bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the use of online communities to integrate educational processes development teams
Authors: Castilho Barilli Elomar , Freitas Barretto Stenio , Moura Lima Carla , Antonio Menezes Marco
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to present the use of virtual communities in work processes in Popular Education, a field strongly supported by presentiality because of historical social inequalities in Brazil. It presents the assessment of the Virtual Community Work (CVT) used in the Popular Healthcare Education Policy (PNEPS).

Design/methodology/approach

– The exploratory research adopted two paths of analysis, one quantitative (using questionnaire) aimed to collect the participants’ perceptions regarding the navigation, tools and features of CVT, and the other qualitative through observation of the interventions in its different spaces, having discourse analysis as the technique for analysis.

Findings

– The hands-on nature of Popular Education, revealed in the posts and in the speech of the participants, showed the potential and challenges of the territory and the need for change, both of the professional’s outlook on his or her own work process and working with health in the communities that are, still today, very centered around authoritarian models.

Research limitations/implications

– Because the participation was not mandatory, the reduced number of participants was the main limitation of this work.

Practical implications

– The health problems specified in the interactions and much discussed in CVT may help the consolidation of the policy as the main practical implication.

Social implications

– Contribute to the creation of a network for the exchange of educational experiences in the field of Popular Education.

Originality/value

– The innovating character of this work lies in the application of Virtual Community in the field of popular education within the health sector as a strategy for implementation of a national policy.
Time‐ and Temperature‐Dependent Changes in Cytochrome c Oxidase Activity and Cyanide Concentration in Excised Mice Organs and Mice Cadavers
Authors: Singh Poonam , Rao Pooja , Yadav Shiv K. , Gujar Niranjan L. , Satpute Ravindra M. , Bhattacharya Rahul
Published: November 2014

Postmortem stability of cyanide biomarkers is often disputed. We assessed the time and temperature‐dependent changes in cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) activity and cyanide concentration in various organs of mice succumbing to cyanide. Immediately after death, excised mice organs and mice cadavers were stored at room temperature (35°C ± 5°C) or in frozen storage (−20°C ± 2°C). At various times after death, CCO activity and cyanide concentrations were measured in excised mice organs or organs removed from mice cadavers. The study revealed that (i) measuring both the biomarkers in mice cadavers was more reliable compared to excised mice organs, (ii) measuring temporal CCO activity and cyanide concentration in vital organs from mice cadavers (room temperature) was reliable up to 24 h, and (iii) CCO activity in the brain and lungs and cyanide concentration in organs from mice cadavers (frozen) were measurable beyond 21 days. This study will be helpful in postmortem determination of cyanide poisoning.
Postcranial Sex Estimation Criteria for Mexican Hispanics
Authors: Spradley M. Katherine , Anderson Bruce E. , Tise Meredith L.
Published: November 2014

Population‐specific reference data are necessary for sex estimation in forensic anthropological practice. Currently, there are no population‐specific data for Hispanics equivalent to data available for American Blacks and Whites. Individuals of Mexican origin represent the largest group of Hispanics in the United States (Spradley and Jantz. 2011. J Forensic Sci;56:289). This paper presents new population‐specific sex estimation criteria for postcranial measurements for Mexican Hispanics. Metric data come from positively identified border‐crossing fatalities at the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner and documented cemetery collections curated at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán. Stepwise variable selection procedures and discriminant function analyses were utilized to generate classification functions for postcrania. Sectioning points were also created for select measurements. Both the cross‐validated classification rates and sectioning points achieved accuracy rates as high as 95% and 92%, respectively. These new criteria will improve sex estimation for US Mexico border crossers and Hispanics in the US.
Contribution of RpoS to metabolic efficiency and ectoines synthesis during the osmo‐ and heat‐stress response in the halophilic bacterium Chromohalobacter salexigens
Authors: Salvador Manuel , Argandoña Montserrat , Pastor Jose M. , Bernal Vicente , Cánovas Manuel , Csonka Laszlo N. , Nieto Joaquín J. , Vargas Carmen
Published: November 2014

Chromohalobacter salexigens is a halophilic γ‐proteobacterium that responds to osmotic and heat stresses by accumulating ectoine and hydroxyectoine respectively. Evolution has optimized its metabolism to support high production of ectoines. We analysed the effect of an rpoS mutation in C. salexigens metabolism and ectoines synthesis. In long‐term adapted cells, the rpoS strain was osmosensitive but not thermosensitive and showed unaltered ectoines content, suggesting that RpoS regulates ectoine(s)‐independent osmoadaptive mechanisms. RpoS is involved in the regulation of C. salexigens metabolic adaptation to stress, as early steps of glucose oxidation through the Entner–Doudoroff pathway were deregulated in the rpoS mutant, leading to improved metabolic efficiency at low salinity. Moreover, a reduced pyruvate (but not acetate) overflow was displayed by the rpoS strain at low salt, probably linked to a slowdown in gluconate production and/or subsequent metabolism. Interestingly, RpoS does not seem to be the main regulator triggering the immediate transcriptional response of ectoine synthesis to osmotic or thermal upshifts. However, it contributed to the expression of the ect genes in cells previously adapted to low or high salinity.
Predicting Naltrexone Response in Alcohol‐Dependent Patients: The Contribution of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Mann Karl , Vollstädt‐Klein Sabine , Reinhard Iris , Leménager Tagrid , Fauth‐Bühler Mira , Hermann Derik , Hoffmann Sabine , Zimmermann Ulrich S. , Kiefer Falk , Heinz Andreas , Smolka Michael N.
Published: November 2014

Background

Effect sizes of pharmacotherapy in alcoholism are modest. They might improve if subjects could be divided into more homogeneous subgroups and would then be treated targeted to their neurobiological profile. In such an effort, we tested neural cue reactivity as a potential predictor of treatment response to naltrexone. Alcohol‐associated cues cause brain activations in mesocorticolimbic networks due to the positive reinforcing properties of alcohol. These activations were reported to be associated with relapse behavior. Naltrexone, an antagonist at the mu‐opioid receptor, improves drinking behavior in some but not all patients probably by blocking the positive reinforcement of alcohol. Conversely, acamprosate is proposed to modulate negative reinforcement (withdrawal and cue‐induced withdrawal). Identifying subjects with elevated cue reactivity and testing their response to medical treatment could thus improve our understanding of some of the mechanisms underlying pharmacotherapy response.

Methods

A picture‐perception task featuring alcohol‐related and neutral stimuli was presented to 64 recently detoxified alcohol‐dependent patients. Patients came from 1 center of a larger double‐blind randomized multicenter clinical trial (the “PREDICT Study”). They were scanned prior to being randomized to either naltrexone or acamprosate. We examined the interaction between medication and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) cue reactivity, as measured by the percentage of voxels activated, using the time to the first severe relapse as the outcome criterion. Our a priori formulated hypothesis was that naltrexone but not acamprosate should be efficacious in subjects with high cue reactivity.

Results

We observed an interaction effect between pretreatment brain activation induced by alcohol images and medication (acamprosate/naltrexone) on relapse behavior. In line with our hypothesis, this interaction was driven by treatment response to naltrexone in patients with elevated pretreatment cue reactivity in the ventral striatum.

Conclusions

fMRI has the potential for predicting treatment response to naltrexone in a subgroup of alcohol‐dependent patients. However, this approach will be limited to researching the mechanisms and principles of treatment response.
Chronic Alcohol Self‐Administration in Monkeys Shows Long‐Term Quantity/Frequency Categorical Stability
Authors: Baker Erich J. , Farro Jonathan , Gonzales Steven , Helms Christa , Grant Kathleen A.
Published: November 2014

Background

The current criteria for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) do not include consumption (quantity/frequency) measures of alcohol intake, in part due to the difficulty of these measures in humans. Animal models of ethanol (EtOH) self‐administration have been fundamental in advancing our understanding of the neurobiological basis of AUD and can address quantity/frequency measures with accurate measurements over prolonged periods of time. The nonhuman primate model of voluntary oral alcohol self‐administration has documented both binge drinking and drinking to dependence and can be used to test the stability of consumption measures over time.

Methods

Here, an extensive set of alcohol intakes (g/kg/d) was analyzed from a large multi‐cohort population of Rhesus (Macaca mulatta) monkeys (n = 31). Daily EtOH intake was uniformly distributed over chronic (12 months) access for all animals.

Results

Underlying this distribution of intakes were subpopulations of monkeys that exhibited distinctive clustering of drinking patterns, allowing us to categorically define very heavy drinking (VHD), heavy drinking (HD), binge drinking (BD), and low drinking (LD). These categories were stable across the 12 months assessed by the protocol, but exhibited fluctuations when examined at shorter intervals.

Conclusions

The establishment of persistent drinking categories based on quantity/frequency suggests that consumption variables can be used to track long‐term changes in behavioral, molecular, or physiochemical mechanisms related to our understanding of diagnosis, prevention, intervention, and treatment efficacies.
TGFβ1 Mediates Alcohol‐Induced Nrf2 Suppression in Lung Fibroblasts
Authors: Sueblinvong Viranuj , Tseng Victor , Smith Tierra , Saghafi Ramin , Mills Stephen T. , Neujahr David C. , Guidot David M.
Published: November 2014

Background

Chronic alcohol ingestion induces the expression of transforming growth factor beta‐1(TGFβ1), inhibits nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2)‐mediated activation of the antioxidant response element (ARE), depletes alveolar glutathione pools, and potentiates acute lung injury. In this study, we examined the mechanistic relationship between TGFβ1 and Nrf2‐ARE signaling in the experimental alcoholic lung.

Methods

Wild‐type mice were treated ± alcohol in drinking water for 8 weeks and their lungs were assessed for Nrf2 expression. In parallel, mouse lung fibroblasts were cultured ± alcohol and treated ± sulforaphane (SFP; an activator of Nrf2), ±TGFβ1, ±TGFβ1 neutralizing antibody, and/or ±activin receptor‐like kinase 5 inhibitors (to block TGβ1 receptor signaling) and then analyzed for the expression of Nrf2, Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1) and TGFβ1, Nrf2‐ARE activity, and the expression of the Nrf2‐ARE‐dependent antioxidants glutathione s‐transferase theta 2 (GSTT2) and glutamate‐cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC). Finally, silencing RNA (siRNA) of Nrf2 was then performed prior to alcohol exposure and subsequent analysis of TGFβ1 expression.

Results

Alcohol treatment in vivo or in vitro decreased Nrf2 expression in murine whole lung and lung fibroblasts, respectively. In parallel, alcohol exposure in vitro decreased Keap1 gene and protein expression in lung fibroblasts. Furthermore, alcohol exposure increased TGFβ1 expression but decreased Nrf2‐ARE activity and expression of the ARE‐dependent genes for GSTT2 and GCLC. These effects of alcohol were prevented by treatment with SFP; in contrast, Nrf2 SiRNA expression exacerbated alcohol‐induced TGFβ1 expression. Finally, TGFβ1 treatment directly suppressed Nrf2‐ARE activity whereas blocking TGFβ1 signaling attenuated alcohol‐induced suppression of Nrf2‐ARE activity.

Conclusions

Alcohol‐induced oxidative stress is mediated by TGFβ1, which suppresses Nrf2‐ARE‐dependent expression of antioxidant defenses and creates a vicious cycle that feeds back to further increase TGFβ1 expression. These effects of alcohol can be mitigated by activation of Nrf2, suggesting a potential therapy in individuals at risk for lung injury due to alcohol abuse.
Genetic barcoding facilitates captive and wild management of three cryptic African crocodile species complexes
Authors: Shirley M. H. , Villanova V. L. , Vliet K. A. , Austin J. D.
Published: November 2014

Management of threatened species with conserved morphology is hindered by misidentification and potential hybridization in captivity. African crocodiles of the genera Osteolaemus, Crocodylus and Mecistops were previously considered monotypic, but have recently been identified as consisting of three, two and two cryptic species, respectively. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) new and published sequences from 310 wild‐caught specimens were compared with 71 US zoological specimens to identify (barcode) species. We also sequenced either nuclear lactate dehydrogenase A or an anonymous microsatellite flanking sequence in both wild and captive specimens to identify potential first‐generation intra‐generic hybridization in captive populations. The Osteolaemus COI barcoding gap was 7–9% sequence divergence. In contrast, the two African Crocodylus species had a 4.7% barcoding gap. These results, in addition to a previously published Mecistops barcoding gap (4.9%), support the use of barcoding as a tool for diagnosing African crocodile species in captive populations. Captive individuals from 14 collections in the US represented five of the seven putative African taxa. Nuclear heterozygosity at fixed polymorphisms differentiating species within genera suggested that 23% of the captive Osteolaemus samples were admixed O. tetraspis × O. sp. nov. cf. tetraspis – West Africa, while no ex situ hybrids were found for Crocodylus or Mecistops. Our results underscore the need to formally recognize divergent crocodile taxa, especially in light of regional threats, and for proper captive breeding management.
The Effect of Inequality and Social Identity on Party Strategies
Authors: Tavits Margit , Potter Joshua D.
Published: November 2014

How do parties decide which issues to emphasize during electoral competition? We argue that the answer to this question depends on how parties of the left and of the right respond to economic inequality. Increasing inequality shifts the proportion of the population falling into lower socioeconomic categories, thereby increasing the size of the electoral constituency that is receptive toward leftist parties' redistributive economic appeals. In the face of rising inequality, then, leftist parties will emphasize economic issues in their manifestos. By contrast, the nonredistributive economic policies often espoused by rightist parties will not appeal to this burgeoning constituency. Rather, we argue, rightist parties will opt to emphasize values‐based issues, especially in those cases where “social demand” in the electorate for values‐based representation is high. We find support for these relationships with hierarchical regression models that draw from data across hundreds of parties in a diverse set of the world's democracies.
The Predictive Value of Admission Fragmented QRS Complex for In‐Hospital Cardiovascular Mortality of Patients with Type 1 Acute Aortic Dissection
Authors: Kalkan Ali Kemal , Cakmak Huseyin Altug , Kalkan Mehmet Emin , Tuncer Mehmet Altug , Aydin Ebuzer , Yanartas Mehmed , Satilmisoglu Muhammet Hulusi , Aksu Hale Unal , Erturk Mehmet , Gul Mehmet , Arslantas Ugur , Kirali Mehmet Kaan
Published: November 2014

Background

Fragmented QRS (fQRS) arises from impaired ventricular depolarization due to heterogeneous electrical activation of ischemic and/or infarcted ventricular myocardium. The short‐ and long‐term prognostic values of fQRS have been reported for myocardial infarction, heart failure, fatal cardiac arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of admission fQRS complex for in‐hospital cardiovascular mortality of patients with type 1 acute aortic dissection (AAD).

Methods

In this retrospective study, 203 consecutive patients with type 1 AAD who had been admitted to either of two large‐volume tertiary hospitals between December 2008 and October 2013 were included. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of the fQRS complex on admission.

Results

In‐hospital cardiovascular mortality (P < 0.001), major adverse cardiovascular events (P < 0.001), acute renal failure (P = 0.022), multiorgan dysfunction (P < 0.001), and acute decompensated heart failure (P < 0.001) were observed to be significantly more frequent in the fQRS‐positive group than in the fQRS‐negative group. fQRS (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 4.184 [1.927–9.082], P < 0.001), operation duration (4.184 [1.927–9.082], P = 0.001), and Killip class IV (3.900 [1.699–8.955], P = 0.001) were found to be significant independent predictors of in‐hospital cardiovascular mortality after adjustment of other risk factors in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

fQRS is a simple, inexpensive, and readily available electrocardiographic entity that provides an additional risk stratification level beyond that provided by conventional risk parameters in predicting in‐hospital cardiovascular mortality in type 1 AAD.
The added predictive value of biphasic events in ST analysis of the fetal electrocardiogram for intrapartum fetal monitoring
Authors: Becker Jeroen H. , Krikhaar Anniek , Schuit Ewoud , Mårtendal Annika , Maršál Karel , Kwee Anneke , Visser Gerard H. A. , Amer‐Wåhlin Isis
Published: November 2014

Objective

To study the predictive value of biphasic ST‐events for interventions for suspected fetal distress and adverse neonatal outcome, when using ST‐analysis of the fetal electrocardiogram (FECG) for intrapartum fetal monitoring.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Three academic hospitals in Sweden.

Population

Women in labor with a high‐risk singleton fetus in cephalic position beyond 36 weeks of gestation.

Methods

In women in labor who were monitored with conventional cardiotocography, ST‐waveform analysis was recorded and concealed. Traces with biphasic ST‐events of the FECG (index) were compared with traces without biphasic events of the FECG. The ability of biphasic events to predict interventions for suspected fetal distress and adverse outcome was assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Main outcome measures

Interventions for suspected fetal distress and adverse outcome (defined as presence of metabolic acidosis (i.e. umbilical cord pH <7.05 and base deficit in extracellular fluid >12 mmol), umbilical cord pH <7.00, 5‐min Apgar score <7, admittance to neonatal intensive care unit or perinatal death).

Results

Although the presence of biphasic events of the FECG was associated with more interventions for fetal distress and an increased risk of adverse outcome compared with cases with no biphasic events, the presence of significant (i.e. intervention advised according to cardiotocography interpretation) biphasic events showed no independent association with interventions for fetal distress [odds ratio (OR) 1.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65–4.50] or adverse outcome (OR 1.96, 95% CI 0.74–5.24).

Conclusion

The presence of significant biphasic events did not discriminate in the prediction of interventions for fetal distress or adverse outcome. Therefore, biphasic events in relation to ST‐analysis monitoring during birth should be omitted if future studies confirm our findings.
Achieving uterine auto‐transplantation in a sheep model using iliac vessel anastomosis: a short‐term viability study
Authors: Saso Srdjan , Petts Gemma , Thum Meen‐Yau , Corless David , Boyd Michael , Noakes David , Del Priore Giuseppe , Ghaem‐Maghami Sadaf , Smith James Richard
Published: November 2014

Objective

To investigate, develop and evaluate anatomical, surgical and anastomotic aspects necessary for a successful uterine transplant in a large‐animal model.

Design

Sheep model; longitudinal study involving five ewes.

Setting

Royal Veterinary College, London, UK.

Population

Five ewes of proven fertility.

Methods

The uterine allograft along with the internal iliacs, and uterine arterial and venous tree all intact were harvested en bloc. An end‐to‐side anastomosis was performed between the external iliac vessels and the internal iliac vessels of the graft using 6‐0 polypropylene. Successful reperfusion of the graft was initially judged by the color shift of the uterus during reperfusion. Blood flow past the venous and arterial anastomotic sites was also ensured by visual inspection, together with pulse oximetry and multispectral imaging.

Main outcome measures

Operative details (retrieval, ischemic, clamping, reperfusion and recipient hysterectomy duration); physiological profiles; gross morphology and histopathology.

Results

Five autotransplants were performed. One procedure was abandoned because of the inappropriate size of sheep model. Another procedure was halted because the animal suffered from respiratory failure in the immediate intra‐operative period. Three transplants were completed. In those, at least two of four possible anastomoses were finished and the grafted uteri demonstrated immediate perfusion and appropriate viability 45 min post‐operatively.

Conclusions

Internal to external iliac vessel anastomoses are an acceptable surgical technique that should be applied in a human model to ensure adequate subsequent uterine perfusion.
Estimation of soil organic carbon from airborne hyperspectral thermal infrared data: a case study
Authors: Pascucci S. , Casa R. , Belviso C. , Palombo A. , Pignatti S. , Castaldi F.
Published: November 2014

Airborne hyperspectral imagery in the thermal infrared region (8.0–11.5 µm) was acquired with a thermal airborne spectrographic imager (TASI‐600) on bare soils in agricultural fields in Pontecagnano (southern Italy). These data were related to ground sampling in order to assess the capability of this technology to predict topsoil properties at the field scale. Emissivity spectra were used to calibrate prediction models for the prediction of clay, sand and soil organic carbon (SOC) by partial least squares regression (PLSR) and Cubist regression techniques. The TASI‐600 predictive models were validated by leave‐one‐out cross‐validation. The results were compared with those obtained under laboratory conditions using both Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and visible and near‐infrared (VNIR) spectroscopy. The accuracy of the predictive models was assessed in terms of R2, root mean square error (RMSE), the ratio of the performance to deviation (RPD) and the ratio of performance to interquartile range (RPIQ). In the laboratory, results obtained from the Fourier transform infrared were better than those obtained from visible and near‐infrared (VNIR) for the prediction of specific soil characteristics (sand, clay and SOC). The use of airborne data resulted in less accurate predictions than the FT‐IR data obtained in the laboratory (resampled to the TASI‐600 spectral characteristics). For TASI‐600 airborne data, SOC was predicted more accurately (RPIQ = 1.96; RMSE = 0.26%) than clay and sand content. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the good potential of long‐wave infrared (LWIR) remote sensing data for the quantitative estimation of the SOC content of topsoil.
Overexpression of eukaryotic initiation factor 5 rescues the translational defect of tpk1w in a manner that necessitates a novel phosphorylation site
Authors: Bavli‐Kertselli Ira , Melamed Daniel , Bar‐Ziv Lavi , Volf Hila , Arava Yoav
Published: November 2014

Cells respond to changes in their environment through mechanisms that often necessitate reprogramming of the translation machinery. The fastest and strongest of all tested responses is the translation inhibition observed following abrupt depletion of glucose from the media of yeast cells. The speed of the response suggests a post‐translational modification of a key component of the translation machinery. This translation factor is as yet unknown. A cAMP‐dependent protein kinase mutant yeast strain (tpk1w) that does not respond properly to glucose depletion and maintains translation was described previously. We hypothesized that the inability of tpk1w to arrest translation results from abnormal expression of key translation mediators. Genome‐wide analysis of steady‐state mRNA levels in tpk1w revealed underexpression of several candidates. Elevating the cellular levels of eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 5 by overexpression rescued the translational defect of tpk1w. Restoring ribosomal dissociation by eIF5 necessitated an active GAP domain and multiple regions throughout this protein. Phosphoproteomics analysis of wild‐type cells overexpressing eIF5 revealed increased phosphorylation in a novel site (Thr191) upon glucose depletion. Mutating this residue and introducing it into tpk1w abolished the ability of eIF5 to rescue the translational defect. Intriguingly, introducing this mutation into the wild‐type strain did not hamper its translational response. We further show that Thr191 is phosphorylated in vitro by Casein Kinase II (CKII), and yeast cells with a mutated CKII have a reduced response to glucose depletion. These results implicate phosphorylation of eIF5 at Thr191 by CKII as one of the pathways for regulating translation upon glucose depletion.
MicroRNA biogenesis factor DRB1 is a phosphorylation target of mitogen activated protein kinase MPK3 in both rice and Arabidopsis
Authors: Raghuram Badmi , Sheikh Arsheed H. , Rustagi Yashika , Sinha Alok K.
Published: November 2014

MicroRNA (miRNA) biogenesis requires AtDRB1 (double‐stranded RNA binding protein)/HYL1 (Hyponastic Leaves1) protein for processing and maturation of miRNA precursors. The AtDRB1/HYL1 protein associates with AtDCL1 (Dicer‐Like1) and accurately processes primary‐miRNAs (pri‐mRNAs) first to precursor‐miRNAs (pre‐miRNAs) and finally to mature miRNAs. The dephosphorylation of AtDRB1/HYL1 protein is very important for the precise processing of miRNA precursors. The monocot model crop plant Oryza sativa encodes four orthologues of AtDRB1/HYL1 protein, the only one encoded by Arabidopsis thaliana. The present study focuses on the functionality of the O. sativa DRBs as the orthologues of AtDRB1/HYL1 by using RNA binding assays and in planta protein–protein interaction analysis. Further, mitogen‐activated protein kinase MPK3 is established as the kinase phosphorylating DRB1 protein in both the model plants, O. sativa and Arabidopsis. MicroRNA microarray analysis in atmpk3 and atmpk6 mutants indicate the importance of AtMPK3 in maintaining the level of miRNAs in the plant.
Deciphering protein–protein interactions during the biogenesis of cytochrome c oxidase from Paracoccus denitrificans
Authors: Gurumoorthy Priya , Ludwig Bernd
Published: November 2014

Biogenesis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COX) is a complex process due to its numerous subunits encoded by two genomes, as well as the localization of redox centers deep within the membrane. Here, we have assessed the biogenesis of the homologous aa3‐type oxidase of the soil bacterium Paracoccus denitrificans. First, protein partners were analyzed using various membrane solubilization strategies to show interactions between COX and CtaG, a chaperone implicated in CuB site metallation. Using an unbiased MS approach after immunological pull‐down from untreated or cross‐linked membranes, we then extend our view towards a hypothetical ‘biogenesis complex’ by identifying two further metal‐inserting chaperones, Surf1c and Sco, together with enzymes catalyzing heme a synthesis. Our study also tentatively supports previous speculation regarding the existence of a predominantly co‐translational mechanism for cofactor insertion during COX biogenesis.
Care, Disability, and Violence: Theorizing Complex Dependency in Eva Kittay and Judith Butler
Authors: Clifford Simplican Stacy
Published: November 2014

How do we theorize the experiences of caregivers abused by their children with autism without intensifying stigma toward disability? Eva Kittay emphasizes examples of extreme vulnerability to overturn myths of independence, but she ignores the possibility that dependents with disabilities may be vulnerable and aggressive. Instead, her work over‐emphasizes caregivers' capabilities and the constancy of disabled dependents' vulnerability. I turn to Judith Butler's ethics and her conception of the self as opaque to rethink care amid conflict. Person‐centered planning approaches, pioneered by disability rights activists, merge Butler's analysis of opacity with Kittay's work on embodied care, while also inviting a broader network of people to both interpret needs and change communities. By expanding our conceptions of dependency, feminist disability studies can continue the aim of both Kittay and Butler: to humanize unintelligible lives.
Job satisfaction of overseas‐qualified nurses working in Australian hospitals
Authors: Timilsina Bhandari K.K. , Xiao L.D. , Belan I.
Published: November 2014

Aims

The aims of this study were to explore factors associated with the job satisfaction of overseas‐qualified nurses working in public hospitals in South Australia and to compare whether factors associated with job satisfaction of overseas nurses from English‐speaking backgrounds differed from those from non‐English‐speaking backgrounds.

Background

Overseas‐qualified nurses have become an essential part of the nursing workforce in Australia. Although this nurse population has different expectations and values in relation to their jobs when compared with local nurses, studies on job satisfaction among overseas nurses are scarce.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey using the Job Satisfaction of Overseas‐Qualified Nurses questionnaire was conducted in five major public hospitals in South Australia.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐one overseas‐qualified nurses completed the questionnaire. Four factors were found to influence job satisfaction: Supportive work environment, interpersonal relationships, communication in English, and salary and salary‐related benefits. Communication in English was the predominant factor that was associated with job satisfaction in nurses from non‐English‐speaking backgrounds. This group of nurses also showed a negative correlation between length of stay in Australia and satisfaction with their work environment. Participants' responses to open‐ended questions revealed issues relating to discrimination and racism.

Conclusion

Supportive work environment, interpersonal relationships,
communication in English, and salary and salary‐related benefits were major factors associated with job satisfaction in overseas‐qualified nurses in this study. Nurses from non‐English‐speaking backgrounds faced additional challenges in communication in the workplace and in dealing with issues of discrimination and racism.

Implications for Nursing and/or Health Policy

Nurses from non‐English‐speaking backgrounds need to be supported early in their employment, especially with their communication skills. Consideration also needs to be given to the education of local staff regarding cultural differences of overseas workers.
Factors associated with the quality of life of nursing home residents in Hong Kong
Authors: Lai C.K.Y. , Leung D.D.M. , Kwong E.W.Y. , Lee R.L.P.
Published: November 2014

Background

The quality of life of nursing home residents has increasingly become an important dimension when evaluating care in a nursing home. Not a lot is known about the quality of life of nursing home residents in Hong Kong.

Aim

To investigate factors associated with the quality of life of nursing home residents to inform care management policies and service delivery.

Methods

This study reports data from 125 nursing home residents. The Hong Kong Chinese version of the World Health Organization's Quality of Life‐Brief version was used. Other measures used include the Mini‐Mental State Examination, the Mini‐Nutritional Assessment, the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Modified STRATIFY Falls Prediction Tool and the Modified Barthel Index. A univariate analysis and a multiple regression analysis were then performed to identify the influencing factors.

Results

The participants reported a moderate level of quality of life, with the exception in the domain of social relationships. A univariate analysis found some associations between demographic and clinical characteristics and quality of life. A multiple regression analysis indicated that pain, being younger (65–74 years), having son(s) or daughter(s), and cognitive impairment were negatively associated factors.

Limitations

The smallness of the sample from a single study site limits the generalizability of the findings.

Conclusion

This study provides information that has hitherto been lacking on the quality of life and associated factors among local nursing home residents in Hong Kong. The preliminary findings can help healthcare staff to identify those at risk of suffering from a low quality of life and to design appropriate care interventions to improve the quality of life of such residents.

Implications

Adequate pain relief, family connectedness and special attention to the needs of those with cognitive impairment are important considerations in ensuring a better quality of life for older people in long‐term residential care.
PRICE WARS AND THE MANAGERS WHO START THEM
Authors: Bertini Marco
Published: November 2014

Price wars are a fact of business life. Research by Marco Bertini sheds new light on their instigators.
CEO Compensation Risk and Timely Loss Recognition
Authors: Brockman Paul , Ma Tao , Ye Jianfang
Published: November 2014

Prior studies demonstrate that high CEO compensation risk encourages managers to engage in risk‐seeking behavior, thus intensifying agency conflicts between creditors and borrowers. We argue and document that accounting conservatism plays an important role in mitigating debt holder and shareholder conflicts over asset substitution arising from high CEO compensation risk. Our empirical results show that firms with high CEO compensation risk tend to use more timely loss recognition and this positive relationship is more pronounced for firms with high leverage. Additional results show that the positive relationship between CEO compensation risk and borrowing costs is reduced for firms using timely loss recognition, suggesting that creditors perceive timely loss recognition as a risk‐reducing mechanism. Using the passage of FAS 123R as a quasi‐natural experiment on managerial compensation risk, we find a significant reduction in the use of timely loss recognition for firms experiencing a decrease in CEO compensation risk after the passage of FAS 123R. Lastly, we show that timely loss recognition is positively associated only with the compensation risk of the firm's primary decision maker (i.e., its CEO) and not with the compensation risk of subordinates.
The plastic fly: the effect of sustained fluctuations in adult food supply on life‐history traits
Authors: van den Heuvel J. , Zandveld J. , Mulder M. , Brakefield P. M. , Kirkwood T. B. L. , Shanley D. P. , Zwaan B. J.
Published: November 2014

Many adult traits in Drosophila melanogaster show phenotypic plasticity, and the effects of diet on traits such as lifespan and reproduction are well explored. Although plasticity in response to food is still present in older flies, it is unknown how sustained environmental variation affects life‐history traits. Here, we explore how such life‐long fluctuations of food supply affect weight and survival in groups of flies and affect weight, survival and reproduction in individual flies. In both experiments, we kept adults on constant high or low food and compared these to flies that experienced fluctuations of food either once or twice a week. For these ‘yoyo’ groups, the initial food level and the duration of the dietary variation differed during adulthood, creating four ‘yoyo’ fly groups. In groups of flies, survival and weight were affected by adult food. However, for individuals, survival and reproduction, but not weight, were affected by adult food, indicating that single and group housing of female flies affects life‐history trajectories. Remarkably, both the manner and extent to which life‐history traits varied in relation to food depended on whether flies initially experienced high or low food after eclosion. We therefore conclude that the expression of life‐history traits in adult life is affected not only by adult plasticity, but also by early adult life experiences. This is an important but often overlooked factor in studies of life‐history evolution and may explain variation in life‐history experiments.
How Does Household Portfolio Diversification Vary with Financial Literacy and Financial Advice?
Authors: GAUDECKER HANS‐MARTIN VON
Published: November 2014

Household investment mistakes are an important concern for researchers and policymakers alike. Portfolio underdiversification ranks among those mistakes that are potentially most costly. However, its roots and empirical importance are poorly understood. I estimate quantitatively meaningful diversification statistics and investigate their relationship with key variables. Nearly all households that score high on financial literacy or rely on professionals or private contacts for advice achieve reasonable investment outcomes. Compared to these groups, households with below‐median financial literacy that trust their own decision‐making capabilities lose an expected 50 bps on average. All group differences stem from the top of the loss distribution.
Incentivizing Calculated Risk‐Taking: Evidence from an Experiment with Commercial Bank Loan Officers
Authors: COLE SHAWN , KANZ MARTIN , KLAPPER LEORA
Published: November 2014

We conduct an experiment with commercial bank loan officers to test how performance compensation affects risk assessment and lending. High‐powered incentives lead to greater screening effort and more profitable lending decisions. This effect is muted, however, by deferred compensation and limited liability, two standard features of loan officer compensation contracts. We find that career concerns and personality traits affect loan officer behavior, but show that the response to incentives does not vary with traits such as risk‐aversion, optimism, or overconfidence. Finally, we present evidence that incentives distort the assessment of credit risk, even among professionals with many years of experience.
The Authoritarian Personality in Emerging Adulthood: Longitudinal Analysis Using Standardized Scales, Observer Ratings, and Content Coding of the Life Story
Authors: Peterson Bill E. , Pratt Michael W. , Olsen Janelle R. , Alisat Susan
Published: November 2014

Three different methods (a standardized scale, an observer‐based Q‐sort, and content coding of narratives) were used to study the continuity of authoritarianism longitudinally in emerging and young adults. Authoritarianism was assessed in a Canadian sample (N = 92) of men and women at ages 19 and 32 with Altemeyer's (1996) Right‐Wing Authoritarianism (RWA) Scale. In addition, components of the authoritarian personality were assessed at age 26 through Q‐sort observer methods (Block, 2008) and at age 32 through content coding of life stories. Age 19 authoritarianism predicted the Q‐sort and life story measures of authoritarianism. Two hierarchical regression analyses showed that the Q‐sort and life story measures of authoritarianism also predicted the RWA scale at age 32 beyond educational level and parental status, and even after the inclusion of age 19 RWA. Differences and similarities in the pattern of correlates for the Q‐sort and life story measures are discussed, including the overall lack of results for authoritarian aggression. Content in narratives may be the result of emerging adult authoritarianism and may serve to maintain levels of authoritarianism in young adulthood.
Interplant signalling through hyphal networks
Authors: Johnson David , Gilbert Lucy
Published: November 2014

Mycorrhizal fungi can form common mycelial networks (CMNs) that interconnect plants. Here, we provide an insight into recent findings demonstrating that CMNs can be conduits for interplant signalling, influencing defence against insect herbivores and foliar necrotrophic fungi. A likely mechanism is direct transfer of signalling molecules within hyphae. However, electrical signals, which can be induced by wounding, may also enable signalling over relatively long distances, because the biophysical constraints imposed by liquid transport in hyphae and interaction with soil are relieved. We do not yet understand the ecological, evolutionary and agronomic implications of interplant signalling via CMNs. Identifying the mechanism of interplant signalling will help to address these gaps.

Contents

Summary
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I.
Introduction
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II.
Evidence that CMNs facilitate interplant signalling
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III.
Potential mechanisms of interplant signalling
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IV.
Evolutionary drivers of interplant signalling
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V.
Consequences of interplant signal transfer for ecosystems
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VI.
New questions and how to address them
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Acknowledgements
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References
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Neuroimaging studies of social cognition in schizophrenia
Authors: Fujiwara Hironobu , Yassin Walid , Murai Toshiya
Published: November 2014

Impaired social cognition is considered a core contributor to unfavorable psychosocial functioning in schizophrenia. Rather than being a unitary process, social cognition is a collection of multifaceted processes that recruit multiple brain structures, thus structural and functional neuroimaging techniques are ideal methodologies for revealing the underlying pathophysiology of impaired social cognition. Many neuroimaging studies have suggested that in addition to white‐matter deficits, schizophrenia is associated with decreased gray‐matter volume in multiple brain areas, especially fronto‐temporal and limbic regions. However, few schizophrenia studies have examined associations between brain abnormalities and social cognitive disabilities. During the last decade, we have investigated structural brain abnormalities in schizophrenia using high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging, and our findings have been confirmed by us and others. By assessing different types of social cognitive abilities, structural abnormalities in multiple brain regions have been found to be associated with disabilities in social cognition, such as recognition of facial emotion, theory of mind, and empathy. These structural deficits have also been associated with alexithymia and quality of life in ways that are closely related to the social cognitive disabilities found in schizophrenia. Here, we overview a series of neuroimaging studies from our laboratory that exemplify current research into this topic, and discuss how it can be further tackled using recent advances in neuroimaging technology.
Is Small Beautiful? Testing the Direct and Nonlinear Effects of Size on Municipal Performance
Authors: Avellaneda Claudia N. , Gomes Ricardo Corrêa
Published: November 2014

Although the relationship between managerial capacity and local government performance is well established, research into the direct effect of population size on performance has yielded mixed findings. Using data for 787 municipalities in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, this article examines the direct and nonlinear effects (moderating and curvilinear) of population size on municipal performance. Performance is measured in terms of property tax collection and averaged for the 2005–07 mayoral administration. Mayor's age (a proxy for experience) and educational attainment serve as measures of managerial capacity. After controlling for political and economic factors, both municipal size and mayoral capacity are positively correlated with property tax collection. However, population size neither moderates managerial capacity nor relates curvilinearly to municipal performance. These findings challenge the promoters of fragmentation, which has been the trend in transitional and developing economies.
Long‐term follow‐up after bronchoscopic lung volume reduction treatment with coils in patients with severe emphysema
Authors: Hartman Jorine E. , Klooster Karin , Gortzak Kiki , ten Hacken Nick H.T. , Slebos Dirk‐Jan
Published: November 2014

Background and objective

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction coil (LVR‐coil) treatment has been shown to be safe and clinically effective in patients with severe emphysema in the short term; however, long‐term safety and effectiveness has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to investigate the long‐term safety and effectiveness of LVR‐coil treatment in patients with severe emphysema.

Methods

Thirty‐eight patients with severe emphysema (median age is 59 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s is 27% predicted) who were treated in LVR‐coil clinical trials were invited for a voluntary annual visit. Safety was evaluated by chest X‐ray and recording of adverse events and by efficacy by pulmonary function testing, 6‐min walk distance (6MWD) and questionnaires.

Results

Thirty‐five patients visited the hospital 1 year, 27 patients 2 years and 22 patients 3 years following coil placement. No coil migrations were observed on X‐rays. At 1‐year follow‐up, all clinical outcomes significantly improved compared with baseline. At 2 years, residual volume % pred, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) and the SGRQ score were still significantly improved. At 3 years, a significant improvement in mMRC score remained, with 40% of the patients reaching the 6MWD minimal important difference, and 59% for the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) minimal important difference.

Conclusions

Follow‐up of the patients treated with LVR‐coils in our pilot studies showed that the coil treatment is safe with no late pneumothoraces, coil migrations or unexpected adverse events. Clinical benefit gradually declines over time; at 3 years post‐treatment, around 50% of the patients maintained improvement in 6MWD, SGRQ and mMRC.

Clinical trial registration

NCT01220908 and NCT01328899 registered at ClinicalTrials.gov.
Selective Immigration Policies and Wages Inequality
Authors: Edo Anthony , Toubal Farid
Published: November 2014

We quantify the overall impact of immigration on native wages in France from 1990 to 2010. Our short‐run simulations indicate that immigration has decreased native wages by 0.6%. We find on average no impact of immigration on wages in the long run. However, we show that the long‐run effects of immigration on wages are detrimental to high‐skilled native workers and benefits to low‐skilled native workers. Our structural estimation allows us to evaluate the impact of “selective” migration policies. In particular, we find that selective immigration policies toward highly educated workers reduce the wage dispersion of French native workers.