bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of cancer risk lncRNAs and cancer risk pathways regulated by cancer risk lncRNAs based on genome sequencing data in human cancers
Authors: Li Yiran , Li Wan , Liang Binhua , Li Liansheng , Wang Li , Huang Hao , Guo Shanshan , Wang Yahui , He Yuehan , Chen Lina , He Weiming
Published: December 2016

Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. The complexity of cancer can be reduced to a small number of underlying principles like cancer hallmarks which could govern the transformation of normal cells to cancer. Besides, the growth and metastasis of cancer often relate to combined effects of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Here, we performed comprehensive analysis for lncRNA expression profiles and clinical data of six types of human cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and identified six risk pathways and twenty three lncRNAs. In addition, twenty three cancer risk lncRNAs which were closely related to the occurrence or development of cancer had a good classification performance for samples of testing datasets of six cancer datasets. More important, these lncRNAs were able to separate samples in the entire cancer dataset into high-risk group and low-risk group with significantly different overall survival (OS), which was further validated in ten validation datasets. In our study, the robust and effective cancer biomarkers were obtained from cancer datasets which had information of normal-tumor samples. Overall, our research can provide a new perspective for the further study of clinical diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
KIF2A regulates the spindle assembly and the metaphase I-anaphase I transition in mouse oocyte
Authors: Chen Ming-Huang , Liu Yu , Wang Ya-Long , Liu Rui , Xu Bai-Hui , Zhang Fei , Li Fei-Ping , Xu Lin , Lin Yan-Hong , He Shu-Wen , Liao Bao-Qiong , Fu Xian-Pei , Wang Xiao-Xue , Yang Xiang-Jun , Wang Hai-Long
Published: December 2016

KIF2A, a member of the kinesin-13 family, has been reported to play a role in spindle assembly in mitosis. However, its function in mammalian meiosis remains unknown. In this research, we examined the expression, localization and function of KIF2A during mouse oocyte meiosis. KIF2A was expressed in some key stages in mouse oocyte meiosis. Immunofluorescent staining showed that KIF2A distributed in the germinal vesicle at the germinal vesicle stage and as the spindle assembling after meiosis resumption, KIF2A gradually accumulated to the entire spindle. The treatment of oocytes with taxol and nocodazole demonstrated that KIF2A was co-localized with α-tubulin. Depletion of KIF2A by specific short interfering (si) RNA injection resulted in abnormal spindle assembly, failure of spindle migration, misaligned chromosomes and asymmetric cell division. Meanwhile, SKA1 expression level was decreased and the TACC3 localization was disrupted. Moreover, depletion of KIF2A disrupted the actin cap formation, arrested oocytes at metaphase I with spindle assembly checkpoint protein BubR1 activated and finally reduced the rate of the first polar body extrusion. Our data indicate that KIF2A regulates the spindle assembly, asymmetric cytokinesis and the metaphase I-anaphase I transition in mouse oocyte.
TRPC3-GEF-H1 axis mediates pressure overload-induced cardiac fibrosis
Authors: Numaga-Tomita Takuro , Kitajima Naoyuki , Kuroda Takuya , Nishimura Akiyuki , Miyano Kei , Yasuda Satoshi , Kuwahara Koichiro , Sato Yoji , Ide Tomomi , Birnbaumer Lutz , Sumimoto Hideki , Mori Yasuo , Nishida Motohiro
Published: December 2016

Structural cardiac remodeling, accompanying cytoskeletal reorganization of cardiac cells, is a major clinical outcome of diastolic heart failure. A highly local Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane has been suggested to code signals to induce Rho GTPase-mediated fibrosis, but it is obscure how the heart specifically decodes the local Ca2+ influx as a cytoskeletal reorganizing signal under the conditions of the rhythmic Ca2+ handling required for pump function. We found that an inhibition of transient receptor potential canonical 3 (TRPC3) channel activity exhibited resistance to Rho-mediated maladaptive fibrosis in pressure-overloaded mouse hearts. Proteomic analysis revealed that microtubule-associated Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor, GEF-H1, participates in TRPC3-mediated RhoA activation induced by mechanical stress in cardiomyocytes and transforming growth factor (TGF) β stimulation in cardiac fibroblasts. We previously revealed that TRPC3 functionally interacts with microtubule-associated NADPH oxidase (Nox) 2, and inhibition of Nox2 attenuated mechanical stretch-induced GEF-H1 activation in cardiomyocytes. Finally, pharmacological TRPC3 inhibition significantly suppressed fibrotic responses in human cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts. These results strongly suggest that microtubule-localized TRPC3-GEF-H1 axis mediates fibrotic responses commonly in cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts induced by physico-chemical stimulation.
Ribavirin suppresses bacterial virulence by targeting LysR-type transcriptional regulators
Authors: Mandal Rahul Shubhra , Ta Atri , Sinha Ritam , Theeya Nagaraja , Ghosh Anirban , Tasneem Mohsina , Bhunia Anirban , Koley Hemanta , Das Santasabuj
Published: December 2016

Targeting bacterial virulence mechanisms without compromising bacterial growth is a promising strategy to prevent drug resistance. LysR-type transcriptional regulators (LTTRs) possess structural conservation across bacterial species and regulate virulence in numerous pathogens, making them attractive targets for antimicrobial agents. We targeted AphB, a Vibrio cholerae LTTR, which regulates the expression of genes encoding cholera toxin and toxin-co-regulated pilus for inhibitor designing. Since AphB ligand is unknown, we followed a molecular fragment-based approach for ligand designing using FDA-approved drugs and subsequent screen to identify molecules that exhibited high-affinity binding to AphB ligand-binding pocket. Among the identified compounds, ribavirin, an anti-viral drug, antagonized AphB functions. Ribavirin perturbed Vibrio cholerae pathogenesis in animal models. The inhibitory effects of the drug was limited to the bacteria expressing wild type AphB, but not its constitutively active mutant (AphBN100E), which represents the ligand-bound state, suggesting that ribavirin binds to the active site of AphB to exert its inhibitory role and there exists no AphB-independent mechanism of its action. Similarly, ribavirin suppressed the functions of Salmonella Typhi LTTR Hrg, indicating its broad spectrum efficacy. Moreover, ribavirin did not affect the bacterial viability in culture. This study cites an example of drug repurposing for anti-infective therapy.
Positional effects of fluorination in conjugated side chains on photovoltaic properties of donor–acceptor copolymers
Authors: Shin Jisoo , Kim Min , Lee Jaewon , Kim Heung Gyu , Hwang Hyeongjin , Cho Kilwon
Published: December 2016

The position at which conjugated side chains were fluorinated, the meta- or ortho-position in phenyl side chains, was varied to investigate the positional effects of fluorination on the energy levels, crystalline ordering, and photovoltaic properties of the polymers.
An ultrastable zirconium-phosphonate framework as bifunctional catalyst for highly active CO2chemical transformation
Authors: Gao Chao-Ying , Ai Jing , Tian Hong-Rui , Wu Dai , Sun Zhong-Ming
Published: December 2016

An ultrastable zirconium phosphonate as bifunctional catalyst for a CO2/epoxide coupling reaction exhibits considerably higher activity than most documented MOF catalysts.
Copper(i)-catalysed transfer hydrogenations with ammonia borane
Authors: Korytiaková Eva , Thiel Niklas O. , Pape Felix , Teichert Johannes F.
Published: December 2016

Highly Z-selective alkyne transfer semihydrogenations and conjugate transfer hydrogenations of enoates can be effected by employing a readily available copper(i)/N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complex, [IPrCuOH], in combination with ammonia borane as a H2 equivalent.
The wet synthesis and quantification of ligand-free sub-nanometric Au clusters in solid matrices
Authors: Oliver-Meseguer Judit , Dominguez Irene , Gavara Rafael , Doménech-Carbó Antonio , González-Calbet J. M. , Leyva-Pérez Antonio , Corma Avelino
Published: December 2016

Ligand-free, solid-supported, sub-nanometric Au clusters are prepared on a large scale with a >15% yield, according to an analytical reaction test.
Intrinsic blinking of red fluorescent proteins for super-resolution microscopy
Authors: Klementieva Natalia V. , Pavlikov Anton I. , Moiseev Alexander A. , Bozhanova Nina G. , Mishina Natalie M. , Lukyanov Sergey A. , Zagaynova Elena V. , Lukyanov Konstantin A. , Mishin Alexander S.
Published: December 2016

Blinking of some RFPs in live untreated cells can be used to reconstruct super-resolved images.
Silver-catalysed tandem hydroamination and cyclization of 2-trifluoromethyl-1,3-enynes with primary amines: modular entry to 4-trifluoromethyl-3-pyrrolines
Authors: Zhou Xiaofan , Huang Chaoqian , Zeng Yu , Xiong Jiarui , Xiao Yuanjing , Zhang Junliang
Published: December 2016

A highly efficient AgNO3-catalyzed tandem intermolecular hydroamination and cyclization reaction of 2-trifluoromethyl-1,3-enynes with primary amines leading to 4-trifluoromethyl-3-pyrrolines under mild conditions was developed.
Pentagonal five-center four-electron π bond in ternary B3N2H5 cluster: an extension of the concept of three-center four-electron ω bond
Authors: Li Da-Zhi , Feng Lin-Yan , Pei Ling , Zhang Li-Juan , Wu Shu-Guo , Zhai Hua-Jin
Published: December 2016

Ternary B3N2H5 (C2v, 1A1) cluster has a heteroatomic B3N2 ring, with 4π electrons in a robust bonding/nonbonding combination, which is proposed as a five-center four-electron o-bond.
Detection of a higher energy isomer of the CO–N2O van der Waals complex and determination of two of its intermolecular frequencies
Authors: Barclay A. J. , Lauzin C. , Sheybani-Deloui S. , Michaelian K. H. , Moazzen-Ahmadi N.
Published: December 2016

Infrared spectra in the carbon monoxide CO stretch region (∼2150 cm−1) and in the ν3 asymmetric stretch region of N2O (∼2223 cm−1) are assigned to the previously unobserved O-bonded form of the CO–N2O dimer (“isomer 2”).
The synthesis of three new Cu5, Cu8 and Cu12 clusters via the use of a semi-flexible aminotriazine-based bis-methylpyridine ligand
Authors: Chiang Chun-Hung , Tzeng Yen-Wen , Yang Chen-I. , Nakano Motohiro , Wan Wun-Long , Lai Long-Li , Lee Gene-Hsiang
Published: December 2016

The use of a semi-flexible aminotriazine-based bis-methylpyridine ligand afforded three new Cu5, Cu8 and Cu12 complexes.
Half-sandwich complexes of iridium and ruthenium containing cysteine-derived ligands
Authors: Carmona María , Rodríguez Ricardo , Lahoz Fernando J. , García-Orduña Pilar , Cativiela Carlos , López José A. , Carmona Daniel
Published: December 2016

Modified cysteines display five distinct coordination modes towards (C5Me5)Ir and (η6-p-MeC6H4iPr)Ru moieties. From spectroscopic and crystallographic data, the absolute configuration of the resulting chiral compounds has been established.
Access to cross-linked chitosans by exploiting CO2 and the double solvent-catalytic effect of ionic liquids
Authors: Mezzetta Andrea , Guazzelli Lorenzo , Chiappe Cinzia
Published: December 2016

Fist synthesis of ureido cross-linked chitosans employing the CO2–chitosan–ionic liquid three component system as a way to prepare new biomaterials.
Positive variation of the MRI signal via intramolecular inclusion complexation of a C-2 functionalized β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Zgani I. , Idriss H. , Barbot C. , Djedaïni-Pilard F. , Petit S. , Hubert-Roux M. , Estour F. , Gouhier G.
Published: December 2016

The synthesis of a contrast agent based on a β-cyclodextrin is reported. An enhancement of relaxivity in the presence of an intramolecular inclusion complex is observed.
Chiral anion-triggered helical poly(ionic liquids)
Authors: Pothanagandhi Nellepalli , Sivaramakrishna Akella , Vijayakrishna Kari
Published: December 2016

Anion-triggered chirality and helicity in PILs.
Finding Answers Regarding the 2 R's of Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPA) Supervision: Regulations and Recommendations
Authors: Aguilar Sara M. , Ostergren Jennifer A.
Published: December 2016

The use of support personnel has the potential to help alleviate the national shortage of speech-language pathologists (SLPs). However, ensuring the proper use of support personnel can be challenging for supervisors due to differences in the regulations and requirements pertaining to speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs). The purpose of this article is to review current regulations and recommendations regarding the supervision and use of support personnel in the field of speech-language pathology. Findings suggest that there are significant national variations in SLPA requirements. Supervisors can approach supervision by first investigating their state/local regulations regarding SLPAs and then familiarize themselves with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's (ASHA's) recommendations (which are highlighted in this article) for further guidance and clarification in this area. In light of the national inconsistencies in SLPA requirements, SLPAs and their supervisors are encouraged to advocate for more resources and to explore the concept of national standards as a possible way to address critical issues impacting the work of SLPAs and their supervisors.
Decompressive Craniectomy (DC) - Comparative Study of 30-Day Mortality in Surgeries of Severe Brain Trauma with Subdural Hematoma, with and without DC
Authors: Bonadio Lucas , Mello Luis , Haas Leandro , Boer Vitor , Bernardes Celso , Lara Danielle , Cabral Filipe , Peres Gabriel , Lindner Stephanie
Published: December 2016

Objective Compare 30 days mortality of patients harboring acute subdural hematomas in two series, one treated only by wide aspiration of hematoma and other with aspiration followed by decompressive craniectomy.

Methods Comparing retrospectively two series of ASD with and without DC. Involved 81 TBI patients with acute subdural hematoma and GCS ≤ 8 (Jan 2000 to Nov 2014) arranged into two groups. Group 1 - 58 cases underwent to DC. Group 2 - 23 patients underwent only hematoma aspiration.

Results Group 1 showed 44.8% mortality directly due to brain lesion within 30 days. The most frequent associated lesion were contusion in 37.2%. Group 2 the mortality within 30 days was 47.8%. The majority of deaths (82%) resulted from uncontrollable brain swelling, midline shift was present in 94.7% of patients.

Conclusion High admission GCS and age less than 50 remain better outcome predictor in 30 days survival for patients undergoing surgery of traumatic ASDH.
Kundenorientierung und Qualität im Krankenhaus – ein Paradigmenwechsel ist unverzichtbar!
Authors: Hellmann Wolfgang
Published: December 2016

Zielsetzung Bereitstellung von Anregungen für Krankenhäuser für eine neue Sicht auf Kundenorientierung und Qualität und Präsentation einer Konzeption für die Realisierung

Die Rahmenbedingungen für das Krankenhaus haben sich verändert. Neue Patienten- und Mitarbeiterklientele, der zunehmende Frauenanteil und knappe Finanzen sind zentrale Herausforderungen für das Krankenhausmanagement.

Eine ausschließliche Fokussierung auf die Bedürfnisse der Patienten ist deshalb nicht mehr zielführend. Es gilt auch die Bedürfnisse von Mitarbeitern und Einweisern angemessen zu erfüllen. Dies kann nur über eine neue Sicht von Qualität auf der Grundlage enger Zusammenarbeit aller Beteiligten im Krankenhaus gelingen.

Methodik Theoretische Überlegungen zu mehr Kundenorientierung und Qualität in Krankenhäusern im Kontext einschlägiger Literaturangaben anderer Autoren

Die gegenwärtige Ausrichtung auf die Ergebnisqualität (eindimensionale Qualität) reicht nicht aus. Qualität im Krankenhaus muss mehr sein als Ergebnisqualität. Sie muss einschließen die Interessen von Mitarbeitern und Kooperationspartnern, die Strukturqualität, die Prozessqualität, die Managementqualität und die Wirtschaftlichkeit (multidimensionale Qualität). Die Sicherung multidimensionaler Qualität erfolgt durch das hausinterne Qualitätsmanagement. Es schafft die Basis für einen Paradigmenwechsel in der Gewährleistung von Ergebnisqualität nach dem Prinzip: Erst das interne Qualitätsmanagement, dann die externe Qualitätssicherung!

Ergebnisse Vorstellung eines Konzepts zur Implementierung übergreifender Kundenorientierung auf der Grundlage einer multidimensionalen Qualitätsperspektive.

Differenzierung von Kundenorientierung und Qualität, Beschreibung von multidimensionaler Qualität und kooperativer Kundenorientierung, Überlegungen zur Optimierung der Zusammenarbeit im Krankenhaus.

Schlussfolgerung Der vorgestellte Ansatz trifft eine Lücke.

Ein vergleichbares Konzept zur Implementierung erweiterter Kundenorientierung und Qualität gibt es bisher nach Wissen des Autors in Deutschland nicht.
A molecular theory of the structural dynamics of protein induced by a perturbation
Authors: Hirata Fumio
Published: December 2016

An equation to describe the structural dynamics of protein molecule induced by a perturbation such as a photo-excitation is derived based on the linear response theory, which reads 𝐑α(t)=𝐑α(t=∞)−1kBT∑γ⟨Δ𝐑α(t)Δ𝐑γ⟩eq(0)⋅𝐟γ(0). In the equation, α and γ distinguish atoms in protein, 𝐟γ(0) denotes a perturbation at time t = 0, 𝐑α(t) the average position (or structure) of protein atom α at time t after the perturbation being applied, and 𝐑a(t=∞) the position at t=∞. ⟨Δ𝐑α(t)Δ𝐑γ⟩eq(0) is a response function in which Δ𝐑α(t) is the fluctuation of atom α at time t in the equilibrium system. The perturbation is defined in terms of the free energy difference between perturbed and unperturbed equilibrium-states, which includes interactions between solute and solvent as well as those among solvent molecules in a renormalized manner. The response function signifies the time evolution of the variance-covariance matrix of the structural fluctuation for the unperturbed system. A theory to evaluate the response function ⟨Δ𝐑α(t)Δ𝐑γ⟩eq(0) is also proposed based on the Kim-Hirata theory for the structural fluctuation of protein [B. Kim and F. Hirata, J. Chem. Phys. 138, 054108 (2013)]. The problem reduces to a simple eigenvalue problem for a matrix which includes the friction and the second derivative of the free energy surface of protein with respect to its atomic coordinates.
Performance of a nonempirical density functional on molecules and hydrogen-bonded complexes
Authors: Mo Yuxiang , Tian Guocai , Car Roberto , Staroverov Viktor N. , Scuseria Gustavo E. , Tao Jianmin
Published: December 2016

Recently, Tao and Mo derived a meta-generalized gradient approximation functional based on a model exchange-correlation hole. In this work, the performance of this functional is assessed on standard test sets, using the 6-311++G(3df,3pd) basis set. These test sets include 223 G3/99 enthalpies of formation, 99 atomization energies, 76 barrier heights, 58 electron affinities, 8 proton affinities, 96 bond lengths, 82 harmonic vibrational frequencies, 10 hydrogen-bonded molecular complexes, and 22 atomic excitation energies. Our calculations show that the Tao-Mo functional can achieve high accuracy for most properties considered, relative to the local spin-density approximation, Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof, and Tao-Perdew-Staroverov-Scuseria functionals. In particular, it yields the best accuracy for proton affinities, harmonic vibrational frequencies, hydrogen-bond dissociation energies and bond lengths, and atomic excitation energies.
A conceptual framework for habitat use and research priorities for the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) in the north of Western Australia
Authors: Cramer Viki A. , Dziminski Martin A. , Southgate Richard , Carpenter Fiona M. , Ellis Ryan J. , van Leeuwen Stephen
Published: December 2016

Little is known of the area of occupancy, extent of occurrence, abundance, density or habitat use of the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) in the north of Western Australia. To seek broad collaborative agreement on a research agenda, the Western Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife hosted a workshop where research priorities were identified through a facilitated process. Five key areas for future research effort were identified: (1) refine survey methods, (2) improve understanding of habitat use, (3) improve understanding of the genetic structure of (meta)populations, (4) improve understanding of the threat posed by introduced predators and herbivores, and (5) improve understanding of how fire regimes affect bilby conservation. A conceptual model describing the main landscape components thought to be influencing distribution is used to reconcile existing knowledge, link research priorities for the bilby in the north of Western Australia, and guide the development of an integrated program of research. The broad nature of the priorities reflects the limited knowledge of bilbies in the north of the state; however, this research program provides an opportunity to increase knowledge to enact both species- and ecosystem-focused approaches to conservation, and potentially contributes towards the implementation of more dynamic conservation approaches for mobile species.
Atmospheric short-chain-chlorinated paraffins in Melbourne, Australia – first extensive Southern Hemisphere observations
Authors: Gillett Robert W. , Galbally Ian E. , Keywood Melita D. , Powell Jennifer C. , Stevenson Gavin , Yates Alan , Borgen Anders R.
Published: December 2016

Environmental contextThis study presents the first comprehensive set of ambient atmospheric concentrations of short-chain-chlorinated paraffins in the Southern Hemisphere. The data show a seasonal cycle with a summer maximum and a winter minimum. The seasonal cycle is consistent with temperature dependence of the vapour pressure of the short-chain-chlorinated paraffins resulting in partitioning between the atmosphere and other reservoirs with a secondary modulation by soil moisture.
AbstractThe first extensive measurements of short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) in the atmosphere of the Southern Hemisphere are presented. The analytical and sampling methodologies used in this Australian study were verified by systematic testing along with two inter-comparisons with Northern Hemisphere laboratories with established SCCP programs. In the ambient atmosphere of Melbourne, Australia, in 2013–14, there was a clear seasonal cycle in SCCP monthly averaged concentrations, these ranging from 28.4ng m–3 in summer to 1.8ng m–3 in winter. Air temperature was the factor most closely related to the seasonal cycle in SCCPs in Melbourne. The average SCCP concentrations observed indoors were less than those observed outdoors. Atmospheric concentrations of SCCPs in Melbourne are more than two orders of magnitude higher than concentrations in the background atmosphere. Surprisingly, the SCCP concentrations in Melbourne are similar to those observed in cities in Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom, and less than those observed in China. Direct transport of SCCPs in the atmosphere from the Northern Hemisphere emissions to Melbourne is ruled out. Instead elevated concentrations in the Melbourne air-shed are most likely a result of the long-term import of SCCPs as industrial chemicals and within manufactured materials from the Northern Hemisphere so that the use of SCCPs in Melbourne and their consequent release to the environment has produced environmental reservoirs of SCCPs in Melbourne that are comparable with those in some Northern Hemisphere cities. The increase in SCCP concentrations from winter to summer is consistent with the temperature dependence of partitioning of SCCPs between the atmosphere and other reservoirs. Insufficient information exists on SCCP use and its presence in soils and sediments in Australia to indicate whether the atmospheric presence of SCCPs in Melbourne is a legacy issue due to its import and use as a metal cutting agent in past decades or due to ongoing imports of manufactured materials containing SCCPs today.
Interaction between flaming and smouldering in hot-particle ignition of forest fuels and effects of moisture and wind
Authors: Wang Supan , Huang Xinyan , Chen Haixiang , Liu Naian
Published: December 2016

Ignition of natural fuels by hot metal particles from powerlines, welding and mechanical processes may initiate wildfires. In this work, a hot steel spherical particle (6–14 mm and 600–1100°C) was dropped onto pine needles with a fuel moisture content (FMC) of 6–32% and wind speed of 0–4 m s–1. Several ignition phenomena including direct flaming, smouldering and smouldering-to-flaming transition were observed. The critical particle temperature for sustained ignition was found to decrease with the particle size (d) and increase with FMC as (°C), and the maximum heating efficiency of particle was found to be . As the particle size increases, the influence of FMC becomes weaker. The flaming ignition delay times for both direct flaming and smouldering-to-flaming transition were measured, and decreased with particle temperature and wind speed, but increased with FMC. The proposed heat-transfer analysis explains the ignition limit and delay time, and suggests that the hot particle acts as both heating and pilot sources like a small flame for direct flaming ignition, but only acts as a heating source for smouldering. This study deepens the fundamental understanding of hot-particle ignition, and may help provide a first step to understanding the mechanism behind firebrand ignition.
Instrumental and cultural considerations in constructing European identity among ethnic minority groups in Lithuania in a generational perspective
Authors: Waechter Natalia
Published: December 2016

Research on European identity focuses mainly on majority populations in Western European countries without differentiating among specific population groups and generations, and, above all, disregarding ethnic minority groups living in Central and Eastern Europe. This paper addresses this gap by investigating the development of European identity among three ethnic minority groups in Lithuania: Belarusians, Poles, and Russians. Theoretically, the project is based on the instrumental approach, which argues that European identity is closely related to perceived benefits from “being European,” and on the cultural approach, which holds a common history, ancestry, and culture responsible for the development of European identity. Existing research has, above all, emphasized the importance of instrumental considerations. Analyzing qualitative interviews collected in the FP7 research project “ENRI-East,” the paper compares how young and adult members of ethnic minority groups construct European identity due to “instrumental” and “cultural” considerations. The results show that both instrumental and cultural considerations are relevant and further development of European identity depends on which age group or ethnic minority group an individual belongs to.
A new voice: translating medical questionnaires
Authors: Povoroznyuk Roksolana , Dzerovych Nataliia , Povoroznyuk Vladyslav
Published: December 2016

Medical translation is performed as a series of collaborative efforts from doctors and professional translators. Very often the results of their collaboration are medical questionnaires intended for patients. Medical survey instruments have proved their worth as reliable tools of a considerable predictive value, though their translation requires a specific methodology due to a culture-bound character of the material. Equivalence of the original and translated texts, translation quality, and the respondents’ ultimate satisfaction with the surveying practice depend to a great extent upon the degree of translator’s cultural competence, health literacy, and his/her awareness of the pragmatic and communicative aspects of translation. The task of producing and validating an accurate and fluently translated Ukrainian version of a disease-specific health-related quality-of-life instrument is exemplified by the IOF’s 1-min risk test, a 10-item questionnaire, designed to evaluate the likelihood of developing osteoporosis.
Recent development of collective Thomson scattering for magnetically confined fusion plasmas
Authors: Nielsen S K , Michelsen P K , Hansen S K , Korsholm S B , Leipold F , Rasmussen J , Salewski M , Schubert M , Stejner M , Stober J , Wagner D
Published: December 2016

Here we review recent experimental developments within the field of collective Thomson scattering with a focus on the progress made on the devices TEXTOR and ASDEX Upgrade. We discuss recently discovered possibilities and limitations of the diagnostic technique. Diagnostic applications with respect to ion measurements are demonstrated. Examples include measurements of the ion temperature, energetic ion distribution function, and the ion composition.
Epidemiology of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Network of Long-Term Acute Care Hospitals
Authors: Han Jennifer H. , Goldstein Ellie J.C. , Wise Jacqueleen , Bilker Warren B. , Tolomeo Pam , Lautenbach Ebbing
Published: December 2016

Background.

The rapid emergence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) represents a major public health threat, including in the long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) setting. Our objective in this study was to describe the epidemiologic characteristics of CRKP in a network of US LTACHs.

Methods.

An observational study was performed among 64 LTACHs from January 2014 to March 2015. Clinical cultures were included, with the first CRKP isolate recovered from each patient per study quarter evaluated. LTACH and geographic area–based CRKP prevalence and clinical and microbiologic characteristics were described.

Results.

A total of 3846 K. pneumoniae cultures were identified, with an overall carbapenem resistance rate of 24.6%. There were significant differences in CRKP rates across geographic regions, with the highest in the West (42.2%). Of 946 CRKP isolates, 507 (53.6%) were from a respiratory source, 350 (37.0%) from a urinary source, and 9 (9.4%) from blood. Among 821 unique patients with CRKP colonization or infection, the median age was 73 years. There was a high prevalence of respiratory failure (39.8%) and the presence of a central venous catheter (50.9%) or tracheostomy (64.8%). Resistance rates of CRKP isolates were high for amikacin (59.2%) and fluoroquinolones (>97%). The resistance rate to colistin/polymyxin B was 16.1%.

Conclusions.

Nearly 25% of K. pneumoniae clinical isolates in a US network of LTACHs were CRKP. Expansion of national surveillance efforts and improved communication among LTACHs and acute care hospitals will be critical for reducing the continued emergence of CRKP across the healthcare continuum.
Plant and Human MORC Proteins Have DNA-Modifying Activities Similar to Type II Topoisomerases, but Require One or More Additional Factors for Full Activity
Authors: Manohar Murli , Choi Hyong Woo , Manosalva Patricia , Austin Caroline A. , Peters Joseph E. , Klessig Daniel F.
Published: December 2016

To elucidate one or more mechanisms through which microrchidia (MORC) proteins impact immunity, epigenetic gene silencing, and DNA modifications, the enzymatic activities of plant MORCs were characterized. Previously, we showed that plant MORC1s have ATPase and DNA endonuclease activities. Here, we demonstrate that plant MORCs have topoisomerase type II (topo II)-like activities, as they i) covalently bind DNA, ii) exhibit DNA-stimulated ATPase activity, iii) relax or nick supercoiled DNA, iv) catenate DNA, and v) decatenante kinetoplast DNA. Mutational analysis of tomato SlMORC1 suggests that a K loop-like sequence is required to couple DNA binding to ATPase stimulation as well as for efficient SlMORC1’s DNA relaxation and catenation activities and in planta suppression of INF1-induced cell death, which is related to immunity. Human MORCs were found to exhibit the same topo II-like DNA modification activities as their plant counterparts. In contrast to typical topo IIs, SlMORC1 appears to require one or more accessory factors to complete some of its enzymatic activities, since addition of tomato extracts were needed for ATP-dependent, efficient conversion of supercoiled DNA to nicked/relaxed DNA and catenanes and for formation of topoisomer intermediates. Both plant and human MORCs bind salicylic acid; this suppresses their decatenation but not relaxation activity.
The Lolium Pathotype of Magnaporthe oryzae Recovered from a Single Blasted Wheat Plant in the United States
Authors: Farman Mark , Peterson Gary , Chen Li , Starnes John , Valent Barbara , Bachi Paul , Murdock Lloyd , Hershman Don , Pedley Kerry , Fernandes J. Mauricio , Bavaresco Jorge
Published: December 2016

Wheat blast is a devastating disease that was first identified in Brazil and has subsequently spread to surrounding countries in South America. In May 2011, disease scouting in a University of Kentucky wheat trial plot in Princeton, KY identified a single plant with disease symptoms that differed from the Fusarium head blight that was present in surrounding wheat. The plant in question bore a single diseased head that was bleached yellow from a point about one-third up the rachis to the tip. A gray mycelial mass was observed at the boundary of the healthy tissue and microscopic examination of this material revealed pyriform spores consistent with a Magnaporthe sp. The pathogen was subsequently identified as Magnaporthe oryzae through amplification and sequencing of molecular markers, and genome sequencing revealed that the U.S. wheat blast isolate was most closely related to an M. oryzae strain isolated from annual ryegrass in 2002 and quite distantly related to M. oryzae strains causing wheat blast in South America. The suspect isolate was pathogenic to wheat, as indicated by growth chamber inoculation tests. We conclude that this first occurrence of wheat blast in the United States was most likely caused by a strain that evolved from an endemic Lolium-infecting pathogen and not by an exotic introduction from South America. Moreover, we show that M. oryzae strains capable of infecting wheat have existed in the United States for at least 16 years. Finally, evidence is presented that the environmental conditions in Princeton during the spring of 2011 were unusually conducive to the early production of blast inoculum.
Severity of Scab and its Effects on Fruit Weight in Mechanically Hedge-Pruned and Topped Pecan Trees
Authors: Bock Clive H. , Hotchkiss Michael W. , Brenneman Tim B. , Stevenson Katherine L. , Goff William D. , Smith Michael W. , Wells Lenny , Wood Bruce W.
Published: December 2016

Scab is the most damaging disease of pecan in the southeastern United States. Pecan trees can attain 44 m in height, so managing disease in the upper canopy is a problem. Fungicide is ordinarily applied using ground-based air-blast sprayers. Although mechanical hedge-pruning and topping of pecan is done for several reasons, improved management of scab is an important reason in the humid, wet Southeast. Resulting shoot growth on cut limbs of susceptible cultivars could lead to more severe scab. In three experiments over three years, we explored the effect of hedge-pruning trees to ∼12 to 14 m compared with non-hedge-pruned trees. All trees received fungicide treatments (air-blast sprays and ≤3 aerial applications). Hedge-pruning either had no effect, or increased or decreased scab severity only slightly on leaflets, immature, or mature fruit (a –9.95 to +14.63% difference in scab severity compared with the control). However, height in the canopy invariably had a large and significant effect on scab severity, and amounted to a 0.05 to 73.77% difference in severity between the lowest and highest sample in the canopy. Fruit weight depended on sample height, with fruit most often weighing less when collected at greater sample heights. A robust relationship between fruit weight and scab severity was found at the highest sample heights where scab was also most often severe (R2= 0.21 to 0.67, P < 0.0001). Hedge-pruning and topping pecan tree canopies to manage tree size will enable better fungicide coverage, reducing risk of a scab epidemic as more of the canopy is assured efficacious fungicide spray coverage.
Cat-bite-induced Francisella tularensis infection with a false-positive serological reaction for Bartonella quintana
Authors: Petersson Evelina , Athlin Simon
Published: December 2016

Introduction. Tularaemia is caused by infection with Francisella tularensistransmitted via direct contact with an infected hare carcass or indirectly through the bites of vectors, but may be cat-bite-associated as well. Medical history and reliable diagnostic analysis are important in order to differentiate it from other cat-associated infections, e.g. Bartonella spp.

Case presentation. A healthy 56-year-old man was examined because of a cat-bite-associated ulceroglandular wound on his right thumb. Nineteen days after the cat bite occurred, a serology test was positive for anti-Bartonella quintana, but negative for anti-F. tularensis. Since Bartonella infections are rare in Sweden, another serology test was analysed 2 weeks later with a positive result for anti-F. tularensis. The patient was treated with doxycycline for 14 days and recovered. The patient was re-sampled after 18 months to obtain a convalescent sample. The acute and the convalescent samples were both analysed at a reference centre, with negative results for anti-Bartonella spp. this time.

Conclusion. This case is enlightening about the importance of extending the medical history and re-sampling the patient for antibody detection when the clinical suspicion of cat-bite-associated tularaemia is high. The false-positive result for anti-B. quintana antibodies may have been due to technical issues with the assay, cross-reactivity or both.
Structurally distinct oligomers of islet amyloid polypeptide mediate toxic and non-toxic membrane poration
Authors: Birol Melissa , Kumar Sunil , Rhoades Elizabeth , Miranker Andrew D.
Published: December 2016

Peptide mediated gain-of-toxic function is central to pathology in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and diabetes. In each system, self-assembly into oligomers is observed and can also result in poration of artificial membranes. Structural requirements for poration and the relationship of structure to cytotoxicity is unaddressed. Here, we focus on islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) mediated loss of insulin secreting cells in diabetics. Newly developed methods enable structure-function inquiry to focus on intracellular oligomers composed of hundreds of IAPP. The key insights are that porating oligomers are internally dynamic, grow in discrete steps and are not canonical amyloid. Moreover, two class of pores coexist; an IAPP-specific ligand establishes that only one is cytotoxic. Toxic rescue occurs by stabilizing non-toxic poration without displacing IAPP from mitochondria. These insights illuminate cytotoxic mechanism in diabetes and also provide a generalizable approach for inquiry applicable to other partially ordered protein assemblies.

Highlights

The peptide amyloid precursor, IAPP, forms two classes of membrane porating oligomers.

The two classes have a >100-fold difference in pore size with the large pore form correlated with mitochondrial depolarization and toxicity.

A drug-like molecule distinguishes between the two oligomer classes and rescues toxicity by stabilizing non-toxic poration without displacing IAPP from the mitochondria.

The mechanism of pore-forming oligomer assembly includes stepwise coalescence of smaller, dynamic assemblies.
Žižekian ideas in critical reflection
Authors: Wall Tony
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how deeper psychosocial structures can be examined utilising a contemporary provocative theory within workplace reflection to generate more radical insights and innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper outlines a provocative theory and then presents case examples of how deeper structures can be examined at the micro, meso and macro levels.

Findings

Deeper psychosocial structures are the forces that keep the status quo firmly in place, but deeper examination of these structures enable radical insights and therefore the possibility of innovation.

Research limitations/implications

Deep psychosocial structures shape and constitute daily action, and so work-based and practitioner researchers can be tricked into thinking they have identified new ways of working, but may be demonstrating the same workplace behaviours/outcomes. Workplace behaviours, including emotional responses to apparent change, are key indicators of deeper structures.

Practical implications

Ideas and processes for examining deeper structures can be integrated into daily reflective practices by individuals, within organisational processes, and wider, system processes. However, because deeper structures can appear in different forms, we can be tricked into reproducing old structures.

Social implications

Examining deeper structures increases the possibilities for more radical insights into workplace structures, and therefore, how to potentially mobilise innovations which may better serve people and planet.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to examine the work of Slavoj Žižek in the context of work-based learning.
Future proofing of tourism entrepreneurship in Oman: challenges and prospects
Authors: Khan Firdouse Rahman , Krishnamurthy Jayashree
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the various factors that inhibit tourism student’s inclination toward tourism-related entrepreneurial activities in Oman.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted with 223 students of tourism studies who were selected on simple random sampling basis and were contacted through a well-defined questionnaire.

Findings

The study reveals that the factors like non-discrimination of gender, promotion opportunities and physical working conditions play a crucial role in motivating students to take up tourism-related career. The empirical results also reveal that the high risk of accidents, non-tourism spouse preferences and Omani traditional values discourage tourism. Thus, a natural growth toward setting up of such tourism-related entrepreneurial activities is thwarted.

Research limitations/implications

The study was restricted to undergraduate students of tourism studies in and around Muscat, Oman. The study could be extended to know the insight of the personnel involved in the entire tourism sector in Oman.

Practical implications

The study demonstrates that there is a strong association between the motivating factors and the various reasons that encourage studying tourism. The main factors impeding entrepreneurship tourism are the insufficiency of capital, lack of awareness about the ongoing programmes as well as the lack of entrepreneurial skills.

Social implications

There exists necessity for the government and the related sponsoring institutions to create an ecosystem that facilitates and encourages tourism entrepreneurs. This will in turn help in the process of diversifying Oman’s future economy toward tourism.

Originality/value

Very few studies have examined the entrepreneurship tourism in Oman for sustainable development, and it is a first-hand study of its kind.
The Crisis of German Social Democracy Revisited
Authors: Dostal Jörg Michael
Published: December 2016

This article analyses the dramatic electoral decline of German social democracy since 2003. It argues that the SPD's decision, under the leadership of former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, to engage in welfare state retrenchment and labour market deregulation during the ‘Hartz reforms’ (2003–05) demoralised the SPD electorate. The SPD subsequently lost half of its former electoral coalition, namely blue‐collar voters and socially disadvantaged groups, while efforts to gain access to centrist and middle‐class voters have failed to produce any compensating gains. While the SPD's decline from a large to a mid‐sized party is part of a larger transformation of the German party system, no political recovery is possible for social democracy without a fundamental change of strategy, namely efforts to regain former voters by offering credible social welfare and redistributive policies. The SPD will not be able to delegate such policies in a ‘convoy model’ to other parties, such as the Left Party; nor will a modest ‘correction’ of the earlier course, such as has been attempted since 2009 under the leadership of current party chairman Sigmar Gabriel, be sufficient to recover lost electoral ground.
Dilemmas and Disappointments: Progressive Politics 1896–2016
Authors: Morgan Kenneth O.
Published: December 2016

Attempts at a Labour–Liberal Democrat Progressive Alliance came to nothing prior to the 1997 general election. The original idea of progressivism, first mooted in Britain in 1896, was an American one. Suggestions for a progressive alliance in the UK came from Lloyd George in 1914, and then again in 1931, each time with little effect. Nothing emerged after 1945 until the Lib–Lab pact negotiated by Callaghan and Steel in 1977, which led to electoral misfortune for both and the rise and fall of the SDP. In 2010 a coalition between the Lib Dems (under Clegg) and the Conservatives was always much the more likely option. Most Labour people no longer saw the Lib Dems as a party of the left. The Coalition Agreement in 2010 showed the idea of an alliance to be a centrist, elitist one with little grass‐roots support. Such an alliance would flourish through abstract pressure groups rather than popular democracy, especially with a Labour party led by Corbyn. In the US and the UK, progressivism went badly wrong in its politics: Theodore Roosevelt's New Nationalist campaign of 1912 divided American reformers fatally, as did Lloyd George's postwar Coalition in Britain after 1918. Now, even after Brexit, a progressive alliance seems further away than ever. The story of the ‘Progressive Dilemma’ remains one of unrealistic projects, invariably disappointed.
Where Do We Go from Here?
Authors: Rutherford Jonathan
Published: December 2016

The left needs a fundamental rethinking of its politics for a new era. The first task is to understand the contemporary conjuncture: the dynamic combination of events and circumstances which structure a political settlement. Two such conjunctures have occurred in recent history. The first produced the postwar welfare settlement of 1945, which broke down in the economic crisis of the 1970s. The second took shape in the 1980s around the revival of liberal market economics and what became known as Thatcherism. It failed following the 2008 financial crash, and has begun to break apart with the vote to leave the EU. New political and cultural faultlines are confounding the orthodoxies of the governing class and cutting across the partisan loyalties of the main political parties. They herald the renewal of politics. But Labour is on the edge of an abyss. This article considers what the left can learn from Labour's previous periods of defeat and revisionism, and suggests where—if it survives—it should go next.
Signposts to the 2020s
Authors: Hain Peter
Published: December 2016

Unless Labour in tandem with other parties of the parliamentary left offers a modernised Keynesian alternative to the neoliberal economic policies of austerity embraced across Europe, there is no prospect of winning again or defeating the right‐wing populism eating into our voter base.