bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced procedural blank control for organic geochemical studies of critical sample material
Authors: Leider A. , Schumacher T. C. , Hallmann C.
Published: March 2016

Organic contamination of sedimentary rocks can produce artefacts in studies of hydrocarbon composition, and this can have significant negative consequences for interpretations of the geobiological record. False positives – that is cases of non‐syngenetic hydrocarbon biomarkers – are common in Precambrian studies, and significant challenges persist despite the intensive effort devoted to these studies. Efforts to standardize the ‘burden of proof’ for distinguishing between contamination and syngenetic material have to date failed to yield a simple or universal protocol, yet the need remains great, as both bitumen‐lean rocks and bitumen‐rich samples can be vulnerable to the accumulation of false‐positive signals. In an effort to determine the best approach to quality control, we tested the capability of different blank materials to collect ambient contamination by assessing their capacity to adsorb hydrocarbons during storage in plastic bags and found that commonly used Quartz sand does not provide an adequate measure of storage‐ or laboratory‐induced contamination. Brick blanks, having the advantage that they can parallel rock samples even during the sawing process, are characterized by similar poor adsorption properties. Primarily steered by mineralogy, organic carbon content and surface area, model‐black shales can adsorb up to 20 times more contaminants than sand blanks and up to 200 times more contaminants than organic‐free model‐carbonates. This observation provides an explanation for reports and observations of seemingly systematic stratigraphic variation of contaminants, but mostly should raise awareness for the evaluation of procedural blanks, in particular of sample‐to‐blank ratios, when studying bitumen‐lean rock samples of varying lithologies. Additionally, differences between the hydrocarbon profiles in plastic bags and the hydrocarbon signatures transferred to blank materials emphasize difficulties in the unequivocal detection of contamination sources. Artificial black shale pellets can provide enhanced contamination control in biomarker studies – particularly for exceptionally vulnerable samples such as Precambrian rocks, meteorites or extraterrestrial sample‐return material.
A quantitative method for determination of PPDK concentration in miscanthus leaves
Authors: Meshcheryakova Irina A. , Bannikova Svetlana V. , Rozanov Aleksey S. , Demidova Elisaveta V. , Demidov Evgeniy A. , Goryachkovskaya Tatiana N. , Burmakina Natalya V. , Shekhovtsov Sergey V. , Bryanskaya Alla V. , Kolchanov Nikolay A. , Peltek Sergey E.
Published: March 2016

In this study, we used ELISA for quantification of PPDK in photosynthesizing leaves of miscanthus. We cloned a fragment of the gene encoding PPDK, purified the resulting protein by affinity chromatography, identified it using MALDI mass spectrometry, and obtained monoclonal antibodies by immunizing BALB/c mice. Selectivity of monoclonal antibodies was assessed by Western blot using the protein extracts of Soranovskii. The presence of PPDK was again verified by MALDI mass spectrometry. Therefore, we developed and tested the method for determining PPDK quantity in miscanthus using ELISA.
Genomewide approaches for BACH1 target genes in mouse embryonic fibroblasts showed BACH1‐Pparg pathway in adipogenesis
Authors: Matsumoto Mitsuyo , Kondo Keiichi , Shiraki Takuma , Brydun Andrey , Funayama Ryo , Nakayama Keiko , Yaegashi Nobuo , Katagiri Hideki , Igarashi Kazuhiko
Published: March 2016

The transcription repressor BTB and CNC homology 1 (BACH1) represses genes involved in heme metabolism and oxidative stress response. BACH1 also suppresses the p53‐dependent cellar senescence in primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). To investigate the role of BACH1 in MEF other than its known functions, we carried out a genomewide mapping of binding site for BACH1 and its heterodimer partner MAFK in immortalized MEFs (iMEFs) using chromatin immunoprecipitation and next‐generation sequencing technology (ChIP‐sequence). The comparative analysis of the ChIP‐sequence data and DNA microarray data from Bach1‐deficient and wild‐type (WT) iMEF showed 35 novel candidate target genes of BACH1. Among these genes, five genes (Pparg, Nfia, Ptplad2, Adcy1 and Ror1) were related with lipid metabolism. Bach1‐deficient iMEFs showed increased expression of mRNA and protein of PPARγ, which is the key factor of adipogenesis. These cells also showed a concomitant increase in ligand‐dependent activation of PPARγ target genes compared with wild‐type iMEFs. Moreover, Bach1‐deficient iMEFs efficiently differentiated to adipocyte compared with wild‐type cells in the presence of PPARγ ligands. Our results suggest that BACH1 regulates expression of adipocyte‐related genes including Pparg and potentiates adipocyte differentiation capacity.
Type 2M von Willebrand disease – more often misidentified than correctly identified
Authors: Favaloro E. J. , Bonar R. A. , Mohammed S. , Arbelaez A. , Niemann J. , Freney R. , Meiring M. , Sioufi J. , Marsden K.
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Appropriate diagnosis of von Willebrand disease (VWD), including differential identification of qualitative vs. quantitative von Willebrand factor (VWF) defects has important management implications, but remains problematic.

Aim

The aim of the study was to assess whether 2M VWD, defining qualitative defects not associated with loss of high molecular weight (HMW) VWF, is often misidentified, given highly variable reported frequency ranging from 0 to ~60% of all type 2 VWD.

Methods

A comparative evaluation of laboratory ability to appropriately identify 2M VWD (n = 4) vs. HMW VWF reduction (n = 4), as sent to participants of an international external quality assessment programme.

Results

Laboratories had considerably greater difficulty identifying type 2M VWD, correctly identifying these on average only 29.4% of occasions, with the 70.6% error rate representing use of insufficient test panels (41.7%), misinterpretation of test results (10.0%) and analytical errors (13.3%). One type 2M case, giving a median of 49 U dL−1 VWF:Ag, was more often misidentified as type 2A/2B VWD (46.7%) than 2M (34.8%). Another 2M case, giving a median of 189 U dL−1 VWF:Ag, was instead often misidentified as being normal (non‐VWD) (36.4%), with identifications of type 2A/2B VWD (13.6%) also represented. In comparison, errors in identification of HMW VWF reduced samples only averaged 11.5%, primarily driven by use of insufficient test panels (6.3%) or misinterpretation of results (4.2%) and infrequently analytical errors (1.0%).

Conclusion

Type 2M VWD is more often misidentified (70.6%) than correctly identified as 2M VWD (29.4%), and potentially explaining the relative under‐reported incidence of 2M VWD in the literature.
Surgical procedures in patients with haemophilic arthropathy of the ankle
Authors: Barg A. , Morris S. C. , Schneider S. W. , Phisitkul P. , Saltzman C. L.
Published: March 2016

Background

In haemophilia, the ankle joint is one of the most common and earliest joints affected by recurrent bleeding, commonly resulting in end‐stage ankle osteoarthritis during early adulthood. The surgical treatment of haemophilic ankle arthropathy is challenging.

Purpose

This review aims to highlight the literature addressing clinical outcomes following the most common approaches for different stages of haemophilia‐induced ankle osteoarthritis: arthroscopic debridement, joint distraction arthroplasty, supramalleolar osteotomies, total ankle replacement, and ankle arthrodesis.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed using established medical literature databases. The following information was retrieved from the literature: patients’ demographics, surgical technique, duration of follow‐up, clinical outcome including pain relief and complication rate.

Results

A total of 42 clinical studies published between 1978 and 2015 were included in the systematic literature review. Eight and 34 studies had prospective and retrospective design, respectively. The most common studies were levelIVstudies (64.3%).

Discussion

The orthopaedic treatment of patients with haemophilic ankle osteoarthritis is often challenging and requires complete and careful preoperative assessment. In general, both joint‐preserving and joint non‐preserving procedure types can be performed. All specific relative and absolute contraindications should be considered to achieve appropriate postoperative outcomes.

Conclusion

The current literature demonstrated that orthopaedic surgeries, with appropriate indication, in patients with haemophilic ankle arthropathy result in good postoperative results comparable to those observed in non‐haemophiliacs. The surgical treatment should be performed in a setting with the ability to have multidisciplinary management, including expertise in haematology.
Haematuria is not a risk factor of hypertension or renal impairment in patients with haemophilia
Authors: Sun H. (L.) , Yang M. , Sait A. S. , von Drygalski A. , Jackson S.
Published: March 2016

Introduction

An increased prevalence of hypertension has been reported in patients with haemophilia compared to the age‐matched general population, although the causes were unclear. To date, there has been limited data implicating haemophilia‐specific risk factors such as renal bleeding.

Aim

This two‐centre prospective cohort study aimed to assess the prevalence of gross/microscopic haematuria, and the associations between haematuria, blood pressure and renal function.

Methods

Of 135 adult males, with mild to severe haemophilia followed by the British Columbia and University of California San Diego Hemophilia Treatment Centers were included. Screening urinalysis and microscopy were performed during all routine visits. Haematuria was defined as history of gross haematuria or >3 red blood cells per high‐power field on microscopy in the absence of urinary tract infections. Logistic regressions were used to examine the significance of haematuria and other potential hypertension risk factors.

Results

The prevalence of hypertension was 44%, of whom 31% achieved adequate blood pressure control. Despite the high prevalence of haematuria (34%), renal dysfunction was rare. On univariate analysis, age, diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity were associated with hypertension. On multivariate analysis, only age remains as a significant predictor of hypertension. Haematuria was not associated with hypertension, renal insufficiency or haemophilia severity.

Conclusion

In this cohort, hypertension and haematuria were prevalent while renal disease was rare. Haematuria was not associated with a diagnosis of hypertension or renal dysfunction. Larger prospective studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms for increased prevalence of hypertension in haemophilia.
BAY 81‐8973, a full‐length recombinant factor VIII: results from an International comparative laboratory field study
Authors: Kitchen S. , Beckmann H. , Katterle Y. , Bruns S. , Tseneklidou‐Stoeter D. , Maas Enriquez M.
Published: March 2016

Introduction

BAY 81‐8973 is a full‐length, unmodified, recombinant human factor VIII (FVIII) with the same primary amino acid sequence as sucrose‐formulated recombinant FVIII but produced with certain more advanced manufacturing technologies.

Aim

This global laboratory study evaluated variability in measurement of BAY 81‐8973 using one‐stage and chromogenic assays compared with antihaemophilic factor (recombinant) plasma/albumin‐free method (rAHF‐PFM; Advate®) under assay conditions routinely used in clinical laboratories.

Methods

BAY 81‐8973 or rAHF‐PFM was spiked into FVIII‐deficient plasma at 0.043 (low), 0.375 (medium) and 0.865 (normal) IU mL−1. Participating laboratories analysed blinded samples and normal plasma in triplicate using their routine assay, reagents and standards. Results were analysed for intra‐ and interlaboratory variability.

Results

Forty‐one laboratories in 11 countries participated in the study. One‐stage assay and chromogenic assays were used by 40 and 10 laboratories, respectively; 9 laboratories used both assays. Intralaboratory variability was <11% for both assays and both products at all concentrations. Interlaboratory variability was highest at the low concentration in the chromogenic and one‐stage assay for BAY 81‐8973 (60.0% and 33.7%, respectively) and rAHF‐PFM (51.0% and 30.8%) and was lowest at the normal concentration (BAY 81‐8973, 5.4% and 14.0%; rAHF‐PFM, 5.8% and 12.4%), which was similar to the plasma control (6.6% and 10.3%). The chromogenic:one‐stage assay ratio ranged from 0.95 (low concentration) to 1.10 (normal concentration) for BAY 81‐8973 and 0.96–1.18 for rAHF‐PFM.

Conclusions

BAY 81‐8973 can be accurately measured in plasma using the one‐stage and chromogenic assays routinely used in clinical laboratories without a product‐specific standard.
Neuropsychiatric Predictors of Post‐Injury Headache After Mild‐Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury in Veterans
Authors: Bomyea Jessica , Lang Ariel J. , Delano‐Wood Lisa , Jak Amy , Hanson Karen L. , Sorg Scott , Clark Alexandra L. , Schiehser Dawn M.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To determine differences in neuropsychiatric complaints between Veterans with mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI), with and without headache, compared with Veteran controls, and to identify neuropsychiatric predictors of headache severity.

Background

Mild to moderate TBI is a common occurrence in Veterans, and is frequently associated with complaints of headache. Neuropsychiatric complaints are also common among individuals who have sustained head injury, although the relationship between these factors and headache after injury is unclear. Research is needed to comprehensively determine differences between individuals with mild to moderate traumatic brain injury who differ with respect to headache, and which injury, psychological, or sleep and fatigue factors predict headache severity.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study compared 85 Veterans in three groups (positive for TBI and headache, positive for TBI without significant headache, and a control group) on a set of injury characteristics and neuropsychiatric variables. Correlates of headache severity were examined, and a regression model was used to identify significant independent predictors of headache severity.

Results

Individuals with mild to moderate TBI and headache endorsed significantly greater neuropsychiatric symptoms than participants in the other groups (ηp2 = .23−.36) Neuropsychiatric complaints, as well as presence of posttraumatic amnesia, were correlated with headache in the subsample with TBI (rs = .44−.57). When entering all predictors into a regression model, only fatigue represented a significant independent predictor of headache severity (β = .59, R2= .35).

Conclusions

Rather than being a global risk factor, mild to moderate TBI was associated with poorer mental health outcomes, particularly for those who endorse headache. Findings underscore the possibility that Veterans with history of TBI who present with complaints of headache may represent a particularly vulnerable subgroup. Additionally, our findings suggest that clinical outcomes may be improved in those with neurotrauma by incorporating a focus on fatigue in treatment.
Migraine and the Risk of Suicide
Authors: Aly Zarmeneh , Rosen Noah , Evans Randolph W.
Published: March 2016

Rarely and tragically, migraineurs commit suicide or overdose on medications we prescribe.
Optimization of Synthesis Conditions of Monoclinic Potassium Niobate (KNbO3) and its Effect on Morphology
Authors: Chakraborty Subhabrata , Kumar Ghosh Sudhir , Chandra Das Gopes , Mukherjee Siddhartha
Published: March 2016

Stoichiometric orthorhombic and monoclinic KNbO3 samples have been prepared through low temperature–time hydrothermal method. Optimized synthesis conditions for monoclinic KNbO3 have been found to be hydrothermal treatment of 15M precursor solution at 160°C for 8 h. Transformation of orthorhombic KNbO3 to monoclinic KNbO3 has been established through thermodynamic considerations. Further, successful synthesis of orthorhombic KNbO3 has also been achieved under moderated conditions. FESEM analyses of synthesized materials revealed that initially formed block‐like structures either stack upon one another to form hierarchical morphology or join end to end to form rods. Observations have been substantiated through HRTEM, EDX, FTIR, and Raman spectra analyses.
Using knowledge as the basis for evidence‐based practice in primary care nurses
Authors: Bennasar‐Veny M. , Gonzalez‐Torrente S. , De Pedro‐Gomez J. , Morales‐Asencio J.M. , Pericas‐Beltran J.
Published: March 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the perception of primary care nurses regarding the need and use of knowledge from research, as a basis for evidence‐based practice in their workplace. Additionally, the study aimed to determine which factors might hinder or enable implementation into daily practice.

Background

Evidence‐based practice involves integrating best results in research with clinical experience, which enables us to provide a higher quality of care, as well as to optimize the care given. International studies show that nurses feel that there are still many barriers that hinder their doing research and incorporating new findings into clinical practice; although in the field of primary care, few studies have been carried out.

Methods

This descriptive qualitative study design used focus groups to collect data. This study was carried out in Spanish primary care centres. Forty‐six registered nurses took part in this study and were divided into five focus groups.

Results

Three significant themes emerged: awareness of the need to use research, nurses as knowledge‐generation agents and motivation to use research despite barriers.

Limitations

A limited number of participants and a convenience sample were used.

Conclusion

Nurses recognize that professional health care must be based on evidence obtained from daily work – both originated by their colleagues and by themselves – and they are willing to work on it although they perceive a lack of competence for this purpose and demand support from their institutions.

Implications for nursing policy

Primary care institutions should empower nursing coordinators as leaders of evidence‐based practice and implicate clinical nurses from the beginning on the implementation of guidelines.
RETRACTED: Silencing of Prrx1b suppresses cellular proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Lv Zhi‐Dong , Yang Zhao‐Chuan , Liu Xiang‐Ping , Jin Li‐Ying , Dong Qian , Qu Hui‐Li , Li Fu‐Nian , Kong Bin , Sun Jiao , Zhao Jiao‐Jiao , Wang Hai‐Bo
Published: March 2016

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive tumour subtype associated with poor prognosis. The mechanisms involved in TNBC progression remains largely unknown. To date, there are no effective therapeutic targets for this tumour subtype. Paired‐related homeobox 1b (Prrx1b), one of major isoforms of Prrx1, has been identified as a new epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) inducer. However, the function of Prrx1b in TNBC has not been elucidated. In this study, we found that Prrx1b was significantly up‐regulated in TNBC and associated with tumour size and vascular invasion of breast cancer. Silencing of Prrx1b suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of basal‐like cancer cells. Moreover, silencing of Prrx1b prevented Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway and induced the mesenchymal‐epithelial transition (MET). Taken together, our data indicated that Prrx1b may be an important regulator of EMT in TNBC cells and a new therapeutic target for interventions against TNBC invasion and metastasis.
Assessment of Salmonella, Escherichia Coli, Enterobacteriaceae and Aerobic Colony Counts Contamination Levels During the Beef Slaughter Process
Authors: Nyamakwere F. , Muchenje V. , Mushonga B. , Makepe M. , Mutero G.
Published: March 2016

The study was conducted to determine the level of Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Enterobacteriaceae and aerobic colony counts (ACCs) contamination in beef carcass, equipment, slaughtermen hands and water at selected stages in abattoirs. Cattle carcasses were sampled at four sites (rump, neck, flank and brisket) from a low throughput (LTA) (n = 240) and high throughput (HTA) (n = 384) abattoirs. Using conventional biochemical tests, HTA yielded significantly higher ACC (5.2 log CFU/cm2), E. coli (2.6 log CFU/cm2) and Enterobacteriaceae (2.9 log CFU/cm2) mean scores after skinning and evisceration. Washing and chilling did not cause any significant (P > 0.05) changes in bacterial counts. This implies use of non‐potable water and poor chilling methods. Salmonella was not detected on all sampled carcasses. Overall, slaughtermen hands and equipment in the dirty area yielded more bacterial counts compared to clean area from both abattoirs. Therefore, these findings show that the equipment, slaughtermen hands and water are sources of contamination during the slaughter process.

Practical Applications

Microbiological analyses of beef slaughtering process will help identify possible modes of contamination. This will help the responsible authorities to take appropriate steps to improve meat safety in abattoirs. Currently, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Sub‐Directorate Veterinary Public Health of South Africa, do not have a meat Microbiological Monitoring Program. Meat inspection is based mainly on visual assessment for cleanliness, of which this cannot detect the most important foodborne hazards such as E. coli, Salmonella spp and Campylobacter. Therefore, there is a need to develop more effective meat inspection programs in order to prevent contamination, foodborne illnesses and deaths. Findings from this study can also act as a the foundation for the development of acceptable microbiological standards or guidelines for abattoirs in South Africa and other developing countries as well as help in the development of more effective meat inspection programs.
Novel anticoagulants – an update on the latest developments and management for clinicians treating patients on these drugs
Authors: Green Ben , Mendes Rui Amaral , Van der Valk Ruben , Brennan Peter A.
Published: March 2016

There are several novel anticoagulant agents that are being increasingly used as an alternative to warfarin, with these drugs being reported to be at least as effective if not better. Their increased use means that oral care clinicians should have a sound understanding of the mechanism of action, pharmacology, reversal strategies and management of bleeding in patients taking these drugs. Surprisingly, there is little published in the current literature specific to professionals involved in oral health care. In this review, we provide an overview of these drugs and discuss the management of patients who need an oral procedure based on currently available literature and clinical trials.
Signaling in a Rent‐Seeking Contest with One‐Sided Asymmetric Information
Authors: HEIJNEN PIM , SCHOONBEEK LAMBERT
Published: March 2016

We consider a two‐player rent‐seeking Tullock contest where one player has private information about his valuation of the prize, which can be high or low. This player can send a costly signal to his opponent, i.e., he can commit to reduce the prize either by some absolute amount of money or proportionally, conditional on winning it. We show that both kinds of signaling imply completely opposite results for separating equilibria, both in terms of conditions for existence and the type of player who sends the costly signal.
Cross‐cultural validation of the 20‐item Toronto Alexithymia Scale in Chinese adolescents
Authors: Ling Y. , Zeng Y. , Yuan H. , Zhong M.
Published: March 2016

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

The TAS‐20 is the most widely used self‐reported questionnaire to assess the level of alexithymia in students and community and clinical samples.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

The TAS‐20‐C exhibited high levels of reliability and validity, indicating that it is appropriate for the assessment of alexithymia in Chinese adolescents.

What are the implications for practice?

Screening adolescents who are at risk of alexithymia through the TAS‐20 could help to perform necessary and effective precautions to decrease the adverse effects of alexithymia, such as the risks of developing depressive mood and behavioral problems.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the 20‐item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS‐20‐C) in a sample of Chinese adolescents.

Method

Adolescents (n = 1260) recruited from three schools in mainland China completed the TAS‐20‐C, the somatization subscale of the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL‐90) and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D). Five different factorial models of the TAS‐20 were tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Cronbach's α, mean inter‐item correlations and predictive validity were also evaluated.

Results

Among those five different factorial models, the four‐factor structure model was suitable and invariant across gender and age in this sample. The TAS‐20‐C demonstrated adequate internal reliability. Gender and age accounted for insignificant amounts of variability in total TAS‐20‐C and factor scores. TAS‐20‐C total and subscale scores were correlated significantly with SCL‐90 somatization subscale and CES‐D. Girls scored higher than boys on difficulty identifying feelings (DIF) and pragmatic thinking (PR) subscales. DIF and lack of subjective significance or importance of emotions (IMs) subscale scores were higher among younger than among middle and older adolescents.

Implications for Practice

Validating the TAS‐20 in adolescents is quite important to use it in evaluating adolescents' alexithymia, and screen those at risk of alexithymia.
An Analytical Foundation of the Classical View of Long‐Period Prices with Differential Profit Rates
Authors: D'Agata Antonio , Mori Kenji
Published: March 2016

The uniformity of the profit rates has been justified by the modern literature on long‐period positions on the ground of the working of free capital mobility across sectors. However, classical economists allow for profit rates differentials also in case of absence of barriers to entry, because of specific factors affecting the investment behavior of producers in industries. We develop a linear multisectoral model in which differential profit rates are determined by such ‘idiosyncratic’ factors. We provide conditions ensuring the uniformity of the profit rates in the long‐run.
Invasive fungal infections in AML/MDS patients treated with azacitidine: a risk worth considering antifungal prophylaxis?
Authors: Pomares Helena , Arnan Montserrat , Sánchez‐Ortega Isabel , Sureda Anna , Duarte Rafael F.
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study is to analyse the risk of invasive fungal infection (IFI) and the need for antifungal prophylaxis in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndromes (AML/MDS) treated with azacitidine. We retrospectively analysed the incidence of IFI according to EORTC‐MSG criteria in 121 consecutive AML/MDS patients receiving 948 azacitidine courses (median 5, range 1–43) between June 2007 and June 2015. Four cases of IFI (two possible, one probable aspergillosis and one proven candidemia) occurred in this series. The incidence rate of proven/probable IFI was 0.21% per treatment cycle and 1.6% per patient treated for the whole series, and 0.73% per treatment cycle and 4.1% per patient treated in those with severe neutropenia. Two patients died from IFI, leading to an IFI‐attributable mortality rate of 1.65% per patient and 0.21% per treatment cycle. The numbers needed to treat with prophylaxis to prevent one case of IFI are 238 azacitidine cycles or 30 patients throughout their whole treatment course, and 137 azacitidine cycles or 24 patients among those with severe neutropenia. AML/MDS patients treated with azacitidine, including those with severe prolonged neutropenia, have a very low risk of IFI which does not justify the use of antifungal prophylaxis.
Celebrating British multiculturalism, lamenting England/Britain's past
Authors: Black Jack
Published: March 2016

Drawing upon Littler and Naidoo's ‘white past, multicultural present’ alignment, this article examines English newspaper coverage of two ‘British’ events held in 2012 (the Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympic Games). In light of recent work on English nationalism, national identity and multiculturalism, this article argues that representations of Britain oscillated between lamentations for an English/British past – marred by decline – and a present that, while being portrayed as both confident and progressive, was beset by latent anxieties. In doing so, ‘past’ reflections of England/Britain were presented as a ‘safe’ and legitimate source of belonging that had subsequently been lost and undermined amidst the diversity of the ‘present’. As a result, feelings of discontent, anxiety and nostalgia were dialectically constructed alongside ‘traditional’ understandings of England/Britain. Indeed, this draws attention to the ways in which particular ‘versions’ of the past are engaged with and the impact that this can have on discussions related to multiculturalism and the multiethnic history of England/Britain.
How Peace Takes Shape Locally: The Experience of Civil Resistance in Samaniego, Colombia
Authors: Mouly Cécile , Garrido María Belén , Idler Annette
Published: March 2016

Drawing on the experience of Samaniego, Colombia, this article explores processes of civil resistance in the midst of armed conflict. Based on data from fieldwork in Samaniego and other localities in Colombia, as well as literature on civil resistance, peacebuilding, and rebel governance, we analyze the process of mobilization of the population of this war‐affected municipality against armed violence from its beginning in 1997 until the year 2014. As we contend, this process arose as the combined result of factors related to agency and structure. The national and departmental contexts, particularly the holding of peace negotiations between the government and National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels and the existence of similar local peace initiatives, contributed to the establishment of a propitious environment for the mobilization that took place in 1997 and led to the declaration of Samaniego as a peace territory. In terms of agency, two mayors and various civil society actors played a leading role in the process. Several factors accounted for the success of this initiative in achieving, at least to some extent, its objective of reducing violence. We cluster these into three sets of factors: structural factors, the characteristics of the civil resistance movement, and the strategic decisions made by the movement. A better understanding of these factors and their interactions can shed light on the dynamics of civil resistance in situations of armed conflict and their outcomes, offering significant insights into scholarly debates about civil resistance and local peace formation.
Monocyte activation and cytokine production in Malawian children presenting with P. falciparum malaria
Authors: Mandala W. L. , Msefula C. L. , Gondwe E. N. , Drayson M. T. , Molyneux M. E. , MacLennan C. A.
Published: March 2016

Malaria in malaria‐naïve adults is associated with an inflammatory response characterized by expression of specific activation markers on innate immune cells. Here, we investigate activation and adhesion marker expression, and cytokine production in monocytes from children presenting with cerebral malaria (CM, n = 36), severe malarial anaemia (SMA, n = 42) or uncomplicated malaria (UM, n = 66), and healthy aparasitemic children (n = 52) in Blantyre, Malawi. In all malaria groups, but particularly in the two severe malaria groups, monocyte expression of CD11b, CD11c, CD18, HLA‐DR and CD86, and percentages of TNF‐α‐ and IL‐6‐producing monocytes were lower than in healthy controls, while expression of CD11a, TLR2 and TLR4 was lower in children with severe malaria compared with controls. These levels mostly normalized during convalescence, but percentages of cytokine‐producing monocytes remained suppressed in children with SMA. In all malaria groups, especially the SMA group, a greater proportion of monocytes were loaded with haemozoin than among controls. In a P. falciparum hyperendemic area, monocytes in children with acute symptomatic malaria have reduced expression of adhesion molecules and activation markers and reduced inflammatory cytokine production. This immune suppression could be due to accumulation of haemozoin and/or previous exposure to P. falciparum.
Quantifying the Effects of Expert Selection and Elicitation Design on Experts’ Confidence in Their Judgments About Future Energy Technologies
Authors: Nemet Gregory F. , Anadon Laura Diaz , Verdolini Elena
Published: March 2016

Expert elicitations are now frequently used to characterize uncertain future technology outcomes. However, their usefulness is limited, in part because: estimates across studies are not easily comparable; choices in survey design and expert selection may bias results; and overconfidence is a persistent problem. We provide quantitative evidence of how these choices affect experts’ estimates. We standardize data from 16 elicitations, involving 169 experts, on the 2030 costs of five energy technologies: nuclear, biofuels, bioelectricity, solar, and carbon capture. We estimate determinants of experts’ confidence using survey design, expert characteristics, and public R&D investment levels on which the elicited values are conditional. Our central finding is that when experts respond to elicitations in person (vs. online or mail) they ascribe lower confidence (larger uncertainty) to their estimates, but more optimistic assessments of best‐case (10th percentile) outcomes. The effects of expert affiliation and country of residence vary by technology, but in general: academics and public‐sector experts express lower confidence than private‐sector experts; and E.U. experts are more confident than U.S. experts. Finally, extending previous technology‐specific work, higher R&D spending increases experts’ uncertainty rather than resolves it. We discuss ways in which these findings should be seriously considered in interpreting the results of existing elicitations and in designing new ones.
Agency Problems and Airport Security: Quantitative and Qualitative Evidence on the Impact of Security Training
Authors: de Gramatica Martina , Massacci Fabio , Shim Woohyun , Turhan Uğur , Williams Julian
Published: March 2016

We analyze the issue of agency costs in aviation security by combining results from a quantitative economic model with a qualitative study based on semi‐structured interviews. Our model extends previous principal‐agent models by combining the traditional fixed and varying monetary responses to physical and cognitive effort with nonmonetary welfare and potentially transferable value of employees' own human capital. To provide empirical evidence for the tradeoffs identified in the quantitative model, we have undertaken an extensive interview process with regulators, airport managers, security personnel, and those tasked with training security personnel from an airport operating in a relatively high‐risk state, Turkey. Our results indicate that the effectiveness of additional training depends on the mix of “transferable skills” and “emotional” buy‐in of the security agents. Principals need to identify on which side of a critical tipping point their agents are to ensure that additional training, with attached expectations of the burden of work, aligns the incentives of employees with the principals' own objectives.
Typographomania: On Prigov's Typewritten Experiments
Authors: SKAKOV NARIMAN
Published: March 2016

This article examines Dmitrii A. Prigov's cycle “Appeals to Citizens” (1985–1987). The first section of the essay, “Message,” explores the discursive attack on the verbiage of the Soviet ideological apparatus. Hundreds of appeals to the Soviet constituency–framed, or rather camouflaged, by the notion of New Sincerity–constituted a desperate democratic cry. This cry is, by and large, as incomprehensible and empty as most cries are: the semantic vectors of messages themselves provide no sense of direction. Though the appeals comprise a void, they still delineate a semantically hollow, yet nevertheless productive space. The second part, “Medium,” examines the conceptual exercise of leaving the stable generic grounds of dissident and avant‐garde movements by means of various mediatic reflections. The latter include the epistemic authority, or lack thereof, of the producer of texts; the role of the typewriter as a conceptual writing machine; and, finally, the status of the appeals as graphic‐visual signs transcending the standard limits of textuality. The topics presented, in toto, explore a set of productive tensions that are at play in “Appeals to Citizens” and which delineate Prigov's oeuvre in general. The opposition between the textual and the visual planes, between the message and the medium, and, finally, between the notions of shimmering (merzatel'naia) phantomness (insubstantiality) and acute materiality, all define the semantic and conceptual vectors of the multiple art practices of the meta‐project which the artist himself referred to as “Dmitrii Aleksandrovich Prigov.”
Marginal Utility and the Theory of Relative Advantage: The Case of Alabama*
Authors: Aistrup Joseph A.
Published: March 2016

Objective

Using the “theory of relative advantage” (Hood, Kidd, and Morris, 2012), this study tests a number of hypotheses focusing on the short‐ and long‐term influences of Governor George Wallace on the partisan voting alignment of Alabama counties at the presidential and gubernatorial levels.

Methods

The analysis uses county‐level vote shares data for president and governor from 1952 to 2012 in a confirmatory factor analysis to model party alignments among counties within a state and to identify the sequence and timing of party realignments (Aistrup, 2012).

Results

We find that Wallace's presidential county voting patterns in 1968 deviated significantly from Alabama's New Deal structure of partisan competition, and that the structured partisan competition associated with Reagan's election in 1980 follows the same patterns initiated by Wallace in 1968. However, Wallace's New Right alignment at the gubernatorial level does not emerge until the controversial 1986 gubernatorial election. There is a marginal utility function modeled as a curvilinear relationship between black voter mobilization and the change in the Republican bias between the New Deal and the New Right alignment.

Conclusions

The theory of relative advantage provides a strong theoretical platform for understanding how the political cues provided by Wallace affected the timing and sequence of changes in the structure of partisan competition among Alabama counties at the presidential and gubernatorial levels.
Potency and stability of compounded cyclophosphamide: a pilot study
Authors: Robat C. , Budde J.
Published: March 2016

Compounding of drugs for use in veterinary oncology is becoming increasingly common. We obtained 15 mg cyclophosphamide capsules from five different compounding pharmacies and performed potency analyses at two time points, as well as stability at 60 days. Potency results for four out of five and zero out of five (4/10) samples analysed were inadequate. Stability at 60 days was acceptable for all but one sample. This pilot study raises several important points of concern when compounding chemotherapy in dogs and cats. Further studies are necessary to solidify this data. Collaboration between pharmacists, veterinarians and regulatory bodies is needed to ensure safe and accurate delivery of compounded drugs to client‐owned animals.
Susceptibility of porcine endogenous retrovirus to anti‐retroviral inhibitors
Authors: Argaw Takele , Colon‐Moran Winston , Wilson Carolyn
Published: March 2016

Background

Porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) is an endogenous retrovirus that poses a risk of iatrogenic transmission in the context of pig‐to‐human xenotransplantation. The lack of a means to control PERV infection in the context of pig‐to‐human xenotransplantation is a major concern in the field. In this study, we set out to evaluate the ability of currently licensed anti‐HIV drugs, and other types of anti‐retroviral compounds, to inhibit PERV infection in vitro.

Methods

We used target cells stably expressing one of the known PERV viral receptors, an infectious molecular clone, PERV‐A 14/220, and at least one drug from each class of anti‐retroviral inhibitors as well as off‐label drugs shown to have anti‐viral activities. The susceptibility of PERV‐A 14/220 LacZ to the anti‐retroviral drugs was determined from infected cells by histochemical staining.

Results

We extend the results of previous studies by showing that, in addition to raltegravir, dolutegravir is found to have a potent inhibitory activity against PERV replication (IC50 8.634 ±0.336 and IC50 3.06 ± 0.844 nM, respectively). The anti‐HIV drug zidovudine (AZT) showed considerable anti‐PERV activity with IC50 of 1.923 ±0.691 μM as well.

Conclusions

The study results indicate that some of the licensed anti‐retroviral drugs may be useful for controlling PERV infection. However, the efficacy at nanomolar concentrations put forward integrase inhibitors as a drug that has the potential to be useful in the event that xenotransplantation recipients have evidence of PERV transmission and replication.
Exposure to wind turbine noise: Perceptual responses and reported health effects
Authors: Michaud David S. , Feder Katya , Keith Stephen E. , Voicescu Sonia A. , Marro Leonora , Than John , Guay Mireille , Denning Allison , McGuire D'Arcy , Bower Tara , Lavigne Eric , Murray Brian J. , Weiss Shelly K. , van den Berg Frits
Published: March 2016

Health Canada, in collaboration with Statistics Canada, and other external experts, conducted the Community Noise and Health Study to better understand the impacts of wind turbine noise (WTN) on health and well-being. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out between May and September 2013 in southwestern Ontario and Prince Edward Island on 1238 randomly selected participants (606 males, 632 females) aged 18–79 years, living between 0.25 and 11.22 km from operational wind turbines. Calculated outdoor WTN levels at the dwelling reached 46 dBA. Response rate was 78.9% and did not significantly differ across sample strata. Self-reported health effects (e.g., migraines, tinnitus, dizziness, etc.), sleep disturbance, sleep disorders, quality of life, and perceived stress were not related to WTN levels. Visual and auditory perception of wind turbines as reported by respondents increased significantly with increasing WTN levels as did high annoyance toward several wind turbine features, including the following: noise, blinking lights, shadow flicker, visual impacts, and vibrations. Concern for physical safety and closing bedroom windows to reduce WTN during sleep also increased with increasing WTN levels. Other sample characteristics are discussed in relation to WTN levels. Beyond annoyance, results do not support an association between exposure to WTN up to 46 dBA and the evaluated health-related endpoints.
Canadian scientists smile at Liberals' déjà vu budget
Authors: Kondro Wayne
Published: March 2016

Trudeau offers warm support for basic research.
No-strings awards at NIH draw concern
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: March 2016

Some recipients say they didn't expect deep cuts in funding.
Life in the lab
Lab Girl
Hope Jahren
Knopf, 2016. 300 pp.
Authors: Lowman Meg
Published: March 2016

A new memoir revels in the joys, sorrows, and occasional absurdities that come with a career in science
An odd one out
Authors: Gänsicke Boris
Published: March 2016

An oxygen-rich white dwarf sets an important mark for stellar evolution

[Also see Report by

Kepler
et al.

]
Colloidal crystal ordering in a liquid crystal
Authors: Blanc Christophe
Published: March 2016

A nematic phase promotes the formation of dilute, low-symmetry colloidal crystals

[Also see Report by

Mundoor
et al.

]
A brain conditioned for social defeat
Authors: Desban Laura , Wyart Claire
Published: March 2016

A brain circuit in vertebrates determines who wins or loses a fight

[Also see Report by

Chou
et al.

]
Identity theft
Boy
Anna Ziegler; directed by Linsay Firman
The Clurman Theatre, New York, NY Through 9 April 2016
Authors: Vikbladh Oliver
Published: March 2016

Inspired by true events, a new play explores a controversial case of gender reassignment
New frontiers in bioscience
Authors: Allen Paul G.
Published: March 2016

In 1975, when relatively powerful microprocessors first became available, many young entrepreneurs—including myself—were inspired to create companies, platforms, and programming tools that helped make computing available to everyone. This in turn helped spark the information revolution. Today, thanks to the increasing sophistication, speed, and power of computer modeling and other new tools such as optogenetics and multiple forms of microscopy, we are on the brink of another revolution—this time in bioscience.
Field-Friendly Test for Monitoring Multiple Immune Response Markers during Onset and Treatment of Exacerbated Immunity in Leprosy
Authors: Corstjens Paul L. A. M. , van Hooij Anouk , Tjon Kon Fat Elisa M. , van den Eeden Susan J. F. , Wilson Louis , Geluk Annemieke
Published: March 2016

Acute inflammatory reactions represent the major cause of irreversible neuropathy in leprosy. These tissue-destroying episodes have considerable overlap with acute immunological complications (flares) in several chronic (autoimmune) diseases that similarly warrant early detection. However, the lack of diagnostic tests impedes early diagnosis of these reactions. Here, we evaluated a user-friendly multiplex lateral flow assay for the simultaneous detection of IP-10 and anti-phenolic glycolipid I antibodies for longitudinally monitoring early onset and treatment of leprosy reactions.
Production of a Recombinant Dengue Virus 2 NS5 Protein and Potential Use as a Vaccine Antigen
Authors: Alves Rúbens Prince dos Santos , Pereira Lennon Ramos , Fabris Denicar Lina Nascimento , Salvador Felipe Scassi , Santos Robert Andreata , Zanotto Paolo Marinho de Andrade , Romano Camila Malta , Amorim Jaime Henrique , Ferreira Luís Carlos de Souza
Published: March 2016

Dengue fever is caused by any of the four known dengue virus serotypes (DENV1 to DENV4) that affect millions of people worldwide, causing a significant number of deaths. There are vaccines based on chimeric viruses, but they still are not in clinical use. Anti-DENV vaccine strategies based on nonstructural proteins are promising alternatives to those based on whole virus or structural proteins. The DENV nonstructural protein 5 (NS5) is the main target of anti-DENV T cell-based immune responses in humans. In this study, we purified a soluble recombinant form of DENV2 NS5 expressed in
Escherichia coli
at large amounts and high purity after optimization of expression conditions and purification steps. The purified DENV2 NS5 was recognized by serum from DENV1-, DENV2-, DENV3-, or DENV4-infected patients in an epitope-conformation-dependent manner. In addition, immunization of BALB/c mice with NS5 induced high levels of NS5-specific antibodies and expansion of gamma interferon- and tumor necrosis factor alpha-producing T cells. Moreover, mice immunized with purified NS5 were partially protected from lethal challenges with the DENV2 NGC strain and with a clinical isolate (JHA1). These results indicate that the recombinant NS5 protein preserves immunological determinants of the native protein and is a promising vaccine antigen capable of inducing protective immune responses.