bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N-palmitoylethanolamide in the anterior cingulate cortex attenuates inflammatory pain behaviour indirectly via a CB1 receptor-mediated mechanism
Authors: Okine Bright N. , Madasu Manish K. , McGowan Fiona , Prendergast Charles , Gaspar Jessica C. , Harhen Brendan , Roche Michelle , Finn David P.
Published: August 2016

The neural substrates and mechanisms mediating the antinociceptive effects of the endogenous bioactive lipid, N-palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), require further investigation. We investigated the effects of exogenous PEA administration into the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), an important brain region linked with cognitive and affective modulation of pain, on formalin-evoked nociceptive behaviour in rats. Potential involvement of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor isoforms (PPAR) α and γ or endocannabinoid-mediated entourage effects at cannabinoid1 (CB1) receptors or transient receptor potential subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) in mediating the effects of PEA was also investigated. Intra-ACC administration of PEA significantly attenuated the first and early second phases of formalin-evoked nociceptive behaviour. This effect was attenuated by the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251, but not by the PPARα antagonist GW6471, the PPARγ antagonist GW9662, or the TRPV1 antagonist 5′-iodo resiniferatoxin. All antagonists, administered alone, significantly reduced formalin-evoked nociceptive behaviour, suggesting facilitatory/permissive roles for these receptors in the ACC in inflammatory pain. Post-mortem tissue analysis revealed a strong trend for increased levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide in the ACC of rats that received intra-ACC PEA. Expression of c-Fos, a marker of neuronal activity, was significantly reduced in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala, but not in the central nucleus of the amygdala, the rostral ventromedial medulla or the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. In conclusion, these data indicate that PEA in the ACC can reduce inflammatory pain-related behaviour, possibly via AEA-induced activation of CB1 receptors and associated modulation of neuronal activity in the basolateral amygdala.
Experiences and Perceptions of Nursing Staff Working With Long-Stay Patients in a High Secure Psychiatric Hospital Setting
Authors: Dutta Snigdha , Majid Shazmin , Völlm Birgit
Published: August 2016

Background and Objective

Forensic psychiatric nursing is a demanding nursing specialty that deals with a highly complex group of patients who are detained in restrictive environments, often for lengthy periods. There is little information about the daily experiences of these nurses. This study sought to explore the roles and relationships of forensic psychiatric nurses with long-stay patients in a high secure hospital in England.

Method and Analysis

The study obtained data via three focus groups, and thematic analysis was carried out using NVIVO 10 software.

Results

Five prominent themes emerged: First, nurses elaborated on their roles with patients and the kinds of interactions they had with them. The next two themes explored the reasons why some patients are long-stay patients and the challenges nurses face while working with this group. The fourth theme was the impact of external support, such as the patient’s families, on length of stay. The final theme covered the changes that the nurses observed in these patients and in themselves over time.

Conclusion

It was noticeable that those interviewed were committed professionals, eager to provide an optimistic and hopeful environment for the patients to help them progress through “the system”. The study presents a number of pertinent issues regarding long-stay patients that provide a basis for further research and to inform policy, educational reforms, and clinical practice.
Counseling Women on Smoking Relapse Prevention During Postpartum
Authors: Feeney Ann , Britton Geraldine
Published: August 2016

Many women who quit smoking after learning they are pregnant revert back to smoking after birth of their baby. The high rate of recidivism suggests that women need education about risk of relapse and effective strategies to remain smoke free even before they are discharged from the hospital. Despite evidence that smoking cessation and relapse prevention counseling is effective during early postpartum, many nurses do not provide their patients with this important information, perhaps because they feel inadequately prepared to do so. Helping Women Stop Smoking in Pregnancy and Beyond is an education program designed to help perinatal nurses inform women of negative risks of smoking and offer women strategies to avoid the high probability of resuming smoking after birth. It includes evidence-based interventions that can be used by nurses to provide effective smoking relapse prevention counseling to women during postpartum.
Preconception Health Behaviors of Low-Income Women
Authors: Ayoola Adejoke B. , Sneller Krista , Ebeye Tega D. , Dykstra Megan Jongekrijg , Ellens Victoria L. , Lee HaEun Grace , Zandee Gail L.
Published: August 2016

Purpose:

Preconception behaviors have a significant impact on birth outcomes, particularly among low-income minority groups, and women with unplanned pregnancies. This study examined women's perceived health status and behaviors such as drinking, smoking, exercise, and use of multivitamins and folic acid.

Study Design and Methods:

This was a descriptive study based on a convenience sample of women living in urban underserved neighborhoods. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted using STATA 13.

Results:

The sample consisted of 123 women ages 18 to 51 years (mean = 30.57); 51.22% were Hispanic, 36.59% African American, and 12.2% Caucasian. Over 70% had a household income of less than $20,000, 57.72% had no health insurance in the last year, and 58.54% were not married. These women were below the Healthy People 2020 goals for drinking, smoking, and multivitamin use, especially those who were planning to get pregnant in the next 6 months or not sure of their pregnancy planning status. There were no significant differences on any of the preconception health behavior variables based on pregnancy intention.

Clinical Implications:

Nurses and healthcare providers should emphasize importance of practicing healthy behaviors during the preconception period among low-income ethnic minority women specifically those living in urban medically underserved areas who are unsure of their pregnancy planning status or are at risk of unintended pregnancy.
Evaluation of Protamine as a Disinfectant for Contact Lenses
Authors: Bandara Mahesh K. , Masoudi Simin , Zhu Hua , Bandara Rani , Willcox Mark D. P.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To investigate the ability of protamine, alone or in combination with other antimicrobial agents, to kill bacteria and fungi associated with contact lens–related keratitis.

Methods

The International Organization for Standardization 14729:2001 procedure was used to test the antimicrobial activity of solutions of protamine (23–228 μM) with and without polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) and ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA). The recommended ISO panel of microbes along with six clinical isolates was tested. The effect of increasing sodium chloride concentration on the antimicrobial activity was also assessed. The cytotoxicity of the final protamine/EDTA/PHMB solution was measured using ISO 10993–5 standard assays.

Results

Protamine gave a dose-dependent antimicrobial effect, with the highest effect for most strains being at 228 μM (≥6 log reductions of viable bacteria and ≥1 log reduction of viable fungi). Addition of EDTA and PHMB increased the antimicrobial effect for all strains except Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC6538, which had optimum activity (≥6 log inhibition) even in protamine alone. The optimum antimicrobial activity of all microbes was achieved in 0.2% sodium chloride, but even in 0.8% sodium chloride, the activity met or exceeded the ISO standard (>3 log reductions for bacteria and >1 log reduction for fungi). None of the formulations was cytotoxic to mammalian cells.

Conclusions

This study highlights the potential for protamine to be used for the development of effective multipurpose disinfection solutions. Further investigations such as stability, compatibility with contact lenses, and in vivo toxicity are warranted.
Hyoid Suspension Neck Lift
Authors: Yousif N. John , Matloub Hani S. , Sanger James R.
Published: August 2016

Background:

The shape of the deep cervical structures is the shape of an aesthetic neck. With age, changes can obstruct visualization of that shape. Achieving a youthful contour requires removal of excess skin and fat but also control of the platysma to allow skin to redrape like a blanket over an underlying framework. The authors’ technique makes the platysma part of the deep cervical structures whose shape underlies an attractive neck and allows the skin to redrape to that contour.

Methods:

To make the platysma conform closely to the deep cervical structures and allow the skin to show that new form, the authors developed a procedure that includes removal of excess fat, attaching the platysma to the hyoid fascia, approximating the edges of the platysma above and below that suture, and wide undermining of skin to allow it to re-drape naturally over those deeper structures.

Results:

Over 7 years, 110 patients underwent aesthetic facial surgery that included hyoid suspension of the platysma. One patient had recurrence of platysmal bands after failure of the key suture. Complications included hematoma in three patients and submental seromas in three patients, but no permanent nerve injury, no skin loss from vascular compromise, no reported changes in vocal resonance, and no complaints of difficulty swallowing.

Conclusions:

This method allows the skin to redrape over a youthful framework and produces reliable aesthetic and long lasting results. It is a simple, reproducible, teachable technique that enables surgeons to achieve results previously difficult to obtain in a single operation.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Treatment as Prevention: Characterization of Partner Infections in the HIV Prevention Trials Network 052 Trial
Authors: Eshleman Susan H. , Hudelson Sarah E. , Redd Andrew D. , Swanstrom Ronald , Ou San-San , Zhang Xinyi Cindy , Ping Li-Hua , Piwowar-Manning Estelle , Porcella Stephen F. , Sievers Matthew F. , Martens Craig A. , Bruno Daniel , Dukhovlinova Elena , McCauley Marybeth , Gamble Theresa , Fogel Jessica M. , Sabin Devin , Quinn Thomas C. , Gunde Laurence , Maliwichi Madalitso , Nhando Nehemiah , Akelo Victor , Moyo Sikhulile , Panchia Ravindre , Kumarasamy Nagalingeswaran , Chotirosniramit Nuntisa , Melo Marineide Gonçalves de , Pilotto Jose , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Mayer Kenneth , Chen Ying Q. , Hughes James P. , Cohen Myron S.
Published: August 2016

HIV Prevention Trials Network 052 demonstrated that antiretroviral therapy (ART) prevents HIV transmission in serodiscordant couples. HIV from index–partner pairs was analyzed to determine the genetic linkage status of partner infections. Forty-six infections were classified as linked, indicating that the index was the likely source of the partner's infection. Lack of viral suppression and higher index viral load were associated with linked infection. Eight linked infections were diagnosed after the index started ART: 4 near the time of ART initiation and 4 after ART failure. Linked infections were not observed when the index participant was stably suppressed on ART.
Molecular diagnostics for human leptospirosis
Authors: Waggoner Jesse J. , Pinsky Benjamin A.
Published: August 2016

Purpose of review

The definitive diagnosis of leptospirosis, which results from infection with spirochetes of the genus Leptospira, currently relies on the use of culture, serological testing (microscopic agglutination testing), and molecular detection. The purpose of this review is to describe new molecular diagnostics for Leptospira and discuss advancements in the use of available methods.

Recent findings

Efforts have been focused on improving the clinical sensitivity of Leptospira detection using molecular methods. In this review, we describe a reoptimized pathogenic species-specific real-time PCR (targeting lipL32) that has demonstrated improved sensitivity, findings by two groups that real-time reverse-transcription PCR assays targeting the 16S rrs gene can improve detection, and two new loop-mediated amplification techniques. Quantitation of leptospiremia, detection in different specimen types, and the complementary roles played by molecular detection and microscopic agglutination testing will be discussed. Finally, a protocol for Leptospira strain subtyping using variable number tandem repeat targets and high-resolution melting will be described.

Molecular diagnostics have an established role for the diagnosis of leptospirosis and provide an actionable diagnosis in the acute setting. The use of real-time reverse-transcription PCR for testing serum/plasma and cerebrospinal fluid, when available, may improve the detection of Leptospira without decreasing clinical specificity.
Molecular evolution and functional divergence of Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Das Bhabatosh , Pazhani Gururaja P. , Sarkar Anirban , Mukhopadhyay Asish K. , Nair G. Balakrish , Ramamurthy Thandavarayan
Published: August 2016

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to synopsize and highlight the recent subtle genetic changes in cholera causing toxigenic Vibrio cholerae with special reference to their virulence, integrating and conjugative elements and toxin–antitoxin systems. It is not intended to cover issues on the whole genome sequence and epidemiology of cholera.

Recent findings

Analyses have been made using major published works on genetic changes associated with potential virulence, integrating and conjugative elements and toxin–antitoxin systems of toxigenic V. cholerae. During the course of evolution, V. cholerae strains show evidence of genetic selection for the expression of additional virulence, better survival in the environment, colonization ability and antimicrobial resistance. Some of the critical modifications that occurred at the molecular level include CTXϕ genome, cholera toxin B-subunit, integrating and conjugative elements and toxin–antitoxin systems. Frequent changes in the genome of V. cholerae appear to be an ongoing dynamic process that is assisting the pathogen to subtly change during or after epidemics of cholera.

Cholera is a reemerging public health problem. Continued basic research is important to understand the changing dynamics of bacterial virulence, survival strategies and disease pathogenesis for efficient therapeutic intervention and to abort transmission of the disease.
Major histocompatibility complex selection dynamics in pathogen-infected túngara frog (
Physalaemus pustulosus
) populations
Authors: Kosch Tiffany A. , Bataille Arnaud , Didinger Chelsea , Eimes John A. , Rodríguez-Brenes Sofia , Ryan Michael J. , Waldman Bruce
Published: August 2016

Pathogen-driven selection can favour major histocompatibility complex (MHC) alleles that confer immunological resistance to specific diseases. However, strong directional selection should deplete genetic variation necessary for robust immune function in the absence of balancing selection or challenges presented by other pathogens. We examined selection dynamics at one MHC class II (MHC-II) locus across Panamanian populations of the túngara frog,
Physalaemus pustulosus
, infected by the amphibian chytrid fungus
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
(Bd). We compared MHC-II diversity in highland túngara frog populations, where amphibian communities have experienced declines owing to Bd, with those in the lowland region that have shown no evidence of decline. Highland region frogs had MHC variants that confer resistance to Bd. Variant fixation appeared to occur by directional selection rather than inbreeding, as overall genetic variation persisted in populations. In Bd-infected lowland sites, however, selective advantage may accrue to individuals with only one Bd-resistance allele, which were more frequent. Environmental conditions in lowlands should be less favourable for Bd infection, which may reduce selection for specific Bd resistance in hosts. Our results suggest that MHC selection dynamics fluctuate in túngara frog populations as a function of the favourability of habitat to pathogen spread and the vulnerability of hosts to infection.
Michael Franz Lappert. 31 December 1928 — 28 March 2014
Authors: Leigh G. Jeffery , Nixon John F.
Published: August 2016

Michael Lappert was one of the giants of twentieth-century organometallic chemistry. His research, carried out over six decades and leading to about 800 publications, had a profound and influential effect on the field, and his contributions covered almost every block of the Periodic Table. His early reputation was established by his extensive studies in boron chemistry exemplified by the reports of BCl
4
−
, BN cyclobutadiene analogues, triborylamines, BCl
3
-catalysed
ortho
-Claisen rearrangements and evidence for restricted rotation about the B–N bond in aminoboranes. He had a lifelong interest in amides, including those of carbon, and especially electron-rich olefins, which remarkably were the ready source of numerous transition-metal carbene complexes. The last could also be obtained directly from the Vilsmeier reagent. He was the first to show that a carbene complex may act as an initiator of olefin metathesis. Later interests concerned the syntheses of new types of compound from all blocks of the Periodic Table driven by his imaginative use of new types of ligand (either sterically crowded or having no β-hydrogen atoms, often including SiMe
3
or Bu
t
substituents to confer lipophilicity). The use of CH

n

SiMe

(3−
n
)

(
n
= 0, 1 or 2) to stabilize transition-metal alkyl compounds was a major advance, because at the time stable homoleptic (a term he introduced) transition-metal alkyl compounds were unknown. He showed that the −CH(SiMe
3
)
2
ligand could stabilize both low-coordinate transition metal and lanthanide compounds. Similarly, carbene analogues of the Main Group 14 elements germanium, tin and lead were obtained. Surprisingly in the solid state, these species were weakly dimerized (for example R
2
Sn=SnR
2
), and unexpectedly exhibited a pyramidalized geometry at the heavy element. The latter had very significant bonding implications, because it differed fundamentally from the well-known planar structure of the corresponding alkenes. The first persistent or stable paramagnetic heavier Main Group element species MR
2
(M = P or As) and MR
3
(M = Ge or Sn) were also obtained while parallel work using −N(SiMe
3
)
2
resulted in the corresponding Main Group amido derivatives. Other lipophilic ligands, such as β-diketiminates, were also widely used, as were bulky aryloxo and thiolato ligands, to obtain stable low-coordinate Main Group species. The first examples of d- and f-block species containing bridging alkyl groups were described. Those who worked with him cited his vast knowledge and supportive low-key advisory style, which ensured a contented and productive laboratory atmosphere. In addition to his scientific work, he was deeply interested in opera, literature and the theatre, about which he could talk knowledgeably.
Stabilizing skateboard speed-wobble with reflex delay
Authors: Varszegi Balazs , Takacs Denes , Stepan Gabor , Hogan S. John
Published: August 2016

A simple mechanical model of the skateboard–skater system is analysed, in which the effect of human control is considered by means of a linear proportional-derivative (PD) controller with delay. The equations of motion of this non-holonomic system are neutral delay-differential equations. A linear stability analysis of the rectilinear motion is carried out analytically. It is shown how to vary the control gains with respect to the speed of the skateboard to stabilize the uniform motion. The critical reflex delay of the skater is determined as the function of the speed. Based on this analysis, we present an explanation for the linear instability of the skateboard–skater system at high speed. Moreover, the advantages of standing ahead of the centre of the board are demonstrated from the viewpoint of reflex delay and control gain sensitivity.
Beyond the Coral Triangle: high genetic diversity and near panmixia in Singapore's populations of the broadcast spawning sea starProtoreaster nodosus
Authors: Tay Y. C. , Chng M. W. P. , Sew W. W. G. , Rheindt F. E. , Tun K. P. P. , Meier R.
Published: August 2016

The Coral Triangle is widely considered the most important centre of marine biodiversity in Asia while areas on its periphery such as the South China Sea, have received much less interest. Here, we demonstrate that a small population of the knobbly sea starProtoreaster nodosusin Singapore has similarly high levels of genetic diversity as comparable Indonesian populations from the Coral Triangle. The high genetic diversity of this population is remarkable because it is maintained despite decades of continued anthropogenic disturbance. We postulate that it is probably due to broadcast spawning which is likely to maintain high levels of population connectivity. To test this, we analysed 6140 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci for Singapore's populations and demonstrate a pattern of near panmixia. We here document a second case of high genetic diversity and low genetic structure for a broadcast spawner in Singapore, which suggests that such species have high resilience against anthropogenic disturbances. The study demonstrates the feasibility and power of using genome-wide SNPs for connectivity studies of marine invertebrates without a sequenced genome.
The spatial segregation patterns of sharks from Western Australia
Authors: Braccini Matias , Taylor Stephen
Published: August 2016

The extent to which sharks segregate by size and sex determines the population structure and the scale at which populations should be managed. We summarized 20 years of fisheries-dependent and independent sampling to define the spatial patterns of size and sexual segregation for sharks in Western Australia.
Carcharhinus obscurus
and
C. plumbeus
showed a large-scale (more than 1000 km) latitudinal gradient in size. Large individuals occurred predominantly in the northwest and north whereas smaller individuals occurred predominantly in the southwest and south.
Mustelus antarcticus
and
Furgaleus macki
showed strong sexual segregation at very large scales. Females occurred predominantly in the west and southwest whereas the proportion of males in catches substantially increased in the southeast. The populations of other shark species did not show sex and size segregation patterns at very large scales; most species, however, showed varying degrees of segregation when data were analysed at a smaller scale. These findings highlight the importance of matching the scale of observation to the scale of the phenomenon observed. As many shark species are highly mobile, if sampling is opportunistic and constrained both temporally and spatially, the observed segregation patterns may not be representative of those at the population level, leading to inaccurate scientific advice.
The nature of functional variability in plantar pressure during a range of controlled walking speeds
Authors: McClymont Juliet , Pataky Todd C. , Crompton Robin H. , Savage Russell , Bates Karl T.
Published: August 2016

During walking, variability in step parameters allows the body to adapt to changes in substrate or unexpected perturbations that may occur as the feet interface with the environment. Despite a rich literature describing biomechanical variability in step parameters, there are as yet no studies that consider variability at the body–environment interface. Here, we used pedobarographic statistical parametric mapping (pSPM) and two standard measures of variability, mean square error (m.s.e.) and the coefficient of variation (CV), to assess the magnitude and spatial variability in plantar pressure across a range of controlled walking speeds. Results by reduced major axis, and pSPM regression, revealed no consistent linear relationship between m.s.e. and speed or m.s.e. and Froude number. A positive linear relationship, however, was found between CV and walking speed and CV and Froude number. The spatial distribution of variability was highly disparate when assessed by m.s.e. and CV: relatively high variability was consistently confined to the medial and lateral forefoot when measured by m.s.e., while the forefoot and heel show high variability when measured by CV. In absolute terms, variability by CV was universally low (less than 2.5%). From these results, we determined that variability as assessed by m.s.e. is independent of speed, but dependent on speed when assessed by CV.
Silicone wristbands detect individuals' pesticide exposures in West Africa
Authors: Donald Carey E. , Scott Richard P. , Blaustein Kathy L. , Halbleib Mary L. , Sarr Makhfousse , Jepson Paul C. , Anderson Kim A.
Published: August 2016

We detected between 2 and 10 pesticides per person with novel sampling devices worn by 35 participants who were actively engaged in farming in Diender, Senegal. Participants were recruited to wear silicone wristbands for each of two separate periods of up to 5 days. Pesticide exposure profiles were highly individualized with only limited associations with demographic data. Using a 63-pesticide dual-column gas chromatography–electron capture detector (GC-ECD) method, we detected pyrethoid insecticides most frequently, followed by organophosphate pesticides which have been linked to adverse health outcomes. This work provides the first report of individualized exposure profiles among smallholder farmers in West Africa, where logistical and practical constraints have prevented the use of more traditional approaches to exposure assessment in the past. The wristbands and associated analytical method enabled detection of a broad range of agricultural, domestic, legacy and current-use pesticides, including esfenvalerate, cypermethrin, lindane, DDT and chlorpyrifos. Participants reported the use of 13 pesticide active ingredients while wearing wristbands. All six of the pesticides that were both reportedly used and included in the analytical method were detected in at least one wristband. An additional 19 pesticide compounds were detected beyond those that were reported to be in use, highlighting the importance of measuring exposure in addition to collecting surveys and self-reported use records. The wristband method is a candidate for more widespread use in pesticide exposure and health monitoring, and in the development of evidence-based policies for human health protection in an area where food security concerns are likely to intensify agricultural production and pesticide use in the near future.
Modelling modal gating of ion channels with hierarchical Markov models
Authors: Siekmann Ivo , Fackrell Mark , Crampin Edmund J. , Taylor Peter
Published: August 2016

Many ion channels spontaneously switch between different levels of activity. Although this behaviour known as modal gating has been observed for a long time it is currently not well understood. Despite the fact that appropriately representing activity changes is essential for accurately capturing time course data from ion channels, systematic approaches for modelling modal gating are currently not available. In this paper, we develop a modular approach for building such a model in an iterative process. First, stochastic switching between modes and stochastic opening and closing within modes are represented in separate aggregated Markov models. Second, the continuous-time hierarchical Markov model, a new modelling framework proposed here, then enables us to combine these components so that in the integrated model both mode switching as well as the kinetics within modes are appropriately represented. A mathematical analysis reveals that the behaviour of the hierarchical Markov model naturally depends on the properties of its components. We also demonstrate how a hierarchical Markov model can be parametrized using experimental data and show that it provides a better representation than a previous model of the same dataset. Because evidence is increasing that modal gating reflects underlying molecular properties of the channel protein, it is likely that biophysical processes are better captured by our new approach than in earlier models.
Substructurability: the effect of interface location on a real-time dynamic substructuring test
Authors: Terkovics N. , Neild S. A. , Lowenberg M. , Szalai R. , Krauskopf B.
Published: August 2016

A full-scale experimental test for large and complex structures is not always achievable. This can be due to many reasons, the most prominent one being the size limitations of the test. Real-time dynamic substructuring is a hybrid testing method where part of the system is modelled numerically and the rest of the system is kept as the physical test specimen. The numerical–physical parts are connected via actuators and sensors and the interface is controlled by advanced algorithms to ensure that the tested structure replicates the emulated system with sufficient accuracy. The main challenge in such a test is to overcome the dynamic effects of the actuator and associated controller, that inevitably introduce delay into the substructured system which, in turn, can destabilize the experiment. To date, most research concentrates on developing control strategies for stable recreation of the full system when the interface location is given
a priori
. Therefore, substructurability is mostly studied in terms of control. Here, we consider the interface location as a parameter and study its effect on the stability of the system in the presence of delay due to actuator dynamics and define substructurability as the system’s tolerance to delay in terms of the different interface locations. It is shown that the interface location has a major effect on the tolerable delays in an experiment and, therefore, careful selection of it is necessary.
Animal water balance drives top-down effects in a riparian forest—implications for terrestrial trophic cascades
Authors: McCluney Kevin E. , Sabo John L.
Published: August 2016

Despite the clear importance of water balance to the evolution of terrestrial life, much remains unknown about the effects of animal water balance on food webs. Based on recent research suggesting animal water imbalance can increase trophic interaction strengths in cages, we hypothesized that water availability could drive top-down effects in open environments, influencing the occurrence of trophic cascades. We manipulated large spider abundance and water availability in 20 × 20 m open-air plots in a streamside forest in Arizona, USA, and measured changes in cricket and small spider abundance and leaf damage. As expected, large spiders reduced both cricket abundance and herbivory under ambient, dry conditions, but not where free water was added. When water was added (free or within moist leaves), cricket abundance was unaffected by large spiders, but spiders still altered herbivory, suggesting behavioural effects. Moreover, we found threshold-type increases in herbivory at moderately low soil moisture (between 5.5% and 7% by volume), suggesting the possibility that water balance may commonly influence top-down effects. Overall, our results point towards animal water balance as an important driver of direct and indirect species interactions and food web dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems.
How old are bacterial pathogens?
Authors: Achtman Mark
Published: August 2016

Only few molecular studies have addressed the age of bacterial pathogens that infected humans before the beginnings of medical bacteriology, but these have provided dramatic insights. The global genetic diversity of
Helicobacter pylori
, which infects human stomachs, parallels that of its human host. The time to the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) of these bacteria approximates that of anatomically modern humans, i.e. at least 100 000 years, after calibrating the evolutionary divergence within
H. pylori
against major ancient human migrations. Similarly, genomic reconstructions of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, the cause of tuberculosis, from ancient skeletons in South America and mummies in Hungary support estimates of less than 6000 years for the tMRCA of
M. tuberculosis
. Finally, modern global patterns of genetic diversity and ancient DNA studies indicate that during the last 5000 years plague caused by
Yersinia pestis
has spread globally on multiple occasions from China and Central Asia. Such tMRCA estimates provide only lower bounds on the ages of bacterial pathogens, and additional studies are needed for realistic upper bounds on how long humans and animals have suffered from bacterial diseases.
XRN1is a Species-Specific Virus Restriction Factor in Yeasts
Authors: Rowley Paul A. , Ho Brandon , Bushong Sarah , Johnson Arlen , Sawyer Sara L.
Published: August 2016

In eukaryotes, the degradation of cellular mRNAs is accomplished by Xrn1p and the cytoplasmic exosome. Because viral RNAs often lack canonical caps or poly-A tails, they can also be vulnerable to degradation by these host exonucleases. Yeast lack sophisticated mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity, but do use RNA degradation as an antiviral defense mechanism. One model is that the RNA of yeast viruses is subject to degradation simply as a side effect of the intrinsic exonuclease activity of proteins involved in RNA metabolism. Contrary to this model, we find a highly refined, species-specific relationship between Xrn1p and the “L-A” totiviruses of differentSaccharomycesyeast species. We show that the geneXRN1has evolved rapidly under positive natural selection inSaccharomycesyeast, resulting in high levels of Xrn1p protein sequence divergence from one yeast species to the next. We also show that these sequence differences translate to differential interactions with the L-A virus, where Xrn1p fromS. cerevisiaeis most efficient at controlling the L-A virus that chronically infectsS. cerevisiae, and Xrn1p fromS. kudriavzeviiis most efficient at controlling the L-A-like virus that we have discovered withinS. kudriavzevii. All Xrn1p orthologs are equivalent in their interaction with another virus-like parasite, the Ty1 retrotransposon. Thus, the activity of Xrn1p against totiviruses is not simply an incidental consequence of the enzymatic activity of Xrn1p, but rather Xrn1p co-evolves with totiviruses to maintain its potent antiviral activity and limit viral propagation inSaccharomycesyeasts. Consistent with this, we demonstrated that Xrn1p physically interacts with the Gag protein encoded by the L-A virus, suggesting a host-virus interaction that is more complicated than just Xrn1p-mediated nucleolytic digestion of viral RNAs.
HySA: A Hybrid Structural variant Assembly approach using next generation and single-molecule sequencing technologies
Authors: Fan Xian , Chaisson Mark , Nakhleh Luay , Chen Ken
Published: August 2016

Achieving complete, accurate and cost-effective assembly of human genome is of great importance for realizing the promises of precision medicine. The abundance of repeats and genetic variations in human genome and the limitations of existing sequencing technologies call for the development of novel assembly methods that could leverage the complementary strengths of multiple technologies.

We propose a Hybrid Structural variant Assembly (HySA) approach that integrates sequencing reads from next generation sequencing (NGS) and single-molecule sequencing (SMS) technologies to accurately assemble and detect structural variations (SV) in human genome. By identifying homologous SV-containing reads from different technologies through a bipartite-graph-based clustering algorithm, our approach turns a whole genome assembly problem into a set of independent SV assembly problems, each of which can be effectively solved to enhance assembly of structurally altered regions in human genome.

In testing our approach using data generated from a haploid hydatidiform mole genome (CHM1) and a diploid human genome (NA12878), we found that our approach substantially improved the detection of many types of SVs, particularly novel large insertions, small INDELs (10-50bp) and short tandem repeat expansions and contractions over existing approaches with a low false discovery rate. Our work highlights the strengths and limitations of current approaches and provides an effective solution for extending the power of existing sequencing technologies for SV discovery.
An appetitive experience after fear memory destabilization attenuates fear retention: involvement GluN2B-NMDA receptors in the Basolateral Amygdala Complex
Authors: Ferrer Monti Roque I. , Giachero Marcelo , Alfei Joaquín M. , Bueno Adrián M. , Cuadra Gabriel , Molina Victor A.
Published: August 2016

It is known that a consolidated memory can return to a labile state and become transiently malleable following reactivation. This instability is followed by a restabilization phase termed reconsolidation. In this work, we explored whether an unrelated appetitive experience (voluntary consumption of diluted sucrose) can affect a contextual fear memory in rats during the reactivation-induced destabilization phase. Our findings show that exposure to an appetitive experience following reactivation can diminish fear retention. This effect persisted after 1 wk. Importantly, it was achieved only under conditions that induced fear memory destabilization. This result could not be explained as a potentiated extinction, because sucrose was unable to promote extinction. Since GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors in the basolateral amygdala complex (BLA) have been implicated in triggering fear memory destabilization, we decided to block pharmacologically these receptors to explore the neurobiological bases of the observed effect. Intra-BLA infusion with ifenprodil, a GluN2B-NMDA antagonist, prevented the fear reduction caused by the appetitive experience. In sum, these results suggest that the expression of a fear memory can be dampened by an unrelated appetitive experience, as long as memory destabilization is achieved during reactivation. Possible mechanisms behind this effect and its clinical implications are discussed.
Reaching out to patients with antisocial personality disorder in substance use disorder treatment: interactions between counsellors and clients in a psycho-educational intervention
Authors: Hesse Morten , Thylstrup Birgitte
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This article presents the Impulsive Lifestyle Counselling program, a time-limited psychoeducational approach to increasing patient awareness of antisocial personality disorder and its consequences.

Design/methodology/approach

This article describes the ILC program, a program developed as an add-on to treatment for substance use disorders, gives examples of issues and patient-counsellor interactions in the ILC sessions.

Findings

During the ILC sessions the patients engaged with the counsellors in diverse ways, reflecting the varying levels of psychopathology and overall functioning and barriers and incentive for lifestyle changes.

Originality/value

Patients with substance use disorder and comorbid antisocial personality disorder can receive better care with brief counselling that focuses on antisocial behavior and thinking. More diverse evidence-based treatments are needed for this disorder.
Making cultural differences matter? Diversity perspectives in higher education
Authors: Vos Menno , Çelik Gürkan , de Vries Sjiera
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The higher education sector has become increasingly aware of how the increasing diversity in society affects their institutions. The student population has become more diverse and future employers increasingly require trained students who are able to meet the demands of dealing with a more diverse market/clientele. In this regard, education institutions need to align their strategic approach to diversity within their organization. The purpose of this paper is to examine strategical reasons to diversify in different education teams in relation to two different diversity practices: attraction and selection of culturally diverse lecturers and utilization of cultural differences in team interaction.

Design/methodology/approach

In a qualitative study the authors conducted 19 interviews with educational professionals in six different education teams in a university of applied sciences.

Findings

Interviews with 19 members of six educational teams revealed that some teams acknowledge they need more diversity and exchange of knowledge and skills in order to meet the requirements of the labor market. Especially teams that prepare students for international careers foster this “Integration and Learning” perspective. Other teams, e.g. the Law team, notice less changes in labor market requirements. Still, these teams were open for recruiting diverse lecturers and found it important, especially to meet the needs of the diversity in students (access perspective). They also found value in the interaction and mutual learning in their team, but saw no extra value of diversity (colorblind perspective). Labor market demands for diversity seem to have more influence on the diversity perspective of teams than the diversity in the student population.

Practical implications

Since earlier research has shown that the diversity practices of organizations are more effective when they are in line with their diversity perspective, the differences between teams suggest that when dealing with diversity issues, universities can best work toward a common understanding of the importance of diversity but leave room for team differences in diversity practices.

Originality/value

Most studies on diversity management assume or argue that organizations adopt one diversity perspective. The present study shows that intra-organizational differences may exist with regard to the specific needs or concern for diversity management practices.
Interlending and document delivery in India through INFLIBNET and the UGC-INFONET Digital Library Consortium
Authors: Panda Saroja Kumar , Arora Jagdish , Rai Ashok Kumar
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the J-Gate Plus Discovery and Resource Sharing Model, and to examine the interlending and document delivery service within the Indian university system and the UGC-Infonet Digital Library Consortium.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the functionalities of J-Gate Plus services and discusses how it become a successful product in the Indian academic sector. Finally, the paper analyses the search trends and document delivery request reports.

Findings

Information and Library Network, Inter-library loan Centres (universities) and J-Gate@UGC-Infonet are cooperating to facilitate resource sharing in India and to gradually expand their roles to other academic library systems.

Originality/value

The paper is an up-to-date study of resource sharing in the Indian university system through the J-Gate@UGC-Infonet service.
Tackling Big Deals: the experience of Maastricht University
Authors: Dikboom Monique
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the experiences of the Maastricht University Library in The Netherlands with regard to the evaluation of electronic subscriptions. For the evaluation of Big Deals, a tool was built to obtain an overview of the value of the package. For individual subscriptions, ways were investigated to keep rising costs under control.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper shows the ways in which the library staff endeavoured to gain more control over the renewal of electronic content. Several options were investigated and tried out in practice.

Findings

To use the evaluation tool, the faculties delivered core title lists of journals. After combining these with usage statistics, the titles in the package and the list prices of these titles, the staff are provided with a report. This report is very helpful for making a decision about the renewal. However, it is clear that it is difficult to control something the steep annual price increases of individual journals subscriptions.

Originality/value

This is one of the very few papers published on attempts to control journal price increases. The paper describes a subject that libraries worldwide encounter and thus will help to meet the needs of library staff involved with collection and license management.
Radical innovation, network competence and the business of body disposal
Authors: Canning Louise , Szmigin Isabelle
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the contribution of network competence to radical innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Technological change associated with human body disposal acts as the form of radical innovation in which network competence is examined. Interviews, observations at industry conferences and secondary data are used for the case studies featured and in which network competence is investigated.

Findings

The paper establishes the importance of network competence at the regime and landscape level and the contribution of actors within commercial innovation niches to bringing cremation alternatives to market.

Research limitations/implications

Some of the results are particular to the challenges of network entry and product introduction facing business start-ups and the context of body disposal is unique. Further research should examine network competence and radical innovation in other business fields.

Social implications

Firstly, the context of human body disposal highlights the importance of institutional actors and social systems in bringing cremation alternatives to market. Secondly, focusing on human disposal encourages exchange amongst readers on a subject which is fundamental to man’s existence, yet the discussion of which many might normally choose to avoid.

Originality/value

The paper connects two areas of academic interest, namely, niche management for sustainability and radical innovation in business markets in which networking and network competence are key to the commercialisation of innovation.
How networks influence radical innovation: the effects of heterogeneity of network ties and crowding out
Authors: Hao Bin , Feng Yanan
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a novel set of insights to understand the role of network ties in pursuit of radical innovation. In this sense, the purpose of the study is to analyze how the heterogeneity in the content of network ties affects radical innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a comprehensive review of existing literature, this paper conceptualizes how different types of network ties affect radical innovation performance by deriving five research propositions.

Findings

Both buyer-supplier ties and peer collaboration ties are positively related to radical innovation performance, whilst the peer collaboration ties may be further affected by partner similarity. Compared to other two types of network ties, equity ties act as more of moderating roles on spurring radical innovation. Crowding out between network ties prevents firms from knowledge searching within an extensive network scope, reducing the opportunities of mixing and matching different kinds of knowledge needed for radical innovation.

Research limitations/implications

The study suggests a natural way of launching marketing strategy by selectively integrating different sources of knowledge (market, supplier or technology) needed for commercializing radical technologies, highlighting the importance of partner selection for radical innovation among different types of firms surrounding the current market. For managers, it is necessary to identify and select network ties helpful for long-term business and strategic interests.

Originality/value

This paper makes two main contributions. First, it addresses the question of how networks influence radical innovation by identifying three types of network ties and their effects – individual and in combination – on extension of the depth and breadth of knowledge and development of disruptive ideas. Second, it develops the existing literature by demonstrating the crowding-out effect of network ties.