bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence of Fermi bubbles around M31
Authors: Pshirkov M. S. , Vasiliev V. V. , Postnov K. A.
Published: March 2016

Gamma-ray haloes can exist around galaxies due to the interaction of escaping galactic cosmic rays with the surrounding gas. We have searched for such a halo around the nearby giant spiral Andromeda galaxy M31 using almost 7 yr of Fermi LAT data at energies above 300 MeV. The presence of a diffuse gamma-ray halo with total photon flux 2.6 ± 0.6 × 10−9 cm−2 s−1, corresponding to a luminosity (0.3–100 GeV) of (3.2 ± 0.6) × 1038 erg s−1 (for a distance of 780 kpc) was found at a 5.3σ confidence level. The halo form does not correspond to the extended baryonic H i disc of M31, as would be expected in hadronic production of gamma photons from cosmic ray interaction, nor it is spherically symmetric, as could be in the case of dark matter annihilation. The best-fitting halo template corresponds to two 6–7.5 kpc bubbles symmetrically located perpendicular to the M31 galactic disc, similar to the ‘Fermi bubbles’ found around the Milky Way centre, which suggests the past activity of the central supermassive black hole or a star formation burst in M31.
Rapid-Antigen Test Negative Malaria in a Traveler Returning From Thailand, Molecularly Diagnosed as Plasmodium knowlesi
Authors: Mackroth Maria S. , Tappe Dennis , Tannich Egbert , Addo Marylyn , Rothe Camilla
Published: March 2016

Plasmodium knowlesi has been identified in the last decade as a fifth species causing malaria in areas of South East Asia. Due to its short erythrocytic cycle, rapid development of high parasitemia and severe manifestations are frequently observed. Therefore, prompt diagnosis of infection is essential to prevent complications, but the low sensitivity of rapid diagnostic tests for P knowlesi pose a diagnostic challenge in acute settings. In this study, we report the case of a German traveler to Thailand, who was treated for P knowlesi malaria after returning to Germany. Rapid antigen test for malaria was negative on presentation. Diagnosis of a nonfalciparum malaria was made based on microscopy, and species definition was determined using polymerase chain reaction technique.
Global Pattern of Gene Expression ofXanthomonas axonopodispv.glycinesWithin Soybean Leaves
Authors: Chatnaparat Tiyakhon , Prathuangwong Sutruedee , Lindow Steven E.
Published: March 2016

To better understand the behavior of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines, the causal agent of bacterial pustule of soybean within its host, its global transcriptome within soybean leaves was compared with that in a minimal medium in vitro, using deep sequencing of mRNA. Of 5,062 genes predicted from a draft genome of X. axonopodis pv. glycines, 534 were up-regulated in the plant, while 289 were down-regulated. Genes encoding YapH, a cell-surface adhesin, as well as several others encoding cell-surface proteins, were down-regulated in soybean. Many genes encoding the type III secretion system and effector proteins, cell wall–degrading enzymes and phosphate transporter proteins were strongly expressed at early stages of infection. Several genes encoding RND multidrug efflux pumps were induced in planta and by isoflavonoids in vitro and were required for full virulence of X. axonopodis pv. glycines, as well as resistance to soybean phytoalexins. Genes encoding consumption of malonate, a compound abundant in soybean, were induced in planta and by malonate in vitro. Disruption of the malonate decarboxylase operon blocked growth in minimal media with malonate as the sole carbon source but did not significantly alter growth in soybean, apparently because genes for sucrose and fructose uptake were also induced in planta. Many genes involved in phosphate metabolism and uptake were induced in planta. While disruption of genes encoding high-affinity phosphate transport did not alter growth in media varying in phosphate concentration, the mutants were severely attenuated for growth in soybean. This global transcriptional profiling has provided insight into both the intercellular environment of this soybean pathogen and traits used by X. axonopodis pv. glycines to promote disease.
Use of the GlideScope Ranger Video Laryngoscope for Emergency Intubation in the Prehospital Setting: A Randomized Control Trial*
Authors: Trimmel Helmut , Kreutziger Janett , Fitzka Robert , Szüts Stephan , Derdak Christoph , Koch Elisabeth , Erwied Boris , Voelckel Wolfgang G.
Published: March 2016

Objectives:

We sought to assess whether the GlideScope Ranger video laryngoscope may be a reliable alternative to direct laryngoscopy in the prehospital setting.

Design:

Multicenter, prospective, randomized, control trial with patient recruitment over 18 months.

Setting:

Four study centers operating physician-staffed rescue helicopters or ground units in Austria and Norway.

Patients:

Adult emergency patients requiring endotracheal intubation.

Interventions:

Airway management strictly following a prehospital algorithm. First and second intubation attempt employing GlideScope or direct laryngoscopy as randomized; third attempt crossover. After three failed intubation attempts, immediate use of an extraglottic airway device.

Measurements and Main Results:

A total of 326 patients were enrolled. Success rate with the GlideScope (n = 168) versus direct laryngoscopy (n = 158) group was 61.9% (104/168) versus 96.2% (152/158), respectively (p < 0.001). The main reasons for failed GlideScope intubation were failure to advance the tube into the larynx or trachea (26/168 vs 0/158; p < 0.001) and/or impaired sight due to blood or fluids (21/168 vs 3/158; p < 0.001). When GlideScope intubation failed, direct laryngoscopy was successful in 61 of 64 patients (95.3%), whereas GlideScope enabled intubation in four of six cases (66.7%) where direct laryngoscopy failed (p = 0.055). In addition, GlideScope was prone to impaired visualization of the monitor because of ambient light (29/168; 17.3%). There was no correlation between success rates and body mass index, age, indication for airway management, or experience of the physicians, respectively.

Conclusions:

Video laryngoscopy is an established tool in difficult airway management, but our results shed light on the specific problems in the emergency medical service setting. Prehospital use of the GlideScope was associated with some major problems, thus resulting in a lower intubation success rate when compared with direct laryngoscopy.
Aspirin Use in Secondary Cardiovascular Protection and the Development of Aspirin-Associated Erosions and Ulcers
Authors: Goldstein Jay L. , Scheiman James M. , Fort John G. , Whellan David J.
Published: March 2016

Aspirin for secondary cardiovascular disease prevention is well established, but treatment discontinuation, often because of gastrointestinal mucosal injury or symptoms, can lead to increased risk for cardiovascular events. Proton pump inhibitor therapy is recommended for aspirin-treated patients at gastrointestinal risk. PA32540 [enteric-coated aspirin (EC-ASA) 325 mg + immediate-release omeprazole 40 mg] was compared with EC-ASA 325 mg alone once daily for 6 months in 2 duplicate, randomized double-blind trials in gastrointestinal-risk patients taking aspirin for ≥3 months for secondary prevention. In this post hoc analysis, we determined the prevalence of endoscopic upper gastrointestinal ulcers at screening and whether baseline endoscopic gastric erosions impacted subsequent ulcer development. At the screening endoscopy, 6% of subjects had upper gastrointestinal ulcers (not eligible for randomization) and 40% had gastric erosions. Conditional logistic regression modeling showed that baseline gastric erosions are significantly associated with endoscopic gastric ulcer development (OR = 2.12, 95% confidence interval, 1.26–3.57). In subjects with baseline gastric erosion, 4.2% of PA32540-treated versus 13.0% of EC-ASA-treated subjects (P = 0.001) subsequently developed endoscopic gastric ulcers. These data suggest that gastric injury predisposes to gastric ulcer development when taking EC-ASA, and exposure to immediate-release omeprazole in the presence of aspirin therapy significantly reduces the likelihood of progressing to gastric ulcers.
Upper Versus Lower Gastrointestinal Delivery for Transplantation of Fecal Microbiota in Recurrent or Refractory Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Furuya-Kanamori Luis , Doi Suhail A.R. , Paterson David L. , Helms Stefan K. , Yakob Laith , McKenzie Samantha J. , Garborg Kjetil , Emanuelsson Frida , Stollman Neil , Kronman Matthew P. , Clark Justin , Huber Charlotte A. , Riley Thomas V. , Clements Archie C.A.
Published: March 2016

Goals:

The aim of this study was to compare upper gastrointestinal (UGI) versus lower gastrointestinal (LGI) delivery routes of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for refractory or recurrent/relapsing Clostridium difficile infection (CDI).

Background:

FMT has been proven to be a safe and highly effective therapeutic option for CDI. Delivery, however, could be via the UGI or LGI routes, and it is unclear as to which route provides better clinical outcome.

Study:

A systematic search for studies that reported the use of FMT for CDI treatment was conducted. Individual patient data that included demographic (age and sex) and clinical (route of FMT delivery, CDI outcome after FMT, and follow-up time) information were obtained. Kaplan-Meier cumulative hazard curves and Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess clinical failure after FMT by the route of delivery.

Results:

Data from 305 patients treated with FMT (208 via LGI route and 97 via UGI route) for CDI were analyzed. At 30 and 90 days, the risk of clinical failure was 5.6% and 17.9% in the UGI group compared with 4.9% and 8.5% in the LGI delivery route group, respectively. A time-varying analysis suggested a 3-fold increase in hazard of clinical failure for UGI delivery (hazard ratio, 3.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-8.93) in the period after 30 days.

Conclusions:

FMT delivered via the LGI seems to be the most effective route for the prevention of recurrence/relapse of CDI. A randomized controlled trial is necessary to confirm whether FMT delivered via the LGI is indeed superior to that delivered via the UGI route.
Managing Pain in Women Living With HIV/AIDS
Authors: Parker Romy , Jelsma Jennifer , Stein Dan J.
Published: March 2016

This study tested an intervention program based on a chronic pain management model for pain. We conducted a trial of a 6-week, peer-led exercise and education intervention on pain in amaXhosa women living with HIV/AIDS. Participants were monitored over 15 months of routine care before randomization. The control group was provided with educational workbooks, and the experimental group attended the intervention. Pain was reassessed monthly for 4 months. There was no significant reduction in pain during 15 months of routine care and no difference between groups at any of the time points (d = 0.04). Both groups experienced equivalent pain reduction during the intervention compared with the period of routine care with meaningful reductions in pain at months 3 (Cohen’s d = 0.41) and 4 (Cohen’s d = 0.59). Provision of a workbook and participating in a 6-week peer-led exercise and education intervention are efficacious methods to treat pain in amaXhosa women living with HIV/AIDS.
The Aesthetic Surgery Literature: Do Plastic Surgeons Remain at the Cutting Edge?
Authors: Dolan Roisin T. , Zins James E. , Morrison Colin M.
Published: March 2016

Background:

The aesthetic surgery arena has become a competitive marketplace. Recognition as an authority in aesthetic surgery remains a powerful marketing tool for plastic surgeons, but have significant inroads been made by other specialties? The aims of this study were to analyze publication trends relating to the top five most commonly performed aesthetic surgical procedures, and to assess the origins (i.e., source specialty, authorship, institutions, and countries) of published aesthetic surgical research.

Methods:

Based on the seventeenth annual multispecialty data set provided by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the top five most commonly performed aesthetic surgical procedures were selected. A temporal analysis of publication and citation rates, source institution and country, publishing journal, funding agency trends, and level of evidence was undertaken from 1970 to 2013.

Results:

Using the search criteria, 7762 articles were identified. There was an 8.8-fold increase in publication volume when the first decade (n = 375) was compared with the last decade (n = 3326). Over the past four decades, 52.2 percent of publications (n = 4053 of 7762) originated from plastic surgery research institutions, with varying contributions from other specialties. Competition was greatest in relation to authorship of blepharoplasty- and rhinoplasty-related publications.

Conclusions:

Although plastic surgeons continue to maintain a center-stage presence in terms of authorship of aesthetic surgical literature, significant contributions are now made by other specialties. Plastic surgeons must continue to foster high-quality, peer-reviewed research and innovations to maintain their visibility as leaders in the aesthetic surgery literature and sustain a competitive advantage in aesthetic surgery practice.
Frequent HIV Testing: Impact on HIV Risk Among Chinese Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Liu Yu , Qian Han-Zhu , Ruan Yuhua , Wu Pingsheng , Osborn Chandra Y. , Jia Yujiang , Yin Lu , Lu Hongyan , He Xiong , Shao Yiming , Vermund Sten H.
Published: March 2016

Background:

The HIV epidemic continues to expand among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. The NIMH Project Accept/HPTN 043 trial suggested a borderline significant trend toward HIV incidence reduction among persons with higher testing rates.

Methods:

We assessed HIV testing histories and infection status among a community-based Beijing MSM. HIV serostatus was lab confirmed. We ascertained demographic/behavioral factors through questionnaire-based interviews. Associations of previous HIV testing with odds of current HIV infection were assessed, seeking improved like-with-like risk comparisons through multivariable logistic regression analysis with propensity score adjustment and restricted cubic spline modeling.

Results:

Among 3588 participants, 12.7% were HIV infected; 70.8% reported having ever tested for HIV. Compared with MSM who never tested, those ever testing had a 41% reduction in the odds of being HIV positive [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48 to 0.74. Higher HIV testing frequencies were associated with a decreasing trend in the odds of being infected with HIV vs. a referent group with no previous testing [>6 tests (aOR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.41); 4–6 (aOR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.78); 2–3 (aOR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.82); P for trend <0.001]. The multivariable-adjusted model with restricted cubic spline of HIV testing frequency showed a higher frequency of previous HIV testing associated with lower odds of HIV infection, particularly among men with ≥10 lifetime male sexual partners.

Conclusions:

Using risk probability adjustments to enable less biased comparisons, frequent HIV testing was associated with a lower HIV odds among Chinese MSM.
Understanding dislocation mechanics at the mesoscale using phase field dislocation dynamics
Authors: Beyerlein I. J. , Hunter A.
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we discuss the formulation, recent developments and findings obtained from a mesoscale mechanics technique called phase field dislocation dynamics (PFDD). We begin by presenting recent advancements made in modelling face-centred cubic materials, such as integration with atomic-scale simulations to account for partial dislocations. We discuss calculations that help in understanding grain size effects on transitions from full to partial dislocation-mediated slip behaviour and deformation twinning. Finally, we present recent extensions of the PFDD framework to alternative crystal structures, such as body-centred cubic metals, and two-phase materials, including free surfaces, voids and bi-metallic crystals. With several examples we demonstrate that the PFDD model is a powerful and versatile method that can bridge the length and time scales between atomistic and continuum-scale methods, providing a much needed understanding of deformation mechanisms in the mesoscale regime.
Some variance reduction methods for numerical stochastic homogenization
Authors: Blanc X. , Le Bris C. , Legoll F.
Published: March 2016

We give an overview of a series of recent studies devoted to variance reduction techniques for numerical stochastic homogenization. Numerical homogenization requires that a set of problems is solved at the microscale, the so-called corrector problems. In a random environment, these problems are stochastic and therefore need to be repeatedly solved, for several configurations of the medium considered. An empirical average over all configurations is then performed using the Monte Carlo approach, so as to approximate the effective coefficients necessary to determine the macroscopic behaviour. Variance severely affects the accuracy and the cost of such computations. Variance reduction approaches, borrowed from other contexts in the engineering sciences, can be useful. Some of these variance reduction techniques are presented, studied and tested here.
A structured continuum modelling framework for martensitic transformation and reorientation in shape memory materials
Authors: Bernardini Davide , Pence Thomas J.
Published: March 2016

Models for shape memory material behaviour can be posed in the framework of a structured continuum theory. We study such a framework in which a scalar phase fraction field and a tensor field of martensite reorientation describe the material microstructure, in the context of finite strains. Gradients of the microstructural descriptors naturally enter the formulation and offer the possibility to describe and resolve phase transformation localizations. The constitutive theory is thoroughly described by a single free energy function in conjunction with a path-dependent dissipation function. Balance laws in the form of differential equations are obtained and contain both bulk and surface terms, the latter in terms of microstreses. A natural constraint on the tensor field for martensite reorientation gives rise to reactive fields in these balance laws. Conditions ensuring objectivity as well as the relation of this framework to that provided by currently used models for shape memory alloy behaviour are discussed.
Continuum mechanics, stresses, currents and electrodynamics
Authors: Segev Reuven
Published: March 2016

The Eulerian approach to continuum mechanics does not make use of a body manifold. Rather, all fields considered are defined on the space, or the space–time, manifolds. Sections of some vector bundle represent generalized velocities which need not be associated with the motion of material points. Using the theories of de Rham currents and generalized sections of vector bundles, we formulate a weak theory of forces and stresses represented by vector-valued currents. Considering generalized velocities represented by differential forms and interpreting such a form as a generalized potential field, we present a weak formulation of pre-metric,
p
-form electrodynamics as a natural example of the foregoing theory. Finally, it is shown that the assumptions leading to
p
-form electrodynamics may be replaced by the condition that the force functional is continuous with respect to the flat topology of forms.
Detection of pathways affected by positive selection in primate lineages ancestral to humans
Authors: Daub J.T. , Moretti S. , Davidov I. I. , Excoffier L. , Robinson-Rechavi M.
Published: March 2016

Gene set enrichment approaches have been increasingly successful in finding signals of recent polygenic selection in the human genome. In this study, we aim at detecting biological pathways affected by positive selection in more ancient human evolutionary history. Focusing on four branches of the primate tree that lead to modern humans, we tested all available protein coding gene trees of the Primates clade for signals of adaptation in these branches, using the likelihood-based branch site test of positive selection. The results of these locus-specific tests were then used as input for a gene set enrichment test, where whole pathways are globally scored for a signal of positive selection, instead of focusing only on outlier “significant” genes. We identified signals of positive selection in several pathways that are mainly involved in immune response, sensory perception, metabolism, and energy production. These pathway-level results are highly significant, even though there is no functional enrichment when only focusing on top scoring genes. Interestingly, several gene sets are found significant at multiple levels in the phylogeny, but different genes are responsible for the selection signal in the different branches. This suggests that the same function has been optimized in different ways at different times in primate evolution.
Synaptic Transmission Parallels Neuromodulation in a Central Food-Intake Circuit
Authors: Schlegel Philipp , Texada Michael J. , Miroschnikow Anton , Schoofs Andreas , Hückesfeld Sebastian , Peters Marc , Schneider-Mizell Casey M. , Lacin Haluk , Li Feng , Fetter Richard D. , Truman James W. , Cardona Albert , Pankratz Michael J.
Published: March 2016

NeuromedinU is a potent regulator of food intake and activity in mammals. InDrosophila, neurons producing the homologous neuropeptide hugin regulate feeding and locomotion in a similar manner. Here, we use EM-based reconstruction to generate the entire connectome of hugin-producing neurons in theDrosophilalarval CNS. We demonstrate that hugin neurons use synaptic transmission in addition to peptidergic neuromodulation and identify acetylcholine as a key transmitter. Hugin neuropeptide and acetylcholine are both necessary for the regulatory effect on feeding. We further show that subtypes of hugin neurons connect chemosensory to endocrine system by combinations of synaptic and peptide-receptor connections. Targets include endocrine neurons producing DH44, a CRH-like peptide, and insulin-like peptides. Homologs of these peptides are likewise downstream of neuromedinU, revealing striking parallels in flies and mammals. We propose that hugin neurons are part of a physiological control system that has been conserved at functional, molecular and network architecture level.
A Whole Blood Molecular Signature for Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Muse Evan D , Kramer Eric R , Wang Haiying , Barrett Paddy , Parviz Fereshteh , Novotny Mark A , Lasken Roger S , Jatkoe Timothy A , Oliveira Glenn , Peng Hongfan , Lu Jerry , Connelly Marc C , Schilling Kurt , Rao Chandra , Torkamani Ali , Topol Eric J.
Published: March 2016

Chest pain is a leading reason patients seek medical evaluation. While assays to detect myocyte death are used to diagnose a heart attack (acute myocardial infarction, AMI), there is no biomarker to indicate an impending cardiac event. Transcriptional patterns present in circulating endothelial cells (CEC) may provide a window into the plaque rupture process and identify a proximal biomarker for AMI. Thus, we aimed to identify a transcriptomic signature of AMI present in whole blood, but derived from CECs. Candidate genes indicative of AMI were nominated from microarray of enriched CEC samples, and then verified for detectability and predictive potential via qPCR in whole blood. This signature was validated in an independent cohort. Our findings suggest that a whole blood CEC-derived molecular signature identifies patients with AMI and sets the framework to potentially identify the earlier stages of an impending cardiac event where conventional biomarkers indicative of myonecrosis remain undetected.

ABBREVIATIONS

AMI

acute myocardial infarction

AUC

area under the curve

CAD

coronary artery disease

CEC

circulating endothelial cells

CMP

circulating microparticles

CVD

cardiovascular disease

GSEA

gene set enrichment analysis

qPCR

quantitative polymerase chain reaction

ROC

receiver operator characteristic
Proteomic and Genomic Characterization of a Yeast Model for Ogden Syndrome
Authors: Döerfel Max J. , Fang Han , Crain Jonathan , Klingener Michael , Weiser Jake , Lyon Gholson J.
Published: March 2016

Naa10 is a Nα-terminal acetyltransferase that, in a complex with its auxiliary subunit Naa15, co-translationally acetylates the α-amino group of newly synthetized proteins as they emerge from the ribosome. Roughly 40-50% of the human proteome is acetylated by Naa10, rendering this an enzyme with one of the most broad substrate ranges known. Recently, we reported an X-linked disorder of infancy, Ogden syndrome, in two families harboring a c.109T>C (p.Ser37Pro) variant in NAA10. In the present study we performed in-depth characterization of a yeast model of Ogden syndrome. Stress tests and proteomic analyses suggest that the S37P mutation disrupts Naa10 function thereby reducing cellular fitness, possibly due to an impaired functionality of molecular chaperones, Hsp104, Hsp40 and the Hsp70 family. Microarray and RNA-seq revealed a pseudo-diploid gene expression profile in ΔNaa10 cells, likely responsible for a mating defect. In conclusion, the data presented here further support the disruptive nature of the S37P/Ogden mutation and identify affected cellular processes potentially contributing to the severe phenotype seen in Ogden syndrome.
Synthesis and crystal structure oftrans-dichlorido[3-methyl-1-(4-vinylbenzyl)-1H-imidazol-3-ium-2-yl-κC2](4-phenylpyridine-κN)palladium(II)
Authors: Majeed Maitham H. , Wendt Ola F.
Published: March 2016

The title compound, [PdCl2(C11H9N)(C13H14N2)], represents a new class of palladium-based polymerizable monomer which could give a potentially catalytically active polymer. It was synthesizedviatransmetallation from the corresponding silver complex. The PdIIion coordinates two Cl anions, one C atom from the N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand and one N atom from the 4-phenylpyridine ligand, displaying a slightly distorted square-planar geometry. The dihedral angle between the imidazole ring and the pyridine ring is 34.53 (8)°. The Pd—C bond length between the NHC ligand and the PdIIion is 1.9532 (16) Å. In the crystal, weak non-classical C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds link the molecules into a tape structure along [101]. A weak π–π interaction is also observed [centroid–centroid distance = 3.9117 (11) Å].
Crystal structure of the salt bis(triethanolamine-κ4N,O,O′,O′′)cadmium bis[2-(2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1,3-benzothiazol-3-yl)acetate]
Authors: Ashurov Jamshid Mengnorovich
Published: March 2016

The reaction of 2-(2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1,3-benzothiazol-3-yl)acetic acid (NBTA) and triethanolamine (TEA) with Cd(CH3OO)2resulted in the formation of the title salt, [Cd(C6H15NO3)2](C9H6NO3S)2. In its crystal structure, the complex cation [Cd(TEA)2]2+and two independent NBTA−units with essentially similar geometries and conformations are present. In the complex cation, each TEA molecule behaves as anN,O,O′,O′′-tetradentate ligand, giving rise to an eight-coordinate CdIIion with a bicapped trigonal–prismatic configuration. All ethanol groups of each TEA molecule form three five-membered chelate rings around the CdIIion. The Cd—O and Cd—N distances are in the ranges 2.392 (2)–2.478 (2) and 2.465 (2)–2.475 (3) Å, respectively. O—H...O hydrogen bonds between the TEA hydroxy groups and carboxylate O atoms connect cationic and anionic moieties into chains parallel to [110]. Each NBTA−anion is additionally linked to a symmetry-related anion through π–π stacking interactions between the benzene and thiazoline rings [minimum centroid-to-centroid separation = 3.604 (2) Å]. Together with additional C—H...O interactions, these establish a double-layer polymeric network parallel to (001).
Decoding social media speak: developing a speech act theory research agenda
Authors: Ludwig Stephan , de Ruyter Ko
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Drawing on the theoretical domain of speech act theory (SAT) and a discussion of its suitability for setting the agenda for social media research, this study aims to explore a range of research directions that are both relevant and conceptually robust, to stimulate the advancement of knowledge and understanding of online verbatim data.

Design/methodology/approach

– Examining previously published cross-disciplinary research, the study identifies how recent conceptual and empirical advances in SAT may further guide the development of text analytics in a social media context.

Findings

– Decoding content and function word use in customers’ social media communication can enhance the efficiency of determining potential impacts of customer reviews, sentiment strength, the quality of contributions in social media, customers’ socialization perceptions in online communities and deceptive messages.

Originality/value

– Considering the variety of managerial demand, increasing and diverging social media formats, expanding archives, rapid development of software tools and fast-paced market changes, this study provides an urgently needed, theory-driven, coherent research agenda to guide the conceptual development of text analytics in a social media context.
Food labels – status and consumers’ attitude on the Serbian food market
Authors: Djekic Ilija , Smigic Nada
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to present results from a research that analyzed the quality of labels available in the Serbian food market and consumers’ attitudes toward food labels.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 899 food labels have been analyzed in relation to the presence of legally required information, their readability to average consumer and presence of nutritional/health claims and/or nutritional information. In parallel, 400 respondents were interviewed in the survey of consumers’ attitudes regarding labels.

Findings

– Results revealed that 38.2 per cent of food products hold labels that are not fully readable to average consumers. Regarding basic label information, 11 per cent of foods have missing information in terms of series/lot identification. The majority of the products (87.4 per cent) have only basic nutritional information with 4.6 per cent of products holding nutritional claims. Consumers with active sport activities showed higher awareness of nutritional information. There were no statistically significant differences between smokers and non-smokers regarding their attitudes toward nutritional information. Age and education play a significant role in ranking nutritional facts. The most important nutritional information is fat content, followed by sugar and vitamins.

Research limitations/implications

– The nature of the study did not allow conclusions regarding causal relationship between food products and consumers as well as if nutritional information affects consumers’ choices and purchasing patronage.

Originality/value

– The findings of this study are worthy, as they report the Serbian consumers’ understanding of labels and nutritional information as well as the status food labels sold in the Serbian market.
The influence of traditional stir-frying with oil on acceptability, antioxidant activities, nutrients, and the phytic acid content of fermented soybean (tempeh)
Authors: Setiawan Budhi , Thamtam Sandeep Kumar , Jati Ignasius Radix AP , Purwestri Ratna Chrismiari , Nohr Donatus , Biesalski Hans Konrad
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to investigate the acceptability of processed tempeh and the effect of stir-frying on uncooked tempeh composition, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant (AO) activities and the phytic acid (PA) concentration.

Design/methodology/approach

– Fermentation was performed in the solid-state using soybean (Glycine max) inoculated withRhizopus oligosporus. The acceptability of tempeh was evaluated by administering a questionnaire. The TPC of uncooked and stir-fried tempeh was examined using Folin-Ciocalteu’s method, and PA was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. AO activities were measured by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and ferric ion reducing/antioxidant power methods. The stir-fried tempeh was more acceptable than other preparations to the panelists.

Findings

– In comparison with the uncooked tempeh, stir-fried tempeh showed higher fat composition, in addition to decreased levels of minerals, PA and TBARS.

Originality/value

– Soy foods are an important source of protein. However, conventional cooking methods could change the chemical properties in soy foods. To avoid additional oil that adds calories, consumers might opt for other cooking methods, such as steaming.
Quality characteristics and chemical safety of fried and smoked West Africa Ilisha (Ilisha africana) from Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Adeyeye Samuel Ayofemi Olalekan , Oyewole Olusola Bandele , Obadina Adewale Olusegun , Omemu Adebukunola M , Oyedele Hakeem A
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This study aims to assess and compare the quality and safety of street-vended, ready-to-eat fried and smoked West African Ilisha fish from the major markets in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 50 samples each were obtained from ten major markets in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Samples were analyzed in the laboratory for proximate, rancidity indices; i.e. peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), total volatile base-nitrogen (TVB-N), trimethylamine acid (TMA) and free fatty acid (FFA), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and heavy metals.

Findings

– The results showed that the mean PV (meq. peroxide/kg), TBA (mg Mol/kg), TVB-N (mgN/kg), TMA (mgN/kg) and FFA (%) contents within the fried fish samples ranged from 18.86-23.11, 2.08-2.98, 14.89-17.79, 1.98-2.89 and 2.46-5.98, respectively, while in the case of smoked fish samples, the corresponding contents were found to be 9.03-15.96, 1.03-1.59, 17.29-19.36, 2.15-2.68 and 1.13-1.62, respectively. The results also revealed the presence of PAH compounds in the fried and smoked fish samples. However, majority of the PAH compounds were above 5.0 μg/kg B(a)P maximum permissible levels set by EU Regulation 1881/2006. Concentrations of Hg, Pb, Cd and Cr in the fried and smoked fish samples showed that quantities of these trace heavy metals were below the recommended limits set by the World Health Organization and hence posed no risk to the consumers. The study concluded that consumption of fried and smoked fish may expose consumers to high-level PAH.

Research limitations/implications

– The fried and smoked West African Ilisha fish samples used in this study were obtained from major markets in Ibadan, Oyo State, and there were limitations in getting the same samples with the same treatments in time because of poor and non-established uniform methodology of frying and smoking.

Practical implications

– The paper helps in measuring quality and safety standards of fried and smoked fish products to reduce the incidence of food poison and enhance the health of consumers.

Originality/value

– This research is of value to the traditional fish processors, government agencies responsible for food quality control and assurance as well as consumers, as little work has been done on this product.
Reproductive effort alters immune parameters measured post‐partum in European rabbits under semi‐natural conditions
Authors: Rödel Heiko G. , Zapka Manuela , Stefanski Volker , von Holst Dietrich
Published: March 2016

Reproduction is energetically costly, and females frequently trade off their reproductive effort with allocation to other physiological processes. One of these processes is the maintenance of a functional immune defence. However, such interactions between immunity and reproduction have rarely been explored in mammals under natural conditions.

In our study on females of an individually marked European rabbitOryctolagus cuniculuscolony, we measured different components of the maternal immune system from peripheral blood and serum 1 day after parturition, and we associated variation in these measures with differences in mothers' reproductive effort. We used total litter mass as a measure of the mother's current reproductive effort. In addition, we recorded whether or not mothers gave birth and nursed another litter shortly before and considered this a measure of prior reproductive effort.

Mothers with higher current or prior reproductive effort showed generally lower concentrations of white blood cells, in particular neutrophils and lymphocytes, but a higher activity of the complement system and higher IgG serum concentrations than females with lower reproductive effort.

We obtained similar results when comparing individual changes in immune parameters measured post‐partum across repeated reproductive events. Cell concentrations of neutrophils and lymphocytes increased when individual females decreased their reproductive effort. In contrast, IgG serum concentrations and the activity of the complement system increased when mothers increased their reproductive effort.

In conclusion, the results underline differential responses of different branches of the maternal post‐partum immune system to variation in reproductive effort. On the one hand, our study indicates that females might compromise at least some cellular immune parameters for reproduction. On the other hand, the positive association between IgG concentrations and reproductive effort could be adaptive as a higher litter mass and higher number of pups requires an intensified transfer of this immune parameter via placenta or colostrum and milk. This positive association might constitute an additional, immunological component of the energetic costs of reproduction.

Alay summaryis available for this article.
Refining mimicry: phenotypic variation tracks the local optimum
Authors: Mérot Claire , Le Poul Yann , Théry Marc , Joron Mathieu
Published: March 2016

Müllerian mimicry between chemically defended preys is a textbook example of natural selection favouring phenotypic convergence onto a shared warning signal. Studies of mimicry have concentrated on deciphering the ecological and genetic underpinnings of dramatic switches in mimicry association, producing a well‐known mosaic distribution of mimicry patterns across geography. However, little is known about the accuracy of resemblance between natural comimics when the local phenotypic optimum varies.

In this study, using analyses of wing shape, pattern and hue, we quantify multimodal phenotypic similarity between butterfly comimics sharing the so‐called postman pattern in different localities with varying species composition.

We show that subtle but consistent variation between populations of the localized species, Heliconius timareta thelxinoe, enhance resemblance to the abundant comimics which drive the mimicry in each locality.

Those results suggest that rarer comimics track the changes in the phenotypic optimum caused by gradual changes in the composition of the mimicry community, providing insights into the process by which intraspecific diversity of mimetic pattern may arise. Furthermore, our results suggest a multimodal evolution of similarity, with coordinated convergence in different features of the phenotype such as wing outline, pattern and hue.

Finally, multilocus genotyping allows estimating local hybridization rates between H. timareta and comimic H. melpomene in different populations, raising the hypothesis that mimicry refinement between closely related comimics may be enhanced by adaptive introgression at loci modifying the accuracy of resemblance.
Long‐term impacts of variable retention harvesting on ground‐layer plant communities in Pinus resinosa forests
Authors: Roberts Margaret W. , D'Amato Anthony W. , Kern Christel C. , Palik Brian J.
Published: March 2016

Concerns about loss of biodiversity and structural complexity in managed forests have recently increased and led to the development of new management strategies focused on restoring or maintaining ecosystem functions while also providing wood outputs. Variable retention harvest (VRH) systems, in which mature overstorey trees are retained in various spatial arrangements across harvested areas, represent one potential approach to this problem. However, long‐term evaluations of the effectiveness of this strategy at sustaining plant community composition are needed as this strategy is increasingly applied in managed forest landscapes throughout the world.

The forest ground layer plays a central role in forest ecosystem functioning, and we evaluated the long‐term (11+ year) dynamics in ground‐layer plant communities in response to VRH study in Pinus resinosa Aiton. forests. This large‐scale, manipulative study included four overstorey (control, small gap‐aggregated, large gap‐aggregated and dispersed) and two understorey (ambient and reduced shrubs) treatments replicated four times in 16‐ha stands.

Changes in ground‐layer community composition were apparent 11 years following harvest, regardless of live‐tree retention pattern. Richness and diversity increased and were driven by introduction and colonization of ruderal species, while forest interior species continued to persist across treatments. All life‐forms responded positively to harvest with the exception of moss and clubmoss species.

The lack of effect of spatial pattern of retention on ground‐layer plant communities was likely related to the presence of a dense and persistent shrub layer, a result of decades of fire suppression. In particular, the greatest responses to overstorey retention pattern occurred in areas receiving shrub reduction treatments, indicating this recalcitrant layer likely filtered response to retention pattern.

Synthesis and applications. Overall, this work highlights flexibility in choosing a variable retention harvest approach when sustaining ground‐layer plant community diversity and composition are goals, but altered disturbance regimes (e.g. fire suppression, timber harvesting) that have facilitated the presence or formation of recalcitrant understories, need to be considered. The legacy effects of historical land use and alterations to natural disturbance regimes on the understorey in northern temperate forests are of equal, if not greater, importance to overstorey retention patterns in eliciting desired responses to variable retention harvest and need to be more carefully considered in future applications of this method.
Phylogenetic and functional mechanisms of direct and indirect interactions among alien and native plants
Authors: Feng Yanhao , van Kleunen Mark
Published: March 2016

Disentangling direct and indirect interactions among alien and native plants is essential to understanding the success of alien plants in multispecies communities, but studies have only focused on direct pairwise interactions. Moreover, it is also essential to explore phylogenetic and functional mechanisms driving these interactions.

In a greenhouse experiment, we selected nine groups of alien and native plant species from the herbaceous flora of Germany to disentangle their direct and indirect interactions. Each group had an alien (A) that is common or rare in Germany (i.e. non‐native range), two natives that are phylogenetically closely related (Nclose) and distantly related (Ndist) to A respectively, and a distantly related “target” native (T). We grew the four species of each group alone, and in two‐species and three‐species combinations. Specifically, we tested whether competition is greater between A and Nclose than between A and Ndist, whether presence of Nclose rather than Ndist indirectly alleviates competition of A on T, and whether these interaction patterns depend on commonness of A. Moreover, we tested how intensity of these interactions is explained by phylogenetic distance, functional traits (height, seed mass, SLA, leaf size, specific root length, leaf area ratio, root length ratio (root length/plant mass), shoot weight ratio) and traits‐based functional distance.

We found A had stronger competition on Nclose than on Ndist. In turn, A was more suppressed by Nclose than by Ndist, but this was only true for rare rather than common A. The presence of Ndist rather than Nclose indirectly reduced competition of A on T. The intensity of these interactions was not explained by phylogenetic or functional distance, but by some of the functional traits. Specifically, a plant experienced stronger competition when it was shorter and had smaller leaves and lower shoot weight ratio, and when its neighbours were taller, had greater SLA, leaf area ratio and shoot weight ratio, and had a lower root length ratio.

Synthesis. Functional traits can help explain competitive interactions. While direct competition tended to be stronger between more closely related alien and native plants, this did not indirectly facilitate other co‐occurring native plants.
An update on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of alisertib, a selective Aurora kinase A inhibitor
Authors: Durlacher Cameron T , Li Zhi‐Ling , Chen Xiao‐Wu , He Zhi‐Xu , Zhou Shu‐Feng
Published: March 2016

Human Aurora kinases, including Aurora kinase A (AURKA), B (AURKB), and C (AURKC), play an essential role in mitotic events such as monitoring of the mitotic checkpoint, creation of bipolar mitotic spindle and alignment of centrosomes on it, also regulating centrosome separation, bio‐orientation of chromosomes and cytokinesis. AURKA and AURKB are key regulators of mitosis and centrosome via polymerizing microfilaments and controlling chromatid segregation. In particular, AURKA plays critical roles in the regulation of mitotic entry, centrosome function, bipolar spindle assembly, and chromosome segregation. AURKA has been found to be overexpressed in various solid and haematological cancers and has been linked with poor prognosis. Its important role in cancer initiation, growth, and metastasis has brought the focus to search for potent and selective AURKA inhibitors for cancer treatment. MLN8237, also known as alisertib, is one selective AURKA inhibitor that has shown remarkable anticancer effects in preclinical studies. Alisertib exhibits favourable pharmacokinetic properties. Alisertib has generally showed good partial response rates of 4–52% and good safety profiles in Phase I and II trials when it is solely administered as well as combined with cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs. Recently, the multicentre, randomized Phase III study of alisertib in patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T‐cell lymphoma has been discontinued due to unsatisfactory efficacy. The low risk of side effects, accessibility, and effectiveness of alisertib makes it a new promising anticancer therapy and further mechanistic and clinical studies are warranted.
RpoS is required for natural transformation of Vibrio cholerae through regulation of chitinases
Authors: Dalia* Ankur B.
Published: March 2016

Vibrio species naturally reside in the aquatic environment and a major metabolite in this habitat is the chitinous exoskeletons of crustacean zooplankton. In addition to serving as a nutrient, chitin‐derived oligosaccharides also induce natural genetic competence in many Vibrio spp., a physiological state in which bacteria take up DNA from the extracellular environment and can integrate it into their chromosome by homologous recombination. Another inducing cue required for competence are quorum‐sensing autoinducers. The alternative sigma factor RpoS is critical for natural transformation in Vibrio cholerae, and it was previously presumed to exert this effect through regulation of quorum sensing. Here, we show that RpoS does not affect quorum sensing‐dependent regulation of competence. Instead, we show that an rpoS mutant has reduced chitinase activity, which is required to liberate the soluble chitin oligosaccharides that serve as an inducing cue for competence. Consistent with this, we demonstrate that RpoS is required for growth of V. cholerae on insoluble chitin. RpoS also regulates the mucosal escape response in pathogenic strains of V. cholerae. Thus, in addition to promoting egress from its human host, RpoS may also prime this pathogen for successful reentry into the aquatic environment.