bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete assembly of novel environmental bacterial genomes by MinIONTMsequencing
Authors: Turner Daniel J , Dai Xiaoguang , Mayes Simon C , Juul Sissel
Published: September 2015

In this study, we adapt a protocol for the growth of previously uncultured environmental bacterial isolates, to make it compatible with whole genome sequencing. We demonstrate that in combination with the MinION sequencing device, complete assemblies can be derived, allowing genomic comparisons to be made. This approach allows rapid, inexpensive and straightforward discovery, and genomic analysis, of previously uncultured prokaryotic genomes, and brings greater ownership of all parts of the sequencing process back to individual researchers.
An analysis of supply chain issues relating to information flow during the automotive product development
Authors: Madenas Nikolaos , Tiwari Ashutosh , Turner Christopher , Peachey Sophie
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify measure and prioritise the perceived importance of supply chain issues within the automotive industry related to information flow during product development (PD).

Design/methodology/approach

– This study analyses empirical data captured from semi-structure interviews with 15 multinational companies operating in the automotive sector. Data collected are analysed using a standard methodology identified from the literature. The individual issues captured are classified against 14 clusters that represent the core and the fundamental supply chain issues of information flow.

Findings

– This study showed that half of the issues captured are related to the inadequate information systems used. The cluster that had the majority of individual issues is related to suppliers that are not directly connected with their customers through an enterprise system. However it was identified that two fundamental clusters justify the decision of not being directly connected. Implementing and maintaining multiple enterprise systems can be a big overhead for multinational companies working with a high number of customers.

Originality/value

– Although several studies have proved the benefits that can be obtained through supply chain collaboration, there are relatively little empirical studies that seek to explore the understanding of supply chain issues in regards to information flow especially during PD. By identifying, measuring and prioritising the importance of supply chain issues this study provides researchers and practitioners guidance in developing better tools and defining more efficient processes.
Bicarotid Trunk in the Domestic Cat
Authors: More S. , Watson A. , Stein L. E.
Published: September 2015

The origin of the pair of common carotid arteries in the cat is inadequately described, and there are conflicting accounts in English veterinary anatomy textbooks published in the USA. We found one‐quarter of 40 adult domestic cats dissected had a bicarotid trunk (5 female, 5 male). When present, the bicarotid trunk arose from the brachiocephalic trunk approximately midway between the expected origins of the more frequently independently arising left and right common carotid arteries, and on average, it was 5.6 mm in length. Our findings make the incidence, topographical and measurement information available so that students and veterinarians can be aware of this not insignificant variation in branching of the major arteries, forming a bicarotid trunk, in the cranial mediastinum of domestic cats.
Auditory processing deficits in bipolar disorder with and without a history of psychotic features
Authors: Zenisek RyAnna , Thaler Nicholas S , Sutton Griffin P , Ringdahl Erik N , Snyder Joel S , Allen Daniel N
Published: September 2015

Objectives

Auditory perception deficits have been identified in schizophrenia (SZ) and linked to dysfunction in the auditory cortex. Given that psychotic symptoms, including auditory hallucinations, are also seen in bipolar disorder (BD), it may be that individuals with BD who also exhibit psychotic symptoms demonstrate a similar impairment in auditory perception.

Methods

Fifty individuals with SZ, 30 individuals with bipolar I disorder with a history of psychosis (BD+), 28 individuals with bipolar I disorder with no history of psychotic features (BD−), and 29 normal controls (NC) were administered a tone discrimination task and an emotion recognition task.

Results

Mixed‐model analyses of covariance with planned comparisons indicated that individuals with BD+ performed at a level that was intermediate between those with BD− and those with SZ on the more difficult condition of the tone discrimination task and on the auditory condition of the emotion recognition task. There were no differences between the BD+ and BD− groups on the visual or auditory–visual affect recognition conditions. Regression analyses indicated that performance on the tone discrimination task predicted performance on all conditions of the emotion recognition task. Auditory hallucinations in BD+ were not related to performance on either task.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that, although deficits in frequency discrimination and emotion recognition are more severe in SZ, these impairments extend to BD+. Although our results did not support the idea that auditory hallucinations may be related to these deficits, they indicated that basic auditory deficits may be a marker for psychosis, regardless of SZ or BD diagnosis.
Humanitarian accountability, bureaucracy, and self‐regulation: the view from the archive
Authors: Roddy Sarah , Strange Julie‐Marie , Taithe Bertrand
Published: September 2015

This paper contains a systematic exploration of local and national archives and sources relevant to charities and humanitarian fund appeals of the late Victorian and Edwardian eras (1870–1912) in Great Britain. It shows that the charitable world and humanitarian work share the same matrix and originate from the same roots, with considerable overlap between fundraising for domestic charity and overseas relief. These campaigns engaged in crucial self‐regulatory processes very early on that involved concepts such as formal accountability and the close monitoring of delivery. Far from lagging behind in terms of formal practices of auditing and accounts, charities and humanitarian funds often were in the pioneering group as compared with mainstream businesses of the period. The charitable sector, notably through the Charity Organisation Society in cooperation with the press, developed and delivered accountability and monitoring, while the state and the Charity Commission played a negligible role in this process.
Sex‐specific responses of phenotypic diversity to environmental variation
Authors: Algar Adam C. , López‐Darias Marta
Published: September 2015

Identifying the factors generating ecomorphological diversity within species can provide a window into the nascent stages of ecological radiation. Sexual dimorphism is an obvious axis of intraspecific morphological diversity that could affect how environmental variation leads to ecological divergence among populations. In this paper we test for sex‐specific responses in how environmental variation generates phenotypic diversity within species, using the generalist lizardGallotia gallotion Tenerife (Canary Islands). We evaluate two hypotheses: the first proposes that different environments have different phenotypic optima, leading to shifts in the positions of populations in morphospace between environments; the second posits that the strength of trait‐filtering differs between environments, predicting changes in the volume of morphospace occupied by populations in different environments. We found that intraspecific morphological diversity, provided it is adaptive, arises from both shifts in populations’ position in morphospace and differences in the strength of environmental filtering among environments, especially at high elevations. However, effects were found only in males; morphological diversity of females responded little to environmental variation. These results withinG. gallotisuggest natural selection is not the sole source of phenotypic diversity across environments, but rather that variation in the strength of, or response to, sexual selection may play an important role in generating morphological diversity in environmentally diverse settings. More generally, disparities in trait–environment relationships among males and females also suggest that ignoring sex differences in studies of trait dispersion and clustering may produce misleading inferences.
Selection of aphid prey by a generalist predator: do prey chemical defences matter?
Authors: NESBIT CHRIS M. , WILBY ANDREW , ROBERTS MIKE R. , MENÉNDEZ ROSA
Published: September 2015

1. For predators, prey selection should maximise nutrition and minimise fitness costs. In the present study, it was investigated whether a generalist predator [Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) lacewing larvae] rejected harmful, chemically‐defended prey [Brevicoryne brassicae (Linnaeus) aphids] when non‐defended prey [Myzus persicae (Sulzer) aphids] were available.

2. It was tested: (i) whether consuming different prey species affects predator mortality; (ii) whether naïve predators reject chemically‐defended prey while foraging when non‐defended prey are available; (iii) whether the relative abundance of each prey affects the predator's prey choice; and (iv) whether predators learn to avoid consuming chemically‐defended prey after exposure to both prey species.

3. Consumption of B. brassicae yielded greater C. carnea mortality than M. persicae consumption, but naïve C. carnea did not reject B. brassicae in favour of M. persicae during foraging. When presented at unequal abundances, naïve predators generally consumed each aphid species according to their initial relative abundance, although, predation of non‐defended prey was less than expected when defended prey were initially more abundant, indicating a high consumption of B. brassicae impeded M. persicae consumption. With experience, C. carnea maintained predation of both aphid species but consumed more M. persicae than B. brassicae, indicating a change in behaviour.

4. Although prey choice by C. carnea may change with experience of available prey, prey chemical defences do not appear to influence prey choice by naïve predators. This inability to avoid harmful prey could facilitate wider, indirect interactions. Myzus persicae may benefit where high consumption of B. brassicae hinders predators in the short term, and in the long term, increases predator mortality.
Overactive visuomotor connections underlie the photoparoxysmal response. A TMS study
Authors: Strigaro Gionata , Falletta Lina , Varrasi Claudia , Rothwell John C. , Cantello Roberto
Published: September 2015

Objective

The photoparoxysmal response (PPR) involves rapid spread of epileptic activity from visual to parietal and frontal areas. We used a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) technique to assess the physiologic connections between primary visual (V1) and motor (M1) areas in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). We hypothesized that in PPR‐positive patients, M1 would respond excessively to inputs from V1.

Methods

Eleven photosensitive patients with IGE who had a PPR at the time of the study were compared with 10 similar patients without a PPR, and with 11 healthy subjects of similar age and sex. The connection between V1 and M1 was assessed in resting participants by delivering a conditioning stimulus (CS) over the phosphene hotspot of the visual cortex (intensity 90% phosphene threshold, PT) followed at random interstimulus intervals (ISIs; 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 35 and 40 msec) by a test stimulus (TS) over the left motor cortex to elicit a motor evoked potential (MEP) of ~1 mV from the right first dorsal interosseous muscle.

Results

In healthy subjects, a CS over V1 suppressed M1 at ISIs between 18 and 40 msec. Similar effects occurred in IGE patients without a PPR. This was not true in PPR‐positive IGE patients, in whom this type of physiologic inhibition was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced.

Significance

IGE patients with a PPR have an overactive functional response of M1 to inputs traveling from V1. This may represent one core factor for the anterior spread of the PPR itself and for the origin of the abnormal epileptic motor phenomenon, such as myoclonus.
Saddle fitting, recognising an ill‐fitting saddle and the consequences of an ill‐fitting saddle to horse and rider
Authors: Dyson S. , Carson S. , Fisher M.
Published: September 2015

A saddle that does not fit either a horse or a rider correctly has potentially far reaching consequences for both horse and rider health. The saddle should be assessed off and on the horse, without and with a rider. The fit of the saddle for both the horse and rider must be evaluated. A well‐fitted saddle should distribute weight evenly via the panels to the horse's thoracic region, with complete clearance of the spinous processes by the gullet. The saddle should remain fairly still during ridden exercise at all paces. The saddle must also fit the rider to enable them to sit in balance. Signs of an ill‐fitting saddle include equine thoracolumbar pain, focal swellings under the saddle, ruffling of the hair, dry spots under the saddle immediately after exercise surrounded by sweat, and abnormal hair wear. If a saddle does not fit the rider, the rider may not be able to ride in balance with the horse, and this may induce equine thoracolumbar pain. A saddle of inappropriate size and shape for the rider may induce rider back pain, ‘hip’ pain, sores under the ‘seat bones’ and perineal injuries.
The Effect of Probiotics on Gut Microbiota during the Helicobacter pylori Eradication: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Oh Bumjo , Kim Bong‐Soo , Kim Ji Won , Kim Jong Seung , Koh Seong‐Joon , Kim Byeong Gwan , Lee Kook Lae , Chun Jongsik
Published: September 2015

Background

Helicobacter pylori causes chronic gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcers, and gastric cancer, and has been treated with two antibiotics (amoxicillin and clarithromycin) and proton‐pump inhibitors (PPIs). However, antibiotic treatment alters the indigenous gut microbiota to cause side effects. Therefore, the effects of probiotic supplementation on therapy have been studied. Although several studies have covered the probiotics’ effects, details about the gut microbiota changes after H. pylori eradication have not been evaluated. Therefore, we analyzed the influences of antibiotics and their combination with probiotics on the composition of the gut microbiota using high‐throughput sequencing.

Methods

Subjects were divided into two groups. The antibiotics group was treated with general therapy, and the probiotics group with general therapy and probiotic supplementation. Fecal samples were collected from all subjects during treatments, and the influences on gut microbiota were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene‐pyrosequencing.

Results

Three phyla, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria, were predominant in the gut microbiota of all subjects. After treatment, the relative abundances of Firmicutes were reduced, whereas those of Proteobacteria were increased in both groups. However, the changed proportions of the gut microbiota in the antibiotics group were higher than those in the probiotics group. In addition, the increase in the levels of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria was higher in the antibiotics group than in the probiotics one.

Conclusion

Probiotic supplementation can reduce the antibiotic‐induced alteration and imbalance of the gut microbiota composition. This effect may restrict the growth of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria in the gut and improve the H. pylori eradication success rate.
Prevalence of Primary Antimicrobial Resistance of H. pylori in Turkey: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kocazeybek Bekir , Tokman Hrisi Bahar
Published: September 2015

Background

The prevalence of clarithromycin resistance has increased to the 20% or more in different regions of the world. Clarithromycin resistance is known to be responsible for most of the treatment failures in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the prevalence of primary antibiotic resistance (amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, levofloxacin, tetracycline) of H. pylori strains in different geographical regions of Turkey.

Material and Methods

An Internet search was performed using PubMed and the ULAKBIM Turkish Medical Database. The terms “primary antibiotic resistance (separately; amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, levofloxacin, tetracycline) of H. pylori” with and without “Turkey” or “different geographical regions of Turkey” were searched among articles published in both English and Turkish language within the time span from 1999 to 2015. Data analysis was performed using MedCalc 12.7.0. Each article was weighted according to the number of isolated H. pylori strains. Pooled proportion analysis was performed.

Results

Twenty‐one Turkish studies including 1059 H. pylori strains were included in this review. The overall primary antibiotic resistance rates of H. pylori strains isolated in Turkey were as follows: amoxicillin 3 (0.971%), clarithromycin 425 (24.864%), metronidazole 75 (33.747%), tetracycline 2 (3.511%), and levofloxacin 31 (23.769%).

Conclusions

Primary antibiotic resistance against H. pylori in Turkey shows differences between geographical regions and population densities. There is an increase in primary resistance rates to clarithromycin and metronidazole in different years. The data are not sufficient for tetracycline, amoxicillin, and levofloxacin. High clarithromycin resistance rates were mostly detected in overpopulated cities like Ankara (north), Izmir (west), Istanbul (west), and Bursa (west).
5. 7‐methylxanthine treatment
Authors: Trier K.
Published: September 2015

Several studies have shown that the caffeine metabolite 7‐methylxanthine (7‐mx) prevents myopia and eye elongation in animals subjected to form deprivation. A randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial with up to 8 years of follow‐up including a total of 750 myopic children aged 7–18 years has demonstrated that 7‐mx is safe and without side effects. In the age‐group 8–15 years the myopia progression and the corresponding eye elongation is reduced by around 60% with one tablet of 400 mg 7‐mx twice per day. The efficacy would probably improve if the serum concentration of 7‐mx could be kept more constant by means of a sustained release formulation. 7‐mx appears to work by blocking adenosine receptors in the posterior part of the eye and increasing the concentration of scleral collagen. The accelerated myopia progression found in periods with low ambient lighting may be related to increased accumulation of adenosine in the retina or retinal pigment epithelium. Thus, hypothetically, 7‐mx offsets the myopia‐enhancing effects of low ambient lighting.
Use of directional optical coherence tomography and selected landmarks to determine foveal topography and microstructure. A strategy to characterize differences between normal and expremature cases
Authors: Sjöstrand J. , Rosén R. , Nilsson M. , Popovic Z.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

To determine the topography of the different layers of the fovea by combining directional and conventional optical coherence tomography (OCT) images and measuring layer thickness at the foveal center (FC) and selected eccentricity positions. Furthermore, to use a normative model of foveal microstructure to characterize signs of immaturity in cases with a history of prematurity.

Methods

Selected eyes from normals and young adults with a history of prematurity were imaged using a commercial spectral domain OCT (SD‐OCT) system. Centered and displaced SD‐OCT entrance beam positions were used to obtain straight and tilted scans, respectively. Horizontal scans through FC with a distinct light reflex were selected for analysis. Straight and tilted SD‐OCT images were registered and averaged prior to flattening to the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) layer. Retinal layer thickness was measured manually at FC and four lateral positions along the temporal and nasal hemi‐meridians and corrected for axial length differences.

Results

The distance between FC and foveal wall maximum (FWM) was reduced to 4/5 of that of normals in expremature cases with incomplete extrusion of inner retinal layers (IRL) and reduced foveal pit depth. The Henle fibre layer (HFL) and the combined outer segment and RPE layer (OS+) showed little or no change whereas the outer nuclear layer (ONL) was thickened centrally with a more steep decline of the ONL bulge outside FC in exprematures.

Conclusions

Our pilot study in young adults demonstrates that signs of immaturity may still be present in adult life with changes in foveal topography similar to those present at the age of 6.5 years after extremely preterm birth (Rosén et al., 2015). It may be useful to use the FWM as a major landmark in studies of abnormal fovea.
Stereovision in patients with intermittent exotropia before and after surgical treatment
Authors: Boychuk I. , Tarak A.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

To determine the effect of the initial stereovision on the outcome of intermittent exotropia surgical treatment.

Methods

20 patients with intermittent exotropia aged 10–21 years with visual acuity with correction 0.88 ± 0.29 who received surgical treatment were observed. Angle of deviation before surgery was 6–25 degrees, in average 15.7 ± 1.3 deg. for fare distance and near in average of 8.2 ± 2.18 deg, vertical component 0–3 degrees was observed in 65% of patients who underwent surgical treatment in accordance with generally accepted surgery tactic ‐ recessions and resections of extraocular muscles (Avetisov E. S.,1977, Von Noorden, E. Campos, 2002). Before and after treatment conventional ophthalmic examination and stereoacuity were determined using the Test Lung 2 in all patients.

Results

As a result of treatment the angle of exotropia decreased in all patients and was in average 3.9 ± 1.9 deg for distance and 3.5 ± 1.4 deg for near, binocular vision was restored in 70% (14) of patients. Before treatment, only in 25% (5) of patients showed stereoacuity for near (200–600 arc sec) and 75% (11) did not show stereovision. After treatment, the stereoacuity for near increased and was detected in 65% of cases (13), compared to 5 that were before treatment (χ2 = 6.4, p = 0.01). Alignment of eyes and best stereoacuity (200–400 arc sec) was found after treatment and appeared in individuals who showed stereoacuity for near 200 arc sec before surgery and the nearest point of convergence less than 6 cm.

Conclusions

Preliminary data suggest that in patients with intermittent form of exophoria good stereoacuity for near is a favorable factor for the prediction of treatment. In patients with orthotropic position of eyes stereoacuity after surgical treatment increased in 65% of cases.
Double depressor palsy after bilateral paramedian thalamus infarction
Authors: Kim S.J. , Lee S.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

We report a rare case of double depressor palsy after bilateral paramedian thalamus infarction.

Methods

Case Summary: A 47‐year‐old male presented with complaints of diplopia upon awakening. He had atrial fibrillation, mitral valve regurgitation, aortic valve regurgitation and a history of spleen infarction 1 year prior. His right eye was hypertrophic and right eye downgaze was limited unilaterally of equal degree in adduction and abduction. Right eye horizontal and upward movements were intact. Left eye movement was intact in all directions. Pupillary light reflex response and convergence test were normal. Nystagmus was not observed.

Results

The patient was diagnosed with double depressor palsy of the right eye. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the brain showed an old infarction of the left thalamus and diffusion MRI showed acute infarction of the right thalamus. The patient's daily warfarin dose was 2 mg and was increased to 5 mg with cilostazol 75 mg two times a day. Seven weeks later, the patient's ocular movement revealed near normal muscle action and, subjectively, the patient was diplopia‐free.

Conclusions

The patient presented with bilateral thalamic lesions and was diagnosed double depressor palsy. The paramedian territory is supplied by the paramedian (or thalamoperforating) arteries which arise from the P1 segment of the PCA. The paramedian arteries often supply the rostral midbrain. Thus, bilateral thalamic infarctions can be presented with or without rostral midbrain lesions. The bilateral lesions of rostal midbrain including riMLF can cause double depressor palsy. However, the lesions of bilateral riMLF infarction were too small to be seen in imaging study. So there was no obvious lesion over the rostral midbrain. Otherwise, there may be another unknown vertical movement mechanism.
Corneal Analysis before Cataract Surgery; Significance as the Clue for Unexplained Visual Complaint After Surgery
Authors: Kim J. , Lee D. , Lee J.H. , Choi J.Y. , Yeom J.H.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

We analyzed the corneal optics before cataract surgery to evaluate whether the corneal abnormalities are correlated with the unexplained visual complaints after successful surgery.

Methods

Seventy‐eight eyes of forty‐seven patients who had undergone uncomplicated cataract surgery were enrolled in this retrospective study. The eyes were divided into group I which had visual complaint despite good visual acuity and group II without complaints after surgery. All included eyes had preoperative corneal data such as slit lamp bio‐microscopy, automatic keratometer, corneal topography (Orbscan II, Bausch & Lomb, Germany), and aberrometer (KR‐1W®, Topcon, Japan). We investigated whether there are any correlations between the corneal abnormalities and unexplained visual complaint by comparing the corneal parameters of two groups.

Results

The mean patient age was 67.9 years old. The mean preoperative topographic astigmatism in 78 eyes was 0.98 diopter (D); 19.23% of eyes had irregular astigmatism. Mean corneal spherical aberration measured by KR‐1W was 0.31 ± 11.01 µm and corneal total higher order aberration (HOA) was 0.24 ± 0.17 µm. Total corneal HOA was correlated with irregularity index from topography. (P < 0.01, r = 0.548) No differences were shown between two groups in preoperative astigmatism. However, comparing the corneal parameters, irregularity index of 3 mm, 5 mm zone and corneal total HOA of group I were statistically significantly higher than those of group II respectively. (p < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusions

Unsatisfactory results associated with visual quality after cataract surgery might be originated from cornea irregularity and HOA. Evaluation of preoperative corneal optics is necessary to predict visual quality after surgery.
Is there a seasonal relationship with idiopathic anterior uveitis presentation?
Authors: Saunders D. , Schulz C. , Lockwood A.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

Trigger mechanisms for relapse of idiopathic acute anterior uveitis (AAU) include psychological stresses and depression. Seasonality is known to affect other stress related diseases such as bipolar disorder, with depression episodes more common in autumn and winter. This study aims to investigate whether seasonality is related to AAU presentations.

Methods

The electronic patient records for the eye casualty department were retrospectively searched between January 2010 and December 2014 for all new presentations of AAU. Time of presentation was grouped into seasons. The p value was calculated from two tailed z scores of the season sample means.

Results

Two thousand, five hundred and sixty‐three new presentations of AAU were recorded during the study period. Of these 634 (24.73%) presentations were in spring, 652 (25.44%) were in summer, 647 (25.24%) were in autumn and 630 (24.58%) were in winter. No temporal correlation was found for AAU presentations during either autumn (p = 0.86) or winter (p = 0.76).

Conclusions

No seasonal relationship with AAU presentations has been found. Stress as a trigger for AAU relapses is still not fully understood but associations are more likely to be found at the individual level.
Exclusive! How Labour left its supporters behind, and lost
Authors: Cruddas Jon , Pecorelli Nick , Rutherford Jonathan
Published: September 2015

Jon Cruddas, Nick Pecorelli and Jonathan Rutherford sketch out their assessment of the trends that underpinned Labour's general election defeat and undermined its support base. Shifts among three broad ‘values groups’ of voters show how Labour's support has become isolated in one corner of the electorate.
The unideological electorate: Why leadership not leftishness is crucial to Labour's rejuvenation
Authors: Curtice John
Published: September 2015

Recent polls suggest that there is more to be learned about Labour's election result – and its future prospects – from public perceptions of leadership and competence than from judgments about the party's supposed moves towards the left or right, argues John Curtice.
Achieving radical change: Social movements and the partisan promise
Authors: Schlozman Daniel
Published: September 2015

US academic Daniel Schlozman traces the difficult history of American radicalism, where social movements and mainstream politics come together. The rules of engagement are neither clear nor fair, he argues, but each side needs the other in order to build support and drive change.
CuCrSe2 Ternary Chromium Chalcogenide: Facile Fabrication, Doping and Thermoelectric Properties
Authors: Cheng Yudong , Yang Junyou , Jiang Qinghui , Fu Liangwei , Xiao Ye , Luo Yubo , Zhang Dan , Zhang Mingyang
Published: September 2015

Starting from elemental powder mixture, ternary chromium chalcogenide CuCrSe2 has been synthesized facilely via the route of mechanical alloying and subsequent annealing. Effect of indium doping on the thermoelectric performance of CuCrSe2 has been studied detailedly. With the increase in indium doping content, the electrical resistivity decreases firstly until 0.25 at.% due to the electronegativity difference between In and Cr, and then increases due to the dissolution of indium and subsequent supersaturation precipitation of CuInSe2, and the Seebeck coefficient shows a similar trend with the electrical resistivity. The thermal conductivity increases firstly and then decreases with the increase in indium doping content due to the increasing phonon scattering by the CuInSe2 and CuCr2Se4. As a result, a maximum ZT of 0.65 at 673 K was achieved in the sample with 1.0 at.% In doping, which is enhanced almost 54% in compared with the In‐free sample.
Influence of electronic medical record implementation on provider retirement at a major academic medical centre
Authors: Crowson Matthew G. , Vail Christopher , Eapen Rose J.
Published: September 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

The push for electronic medical record (EMR) implementation is grounded on increasing efficiency and cost savings. Our objective was to investigate the effect of EMR implementation on provider attrition.

Methods

We completed a retrospective study investigating whether medical provider attrition, clinical MD or equivalent, coincided with EMR implementation. We analysed monthly provider attrition rates and mean age at attrition 24 months preceding the EMR ‘go‐live’ date at our institution and 12 months after.

Results

208 provider departures occurred between July 2011 and June 2014. The attrition categories were classified as ‘departure’ (n = 137, 65.9%), ‘emeritus’ (n = 30; 14.4%), ‘no specified reason’ (n = 26; 12.5%) and ‘not reappointed’ (n = 15; 7.2). The most common degree held by departing providers was ‘MD’ (n = 170; 81.7%). Most departures occurred in June 2013 (n = 24). The mean provider age at departure was 46.4 years ± 2.9 years for June 2012, 48.1 years ± 2.5 years for June 2013 and 45.0 years ± 4.1 years for June 2014. Our data indicate a trend for both an increase in number of departing providers, as well as an increased mean age in the month immediately prior to EMR implementation.

Conclusion

To date, no other investigation of the effect of EMR implementation of provider retirements have been published. We demonstrate a peak in provider attrition in the month prior to EMR implementation that may not be explained by normal attrition patterns with an academic calendar.

Level of evidence

Level 5 – qualitative or descriptive study.
A Comparison of Sexual Health History and Practices Among Monogamous and Consensually Nonmonogamous Sexual Partners
Authors: Lehmiller J. J.
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Although consensually nonmonogamous (CNM) relationships are presumed to be far riskier for partners' sexual health compared with monogamous relationships, the disparity between them may be smaller than assumed. A growing body of research finds that many partners who have made monogamy agreements cheat, and when they do, they are less likely to practice safe sex than CNM partners.

Aim

Extant comparisons of monogamous and CNM relationships are rare and have yet to establish whether rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and STI testing differ between these groups. The present research compared self-reported STI history, lifetime number of sex partners, and condom use practices among monogamous and CNM partners.

Methods

Participants (N = 556) were recruited for an online survey of “attitudes toward sexual relationships.” Approximately two-thirds of the sample reported current involvement in a monogamous relationship, with the remainder indicating involvement in a CNM relationship.

Main Outcome Measures

All participants completed a questionnaire that included measures of condom use practices with primary and extra-pair partners, as well as their STI history.

Results

CNM partners reported more lifetime sexual partners than individuals in monogamous relationships. In addition, compared with monogamous partners, CNM partners were more likely to (i) report using condoms during intercourse with their primary partner; (ii) report using condoms during intercourse with extradyadic partners; and (iii) report having been tested for STIs. Approximately one-quarter of monogamous partners reported sex outside of their primary relationship, most of whom indicated that their primary partner did not know about their infidelity. The percentage of participants reporting previous STI diagnoses did not differ across relationship type.

Conclusions

CNM partners reported taking more precautions than those in monogamous relationships in terms of greater condom use during intercourse with all partners and a higher likelihood of STI testing. Thus, although persons in CNM relationships had more sexual partners, the precautions they took did not appear to elevate their rate of STIs above an imperfect implementation of monogamy.
The consequences of not accounting for background selection in demographic inference
Authors: Ewing Gregory B. , Jensen Jeffrey D.
Published: September 2015

Recently, there has been increased awareness of the role of background selection (BGS) in both data analysis and modelling advances. However, BGS is still difficult to take into account because of tractability issues with simulations and difficulty with nonequilibrium demographic models. Often, simple rescaling adjustments of effective population size are used. However, there has been neither a proper characterization of how BGS could bias or shift inference when not properly taken into account, nor a thorough analysis of whether rescaling is a sufficient solution. Here, we carry out extensive simulations with BGS to determine biases and behaviour of demographic inference using an approximate Bayesian approach. We find that results can be positively misleading with significant bias, and describe the parameter space in which BGS models replicate observed neutral nonequilibrium expectations.
Isolation by distance, resistance and/or clusters? Lessons learned from a forest‐dwelling carnivore inhabiting a heterogeneous landscape
Authors: Ruiz‐Gonzalez Aritz , Cushman Samuel A. , Madeira María José , Randi Ettore , Gómez‐Moliner Benjamín J.
Published: September 2015

Landscape genetics provides a valuable framework to understand how landscape features influence gene flow and to disentangle the factors that lead to discrete and/or clinal population structure. Here, we attempt to differentiate between these processes in a forest‐dwelling small carnivore [European pine marten (Martes martes)]. Specifically, we used complementary analytical approaches to quantify the spatially explicit genetic structure and diversity and analyse patterns of gene flow for 140 individuals genotyped at 15 microsatellite loci. We first used spatially explicit and nonspatial Bayesian clustering algorithms to partition the sample into discrete clusters and evaluate hypotheses of ‘isolation by barriers’ (IBB). We further characterized the relationships between genetic distance and geographical (‘isolation by distance’, IBD) and ecological distances (‘isolation by resistance’, IBR) obtained from optimized landscape models. Using a reciprocal causal modelling approach, we competed the IBD, IBR and IBB hypotheses with each other to unravel factors driving population genetic structure. Additionally, we further assessed spatially explicit indices of genetic diversity using sGD across potentially overlapping genetic neighbourhoods that matched the inferred population structure. Our results revealed a complex spatial genetic cline that appears to be driven jointly by IBD and partial barriers to gene flow (IBB) associated with poor habitat and interspecific competition. Habitat loss and fragmentation, in synergy with past overharvesting and possible interspecific competition with sympatric stone marten (Martes foina), are likely the main factors responsible for the spatial genetic structure we observed. These results emphasize the need for a more thorough evaluation of discrete and clinal hypotheses governing gene flow in landscape genetic studies, and the potential influence of different limiting factors affecting genetic structure at different spatial scales.
The eukaryotic protein kinase superfamily of the necrotrophic fungal plant pathogen, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Hegedus Dwayne D. , Gerbrandt Kelsey , Coutu Cathy
Published: September 2015

Protein kinases have been implicated in the regulation of many processes that guide pathogen development throughout the course of infection. A survey of the Sclerotinia sclerotiorum genome for genes encoding proteins containing the highly conserved eukaryotic protein kinase (ePK) domain, the largest protein kinase superfamily, revealed 92 S. sclerotiorum ePKs. This review examines the composition of the S. sclerotiorum ePKs based on conserved motifs within the ePK domain family, and relates this to orthologues found in other filamentous fungi and yeasts. The ePKs are also discussed in terms of their proposed role(s) in aspects of host pathogenesis, including the coordination of mycelial growth/development and deployment of pathogenicity determinants in response to environmental stimuli, nutrients and stress.
Laboratory rearing of immature Culicoides peregrinus Kieffer, a potential vector of bluetongue virus
Authors: HARSHA R. , MAZUMDAR A.
Published: September 2015

Culicoides peregrinus (Kieffer) (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) was reared from egg to adult using four different combinations of food and substrate (T1: absorbent cotton, mud broth with 2% yeast; T2: 1% agar, mud broth with 2% yeast; T3: absorbent cotton, nutrient broth; T4: absorbent cotton, 2% yeast). Field‐collected engorged females exhibited mean fecundity of 82.45 ± 4.00. The highest rate of emergence and largest adults were obtained in T1, and the lowest rate of emergence was observed in T4. Two‐way analyses of variance with post hoc Tukey tests showed significant differences in age at pupation, pupal weight and wing length among the various treatments, although the sex ratio was 1 : 1 in all food/substrate combinations. The successful rearing of immature C. peregrinus is an encouraging step towards the establishment of a laboratory colony of this prevalent species associated with livestock.
Next‐generation sequencing for identification of candidate genes for Fusarium wilt and sterility mosaic disease in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan)
Authors: Singh Vikas K. , Khan Aamir W. , Saxena Rachit K. , Kumar Vinay , Kale Sandip M. , Sinha Pallavi , Chitikineni Annapurna , Pazhamala Lekha T. , Garg Vanika , Sharma Mamta , Sameer Kumar Chanda Venkata , Parupalli Swathi , Vechalapu Suryanarayana , Patil Suyash , Muniswamy Sonnappa , Ghanta Anuradha , Yamini Kalinati Narasimhan , Dharmaraj Pallavi Subbanna , Varshney Rajeev K.
Published: September 2015

To map resistance genes for Fusarium wilt (FW) and sterility mosaic disease (SMD) in pigeonpea, sequencing‐based bulked segregant analysis (Seq‐BSA) was used. Resistant (R) and susceptible (S) bulks from the extreme recombinant inbred lines of ICPL 20096 × ICPL 332 were sequenced. Subsequently, SNP index was calculated between R‐ and S‐bulks with the help of draft genome sequence and reference‐guided assembly of ICPL 20096 (resistant parent). Seq‐BSA has provided seven candidate SNPs for FW and SMD resistance in pigeonpea. In parallel, four additional genotypes were re‐sequenced and their combined analysis with R‐ and S‐bulks has provided a total of 8362 nonsynonymous (ns) SNPs. Of 8362 nsSNPs, 60 were found within the 2‐Mb flanking regions of seven candidate SNPs identified through Seq‐BSA. Haplotype analysis narrowed down to eight nsSNPs in seven genes. These eight nsSNPs were further validated by re‐sequencing 11 genotypes that are resistant and susceptible to FW and SMD. This analysis revealed association of four candidate nsSNPs in four genes with FW resistance and four candidate nsSNPs in three genes with SMD resistance. Further, In silico protein analysis and expression profiling identified two most promising candidate genes namely C.cajan_01839 for SMD resistance and C.cajan_03203 for FW resistance. Identified candidate genomic regions/SNPs will be useful for genomics‐assisted breeding in pigeonpea.
Effects of hydropriming treatments on the invigoration of aged Dodonaea viscosa seeds and water‐holding polymer on the improvement of seedling growth in a lava field
Authors: Pedrero‐López Luis V. , Rosete‐Rodríguez Alejandra , Sánchez‐Coronado Maria E. , Mendoza‐Hernández Pedro E. , Orozco‐Segovia Alma
Published: September 2015

Restoration requires techniques similar to those used in agriculture to improve germination and seedling vigor. We treated 6‐year‐old (collected in 2003, S‐2003) and 1‐month‐old (S‐2009) seeds of Dodonaea viscosa with hydropriming (HP). Seeds were made permeable with hot water prior to hydration for 24 or 48 hours (HP‐24 and HP‐48, respectively) followed by dehydration. The resulting seedlings exposed to both HP treatments were sown in a lava field in soil mixed with hydrogel (HG) under the shade projected by five vegetation patches. The effects of these treatments on germination, seedling field survival, and growth were assessed. HP‐24 in S‐2009 and HP‐48 in S‐2003 increased the germination percentage from 22.5 and 31.7% in control seeds (permeable seeds) to 63.3 and 98.3%, respectively. The seedlings‐2009 (from S‐2009) with HG maintained high survival in all vegetation patches. Seedlings‐2003, however, had low survival. The lack of HG was negatively related to the photon flux in each patch. Survival of seedlings‐2009 increased with HG of up to 398.41 µmol m−2 s−1; after which survival decreased. During the rainy season, HP enhanced seedling growth, except the basal diameters and number of leaves in the seedlings‐2003 with HP‐24. During the dry season, the effects of HG and HP were similar for all the seedlings. In the following rainy season, the priming effect was lost while HG continued to promote seedling growth. The combined use of HP and HG and the shade projected by the patches resulted in a successful vegetation recovery strategy.
Una revisión interpretativa sobre el desarrollo de nuevos productos
Authors: Carrizo Moreira António , Leonidivna Karachun Hanna
Published: September 2015

Este artículo analiza la literatura científica producida recientemente sobre el desarrollo de nuevos productos (DNP) con el fin de identificar y clasificar los principales campos del conocimiento, las posibles conexiones, así como la naturaleza de los artículos y herramientas de análisis utilizados. Se hizo una revisión de la literatura de 461 artículos sobre DNP, publicados en tres revistas líderes mundiales entre los años 2000 y 2010. Fue posible crear 13 categorías principales, en las que se destacan la innovación, investigación y desarrollo, productos y procesos de DNP y equipos de DNP. Los resultados confirman que el DNP es multifacético, incluye múltiples conceptos y transversalidad entre categorías. Igualmente, es necesario complementar la investigación cualitativa y cuantitativa, así como también analizar las diferencias entre pequeñas y grandes empresas.
Factores determinantes de la ansiedad en atletas veteranos españoles
Authors: Sancho Antonio Zarauz , Ruiz-Juan Francisco
Published: September 2015

En la creciente población de atletas veteranos españoles se analiza su ansiedad precompetitiva. Además, se evalúan qué variables de motivación, adicción, satisfacción intrínseca, percepción y creencias sobre las causas del éxito en el deporte están relacionadas con la ansiedad y la predicen. Se hallaron diferencias significativas a favor de las mujeres en motivación intrínseca y ansiedad somática, y a favor de los hombres en autoconfianza. Se discuten los resultados y se concluye que la moderada ansiedad que sufren está relacionada con la presión que quieran imponerse a sí mismos por las expectativas de marcas o puesto que pretenden lograr en competición. Esto hace que practiquen su deporte durante muchos años, pues realmente disfrutan de sus entrenamientos, esforzándose por aumentar la habilidad técnica en su especialidad atlética, lo cual les genera alta autoconfianza y mejoría del rendimiento. Por ello, con frecuencia realizan marcas en competición que hacía tiempo no lograban, incrementando sus expectativas de éxito y sensaciones de competencia, sobre todo si vencen a sus rivales. Por eso, el aburrimiento y el empleo de técnicas de engaño apenas existen en ellos.
Rol del apoyo social en la reincorporación de penados: un estudio del Sistema de Postpenitenciario de Jalisco, México
Authors: Estrada Pineda Cristina , Rodríguez Díaz Francisco Javier , Herrero Olaizola Juan
Published: September 2015

El artículo es resultado de un estudio cuantitativo, que tiene como objetivo el definir el perfil de las redes de apoyo formales e informales en relación con la reincorporación social de los usuarios del programa de la Dirección del Sistema Postpenitenciario y Atención a Liberados del Estado de Jalisco, México. La muestra esta integrada por 260 usuarios de este sistema, quienes accedieron a participar en la evaluación y a realizar una entrevista de seguimiento a los seis meses. Los análisis realizados ofrecen unos resultados que constatan una alta satisfacción de los usuarios con respecto al programa y al sistema de apoyo formal de reincorporación social; a su vez, el abandono del programa no correlaciona con el apoyo formal, siendo de resaltar que el apoyo informal presenta una correlación positiva con este de acuerdo con las figuras y la adaptación social de éstas. Se discuten las implicaciones de los resultados para afrontar la reinserción social de los penados.