bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engagement platforms
Authors: Blasco-Arcas Lorena , Hernandez-Ortega Blanca Isabel , Jimenez-Martinez Julio
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of emotions in developing customer engagement and brand image during virtual service interactions. The authors explore the concept of engagement platforms (EPs) and how their extrinsic characteristics or cues (i.e. C2C interactions–and personalization-related cues) originate both non-transactional (i.e. customer engagement and brand image) and transactional (i.e. purchase intentions) responses. Specifically, the authors propose that customer emotions (i.e. pleasure, arousal and dominance) mediate the influence of EP cues on customer responses. The authors also analyze how the engagement developed during interactions in EPs contributes to brand image perceptions and the effect of these two concepts on purchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on servicescapes and stimulus-organism-response theories, the present paper carries out two studies. Study 1 adopts an experimental approach to explore C2C interactions–and personalization-related cues. Study 2 focusses on the importance of customer emotions to foster engagement and brand image, and also analyzes their effect on purchase intentions. It employs structural equations modeling techniques. Both studies analyze the effect of customer engagement on brand image.

Findings

Findings corroborate that, during interactions in the platform, customer engagement with the firm influences brand image. Moreover, the pleasure and arousal experienced by customers influence their engagement while dominance modifies brand image. Finally, customer engagement and brand image have a positive effect on purchase behavior.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to research demonstrating the key role of emotions in interactions with EPs. The authors demonstrate the importance of fostering pleasant and arousing experiences to enhance the level of customer engagement with the firm in first interactions. Dominance constitutes a key dimension to improve brand image in EPs. Finally, the research demonstrates that engagement develops customers’ transactional behaviors and not only non-transactional ones, as seen in previous literature.

Originality/value

In digital worlds, EPs emerge as touch points beyond purchase that allow individuals to integrate resources and co-create value between them and with the firm. Despite the interest of BCPs, few works have analyzed how interactions with these platforms and the elicited emotions contribute to developing customer engagement and brand image, key factors for understanding customer participation and behavior in interactive media.
Social servicescape effects on post-consumption behavior
Authors: Tubillejas Andrés Berta , Cervera-Taulet Amparo , Calderón García Haydee
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the role played by the social servicescape and positive emotions in the post-use in terms of response – satisfaction, perceived value and consumer loyalty – in hedonic services.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative study was conducted to gather data from 867 opera-goers through e-mail with a link to a questionnaire. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling based on partial least squares. The effects of the social servicescape and emotions as moderators were examined using interaction techniques.

Findings

The paper provides empirical support on the multidimensional configuration of the social servicescape composed by both characteristics and interactions of employees and customers. The results demonstrate significant relationships between the social servicescape and positive emotions in perceived value, satisfaction and loyalty of consumers. Positive emotions are a moderating variable, intensifying the relationship between the social servicescape and perceived value. The opposite effect in the relationship between the social servicescape and loyalty is found.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is required to generalize the findings to other hedonic services.

Practical implications

Knowledge on both social servicescape and emotional effects on consumer behavior may enable cultural managers to improve the consumption experience of performing arts attendees.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills a research gap in the area of social servicescape as well as the effects of emotions in hedonic services. It makes two main contributions. First, it provides knowledge on social servicescape conceptualization and measurement. Second, the moderation, by interaction effect, of emotions and social servicescape in consumer behavior are confirmed.
A mainstream social housing response to dementia
Authors: Bligh Juliet
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how social housing providers could respond to residents living with dementia in non-specialist housing.

Design/methodology/approach

A research framework was developed from published material and used to assess how dementia friendly a national housing provider was, and what could be different. Electronic surveys were completed by 209 members of staff; semi-structured interviews with 18 senior managers and an external contractor; a customer focus group with five residents. A literature review and telephone interviews with housing providers identified current areas of innovation and good practice which informed the research recommendations.

Findings

There are ways a non-specialist social housing provider can develop dementia friendly services through developing a customer focused approach, staff awareness raising and training, and through working collaboratively with specialist statutory and non-statutory services across health and social care. These have the potential to impact positively on the quality of life of residents with dementia or caring for people with dementia.

Practical implications

Social housing providers should be considering their older residents, and how they can design and develop services to respond to specific needs.

Originality/value

There is limited understanding of how mainstream housing providers could and should develop an offer for their residents living with dementia. This research provides an assessment approach and has developed ideas about what this offer could look like.
Analysis of fault scaling relations using fault seismic attributes
Authors: Torabi A. , Alaei B. , Kolyukhin D.
Published: August 2016

We have studied three‐dimensional fault geometries through a geologically integrated analysis of fault seismic attribute volumes. We used a series of coherence (semblance) and filtered coherence attribute volumes with parameters optimised for imaging faults in the studied seismic volumes. Fault geometric attributes such as along strike segment length and displacement were measured on fault seismic attributes. The scaling relationships of fault geometric attributes were studied using statistical methods such as the Bayesian information criterion, the likelihood ratio test, and the bootstrap method. Univariate distributions of fault segment length and maximum displacement show a truncated power law for most of the fault data. The statistical results indicate a piecewise‐linear relation with two slopes between depth and fault segments lengths: depth and mean displacement. For these relations, we observe consistent increases in fault segment lengths and mean displacements from the lower tip of the fault at depth toward a point of inflection at shallower depth at the vertical section. From that point, a reduction in fault segment lengths and mean displacements toward the upper tip of the fault at the shallower depth occurs. Fault segmentation along strike increases toward the lower and upper tips of the fault, but the maximum number of segments are located near the lower tip of the fault in two of the studied faults. The fault segment length is maximum, where the number of segments (along strike) is least close to the middle of the fault in the vertical section.
Injecting epidemiology into population viability analysis: avian cholera transmission dynamics at an arctic seabird colony
Authors: Iverson Samuel A. , Gilchrist H. Grant , Soos Catherine , Buttler Isabel I. , Harms N. Jane , Forbes Mark R.
Published: August 2016

Infectious diseases have the potential to spread rapidly and cause high mortality within populations of immunologically naïve hosts. The recent appearance of avian cholera, a highly virulent disease of birds caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida, at remote Arctic seabird colonies is an emerging conservation concern.

Determining disease risk to population viability requires a quantitative understanding of transmission potential and the factors that regulate epidemic persistence. Estimates of the basic (R0) and real‐time (Rt) reproductive number are critical in this regard – enumerating the number of secondary infections caused by each primary infection in a newly invaded host population and the decline in transmission rate as susceptible individuals are removed via mortality or immunized recovery.

Here, we use data collected at a closely monitored common eider (Somateria mollissima) breeding colony located in the Canadian Arctic to examine transmission and host population dynamics. Specifically, we infer epidemic curves from daily mortality observations and use a likelihood‐based procedure to estimate changes in the reproductive number over a series of annual outbreaks. These data are interpreted in relation to concurrent changes in host numbers to assess local extinction risk.

Consistent with expectations for a novel pathogen invasion, case incidence increased exponentially during the initial wave of exposure (R0 = 2·5; generation time = 6·5 days ± 1·1 SD). Disease conditions gradually abated, but only after several years of smouldering infection (Rt ≈ 1). In total, 6194 eider deaths were recorded during outbreaks spanning eight consecutive breeding seasons. Breeding pair abundance declined by 56% from the pre‐outbreak peak; however, a robust population of >4000 pairs remained intact upon epidemic fade‐out. Overall, outbreak patterns were consistent with herd immunity acting as a mitigating factor governing in the extent and duration of mortality.

Disease mortality is frequently modelled as a form of stochastic catastrophe in wildlife population assessments, whereas our approach gives shape to the functional response between transmission and host population dynamics. We conclude that increased emphasis on integrating epidemiological and population processes is essential to predicting the conservation impact of emerging infectious diseases in wildlife.
Belonging from afar: nostalgia, time and memory
Authors: May Vanessa
Published: August 2016

Belonging is a fundamentally temporal experience that is anchored not only in place but also time, yet this dimension of belonging has so far remained under-researched. Based on an analysis of 25 British Mass Observation Project accounts I argue that a focus on the temporal location of belonging contributes to our knowledge about how memory is used to create a sense of belonging, and the consequences this has for the self. The paper is structured around two interrelated arguments. First, that the temporal location of belonging – either in the past or the present – has consequences for how time is experienced and how memory is utilized in creating a sense of belonging. Second, that nostalgic belonging from afar, of which three types are identified in the MOP accounts, should not be understood merely as a way of disengaging with the present. Past sources of belonging can endure in a virtual sense through the act of nurturing the connection in memories and can be used to ‘warm up’ and give vitality to the present. Thus this paper contributes to our understanding of how people can creatively use different forms of temporal belonging to create a sense of a continuous self.
Improving Population Health Management Strategies: Identifying Patients Who Are More Likely to Be Users of Avoidable Costly Care and Those More Likely to Develop a New Chronic Disease
Authors: Hibbard Judith H. , Greene Jessica , Sacks Rebecca M. , Overton Valerie , Parrotta Carmen
Published: August 2016

Objective

To explore using the Patient Activation Measure (PAM) for identifying patients more likely to have ambulatory care–sensitive (ACS) utilization and future increases in chronic disease.

Data Sources

Secondary data are extracted from the electronic health record of a large accountable care organization.

Study Design

This is a retrospective cohort design. The key predictor variable, PAM score, is measured in 2011, and is used to predict outcomes in 2012–2014. Outcomes include ACS utilization and the likelihood of a new chronic disease.

Data

Our sample of 98,142 adult patients was drawn from primary care clinic users. To be included, patients had to have a PAM score in 2011 and at least one clinic visit in each of the three subsequent years.

Principal Findings

PAM level is a significant predictor of ACS utilization. Less activated patients had significantly higher odds of ACS utilization compared to those with high PAM scores. Similarly, patients with low PAM scores were more likely to have a new chronic disease diagnosis over each of the years of observation.

Conclusions

Assessing patient activation may help to identify patients who could benefit from greater support. Such an approach may help ACOs reach population health management goals.
Meaningful Use of Electronic Health Records and Medicare Expenditures: Evidence from a Panel Data Analysis of U.S. Health Care Markets, 2010–2013
Authors: Lammers Eric J. , McLaughlin Catherine G.
Published: August 2016

Objective

To determine if recent growth in hospital and physician electronic health record (EHR) adoption and use is correlated with decreases in expenditures for elderly Medicare beneficiaries.

Data Sources

American Hospital Association (AHA) General Survey and Information Technology Supplement, Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Analytics survey, SK&A Information Services, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Chronic Conditions Data Warehouse Geographic Variation Database for 2010 through 2013.

Study Design

Fixed effects model comparing associations between hospital referral region (HRR) level measures of hospital and physician EHR penetration and annual Medicare expenditures for beneficiaries with one of four chronic conditions. Calculated hospital penetration rates as the percentage of Medicare discharges from hospitals that satisfied criteria analogous to Meaningful Use (MU) Stage 1 requirements and physician rates as the percentage of physicians using ambulatory care EHRs.

Principal Findings

An increase in the hospital penetration rate was associated with a small but statistically significant decrease in total Medicare and Medicare Part A acute care expenditures per beneficiary. An increase in physician EHR penetration was also associated with a significant decrease in total Medicare and Medicare Part A acute care expenditures per beneficiary as well as a decrease in Medicare Part B expenditures per beneficiary. For the study population, we estimate approximately $3.8 billion in savings related to hospital and physician EHR adoption during 2010–2013. We also found that an increase in physician EHR penetration was associated with an increase in lab test expenses.

Conclusions

Health care markets that had steeper increases in EHR penetration during 2010–2013 also had steeper decreases in total Medicare and acute care expenditures per beneficiary. Markets with greater increases in physician EHR had greater declines in Medicare Part B expenditures per beneficiary.
Antibiotic drug discovery
Authors: Wohlleben Wolfgang , Mast Yvonne , Stegmann Evi , Ziemert Nadine
Published: August 2016

Due to the threat posed by the increase of highly resistant pathogenic bacteria, there is an urgent need for new antibiotics; all the more so since in the last 20 years, the approval for new antibacterial agents had decreased. The field of natural product discovery has undergone a tremendous development over the past few years. This has been the consequence of several new and revolutionizing drug discovery and development techniques, which is initiating a ‘New Age of Antibiotic Discovery’. In this review, we concentrate on the most significant discovery approaches during the last and present years and comment on the challenges facing the community in the coming years.
Towards improved biomonitoring tools for an intensified sustainable multi‐use environment
Authors: van der Meer Jan Roelof
Published: August 2016

The increasing use of our environment for multiple contrasting activities (e.g. fisheries, tourism) will have to be accompanied by improved monitoring of environmental quality, to avoid transboundary conflicts and ensure long‐term sustainable intensified usage. Biomonitoring approaches are appropriate for this, since they can integrate biological effects of environmental exposure rather than measure individual compound concentrations. Recent advances in biomonitoring concepts and tools focus on single‐cell assays and purified biological components that can be miniaturized and integrated in automated systems. Despite these advances, we are still very far from being able to deploy bioassays routinely in environmental monitoring, mostly because of lack of experience in interpreting responses and insufficient robustness of the biosensors for their environmental application. Further future challenges include broadening the spectrum of detectable compounds by biosensors, accelerate response times and combining sample pretreatment strategies with bioassays.
Investigation of the Curve Number Method For Surface Runoff Estimation In Tropical Regions
Authors: Dile Yihun Taddele , Karlberg Louise , Srinivasan Raghavan , Rockström Johan
Published: August 2016

This study tests the applicability of the curve number (CN) method within the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to estimate surface runoff at the watershed scale in tropical regions. To do this, surface runoff simulated using theCNmethod was compared with observed runoff in numerous rainfall‐runoff events in three small tropical watersheds located in the Upper Blue Nile basin, Ethiopia. TheCNmethod generally performed well in simulating surface runoff in the studied watersheds (Nash‐Sutcliff efficiency [NSE] > 0.7; percent bias [PBIAS] < 32%). Moreover, there was no difference in the performance of theCNmethod in simulating surface runoff under low and high antecedent rainfall (PBIASfor both antecedent conditions: ~30%; modifiedNSE: ~0.4). It was also found that the method accurately estimated surface runoff at high rainfall intensity (e.g.,PBIAS < 15%); however, at low rainfall intensity, theCNmethod repeatedly underestimated surface runoff (e.g.,PBIAS > 60%). This was possibly due to low infiltrability and valley bottom saturated areas typical of many tropical soils, indicating that there is scope for further improvements in the parameterization/representation of tropical soils in theCNmethod for runoff estimation, to capture low rainfall‐intensity events. In this study the retention parameter was linked to the soil moisture content, which seems to be an appropriate approach to account forantecedent wetness conditionsin the tropics.
Quantifying Legacy Phosphorus Using a Mass Balance Approach and Uncertainty Analysis
Authors: Mittelstet A.R. , Storm D.E.
Published: August 2016

Classic agricultural‐conservation practices may not address decades of phosphorus (P) accumulation, known as legacy P. Identifying and quantifying legacy P sources are necessary to identify the most cost‐efficient conservation practices. A method was developed to identify and quantify legacy P at the watershed scale using a mass‐balance approach and uncertainty analysis. The method was applied to two nutrient‐rich watersheds in northeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas. Each P import and export to and from the two watersheds was identified and quantified using a probability distribution and uncertainty analysis. The P retained in the soils, reservoirs, and stream systems were estimated from 1925 to 2015. Over 8.5 and 6.1 kg/ha/year of P were added to the Illinois River and Eucha‐Spavinaw watersheds with 53 and 55% from poultry production, respectively. Other major historical sources were attributed to human population and commercial fertilizer. Though currently the net addition of P in the watersheds is small due to the export of approximately 90% of the poultry litter, historically only 14‐19% of all P imported to the Illinois River and Eucha‐Spavinaw watersheds was removed via the reservoir spillways, poultry litter, and food exports. The majority of the retained P is located in the soil, 3.6‐5.8 kg/ha/year, and stream systems, 0.01‐3.0 per ha/year.
Can Political Inequalities Be Educated Away? Evidence from a Large‐Scale Reform
Authors: Lindgren Karl‐Oskar , Oskarsson Sven , Dawes Christopher T.
Published: August 2016

Over the years, many suggestions have been made on how to reduce the importance of family background in political recruitment. In this study, we examine the effectiveness of one such proposal: the expansion of mass education. We utilize a difference‐in‐difference strategy to analyze how a large school reform launched in Sweden in the 1950s, which lengthened schooling and postponed tracking, affected the likelihood of individuals with different family backgrounds to run for public office. The data come from public registers and pertain to the entire Swedish population born between 1943 and 1955. The empirical analysis provides strong support for the view that improved educational opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds can be an effective means to reduce the social bias of elected assemblies.
Bacteriuria increases the risk of edematous attacks in hereditary angioedema with C1‐inhibitor deficiency
Authors: Zotter Z. , Veszeli N. , Kőhalmi K. V. , Varga L. , Imreh É. , Kovács G. , Nallbani M. , Farkas H.
Published: August 2016

Urinary tract infections are considered among the most common infectious disorders in humans. Various infections may have a role in inducing HAE attacks. Our study intended to evaluate bacteriuria in the urinalysis of patients with C1‐INH‐HAE. Urine specimens contributed by 139 patients with C1‐INH‐HAE at the annual control visits were studied retrospectively for microorganisms. We analyzed the presence of bacteriuria in relation to the clinical symptoms. Taking into account three randomly selected urine specimens, we found that the cumulative number of edematous attacks was higher in patients with bacteriuria than in those without (P = 0.019, P = 0.022, P = 0.014). Considering the same patients, attack number was significantly higher (14.51 vs 8.63) in patients with bacteriuria than in those without (P < 0.0001). In patients with bacteriuria, we found a higher incidence of edema formation during the year before evaluation, which may suggest the triggering role of bacteriuria in the occurrence of edematous episodes.
Retinal pigment epithelium cell density in relationship to axial length in human eyes
Authors: Jonas Jost B. , Ohno‐Matsui Kyoko , Holbach Leonard , Panda‐Jonas Songhomitra
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To assess associations between axial length and density of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells in various ocular regions.

Methods

The histomorphometric investigation included histological sections of enucleated eyes of Caucasian patients. Using a light microscope, we counted the number of RPE cells on Bruch′s membrane at the ora serrata, in the pre‐equatorial region, the equatorial and retro‐equatorial region, at the midpoint equator/posterior pole, and at the posterior pole.

Results

The study included 65 globes with a mean axial length 25.9 ± 3.5 mm (range: 21.0–34.0 mm). Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell count in the equatorial to retro‐equatorial region (p < 0.001; correlation coefficient r2: 0.44), in the pre‐equatorial region (p < 0.001; r2: 0.39) and at the midpoint equator/posterior pole (p = 0.03; r2: 0.12) decreased with increasing axial length. Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell count at the ora serrata (p = 0.49) and posterior pole (p = 0.44) was not significantly correlated with axial length. As a corollary, mean RPE cell density was higher (p < 0.001) at the posterior pole than at the midpoint equator/posterior pole or at the ora serrata region, where it was higher than in pre‐equatorial region (p < 0.001) and in the equatorial to retro‐equatorial region (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The decrease in the RPE cell density mainly in the equatorial to retro‐equatorial region in association with longer axial length suggests a region of enlargement of Bruch′s membrane in the equatorial to retro‐equatorial area in association with axial elongation. The finding may be of interest to elucidate the process of emmetropization/myopization.
Viewing the choroid: where we stand, challenges and contradictions in diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Campos António , Campos Elisa J. , Martins João , Ambrósio António Francisco , Silva Rufino
Published: August 2016

Diabetic macular oedema (DMO) is the leading cause of vision loss in the working‐age population. Blood–retinal barrier (BRB) dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy (DR), mainly at the level of the retinal vessels, has long been related with leakage and fluid accumulation, leading to macular oedema. However, the nourishment of the macula is provided by the choroid and a diabetic choroidopathy has been described. Therefore, there has been a growing interest in studying the role of the choroid in the pathophysiology of DR and DMO, mainly by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Nevertheless, there are conflicting results in the different studies. We summarize the results from the available studies, describe the limitations and confounding factors and discuss future procedures to avoid bias.
Elevated lipoprotein (a) levels are an independent risk factor for retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Kuhli‐Hattenbach Claudia , Miesbach Wolfgang , Lüchtenberg Marc , Kohnen Thomas , Hattenbach Lars‐Olof
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To investigate the prevalence of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] and other thrombophilic disorders among retinal vein occlusion (RVO) patients with regard to age and various risk factors.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 100 patients with central, hemicentral or branch RVO who had undergone routine thrombophilia screening. Data were compared with 100 controls. Both cohorts were divided into three subgroups (≤45 years, >45–≤60 years or >60 years), depending on the patients’ age at the time of the RVO or a previous thromboembolic event.

Results

Elevated Lp(a) plasma levels were significantly more prevalent among RVO patients than among controls (p < 0.0001; OR: 4.8). Moreover, we determined age ≤60 years by the time of the first thromboembolic event as a strong predictor of elevated Lp(a) (p = 0.0002). The coincidence of elevated Lp(a) with other coagulation disorders further increased the OR for RVO to 9.3 (95% CI 2.1–41.8). Multivariate analysis revealed the presence of cardiovascular risk factors (OR: 3.1, p = 0.0004), elevated lipoprotein (a) levels (OR: 5.2, p = 0.0001) and increased factor VIII activity (OR: 5.9, p = 0.001) as independent risk factors for the development of RVO among patients.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that elevated plasma levels of Lp(a) are associated with the development of RVO. Selective screening of young patients and subjects with a personal or family history of thromboembolism may be helpful in identifying RVO patients with elevated Lp(a).
The novel H2S donor 4‐carboxy‐phenyl isothiocyanate inhibits mast cell degranulation and renin release by decreasing intracellular calcium
Authors: Marino Alice , Martelli Alma , Citi Valentina , Fu Ming , Wang Rui , Calderone Vincenzo , Levi Roberto
Published: August 2016

Background and Purpose

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) modulates many pathophysiological processes, including inflammation and allergic reactions, in which mast cells act as major effector cells. IgE receptor (FcεRI) cross linking leads to an increase in intracellular calcium ([Ca+2]i), a critical step in mast cell degranulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of H2S in [Ca+2]i‐dependent mast cell activation.

Experimental Approach

We investigated the effects of H2S, either endogenously produced or released by the slow H2S donor 4‐carboxy‐phenyl isothiocyanate (PhNCS‐COOH), on antigenic‐ and non‐antigenic degranulation of native murine mast cells, and human and rat (RBL‐2H3) mast cell lines. We measured the release of specific mast cell degranulation markers (β‐hexosaminidase and renin), as well as changes in [Ca+2]i and phosphorylation of proteins downstream of FcεRI activation.

Key Results

Endogenously produced H2S inhibited antigen‐induced degranulation in RBL‐2H3. Similarly, H2S released by PhNCS‐COOH (10–300 μM) reduced, in a concentration‐dependent manner, antigenic and non‐antigenic degranulation and renin release in all mast cell types. Notably, PhNCS‐COOH also prevented in a concentration‐dependent mode the increase in [Ca+2]i elicited by Ca+2 ionophore, thapsigargin and FcεRI activation. Moreover, PhNCS‐COOH attenuated the phosphorylation of Syk, cPLA‐2 and PLCγ1 in antigen‐stimulated RBL‐2H3 cells.

Conclusion and Implications

Collectively, our results demonstrate that, by attenuating the phosphorylation of proteins downstream of FcεRI cross‐linking on mast cells, H2S diminishes [Ca+2]i availability and thus mast cell degranulation and renin release. These findings suggest that PhNCS‐COOH could be a strategic therapeutic tool in mast cell‐mediated allergic conditions.
Identification of discrete epitopes of Ro52p200 and association with fetal cardiac conduction system manifestations in a rodent model
Authors: Hoxha A , Ruffatti A , Ambrosi A , Ottosson V , Hedlund M , Ottosson L , Anandapadamanaban M , Sunnerhagen M , Sonesson S-E , Wahren-Herlenius M
Published: August 2016

Congenital heart block (CHB) is a potentially lethal condition characterized by a third-degree atrioventricular block (AVB). Despite anti-Ro52 antibodies being detected in nearly 90% of mothers of affected children, CHB occurs in only 1–2% of anti-Ro/Sjögren's-syndrome-related antigen A (SSA) autoantibody-positive pregnancies. Maternal antibodies have been suggested to bind molecules crucial to fetal cardiac function; however, it remains unknown whether a single antibody profile associates with CHB or whether several specificities and cross-reactive targets exist. Here, we aimed to define further the reactivity profile of CHB-associated antibodies towards Ro52p200 (amino acid 200-239). We first analysed reactivity of a monoclonal anti-Ro52 antibody shown to induce AVB in rats (7.8C7) and of sera from anti-Ro52p200 antibody-positive mothers of children with CHB towards a panel of modified Ro52p200 peptides, and subsequently evaluated their potential to induce AVB in rats upon transfer during gestation. We observed that CHB maternal sera displayed a homogeneous reactivity profile targeting preferentially the C-terminal part of Ro52p200, in contrast to 7.8C7 that specifically bound the p200 N-terminal end. In particular, amino acid D233 appeared crucial to maternal antibody reactivity towards p200. Despite low to absent reactivity towards rat p200 and different binding profiles towards mutated rat peptides indicating recognition of different epitopes within Ro52p200, immunoglobulin (Ig)G purified from two mothers of children with CHB could induce AVB in rats. Our findings support the hypothesis that several fine antibody specificities and cross-targets may exist and contribute to CHB development in anti-Ro52 antibody-positive pregnancies.
Association of FOXE1 polyalanine repeat region with thyroid cancer is dependent on tumour size
Authors: Raimundo Joana , Alvelos Maria I. , Azevedo Teresa , Martins Teresa , Rodrigues Fernando J. , Lemos Manuel C.
Published: August 2016

Objective

Polymorphisms in the thyroid transcription factor forkhead factor E1 (FOXE1) gene have been implicated in the genetic susceptibility to differentiated thyroid cancer, but little is known about their effect on tumour characteristics. The objective of this study was to determine the contribution of the FOXE1 polyalanine repeat region to the susceptibility to thyroid cancer and to its clinical characteristics.

Design, patients and measurements

A total of 500 patients with sporadic thyroid cancer (440 papillary and 60 follicular thyroid carcinoma) and 502 healthy controls were included in this case–control association study. The number of FOXE1 alanine repeats in each subject was determined by PCR and multiplex fragment analysis by capillary electrophoresis. FOXE1 genotype and allele frequencies among groups were compared by logistic regression and adjusted for sex and age at diagnosis. Data were analysed according to cancer subtype, tumour size and the presence of lymph node or distant metastasis.

Results

FOXE1 alleles with 16 or more alanine repeats were more frequent in patients with tumour size > 1 cm compared to tumour size ≤ 1 cm (adjusted OR 1·44; 95% CI 1·05‐1·88; P = 0·019). Genotypes containing at least one allele with 16 or more alanine repeats were associated with larger tumour size (adjusted OR 1·71; 95% CI 1·15‐2·57; P = 0·009). No significant differences were observed between cancer subtypes or the presence/absence of metastasis.

Conclusions

FOXE1 polyalanine repeat polymorphisms are associated with thyroid cancer, but only for tumours larger than 1 cm, suggesting a role in disease progression.
Tautomerism, crystal structure, and copper(II) complexation of isomeric pyridonylazo dyes derived from 2‐ and 4‐aminobenzoic acids
Authors: Wang Yue‐Hua , Qian Hui‐Fen , Feng Ya‐Nan , Huang Wei
Published: August 2016

A pair of isomeric aromatic heterocyclic dyes, bearing the same N‐methyl pyridine‐2,6‐dione coupling component but a different 2‐ or 4‐aminobenzoic acid diazo component, were characterised structurally and spectroscopically. X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction analyses revealed that they both adopt the same hydrazone‐tautomeric form and planar molecular conformation between the pyridine and phenyl rings. Furthermore, azo–hydrazone transformation was achieved for the 2‐aminobenzoic‐acid‐based dye after Cu(II) ion complexation, as verified by the formation of a neutral Cu(II) dye–metal complex. The coordination geometry of the central Cu(II) ion exhibits a slightly distorted pyramid with a value of 0.028, where the ligand loses a proton during complexation and serves as the tridentate coordination mode. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis and corresponding differential thermal analysis for the isomeric pair showed that they both have excellent thermal stability, and 4‐aminobenzoic‐acid‐based dye has a higher decomposition temperature (319 °C) than the 2‐aminobenzoic‐acid‐based dye (312 °C). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first structural study on aromatic heterocyclic dyes having aminobenzoic acid and pyridine‐2,6‐dione components at the same time.
Modelling and projecting the response of local assemblage composition to land use change across Colombia
Authors: Echeverría‐Londoño Susy , Newbold Tim , Hudson Lawrence N. , Contu Sara , Hill Samantha L. L. , Lysenko Igor , Arbeláez‐Cortés Enrique , Armbrecht Inge , Boekhout Teun , Cabra‐García Jimmy , Dominguez‐Haydar Yamileth , Nates‐Parra Guiomar , Gutiérrez‐Lamus Doris L. , Higuera Diego , Isaacs‐Cubides Paola Johanna , López‐Quintero Carlos A. , Martinez Eliana , Miranda‐Esquivel Daniel Rafael , Navarro‐Iriarte Luis Eduardo , Noriega Jorge Ari , Otavo Samuel Eduardo , Parra‐H Alejandro , Poveda Katja , Ramirez‐Pinilla Martha P. , Rey‐Velasco Juan Carlos , Rosselli Loreta , Smith‐Pardo Allan H. , Urbina‐Cardona José Nicolás , Purvis Andy
Published: August 2016

Aim

Understanding the impact of land use change within assemblages is fundamental to mitigation policies at local and regional scale. Here, we aim to quantify how site‐level terrestrial assemblages are responding to land use change in Colombia a mega‐diverse country and to project future biodiversity under different scenarios of land use change associated with climate change policies.

Location

Colombia (northern South America).

Methods

We collated original biodiversity data from 17 publications (285 sites) that examined how human impact affects terrestrial biodiversity in Colombia. From each site we estimated compositional intactness (i.e. compositional similarity to undisturbed sites). We fitted generalized linear mixed‐effects models to estimate how these measures of local biodiversity vary across land use habitats. Using space‐for‐time substitution, we applied our estimates to hindcast biodiversity changes since 1500 and project future changes under climate change policies of the four representative concentration pathways (RCPs).

Results

Assemblages in urban, cropland and pasture sites were compositionally very different from those in primary vegetation. We infer that average compositional intactness has been reduced by 18% across Colombia to date, with strong regional variation. The best RCP scenario for future biodiversity is GCAM‐RCP4.5, a path that favours the expansion of secondary forests under a strong carbon market; while the worst is MESSAGE‐RCP8.5, ‘the business‐as‐usual’ scenario.

Main conclusions

Land use change has driven an increasing change in the composition of ecological assemblages in Colombia. By 2095, the implementation of carbon markets policy of climate change from GCAM‐RCP4.5 could mitigate these changes in community composition. In contrast, the business‐as‐usual scenario MESSAGE‐RCP8.5 predicts a steep community change placing the quality of ecosystems at risk.
Isolated cleft of both the anterior and posterior mitral valve leaflets
Authors: Aksu Hale Unal , Aslan Muzaffer , Ozturk Derya , Yalcin Ahmet Arif , Yıldırım Aydın
Published: August 2016

A 37 year‐old female patient in whom the transthoracic echocardiography examination revealed dilatation of left heart chambers with left ventricular ejection fraction of 30% and moderate‐to‐severe mitral valve regurgitation was admitted to our hospital. On 2DTEE examination, mitral valve was normal; however, on 3D images, clefts of both anterior and posterior leaflets were revealed. Isolated cleft mitral valve without any other feature of atrioventricular septal defect is uncommon. 2D echocardiography has limited capability in defining the complex 3D anatomic characteristics of the cleft. 3DTEE allows to visualize the cleft position, morphology, and size, and it is important for surgical planning.
An interatrial tunnel: a rare form of atrial septal defects
Authors: Mahmoud Hani M. , Hosny Mohamed , Philip Peter , Wagdy Kerolos , Kharabish Ahmed , EL Mozy Wesam , Yacoub Magdi
Published: August 2016

Atrial septal defects (ASDs) account for approximately 6%–10% of congenital heart defects. The well‐known types of atrial septal communications are the ostium secundum, ostium primum, sinus venosus types, and coronary sinus defects. A 50‐year‐old female was referred for TEE for better assessment of MR severity and mechanism. 2D/3D‐TEE showed a rare combination of different abnormalities; bi‐leaflet mitral valve prolapse, cleft P2, cor triatriatum sinister, and a tunnel‐shaped IAS communication. To the best of our knowledge, this is a very rare case with a rare form of atrial septal defect that was not described before. We named this defect an interatrial tunnel.
Incidental finding of aberrant mitral valve chorda during a transesophageal echocardiography evaluation for suspected endocarditis
Authors: Siddiqui Irfan , Nguyen Tin , Nekkanti Rajasekhar , Movahed Assad
Published: August 2016

Congenital defects involving anomalous chordae of the mitral valve with attachment in the left atrium are an extremely rare finding and may result in valvular insufficiency. Few cases have been reported in the literature with multiple variations in anatomical location and insertion of aberrant chordae within the left ventricle and left atrium. Reported cases have presented with cardiovascular symptoms leading to diagnosis of anomalous mitral valve chordae. We present a case of a young female in which an aberrant mitral valve chorda was an incidental finding on transesophageal echocardiography.
The unique psychostimulant profile of (±)‐modafinil: investigation of behavioral and neurochemical effects in mice
Authors: Mereu Maddalena , Chun Lauren E. , Prisinzano Thomas E. , Newman Amy H. , Katz Jonathan L. , Tanda Gianluigi
Published: August 2016

Blockade of dopamine (DA) reuptake via the dopamine transporter (DAT) is a primary mechanism identified as underlying the therapeutic actions of (±)‐modafinil (modafinil) and its R‐enantiomer, armodafinil. Herein, we explored the neurochemical and behavioral actions of modafinil to better characterize its psychostimulant profile. Swiss‐Webster mice were implanted with microdialysis probes in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAS) or core (NAC) to evaluate changes in DA levels related to acute reinforcing actions of drugs of abuse. Additionally, subjective effects were studied in mice trained to discriminate 10 mg/kg cocaine (i.p.) from saline. Modafinil (17–300 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly increased NAS and NAC DA levels that at the highest doses reached ~300% at 1 h, and lasted > 6 h in duration. These elevated DA levels did not show statistically significant regional differences between the NAS and NAC. Modafinil produced cocaine‐like subjective effects at 56–100 mg/kg when administered at 5 and 60 min before the start of the session, and enhanced cocaine effects when the two were administered in combination. Despite sharing subjective effects with cocaine, modafinil's psychostimulant profile was unique compared to that of cocaine and like compounds. Modafinil had lower potency and efficacy than cocaine in stimulating NAS DA. In addition, the cocaine‐like subjective effects of modafinil were obtained at lower doses and earlier onset times than expected based on its dopaminergic effects. These studies suggest that although inhibition of DA reuptake may be a primary mechanism underlying modafinil's therapeutic actions, non DA‐dependent actions may be playing a role in its psychostimulant profile.
Life Inside an Acorn: How Microclimate and Microbes Influence Nest Organization in Temnothorax Ants
Authors: Karlik Joseph , Epps Mary Jane , Dunn Robert R. , Penick Clint A.
Published: August 2016

Nests provide a buffer against environmental variation, but conditions may also vary at different locations within a nest. Conditions can vary based on abiotic factors, such as moisture and temperature, as well as biotic factors, such as the presence of microbes and potential pathogens. Therefore, characterizing how animals adjust their position inside their nests to track microclimate preferences while at the same time preventing pathogen exposure is necessary to understand the benefits nests provide. Here we studied how colonies of the acorn‐nesting ant Temnothorax curvispinosus responded to experimental manipulation of moisture, temperature, and microbial growth inside their nests. Colonies showed no response to differences in moisture and moved to the bottom of the acorn regardless of moisture treatment. When nests were heated from the top to simulate warming by the sun, workers preferentially moved brood to the warm, upper half of the acorn, which would stimulate brood development. Finally, the strongest factor that influenced colony position was the presence of microbes inside the nest—colonies avoided the bottom of the nest when it was inoculated with microbes, and colonies in new acorns shifted to the top of the acorn over time as mold and other microbes had time to grow. The relatively strong response of T. curvispinosus to microbial growth inside their nests suggests that pathogen pressures—in addition to microclimate—have a significant impact on how colonies use nest spaces. Social insects are known to invest heavily in antimicrobial compounds that kill or slow the growth of microbes, but avoidance may represent an additional line of defense to prevent pathogen exposure.
Recommendations for the future of recreational fisheries to prepare the social‐ecological system to cope with change
Authors: Arlinghaus R. , Cooke S. J. , Sutton S. G. , Danylchuk A. J. , Potts W. , Freire K. de M. F. , Alós J. , da Silva E. T. , Cowx I. G. , van Anrooy R.
Published: August 2016

This paper presents conclusions and recommendations that emerged from the 7th World Recreational Fishing Conference (WRFC) held in Campinas, Brazil in September 2014. Based on the recognition of the immense social and economic importance of recreational fisheries coupled with weaknesses in robust information about these fisheries in many areas of the world, particularly in many economies in transition, it is recommended to increase effort to build effective governance arrangements and improve monitoring and assessment frameworks in data‐poor situations. Moreover, there is a need to increase interdisciplinary studies that will foster a systematic understanding of recreational fisheries as complex adaptive social‐ecological systems. To promote sustainable recreational fisheries on a global scale, it is recommended the detailed suggestions for governance and management outlined in the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization Technical Guidelines for Responsible Fisheries: Recreational Fisheries are followed.
Climate change is projected to reduce carrying capacity and redistribute species richness in North Pacific pelagic marine ecosystems
Authors: Woodworth‐Jefcoats Phoebe A. , Polovina Jeffrey J. , Drazen Jeffrey C.
Published: August 2016

Climate change is expected to impact all aspects of marine ecosystems, including fisheries. Here, we use output from a suite of 11 earth system models to examine projected changes in two ecosystem‐defining variables: temperature and food availability. In particular, we examine projected changes in epipelagic temperature and, as a proxy for food availability, zooplankton density. We find that under RCP8.5, a high business‐as‐usual greenhouse gas scenario, increasing temperatures may alter the spatial distribution of tuna and billfish species richness across the North Pacific basin. Furthermore, warmer waters and declining zooplankton densities may act together to lower carrying capacity for commercially valuable fish by 2–5% per decade over the 21st century. These changes have the potential to significantly impact the magnitude, composition, and distribution of commercial fish catch across the pelagic North Pacific. Such changes will in turn ultimately impact commercial fisheries’ economic value. Fishery managers should anticipate these climate impacts to ensure sustainable fishery yields and livelihoods.