bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Levetiracetam Prophylaxis for Post‐traumatic Brain Injury Seizures is Ineffective: A Propensity Score Analysis
Authors: Zangbar Bardiya , Khalil Mazhar , Gruessner Angelika , Joseph Bellal , Friese Randall , Kulvatunyou Narong , Wynne Julie , Latifi Rifat , Rhee Peter , O’Keeffe Terence
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Early seizures after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) have a reported incidence of up to 15 %. Prophylaxis for early seizures using 1 week of phenytoin is considered standard of care for seizure prevention. However, many centers have substituted the anticonvulsant levetiracetam without good data on the efficacy of this approach. Our hypothesis was that the treatment with levetiracetam is not effective in preventing early post‐traumatic seizures.

Methods

All trauma patients sustaining a TBI from January 2007 to December 2009 at an urban level‐one trauma center were retrospectively analyzed. Seizures were identified from a prospectively gathered morbidity database and anticonvulsant use from the pharmacy database. Statistical comparisons were made by Chi square, t tests, and logistic regression modeling. Patients who received levetiracetam prophylaxis were matched 1:1 using propensity score matching with those who did not receive the drug.

Results

5551 trauma patients suffered a TBI during the study period, with an overall seizure rate of 0.7 % (39/5551). Of the total population, 1795 were diagnosed with severe TBI (Head AIS score 3–5). Seizures were 25 times more likely in the severe TBI group than in the non‐severe group [2.0 % (36/1795) vs. 0.08 % (3/3756); OR 25.6; 95 % CI 7.8–83.2; p < 0.0001]. Of the patients who had seizures after severe TBI, 25 % (9/36) received pharmacologic prophylaxis with levetiracetam, phenytoin, or fosphenytoin. In a matched cohort by propensity scores, no difference was seen in seizure rates between the levetiracetam group and no‐prophylaxis group (1.9 vs. 3.4 %, p = 0.50).

Conclusions

In this propensity score‐matched cohort analysis, levetiracetam prophylaxis was ineffective in preventing seizures as the rate of seizures was similar whether patients did or did not receive the drug. The incidence of post‐traumatic seizures in severe TBI patients was only 2.0 % in this study; therefore we question the benefit of routine prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy in patients with TBI.
Study of Ф-OTDR stability for dynamic strain measurement in piezoelectric vibration
Authors: Ren Meiqi , Lu Ping , Chen Liang , Bao Xiaoyi
Published: June 2016

In a phase-sensitive optical-time domain reflectometry (Φ-OTDR) system, the challenge for dynamic strain measurement lies in large intensity fluctuations from trace to trace. The intensity fluctuation caused by stochastic characteristics of Rayleigh backscattering sets detection limit for the minimum strength of vibration measurement and causes the large measurement uncertainty. Thus, a trace-to-trace correlation coefficient is introduced to quantify intensity fluctuation of Φ-OTDR traces and stability of the sensor system theoretically and experimentally. A novel approach of measuring dynamic strain induced by various driving voltages of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) in Φ-OTDR is also demonstrated. Piezoelectric vibration signals are evaluated through analyzing peak values of fast Fourier transform spectra at the fundamental frequency and high-order harmonics based on Bessel functions. High trace-to-trace correlation coefficients varying from 0.824 to 0.967 among 100 measurements are obtained in experimental results, showing the good stability of our sensor system, as well as small uncertainty of measured peak values.
Incidencia de estándares internacionales en la sostenibilidad corporativa: una perspectiva de la alta dirección
Authors: Polanco Jorge Polanco , Ramírez Fabián , Orozco Martha
Published: June 2016

Los estándares internacionales inciden en la sostenibilidad corporativa y contribuyen al desempeño y a la gobernanza del negocio. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar esta incidencia desde la óptica de la alta dirección de una empresa del sector energético colombiano. La metodología de investigación es un estudio de caso exploratorio, provisto de 5 entrevistas en profundidad. Los resultados muestran que los directivos recurren a los estándares en busca de control y legitimidad desde 2 posturas complementarias: una pragmática frente al desempeño y otra prudente frente a la gobernanza. Se concluye que la adopción de los estándares es el resultado del liderazgo y los valores de los directivos, que confieren identidad a la empresa al mismo tiempo que la ponen frente a nuevos retos de cara a la sociedad.
Assessment of fetal growth using the ratio of the transverse cerebellar diameter to abdominal circumference
Authors: Agrawal Charusmita , Agrawal Kamlesh K. , Gandhi Sudha
Published: June 2016

Objective

To evaluate use of the transverse cerebellar diameter to abdominal circumference (TCD/AC) ratio in predicting intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted at a prenatal clinic in Udaipur, India, between August 2011 and December 2012. Women with a singleton pregnancy and a confirmed gestational age of 20–36 weeks were enrolled. Transverse cerebellar diameter and abdominal circumference were measured by ultrasonography on two prenatal visits at early (20–28 weeks) and late (30–36 weeks) gestation. A TCD/AC ratio above the 90th percentile was considered to indicate IUGR. Birth weight was recorded.

Results

Overall, 100 women completed the study. Among 15 neonates with IUGR, the mean TCD/AC ratio was 14.17 ± 0.89 at early gestation and 15.61 ± 1.18 at late gestation. The TCD/AC ratio for appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age neonates was significantly lower: 13.50 ± 0.97 and 13.80 ± 0.97 at early and late gestation, respectively (P< 0.05 for both). Among 14 fetuses with a TCD/AC ratio above the 90th percentile at early gestation, 9 (64%) were small for gestational age, 5 (36%) were appropriate for gestational age, and none was large for gestational age at the neonatal examination.

Conclusion

The TCD/AC ratio was fairly accurate in recognizing abnormal fetal growth at an early gestational age.
A novel approach to detect resistance mechanisms reveals FGR as a factor mediating HDAC inhibitor SAHA resistance in B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Joosten Maria , Ginzel Sebastian , Blex Christian , Schmidt Dmitri , Gombert Michael , Chen Cai , Linka René Martin , Gräbner Olivia , Hain Anika , Hirsch Burkhard , Sommerfeld Anke , Seegebarth Anke , Gruber Uschi , Maneck Corinna , Zhang Langhui , Stenin Katharina , Dieks Henrik , Sefkow Michael , Münk Carsten , Baldus Claudia D. , Thiele Ralf , Borkhardt Arndt , Hummel Michael , Köster Hubert , Fischer Ute , Dreger Mathias , Seitz Volkhard
Published: June 2016

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors such as suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) are not commonly used in clinical practice for treatment of B‐cell lymphomas, although a subset of patients with refractory or relapsed B‐cell lymphoma achieved partial or complete remissions.

Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify molecular features that predict the response of B‐cell lymphomas to SAHA treatment. We designed an integrative approach combining drug efficacy testing with exome and captured target analysis (DETECT). In this study, we tested SAHA sensitivity in 26 B‐cell lymphoma cell lines and determined SAHA‐interacting proteins in SAHA resistant and sensitive cell lines employing a SAHA capture compound (CC) and mass spectrometry (CCMS). In addition, we performed exome mutation analysis. Candidate validation was done by expression analysis and knock‐out experiments.

An integrated network analysis revealed that the Src tyrosine kinase Gardner‐Rasheed feline sarcoma viral (v‐fgr) oncogene homolog (FGR) is associated with SAHA resistance. FGR was specifically captured by the SAHA‐CC in resistant cells. In line with this observation, we found that FGR expression was significantly higher in SAHA resistant cell lines. As functional proof, CRISPR/Cas9 mediated FGR knock‐out in resistant cells increased SAHA sensitivity. In silico analysis of B‐cell lymphoma samples (n = 1200) showed a wide range of FGR expression indicating that FGR expression might help to stratify patients, which clinically benefit from SAHA therapy.

In conclusion, our comprehensive analysis of SAHA‐interacting proteins highlights FGR as a factor involved in SAHA resistance in B‐cell lymphoma.
Effectiveness of Bilateral Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections in Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Patients With Neurogenic Claudication: A Case Series
Authors: Farooque Mustafa , Salzman Michele M. , Ye Zhan
Published: June 2016

Background

As our population ages, neurogenic claudication (NC) from central canal stenosis of the lumbar spine is becoming an increasingly common condition. Studies have been undertaken to assess the efficacy of caudal, interlaminar, or unilateral transforaminal epidural injections, but bilateral transforaminal epidural injections (BTESIs) have not been evaluated to date.

Objective

To assess the therapeutic value and long‐term effects of fluoroscope‐guided BTESIs in patients with NC from degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) of the central spinal canal.

Design

Case series.

Setting

Single institution spine clinic.

Patients

Twenty‐six adults between the ages of 40 and 90 years with a diagnosis of DLSS and a history of subacute or chronic NC.

Methods/Interventions

Patients meeting inclusion criteria received fluoroscope‐guided BTESI of local anesthetic and steroid at the level immediately below the most stenotic level. Patient self‐reported pain level, activity level, and overall satisfaction were recorded by telephone interview at 1, 3, and 6 months after injection by an independent observer.

Main Outcome Measures

Pain score and Swiss Spinal Stenosis score at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months.

Results

Of the 22 participants eligible for analysis, 20, 19, and 18 had follow‐up data available at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. Reduction in numeric pain scale score of at least 50% was noted in 30% of participants at 1 month, 53% at 3 months, and 44% at 6 months. Swiss Spinal Stenosis subscale scores indicated a significant reduction in the proportion of participants reporting the presence of severe pain in the back, buttocks, and legs (particularly the back or buttocks) at 1, 3, and 6 months of follow‐up compared with baseline (P < .05). The proportion of participants reporting severe weakness in the legs or feet also decreased after injection and was statistically significant at 3 months of follow‐up (P = .04).

Conclusions

Fluoroscope‐guided BTESI was moderately effective in reducing pain, improving function, and achieving patient satisfaction in patients with NC from DLSS at the central spinal canal in this clinical case series.

Level of Evidence

IV
Alleviating Thoracotomy Pain With Intercostal Liposomal Bupivacaine: A Case Report
Authors: Saby Adam , Swaminathan Kavitha , Pangarkar Sanjog , Tribuzio Bianca
Published: June 2016

Thoracotomy pain is common after chest surgery and may result from injury to the lung pleura, intercostal muscles, costovertebral joint, or intercostal nerves. Inappropriately controlled postoperative pain can hinder recovery and increase the risk of complications such as infection, atelectasis, blood clots, and development of post‐thoracotomy pain syndrome. A number of treatment options for acute pain are available, most of which require systemic medications or indwelling catheters that may be contraindicated in patients on anticoagulants. We present the case of a patient with post‐thoracotomy pain that effectively was treated with an ultrasound‐guided nerve block with liposomal bupivacaine. The patient experienced pain relief without adverse event. Liposomal bupivacaine may be considered a potential treatment option for patients with severe acute post‐thoracotomy pain in whom other modalities have not worked or are contraindicated.

Level of Evidence

N/A
Unusual Hypersensitivity Reaction to Iohexol During Epidural Steroid Injection Resulting in Lipoma Development: A Case Presentation
Authors: Singh Naileshni , De Mesa Charles
Published: June 2016

Epidural steroid injections are common interventional pain procedures for radicular pain when conservative therapies fail. We present the case of a 36‐year‐old woman with lumbar radicular pain who developed a hypersensitivity reaction to iohexol during a fluoroscopically guided interlaminar epidural steroid injection resulting in lipoma development. Mechanisms of anaphylactoid reaction and recommendations for lipoma treatment are described based on clinical presentation. With an increase in the number of injections performed for pain management, awareness of this complication may need to be included for informed consent.

Level of Evidence

V
Impact of a Central Line Infection Prevention Bundle in Newborn Infants
Authors: McMullan Rowena , Gordon Adrienne
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE

To compare central line use and central line–associated bloodstream infection in newborn infants before and after the introduction of a central line infection prevention bundle in order to determine the effectiveness of the bundle and to identify areas for further improvement.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort analysis of prospectively collected data.

SETTING

Level 5 neonatal intensive care unit in Sydney, Australia.

PATIENTS

Newborn infants admitted to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit who had a central venous catheter (CVC) inserted.

METHODS

Data regarding clinical characteristics, CVC use, and infection were collected before and after the introduction of a bundle of interventions. The bundles encompassed (1) insertion of CVC, (2) maintenance of CVC, (3) an education program, and (4) ongoing surveillance and feedback.

RESULTS

Baseline and intervention groups were comparable in clinical characteristics. The number of CVCs inserted was reduced in the intervention group (central line utilization rate, 0.16 vs 0.2, P<.0001). Overall CVC dwell time was reduced, resulting from significant reduction in peripherally inserted CVC dwell time (6 days [95% CI, 5.0–11.8 days] vs 7.3 days [4.0–10.4 days], P=.0004). Central line–associated bloodstream infections were significantly reduced, predominantly secondary to decreased peripherally inserted CVC–related bloodstream infections (1.2/1,000 central line–days vs 11.5/1,000 central line–days, P<.0001).

CONCLUSION

This central line infection bundle was effective in reducing CVC use, dwell time, and central line–associated bloodstream infections.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:1029–1036
Anatomy, systematics, paleoenvironment, growth, and age of the sauropod dinosaurSonorasaurus thompsonifrom the Cretaceous of Arizona, USA
Authors: D’Emic Michael D. , Foreman Brady Z. , Jud Nathan A.
Published: June 2016

Sauropod dinosaurs are rare in the Cretaceous North American fossil record in general and are absent from that record for most of the Late Cretaceous.Sonorasaurus thompsonifrom the Turney Ranch Formation of the Bisbee Group of Arizona, USA, potentially represents one of the youngest sauropods before their ca. 30-million-year-long hiatus from the record. The anatomy ofSonorasaurushas only been briefly described, its taxonomic validity has been questioned, several hypotheses have been proposed regarding its phylogenetic relationships, and its life history, geologic age, and reported paleoenvironment are ambiguous.

Herein we assess the systematics, paleoenvironment, life history, and geologic age ofSonorasaurusbased on firsthand observation, bone histology, and fieldwork in the holotypic quarry and environs. The validity ofS.thompsoniis substantiated by autapomorphies. Cladistic analysis firmly places it within the Brachiosauridae, in contrast to results of some recent analyses. Bone histology suggests that the only known exemplar ofSonorasaurusgrew slowly and sporadically compared to other sauropods and was approaching its adult size. In contrast with previous assessments of a coastal/estuarine paleoenvironment for the Turney Ranch Formation, our sedimentological and plant macrofossil data indicate thatSonorasauruslived in a semiarid, low relief evergreen woodland that received highly variable (perhaps seasonal) precipitation. We obtained detrital zircons from the holotypic quarry for U-Pb dating, which only yielded Barremian-aged and older grains, whereas other radiometric and biostratigraphic data suggest that the sediments at the quarry were deposited near the Albian-Cenomanian boundary.

Sonorasaurusis taxonomically valid, represents one of the geologically youngest brachiosaurid sauropods, and inhabited a harsh inland evergreen-dominated woodland environment that limited its growth. A review of other Bisbee Group dinosaurs suggests that its fauna, although poorly sampled, exhibits broad similarity to those from coeval North American horizons, reinforcing the apparent faunal homogeneity at the time.
Zealandia’s oldest volutes (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Volutidae) from the early Paleogene of South Island and Chatham Islands: post Gondwana break-up and evolutionary divergence
Authors: Stilwell Jeffrey D.
Published: June 2016

The isolation of Zealandia in the latest Cretaceous and early Paleogene following the final break-up of Gondwana fostered significant provincialism in molluscan faunas, concomitant with the segmentation of oceanic circulation patterns and changing climate nearing the end of the greenhouse phase in the Southwest Pacific. The earliest volutes (Gastropoda: Volutidae) from the Zealandian region reflect this isolation after separation from the Marie Byrd Land region of West Antarctica with several endemic groups being recognized for the first time since collecting first started in the Wangaloa Formation at Mitchells Rocks (Wangaloa), South Island, New Zealand in 1869. Five taxa attributed to the Volutidae are described herein from South Island (Wangaloa Formation and Steel Greensand) and also the Chatham Islands (Red Bluff Tuff) from the early (mid-Danian) to late Paleocene (Thanetian?). These comprise a new mid-Danian fulgorariine? genus and species,Wangaluta henaconstrictan. gen. n. sp.; a new combination also from the Wangaloa Formation,Wangaluta? neozelanica(Finlay and Marwick, 1937); two new zidonine volutes, the mid-DanianAlcithoe. s.l.wangaloaensisn. sp. from the Wangaloa Formation, and alsoTeremelon onouan. sp. from the late Paleocene-early Eocene of the Red Bluff Tuff; and a probable volute, Fulgorariine? gen. indet. sp. indet. from the mid-Danian of the Steel Greensand. All of these taxa are endemic in the early Paleogene of New Zealand and represent a significant boost in our knowledge of post-K-Pg boundary diversification of volutid gastropods in the shrinking Weddellian Biotic Province in the southern rim of the Pacific.
Free Monoids are Coherent
Authors: Gould Victoria , Hartmann Miklós , Ruškuc Nik
Published: June 2016

A monoid S is said to be right coherent if every finitely generated subact of every finitely presented right S-act is finitely presented. Left coherency is defined dually and S is coherent if it is both right and left coherent. These notions are analogous to those for a ring R (where, of course, S-acts are replaced by R-modules). Choo et al. have shown that free rings are coherent. In this paper we prove that, correspondingly, any free monoid is coherent, thus answering a question posed by Gould in 1992.
PHOSPHORUS-MOBILIZATION STRATEGY BASED ON CARBOXYLATE EXUDATION IN LUPINS (LUPINUS, FABACEAE): A MECHANISM FACILITATING THE GROWTH AND PHOSPHORUS ACQUISITION OF NEIGHBOURING PLANTS UNDER PHOSPHORUS-LIMITED CONDITIONS
Authors: DISSANAYAKA D. M. S. B. , WICKRAMASINGHE W. M. K. R. , MARAMBE BUDDHI , WASAKI JUN
Published: June 2016

The capability of some plant species to mobilize phosphorus (P) from poorly available soil P fractions can improve P availability for P-inefficient plant species in intercropping. White lupin (Lupinus albus) has been investigated as a model P-mobilizing plant for its capability of enhancing the P acquisition of neighbouring species under P-limited conditions. To date, investigations have led to contrasting findings, where some reports have described a positive effect of intercropped lupins on companion plants, whereas others have revealed no effects. This review summarizes the literature related to lupin–cereal intercropping. It explores the underpinning mechanisms that influence interspecific facilitation of P acquisition. The P-mobilization-based facilitation by lupins to enhance P-acquisition of co-occurring plant species is determined by both available P concentration and P-sorption capacity of soil, and the root intermingling capacity among two plant partners enabling rhizosphere overlapping. In lupin–cereal intercropping, lupin enhances the below-ground concentration of labile P pools through mobilization of P from sparingly available P pools, which is accomplished through carboxylate exudation, where neighbouring species acquire part of the mobilized P. The non-P-mobilizing species benefit only under P-limited conditions when they immediately occupy the maximum soil volume influenced by P-mobilizing lupin. Positive effects of mixed cropping are apparent in alkaline, neutral and acidic soils. However, the facilitation of P acquisition by lupins to companion species is eliminated when soil becomes strongly P-sorbing. In such soils, the limitation of root growth can result in poorer root intermingling between two species. The P mobilized by lupins might not be acquired by neighbouring species because it is bound to P-sorbing compounds. We suggest that the lupins can be best used as P-mobilizing plant species to enhance P acquisition of P-inefficient species under P-limited conditions when plant species are grown with compatible crops and soil types that facilitate sharing of rhizosphere functions among intercropped partners.
Delayed norovirus epidemic in the 2009–2010 season in Japan: potential relationship with intensive hand sanitizer use for pandemic influenza
Authors: INAIDA S. , SHOBUGAWA Y. , MATSUNO S. , SAITO R. , SUZUKI H.
Published: June 2016

Norovirus (NoV) epidemics normally peak in December in Japan; however, the peak in the 2009–2010 season was delayed until the fourth week of January 2010. We suspected intensive hand hygiene that was conducted for a previous pandemic influenza in 2009 as the cause of this delay. We analysed the NoV epidemic trend, based on national surveillance data, and its associations with monthly output data for hand hygiene products, including alcohol-based skin antiseptics and hand soap. The delayed peak in the NoV incidence in the 2009–2010 season had the lowest number of recorded cases of the five seasons studied (2006–2007 to 2010–2011). GII.4 was the most commonly occurring genotype. The monthly relative risk of NoV and monthly output of both alcohol-based skin antiseptics and hand soap were significantly and negatively correlated. Our findings suggest an association between hand hygiene using these products and prevention of NoV transmission.
Effectiveness of Transdiagnostic Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Anxiety and Depression in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Andersen Philip , Toner Paul , Bland Martin , McMillan Dean
Published: June 2016

Background:Transdiagnostic Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) seeks to identify core cognitive-behavioural processes hypothesized to be important across a range of disorders and to develop a treatment that targets these. This contrasts with standard CBT approaches that are disorder-specific. Proponents of transdiagnostic CBT suggest that it may offer advantages over disorder-specific CBT, but little is known about the effectiveness of this approach.Aims:The review aimed to summarize trial-based clinical and cost-effectiveness data on transdiagnostic CBT for anxiety and depression.Method:A systematic review of electronic databases, including peer-reviewed and grey literature sources, was conducted (n= 1167 unique citations).Results:Eight trials were eligible for inclusion in the review. There was evidence of an effect for transdiagnostic CBT when compared to a control condition. There were no differences between transdiagnostic CBT and active treatments in two studies. We found no evidence of cost-effectiveness data.Conclusions:Quality assessment of the primary studies indicated a number of methodological concerns that may serve to inflate the observed effects of transdiagnostic approaches. Although there are positive signs of the value of transdiagnostic CBT, there is as yet insufficient evidence to recommend its use in place of disorder-specific CBT.
Self-Compassion: Evaluation of a Psychoeducational Website
Authors: Talbot France , Thériault Judith , French Douglas J.
Published: June 2016

Background: Low levels of self-compassion are associated with a number of mental health problems. Recent findings suggest that self-compassion can be significantly increased through traditional therapist led interventions such as Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC). Aims: The goal of this study was to assess the impact of a psychoeducational website modeled on MSC on measured levels of self-compassion and two related constructs: shame and rumination. Method: Participants (N = 9) were recruited from a pool of university students and employees. Single case AB protocols were used. Results: Analyses using the Critical Difference statistic revealed significant improvement in self-compassion and shame for the majority of participants, but limited changes in rumination. Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that self-compassion may be enhanced through the use of a psychoeducational website. It may be worthwhile to develop a structured internet-based treatment course for individuals who would not otherwise access traditional psychological services.
Rethinking the Linguistic Threshold Hypothesis: Modeling the Linguistic Threshold among young Spanish–English Bilinguals
Authors: FEINAUER ERIKA , HALL-KENYON KENDRA M. , EVERSON KIMBERLEE C.
Published: June 2016

This study uses a discontinuous-linear regression methodological approach to test the Linguistic Threshold Hypothesis (LTH). Specifically, we investigate the following hypotheses: (1) the rate of transfer of literacy skills from L1 to L2 is a function of L2 oral language ability, (2) the rate of transfer from L1 to L2 accelerates when students cross a specified threshold(s) of L2 language oral ability, and (3) discontinuous change-point regression models fit the data better than linear regression interaction models. Across literacy skills, discontinuous change-point regression models revealed levels of L2 oral language at which transfer from L1 to L2 literacy was maximized, suggesting that the relationship between L2 language and cross-linguistic transfer is not constant for the young Spanish–English bilinguals in our study. Further, discontinuous change-point regression models fit the data better than linear interaction models, suggesting the importance of using models that better match the theoretical assumptions underpinning the LTH.
Factors affecting farmers’ decisions to participate in direct marketing: A case study of cherry growers in the Kemalpasa District of Izmir, Turkey
Authors: Adanacioglu Hakan
Published: June 2016

The objective of this study is to explore the main factors that drive decisions of farmers to sell their products directly to consumers through farm direct marketing channels. A case study on cherry growers on the subject of direct marketing, which is one of the alternative marketing options in agricultural products marketing for farmers, is examined in this study. In addition, further suggestions are put forward on how to improve the use of direct marketing strategies by farmers in Turkey. An ordinal logistic regression analysis model was used to analyze the effects of agricultural businesses and demographic features on the tendency of growers to choose direct marketing channels in cherry selling. According to these model results, the cherry farming experience of the growers, the size of the cherry orchard, the level of specialization in cherry production, and the gross margin per hectare for cherry production have a statistically significant impact on the tendency of the growers to choose direct marketing channels in cherry selling. In particular, the growers whose experience is more than 20 yr, the farms that are semi-specialized, the farms providing a gross margin of more than US$5506 ha−1, and the farms having a cherry orchard between 1 and 2 ha in size were determined to have more of a tendency for direct marketing. These results show that owners of medium-sized farms are more interested in direct marketing. According to the interviewed cherry growers, the most important factor limiting their participation in direct marketing is that there are no organizations that will help them meet their direct marketing goals and build direct marketing arrangements between themselves and their consumers.
Design and validation tests for compact FMCW C-band Analog-Front-End for radar imaging applications
Authors: Gromek Damian , Samczyński Piotr , Wielgo Maciej , Malanowski Mateusz , Kulpa Krzysztof
Published: June 2016

This paper presents the design, implementation, and validation tests of a C-band analog-front-end (AFE) for the frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar. The system was designed to be used in various radar applications, including short rage mode, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and moving target indication (MTI) mode. The AFE presented here was based on commercial off-the-shelf radio frequency components, and designed as a homodyne system, so the final applications were based on the FMCW radar. Validation tests and experiments were carried out in the laboratory and in open-air environments. The authors present tests of the AFE, including MTI and SAR trials, conducted using a ground moving platform (a car) and an airborne platform (a small aircraft). The results are discussed with the prospect of future work and further improvements in mind.
Principles of Transparency in Emissions Trading Schemes: The Chinese Experience
Authors: Deane Felicity , Hamman Evan , Pei Yilin
Published: June 2016

Transparency is fundamental to environmental governance. It promotes public trust, goodwill, and credibility in environmental decision making. It also ensures that monitoring and enforcement of emissions reduction targets are efficient and effective. As the impacts of climate change increase, it is urgent that scholars and policy makers develop and test criteria for transparency in both the calculation of emissions reductions and the public reporting of emissions. This article highlights basic principles of transparency that should inform such criteria and that may be applied on a transnational basis. We also examine China’s recently implemented pilot emissions trading schemes and find that the approach in China does not yet comply with our suggested principles. Nevertheless, the positive direction of environmental governance in this region is encouraging.
Calidad, Genealogy, and Disputed Free-colored Tributary Status in New Spain
Authors: Andrews Norah
Published: June 2016

In 1787, a group of Indians from the town of Almoloya, part of Apan in the Intendancy of Mexico, aired their grievances against several prominent local leaders. The petitioners claimed that their predominantly Indian community was plagued by a group of free-colored people who were masquerading as Indian nobles, orcaciques, and enjoying privileges to which only those with noble lineage were entitled. One of these was exemption from the economically onerous and socially stigmatized royal tribute that had symbolized the relationship between the Spanish monarch and free-colored subjects since the sixteenth century.
Shared Genetic Factors Underlie Migraine and Depression
Authors: Yang Yuanhao , Zhao Huiying , Heath Andrew C. , Madden Pamela A. F. , Martin Nicholas G. , Nyholt Dale R.
Published: June 2016

Migraine frequently co-occurs with depression. Using a large sample of Australian twin pairs, we aimed to characterize the extent to which shared genetic factors underlie these two disorders. Migraine was classified using three diagnostic measures, including self-reported migraine, the ID migraine™ screening tool, or migraine without aura (MO) and migraine with aura (MA) based on International Headache Society (IHS) diagnostic criteria. Major depressive disorder (MDD) and minor depressive disorder (MiDD) were classified using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria. Univariate and bivariate twin models, with and without sex-limitation, were constructed to estimate the univariate and bivariate variance components and genetic correlation for migraine and depression. The univariate heritability of broad migraine (self-reported, ID migraine, or IHS MO/MA) and broad depression (MiDD or MDD) was estimated at 56% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 53–60%) and 42% (95% CI: 37–46%), respectively. A significant additive genetic correlation (rG = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.29–0.43) and bivariate heritability (h2 = 5.5%, 95% CI: 3.6–7.8%) was observed between broad migraine and depression using the bivariate Cholesky model. Notably, both the bivariate h2 (13.3%, 95% CI: 7.0–24.5%) and rG (0.51, 95% CI: 0.37–0.69) estimates significantly increased when analyzing the more narrow clinically accepted diagnoses of IHS MO/MA and MDD. Our results indicate that for both broad and narrow definitions, the observed comorbidity between migraine and depression can be explained almost entirely by shared underlying genetically determined disease mechanisms.
How Dialogic Settings Influence Evidence Use in Adolescent Students
Authors: Mayweg-Paus Elisabeth , Macagno Fabrizio
Published: June 2016

Welchen Einfluss haben dialogische Lernsituationen auf den Gebrauch von Evidenz bei adoleszenten Schülerinnen und Schülern?

Zusammenfassung. Diese Studie untersucht wie sich argumentativer Diskurs und individuelles Argumentieren in Bezug auf den Gebrauch von Evidenz unterscheiden. In einem 1 × 2 Cross-over Design diskutierten 37 Mittelstufenschülerinnen und –Schüler ein gesellschaftliches Thema mit ihrem Partner, entweder bevor oder nachdem sie einen kurzen Aufsatz zu ihrer eigenen Meinung verfassten. Als Hintergrundinformationen erhielten sie eine Sammlung qualitativ unterschiedlicher Evidenzen zu dem Themenbereich. Die Dialoge und Aufsätze wurden untersucht in Hinblick auf a) die Art der Evidenz und b) auf welche Weise diese genutzt wurde. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass sich die Schülerinnen und Schüler in den Aufsätzen häufiger auf die ihnen gemeinsam vorliegenden Evidenzen beziehen (geteilte Evidenz). In den Dialogen nutzen sie Evidenz hingegen häufiger, um den gegenteiligen Standpunkt zu adressieren und zeigen dabei eine klarere Argumentationslinie. Die Ergebnisse weisen auf eine höhere Effizienz der Dialoge im Vergleich zum individuellen Schreiben hin. Gleichzeitig gibt die Studie erste Hinweise für die Gestaltung von Curricula, die Schülerinnen und Schüler dazu anregen Evidenz in ihrer Argumentation einzusetzen.
Better to Agree or Disagree? The Role of Critical Questioning and Elaboration in Argumentative Discourse
Authors: Thiebach Monja , Mayweg-Paus Elisabeth , Jucks Regina
Published: June 2016

Ist Zustimmung oder Dissens besser? Die Rolle des Kritischen Hinterfragens und Elaborierens im Argumentativen Diskurs

Zusammenfassung. Beim Umgang mit wissenschaftsbezogenen Informationen im Internet spielt der argumentative Austausch mit anderen eine immer zentralere Rolle. Als besonders förderlich für den Wissenserwerb durch argumentativen Diskurs haben sich das kritische Hinterfragen und Elaborieren der Information des Partners erwiesen. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde untersucht, wie diese lernförderlichen Kommunikationsaktivitäten im argumentativen Diskurs über wissenschaftsbezogene Informationen gefördert werden können. In einem 1 × 2 Zwischengruppendesign wurde entweder ein Unterschieds- oder ein Gemeinsamkeitenfokus erzeugt, indem Dyaden instruiert wurden, während der Diskussion eines wissenschaftsbezogenen Themas insbesondere auf Unterschiede oder auf Gemeinsamkeiten in den Sichtweisen und Argumenten zu achten. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass ein Fokus auf Unterschiede sich förderlich auf die Qualität des argumentativen Diskurses sowie auf das individuelle kritische Denken auswirkte. Die intrinsische Motivation hinsichtlich der Zusammenarbeit mit dem Partner und der Aufgaben war hingegen bei einem Gemeinsamkeitenfokus höher. Implikationen für die Verbesserung der Qualität argumentativer Diskurse und die Förderung des individuellen kritischen Denkens werden diskutiert.
New Directions for Research on Argumentation: Insights from the AIR Framework for Epistemic Cognition
Authors: Duncan Ravit Golan , Chinn Clark A.
Published: June 2016

Neue Wege für Forschung über das Argumentieren: Einblicke aus dem AIR-Framework for Epistemic Cognition

Zusammenfassung. Dieser Kommentar befasst sich mit den vielen unterschiedlichen und interessanten Artikeln des Themenhefts. Zuerst wird überblicksartig eine Zusammenschau der Befunde mit Blick auf neue Erkenntnisse gegeben. Dabei werden Aspekte von Argumentation und Lernen kritisiert, um die Wichtigkeit dieser Erkenntnisse für die weiterführende Forschung in diesem Bereich herauszustellen. Anschließend wird kurz ein neues Bezugssystem für epistemische Kognition beschrieben und als Linse verwendet, um einige Themen der Artikel genauer zu beleuchten. Dies hat das Ziel, neue Denkweisen in Bezug auf Argumentation und das Erlernen und Vermitteln dieser zentralen Praxis zu eröffnen.
Kriterien zur Bestimmung des Schweregrades einer neuropsychologischen Störung sowie Zuordnungen zur Funktions- und Arbeitsfähigkeit
Authors: Frei Adrian , Balzer Christian , Gysi Françoise , Leros Julie , Plohmann Andrea , Steiger Gregor
Published: June 2016

Zusammenfassung. Im Folgenden wird ein Beurteilungssystem zur Einschätzung des Schweregrades von neuropsychologischen Störungen vorgestellt. Insbesondere umfasst es spezifische Kriterien zur Ermittlung des Schweregrades einer Störung, die wiederum in Beziehung zur Funktions- und Arbeitsfähigkeit eines Patienten oder Versicherten gesetzt werden. Das Beurteilungssystem beruht auf den in der Suva-Tabelle 8 zur Einschätzung der psychischen Folgen einer Hirnverletzung definierten Kriterien. Infolgedessen ist es auch grundsätzlich damit vereinbar, stellt aber aufgrund des Miteinbezugs von neuropsychologischen Testergebnissen in Form von Standardwerten als Beurteilungskriterium sowie verbunden mit den Erläuterungen zu deren Interpretation und Anwendung eine wesentliche Weiterentwicklung dar. Im Gegensatz zur Suva-Tabelle 8 ist das Beurteilungssystem unabhängig vom kausalen Versicherungskontext des UVG. Es kann somit unter anderem auch in Rahmen des IVG und KVG/VVG angewandt werden. In diesem Sinne ist es sowohl unabhängig von der Ätiologie des jeweiligen Beschwerdebildes wie auch unabhängig von der artifiziellen dichotomen Unterscheidung zwischen „organischen“ und „nichtorganischen“ psychischen Störungen. Mit der Erstellung und Publikation dieser neuen Kriterien-Tabelle soll ein Beitrag zur weiteren Verbesserung der Interrater-Reliabilität im Rahmen der Beurteilung des Schweregrades von neuropsychologischen Störungen sowie der Einschätzung der Funktionsfähigkeit geleistet werden. Nicht zuletzt ist das Beurteilungssystem auch kompatibel mit den im DSM-5 festgelegten Kriterien zur Einschätzung des Schweregrades einer neurokognitiven Störung.
Multicolor Terrain Mapping Documents Critical Environments
Authors: Fernandez-Diaz Juan , Carter William , Shrestha Ramesh , Glennie Craig
Published: June 2016

The Titan airborne topographic laser system takes spatial and spectral data at three wavelengths at once, mapping threats from climate change and ecological disasters in regions with complex terrain.
A multigene mutation classification of 468 colorectal cancers reveals a prognostic role for APC
Authors: Schell Michael J. , Yang Mingli , Teer Jamie K. , Lo Fang Yin , Madan Anup , Coppola Domenico , Monteiro Alvaro N. A. , Nebozhyn Michael V. , Yue Binglin , Loboda Andrey , Bien-Willner Gabriel A. , Greenawalt Danielle M. , Yeatman Timothy J.
Published: June 2016

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly heterogeneous disease, for which prognosis has been relegated to clinicopathologic staging for decades. There is a need to stratify subpopulations of CRC on a molecular basis to better predict outcome and assign therapies. Here we report targeted exome-sequencing of 1,321 cancer-related genes on 468 tumour specimens, which identified a subset of 17 genes that best classify CRC, with APC playing a central role in predicting overall survival. APC may assume 0, 1 or 2 truncating mutations, each with a striking differential impact on survival. Tumours lacking any APC mutation carry a worse prognosis than single APC mutation tumours; however, two APC mutation tumours with mutant KRAS and TP53 confer the poorest survival among all the subgroups examined. Our study demonstrates a prognostic role for APC and suggests that sequencing of APC may have clinical utility in the routine staging and potential therapeutic assignment for CRC.
Genome editing in butterflies reveals that spalt promotes and Distal-less represses eyespot colour patterns
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Reed Robert D.
Published: June 2016

Butterfly eyespot colour patterns are a key example of how a novel trait can appear in association with the co-option of developmental patterning genes. Little is known, however, about how, or even whether, co-opted genes function in eyespot development. Here we use CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to determine the roles of two co-opted transcription factors that are expressed during early eyespot determination. We found that deletions in a single gene, spalt, are sufficient to reduce or completely delete eyespot colour patterns, thus demonstrating a positive regulatory role for this gene in eyespot determination. Conversely, and contrary to previous predictions, deletions in Distal-less (Dll) result in an increase in the size and number of eyespots, illustrating a repressive role for this gene in eyespot development. Altogether our results show that the presence, absence and shape of butterfly eyespots can be controlled by the activity of two co-opted transcription factors.
A CD36 ectodomain mediates insect pheromone detection via a putative tunnelling mechanism
Authors: Gomez-Diaz Carolina , Bargeton Benoîte , Abuin Liliane , Bukar Natalia , Reina Jaime H. , Bartoi Tudor , Graf Marion , Ong Huy , Ulbrich Maximilian H. , Masson Jean-Francois , Benton Richard
Published: June 2016

CD36 transmembrane proteins have diverse roles in lipid uptake, cell adhesion and pathogen sensing. Despite numerous in vitro studies, how they act in native cellular contexts is poorly understood. A Drosophila CD36 homologue, sensory neuron membrane protein 1 (SNMP1), was previously shown to facilitate detection of lipid-derived pheromones by their cognate receptors in olfactory cilia. Here we investigate how SNMP1 functions in vivo. Structure–activity dissection demonstrates that SNMP1’s ectodomain is essential, but intracellular and transmembrane domains dispensable, for cilia localization and pheromone-evoked responses. SNMP1 can be substituted by mammalian CD36, whose ectodomain can interact with insect pheromones. Homology modelling, using the mammalian LIMP-2 structure as template, reveals a putative tunnel in the SNMP1 ectodomain that is sufficiently large to accommodate pheromone molecules. Amino-acid substitutions predicted to block this tunnel diminish pheromone sensitivity. We propose a model in which SNMP1 funnels hydrophobic pheromones from the extracellular fluid to integral membrane receptors.
Robust estimates of overall immune-repertoire diversity from high-throughput measurements on samples
Authors: Kaplinsky Joseph , Arnaout Ramy
Published: June 2016

The diversity of an organism’s B- and T-cell repertoires is both clinically important and a key measure of immunological complexity. However, diversity is hard to estimate by current methods, because of inherent uncertainty in the number of B- and T-cell clones that will be missing from a blood or tissue sample by chance (the missing-species problem), inevitable sampling bias, and experimental noise. To solve this problem, we developed Recon, a modified maximum-likelihood method that outputs the overall diversity of a repertoire from measurements on a sample. Recon outputs accurate, robust estimates by any of a vast set of complementary diversity measures, including species richness and entropy, at fractional repertoire coverage. It also outputs error bars and power tables, allowing robust comparisons of diversity between individuals and over time. We apply Recon toin silicoand experimental immune-repertoire sequencing data sets as proof of principle for measuring diversity in large, complex systems.
Printable enzyme-embedded materials for methane to methanol conversion
Authors: Blanchette Craig D. , Knipe Jennifer M. , Stolaroff Joshuah K. , DeOtte Joshua R. , Oakdale James S. , Maiti Amitesh , Lenhardt Jeremy M. , Sirajuddin Sarah , Rosenzweig Amy C. , Baker Sarah E.
Published: June 2016

An industrial process for the selective activation of methane under mild conditions would be highly valuable for controlling emissions to the environment and for utilizing vast new sources of natural gas. The only selective catalysts for methane activation and conversion to methanol under mild conditions are methane monooxygenases (MMOs) found in methanotrophic bacteria; however, these enzymes are not amenable to standard enzyme immobilization approaches. Using particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO), we create a biocatalytic polymer material that converts methane to methanol. We demonstrate embedding the material within a silicone lattice to create mechanically robust, gas-permeable membranes, and direct printing of micron-scale structures with controlled geometry. Remarkably, the enzymes retain up to 100% activity in the polymer construct. The printed enzyme-embedded polymer motif is highly flexible for future development and should be useful in a wide range of applications, especially those involving gas–liquid reactions.
A Myc-driven self-reinforcing regulatory network maintains mouse embryonic stem cell identity
Authors: Fagnocchi Luca , Cherubini Alessandro , Hatsuda Hiroshi , Fasciani Alessandra , Mazzoleni Stefania , Poli Vittoria , Berno Valeria , Rossi Riccardo L. , Reinbold Rolland , Endele Max , Schroeder Timm , Rocchigiani Marina , Szkarłat Żaneta , Oliviero Salvatore , Dalton Stephen , Zippo Alessio
Published: June 2016

Stem cell identity depends on the integration of extrinsic and intrinsic signals, which directly influence the maintenance of their epigenetic state. Although Myc transcription factors play a major role in stem cell self-renewal and pluripotency, their integration with signalling pathways and epigenetic regulators remains poorly defined. We addressed this point by profiling the gene expression and epigenetic pattern in ESCs whose growth depends on conditional Myc activity. Here we show that Myc potentiates the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, which cooperates with the transcriptional regulatory network in sustaining ESC self-renewal. Myc activation results in the transcriptional repression of Wnt antagonists through the direct recruitment of PRC2 on these targets. The consequent potentiation of the autocrine Wnt/β-catenin signalling induces the transcriptional activation of the endogenous Myc family members, which in turn activates a Myc-driven self-reinforcing circuit. Thus, our data unravel a Myc-dependent self-propagating epigenetic memory in the maintenance of ESC self-renewal capacity.