bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Events management: an introduction.
Authors: Robinson P. , Dickson G. , Wale D.
Published: June 2015

The introductory chapter discusses the definition and origin of and current developments in the events industry, and the structure of the book.
Archaeal ribonuclease P proteins have potential for biotechnological applications where precise hybridization of nucleic acids is needed
Authors: Miyanoshita Mitsuru , Nakashima Takashi , Kakuta Yoshimitsu , Kimura Makoto
Published: June 2015

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based assay showed that archaeal ribonuclease P (RNase P) proteins significantly promoted DNA annealing and strand displacement. Moreover, we found that archaeal RNase P proteins could discriminate nucleotide exchanges in DNA chains via their activity accelerating DNA strand displacement, suggesting that they have potential for biotechnological application to genetic diagnosis.
Engineered hydrophobic pocket of (S)-selective arylmalonate decarboxylase variant by simultaneous saturation mutagenesis to improve catalytic performance
Authors: Yoshida Shosuke , Enoki Junichi , Kourist Robert , Miyamoto Kenji
Published: June 2015

A bacterial arylmalonate decarboxylase (AMDase) catalyzes asymmetric decarboxylation of unnatural arylmalonates to produce optically pure (R)-arylcarboxylates without the addition of cofactors. Previously, we designed an AMDase variant G74C/C188S that displays totally inverted enantioselectivity. However, the variant showed a 20,000-fold reduction in activity compared with the wild-type AMDase. Further studies have demonstrated that iterative saturation mutagenesis targeting the active site residues in a hydrophobic pocket of G74C/C188S leads to considerable improvement in activity where all positive variants harbor only hydrophobic substitutions. In this study, simultaneous saturation mutagenesis with a restricted set of amino acids at each position was applied to further heighten the activity of the (S)-selective AMDase variant toward α-methyl-α-phenylmalonate. The best variant (V43I/G74C/A125P/V156L/M159L/C188G) showed 9,500-fold greater catalytic efficiency kcat/Km than that of G74C/C188S. Notably, a high level of decarboxylation of α-(4-isobutylphenyl)-α-methylmalonate by the sextuple variant produced optically pure (S)-ibuprofen, an analgesic compound which showed 2.5-fold greater activity than the (R)-selective wild-type AMDase.
Wave splitting and double-slit like interference by a pseudochiral metamaterial slab
Authors: Chang Po-Han , Kuo Chih-Yu , Chern Ruey-Lin
Published: June 2015

We investigate the phenomena of wave splitting and double-slit like interference by a pseudochiral metamaterial slab. Due to the anomalous dispersion associated with the particular form of magnetoelectric couplings in the pseudochiral media, there exist two elliptically polarized eigenwaves with the Poynting vectors directed in different directions. A wave incident from vacuum onto a pseudochiral slab will split into two waves even at normal incidence. Illuminated by a point like source, two secondary waves emerge on the back side of the slab, which in turn give rise to two spherical like waves that propagate in the forward direction. The two secondary waves then form an interference pattern that resembles the light wave passing through double slits. These features are illustrated with the Gaussian beams based on the Fourier integral formulation.
Data Safe Havens in health research and healthcare
Authors: Burton Paul R. , Murtagh Madeleine J. , Boyd Andy , Williams James B. , Dove Edward S. , Wallace Susan E. , Tassé Anne-Marie , Little Julian , Chisholm Rex L. , Gaye Amadou , Hveem Kristian , Brookes Anthony J. , Goodwin Pat , Fistein Jon , Bobrow Martin , Knoppers Bartha M.
Published: June 2015

Motivation: The data that put the ‘evidence’ into ‘evidence-based medicine’ are central to developments in public health, primary and hospital care. A fundamental challenge is to site such data in repositories that can easily be accessed under appropriate technical and governance controls which are effectively audited and are viewed as trustworthy by diverse stakeholders. This demands socio-technical solutions that may easily become enmeshed in protracted debate and controversy as they encounter the norms, values, expectations and concerns of diverse stakeholders. In this context, the development of what are called ‘Data Safe Havens’ has been crucial. Unfortunately, the origins and evolution of the term have led to a range of different definitions being assumed by different groups. There is, however, an intuitively meaningful interpretation that is often assumed by those who have not previously encountered the term: a repository in which useful but potentially sensitive data may be kept securely under governance and informatics systems that are fit-for-purpose and appropriately tailored to the nature of the data being maintained, and may be accessed and utilized by legitimate users undertaking work and research contributing to biomedicine, health and/or to ongoing development of healthcare systems.

Results: This review explores a fundamental question: ‘what are the specific criteria that ought reasonably to be met by a data repository if it is to be seen as consistent with this interpretation and viewed as worthy of being accorded the status of ‘Data Safe Haven’ by key stakeholders’? We propose 12 such criteria.

Contact:  paul.burton@bristol.ac.uk
biRte: Bayesian inference of context-specific regulator activities and transcriptional networks
Authors: Fröhlich Holger
Published: June 2015

In the last years there has been an increasing effort to computationally model and predict the influence of regulators (transcription factors, miRNAs) on gene expression. Here we introduce biRte as a computationally attractive approach combining Bayesian inference of regulator activities with network reverse engineering. biRte integrates target gene predictions with different omics data entities (e.g. miRNA and mRNA data) into a joint probabilistic framework. The utility of our method is tested in extensive simulation studies and demonstrated with applications from prostate cancer and Escherichia coli growth control. The resulting regulatory networks generally show a good agreement with the biological literature.

Availability and implementation:  biRte is available on Bioconductor (http://bioconductor.org).

Contact:  frohlich@bit.uni-bonn.de

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The Tibial Slope in Patients With Achondroplasia: Its Characterization and Possible Role in Genu Recurvatum Development
Authors: Brooks Jaysson T. , Bernholt David L. , Tran Kevin V. , Ain Michael C.
Published: June 2015

Background:

Genu recurvatum, a posterior resting position of the knee, is a common lower extremity deformity in patients with achondroplasia and has been thought to be secondary to ligamentous laxity. To the best of our knowledge, the role of the tibial slope has not been investigated, and no studies describe the tibial slope in patients with achondroplasia. Our goals were to characterize the tibial slope in children and adults with achondroplasia, explore its possible role in the development of genu recurvatum, and compare the tibial slope in patients with achondroplasia to that in the general population.

Methods:

We reviewed 252 lateral knee radiographs of 130 patients with achondroplasia seen at our clinic from November 2007 through September 2013. Patients were excluded if they had previous lower extremity surgery or radiographs with extreme rotation. We analyzed patient demographics and, on all radiographs, the tibial slope. We then compared the mean tibial slope to norms in the literature. Tibial slopes >90 degrees had an anterior tibial slope and received a positive prefix. Statistical analysis included intraclass and interclass reliability, Pearson correlation coefficient, and the Student t tests (significance, P<0.05).

Results:

The overall mean tibial slope for the 252 knees was +1.32±7 degrees, which was significantly more anterior than the normal slopes reported in the literature for adults (7.2 to 10.7 degrees, P=0.0001) and children (10 to 11 degrees, P=0.0001). The Pearson correlation coefficient for mean tibial slope and age showed negative correlations of −0.4011 and −0.4335 for left and right knees, respectively. This anterior tibial slope produces proximal and posterior vector force components, which may shift the knee posteriorly in weightbearing.

Conclusions:

The mean tibial slope is significantly more anterior in patients with achondroplasia than in the general population; however, this difference diminishes as patients’ age. An anterior tibial slope may predispose to a more posterior resting knee position, also known as genu recurvatum.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—retrospective case series.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Zhang Wenhao , Chen Minjie , Zhang Weijie , Chai Ying
Published: June 2015

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship among the pain region, branches of trigeminal nerve, and the neurovascular compression (NVC) location. A total of 123 consecutive patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) underwent endoscope-assisted microvascular decompression according to positive preoperative tomographic angiography. V2 alone was in 51 cases and V3 alone was in 64 cases. The location of NVC was classified into cranial, caudal, medial, or lateral sites. Some patients with multiple regions were recorded as medial + cranial, lateral + cranial, medial + caudal, and lateral + caudal. Twenty-eight (71.8%) of 39 patients with TN (V2) had their NVC at the medial site of the nerve. Twenty-seven (64.3%) of 42 patients with TN (V3) had their NVC at the lateral site of the nerve. There was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0011 < 0.01, χ2 test). Sixteen (69.6%) of 23 patients with TN(V2) had their NVC at the cranial site of the nerve. Thirty-four (69.4%) of 49 patients with TN (V3) had their NVC at the caudal site of the nerve. There was no statistical difference (P = 0.3097 > 0.01). Evaluation of the relationship between the pain region and the NVC location by endoscopic images during microvascular decompression is more accurate. The second branch is mostly distributed in the medial area, and third branch is mainly distributed in the lateral area.
Evaluation of Bone Height and Bone Mineral Density Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography After Secondary Bone Graft in Alveolar Cleft
Authors: Zhang Dai-zun , Xiao Wen-lin , Zhou Rong , Xue Ling-fa , Ma Long
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study was to assess the optimal timing of subsequent dental implant placement and orthodontics after alveolar bone grafting (ABG) in patients with unilateral complete clefts of the alveolar process. Iliac bone graft surgery was performed on 60 patients. Bone mineral density (BMD) and height of the ABG areas were assessed using cone beam computed tomography at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The heights of the labial and palatal bone graft areas were classified using the modified Bergland classification. The study found that there was no change in BMD between 3 months (mean ± SD: 406.51 ± 71.28 Hounsfield units [HU]) and 6 months (409.53 ± 46.37 HU; P = 0.381). Significant changes in the distribution of bone height classifications were observed in the labial and palatal sides of the ABG between 3 and 6 months (P = 0.025 for labial bone height, P = 0.008 for palatal bone height). These results indicate that the alveolar density remained stable between 3 and 6 months, whereas bone height level declined during that period after ABG, the latter indicating bone graft absorption over time. It is, therefore, suggested that subsequent orthodontic or dental implants be placed 3 months after ABG rather than at 6 months or later.
Clinical Implication of Heart Rate Variability in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Patients
Authors: Kim Yoo Suk , Kim Sungryeal , Park Do Yang , Wu Hee Won , Hwang Gyo-Seung , Kim Hyun Jun
Published: June 2015

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common disease with the prevalence of approximately 10% in general population, and this disease entity is considered to be highly related with the development of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases. In the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, maintaining the homeostasis of autonomic nervous system (ANS) is critical. To evaluate the homeostasis of ANS, heart rate variability (HRV) is commonly used. The object of this study was to evaluate the homeostasis of ANS using the parameters of HRV and to elucidate the correlation between the parameters and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).

Methods:

Retrospective review of 806 patients was performed and 164 patients who were diagnosed as having OSAS by in-room polysomnography and met the criteria of age, sex, and body mass index were enrolled. The calculation of HRV parameters was executed using echocardiographic data from polysomnography.

Results:

Between the control group (N = 81, AHI < 5) and OSAS patient group (N = 83, AHI > 15), standard deviation of NN (SDNN) intervals, SDNN index, HRV triangular index, very low frequency (VLF), low frequency (LF), 5-minute total power (TP), and low-frequency to high-frequency (LF/HF) ratio showed significant differences. In the correlation analysis between AHI and HRV parameters, only LF/HF ratio was proven to be significant.

Conclusions:

Elucidating the imbalance of ANS in OSAS patients was feasible by HRV and its parameters.
Tips and Tricks in Transoral Robotic Surgery for Challenging Vascular Tumors
Authors: Meccariello Giuseppe , Eesa Mohamed , Costantini Matteo , Montevecchi Filippo , Vicini Claudio
Published: June 2015

Surgical removal of head-neck vascular neoplasms may have severe complications, although surgery remains a very important treatment modality. One of the most important aspects is to avoid the rupture of the tumor's capsule and to minimize functional complications, especially in the excision of benign tumors. The transoral robotic surgery allows removing lesions in challenging anatomical areas. Furthermore, the current robotic instrumentation does not allow a fine dissection of the structures and capsule rupture is a potential event. Here, the authors describe a minimally invasive technique using transoral robotic surgery for removal of vascular tumors in head-neck. Particular attention was given to the description of the diagnostic work up, the preoperative assessment and the surgical steps. No complications were encountered postoperatively. Transoral robotic surgery for vascular tumors appears to be a safe and feasible technique with minimal complications.
Speech and Speech-Related Quality of Life After Late Palate Repair
Authors: Schönmeyr Björn , Wendby Lisa , Sharma Mitali , Jacobson Lia , Restrepo Carolina , Campbell Alex
Published: June 2015

Many patients with cleft palate deformities worldwide receive treatment at a later age than is recommended for normal speech to develop. The outcomes after late palate repairs in terms of speech and quality of life (QOL) still remain largely unstudied. In the current study, questionnaires were used to assess the patients’ perception of speech and QOL before and after primary palate repair. All of the patients were operated at a cleft center in northeast India and had a cleft palate with a normal lip or with a cleft lip that had been previously repaired. A total of 134 patients (7–35 years) were interviewed preoperatively and 46 patients (7–32 years) were assessed in the postoperative survey. The survey showed that scores based on the speech handicap index, concerning speech and speech-related QOL, did not improve postoperatively. In fact, the questionnaires indicated that the speech became more unpredictable (P < 0.01) and that nasal regurgitation became worse (P < 0.01) for some patients after surgery. A total of 78% of the patients were still satisfied with the surgery and all of the patients reported that their self-confidence had improved after the operation. Thus, the majority of interviewed patients who underwent late primary palate repair were satisfied with the surgery. At the same time, speech and speech-related QOL did not improve according to the speech handicap index-based survey. Speech predictability may even become worse and nasal regurgitation may increase after late palate repair, according to these results.
Management of Severe Microstomia in a Ten-Week-Old Infant
Authors: Branch Leslie G. , David Lisa R.
Published: June 2015

Abstracts

Microstomia is rarely seen in pediatric patients, but usually results from burns, trauma, or caustic ingestions. There have been multiple studies reporting various techniques for oral commissure reconstruction, but few reports in infants. The authors present another modification of previous techniques of microstomia repair performed in a 10-week-old infant using multiple z-plasties and bilateral mucosal rhomboid flaps.
Chin Wing Osteotomy for Bilateral Goldenhar Syndrome Treated by “Chin Wing Mentoplasty”
Authors: Cortese Antonio , Pantaleo Giuseppe , Amato Massimo , Claudio Pier Paolo
Published: June 2015

Various treatment strategies have been proposed to perform the aesthetic surgical correction of asymmetric deformities of the mandible. These techniques range from relatively simple to complex procedures including bimaxillary surgery associated with complex mandibular osteotomies. The authors describe a patient with grade III Goldenhar syndrome, treated by a “chin wing” mentoplasty as described by Triaca. These situations are classically treated with a bilateral sagittal splint osteotomy (BSSO) in combination with mentoplasty. However, because of a good occlusion with Angle's class I relation, slight imbalance of the occlusal plane with good function of the mouth opening, the patient refused to be treated with a BSSO, hence, a chin wing mentoplasty was performed. Size and stability of bone regeneration were evaluated by histological examination and dynamic-volume computed tomography (CT). Mature bone in the grafted areas was detected by histology and CT scan with stable results and a significant increase of facial aesthetics 1 year after surgery. The authors also demonstrated that the chin wing technique provided a little but significant breathing improvement as detected on CT scans and lateral X-ray cephalograms by measuring the breathing area. Chin wing mentoplasty is a moderately invasive technique that is able to improve the aesthetics of the face and patient breathing.
Deep Temporal Fascia Coverage of the Loading Weight in Paralytic Lagopthalmos Patients
Authors: Singh Mansher , Kruse Carla , Eriksson Elof , Caterson E.J.
Published: June 2015

Introduction:

Use of a weight for lagopthalmos secondary to facial nerve paralysis is the standard technique for achieving effective eyelid closure. However, because of thin and mobile skin of the eyelid and closely opposed implant, there is increased risk of complications such as implant visibility, contour deformity, and implant extrusion.

Surgical Technique:

The authors describe a surgical technique involving coverage of the implanted weight with contralateral deep temporal fascia. The deep temporal fascia serves as a hammock to give an interventional barrier to prevent dehiscence of the pocket and extrusion of the ocular implant. It also provides camouflage to the irregular borders of the gold weight.

Results and Conclusions:

Autologous coverage of gold weight with deep temporal fascia provides an effective solution to commonly associated complications with the gold weights. The use of contralateral temporal fascia preserves the ipsilateral temporalis muscle for future facial nerve reconstruction.
Comparison of Autogenous and Alloplastic Cranioplasty Materials Following Impact Testing
Authors: Wallace Robert D. , Salt Craig , Konofaos Petros
Published: June 2015

Alloplastic materials are often used when significant defects exist. Benefits include no donor site morbidity, relative ease of use, limitless supply, and predictable durability. Depending on the type of alloplast, limitations include a persistent risk of extrusion and infection. Of particular interest in relation to cranioplasties is the ability of the material to provide neuroprotection. The integrity and neuroprotective properties of autologous bone flaps, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and high-density porous polyethylene (PP) were evaluated following impact testing. Three groups of New Zealand white rabbits (N = 4) underwent a cranioplasty with either a bone flap, PMMA, or PP. In the control group (N = 4), the animals had no cranioplasty. At the end of the eighth week, an impact was delivered to the center of each cranioplasty. At necropsy each cranium and brain was evaluated grossly and histologically. There was a statistical significant difference among groups for the severity of the hemorrhage (P = 0.022) and the grade of cranioplasty disruption (P = 0.0045). Autologous bone was found to be the weakest of the materials tested. In this group severe injury resulted at much lower energy levels than was observed in the control, PMMA, or PP groups. Both PMMA and PP were resistant to fracture and disruption. PMMA provided the greatest neuroprotection, followed by PP. Autologous bone provided the least protection with cranioplasty disruption and severe brain injury occurring in every patient. Brain injury patterns correlated with the degree of cranioplasty disruption regardless of the cranioplasty material. Regardless of the energy of impact, lack of dislodgement generally resulted in no obvious brain injury.
New Pattern of Sutural Synostosis Associated With TWIST Gene Mutation and Saethre-Chotzen Syndrome
Authors: Tahiri Youssef , Bastidas Nicholas , McDonald-McGinn Donna M. , Birgfeld Craig , Zackai Elaine H. , Taylor Jesse , Bartlett Scott P.
Published: June 2015

The authors present a new and unique pattern of sutural fusion “peace sign synostosis” (PSS) characterized by synostosis of the metopic, bicoronal, and sagittal sutures and associated with abnormalities of the TWIST1 gene known to be associated with Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (SCS). To do so, we performed a retrospective review of patients with bicoronal, metopic, and at least partial anterior sagittal synostoses at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Seattle Children's Hospital. Patients’ demographics, genetic analysis, perioperative and clinic notes were reviewed. Five patients were identified with PSS and abnormalities of TWIST1 consistent with SCS. One patient, with the longest follow-up of 7 years, underwent 5 intracranial procedures and required a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. The remaining 4 patients underwent posterior cranial vault distraction as the initial procedure, followed by anterior cranial vault remodeling. Two patients required a VP shunt. To conclude, synostosis of the metopic, bicoronal, and sagittal sutures (PSS) appears to be associated with SCS and produces a characteristic skull morphology that can be readily identified on physical examination. Early data suggest a high rate of reoperation, increased necessity for a VP shunt, and potential complications. Of note, this novel phenotype had not been previously observed at our respective institutions, reported in the literature, or observed in association with TWIST1 abnormalities as described in association with SCS.
Switching barriers and customer retention
Authors: Li Chia-Ying
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– By expanding on the work of White and Yanamandram (2007), the purpose of this paper is to examine the direct and indirect influences of switching barriers on the relationship between recovery satisfaction and repurchase intentions in an online auction environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 272 customers who had experienced online service recovery in the past six months. Partial-least squares and mediated moderation analysis are employed to test the research model.

Findings

– The interrelationships among recovery satisfaction, relationship quality, and repurchase intentions are confirmed. Both lost benefit switching costs and inertia moderate the relationship between recovery satisfaction and repurchase intentions. Attractiveness of alternatives mediates the moderating effect of inertia on the relationship between recovery satisfaction and repurchase intentions.

Originality/value

– Unlike previous studies, which have treated switching cost as a switching barrier, or used various components to represent switching barriers, this study incorporates switching cost, relationship quality, inertia, and attractiveness of alternatives as four switching barrier factors. This study further examines the direct and indirect effects of switching barriers on the relationship between recovery satisfaction and repurchase intentions.
The performance impact of industrial services and service orientation on manufacturing companies
Authors: Kohtamaki Marko , Hakala Henri , Partanen Jukka , Parida Vinit , Wincent Joakim
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Product-manufacturing firms are increasingly positioning themselves as providers of industrial services and solutions. Despite the increasing conceptual interest in industrial services, empirical evidence about the factors that mediate the relationships between industrial services and firm performance remains limited. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between industrial service offerings, service orientation and firm sales and profit performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study uses data from 115 manufacturing firms and adopts a structural equation modeling technique to test a set of hypotheses on service offerings, service orientation and company sales and profit performance.

Findings

– The results underline the importance of implementing service orientation in employees’ behavior, recruitment, training, and assessment. Service orientation is demonstrated as an essential mediator for the relationship between service offerings, revenues, and profits. The results therefore suggest that both service offerings and service orientation are important when manufacturing companies attempt to position themselves as industrial service providers.

Research limitations/implications

– Given the limitations of the sample collected from the Finnish manufacturing industry, future studies could refine the measures and investigate the applicability of the results in other contexts.

Practical implications

– The results suggest that developing a service orientation is vital for manufacturing companies to profit from increased offerings of industrial services. Because nurturing service orientation is a central enabler of the impact of service offerings on sales and profit performance, it is in the interests of manufacturing firms moving towards a servitized business model to develop training, compensation, and recruitment policies.

Originality/value

– The study establishes a link between service offerings, service orientation, sales, and profit performance in manufacturing firms. This is among the first studies to provide statistical evidence to support claims that even manufacturing firms can benefit from developing integrated product-service solutions.
Curcumin alleviates lung injury in diabetic rats by inhibiting nuclear factor‐κB pathway
Authors: Zhang Fang , Yang Fei , Zhao Hongmei , An Yunxia
Published: June 2015

Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound that is extracted from Curcuma longa. It has broad anti‐inflammation and anti‐tumor activities. Curcumin was previously reported to exert beneficial effects on diabetes. However, the effect of curcumin on diabetes‐induced lung injury is not yet clear. In this study, the effects of curcumin on lung injury induced by diabetes was explored using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemistry and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The results of this study showed that curcumin reduced oxidative stress level, inhibited the synthesis of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2, and reduced inflammatory responses in the lungs of diabetic rats, thereby alleviating diabetes‐induced lung injury. Further study of the mechanism revealed that curcumin inhibited the activation of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB which is a key player in inflammatory responses. In summary, our study demonstrated that curcumin inhibited the activation of NF‐κB in the lungs of diabetic rats, thus reducing pulmonary inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, and ultimately relieving diabetes‐induced lung injury. This study suggests that curcumin may be a promising agent to alleviate diabetic lung injury and also provides theoretical foundation for the development of diabetes therapy.
The relationship of morphological analysis and morphological decoding to reading comprehension
Authors: Deacon S. Hélène , Tong Xiuli , Francis Kathryn
Published: June 2015

The ultimate goal of children's reading development is the full and fluid understanding of texts. Morphological structure awareness, or children's awareness of the minimal units of meaning in language, has been identified as a key skill influencing reading comprehension. Here, we evaluate the roles of morphological structure awareness and two related skills, morphological analysis and morphological decoding, in Grade 3 and Grade 5 children's reading comprehension. Respectively, morphological decoding and analysis refer to the use of morphemes in reading and in understanding words. Critically, our analyses show that, together, morphological structure awareness, morphological decoding and morphological analysis account for 8% of the variance in reading comprehension, after controlling for children's age, phonological awareness, nonverbal reasoning and word reading skill. Further, of these dimensions, each of morphological decoding and morphological analysis makes a unique contribution to reading comprehension. We discuss these findings in terms of current theories of reading development and educational curricula.
Co‐Producing (a Fearful) Anthropocene
Authors: COOK BRIAN R. , BALAYANNIS ANGELIKI
Published: June 2015

The Anthropocene is not amenable to the senses but, like many modern concepts, must be made visible. We explore the ‘Great Acceleration’ imagery as an immutable mobile to explore how this human‐made geological epoch is constituted through the aggregation of disparate elements of extreme complexity. Our analysis explores how disparate issues such as ‘telephone use’ and ‘coastal zone biogeochemistry’ can be associated and enrolled into the same argument. We write as concerned observers, who are concerned with the way that recognition for phenomena is enrolled into a fear‐based narrative. This risks reproducing the governance structures at the heart of the Great Acceleration and, if so, we ask what this might mean. Using fear is a risky strategy that is as likely to lead to relatively poor behaviours as it is to some ‘awakening’. We make this case as a way of contributing to the Anthropocene debate, challenging those promoting the idea to consider the co‐productive relationship between the knowledge they are proposing and the governance that knowledge entails.
Optimization ofAspergillus nigerrock phosphate solubilization in solid‐state fermentation and use of the resulting product as aPfertilizer
Authors: Mendes Gilberto de Oliveira , da Silva Nina Morena Rêgo Muniz , Anastácio Thalita Cardoso , Vassilev Nikolay Bojkov , Ribeiro José Ivo , da Silva Ivo Ribeiro , Costa Maurício Dutra
Published: June 2015

A biotechnological strategy for the production of an alternativePfertilizer is described in this work. The fertilizer was produced through rock phosphate (RP) solubilization byAspergillus nigerin a solid‐state fermentation (SSF) with sugarcane bagasse as substrate.SSFconditions were optimized by the surface response methodology after an initial screening of factors with significant effect onRPsolubilization. The optimized levels of the factors were 865 mg of biochar, 250 mg ofRP, 270 mg of sucrose and 6.2 ml of water per gram of bagasse. At this optimal setting, 8.6 mg of water‐solublePper gram of bagasse was achieved, representing an increase of 2.4 times over the non‐optimized condition. The optimizedSSFproduct was partially incinerated at 350°C (SB‐350) and 500°C (SB‐500) to reduce its volume and, consequently, increasePconcentration. The post‐processed formulations of theSSFproduct were evaluated in a soil–plant experiment. The formulationsSB‐350 andSB‐500 increased the growth andPuptake of common bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) when compared with the non‐treatedRP. Furthermore, these two formulations had a yield relative to triple superphosphate of 60% (on a dry mass basis). Besides increasingPconcentration, incineration improved theSSFproduct performance probably by decreasing microbial immobilization of nutrients during the decomposition of the remainingSSFsubstrate. The process proposed is a promising alternative for the management ofPfertilization since it enables the utilization of low‐solubilityRPsand relies on the use of inexpensive materials.
Identification and characterization of a HEPN‐MNT family type II toxin–antitoxin in Shewanella oneidensis
Authors: Yao Jianyun , Guo Yunxue , Zeng Zhenshun , Liu Xiaoxiao , Shi Fei , Wang Xiaoxue
Published: June 2015

Toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems are prevalent in bacteria and archaea. However, related studies in the ecologically and bioelectrochemically important strain Shewanella oneidensis are limited. Here, we show that SO_3166, a member of the higher eukaryotes and prokaryotes nucleotide‐binding (HEPN) superfamily, strongly inhibited cell growth in S. oneidensis and Escherichia coli. SO_3165, a putative minimal nucleotidyltransferase (MNT), neutralized the toxicity of SO_3166. Gene SO_3165 lies upstream of SO_3166, and they are co‐transcribed. Moreover, the SO_3165 and SO_3166 proteins interact with each other directly in vivo, and antitoxin SO_3165 bound to the promoter of the TA operon and repressed its activity. Finally, the conserved Rx4‐6H domain in HEPN family was identified in SO_3166. Mutating either the R or H abolished SO_3166 toxicity, confirming that Rx4‐6H domain is critical for SO_3166 activity. Taken together, these results demonstrate that SO_3166 and SO_3165 in S. oneidensis form a typical type II TA pair. This TA pair plays a critical role in regulating bacterial functions because its disruption led to impaired cell motility in S. oneidensis. Thus, we demonstrated for the first time that HEPN‐MNT can function as a TA system, thereby providing important insights into the understanding of the function and regulation of HEPNs and MNTs in prokaryotes.
Amid the possible causes of a very famous foxing: molecular and microscopic insight into Leonardo da Vinci's self‐portrait
Authors: Piñar Guadalupe , Tafer Hakim , Sterflinger Katja , Pinzari Flavia
Published: June 2015

Leonardo da Vinci's self‐portrait is affected by foxing spots. The portrait has no fungal or bacterial infections in place, but is contaminated with airborne spores and fungal material that could play a role in its disfigurement. The knowledge of the nature of the stains is of great concern because future conservation treatments should be derived from scientific investigations. The lack of reliable scientific data, due to the non‐culturability of the microorganisms inhabiting the portrait, prompted the investigation of the drawing using non‐invasive and micro‐invasive sampling, in combination with scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging and molecular techniques. The fungus Eurotium halophilicum was found in foxing spots using SEM analyses. Oxalates of fungal origin were also documented. Both findings are consistent with the hypothesis that tonophilic fungi germinate on paper metabolizing organic acids, oligosaccharides and proteic compounds, which react chemically with the material at a low water activity, forming brown products and oxidative reactions resulting in foxing spots. Additionally, molecular techniques enabled a screening of the fungi inhabiting the portrait and showed differences when different sampling techniques were employed. Swabs samples showed a high abundance of lichenized Ascomycota, while the membrane filters showed a dominance of Acremonium sp. colonizing the drawing.
Lung cancer incidence and mortality in China, 2011
Authors: Zheng Rongshou , Zeng Hongmei , Zuo Tingting , Zhang Siwei , Qiao Youlin , Zhou Qinghua , Chen Wanqing
Published: June 2015

Background

The National Central Cancer Registry (NCCR) of China is responsible for cancer surveillance. Cancer registration data from registries located in each province are submitted annually to the NCCR for analysis and publication. The lung cancer incidences, and mortalities were estimated in 2011 in China by NCCR.

Methods

In 2014, 234 population‐based cancer registries' data in 2011 were submitted to the NCCR and 177 cancer registries' data were selected after quality evaluation. The selected data were classified into urban and rural areas; the crude incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer were calculated by age and gender. Age‐standardized rates were calculated by China and World standard population. The 6th National Population Census data of China was used to estimate the 2011 lung cancer burden in China.

Results

Lung cancer remained the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in China in 2011. Lung cancer incidence and mortality were higher in men and urban areas than those in women and rural areas. The rates were relatively low in patients under 40 years of age, and dramatically increased after age 40, reaching a peak in patients aged 80–84.

Conclusion

The burden of lung cancer was serious in China in 2011, especially for men in urban areas. Effective methods of intervention, such as air pollution and smoking controls, should be enhanced in the future.
Improved corporate governance and Chinese seasoned equity offering announcement effects
Authors: Chen Xiaoyan
Published: June 2015

Corporate governance and thus overall investor protection in China improved after the Split Share Structure Reform and the release of the new company law in 2005. This study examines the impact of improved corporate governance and investor protection on the market's reaction to seasoned equity offering (SEO) announcements in China. The market reacts to post‐2005 SEOs positively, while it reacts to pre‐2005 SEOs negatively. The different market reactions are attributed to the market's different perceptions of firms' intentions behind SEO decisions – that is, investors are more optimistic and have more trust in SEO issuers when they believe they are better protected.
Acquired lymphoedema and cutaneous lymphangiectasia of abdominal skin following bilateral breast reduction and abdominoplasty
Authors: Khoury Simon , Wayte Jeffrey , James Craig , Calonje Eduardo , Huilgol Shyamala
Published: June 2015

We report two cases where the combination of breast reduction surgery and abdominoplasty led to lymphatic congestion clinically manifesting as lymphoedema and acquired cutaneous lymphangiectasia over the abdomen. These associations have not been previously reported, and clinicians need to be aware of them to obtain patients' consent for the procedure and to assist diagnosis and early intervention.
Angioedema induced by cardiovascular drugs: new players join old friends
Authors: Bas M. , Greve J. , Strassen U. , Khosravani F. , Hoffmann T. K. , Kojda G.
Published: June 2015

During the last years, two new cardiovascular drug classes, namely inhibitors of DPP IV or neprilysin, have been developed. In both cases, there is clinical evidence for their potential to induce angioedema as known already from blockers of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS). The majority of angioedema induced by DPP IV inhibitors occurs during concomitant treatment with ACEi and is therefore likely mediated by overactivation of bradykinin type 2 receptors (B2). In striking contrast, the molecular pathways causing angioedema induced by neprilysin inhibitors, that is, sacubitril, are unclear, although a contribution of bradykinin appears likely. Nevertheless, there is no clinical evidence suggesting that inhibition of B2 might relieve the symptoms and/or prevent invasive treatment including coniotomy or tracheotomy in angioedema caused by these drugs. Therefore, the risk of angioedema should always be considered, especially in ambulatory care situations where patients have no rapid access to intensive care.
Pregnant women's view on the Swedish internet resource Drugs and Birth Defects intended for health care professionals
Authors: Nörby Ulrika , Källén Karin , Shemeikka Tero , Korkmaz Seher , Winbladh Birger
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Pregnant women often have questions concerning fetal effects of drugs but there is limited reliable information specifically intended for them. This study investigated how pregnant women perceive and value the scientific resource Drugs and Birth Defects (www.janusinfo.se/fosterpaverkan) and compared their opinions with those of health care professionals.

Material and methods

Electronic questionnaire study. Pregnant women were recruited at their regular visits, and health care professionals via e‐mail, at 10 antenatal clinics. Altogether, 275 pregnant women, 38 midwives and 30 physicians participated.

Results

Among the pregnant women, 81% found the information valuable, 70% that it was easy to understand, and 92% that it strengthened information from the staff. Concerning anxiety for negative fetal effects, 68% of the women answered that the anxiety decreased or was not influenced by the texts and 22% that it increased. Among physicians and midwives, 44% saw risks associated with pregnant women reading the texts and 24% answered that they would fully recommend them to use the database. The corresponding figures among pregnant women were 17 and 65%, respectively (P < 0.001). The professionals preferred, to a greater extent than pregnant women did, lay people to use a special edition.

Conclusions

The majority of pregnant women seem to benefit from using a scientific resource on fetal impact of drugs intended for health care professionals. Some women are more worried after having read the information, but most of them still find it valuable. It is important that pregnant women who use the database can reach a medical professional to discuss the contents.
Development of anti‐migraine therapeutics using the capsaicin‐induced dermal blood flow model
Authors: Buntinx Linde , Vermeersch Steve , de Hoon Jan
Published: June 2015

The efficacy of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (receptor) (CGRP‐(R)) blocking therapeutics in the treatment of acute migraine headache provided proof‐of‐concept for the involvement of CGRP in the pathophysiology of this disorder. One of the major hurdles for the development of any class of drugs, including CGRP blocking therapeutics, is the early clinical development process during which toxic and inefficacious compounds need to be eliminated as early as possible in order to focus on the most promising molecules. At this stage, human models providing proof of target engagement, combined with safety and tolerability studies, are extremely valuable in focusing on those therapeutics that have the highest engagement from the lowest exposure. They guide the go/no‐go decision making, establish confidence in the candidate molecule by de‐risking toxicity and safety issues and thereby speed up the early clinical development.

In this review the focus is on the so called ‘capsaicin model’ as a typical example of a target engagement biomarker used as a human model for the development of CGRP blocking therapeutics. By applying capsaicin onto the skin, TRPV1 channels are activated and a CGRP‐mediated increase in dermal blood flow can be quantified with laser Doppler perfusion imaging. Effective CGRP blocking therapeutics in turn, display blockade of this response. The translation of this biomarker model from animals to humans is discussed as well as the limitations of the assay in predicting the efficacy of anti‐migraine drugs.
Childhood and Adolescent nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma ‐ A review of clinical outcome based on the histological variants
Authors: Shankar Ananth G. , Kirkwood Amy A. , Hall Georgina W. , Hayward Janis , O'Hare Patricia , Ramsay Alan D.
Published: June 2015

Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (nLPHL) comprises approximately 10–12% of all childhood Hodgkin lymphoma. As the majority have low stage disease recent years have seen a de‐escalation of treatment intensity to avoid treatment‐related morbidity. This report evaluates treatment outcome in children with histopathological variants of nLPHL after therapy de‐escalation. Biopsies from 60 patients were reviewed and histology categorized as typical (n = 47; 78%) or variant nLPHL (n = 13; 22%). Furthermore, presence of immunoglobulin D (IgD) expression by the lymphocyte predominant (LP) cells was assessed in 41 patients. Treatment outcomes were compared according to treatment received and histopathology of nLPHL. Compared to typical nLPHL, children with variant nLPHL had higher stage disease at diagnosis (stage III: 3/13; 23% vs. 3/47; 6%, P = 0·11), lower complete response rates (6/13; 46% vs. 38/47; 81%, P = 0·029) and higher relapse rates (2/13; 15% vs. 2/47; 4%, P = 0·20). Additionally, IgD expression by LP cells was associated with poorer treatment response and was more commonly seen in patients with variant nLPHL. (11/13; 85% vs. 15/28; 54%, P = 0·08). Variant histology appears to be indicative of a poorer prognosis in patients with early stage disease, and may be an important factor to take into account when moving towards reduced intensity treatment for nLPHL.
Beyond single behaviour theory: Adding cross‐behaviour cognitions to the health action process approach
Authors: Fleig Lena , Ngo Joy , Roman Blanca , Ntzani Evangelia , Satta Paolo , Warner Lisa M. , Schwarzer Ralf , Brandi Maria L.
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Commonly, health behaviour theories have been applied to single behaviours, giving insights into specific behaviours but providing little knowledge on how individuals pursue an overall healthy lifestyle. In the context of diet and physical activity, we investigated the extent to which cross‐behaviour cognitions, namely transfer cognitions and compensatory health beliefs, contribute to single behaviour theory.

Design

A total of 767 participants from two European regions (i.e., Germany n = 351, southern Europe n = 416) completed online questionnaires on physical activity and healthy dietary behaviour, behaviour‐specific cognitions (i.e., self‐efficacy, outcome expectancies, risk perception, intention, action planning, action control), as well as cross‐behaviour cognitions, namely transfer cognitions and compensatory health beliefs.

Methods

Nested path models were specified to investigate the importance of cross‐behaviour cognitions over and above behaviour‐specific predictors of physical activity and healthy nutrition.

Results

Across both health behaviours, transfer cognitions were positively associated with intention and self‐regulatory strategies. Compensatory health beliefs were negatively associated with intention. Action planning and action control mediated the effect of intentions on behaviour.

Conclusions

Cross‐behaviour cognitions contribute to single behaviour theory and may explain how individuals regulate more than one health behaviour.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Cross‐behaviour cognitions are related to a healthy lifestyle.

Compensatory health beliefs hinder the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.

Transfer cognitions encourage the engagement in a healthy lifestyle.

What does this study add?

Transfer cognitions were positively associated with intentions, action planning, and action control over and above behaviour‐specific cognitions.

Compensatory health beliefs were related to intentions only.

Both facilitating and debilitating cross‐behaviour cognitions need to be studied within a unified multiple behaviour research framework.