and variability in subseafloor microbial populations.
The Impact of Improved Population Life Expectancy in Survival Trend Analyses of Specific Diseases
Authors: van Walraven Carl
Published: October 2015

Background

Survival trend analyses examine mortality outcomes over time. The impact of conducting survival trend analyses without accounting for improved population survival has not been systematically studied.

Methods

The 1‐year risk of death in the 100 most common hospital admissions for Ontario adults in 1994, 1999, 2004, and 2009 was determined. Generalized linear models were used to determine if adjusted death risk changed significantly over time with and without accounting for population survival.

Results

The statistical significance of temporal trends in survival changed after accounting for population life expectancy in 16 diagnoses (16 percent) (in 13 of 55 diagnoses, statistically significant decreasing mortality trends became insignificant; in 3 of 15 diagnoses, insignificant trends changed to a significant increase in mortality risk over time).

Conclusions

These results highlight the importance of accounting for population life‐expectancy changes in survival trend analyses.
Nutrition students' experiences with constructing a portfolio about food and culture
Authors: Sabatini Fernanda , da Rocha Pereira Patrícia , Devincenzi Macarena Urrestarazu , Aburad Luiz , Scagliusi Fernanda Baeza
Published: October 2015

Aim

This study aimed to analyse nutrition students' experiences with constructing a portfolio about food and culture. The study examined what was gained from the experience at its completion and retained after a period of 1 year.

Methods

For the module ‘Human food in historical and social contexts’, nutrition undergraduate students were required to create a portfolio. Twenty‐nine (of 49) students agreed to have their portfolios analysed in this qualitative study. The messages that were kept and recorded during the development of the portfolio were analysed by the discourse of collective subject method (DCS). Eleven students also participated in focus groups aimed to assess the impact of the portfolio on the students, as well as the process of its creation, in the long term. Transcripts of the focus groups were analysed using the DCS method.

Results

In the portfolios, we noted important messages linking eating to history, culture, respect and commensality. In the focus groups, students highlighted that the portfolio helped them to reflect and to change their view of nutrition. The creation of the portfolio was considered exciting, involving and demanding.

Conclusions

Through the analyses of the portfolio and the focus groups, it was possible to observe that students were stimulated towards a critical, humanised and complex practice that respected the historical, social, cultural, sensorial, nutritional and political nature of eating. The portfolio seemed a suitable learning method for complex themes, such as food and culture, providing a different and collaborative formation process.
Evidence for the widespread production of DSF family signal molecules by members of the genus Burkholderia by the aid of novel biosensors
Authors: Suppiger Angela , Aguilar Claudio , Eberl Leo
Published: October 2015

Many bacteria employ cis‐2‐unsaturated fatty acids, referred to as DSF (diffusible signal factor) family signals, to communicate with each other. Such systems have been shown to control biofilm formation, motility, production of hydrolytic enzymes and expression of virulence factors. We report the construction of novel biosensors on the basis of components of the Burkholderia‐DSF (BDSF) dependent circuitry of Burkholderia cenocepacia H111 and evaluated their utility for detecting the production of DSF family signal molecules. We show that a luxAB‐based biosensor responds to nM levels of synthetic BDSF and is suitable to detect a wide range of cis‐2 fatty acid molecules. Using this biosensor we show that the production of DSF family molecules is widespread among members of the B. cepacia complex and demonstrate for the first time that DSF‐based molecules are also produced by plant‐associated Burkholderia species.
Hydrophilins in the filamentous fungus Neosartorya fischeri (Aspergillus fischeri) have protective activity against several types of microbial water stress
Authors: van Leeuwen M.R. , Wyatt T.T. , van Doorn T.M. , Lugones L.G. , Wösten H.A.B. , Dijksterhuis J.
Published: October 2015

Hydrophilins are proteins that occur in all domains of life and protect cells and organisms against drought and other stresses. They include most of the late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins and the heat shock protein (HSP) Hsp12. Here, the role of a predicted LEA‐like protein (LeamA) and two Hsp12 proteins (Hsp12A and Hsp12B) of Neosartorya fischeri was studied. This filamentous fungus forms ascospores that belong to the most stress‐resistant eukaryotic cells described to date. Heterologous expression of LeamA, Hsp12A and Hsp12B resulted in increased tolerance against salt and osmotic stress in Escherichia coli. These proteins were also shown to protect lactate dehydrogenase against dry heat and freeze–thaw cycles in vitro. Deletion of leamA caused diminished viability of sexual ascospores after drought and heat. This is the first report on functionality of Hsp12 and putative LeamA proteins derived from filamentous fungi, and their possible role in N. fischeri ascospore resistance against desiccation, high temperature and osmotic stress is discussed.
Trends in incidence and survival for upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) in the state of Victoria – Australia
Authors: Woodford Richard , Ranasinghe Weranja , Aw Hau Choong , Sengupta Shomik , Persad Raj
Published: October 2015

Objective

To investigate the incidence and mortality trends of upper tract urothelial cancers (UTUC) in Victoria over the last decade.

Patients and Methods

Age‐adjusted incidence and mortality rates were calculated for UTUC. These were identified using data from the Victorian Cancer Registry from 2001 until 2011 based on histological diagnoses. Age at diagnosis, sex and demographical location were compared.

Results

The age‐standardised incidence of UTUC remained stable from 2001 to 2011. There were 278 deaths from UTUC over this period with an overall 5‐year survival rate of 32%. There was no significant difference in survival between 2001–06 and 2007–11 (30% vs 36%, respectively). Lower age at diagnosis was associated with a significant improvement in survival (P = 0.01). Sex and geographical location appeared to have no effect on survival.

Conclusion

The 5‐year survival rates for UTUC in Victoria are poor, particularly in comparison to worldwide data. In contrast to worldwide trends, the incidence of UTUC appears to be stable. No significant improvement in 5‐year survival rates over the short study period was identified. These findings highlight the difficulties in managing this rare yet deadly malignancy.
Incidence and risk factors of venous thromboembolism after pelvic uro‐oncologic surgery – a single center experience
Authors: Chen Emily C. , Papa Nathan , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Bolton Damien , Sengupta Shomik
Published: October 2015

Objective

To determine the incidence and assess risk factors for the development of VTE among patients undergoing major pelvic surgery for prostate and bladder cancer in an Australian tertiary referral center.

Patients and Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing major pelvic uro‐oncologic surgery, namely radical cystectomy and radical prostatectomy over a five‐year period (2009–2013) were identified. Patient variables and types of thromboprophylaxis (pharmacological and/or mechanical) used in this patient cohort were collected for analyses as predictive factors.

Results

The overall incidence of VTE was 1.8%. Patients undergoing radical cystectomy were more likely to suffer a VTE event compared to patients having radical prostatectomy. In this cohort, the risk factors for VTE include, prolonged operative time of greater than 4 hours (h), lymph node dissection (LND) and patients requiring blood transfusions.

Conclusion

Patients undergoing major pelvic uro‐oncologic surgery have an approximately 1.8% risk of developing VTE. Risk factors identified in this study should be used to guide the use of early and prolonged thromboprophylaxis.
Post‐hemodialysis dosing of 1 vs. 2 g of ceftazidime in anuric end‐stage renal disease patients on low‐flux dialysis and its pharmacodynamic implications on clinical use
Authors: Goh Jessica Hui Fen , Lee Siok Ying , Ooi Say Tat , Lee Soon‐U Lawrence , Hee Kim‐Hor , Renaud Claude J.
Published: October 2015

Ceftazidime is a cost‐effective antimicrobial against Gram‐negative pathogens associated with sepsis in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) hemodialysis patients with potential for wider use with the advent of ceftazidime‐avibactam. Dosing ceftazidime post‐hemodialysis appears attractive and convenient, but limited in vivo data on pharmacodynamic efficacy (PE) attainment, defined as >70% of the interdialytic period drug concentrations exceed susceptible pathogens minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) (%TMIC), warrants further assessment. We therefore evaluated PE and tolerability of 1 against 2 g regime in anuric ESRD patients on low‐flux hemodialysis. Two doses of 1 or 2 g ceftazidime were administered post‐hemodialysis prior to 48‐ and 72‐hour interdialytic intervals in ESRD inpatients without active infections. Peak and trough concentrations (mg/L) were assayed using a validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method. Proportion of patients achieving PE for known pathogens with MICs ≤ 8 mg/L and adverse effects were assessed. Six (43%) and eight (57%) adult patients received 1 and 2 g dose, respectively. Median (25th–75th percentile), peak, 48‐ and 72‐hour trough ceftazidime concentrations were 78 (60–98) vs. 158 (128–196), 37 (23–37) vs. 49 (39–71), and 13 (12–20) vs. 26 (21–41) mg/L, respectively, resulting in 100% TMIC for both doses. One patient on the 1‐g dose experienced mild pruritus. Reliable and safe PE attainment over both 48‐ and 72‐hour interdialytic interval was achievable with 1 g of ceftazidime dosed post‐hemodialysis. The 2 g dose was equally effective and well tolerated but may not be necessary. These findings need validation in non‐anuric patients, high‐flux hemodialysis, and during avibactam co‐administration.
Management of Pediatric Migraine Headache in the Emergency Room and Infusion Center
Authors: Kabbouche Marielle
Published: October 2015

Migraine is a common disorder that starts at an early age and takes a variable pattern from intermittent to chronic headache with several exacerbations throughout a lifetime.

Children and adolescents are significantly affected. If an acute headache is not aborted by outpatient migraine therapy, it often causes severe disability, preventing the child from attending school and social events. Treating the acute severe headache aggressively helps prevent prolonged disability as well as possible chronification.

Multiple medications are available, mostly for the outpatient management of an attack and include the use of over‐the‐counter anti‐inflammatory medications as well as prescribed medications in the triptan group. These therapies do sometime fail and the exacerbation can last from days to weeks. If the headache lasts 72 hours or longer it will fall in the category of status migrainosus. Status migrainosus is described as a severe disabling headache lasting 72 hours or more by the ICHD3 criteria. Disability is a major issue in children and adolescents and aggressive acute measures are to be taken to control it as soon as possible. Early aggressive intravenous therapy can be very effective in breaking the attack and allowing the child to be quickly back to normal functioning.

This article reviews what is available for the treatment of pediatric primary headaches in the emergency room.
Industry Expertise, Information Leakage and the Choice of M&A Advisors
Authors: Chang Xin , Shekhar Chander , Tam Lewis H. K. , Yao Jiaquan
Published: October 2015

This paper examines the impacts of M&A advisors’ industry expertise on firms’ choice of advisors in mergers and acquisitions. We show that an investment bank's expertise in merger parties’ industries increases its likelihood of being chosen as an advisor, especially when the acquisition is more complex, and when a firm in M&A has less information about the merger counterparty. However, due to the concerns about information leakage to industry rivals through M&A advisors, acquirers are reluctant to share advisors with rival firms in the same industry, and they are more likely to switch to new advisors if their former advisors have advisory relationship with their industry rivals. In addition, we document that advisors with more industry expertise earn higher advisory fees and increase the likelihood of deal completion.
Influence of CYP2D6 and β2‐adrenergic receptor gene polymorphisms on the hemodynamic response to propranolol in Chinese Han patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Zhang Feng , Duan Xuhong , Zhang Ming , Li Zhenlei , He Qibin , Wang Yi , Miao Chengcheng , Zhong Wenqi , Zou Xiaoping , Zhuge Yuzheng
Published: October 2015

Background and Aim

Propranolol is widely used to prevent gastroesophageal variceal bleeding; however, some patients could not benefit from propranolol. This study is to evaluate the relationship between CYP2D6 and β2‐adrenergic receptor (β2‐AR) gene polymorphisms and the hemodynamic response to propranolol in Chinese Han patients.

Methods

The clinical data of patients with gastroesophageal varices undergoing hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement before and 7 days after oral propranolol administration in our department were collected. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms of CYP2D6 and β2‐AR genes were detected. The relationship was identified by logistic regression model.

Results

Thirty patients were involved in the analysis. Sixty milligram propranolol twice each day was well tolerated by all the patients. The initial and secondary average of HVPG was 17.4 ± 5.8 mmHg vs. 13.2 ± 4.8 mmHg, respectively (t = 5.726, P < 0.001). Twenty patients responded to propranolol. The mean reduction value of HVPG was 6.6 ± 3.6 mmHg (range from 3 to 19). Genotype analysis showed: 20 homozygotes for C/C188 and 10 for heterozygous C/T188, 8 homozygotes for G/G4268 and 22 heterozygotes for G/C4268, 14 homozygotes for Gly16 and 10 heterozygotes, and 6 homozygotes for Arg16, 27 homozygotes for Gln27 and 3 heterozygotes. The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that CYP2D6 (188C>T) genotype was an independent predicting factor for HVPG response to propranolol (P = 0.033).

Conclusions

CYP2D6 (188C>T) gene polymorphisms influence the hemodynamic response to propranolol in this population of Chinese Han patients with gastroesophageal varices. However, HVPG response cannot be completely predicted from CYP2D6 and β2‐AR gene polymorphisms.