bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-regulating genomic island encoding tandem regulators confers chromatic acclimation to marine
Synechococcus
Authors: Sanfilippo Joseph E. , Nguyen Adam A. , Karty Jonathan A. , Shukla Animesh , Schluchter Wendy M. , Garczarek Laurence , Partensky Frédéric , Kehoe David M.
Published: May 2016

Significance

The regulation of photosynthesis in marine phytoplankton, which account for approximately half the Earth’s primary productivity, is fundamentally important but not well understood. Picocyanobacteria such as
Synechococcus
, which are responsible for 10–20% of global marine productivity, live in environments where light availability often limits photosynthesis. CA4 is a process commonly used by
Synechococcus
to optimize photon capture under such conditions. We characterize CA4 regulation by demonstrating that two proteins, FciA and FciB (for type four chromatic acclimation island), operate diametrically to control CA4 in response to changes in the ratio of blue to green light. The genes encoding these proteins, and the genes they both regulate, are contained within a widespread genomic island that is likely sufficient for horizontal transfer and expansion of this phenotype.
On the capability and Schur multiplier of nilpotent Lie algebra of class two
Authors: Niroomand Peyman , Johari Farangis , Parvizi Mohsen
Published: May 2016

Recently, the authors in a joint paper obtained the structure of all capable nilpotent Lie algebras with derived subalgebra of dimension at most11. This paper is devoted to characterizing all capable nilpotent Lie algebras of class two with derived subalgebra of dimension22. It develops and generalizes the result due to Heineken for the group case.
Twists over étale groupoids and twisted vector bundles
Authors: Farsi Carla , Gillaspy Elizabeth
Published: May 2016

Inspired by recent papers on twisted

K
K

-theory, we consider in this article the question of when a twist

R

\mathcal {R}

over a locally compact Hausdorff groupoid

G

\mathcal {G}

(with unit space a CW-complex) admits a twisted vector bundle, and we relate this question to the Brauer group of

G

\mathcal {G}

. We show that the twists which admit twisted vector bundles give rise to a subgroup of the Brauer group of

G

\mathcal {G}

. When

G

\mathcal {G}

is an étale groupoid, we establish conditions (involving the classifying space

B

G

B\mathcal {G}

of

G

\mathcal {G}

) which imply that a torsion twist

R

\mathcal {R}

over

G

\mathcal {G}

admits a twisted vector bundle.
Seascapes are not landscapes: an analysis performed using Bernhard Riemann's rules
Authors: Manderson John Pilling
Published: May 2016

Applied seascape ecology rests on paradigms of terrestrial landscape ecology. Patches defined by persistent seabed features are the basic units of analysis. Persistent oceanographic features provide context while dynamic features are usually ignored. Should seascape ecology rest on terrestrial paradigms? I use Reimann’s rules of analysis to identify differences between seascapes and landscapes. Reimann’s method uses hypotheses about system function to guide the development of models of system components based upon fundamental “laws”. The method forced me to avoid using terrestrial analogies in understanding of organism-habitat relationships. The fundamental laws applying to all organisms were the conservative metabolic requirements underlying individual performance and population growth. Physical properties of the environment; specifically those dictating strategies available to organisms meeting metabolic requirements, were the “laws” applying to the external environment. Organisms living in the ocean’s liquid meet most metabolic requirements using strong habitat selection for properties of the liquid that are controlled by “fast”, often episodic, atmospheric and tidal forces. Seascapes are therefor primarily driven by dynamic hydrography including mixing processes. In contrast, most terrestrial organisms are decoupled by gravity and physiological regulation from an atmospheric fluid that is metabolically more challenging. They show strong habitat selection for many essential metabolic materials concentrated on the land surface where slower biogeochemical processes including soil development drive ecological dynamics. Living in a liquid is different from living in a gas and resource use management in the oceans needs to be tuned to seascapes dynamics that is driven primarily by hydrodynamics and secondarily by seabed processes. Advances in ocean observing and data assimilative circulation models now permit the rapid development of applied seascape ecology. This development is essential now that changes in global climate are being rapidly translated into changes in the dynamics of the ocean hydrosphere that structures and controls ecological dynamics within seascapes.
SU Lyncis, a hard X-ray bright M giant: clues point to a large hidden population of symbiotic stars
Authors: Mukai K. , Luna G. J. M. , Cusumano G. , Segreto A. , Munari U. , Sokoloski J. L. , Lucy A. B. , Nelson T. , Nuñez N. E.
Published: May 2016

Symbiotic star surveys have traditionally relied almost exclusively on low resolution optical spectroscopy. However, we can obtain a more reliable estimate of their total Galactic population by using all available signatures of the symbiotic phenomenon. Here we report the discovery of a hard X-ray source, 4PBC J0642.9+5528, in the Swift hard X-ray all-sky survey, and identify it with a poorly studied red giant, SU Lyn, using pointed Swift observations and ground-based optical spectroscopy. The X-ray spectrum, the optical to UV spectrum, and the rapid UV variability of SU Lyn are all consistent with our interpretation that it is a symbiotic star containing an accreting white dwarf. The symbiotic nature of SU Lyn went unnoticed until now, because it does not exhibit emission lines strong enough to be obvious in low resolution spectra. We argue that symbiotic stars without shell-burning have weak emission lines, and that the current lists of symbiotic stars are biased in favour of shell-burning systems. We conclude that the true population of symbiotic stars has been underestimated, potentially by a large factor.
Donor-Derived Coccidioides immitis Endocarditis and Disseminated Infection in the Setting of Solid Organ Transplantation
Authors: Nelson Joanna K. , Giraldeau Genevieve , Montoya Jose G. , Deresinski Stan , Ho Dora Y. , Pham Michael
Published: May 2016

Background.  Endocarditis is a rare manifestation of infection with Coccidioides. This is the first reported case of donor-derived Coccidioides endocarditis obtained from a heart transplant.

Methods.  We present a unique case of donor-derived Coccidioides immitis endocarditis and disseminated infection in a heart transplant patient. We also conducted a review of the literature to identify other cases of donor-derived coccidioidomycosis in solid organ transplant recipients and reviewed their clinical characteristics.

Results.  Fifteen prior cases of donor-derived coccidioidomycosis were identified. A majority of these cases were diagnosed by positive culture (83%). Mortality was high at 58%.

Conclusions.  Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for disseminated coccidioidomycosis in patients who received transplants with organs from donors with a history of residing in endemic regions.
Consensus Phylogenetic trees of Fifteen Prokaryotic Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase Polypeptides based on Euclidean Geometry of All-Pairs Distances and Concatenation
Authors: Bargaje Rhishikesh , Kumar M.Milner , Modak Sohan Prabhakar
Published: May 2016

Background

Most molecular phylogenetic trees depict the relative closeness or the extent of similarity among a set of taxa based on comparison of sequences of homologous genes or proteins. Since the tree topology for individual monogenic traits varies among the same set of organisms and does not overlap taxonomic hierarchy, hence there is a need to generate multidimensional phylogenetic trees.

Results

Phylogenetic trees were constructed for 119 prokaryotes representing 2 phyla under Archaea and 11 phyla under Bacteria after comparing multiple sequence alignments for 15 different aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase polypeptides. The topology of Neighbor Joining (NJ) trees for individual tRNA synthetase polypeptides varied substantially. We use Euclidean geometry to estimate all-pairs distances in order to construct phylogenetic trees. Further, we used a novel “Taxonomic fidelity” algorithm to estimate clade by clade similarity between the phylogenetic tree and the taxonomic tree. We find that, as compared to trees for individual tRNA synthetase polypeptides and rDNA sequences, the topology of our Euclidean tree and that for aligned and concatenated sequences of 15 proteins are closer to the taxonomic trees and offer the best consensus. We have also aligned sequences after concatenation, and find that by changing the order of sequence joining prior to alignment, the tree topologies vary. In contrast, changing the types of polypeptides in the grouping for Euclidean trees does not affect the tree topologies.

Conclusions

We show that a consensus phylogenetic tree of 15 polypeptides from 14 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases for 119 prokaryotes using Euclidean geometry exhibits better taxonomic fidelity than trees for individual tRNA synthetase polypeptides as well as 16S rDNA. We have also examined Euclidean N-dimensional trees for 15 tRNA synthetase polypeptides which give the same topology as that constructed after amalgamating 3-dimensional Euclidean trees for groups of 3 polypeptides. Euclidean N-dimensional trees offer a reliable future to multi-genic molecular phylogenetics.
Methods for High-Throughput Drug Combination Screening and Synergy Scoring
Authors: He Liye , Kulesskiy Evgeny , Saarela Jani , Turunen Laura , Wennerberg Krister , Aittokallio Tero , Tang Jing
Published: May 2016

Gene products or pathways that are aberrantly activated in cancer but not in normal tissue hold great promises for being effective and safe anticancer therapeutic targets. Many targeted drugs have entered clinical trials but so far showed limited efficacy mostly due to variability in treatment responses and often rapidly emerging resistance. Towards more effective treatment options, we will critically need multi-targeted drugs or drug combinations, which selectively inhibit the cancer cells and block distinct escape mechanisms for the cells to become resistant. Functional profiling of drug combinations requires careful experimental design and robust data analysis approaches. At the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), we have developed an experimental-computational pipeline for high-throughput screening of drug combination effects in cancer cells. The integration of automated screening techniques with advanced synergy scoring tools allows for efficient and reliable detection of synergistic drug interactions within a specific window of concentrations, hence accelerating the identification of potential drug combinations for further confirmatory studies.
A signature of neural coding at human perceptual limits
Authors: Bays Paul M
Published: May 2016

Simple visual features, such as orientation, are thought to be represented in the spiking of visual neurons using population codes. I show that optimal decoding of such activity predicts characteristic deviations from the normal distribution of errors at low gains. Examining human perception of orientation stimuli, I show that these predicted deviations are present at near-threshold levels of contrast. The findings may provide a neural-level explanation for the appearance of a threshold in perceptual awareness, whereby stimuli are categorized as seen or unseen. As well as varying in error magnitude, perceptual judgments differ in certainty about what was observed. I demonstrate that variations in the total spiking activity of a neural population can account for the empirical relationship between subjective confidence and precision. These results establish population coding and decoding as the neural basis of perception and perceptual confidence.
Bracken: Estimating species abundance in metagenomics data
Authors: Lu Jennifer , Breitwieser Florian P , Thielen Peter , Salzberg Steven L
Published: May 2016

We describe a new, highly accurate statistical method that computes the abundance of species in DNA sequences from a metagenomics sample. Bracken (Bayesian Reestimation of Abundance after Classification with KrakEN) uses the taxonomy labels assigned by Kraken, a highly accurate metagenomics classification algorithm, to estimate the number of reads originating from each species present in a sample. Kraken classifies reads to the best matching location in the taxonomic tree, but does not estimate abundances of species. We use the Kraken database itself to derive probabilities that describe how much sequence from each genome is shared with other genomes in the database, and combine this information with the assignments for a particular sample to estimate abundance at the species level, the genus level, or above. Combined with the Kraken classifier, Bracken produces accurate species-and genus-level abundance estimates even when a sample contains multiple near-identical species.
A novel homology-based algorithm for the identification of physically linked clusters of paralogous genes
Authors: Ortiz Juan F. , Rokas Antonis
Published: May 2016

Highly diverse phenotypic traits are often encoded by clusters of gene paralogs that are physically linked on chromosomes. Examples include olfactory receptor gene clusters involved in the recognition of diverse odors, defensin and phospholipase gene clusters involved in snake venoms, and Hox gene clusters involved in morphological diversity. Historically, gene clusters have been identified subjectively as genomic neighborhoods containing several paralogs, however, their genomic arrangements are often highly variable with respect to gene number, intergenic distance, and synteny. For example, the prolactin gene cluster shows variation in paralogous gene number, order and intergenic distance across mammals, whereas animal Hox gene clusters are often broken into sub-clusters of different sizes. A lack of formal definition for clusters of gene paralogs does not only hamper the study of their evolutionary dynamics, but also the discovery of novel ones in the exponentially growing body of genomic data. To address this gap, we developed a novel homology-based algorithm, CGPFinder, which formalizes and automates the identification of clusters of gene paralogs (CGPs) by examining the physical distribution of individual gene members of families of paralogous genes across chromosomes. Application of CGPFinder to diverse mammalian genomes accurately identified CGPs for many well-known gene clusters in the human and mouse genomes (e.g., Hox, protocadherin, Siglec, and beta-globin gene clusters) as well as for 20 other mammalian genomes. Differences were due to the exclusion of non-homologous genes that have historically been considered parts of specific gene clusters, the inclusion or absence of one or more genes between the CGPs and their corresponding gene clusters, and the splitting of certain gene clusters into distinct CGPs. Finally, examination of human genes showing tissue-specific enhancement of their expression by CGPFinder identified members of several well-known gene clusters (e.g., cytochrome P450, aquaporins, and olfactory receptors) and revealed that they were unequally distributed across tissues. By formalizing and automating the identification of CGPs and of genes that are members of CGPs, CGPFinder will facilitate furthering our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of genomic neighborhoods containing CGPs, their functional implications, and how they are associated with phenotypic diversity.
Purine 3′:5′-cyclic nucleotides with the nucleobase in asynorientation: cAMP, cGMP and cIMP
Authors: Ślepokura Katarzyna Anna
Published: May 2016

Purine 3′:5′-cyclic nucleotides are very well known for their role as the secondary messengers in hormone action and cellular signal transduction. Nonetheless, their solid-state conformational details still require investigation. Five crystals containing purine 3′:5′-cyclic nucleotides have been obtained and structurally characterized, namely adenosine 3′:5′-cyclic phosphate dihydrate, C10H12N5O6P·2H2O or cAMP·2H2O, (I), adenosine 3′:5′-cyclic phosphate 0.3-hydrate, C10H12N5O6P·0.3H2O or cAMP·0.3H2O, (II), guanosine 3′:5′-cyclic phosphate pentahydrate, C10H12N5O7P·5H2O or cGMP·5H2O, (III), sodium guanosine 3′:5′-cyclic phosphate tetrahydrate, Na+·C10H11N5O7P−·4H2O or Na(cGMP)·4H2O, (IV), and sodium inosine 3′:5′-cyclic phosphate tetrahydrate, Na+·C10H10N4O7P−·4H2O or Na(cIMP)·4H2O, (V). Most of the cyclic nucleotide zwitterions/anions [two from four cAMP present in total in (I) and (II), cGMP in (III), cGMP−in (IV) and cIMP−in (V)] aresynconformers about the N-glycosidic bond, and this nucleobase arrangement is accompanied by Crib—H...Npurhydrogen bonds (rib = ribose and pur = purine). The base orientation is tuned by the ribose pucker. An analysis of data obtained from the Cambridge Structural Database made in the context ofsyn–anticonformational preferences has revealed that among thesynconformers of various purine nucleotides, cyclic nucleotides and dinucleotides predominate significantly. The interactions stabilizing thesynconformation have been indicated. The inter-nucleotide contacts in (I)–(V) have been systematized in terms of the chemical groups involved. All five structures display three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded networks.
Crystal structure of bis[μ-2-(diisopropylphosphoryl)propan-2-olato-κ3O1,O2:O1]bis[chloridooxidovanadium(IV)]
Authors: Glatz Mathias , Stöger Berthold , Weil Matthias , Kirchner Karl
Published: May 2016

The dinuclear molecule of the title complex, [VOCl{μ-OC(Me)2P(iPr)2-κ2O}]2or [V2(C9H20O2P)2Cl2O2], which was obtained due to an unexpected oxidation reaction, is centrosymmetric, with the inversion centre located in the middle of the central V2O2core. These core O atoms arise from the symmetry-related 2-(diisopropylphosphoryl)propan-2-olate dianions. The VIVatom is additionally bonded to one terminal Cl ligand, the second O atom of the dianion and double bonded to a vanadyl O atom, leading to an overall distorted square-pyramidal VO4Cl coordination polyhedron with the vanadyl O atom as the apex. An intramolecular C—H...Cl contact helps to establish the molecular configuration. In the crystal, molecules are stacked in rows parallel to [001] and are linked by C—H...Cl contacts to form chains running in the same direction.
Investigating preconditions for a financially advantageous cloud usage
Authors: Jede Andreas , Teuteberg Frank
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Information technology (IT) expenses constitute an important factor when choosing efficient IT systems. Especially with regard to cloud computing (CC), decision-makers tend to associate cost benefits. In this context, cloud providers present often undifferentiated sample calculations which aim to verify the financial favorability of their IT solutions. However, the scientific literature tries to encounter this by means of various total costs of ownership approaches. But science mostly neglects essential factors and does not provide an integrated approach involving factors, such as cost of capital, taxation effects, use intensity or duration of use. Hence, the purpose of this study is to involve these factors accordingly.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a multi-method approach. First, existing literature is analyzed by a systematic literature review. Afterwards, the initial model is developed by means of a formal notation. Finally, the suitability of the formal model is evaluated by a real-life case study, where simulation software is used for investigating various scenarios.

Findings

The underlying paper discusses a formal model which integrates the four stated factors and enables decision-makers to compare cloud-based IT services on a comprehensive financial basis. Thus, the rational cost comparisons with traditional IT systems such as on-premise (OP) increase the transparency of the CC field significantly.

Originality/value

This paper shows impressively the importance of the four mentioned factors and their influence on the decision whether to implement cloud services or OP services. Herein, to the best of our knowledge and for the first time, a cash-flow-based comparison model is created for comparing cloud services and OP solutions.
Ownership structure and earnings management: evidence from Jordan
Authors: Saleem Salem Alzoubi Ebraheem
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between internal corporate governance mechanism and earnings management of Jordanian companies. More specifically, the author examines several hypotheses regarding the relationships between ownership and earnings management.

Design/methodology/approach

This study measures the magnitude of discretionary accruals as a proxy for earnings management using the cross-sectional modified Jones model. A number of econometric techniques are used including ordinary least squares and generalized least squares to test the relationship between company ownership and earnings management, using a sample of 62 companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange.

Findings

The results revealed that insider managerial ownership, institutional ownership, external blockholder, family ownership and foreign ownership have superior influence on financial reporting quality, as it is, to a greater extent, potentially able to curtail earnings management. The findings contended that the aspects of ownership structure have a significant influence on earnings management, which is in agreement with the theories of corporate governance and opinions that have been highlighted through a number of international bodies.

Research limitations/implications

Due to lack of data, the paper depends on cross-sectional data applied to isolate abnormal accruals.

Practical implications

The evidence may be conceivably beneficial as a supporting fundamental for regulatory action, particularly those that affect the ownership structure. The findings have significant implications for regulators as well as supervisors, who will benefit by the comprehension of how ownership structure affects earnings management and enhance financial reporting quality.

Originality/value

The current research produced its essential contribution through empirically displaying that ownership structure has different implications on earnings management. Moreover, the results recommended that both policymakers and researchers would no longer contemplate ownership structure as a whole, given that ownership structure has different implications on earnings management, measured by the discretionary accruals.
The use of customer-centric philosophy in hotels to improve customer loyalty
Authors: Palacios-Marques Daniel , Guijarro Maria , Carrilero Agustin
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the impact the quality of online and multi-channel offers have on perceived value. It is also analyzed whether customer-centric management will ensure a greater perceived value and loyalty of the customer for the hotel. The authors analyze its relationship with customer satisfaction, perceived value and switching costs related to hotels with customer-centric management.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of the paper are hotel users with Internet access. The authors have obtained 420 valid questionnaires through personal interviews. The statistical methodology used is the causal analysis, using structural equation models.

Findings

The empirical results of this paper indicate that by improving the online quality offered by hotels with a personalized online service and an increased efficiency of the service, reducing information asymmetries, search and transaction time and bargaining costs, building loyalty by customization and innovation, the customer perceives more value in the service provided by hotels.

Originality/value

It is analyzed empirically how the customer-centric philosophy, a key philosophy for the hotel sector, allows an effective differentiation, greater customer loyalty and, therefore, an increased profitability of the company.
How does word of mouth affect customer satisfaction?
Authors: Shi Wenhua , Tang Lingshu , Zhang Xiaohang , Gao Yu , Zhu Yameng
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Although word of mouth (WOM) affects customers’ purchasing intentions to a large extent, prior research has neglected the role of WOM as a driver of customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Several scholars have suggested that WOM can not only affect customer expectation but also can influence perceived quality. Consistent with existing research results and the expectancy disparity model, this paper established a causal relation between WOM and customer satisfaction and confirmed it was drawing on an experimental study.

Findings

This paper indicates that positive or negative WOM affects customer satisfaction by promoting or lowering customers’ expectations. This relation is moderated by product type, rather than the source of the WOM. With experience goods, positive (negative) WOM will decrease (increase) customer satisfaction. However, with search goods, positive (negative) WOM will increase (decrease) customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

The results of this study have implications for academia and management. Academically, this study establishes the causal relation between WOM and customer satisfaction, expanding the research on the relation between WOM and satisfaction. From a managerial perspective, the promotion of WOM also can create certain service risks.
Severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions
Authors: Chung Wen‐Hung , Wang Chuang‐Wei , Dao Ro‐Lan
Published: May 2016

The clinical manifestations of drug eruptions can range from mild maculopapular exanthema to severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCAR), including drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) which are rare but occasionally fatal. Some pathogens may induce skin reactions mimicking SCAR. There are several models to explain the interaction of human leukocyte antigen (HLA), drug and T‐cell receptor (TCR): (i) the “hapten/prohapten” theory; (ii) the “p‐i concept”; (iii) the “altered peptide repertoire”; and (iv) the “altered TCR repertoire”. The checkpoints of molecular mechanisms of SCAR include specific drug antigens interacting with the specific HLA loci (e.g. HLA‐B*15:02 for carbamazepine‐induced SJS/TEN and HLA‐B*58:01 for allopurinol‐induced SCAR), involvement of specific TCR, induction of T‐cell‐mediated responses (e.g. granulysin, Fas ligand, perforin/granzyme B and T‐helper 1/2‐associated cytokines) and cell death mechanism (e.g. miR‐18a‐5p‐induced apoptosis; annexin A1 and formyl peptide receptor 1‐induced necroptosis in keratinocytes). In addition to immune mechanism, metabolism has been found to play a role in the pathogenesis of SCAR, such as recent findings of strong association of CYP2C9*3 with phenytoin‐induced SCAR and impaired renal function with allopurinol SCAR. With a better understanding of the mechanisms, effective therapeutics and prevention for SCAR can be improved.
Accidental activists: headhunters as marginal diversity actors in institutional change towards more women on boards
Authors: Doldor Elena , Sealy Ruth , Vinnicombe Susan
Published: May 2016

We present a qualitative study that examines the role of headhunters as actors in a broader institutional change process aiming to increase gender diversity on corporate boards. We draw on institutional and diversity management theories to conceptualise their change agency in the broader field of women on boards. We describe their role as ‘accidental activists’ and theorise two micro‐processes that define their change agency in this field: voluntaristic framing of intentionality and role redefinition by drawing on competing logics. This conceptualisation does not match the heroic image of the institutional entrepreneur driving institutional change, or that of the tempered radical championing diversity, but rather casts light into a marginal and previously neglected change role. We demonstrate the opportunistic and precarious nature of this role with regard to both institutional change and diversity management and discuss its possibilities and perils.
Spatial and Temporal Variation of Water Temperature Regimes on the Snoqualmie River Network
Authors: Ashley Steel E. , Sowder Colin , Peterson Erin E.
Published: May 2016

Although mean temperatures change annually and are highly correlated with elevation, the entire thermal regime on the Snoqualmie River, Washington, USA does not simply shift with elevation or season. Particular facets of the thermal regime have unique spatial patterns on the river network and at particular times of the year. We used a spatially and temporally dense temperature dataset to generate 13 temperature metrics representing popular summary measures (e.g., minimum, mean, or maximum temperature) and wavelet variances over each of seven time windows. Spatial stream‐network models which account for within‐network dependence were fit using three commonly used predictors of riverine thermal regime (elevation, mean annual discharge, and percent commercial area) to each temperature metric in each time window. Predictors were strongly related (r2 > 0.6) to common summaries of the thermal regime but were less effective at describing other facets of the thermal regime. Relationships shifted with season and across facets. Summer mean temperatures decreased strongly with increasing elevation but this relationship was weaker for winter mean temperatures and winter minimum temperatures; it was reversed for mean daily range and there was no relationship between elevation and wavelet variances. We provide examples of how enriched information about the spatial and temporal complexities of natural thermal regimes can improve management and monitoring of aquatic resources.
Postoperative chemoradiotherapy improves survival in patients with stage II–III esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: An analysis of clinical outcomes
Authors: Zou Bingwen , Pang Jing , Liu Yongmei , Xu Yong , Li Lu , Zhou Lin , Zhu Jiang , Huang Meijuan , Wang Jin , Ren Li , Gong Youlin , Lu You , Chen Longqi , Peng Feng
Published: May 2016

Background

We compared the efficacy of postoperative chemoradiation (POCRT) and surgery alone (SA) in patients with stageII–IIIesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

We analyzed the records of 265 patients with stageII–III ESCCwho had undergone transthoracic esophagectomy and lymphadenectomy; 105 patients receivedPOCRT, while 160 hadSA.

Results

The median disease‐free survival (DFS) of the whole cohort was 22 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 19.2–24.8), while the median overall survival (OS) was 29 months (95%CI25.5–32.5). The medianDFSof theSAgroup was 21 months (95%CI17.9–24.0), while that of thePOCRTgroup was 29 months (95%CI18.8–31.2;P= 0.048). Consistently, patients in thePOCRTgroup had significantly longer medianOSthan patients in theSAgroup (34 vs. 26 months, respectively). Subgroup analysis showed that in patients with positive lymph nodes, pathological stageIII, T3–4 stage, and poorly differentiated carcinoma,POCRTwas apparently more effective thanSAat improvingOSand decreasing the rates of local recurrence and distant metastasis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that lymph node involvement and treatment withPOCRTwere independent prognostic factors.

Conclusion

Compared withSA,POCRTmay be more effective in improvingOSand decreasing the rates of local recurrence and distant metastasis, particularly in stageIIIor positive lymph node stageII–III ESCCpatients.
New Life for the Octopus: How Voting Rules Sustain the Power of California's Big Landowners
Authors: Gaffney Mason , Goodall Merrill
Published: May 2016

The concentrated ownership of farmland has influenced rural life in the state of California for more than a century. Reformers have introduced measures to counteract that concentration, such as acreage limits on farms receiving water from federally funded projects. Large landowners have fought back with policies that have protected their ability to amass and maintain their empires. In the first part of this article, Mason Gaffney presents this historical background in broad outlines. In the second part, Merrill Goodall explains an important policy that preserves the power of entrenched interests: water districts that are governed by a board elected by a voting system that allots one vote to each dollar of land value. In these districts, a tiny handful of landowners is able to control a public agency without opposition and without the need to persuade other voters.
Cognitive and affective components of empathy and their relationship with personality dimensions in a Chinese sample
Authors: Neumann David L. , Chan Raymond C. K. , Wang Yi , Boyle Gregory J.
Published: May 2016

Empathy is an essential component of social interactions and may be related to personality characteristics. However, this issue has not been extensively examined in a Chinese sample. Students at six universities in China (N = 257) completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire‐Revised (EPQ‐R), and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS‐21). Using multiple regression analyses, and after accounting for demographic variables (sex and age), it was found that the affective empathy component Personal Distress positively predicted EPQ‐R Neuroticism scores (β = .49), negatively predicted Extraversion (β = –.21) and Lie scale scores (β = –.22), and positively predicted DASS‐21 Depression (β = .26), Anxiety (β = .34) and Stress scores (β = .39). Empathic Concern positively predicted Lie Scale scores (β = .21), and negatively predicted Psychoticism scores (β = –.24). Individuals with high scores in Empathic Concern were also found to score more highly on Fantasy, Personal Distress, Neuroticism, Stress and Anxiety. Thus, more empathic individuals are likely to experience elevations in negative affectivity when they perceive the emotional suffering of others.
Choroidal vascularity index – a novel optical coherence tomography parameter for disease monitoring in diabetes mellitus?
Authors: Tan Kara‐Anne , Laude Augustinus , Yip Vivien , Loo Eileen , Wong Elizabeth P. , Agrawal Rupesh
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To propose the use of choroidal vascularity index (CVI) as a novel tool to assess vascular status of the choroid using image binarization of enhanced depth imaging (EDI) optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans in diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods

A prospective cross‐sectional study was performed at a tertiary referral eye care centre in Singapore. Age and gender matched EDI‐OCT scans of 38 eyes of 19 patients with DM were compared with eyes of healthy controls (n = 19). The choroidal images were binarized into luminal areas (LA) and stromal areas (SA). Choroidal vascularity index (CVI) was defined as the proportion of LA to total circumscribed subfoveal choroid area (TCA). Mean choroidal thickness, mean retinal thickness and mean CVI between patients and controls were compared using student's t‐test.

Results

There were no significant differences in TCA (p = 0.78), LA (p = 0.90), SA (p = 0.33), average choroidal (p = 0.40) or retinal thickness (p = 0.70) between patients with DM and controls. However, there was a significantly lower CVI in patients with DM as compared to controls (65.10 ± 0.20 versus 67.20 ± 0.16, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Eyes of patients with DM showed decreased CVI with no corresponding change in choroidal thickness. Image binarization may be potentially useful as a tool to assess choroidal structures and vasculature.
Association of the polymorphism Y402H in the CFH gene with response to anti‐VEGF treatment in age‐related macular degeneration: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hong Nan , Shen Ye , Yu Chen‐Ying , Wang Shu‐Qun , Tong Jian‐Ping
Published: May 2016

To explore whether the complement factor H (CFH) polymorphism rs1061170/Y402H is associated with responsiveness to antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents in age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). We reviewed the English literature to examine the association between the polymorphism rs1061170/Y402H of the CFH gene and responsiveness to treatment with anti‐VEGF drugs in AMD patients. A meta‐analysis of eligible studies was also performed. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were estimated using Stata V.12.0. Statistical heterogeneity was measured using Q‐statistic testing. Fourteen relevant studies including a total of 2963 AMD patients were eligible. In AMD patients without a treatment history, individuals carrying the rs1061170/Y402H TT genotype were more likely to achieve a better outcome (OR = 1.932, 95% CI = 1.125–3.317, p = 0.017) than those carrying the CC genotype. The polymorphism rs1061170/Y402H might be a genetic predictor of treatment response to anti‐VEGF therapy in AMD patients. Further prospective research including a larger number of patients is needed to validate this finding.
Long‐term follow‐up of astigmatic keratotomy for corneal astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty
Authors: Böhringer Daniel , Dineva Nina , Maier Philip , Birnbaum Florian , Kirschkamp Thomas , Reinhard Thomas , Eberwein Philipp
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To report the long‐term stability of paired arcuate corneal keratotomies (AKs) in patients with high regular postpenetrating keratoplasty astigmatism.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of best‐corrected visual acuity, refraction and keratometric values of 41 eyes with AK between 2003 and 2012.

Results

Magnitude of median target induced astigmatism vector was 9.2 dioptres (Dpt). We reached a median magnitude of surgically induced astigmatism vector of 9.81 Dpt and a median magnitude of difference vector of 5.5 Dpt. In keratometry, we achieved a net median astigmatism reduction by 3.3 Dpt. The average correction index was 1.14, showing a slight overcorrection. Irregularity of keratometric astigmatism increased by 0.6 Dpt, and spherical equivalent changed by 1.75 Dpt. Monocular best spectacle corrected visual acuity increased from preoperatively 20/63 (0.5 logMAR) to 20/40 (0.3 logMAR) postoperatively. Median gain on the ETDRS chart was two lines. Long‐term follow‐up showed a median keratometric astigmatic increase by 0.3 Dpt per year.

Conclusion

Arcuate corneal keratotomies is a safe and effective method to reduce high regular corneal astigmatism following penetrating keratoplasty but has limited predictability. The long‐term follow‐up shows an increase of keratometric astigmatism by 0.3 Dpt/year, equalizing the surgical effect after 10 years.
Frameshift mutations of a tumor suppressor gene ZNF292 in gastric and colorectal cancers with high microsatellite instability
Authors: Lee Ju Hwa , Song Sang Yong , Kim Min Sung , Yoo Nam Jin , Lee Sug Hyung
Published: May 2016

A transcription factor‐encoding gene ZNF292 is considered a candidate tumor suppressor gene (TSG). Its mutations have been identified in cancers from liver, colon, and bone marrow. However, ZNF292 inactivating mutations that might suppress the TSG functions have not been reported in gastric (GC) and colorectal cancers (CRC) with microsatellite instability (MSI). In a public database, we found that ZNF292 gene had mononucleotide repeats in the coding sequences that might be mutation targets in the cancers with MSI. In this study, we analyzed 79 GCs and 124 CRCs including high MSI (MSI‐H) and microsatellite stable/low MSI (MSS/MSI‐L) cases for the detection of somatic mutations in the repeats. Overall, we identified frameshift mutations of ZNF292 in 3 (8.8%) GCs and 11 (13.9%) CRCs with MSI‐H (14/113), but not in MSS/MSI‐L cancers (0/90) (p < 0.001). Also, we studied intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH) of the ZNF292 frameshift mutations in 16 CRCs and found that two (12.5%) had regional ITH of the mutations. Our data show that ZNF292 gene harbors not only frameshift mutations but also mutational ITH, which together may be features of GC and CRC with MSI‐H. Based on this, the ZNF292 frameshift mutations may possibly contribute to tumorigenesis by altering its TSG functions in GC and CRC.
The risk of community‐acquired pneumonia among 9803 patients with coeliac disease compared to the general population: a cohort study
Authors: Zingone F. , Abdul Sultan A. , Crooks C. J. , Tata L. J. , Ciacci C. , West J.
Published: May 2016

Background

Patients with coeliac disease are considered as individuals for whom pneumococcal vaccination is advocated.

Aim

To quantify the risk of community‐acquired pneumonia among patients with coeliac disease, assessing whether vaccination against streptococcal pneumonia modified this risk.

Methods

We identified all patients with coeliac disease within the Clinical Practice Research Datalink linked with English Hospital Episodes Statistics between April 1997 and March 2011 and up to 10 controls per patient with coeliac disease frequency matched in 10‐year age bands. Absolute rates of community‐acquired pneumonia were calculated for patients with coeliac disease compared to controls stratified by vaccination status and time of diagnosis using Cox regression in terms of adjusted hazard ratios (HR).

Results

Among 9803 patients with coeliac disease and 101 755 controls, respectively, there were 179 and 1864 first community‐acquired pneumonia events. Overall absolute rate of pneumonia was similar in patients with coeliac disease and controls: 3.42 and 3.12 per 1000 person‐years respectively (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.91–1.24). However, we found a 28% increased risk of pneumonia in coeliac disease unvaccinated subjects compared to unvaccinated controls (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.02–1.60). This increased risk was limited to those younger than 65, was highest around the time of diagnosis and was maintained for more than 5 years after diagnosis. Only 26.6% underwent vaccination after their coeliac disease diagnosis.

Conclusions

Unvaccinated patients with coeliac disease under the age of 65 have an excess risk of community‐acquired pneumonia that was not found in vaccinated patients with coeliac disease. As only a minority of patients with coeliac disease are being vaccinated there is a missed opportunity to intervene to protect these patients from pneumonia.
End‐Member Mixing Analysis (EMMA) Applied to Sediment Grain Size Distributions to Characterize Formational Processes of the Main Excavation Block, Unit 2, of the Rimrock Draw Rockshelter (35HA3855), Harney Basin, Eastern Oregon (USA)
Authors: Collins J. D. , O'Grady P. , Langford R. P. , Gill T. E.
Published: May 2016

End‐member mixing analysis (EMMA) was conducted on the grain size distributions (GSD) of 13 sediment samples collected from the main excavation block, Unit 2, of the Rimrock Draw Rockshelter, a deeply stratified, multi‐component Palaeoindian rockshelter in the Harney Basin of eastern Oregon, USA. EMMA confirmed the three stratigraphic units (SU) observed in the field and identified three sedimentary end‐members (EM) that account for 95.52% of Unit 2 site formation. EM 1 comprises 70.72% of the total measured grain‐size variation and represents fluvial deposition, correlating with the bottom stratigraphic unit, SU 3. EM 2 comprises an additional 17.74% of the total measured grain‐size variation and represents fluvially reworked aeolian deposition, correlating with the upper stratigraphic unit, SU 1. EM 3 comprises the remaining 7.06% of the total measured grain‐size variation and represents possibly a two‐component aeolian deposition of suspension and short‐term saltation, correlating with the middle unit, SU 2. The results presented demonstrate the ability of EMMA as a technique to (1) unbiasedly distinguish between the SUs identified in the field using only the measured grain size distributions, (2) provide genetically meaningful and quantitative grain‐size end‐members to identify multiple major depositional processes of site formation, and (3) provide a geologically meaningful interpretation of site formation that is capable of facilitating the formulation of more focused hypotheses regarding human and environment interactions at the site.
Glucagon‐related peptides and the regulation of food intake in chickens
Authors: Honda Kazuhisa
Published: May 2016

The regulatory mechanisms underlying food intake in chickens have been a focus of research in recent decades to improve production efficiency when raising chickens. Lines of evidence have revealed that a number of brain‐gut peptides function as a neurotransmitter or peripheral satiety hormone in the regulation of food intake both in mammals and chickens. Glucagon, a 29 amino acid peptide hormone, has long been known to play important roles in maintaining glucose homeostasis in mammals and birds. However, the glucagon gene encodes various peptides that are produced by tissue‐specific proglucagon processing: glucagon is produced in the pancreas, whereas oxyntomodulin (OXM), glucagon‐like peptide (GLP)‐1 and GLP‐2 are produced in the intestine and brain. Better understanding of the roles of these peptides in the regulation of energy homeostasis has led to various physiological roles being proposed in mammals. For example, GLP‐1 functions as an anorexigenic neurotransmitter in the brain and as a postprandial satiety hormone in the peripheral circulation. There is evidence that OXM and GLP‐2 also induce anorexia in mammals. Therefore, it is possible that the brain‐gut peptides OXM, GLP‐1 and GLP‐2 play physiological roles in the regulation of food intake in chickens. More recently, a novel GLP and its specific receptor were identified in the chicken brain. This review summarizes current knowledge about the role of glucagon‐related peptides in the regulation of food intake in chickens.
Milk‐derived bioactive peptides and their health promoting effects: a potential role in atherosclerosis
Authors: Marcone Simone , Belton Orina , Fitzgerald Desmond J.
Published: May 2016

Bioactive peptides derived from milk proteins are food components that, in addition to their nutritional value, retain many biological properties and have therapeutic effects in several health disorders, including cardiovascular disease. Amongst these, atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of heart attack and strokes. It is a progressive dyslipidaemic and inflammatory disease where accumulation of oxidized lipids and inflammatory cells leads to the formation of an atherosclerotic plaque in the vessel wall. Milk‐derived bioactive peptides can be released during gastrointestinal digestion, food processing or by enzymatic and bacterial fermentation and are considered to promote diverse beneficial effects such as lipid lowering, antihypertensive, immnomodulating, anti‐inflammatory and antithrombotic effects. In this review, an overview of the diverse biological effects of these compounds is given, particularly focusing on their beneficial properties on cardiovascular disease and proposing novel mechanisms of action responsible for their bioactivity. Attempts to prevent cardiovascular diseases target modifications of several risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, high blood concentrations of lipids or insulin resistance. Milk‐derived bioactive peptides are a source of health‐enhancing components and the potential health benefit of these compounds has a growing commercial potential. Consequently, they have been incorporated as ingredients in functional foods, as dietary supplements and as pharmaceuticals to promote health and reduce risk of chronic diseases.