bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does size matter? An examination of problem gamblers’ skin conductance responses to large and small magnitude rewards
Authors: Lole Lisa , Gonsalvez Craig J.
Published: May 2017

Previous research has shown that individuals with substance use disorder equally value small and large magnitude rewards. This has led some researchers to conceptualize the problematic behaviors associated with this disorder as being, at least in part, caused by a deficiency in processing reward stimuli. Considering the documented similarities between substance use disorder and disordered gambling, the current study sought to investigate whether problem gamblers also display such an aberrant pattern of incentive processing. Skin conductance responses (SCRs) to small and large magnitude wins were recorded from 16 problem gamblers (PGs) and 16 healthy controls (HCs) while they completed a computer‐simulated electronic gaming machine task. The results show that, while large wins elicited greater SCRs compared to small wins for the HC group, no difference in SCR amplitude was found following large and small wins in the PG group. These findings suggest that problem gamblers may be less effective at evaluating the value of incentives, and are discussed in terms of relevant theoretical frameworks.
Plant community responses to thinning in densely regenerating Acacia harpophylla forest
Authors: Dwyer John M. , Mason Riah
Published: May 2017

Thinning is thought to be particularly effective at accelerating plant community recovery in some dense regenerating forests where one species dominates. However, longer‐term experimental data are required to confirm the efficacy of thinning for this purpose. We investigated plant community responses 8 years after thinning in densely resprouting brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) forests in Australia. We examined the abundance, diversity, composition, and size of all woody recruits, as well as the functional composition of woody plant assemblages using functional traits. The average prethinning density of A. harpophylla was 15,600 stems/ha. Four treatments were applied to 25 × 25 m plots in a randomized block design: control (no thinning) and random thinning (ringbarking) down to 4,000, 2,000, and 1,000 stems/ha. Reference plots were also established in a nearby mature forest. Thinning accelerated the recruitment of certain shrub species and increased some measures of diversity. However severe thinning led to an overabundance of exploitative shrub species (high‐specific leaf area and low stem‐specific density), akin to pioneer dominance during early stages of rainforest succession. Species with more conservative growth strategies have so far failed to recruit, potentially due to dispersal limitation. Longer‐term monitoring is required to determine if thinning does in fact accelerate compositional recovery in this endangered Australian ecosystem.
Giving effective feedback in medical education
Authors: Qureshi Najum S
Published: May 2017

Key content

Understand that the skill of giving feedback is central to effective teaching and supervision.

Communicate goals and objectives of feedback clearly from the outset.

Begin feedback sessions with the learner's self‐assessment.

Provide feedback in a timely manner. Reinforce and correct observed behaviours.

Confirm the learner's understanding and conclude with an action plan.

Develop a capacity in trainees to self‐reflect on their own practice and how it might be improved.

Learning objectives

To understand the principles of how to give effective feedback.

To be familiar with the models of giving feedback.

To understand why medical educators sometimes fail at giving feedback.

Ethical issues

Being dishonestly kind in giving feedback.

Unconscious bias in providing feedback.
Stepwise partitioning of Xp21: a profiling method for XK deletions causative of the McLeod syndrome
Authors: Gassner Christoph , Brönnimann Chantal , Merki Yvonne , Mattle‐Greminger Maja P. , Sigurdardottir Sonja , Meyer Eduardo , Engström Charlotte , O'Sullivan John D. , Jung Hans H. , Frey Beat M.
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

McLeod syndrome (MLS) is hematologically defined by the absence of the red blood cell (RBC) antigen Kx on the transmembrane RBC protein, XK, representing a highly specific diagnostic marker. Direct molecular assessment of XK therefore represents a desirable diagnostic tool. Whereas pathogenic point mutations may be simply identified, partial and complete deletions of XK on Xp21.1, eventually covering adjacent genes and causing multifaceted “continuous gene syndromes,” are difficult to localize.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Three different McLeod patient samples were tested using 16 initial positional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedures distributed over an approximately 2.8‐Mbp Xp‐chromosomal region, ranging telomeric from MAGEB16 to OTC, centromeric of XK. The molecular breakpoint of one sample with an apparent large Xp deletion was iteratively narrowed down by stepwise positioning further PCR procedures and sequenced. Two mutant XK genes, one previously published and serving as a positive control, were also sequenced.

RESULTS

We confirmed the positive control as previously published and listed as XK*N.20 by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT). The other XK showed a novel four‐nucleotide deletion in Exon 1, 195‐198delCCGC (newly listed as XK*N.39 by the ISBT). The third sample had an approximately 151‐kbp X‐chromosomal deletion, reaching from Exon 2 of LANCL3, across XK to Exon 3 of CYBB (newly listed as XK*N.01.016 by the ISBT). Carrier status of the patients' sister was diagnosed using a diagnostic “gap‐PCR.”

CONCLUSIONS

The stepwise partitioning of Xp21.1 is pragmatic and cost‐efficient in comparison to other diagnostic techniques such as “massive parallel sequencing” given the rarity of MLS. All males with suspected MLS should be considered for molecular XK profiling.
Transient Silencing of DNA Repair Genes Improves Targeted Gene Integration in the Filamentous Fungus Trichoderma reesei
Authors: Chum Pak Yang , Schmidt Georg , Saloheimo Markku , Landowski Christopher P.
Published: May 2017

Trichoderma reesei
is a filamentous fungus that is used worldwide to produce industrial enzymes. Industrial strains have traditionally been created though systematic strain improvement using mutagenesis and screening approaches. It is also desirable to specifically manipulate the genes of the organism to further improve and to modify the strain. Targeted integration in filamentous fungi is typically hampered by very low frequencies of homologous recombination. To address this limitation, we have developed a simple transient method for silencing genes in
T. reesei
. Using gene-specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeted to
mus53
, we could achieve up to 90% knockdown of
mus53
mRNA. As a practical example, we demonstrated that transient silencing of DNA repair genes significantly improved homologous integration of DNA at a specific locus in a standard protoplast transformation. The best transient silencing of
mus53
with siRNAs in protoplasts could achieve up to 59% marker gene integration.

IMPORTANCE
The previous solution for improving targeted integration efficiency has been deleting nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) DNA repair genes. However, deleting these important repair genes may lead to unintended consequences for genomic stability and could lead to the accumulation of spontaneous mutations. Our method of transiently silencing NHEJ repair pathway genes allows recovery of their important repair functions. Here we report a silencing approach for improving targeted DNA integration in filamentous fungi. Furthermore, our transient silencing method is a truly flexible approach that is capable of knocking down the expression of a target gene in growing mycelial cultures, which could facilitate the broad study of gene functions in
T. reesei
.
An Environmentally Friendly Engineered Azotobacter Strain That Replaces a Substantial Amount of Urea Fertilizer while Sustaining the Same Wheat Yield
Authors: Bageshwar Umesh K. , Srivastava Madhulika , Pardha-Saradhi Peddisetty , Paul Sangeeta , Gothandapani Sellamuthu , Jaat Ranjeet S. , Shankar Prabha , Yadav Rajbir , Biswas Dipak R. , Kumar Polumetla A. , Padaria Jasdeep C. , Mandal Pranab K. , Annapurna Kannepalli , Das Hirendra K.
Published: May 2017

In our endeavor to improve the nitrogen fixation efficiency of a soil diazotroph that would be unaffected by synthetic nitrogenous fertilizers, we have deleted a part of the negative regulatory genenifLand constitutively expressed the positive regulatory genenifAin the chromosome ofAzotobacter chroococcumCBD15, a strain isolated from the local field soil. No antibiotic resistance gene or other foreign gene was present in the chromosome of the engineered strain. Wheat seeds inoculated with this engineered strain, which we have namedAzotobacter chroococcumHKD15, were tested for 3 years in pots and 1 year in the field. The yield of wheat was enhanced by ∼60% due to inoculation of seeds byA. chroococcumHKD15 in the absence of any urea application. Ammonium only marginally affected acetylene reduction by the engineeredAzotobacterstrain. When urea was also applied, the same wheat yield could be sustained by using seeds inoculated withA. chroococcumHKD15 and using ∼85 kg less urea (∼40 kg less nitrogen) than the usual ∼257 kg urea (∼120 kg nitrogen) per hectare. Wheat plants arising from the seeds inoculated with the engineeredAzotobacterstrain exhibited far superior overall performance, had much higher dry weight and nitrogen content, and assimilated molecular15N much better. A nitrogen balance experiment also revealed much higher total nitrogen content. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production by the wild type and that by the engineered strain were about the same. Inoculation of the wheat seeds withA. chroococcumHKD15 did not adversely affect the microbial population in the field rhizosphere soil.

IMPORTANCEApplication of synthetic nitrogenous fertilizers is a standard agricultural practice to augment crop yield. Plants, however, utilize only a fraction of the applied fertilizers, while the unutilized fertilizers cause grave environmental problems. Wild-type soil diazotrophic microorganisms cannot replace synthetic nitrogenous fertilizers, as these reduce atmospheric nitrogen very inefficiently and almost none at all in the presence of added nitrogenous fertilizers. If the nitrogen-fixing ability of soil diazotrophs could be improved and sustained even in the presence of synthetic nitrogenous fertilizers, then a mixture of the bacteria and a reduced quantity of chemical nitrogenous fertilizers could be employed to obtain the same grain yield but at a much-reduced environmental cost. The engineeredAzotobacterstrain that we have reported here has considerably enhanced nitrogen fixation and excretion abilities and can replace ∼85 kg of urea per hectare but sustain the same wheat yield, if the seeds are inoculated with it before sowing.
Europe-Wide Meta-Analysis of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato Prevalence in Questing Ixodes ricinus Ticks
Authors: Strnad Martin , Hönig Václav , Růžek Daniel , Grubhoffer Libor , Rego Ryan O. M.
Published: May 2017

Lyme borreliosis is the most common zoonotic disease transmitted by ticks in Europe and North America. Despite having multiple tick vectors, the causative agent,
Borrelia burgdorferi
sensu lato
, is vectored mainly by
Ixodes ricinus
in Europe. In the present study, we aimed to review and summarize the existing data published from 2010 to 2016 concerning the prevalence of
B. burgdorferi sensu lato
spirochetes in questing
I. ricinus
ticks. The primary focus was to evaluate the infection rate of these bacteria in ticks, accounting for tick stage, adult tick gender, region, and detection method, as well as to investigate any changes in prevalence over time. The data obtained were compared to the findings of a previous metastudy. The literature search identified data from 23 countries, with 115,028 ticks, in total, inspected for infection with
B. burgdorferi sensu lato
. We showed that the infection rate was significantly higher in adults than in nymphs and in females than in males. We found significant differences between European regions, with the highest infection rates in Central Europe. The most common genospecies were
B. afzelii
and
B. garinii
, despite a negative correlation of their prevalence rates. No statistically significant differences were found among the prevalence rates determined by conventional PCR, nested PCR, and real-time PCR.

IMPORTANCE
Borrelia burgdorferi
sensu lato
is a pathogenic bacterium whose clinical manifestations are associated with Lyme borreliosis. This vector-borne disease is a major public health concern in Europe and North America and may lead to severe arthritic, cardiovascular, and neurological complications if left untreated. Although pathogen prevalence is considered an important predictor of infection risk, solitary isolated data have only limited value. Here we provide summarized information about the prevalence of
B. burgdorferi sensu lato
spirochetes among host-seeking
Ixodes ricinus
ticks, the principal tick vector of borreliae in Europe. We compare the new results with previously published data in order to evaluate any changing trends in tick infection.
Awake caudal anaesthesia in neonates/young infants for improved patient safety
Authors: Lim Wan Yen , Wijeratne Sujani Anuruddhika , Lim Evangeline Hua Ling
Published: May 2017

Caudal epidural block in a conscious infant is a recognised technique that allows the avoidance of general anaesthesia and risks associated with it. It is also technically easier to perform reliably compared with an awake subarachnoid block in skilled hands.1While local anaesthetic systemic toxicity is a rare complication of caudal anaesthesia, this case illustrates the potential for caudal anaesthesia done awake in enhancing patient safety through early recognition of local anaesthetic systemic toxicity.
Successful hybrid coronary artery revascularisation in a patient with severe cerebrovascular disease: a new treatment option to minimise the risk of stroke
Authors: Challa Abhinay , Shaw Elizabeth , Pohlner Peter , Raffel Christopher
Published: May 2017

Here we present a case involving a patient with severe distal left main coronary artery stenosis with extensive coexisting extracranial cerebrovascular disease where hybrid coronary artery revascularisation was successfully performed. This illustrates the potential for hybrid revascularisation in those patients with an inherit risk of stroke.
Novel variant of common variable immunodeficiency
Authors: Conaway Eileen
Published: May 2017

A 57-year-old woman with frequent respiratory infections was initially diagnosed with IgG subclass deficiency based on low levels of IgG subclasses 2 and 3. Three years later, she progressed to having IgA deficiency as well. With a normal total IgG level, she does not meet criteria for common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). This may represent a variant of CVID. This also highlights the importance of immunoglobulin subclass estimation in patients where immunodeficiency is suspected clinically. She is being treated with rotational antibiotics the first 10 days of every month, monthly intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusion and osteopathic manipulation one to two times per month. On this regimen, although she has had several viral respiratory infections, she has avoided further hospitalisation for more than 1 year.
Sequential episodes of ethylene glycol poisoning in the same person
Authors: Sugunaraj Jaya Prakash , Thakur Lokendra Kumar , Jha Kunal Kishor , Bucaloiu Ion Dan
Published: May 2017

Ethylene glycol is a common alcohol found in many household products such as household hard surface cleaner, paints, varnish, auto glass cleaner and antifreeze. While extremely toxic and often fatal on ingestion, few cases with early presentation by the patient have resulted in death; thus, rapid diagnosis is paramount to effectively treating ethylene glycol poisoning. In this study, we compare two sequential cases of ethylene glycol poisoning in a single individual, which resulted in strikingly different outcomes.
Primary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the gallbladder and review of the literature
Authors: Honda Munenori , Furuta Yoki , Naoe Hideaki , Sasaki Yutaka
Published: May 2017

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is rarely observed in the gallbladder, and its diagnosis before surgery is difficult. This report describes a case of primary MALT lymphoma of the gallbladder in an 80-year-old man. Imaging studies revealed a protruding lesion on the inside of the gallbladder, which led us to diagnose gallbladder carcinoma prior to the patient undergoing extended cholecystectomy. Microscopic examination of the resected specimen of the gallbladder demonstrated lymphoid follicles with atypical lymphocytes and the formation of lymphoepithelial lesions. These findings led to a final pathological diagnosis of primary MALT lymphoma of the gallbladder. The patient has been free of recurrence for 39 months after the surgery. Although precise diagnosis before the surgery was difficult in this case, preoperative examinations revealed a submucosal tumour-like lesion. MALT lymphomas should be considered when imaging findings are atypical for gallbladder carcinoma.
Abdominoscrotal hydrocele in an infant boy
Authors: Costantino Eliana , Ganesan George S , Plaire J Chadwick
Published: May 2017

Abdominoscrotal hydrocele (ASH) is the rarest type of hydrocele. This condition is characterised by a large abdominal and scrotal component connected by an isthmus within the inguinal canal. The incidence among the paediatric population is reported to be less than 3%, although it might be underdiagnosed. Several theories have been proposed in the literature but the aetiology of ASH remains unknown. Diagnosis can be made clinically and confirmed by ultrasound. Spontaneous resolution is rare and long-standing ASH may lead to complications, thus early surgical intervention is recommended. Different techniques have been described, but dissection remains challenging due to the tunica vaginalis adherence to the testis and the distal cord. We present a male infant with ASH who underwent inguinal repair. The procedure was facilitated by needle decompression of the mass. Identification and preservation of the vessels and vas deferens was done successfully without compromising the testis.
Measuring ability to assess claims about treatment effects: a latent trait analysis of items from the ‘Claim Evaluation Tools’ database using Rasch modelling
Authors: Austvoll-Dahlgren Astrid , Guttersrud Øystein , Nsangi Allen , Semakula Daniel , Oxman Andrew D
Published: May 2017

Background

The Claim Evaluation Tools database contains multiple-choice items for measuring people’s ability to apply the key concepts they need to know to be able to assess treatment claims. We assessed items from the database using Rasch analysis to develop an outcome measure to be used in two randomised trials in Uganda. Rasch analysis is a form of psychometric testing relying on Item Response Theory. It is a dynamic way of developing outcome measures that are valid and reliable.

Objectives

To assess the validity, reliability and responsiveness of 88 items addressing 22 key concepts using Rasch analysis.

Participants

We administrated four sets of multiple-choice items in English to 1114 people in Uganda and Norway, of which 685 were children and 429 were adults (including 171 health professionals). We scored all items dichotomously. We explored summary and individual fit statistics using the RUMM2030 analysis package. We used SPSS to perform distractor analysis.

Results

Most items conformed well to the Rasch model, but some items needed revision. Overall, the four item sets had satisfactory reliability. We did not identify significant response dependence between any pairs of items and, overall, the magnitude of multidimensionality in the data was acceptable. The items had a high level of difficulty.

Conclusion

Most of the items conformed well to the Rasch model’s expectations. Following revision of some items, we concluded that most of the items were suitable for use in an outcome measure for evaluating the ability of children or adults to assess treatment claims.
The SUPER study: protocol for a randomised controlled trial comparing follicle-stimulating hormone and clomiphene citrate for ovarian stimulation in intrauterine insemination
Authors: Danhof NA , van Wely M , Koks CAM , Gianotten J , de Bruin JP , Cohlen BJ , van der Ham DP , Klijn NF , van Hooff MHA , Broekmans FJM , Fleischer K , Janssen CAH , Rijn van Weert JM , van Disseldorp J , Twisk M , Traas M , Verberg MFG , Pelinck MJ , Visser J , Perquin DAM , Boks DES , Verhoeve HR , van Heteren CF , Mol BWJ , Repping S , van der Veen F , Mochtar MH
Published: May 2017

Objective

To study the effectiveness of four cycles of intrauterine insemination (IUI) with ovarian stimulation (OS) by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or by clomiphene citrate (CC), and adherence to strict cancellation criteria.

Setting

Randomised controlled trial among 22 secondary and tertiary fertility clinics in the Netherlands.

Participants

732 women from couples diagnosed with unexplained or mild male subfertility and an unfavourable prognosis according to the model of Hunault of natural conception.

Interventions

Four cycles of IUI–OS within a time horizon of 6 months comparing FSH 75 IU with CC 100 mg. The primary outcome is ongoing pregnancy conceived within 6 months after randomisation, defined as a positive heartbeat at 12 weeks of gestation. Secondary outcomes are cancellation rates, number of cycles with a monofollicular or with multifollicular growth, number of follicles >14 mm at the time of ovulation triggering, time to ongoing pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, live birth and multiple pregnancy. We will also assess if biomarkers such as female age, body mass index, smoking status, antral follicle count and endometrial aspect and thickness can be used as treatment selection markers.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of the Academic Medical Centre and from the Dutch Central Committee on Research involving Human Subjects (CCMO NL 43131-018-13). Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international scientific meetings.

Trial registration number

NTR4057.
Cold hardiness of white spruce, black spruce, jack pine, and lodgepole pine needles during dehardening
Authors: Man Rongzhou , Lu Pengxin , Dang Qing-Lai
Published: May 2017

Conifer winter damage results primarily from loss of cold hardiness during unseasonably warm days in late winter and early spring, and such damage may increase in frequency and severity under a warming climate. In this study, the dehardening dynamics of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex. Loud), jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.), white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss), and black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) were examined in relation to thermal accumulation during artificial dehardening in winter (December) and spring (March) using relative electrolyte leakage and visual assessment of pine needles and spruce shoots. Results indicated that all four species dehardened at a similar rate and to a similar extent, despite considerably different thermal accumulation requirements. Spring dehardening was comparatively faster, with black spruce slightly hardier than the other conifers at the late stage of spring dehardening. The difference, however, was relatively small and did not afford black spruce significant protection during seedling freezing tests prior to budbreak in late March and early May. The dehardening curves and models developed in this study may serve as a tool to predict cold hardiness by temperature and to understand the potential risks of conifer cold injury during warming–freezing events prior to budbreak.
High-resolution spectroscopy of giant stars in the open clusters IC 4651 and IC 4725
Authors: Katime Santrich Orlando J. , Rossi Silvia
Published: May 2017

Open clusters are important astrophysical laboratories to study the stellar formation and evolution and to verify the disk structure of the Milky Way. We present calculations of stellar atmospheric parameters and s-process abundances for nine giant stars in the galactic open clusters IC 4651 and IC 4725. These objects have their memberships confirmed from dynamic studies and chemical analysis. The high-resolution spectra are available in the FEROS ESO archive. We have applied a line by line analysis relative to Juno solar spectrum to determine the stellar atmospheric parameters and chemical abundances of Y II, Zr I, La II, Ce II, and Nd II under the local thermal equilibrium hypothesis. The obtained results were compared to the literature values. The derived s-process abundance pattern agrees with the most recent behaviors reported for giant stars in galactic open clusters.
The de Broglie – Bohm theory as a rational completion of quantum mechanics,
Authors: Bricmont Jean
Published: May 2017

We try to give a physical meaning to the wave function or quantum state of a system, apart from being a very efficient tool for predicting results of measurements on that system. In other words, we ask what does it mean for a system outside the laboratories to have a wave function? We first explain why two possible, and probably common, answers to that question do not really answer it. Then, we explain how the de Broglie – Bohm theory does give a satisfactory meaning to the quantum state outside the laboratories, while avoiding the problems faced by the other answers.
A METHOD TO SELECT REPRESENTATIVE ROCK SAMPLES FOR DIGITAL CORE MODELING
Authors: LIN WEI , YANG ZHENGMING , LI XIZHE , WANG JUAN , HE YING , WU GUOMING , XIONG SHENGCHUN , WEI YUNYUN
Published: May 2017

X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning method is the most accurate method to construct digital core, which can reflect the microscopic pore structure of real cores; therefore, it is widely used and researched by experts and scholars all over the world. However, there are few reports about how to select the CT scan core samples at present, and the current practice is to make CT scan samples by visually observing rocks or core columns to select a region that is considered representative or interesting, which can lead to a large difference between the selected sample and the whole rock and a digital core that cannot represent the real rock as a whole. In order to construct the digital cores that can reflect the whole rock structure and reservoir properties, combining with fractal theory, a scientific and reasonable method was proposed to select representative rock samples for digital core modeling. First of all, a core column is scanned by X-ray CT at a certain resolution and CT gray scale images are obtained and stored in the order of scan. Secondly, the fractal dimension (FD) of each image is calculated by box-counting method, and the calculated porosity of each image is achieved by the existing formula. Then, according to the size of the digital core to be constructed, the CT gray scale images are grouped, and the average FD and the average porosity of each combination are calculated by the derived equations. Finally, based on the proposed criteria the best image combination is selected and the preferred sample is determined accordingly. At the same time, a facile experiment was conducted to test the effectiveness of this method. The experimental results show that there are some errors between the subjectively selected cores and the long core in terms of permeability and porosity, and the petrophysical parameters of the core selected by the proposed method are close to those of the long core; as a consequence, the validity of this method was verified and it is feasible and practical to select the representative rock samples for digital core modeling by this method.
Impact of Product Modularity on Mass Customization Capability: An Exploratory Study of Contextual Factors
Authors: Tang Mincong , Qi Yinan , Zhang Min
Published: May 2017

This study examines how the impact of product modularity (PM) on the mass customization capability (MCC) is moderated by several contextual factors, such as the firms’ information system capacity (ISC), teamwork (TW), multifunctional employees (MFE), and organizational structure (flat or hierarchical) (OSF). Data from 238 firms located in multiple countries across three different industry groups were analyzed to test the moderated regression models and the hypotheses. The results showed that the product modularity strongly impacts the MCC. Compared to ISC, the social contextual variables, such as TW, MFE, and OSF, have stronger moderating effects on the impact of the product modularity on the mass customization capability. In addition, ISC helps MCC solely for firms with flat organizational structures. Overall, our study suggests that manufacturers who desire to become mass customizers should create flat, nimble organizations with employees who are trained in several different tasks and are adept at teamwork.
Summit of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet underlain by thick ice-crystal fabric layers linked to glacial–interglacial environmental change
Authors: Wang Bangbing , Sun Bo , Martin Carlos , Ferraccioli Fausto , Steinhage Daniel , Cui Xiangbin , Siegert Martin J.
Published: May 2017

Ice cores in Antarctica and Greenland reveal ice-crystal fabrics that can be softer under simple shear compared with isotropic ice. Owing to the sparseness of ice cores in regions away from the ice divide, we currently lack information about the spatial distribution of ice fabrics and its association with ice flow. Radio-wave reflections are influenced by ice-crystal alignments, allowing them to be tracked provided reflections are recorded simultaneously in orthogonal orientations (polarimetric measurements). Here, we image spatial variations in the thickness and extent of ice fabric across Dome A in East Antarctica, by interpreting polarimetric radar data. We identify four prominent fabric units, each several hundred metres thick, extending over hundreds of square kilometres. By tracing internal ice-sheet layering to the Vostok ice core, we are able to determine the approximate depth–age profile at Dome A. The fabric units correlate with glacial–interglacial cycles, most noticeably revealing crystal alignment contrasts between the Eemian and the glacial episodes before and after. The anisotropy within these fabric layers has a spatial pattern determined by ice flow over subglacial topography.
Right atrial pressure and venous return during cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Moller Per W. , Winkler Bernhard , Hurni Samuel , Heinisch Paul Philipp , Bloch Andreas , Sondergaard Soren , Jakob Stephan M. , Takala Jukka , Berger David
Published: May 2017

The relevance of right atrial pressure (RAP) as the backpressure for venous return (QVR) and mean systemic filling pressure as upstream pressure is controversial during dynamic changes of circulation. To examine the immediate response of QVR (sum of caval vein flows) to changes in RAP and pump function, we used a closed-chest, central cannulation, heart bypass porcine preparation ( n = 10) with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Mean systemic filling pressure was determined by clamping extracorporeal membrane oxygenation tubing with open or closed arteriovenous shunt at euvolemia, volume expansion (9.75 ml/kg hydroxyethyl starch), and hypovolemia (bleeding 19.5 ml/kg after volume expansion). The responses of RAP and QVR were studied using variable pump speed at constant airway pressure (PAW) and constant pump speed at variable PAW. Within each volume state, the immediate changes in QVR and RAP could be described with a single linear regression, regardless of whether RAP was altered by pump speed or PAW ( r2 = 0.586–0.984). RAP was inversely proportional to pump speed from zero to maximum flow ( r2 = 0.859–0.999). Changing PAW caused immediate, transient, directionally opposite changes in RAP and QVR (RAP: P ≤ 0.002 and QVR: P ≤ 0.001), where the initial response was proportional to the change in QVR driving pressure. Changes in PAW generated volume shifts into and out of the right atrium, but their effect on upstream pressure was negligible. Our findings support the concept that RAP acts as backpressure to QVR and that Guyton’s model of circulatory equilibrium qualitatively predicts the dynamic response from changing RAP.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Venous return responds immediately to changes in right atrial pressure. Concomitant volume shifts within the systemic circulation due to an imbalance between cardiac output and venous return have negligible effects on mean systemic filling pressure. Guyton’s model of circulatory equilibrium can qualitatively predict the resulting changes in dynamic conditions with right atrial pressure as backpressure to venous return.
Variability in coronary artery anatomy affects consistency of cardiac damage after myocardial infarction in mice
Authors: Chen Jiqiu , Ceholski Delaine K. , Liang Lifan , Fish Kenneth , Hajjar Roger J.
Published: May 2017

Low reliability and reproducibility in heart failure models are well established. The purpose of the present study is to explore factors that affect model consistency of myocardial infarction (MI) in mice. MI was induced by left coronary artery (LCA) ligation. The coronary artery was casted with resin and visualized with fluorescent imaging ex vivo. LCA characteristics and MI size were analyzed individually in each animal, and MI size was correlated with left ventricular (LV) function by echocardiography. Coronary anatomy varies widely in mice, posing challenges for surgical ligation and resulting in inconsistent MI size postligation. The length of coronary arterial trunk, level of bifurcation, number of branches, and territory supplied by these branches are unique in each animal. When the main LCA trunk is ligated, this results in a large MI, but when a single branch is ligated, MI size is variable due to differing levels of LCA ligation and area supplied by the branches. During the ligation procedure, nearly 40% of LCAs are not grossly visible to the surgeon. In these situations, the surgeon blindly sutures a wider and deeper area of tissue in an attempt to catch the LCA. Paradoxically, these situations have greater odds of resulting in smaller MIs. In conclusion, variation in MI size and LV function after LCA ligation in mice is difficult to avoid. Anatomic diversity of the LCA in mice leads to inconsistency in MI size and functional parameters, and this is independent of potential technical modifications made by the operator.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In the present study, we demonstrate that left coronary artery diversity in mice is one of the primary causes of variable myocardial infarction size and cardiac functional parameters in the left coronary artery ligation model. Recognition of anatomic diversity is essential to improve reliability and reproducibility in heart failure research.
Cyp2c44gene disruption is associated with increased hematopoietic stem cells: implication in chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Hashimoto Ryota , Joshi Sachindra Raj , Jiang Houli , Capdevila Jorge H. , McMurtry Ivan F. , Laniado Schwartzman Michal , Gupte Sachin A.
Published: May 2017

We have recently demonstrated that disruption of the murine cytochrome P-450 2c44 gene ( Cyp2c44) exacerbates chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary artery remodeling and hypertension in mice. Subsequently, we serendipitously found that Cyp2c44 gene disruption also increases hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) numbers in bone marrow and blood. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate whether CYP2C44-derived eicosanoids regulate HSC proliferation/cell growth and whether increased HSCs contribute to chronic hypoxia-induced remodeling of pulmonary arteries in Cyp2c44 knockout mice. Our findings demonstrated that lack of CYP2C44 epoxygenase, which catalyzed the oxidation of arachidonic acid to epoxyeicosatrienoic (EETs) and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic (HETE) acids, increases the numbers of 1) HSCs (CD34+, CD117+, and CD133+), 2) proangiogenic (CD34+CD133+and CD34+CD117+CD133+) cells, and 3) immunogenic/inflammatory (CD34+CD11b+, CD133+CD11b+, F4/80+, CD11b+, and F4/80+CD11b+) macrophages in bone marrow and blood compared with wild-type mice. Among the various CYP2C44-derived arachidonic acids, only 15-HETE decreased CD117+cell numbers when applied to bone marrow cell cultures. Interestingly, CD133+and von Willebrand factor-positive cells, which are derived from proangiogenic stem cells, are increased in the bone marrow, blood, and lungs of mice exposed to chronic hypoxia and in remodeled and occluded pulmonary arteries of CYP2C44-deficient mice. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that CYP2C44-derived 15-HETE plays a critical role in downregulating HSC proliferation and growth, because disruption of the Cyp2c44 gene increased HSCs that potentially contribute to chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial remodeling and occlusion.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates that cytochrome P-450 2C44 plays a critical role in controlling the phenotype of hematopoietic stem cells and that when this enzyme is knocked out, stem cells are differentiated. These stem cells give rise to increased circulating monocytes and macrophages and contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary artery remodeling and hypertension.
Cardiac telomere length in heart development, function, and disease
Authors: Booth S. A. , Charchar F. J.
Published: May 2017

Telomeres are repetitive nucleoprotein structures at chromosome ends, and a decrease in the number of these repeats, known as a reduction in telomere length (TL), triggers cellular senescence and apoptosis. Heart disease, the worldwide leading cause of death, often results from the loss of cardiac cells, which could be explained by decreases in TL. Due to the cell-specific regulation of TL, this review focuses on studies that have measured telomeres in heart cells and critically assesses the relationship between cardiac TL and heart function. There are several lines of evidence that have identified rapid changes in cardiac TL during the onset and progression of heart disease as well as at critical stages of development. There are also many factors, such as the loss of telomeric proteins, oxidative stress, and hypoxia, that decrease cardiac TL and heart function. In contrast, antioxidants, calorie restriction, and exercise can prevent both cardiac telomere attrition and the progression of heart disease. TL in the heart is also indicative of proliferative potential and could facilitate the identification of cells suitable for cardiac rejuvenation. Although these findings highlight the involvement of TL in heart function, there are important questions regarding the validity of animal models, as well as several confounding factors, that need to be considered when interpreting results and planning future research. With these in mind, elucidating the telomeric mechanisms involved in heart development and the transition to disease holds promise to prevent cardiac dysfunction and potentiate regeneration after injury.
Cadmium Uptake and Distribution in Fragrant Rice Genotypes and Related Consequences on Yield and Grain Quality Traits
Authors: Kanu Adam Sheka , Ashraf Umair , Mo Zhaowen , Fuseini Issaka , Mansaray Lamin R. , Duan Meiyang , Pan Shenggan , Tang Xiangru
Published: May 2017

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity has varying consequences on plants growth and development. This research focused on examining the influence of Cd toxicity on fragrant rice genotypes and its consequences on yield, yield related parameters, and grain quality traits. Randomized complete block design comprising five different fragrant rice cultivars (Meixiangzhan 2, Xiangyaxiangzhan, Guixiangzhan, Basmati, and Nongxiang 18) and four Cd levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg soil) was used. The results showed that, with increased levels of soil Cd toxicity, Cd uptake in roots and distribution to other organs increased in dose dependent manner. Uptake and accumulation were higher in roots than in shoots with the highest uptake in both roots and shoots observed in Meixiangzhan 2, followed by Nongxiang 18, Basmati, Xiangyaxiangzhan, and Guixiangzhan cultivars. With increased Cd toxicity, yield and yield parameters were affected in all cultivars. Grain quality was also found affected under Cd stress condition. The results suggested that soil Cd toxicity has negative consequences on rice performance and uptake varies among cultivars. Conclusively, Cd toxicity impaired rice yield formation and grain quality by altering yield components (panicles number, spikelet per panicles, and spikelet setting (%)); however, Guixiangzhan variety performed better, while Meixiangzhan 2 performed less in terms of minimum Cd uptake and distribution to grains, yield, and grain quality reduction under Cd stress condition.
Pulsed Vincristine Therapy in Steroid-Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Thalgahagoda Shenal , Abeyagunawardena Shamali , Jayaweera Heshan , Karunadasa Umeshi Ishanthika , Abeyagunawardena Asiri Samantha
Published: May 2017

Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) poses a therapeutic challenge for the paediatric nephrologist. As relentless progression to renal failure occurs with continued proteinuria, such patients will be treated with different cytotoxic medications with variable success rates and side-effects. We present here our findings on administering the anticancer drug vincristine for SRNS patients at a single centre in Sri Lanka. Methods. Between 2002 and 2007, fifty-four children presenting with steroid and cyclophosphamide resistance were treated with vincristine at 1.5 mg/m2 in weekly intravenous pulses for 8 weeks along with a tapering steroid regimen of 6 months. All patients were closely followed up for 5 years. Results. Of the 54 patients 39 were males and 15 were females (age range 3.5–11.6 years, median 6.1 years). At the end of the treatment course, 21 patients achieved complete remission while 7 had partial remission and no response was seen in 26 patients. Sustained remission at 6, 12, 24, and 60 months were 15 (27.78%), 11 (20.37%), 9 (16.67%), and 7 (12.96%), respectively. Most side-effects observed were reversible and no serious side-effects were noted during vincristine therapy. Conclusion. Although its therapeutic mechanisms in nephrotic syndrome are still not elucidated, vincristine appears to be a potent alternative that could be considered for treating SRNS.
Regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Secretion from Scleral Fibroblasts and Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells by miR-29a
Authors: Zhang Yingjie , Hu Dan-Ning , Zhu Yi , Sun Hao , Gu Ping , Zhu Dongqing , Zhou Jibo
Published: May 2017

Purpose. To identify an effective method to prevent myopia progression by characterizing the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 2 expression and its secretion from scleral fibroblasts and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells by miR-29a. Methods. The effects of miR-29a on the growth of scleral fibroblasts and RPE cells were assessed using the cell counting kit-8. The changes in MMP-2 mRNA levels in scleral fibroblasts and RPE cells after transfection with miR-29a mimics or inhibitor were measured by quantitative PCR. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to determine the changes in MMP-2 secretion from scleral fibroblasts and RPE cells after transfection with miR-29a mimics or inhibitor. Results. The miR-29a mimics or inhibitor did not significantly alter the growth of scleral fibroblasts or RPE cells at 24, 48, or 72 hours after transfection. MMP-2 mRNA levels were significantly decreased in scleral fibroblasts and RPE cells transfected with the miR-29a mimics. The secretion of MMP-2 by scleral fibroblasts and RPE cells was significantly decreased in cells transfected with the miR-29a mimics. Conclusions. Suppression of scleral fibroblast and RPE cell expression and secretion of MMP-2 by miR-29a can be used as a therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of myopia.
2D-QSAR and 3D-QSAR Analyses for EGFR Inhibitors
Authors: Zhao Manman , Wang Lin , Zheng Linfeng , Zhang Mengying , Qiu Chun , Zhang Yuhui , Du Dongshu , Niu Bing
Published: May 2017

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an important target for cancer therapy. In this study, EGFR inhibitors were investigated to build a two-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (2D-QSAR) model and a three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) model. In the 2D-QSAR model, the support vector machine (SVM) classifier combined with the feature selection method was applied to predict whether a compound was an EGFR inhibitor. As a result, the prediction accuracy of the 2D-QSAR model was 98.99% by using tenfold cross-validation test and 97.67% by using independent set test. Then, in the 3D-QSAR model, the model with q2=0.565 (cross-validated correlation coefficient) and r2=0.888 (non-cross-validated correlation coefficient) was built to predict the activity of EGFR inhibitors. The mean absolute error (MAE) of the training set and test set was 0.308 log units and 0.526 log units, respectively. In addition, molecular docking was also employed to investigate the interaction between EGFR inhibitors and EGFR.
Decline in Memory, Visuospatial Ability, and Crystalized Cognitive Abilities in Older Adults: Normative Aging or Terminal Decline?
Authors: Bendayan R. , Piccinin A. M. , Hofer S. M. , Cadar D. , Johansson B. , Muniz-Terrera G.
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study is to explore the pattern of change in multiple measures of cognitive abilities in a sample of oldest-old adults, comparing two different time metrics (chronological age and time to death) and therefore examining both underlying conceptual assumptions (age-related change and terminal decline). Moreover, the association with individual characteristics as sex, education, and dementia diagnosis was also examined. Measures of cognitive status (Mini-Mental State Examination and the Swedish Clock Test) and tests of crystallized (knowledge and synonyms), memory (verbal memory, nonverbal long-term memory, recognition and correspondence, and short-term memory), and visuospatial ability were included. The sample consisted of 671 older Swedish adult participants of the OCTO Twin Study. Linear mixed models with random coefficients were used to analyse change patterns and BIC indexes were used to compare models. Results showed that the time to death model was the best option in analyses of change in all the cognitive measures considered (except for the Information Test). A significant cognitive decline over time was found for all variables. Individuals diagnosed with dementia had lower scores at the study entrance and a faster decline. More educated individuals performed better in all the measures of cognition at study entry than those with poorer education, but no differences were found in the rate of change. Differences were found in age, sex, or time to death at baseline across the different measures. These results support the terminal decline hypothesis when compared to models assuming that cognitive changes are driven by normative aging processes.