bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family characteristics and parents' and children's health behaviour are associated with public health nurses' concerns at children's health examinations
Authors: Poutiainen Hannele , Hakulinen Tuovi , Mäki Päivi , Laatikainen Tiina
Published: September 2016

The study aimed to establish whether family characteristics and the health behaviour and illnesses of parents and children are associated with public health nurses' (PHNs') concerns about children's physical health and psychosocial development in the context of health examinations. Factors affecting children's health and well‐being should be identified as early as possible to provide children and families appropriate support. In 2007–2009, a cross‐sectional study in Finland collected information about PHNs' concerns, children's health and well‐being as well as the background factors affecting them during health examinations of preschool‐age children and school‐aged children (n = 4795). Associations between family characteristics, parents' and children's behaviour and diseases, and PHNs' concerns were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Overweight in children, the long‐term illnesses of both children and parents, and parental smoking were the factors most strongly associated with PHNs' concerns about a child's physical health whereas non‐nuclear family types, the father's low educational level and unemployment, the child's lack of sleep, and bullying were associated with concerns about the child's psychosocial development. The connections found demonstrate that health examinations should address factors that affect the whole family's well‐being so as to comprehensively promote children's health, growth and development.
Experiences of violence, burnout and job satisfaction in Korean nurses in the emergency medical centre setting
Authors: Yoon Hee Sook , Sok Sohyune R
Published: September 2016

The aim of this study was to examine the experience of violence in relation to burnout and job satisfaction in Korean nurses in the emergency medical centre setting. Participants were 236 nurses in the emergency medical centre setting of three metropolitan areas in Korea. Measures included a general characteristics form, characteristics related to experiences of violence, the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. Data were collected from June 2013 to February 2014. In the prediction model, 33.4% of burnout was explained and 35.7% for job satisfaction. The greatest influence on burnout was handling violence, followed by verbal abuse. The greatest influence on job satisfaction was physical threat, followed by handling violence. The study shows that burnout and job satisfaction of Korean nurses in the emergency medical centre setting are related to experiences of violence such as verbal abuse, physical threat and physical violence, as well as handling violence.
Effects of a Collaborative Problem‐Solving Approach on an Inpatient Adolescent Psychiatric Unit
Authors: Ercole‐Fricke Eugenia , Fritz Paul , Hill Linda E. , Snelders Jill
Published: September 2016

OBJECTIVE

Effects of collaborative problem‐solving (CPS) approaches on an inpatient adolescent psychiatric unit were investigated during this study, modeling Dr. Ross Greene's CPS theory, which considers that cognitive deficits are associated with adolescent behavioral dysfunction; his research, treatment, and subsequent results on similar units were notably successful.

PROBLEM

The staff viewed prestudy, negative behavior modification and resultant punitive consequences as culturally acceptable. New York State's Office of Mental Health (OMH) disapproved these strategies, necessitating cultural transformation and alteration of routine responses to patients’ maladaptive behaviors.

METHOD

The study incorporates quantitative, comparative, quasi‐experimental design, utilizing retrospective staff surveys and hospital medical records to compare behavioral outcomes and staff perceptions during pre‐ and post‐training phases of this 5‐year study.

RESULTS

A significant decrease in punitive strategies and techniques (p = .001), reduction in behaviors related to the need for restraints, and significant decline in self‐inflicted injury (p = .005), length of stay (p = .001), and need for security staff involvement (p = .001) were noted.
Mitochondrial toxicity and caspase activation in HIV pregnant women
Authors: Hernandez Sandra , Moren Constanza , Catalán‐García Marc , Lopez Marta , Guitart‐Mampel Mariona , Coll Oriol , Garcia Laura , Milisenda Jose , Justamante Angela , Gatell Josep Maria , Cardellach Francesc , Gratacos Eduard , Miro Òscar , Garrabou Gloria
Published: September 2016

To assess the impact of HIV‐infection and highly active anti‐retroviral treatment in mitochondria and apoptotic activation of caspases during pregnancy and their association with adverse perinatal outcome. Changes of mitochondrial parameters and apoptotic caspase activation in maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells were compared at first trimester of pregnancy and delivery in 27 HIV‐infected and ‐treated pregnant women versus 24 uninfected pregnant controls. We correlated immunovirological, therapeutic and perinatal outcome with experimental findings: mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content, mitochondrial protein synthesis, mitochondrial function and apoptotic caspase activation. The HIV pregnancies showed increased adverse perinatal outcome (OR: 4.81 [1.14–20.16]; P < 0.05) and decreased mtDNA content (42.66 ± 5.94%, P < 0.01) compared to controls, even higher in naïve participants. This depletion caused a correlated decrease in mitochondrial protein synthesis (12.82 ± 5.73%, P < 0.01) and function (20.50 ± 10.14%, P < 0.001), not observed in controls. Along pregnancy, apoptotic caspase‐3 activation increased 63.64 ± 45.45% in controls (P < 0.001) and 100.00 ± 47.37% in HIV‐pregnancies (P < 0.001), in correlation with longer exposure to nucleoside analogues. HIV‐infected women showed increased obstetric problems and declined genetic and functional mitochondrial parameters during pregnancy, especially those firstly exposed to anti‐retrovirals. The apoptotic activation of caspases along pregnancy is emphasized in HIV pregnancies promoted by nucleoside analogues. However, we could not demonstrate direct mitochondrial or apoptotic implication in adverse obstetric outcome probably because of the reduced sample size.
The tight junction gene Claudin‐1 is associated with atopic dermatitis among Ethiopians
Authors: Asad S. , Winge M.C.G. , Wahlgren C.‐F. , Bilcha K.D. , Nordenskjöld M. , Taylan F. , Bradley M.
Published: September 2016

Background

The strong association between epidermal barrier gene variants and Atopic Dermatitis (AD) highlights that impaired skin barrier is a key feature in the pathogenesis of AD. Although the filaggrin (FLG) gene is the major AD risk gene in European and Asian populations, disease‐associated variants remain elusive in African populations.

Objective

A previous study has reported that variants in the tight junction gene CLDN1 have been associated with AD susceptibility and disease severity in African‐Americans. Our aim was therefore to investigate the association of CLDN1 with AD in the Ethiopian population.

Methods

To investigate how CLDN1 variants may be involved in increasing the risk of AD in the Ethiopian population, we analysed whole exome sequencing (WES) data for all exons in CLDN1, and in addition, assayed four SNPs (rs17501010, rs9290927, rs9290929 and rs893051) which had previously showed association in African‐American AD patients.

Results

No damaging variants were detected through WES in 22 Ethiopian samples. Genotyping of disease‐associated CLDN1 SNPs in Ethiopian cases and control material showed no overall association. However, significant association was seen for rs893051 in patients who developed AD before the age of 5 years (P < 0.03).

Conclusion

Taken together, we demonstrate that tight junction genes and, in particular, CLDN1 rather than variants in FLG may be involved in the susceptibility of AD in the Ethiopian population.
Design strategies to reduce surface water flooding in a historical district
Authors: Lee E.S. , Lee D.K. , Kim S.H. , Lee K.C.
Published: September 2016

Major causes of surface water flooding include increased surface water created by the expansion of impervious areas and increased localised heavy rains due to climate change. Older cities are vulnerable to surface water flooding because of their prior drainage systems. To identify vulnerable areas, this study applied an ‘overlay method’ using a geographic information system (GIS), which involved overlapping several spatial factors. The research area was the Gwanghwamun‐hyoja region – an old area of Korea that had surface flooding events in 2010 and 2011. Using a combination of Korean and Western flood‐management methods, this preliminary research suggests a design strategy for reducing surface water flooding and evaluates its efficacy. Five types of vulnerable areas are identified, and three types of design strategies are suggested. Using data from previous studies to simulate its effectiveness, the design strategy was found to reduce surface water by 33% after identifying the target area.
Knowledge About and Perceptions of Advance Care Planning and Communication of Chinese‐American Older Adults
Authors: Yonashiro‐Cho Jeanine , Cote Sarah , Enguidanos Susan
Published: September 2016

Although advance care planning (ACP) is associated with better care at the end of life, better quality of death, and less psychological distress in survivors, ethnic disparities in ACP completion rates have been documented and may be attributable to lack of knowledge about ACP or differences in cultural values and preferences. Despite rapid increases in the size of the Asian‐American population, little is known about ACP preferences of Chinese Americans. The purpose of this study is to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and preferences of older Chinese Americans toward ACP. Focus groups with Chinese older adults (n = 34) were conducted in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English, and transcripts were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Identified themes included knowledge and experience with ACP and end‐of‐life care options, health as a factor in timing of ACP and communication, and communication of end‐of‐life care preferences. Knowledge of and experience with ACP and end‐of‐life decision‐making varied according to focus group, although few participants had an advance directive. Findings suggest that Chinese older adults prefer to use indirect communication strategies, such as commenting on the circumstances of others rather than directly stating their wishes, and informal contexts, such as during a family dinner rather than formal meeting, to convey their care preferences to loved ones and may employ similar tactics when communicating with clinicians. This is particularly important given the recent decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to provide reimbursement to physicians for engaging in advance care planning conversations.
199 years of Parkinson disease – what have we learned and what is the path to the future?
Authors: Schulz Jörg B. , Hausmann Laura , Hardy John
Published: September 2016

In 1817, 199 years ago, James Parkinson described for the first time in ‘An Essay on the Shaking Palsy’ the symptoms of the disease that was later named Parkinson Disease. The current special issue of the Journal of Neurochemistry is dedicated to the discoveries and advances that have been made since, leading to a better understanding of this neurodegenerative disease and of potential treatment options. Reputed researchers cover various aspects from neuroanatomical basics; genetic and molecular risk factors such as LRRK2; the available cell and animal models that mimic crucial features of the pathophysiology; to clinical aspects and treatments, including deep brain stimulation.

This article is part of a special issue on Parkinson disease.
Virtual endocast of the early Oligocene Cedromus wilsoni (Cedromurinae) and brain evolution in squirrels
Authors: Bertrand Ornella C. , Amador‐Mughal Farrah , Silcox Mary T.
Published: September 2016

Extant squirrels exhibit extensive variation in brain size and shape, but published endocranial data for living squirrels are limited, and no study has ever examined brain evolution in Sciuridae from the perspective of the fossil record to understand how this diversity emerged. We describe the first virtual endocast for a fossil sciurid, Cedromus wilsoni, which is known from a complete cranium from Wyoming (Orellan, Oligocene), and make comparisons to a diverse sample of virtual endocasts for living sciurids (N = 20). The virtual endocasts were obtained from high‐resolution X‐ray micro‐computed tomography data. Comparisons were also made with endocasts of extinct ischyromyid rodents, the most primitive rodents known from an endocranial record, which provide the opportunity to study the neuroanatomical changes occurring near the base of Sciuridae. The encephalization quotient of C. wilsoni is higher than that of Ischyromys typus from the same epoch, and falls within the range of modern terrestrial squirrel variation, but below the range of extant scansorial, arboreal and gliding sciurids when using cheek–tooth area for the estimation of body mass. In a principal components analysis, the shape of the endocast of C. wilsoni is found to be intermediate between that of primitive fossil taxa and the modern sample. Cedromus wilsoni has a more expanded neocortical surface area, especially the caudal region of the cerebrum, compared with ischyromyid rodents. Furthermore, C. wilsoni had proportionally larger paraflocculi and a more complex cerebellar morphology compared with ischyromyid rodents. These neurological differences may be associated with improvements in vision, although it is worth noting that the size of the parts of the brain most directly involved with vision [the rostral (superior) colliculi and the primary visual cortex] cannot be directly assessed on endocasts. The changes observed could also relate to balance and limb coordination. Ultimately, the available evidence suggests that early squirrels were more agile and visually oriented animals compared with more primitive rodents, which may relate to the process of becoming arboreal. Extant sciurids have an even more expanded neocortical surface area, while exhibiting proportionally smaller paraflocculi, compared with C. wilsoni. This suggests that the neocortex may continue increasing in size in more recent sciurid rodents in relation to other factors than arboreality. Despite the fact that both Primates and Rodentia exhibit neocortical expansion through time, since the adoption of arboreality preceded major increases in the neocortex in Primates, those neurological changes may be related to different ecological factors, underlining the complexity of the inter‐relationship between time and ecology in shaping the brain in even closely related clades.
Temporal Trends in Geographic and Sociodemographic Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Among Medicare Patients, 1973‐2010
Authors: Liang Peter S. , Mayer Jonathan D. , Wakefield Jon , Ko Cynthia W.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality in the United States have steadily declined since the 1980s, but racial and socioeconomic disparities remain. The influence of geographic factors is poorly understood and may be affected by evolving insurance coverage and screening test uptake. We characterized temporal trends in the association between geographic and sociodemographic factors and CRC outcomes.

Methods

We used the 1973‐2010 SEER‐Medicare files to identify patients aged ≥65 years with and without CRC. Beneficiary residential ZIP codes were used to extract local‐level data. We constructed multivariable logistic regression models for CRC incidence and mortality using geographic and sociodemographic variables in 4 time periods: (1) 1973‐1997; (2) 1998‐2001; (3) 2002‐2006; and (4) 2007‐2010.

Findings

We analyzed 1,093,758 records, including 336,321 CRC cases. Compared to urban residence, small rural residence was strongly associated with increased CRC incidence (OR 1.50, 95% CI: 1.43‐1.57) and mortality (OR 1.35, 95% CI: 1.26‐1.45) in 1973‐1997, but the associations diminished by 2007‐2010 (OR 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04‐1.15 for incidence; OR 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01‐1.20 for mortality). The disparity between blacks and whites increased over time for both incidence (OR 1.09, 95% CI: 1.05‐1.13 in 1973‐1997 vs OR 1.32, 95% CI: 1.27‐1.37 in 2007‐2010) and mortality (OR 1.22, 95% CI: 1.16‐1.28 in 1973‐1997 vs OR 1.34, 95% CI: 1.26‐1.42 in 2007‐2010). High socioeconomic status was associated with greater incidence and mortality in 1973‐1997, but it became protective after 1998.

Conclusions

Although disparities persist among Medicare beneficiaries, the relationship between geographic and sociodemographic factors and CRC incidence and mortality has evolved over time.
Evaluation of Serum Aspergillus‐Specific Immunoglobulin A by Indirect ELISA for Diagnosis of Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Aspergillosis
Authors: Taylor A. , Peters I. , Dhand N.K. , Whitney J. , Johnson L.R. , Beatty J.A. , Barrs V.R.
Published: September 2016

Background

Serological tests for diagnosis of aspergillosis in immunocompetent humans and animals are based on Aspergillus‐specific IgG (As‐IgG). In humans with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, As‐IgA may be detectable even if IgG titers are negative. Cats with upper respiratory tract aspergillosis (URTA) have detectable As‐IgG, but their ability to mount an IgA response and its diagnostic utility are unknown.

Objectives

To determine whether serum As‐IgA can be detected in cats with URTA and evaluate its diagnostic utility alone or combined with As‐IgG.

Animals

Twenty‐three cats with URTA (Group 1), 32 cats with other respiratory diseases (Group 2), and 84 nonrespiratory controls (Group 3).

Methods

Serum As‐IgA and As‐IgG was measured by indirect ELISA. Optimal cutoff values were determined by receiver‐operating curve analysis. Sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) for URTA diagnosis were determined.

Results

Serum IgA was detected in 91.3% of Group 1 cats. The Se of IgA detection was 78.3% and Sp was 96.9% for Group 2, 85.7% for Group 3 and 88.8% for Group 2 and 3 combined. Assay Se for IgG was 100% and Sp was 92.2%. Using combined IgA and IgG results at cutoffs optimized for Sp for IgA and Se for IgG and combined controls (Groups 2 and 3), Se for diagnosis was 100% and Sp was 91.4%.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Most cats with URTA have serum As‐IgA antibodies that can be detected by ELISA. Paired measurement of serum As‐IgA and IgG shows no benefit for diagnosis of feline URTA over IgG alone.
Multi‐Temporality: an Analytical Approach to Contemporary Music, Embracing Concepts of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari
Authors: COULEMBIER KLAAS
Published: September 2016

The specific nature of contemporary music offers specific challenges to the music analyst. The repertoire's great diversity of musical styles and techniques makes it difficult to develop an adequate methodology, since the absence of a common ground impedes the use of a universally applicable system. Using philosophical concepts of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari as a source of inspiration, I aim here at looking for connections between compositions that at first sight seem unrelated. More specifically, a concept of multi‐temporality is used to investigate how the works of the American composer Elliott Carter (1908–2012) and those of the German Claus‐Steffen Mahnkopf (b. 1962) may interact. This study draws on seven analyses to conceptualise multi‐temporality as an analytical tool for the study of contemporary music.
Fecal incontinence in irritable bowel syndrome: Prevalence and associated factors in Swedish and American patients
Authors: Simrén M. , Palsson O. S. , Heymen S. , Bajor A. , Törnblom H. , Whitehead W. E.
Published: September 2016

Background

Fecal incontinence (FI) is a prevalent but poorly recognized problem in the general population with profound negative effects on daily life. The prevalence of FI in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its association with clinical, demographic, and pathophysiological factors remain largely unknown.

Methods

One US (n=304) and one Swedish (n=168) patient cohort fulfilling Rome III criteria for IBS completed Rome III diagnostic questions on FI and IBS symptoms, and questionnaires on IBS symptom severity, quality of life, anxiety and depression, and work productivity impairment. The patients also underwent assessments of colorectal sensitivity and motility.

Key Results

Fecal incontinence ≥ one day per month was reported by 19.7% (USA) and 13.7% (Sweden) of IBS patients. These proportions rose to 43.4% and 29.8% if patients with less frequent FI were included. Fecal incontinence prevalence was higher in older age groups, with a clear increase above age 40. Irritable bowel syndrome patients with FI reported greater overall IBS symptom severity, more frequent and loose stools, and greater urgency. Negative effects of FI on quality of life, psychological distress, and work productivity were demonstrated. No associations were found between colorectal physiology and FI.

Conclusions & Inferences

Fecal incontinence is common in IBS patients, and similar to previous general population reports, the major risk factors for FI in IBS are older age, rectal urgency, and loose, frequent stools. When IBS patients have comorbid FI, the impact on quality of life, psychological symptoms, and work impairment appears greater.
KNAT3/4/5‐like class 2 KNOX transcription factors are involved in Medicago truncatula symbiotic nodule organ development
Authors: Di Giacomo Elisabetta , Laffont Carole , Sciarra Francesca , Iannelli Maria Adelaide , Frugier Florian , Frugis Giovanna
Published: September 2016

We investigated the role of KNOX genes in legume root nodule organogenesis. Class 1 KNOX homeodomain transcription factors (TFs) are involved in plant shoot development and leaf shape diversity. Class 2 KNOX genes are less characterized, even though an antagonistic function relative to class 1 KNOXs was recently proposed.

In silico expression data and further experimental validation identified in the Medicago truncatula model legume three class 2 KNOX genes, belonging to the KNAT3/4/5‐like subclass (Mt KNAT3/4/5‐like), as expressed during nodulation from early stages. RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated silencing and overexpression studies were used to unravel a function for KNOX TFs in nodule development.

Mt KNAT3/4/5‐like genes encoded four highly homologous proteins showing overlapping expression patterns during nodule organogenesis, suggesting functional redundancy. Simultaneous reduction of Mt KNAT3/4/5‐like genes indeed led to an increased formation of fused nodule organs, and decreased the expression of the MtEFD (Ethylene response Factor required for nodule Differentiation) TF and its direct target MtRR4, a cytokinin response gene.

Class 2 KNOX TFs therefore regulate legume nodule development, potentially through the MtEFD/MtRR4 cytokinin‐related regulatory module, and may control nodule organ boundaries and shape like class 2 KNOX function in leaf development.
Comparative phylogenomics of symbiotic associations
Authors: Delaux Pierre‐Marc
Published: September 2016

Understanding the genetic bases of complex traits has been a main challenge in biology for decades. Comparative phylogenomics offers an opportunity to identify candidate genes associated with these complex traits. This approach initially developed in prokaryotes consists in looking at shared coevolution between genes and traits. It thus requires a precise reconstruction of the trait evolution, a large genomic sampling in the clades of interest and an accurate definition of orthogroups. Recently, with the growing body of sequenced plant genomes, comparative genomics has been successfully applied to plants to study the widespread arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. Here I will use these findings to illustrate the main principles of comparative phylogenomic approaches and propose directions to improve our understanding of symbiotic associations.

Contents

Summary
89

I.
Introduction
89

II.
AM symbiosis in plants: one gain and multiple losses
90

III.
Evolution of AM symbiosis‐related genes
90

IV.
Discovery of new symbiotic genes
91

V.
Future perspectives
92

VI.
Conclusion
93

References
93
Psychosocial interventions to improve mental health in adults with vision impairment: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: van der Aa Hilde P. A. , Margrain Tom H. , van Rens Ger H. M. B. , Heymans Martijn W. , van Nispen Ruth M. A.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To systematically assess the literature on psychosocial interventions to improve mental health (i.e. depression, anxiety, mental fatigue, loneliness, psychological stress and psychological well‐being) in visually impaired adults (≥18 years).

Methods

The databases Medline, Embase and Psychinfo were searched for relevant studies, which were categorised into randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non‐RCTs and before and after comparisons (BA). The Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool was used to assess study quality. Standardised mean differences (SMD) were calculated to quantitatively summarise the outcomes of the RCTs and non‐RCTs in a meta‐analysis. Meta‐regression was used to explore sources of heterogeneity in the data.

Results

The search identified 27 papers (published between 1981 and 2015), describing the outcomes of 22 different studies (14 RCTs, four non‐RCTs, and four BAs). Pooled analyses showed that interventions significantly reduced depressive symptoms (SMD −0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.60 to −0.01), while effects on anxiety symptoms, mental fatigue, psychological stress and psychological well‐being were non‐significant. Meta‐regression analyses showed homogeneity in effect sizes across a range of intervention, population, and study characteristics. Only a higher age of participants was associated with less effective results on depressive symptoms (b = 0.03, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.05), psychological stress (b = 0.07, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.13) and psychological well‐being (b = −0.03, 95% CI −0.05 to 0.01). However, after removing a clear outlier the overall effect on depressive symptoms and the influence of age on depressive symptoms and psychological stress were no longer significant, while the influence of age on psychological well‐being remained.

Conclusions

There is currently only limited evidence for the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in the field of low vision. More well‐designed trials are needed with specific attention for interventions tailored to the needs of elderly patients.
The retest distribution of the visual field summary index mean deviation is close to normal
Authors: Anderson Andrew J. , Cheng Allan C. Y. , Lau Samantha , Le‐Pham Anne , Liu Victor , Rahman Farahnaz
Published: September 2016

Purpose

When modelling optimum strategies for how best to determine visual field progression in glaucoma, it is commonly assumed that the summary index mean deviation (MD) is normally distributed on repeated testing. Here we tested whether this assumption is correct.

Methods

We obtained 42 reliable 24‐2 Humphrey Field AnalyzerSITAstandard visual fields from one eye of each of five healthy young observers, with the first two fields excluded from analysis. Previous work has shown that althoughMDvariability is higher in glaucoma, the shape of theMDdistribution is similar to that found in normal visual fields. A Shapiro–Wilks test determined any deviation from normality. Kurtosis values for the distributions were also calculated.

Results

Data from each observer passed the Shapiro–Wilks normality test. Bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals for kurtosis encompassed the value for a normal distribution in four of five observers. When examined with quantile–quantile plots, distributions were close to normal and showed no consistent deviations across observers.

Conclusions

The retest distribution ofMDis not significantly different from normal in healthy observers, and so is likely also normally distributed – or nearly so – in those with glaucoma. Our results increase our confidence in the results of influential modelling studies where a normal distribution forMDwas assumed.
Hybrid breeding for biomass yield in winter triticale: I. Hybrid performance, trait correlations and heterosis
Authors: Losert Dominik , Maurer Hans Peter , Weissmann Sigrid , Wü rschum Tobias
Published: September 2016

Triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack) holds great potential as a source for biomass production for industrial applications in Central Europe and hybrid breeding in particular appears promising owing to the higher vigour of hybrids compared to lines. In this study, a set of 178 winter triticale genotypes, including 91 hybrids, their 10 male and 23 female parental lines, as well as 54 varieties were evaluated for biomass yield and other agronomically relevant traits in 2 years at five locations in Germany. We observed a large variation of dry biomass yield as well as significant genotypic variances and high heritabilities for all traits. For the hybrids, a moderate correlation was observed between biomass and plant height and between biomass and grain yield. Mid‐parent heterosis of biomass yield ranged from −13.6 to 16.5% with an average of 4.8%, and the maximum commercial heterosis was 9.1%. Taken together, our results illustrate the potential of hybrid breeding of triticale for biomass yield to diversify our portfolio of crops for biomass production.
Role of BMI, airflow obstruction, St George's Respiratory Questionnaire and age index in prognostication of Asian COPD
Authors: Chan Hiang Ping , Mukhopadhyay Amartya , Chong Pauline Lee Poh , Chin Sally , Wong Xue Yun , Ong Venetia , Chan Yiong Huak , Lim Tow Keang , Phua Jason
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

COPD is a complex condition with a heavy burden of disease. Many multidimensional tools have been studied for their prognostic utility but none has been universally adopted as each has its own limitations. We hypothesize that a multidimensional tool examining four domains, health‐related quality of life, disease severity, systemic effects of disease and patient factors, would better categorize and prognosticate these patients.

Methods

We first evaluated 300 patients and found four factors that predicted mortality: BMI, airflow obstruction, St George's Respiratory Questionnaire and age (BOSA). A 10‐point index (BOSA index) was constructed and prospectively validated in a cohort of 772 patients with all‐cause mortality as the primary outcome. Patients were categorized into their respective BOSA quartile group based on their BOSA score. Multivariate survival analyses and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the BOSA index.

Results

Patients in BOSA Group 4 were at higher risk of death compared with their counterparts in Group 1 (hazard ratio (HR): 0.29, 95% CI: 0.16–0.51, P < 0.001) and Group 2 (HR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.34‐0.82, P = 0.005). Race and gender did not affect mortality. The area under the ROC curve for BOSA index was 0.690 ± 0.025 while that for Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2011 was 0.641 ± 0.025 (P = 0.17).

Conclusion

The BOSA index predicts mortality well and it has at least similar prognostic utility as GOLD 2011 in Asian patients. The BOSA index is a simple tool that does not require complex equipment or testing. It has the potential to be used widely.
Subgroup Selection in Adaptive Signature Designs of Confirmatory Clinical Trials
Authors: Zhang Zhiwei , Li Meijuan , Lin Min , Soon Guoxing , Greene Tom , Shen Changyu
Published: September 2016

The increasing awareness of treatment effect heterogeneity has motivated flexible designs of confirmatory clinical trials that prospectively allow investigators to test for treatment efficacy for a subpopulation of patients in addition to the entire population. If a target subpopulation is not well characterized in the design stage, it can be developed at the end of a broad eligibility trial under an adaptive signature design. The paper proposes new procedures for subgroup selection and treatment effect estimation (for the selected subgroup) under an adaptive signature design. We first provide a simple and general characterization of the optimal subgroup that maximizes the power for demonstrating treatment efficacy or the expected gain based on a specified utility function. This characterization motivates a procedure for subgroup selection that involves prediction modelling, augmented inverse probability weighting and low dimensional maximization. A cross-validation procedure can be used to remove or reduce any resubstitution bias that may result from subgroup selection, and a bootstrap procedure can be used to make inference about the treatment effect in the subgroup selected. The approach proposed is evaluated in simulation studies and illustrated with real examples.
A novel HLA‐B allele, HLA‐B*13:69
Authors: Zheng J. W. , Xie J. H. , Sun Y. , Jiang Y. Q. , Xiang D.
Published: September 2016

HLA‐B*13:69 allele differs from B*13:02:01 by one nucleotide substitution at position 628 from A to C.
Bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents and its impact on veterinary and human medicine
Authors: Schwarz Stefan , Loeffler Anette , Kadlec Kristina
Published: September 2016

Background

Antimicrobial resistance has become a major challenge in veterinary medicine, particularly in the context of bacterial pathogens that play a role in both humans and animals.

Objectives

This review serves as an update on acquired resistance mechanisms in bacterial pathogens of human and animal origin, including examples of transfer of resistant pathogens between hosts and of resistance genes between bacteria.

Results

Acquired resistance is based on resistance‐mediating mutations or on mobile resistance genes. Although mutations are transferred vertically, mobile resistance genes are also transferred horizontally (by transformation, transduction or conjugation/mobilization), contributing to the dissemination of resistance. Mobile genes specifying any of the three major resistance mechanisms – enzymatic inactivation, reduced intracellular accumulation or modification of the cellular target sites – have been found in a variety of bacteria that may be isolated from animals. Such resistance genes are associated with plasmids, transposons, gene cassettes, integrative and conjugative elements or other mobile elements. Bacteria, including zoonotic pathogens, can be exchanged between animals and humans mainly via direct contact, but also via dust, aerosols or foods. Proof of the direction of transfer of resistant bacteria can be difficult and depends on the location of resistance genes or mutations in the chromosomal DNA or on a mobile element.

Conclusion

The wide variety in resistance and resistance transfer mechanisms will continue to ensure the success of bacterial pathogens in the future. Our strategies to counteract resistance and preserve the efficacy of antimicrobial agents need to be equally diverse and resourceful.
Patrimonialización de cinemas en Paris: el largo recorrido hacia la protección de una arquitectura del siglo XX
Authors: Avila Gomez Andrés
Published: September 2016

El presente artículo trata sobre los más importantes acontecimientos que han influido a lo largo de las últimas décadas en la toma de conciencia sobre el valor patrimonial de una tipología arquitectónica moderna que ocupó un lugar excepcional en la historia urbana, social y económica de Paris durante el siglo XX, como lo fue la sala de cine. Analizamos los avatares que condicionaron el destino de las salas de cine en la ciudad que vio nacer esta actividad -hace 120 años-, desde el surgimiento en los años 1960 de los denominados “multiplex”, hasta llegar a los dos casos más recientes en los cuales a través de proyectos de diferente naturaleza se ha rescatado total (caso Louxor) o parcialmente (caso Gobelins) una herencia arquitectónica única.
Arquitectura y patrimonio “indígena”: museos nacionales de Canadá, Estados Unidos y México
Authors: López Ruiz Francisco
Published: September 2016

Este artículo analiza los edificios que albergan tres instituciones arqueológicas y etnográficas de primer orden en tres países: el Museo Nacional de Antropología en la ciudad de México, concebido por Pedro Ramírez Vázquez (1964); el Canadian Museum of Civilization, en Ottawa/Gatineau, obra de Douglas Cardinal (1989); y el National Museum of the American Indian de Washington, D.C., proyectado también por el despacho de Cardinal (2004). La primera parte del texto describe aspectos arquitectónicos, curatoriales y museográficos de los tres museos. Posteriormente se presenta una interpretación patrimonial comparada de los tres recintos y sus respectivos acervos arqueológicos y etnográficos. Finalmente se comparan los riesgos conceptuales de la construcción de “patrimonios culturales indígenas”.

 
La valorizarción del espacio para la transformación de la Costa de Aquiraz, Ceará, Brasil: el cambio del paisaje
Authors: Ribeiro Moura de Abreu Marisa
Published: September 2016

Durante el período colonial, la zona costera de Ceará tuvo un papel económico secundario. El cambio del enfoque a principios del siglo XX fue la atracción de las zonas de playa, que generado un estrés ambiental en esos lugares. En Aquiraz, costa este del Estado de Ceará, Brasil, hubo un aumento de edificios de verano, resorts, condominios, parques acuáticos, entre otros, debido a la promoción turística que aumentó la ocupación de la frágil costa. El objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar los cambios en el paisaje y los impactos debidos a la ocupación y la valorización de la costa. Esta se realizó en dos etapas: la primera, a partir de la obtención de material bibliográfico teórico metodológico, documental y cartográfico y la segunda fue el trabajo de campo, centrado en cuestionarios. Se encontró que las nuevas formas de ocupación generaron cambios en el paisaje, que se evidencian en la disminución de los nativos las instalaciones turísticas. Se identificó que a falta de ordenamiento para el uso y la ocupación más la especulación inmobiliaria, produjeron varios impactos socio-ambientales , entre ellos, el aumento de las zonas urbanizadas sin saneamiento básico que producen contaminación y degradación del medio ambiente, poniendo en peligro la calidad de vida de la población costera y la continuidad del propio turismo.

 
Los aportes epistemológicos del pensamiento antropológico sobre el Estado moderno y las etnografías sobre sus prácticas cotidianas
Authors: García Arboleda Juan Felipe
Published: September 2016

Este trabajo es un artículo de revisión que pretende reconstruir episodios significativos para la disciplina antropológica en su experiencia de observación –a través del método etnográfico– de eso que llamamos ‘el poder’. Argumento que dicha experiencia derivó en un hallazgo epistemológico central para el conjunto de las ciencias sociales al que denomino la desontologización del Estado. Exploro tres ejemplos de diversificación de los objetos de observación etnográfica que prepararon el camino para dicha desontologización. Declino la pretensión de escrutinio crítico y exhaustivo de las etnografías sobre el Estado y al final invito a la reflexión sobre tres de los problemas de orden teórico conceptual que han surgido a partir de los resultados de investigación de dichas etnografías: el análisis de los mitos y los ritos del Estado, el problema del fundamento de su soberanía y la pregunta por el significado de sus márgenes.
El ciudadano expuesto: Modernización energética, quemados y sociedad del riesgo en Colombia
Authors: Clavijo Poveda Jairo , Venegas Carrillo Juan Camilo
Published: September 2016

Entre las décadas de 1950 y 1980 el Estado Colombiano experimentó un acelerado proceso de modernización que se plasmó en la reorganización burocrática y en políticas públicas que tocaron el fondo de la sociedad y que marcaron el futuro de la relación del Estado con los ciudadanos. En este artículo centraremos la atención en una política energética que impactó dolorosamente a la sociedad colombiana, pues generó más de cuatro décadas de personas quemadas. El texto recoge un estudio cuya temática y abordaje articulan perspectivas socio-antropológicas que ponen en evidencia los costos físicos y morales de la modernización del país. Buscamos desarrollar un enfoque crítico a partir de la noción de dispositivo sobre un fenómeno hasta hora poco estudiado en Colombia. Para este fin se hizo un análisis cualitativo que tuvo como fuentes principales, la prensa de la época, entrevistas a actores sobrevivientes y datos estadísticos. 
Ciudadanos y gobierno electrónico: la orientación al ciudadano de los sitios Web municipales en Colombia para la promoción de la participación
Authors: Líppez De Castro Sebastián , García Alonso Roberto
Published: September 2016

La adopción, uso y difusión de las Nuevas Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (NTICs) dentro de las organizaciones públicas ha sido una cuestión del máximo interés durante los últimos años, entre otras cosas porque de ello se espera una determinada modificación en las relaciones Estado-sociedad. En contraste con las perspectivas que sobrevaloran el papel de la tecnología en la promoción de una administración pública más abierta y eficaz, el artículo explora una dimensión importante para un pleno desarrollo de las potencialidades que se otorgan a estas nuevas tecnologías, la integración del aspecto humano. El análisis entonces, se concentra en la potencialidad del gobierno electrónico para fomentar la participación ciudadana. Para ello, se revisaron los sitios web de los 32 municipios capitales de departamento en Colombia y se evaluó la presencia de una batería de características orientadas a la provisión de información, la consulta ciudadana, y la participación y compromiso activo ciudadano.
Cárceles de la muerte: necropolítica y sistema carcelario en Colombia
Authors: Parra Gallego Germán , Bello Ramírez Jei Alanis
Published: September 2016

Este artículo propone una reflexión en torno al ejercicio punitivo estatal, con el propósito de evidenciar que el proyecto neoliberal en Colombia, en marcha desde finales del siglo XX, se ha sostenido sobre la expansión del sistema carcelario como una estrategia para controlar a aquellos grupos sociales marginados por el mercado y las matrices interseccionales de género, raza, clase y sexualidad. Nuestro argumento central es que en las cárceles de Colombia la muerte biológica y social se ha convertido en la principal herramienta de gobierno. Desarrollamos esta idea por medio de un análisis crítico de los informes sobre derechos humanos en las cárceles del país, empleando categorías interpretativas del black feminism como la necropolítica, el complejo industrial carcelario y la interseccionalidad, para señalar que en las cárceles opera una racionalidad que excede la biopolítica y que instala la muerte, la destrucción y la deshumanización como elementos cotidianos de su funcionamiento.
 
El Estado-sistema frente a la cuestión indígena. Análisis de los modos de reconocimiento de derechos a la identidad huarpe, al agua y a tierras comunales en Mendoza (Argentina)
Authors: Saldi Leticia
Published: September 2016

En un contexto de reconocimiento de comunidades indígenas en toda la República Argentina y por medio de un estudio etnográfico, se analiza el quehacer cotidiano, discursos y representaciones de funcionarios de dos instituciones estatales provinciales, una encargada de la gestión del agua y la otra del territorio departamental donde habitan comunidades indígena-huarpe. Estos funcionarios conciben a dichas comunidades de forma diferencial, la primera desacreditando su presencia actual y justificando a partir de discursos cientificistas el rechazo a enviar dotaciones de agua y la segunda, reconociendo sus derechos aunque limitando su capacidad de acción colectiva a partir de diversas y contradictorias formas de interpelación identitaria. Se expone que a pesar de las diferencias, ambas adoptan formas fingidas de reconocer derechos de autonomía, de participación y de acceso a bienes naturales camuflando intereses particulares y un cierto autoritarismo estatal.
Forma y fondo: una etnografía de la materialidad de la justicia en Cali
Authors: Abello Claudia Jimena
Published: September 2016

El  artículo busca hacer una reflexión acerca de la burocracia judicial pero desde una mirada centrada en la interacción entre las personas y las cosas. En otras palabras, se desea aportar en la comprensión de la configuración del Estado desde los múltiples vínculos entre objetos (los expedientes) y  la gente (funcionarios y ciudadanos). Para ello el artículo está dividido en  tres partes.  En la primera,  se hace un balance bibliográfico de la forma como se han investigado los juzgados y los expedientes dentro y fuera del país. Seguidamente, se iniciará con la descripción etnográfica del despacho, explicando los cargos y funciones de los empleados, el ciclo que cumplen los expedientes, las etapas por las que atraviesan los documentos y la experiencia personal de la etnógrafa  como auxiliar del juzgado y encargada de hacer circular los papeles dentro y fuera del juzgado. Finalmente se  hace una reflexión teórica acerca de la materialidad de la justicia  a partir de los datos etnográficos.
Multi-objective optimization of acoustic black hole vibration absorbers
Authors: Shepherd Micah R. , Feurtado Philip A. , Conlon Stephen C.
Published: September 2016

Structures with power law tapers exhibit the acoustic black hole (ABH) effect and can be used for vibration reduction. However, the design of ABHs for vibration reduction requires consideration of the underlying theory and its regions of validity. To address the competing nature of the best ABH design for vibration reduction and the underlying theoretical assumptions, a multi-objective approach is used to find the lowest frequency where both criteria are sufficiently met. The Pareto optimality curve is estimated for a range of ABH design parameters. The optimal set could then be used to implement an ABH vibration absorber.
Intrinsic spatial knowledge about terrestrial ecology favors the tall for judging distance
Authors: Zhou Liu , Ooi Teng Leng , He Zijiang J.
Published: September 2016

Taller people are more accurate in judging target location in the intermediate distance range.
Enantioselective cyanation of benzylic C–H bonds via copper-catalyzed radical relay
Authors: Zhang Wen , Wang Fei , McCann Scott D. , Wang Dinghai , Chen Pinhong , Stahl Shannon S. , Liu Guosheng
Published: September 2016

Direct methods for stereoselective functionalization of sp
3
-hybridized carbon–hydrogen [C(sp
3
)–H] bonds in complex organic molecules could facilitate much more efficient preparation of therapeutics and agrochemicals. Here, we report a copper-catalyzed radical relay pathway for enantioselective conversion of benzylic C–H bonds into benzylic nitriles. Hydrogen-atom abstraction affords an achiral benzylic radical that undergoes asymmetric C(sp
3
)–CN bond formation upon reaction with a chiral copper catalyst. The reactions proceed efficiently at room temperature with the benzylic substrate as limiting reagent, exhibit broad substrate scope with high enantioselectivity (typically 90 to 99% enantiomeric excess), and afford products that are key precursors to important bioactive molecules. Mechanistic studies provide evidence for diffusible organic radicals and highlight the difference between these reactions and C–H oxidations mediated by enzymes and other catalysts that operate via radical rebound pathways.