bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Organizational Diversity Policies on Minority Employees’ Leadership Self-Perceptions and Goals
Authors: Gündemir Seval , Dovidio John F. , Homan Astrid C. , De Dreu Carsten K. W.
Published: August 2016

We examined how formal organizational diversity policies affect minorities’ leadership-relevant self-perceptions and goals in two experiments. Organizational mission statements were manipulated to reflect policies acknowledging and valuing subgroup differences (Multiculturalism), de-emphasizing subgroup differences while valuing interindividual differences (Value-in-Individual Differences), or de-emphasizing differences in favor of an overarching group membership (Value-in-Homogeneity). Study 1 ( N = 162) showed that, compared with Value-in-Homogeneity policies, Multiculturalism or Value-in-Individual Differences policies increase perceptions of an open diversity climate, which in turn enhance leadership self-efficacy of situational minority employees. Focusing on racial–ethnic minority and majority employees, Study 2 ( N = 119) replicated and extended these findings by revealing similar results on anticipated leadership self-efficacy, positive outcome expectations, and the willingness to apply for higher level leadership positions.
Neurovascular manifestations of connective-tissue diseases: A review
Authors: Kim Sarasa T , Brinjikji Waleed , Lanzino Giuseppe , Kallmes David F
Published: August 2016

Patients with connective tissue diseases are thought to be at a higher risk for a number of cerebrovascular diseases such as intracranial aneurysms, dissections, and acute ischemic strokes. In this report, we aim to understand the prevalence and occurrences of such neurovascular manifestations in four heritable connective tissue disorders: Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Neurofibromatosis Type 1, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome. We discuss the fact that although there are various case studies reporting neurovascular findings in these connective tissue diseases, there is a general lack of case-control and prospective studies investigating the true prevalence of these findings in these patient populations. Furthermore, the differences observed in the manifestations and histology of such disease pathologies encourages future multi-center registries and studies in better characterizing the pathophysiology, prevalence, and ideal treatment options of neurovascular lesions in patents with connective tissue diseases.
The insidious appearance of the dissecting aneurysm: Imaging findings and related pathophysiology. A report of two cases
Authors: Onofrj Valeria , Cortes Maria , Tampieri Donatella
Published: August 2016

Intracranial dissecting aneurysms have been frequently reported to present with fairly challenging and time-variable imaging findings that can be mostly explained by the pathological mechanisms that underline the dissection. We present two cases of spontaneous dissecting aneurysm of the supraclinoid ICA, both clinically presenting with SAH, but characterized by different progression of clinical symptoms and imaging. However, in both cases an outpouch and a mild fusiform dilation of the supraclinoid ICA was present in the initial CTA performed after the occurrence of symptoms. These findings were well depicted by the MPR reformats performed retrospectively. We postulate that this finding may represent the point of initial transmural dissection and we recommend that careful analysis of the CTA MRP reformatted images should be performed in order to detect this finding promptly.
Tribological behavior of aeronautical steel under oil–air lubrication containing extreme-pressure and anti-wear additives
Authors: Guan Wen , Zhou Hai , Wang Bin , Xia Yanqiu , Liu Weimin
Published: August 2016

If the lubrication system of a helicopter reducer is compromised, its gears and bearings will be in a working state without lubricating oil, which causes the reducer to be damaged in a very short time. Various 2% additives of T307, T321, T202, and T391 were injected and mixed with DOD-L-85734 aeronautical oil to produce 45-min oil–air lubrication experiments performed upon 12Cr2Ni4A aeronautical steel tribo-pairs. The results show that the best anti-wear effect is produced by oil–air lubrication containing T391: its wear width under jetting oil–air just three times and quantity of oil used only 0.015 mL in 45 min was only 421.32 µm but that of dry friction for 48 s was 629.20 µm. The technology of oil–air lubrication that contains an extreme-pressure and anti-wear additive is thus a feasible way to improve the operational ability of a helicopter transmission system that is out of oil.
Mathematical modeling and numerical simulations of the motion of nanoparticles in straight tube
Authors: Bounkhel Messaoud
Published: August 2016

Nanotechnology is a very important field in science and technology, and research projects in this domain attract considerable funding. The existing research works in nanotechnology deal with chemical, physical, and biological issues or a combination of these fields, but very small number of works has been undertaken on mathematical modeling. Mathematical models can greatly reduce the time involved in experimentation, which in turn reduces the research cost. In this article, we consider the mathematical modeling of the motion of nanoparticles in a viscous flow inside straight tube. Illustrative simulations of the model are provided.
Advanced Imaging in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Li Qi , Amano Keiko , Link Thomas M. , Ma C. Benjamin
Published: August 2016

Context:

Radiography is widely accepted as the gold standard for diagnosing osteoarthritis (OA), but it has limitations when assessing early stage OA and monitoring progression. While there are improvements in the treatment of OA, the challenge is early recognition.

Evidence Acquisition:

MEDLINE and PubMed as well as professional orthopaedic and imaging websites were reviewed from 2006 to 2016.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide the most comprehensive assessment of joint injury and OA with the advantages of being noninvasive and multiplanar with excellent soft tissue contrast. However, MRI is expensive, time consuming, and not widely used for monitoring OA clinically. Computed tomography (CT) and CT arthrography (CTA) can also be used to evaluate OA, but these are also invasive and require radiation exposure. Ultrasound is particularly useful for evaluation of synovitis but not for progression of OA.

Conclusion:

MRI, CT, and CTA are available for the diagnosis and monitoring of OA. Improvement in techniques and decrease in cost can allow some of these modalities to be effective methods of detecting early OA.
Characterization of Articular Cartilage Recovery and Its Correlation with Optical Response in the Near-Infrared Spectral Range
Authors: Afara Isaac Oluwaseun , Singh Sanjleena , Moody Hayley , Zhang Lihai , Oloyede Adekunle
Published: August 2016

Objectives:

In this study, we examine the capacity of a new parameter, based on the recovery response of articular cartilage, to distinguish between healthy and damaged tissues. We also investigate whether or not this new parameter correlates with the near-infrared (NIR) optical response of articular cartilage.

Design:

Normal and artificially degenerated (proteoglycan-depleted) bovine cartilage samples were nondestructively probed using NIR spectroscopy. Subsequently they were subjected to a load and unloading protocol, and the recovery response was logged during unloading. The recovery parameter, elastic rebound ( ER), is based on the strain energy released as the samples underwent instantaneous elastic recovery.

Results:

Our results reveal positive relationship between the rebound parameter and cartilage proteoglycan content (normal samples: 2.20 ± 0.10 N mm; proteoglycan-depleted samples: 0.50 ± 0.04 N mm for 1 hour of enzymatic treatment and 0.13 ± 0.02 N mm for 4 hours of enzymatic treatment). In addition, multivariate analysis using partial least squares regression was employed to investigate the relationship between ER and NIR spectral data. The results reveal significantly high correlation ( R2cal = 98.35% and R2val = 79.87%; P < 0.0001), with relatively low error (14%), between the recovery and optical response of cartilage in the combined NIR regions 5,450 to 6,100 cm−1 and 7,500 to 12,500 cm−1.

Conclusion:

We conclude that ER can indicate the mechanical condition and state of health of articular cartilage. The correlation of ER with cartilage optical response in the NIR range could facilitate real-time evaluation of the tissue’s integrity during arthroscopic surgery and could also provide an important tool for cartilage assessment in tissue engineering and regeneration research.
Modelling of complex blast
Authors: Milne Alec M , Cargill Scott B , Longbottom Aaron W
Published: August 2016

There is an extensive hierarchy of models for the prediction of free-field blast wave propagation and loading. As one begins to move to more complex scenarios (e.g. near-field blast, non-ideal explosives, internal blast or buried charges), there is a need for more detailed understanding and modelling. In this article, we discuss a range of sub-models for the components of complex blast which can be used in hydrocode modelling of the loading of targets or structures. Many explosives are fuel-rich and thus have the capacity to undergo secondary combustion after detonation (afterburn). Even in the free field, this mechanism affects the wave profile and we illustrate the errors associated with simpler models, even for the case of detonation of a sphere of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in the free field. We identify why these effects should be accounted for in any analysis of later time reflections in more complex targets and discuss how the effects of complex blast are also important in assessing human injury. We also report some engineering models which we have developed based on parameter studies using hydrocode models. The effects of any casing surrounding the explosive charge also influence the loading on a target, both by taking energy out of the blast wave and by accelerating fragments which produce a heterogeneous loading on a structure. Some blast mitigation concepts also make use of the transfer of energy to powder, liquid or foam surrounds. Buried charges can also behave in a similar manner to powder-based blast mitigants and lead to fast moving fingers of solid material which can produce localised loadings on structures. We identify how recent studies in these areas are influencing complex blast calculations.
Mitrofanoff cystolitholopaxy and bladder biopsy using a mini-PCNL kit
Authors: Floyd Michael S , Sakalis Vasileios , Davies Melissa C
Published: August 2016

Bladder calculi are a common complication of urinary tract augmentation with an incidence of up to 50%.1 Aside from traditional transurethral approaches, management options include lithotripsy,2 or hybrid techniques using a combination of endoscopic and laparoscopic approaches. 3 Although Mitrofanoff cystolitholopaxy has been previously described,4 we describe a further modification of the technique with concomitant bladder biopsy in a neuropathic patient using a mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL) kit.
Encouraging and rewarding consumer creativity in new product development processes: How to motivate consumers involved in creative contests?
Authors: Salgado Stéphane , De Barnier Virginie
Published: August 2016

The integration of consumers into new product development processes is a promising approach that triggers original ideas faster for brands. This research seeks to determine which are the rewards and interactions that enhance creativity in creativity contests. The theoretical framework relies on consumer creativity, brand feedback role during new product development processes and the effects of rewards on creativity. Findings of an experimentation conducted with 180 individuals show that reputation rewards associated with brand feedback can play a role at least as important as monetary rewards. The results show that the feedback of the brand is a moderating variable in the relationship between creativity and rewards and that associating brand feedback with reputation reward strongly stimulates creativity.
Questioning Big Data: Crowdsourcing crisis data towards an inclusive humanitarian response
Authors: Mulder Femke , Ferguson Julie , Groenewegen Peter , Boersma Kees , Wolbers Jeroen
Published: August 2016

The aim of this paper is to critically explore whether crowdsourced Big Data enables an inclusive humanitarian response at times of crisis. We argue that all data, including Big Data, are socially constructed artefacts that reflect the contexts and processes of their creation. To support our argument, we qualitatively analysed the process of ‘Big Data making’ that occurred by way of crowdsourcing through open data platforms, in the context of two specific humanitarian crises, namely the 2010 earthquake in Haiti and the 2015 earthquake in Nepal. We show that the process of creating Big Data from local and global sources of knowledge entails the transformation of information as it moves from one distinct group of contributors to the next. The implication of this transformation is that locally based, affected people and often the original ‘crowd’ are excluded from the information flow, and from the interpretation process of crowdsourced crisis knowledge, as used by formal responding organizations, and are marginalized in their ability to benefit from Big Data in support of their own means. Our paper contributes a critical perspective to the debate on participatory Big Data, by explaining the process of in and exclusion during data making, towards more responsive humanitarian relief.
Australian Technical Teachers’ Experience of Technology Integration in Teaching
Authors: Khan Md. Shahadat Hossain , Bibi Shaista , Hasan Mahbub
Published: August 2016

This study investigated teachers’ conceptions of technology integration into their teaching from two renowned technical and vocational education (TVE) institutes in New South Wales, Australia. Thirteen teachers were interviewed using qualitative techniques informed by the phenomenographic approach. The analysis of the data revealed that TVE teachers perceived the use of technology in teaching in four qualitatively different ways: (a) upgrading teacher knowledge, (b) ease of communication, (c) effective teaching, and (d) flexible teaching. Some findings align with existing phenomenographic studies of teachers’ conceptions held in the context of university education. This study contributes to teachers’ conceptions literature by identifying “flexible teaching” as one of the most significant conceptions of teaching within the context of TVE teaching in particular and higher education in general. The findings of the study could have an impact on teaching practice and faculty development programs in both TVE and other higher educational institutes.
Engaging Black Communities to Address HIV
Authors: Baidoobonso S. , Husbands W. , George C. , Mbulaheni T. , Afzal A.
Published: August 2016

Black people comprise 4.3% of Ontario’s population but 19% of HIV-positive people in the province. The “Keep it alive!” social marketing campaign was developed to promote HIV prevention and raise awareness about HIV among Ontario’s Black communities. This article evaluates the campaign’s reception. A convenience sample of 243 Black people completed a cross-sectional self-administered survey in three cities. We assessed the campaign’s reception based on survey responses about campaign exposure, appeal, and importance, and whether the campaign raised awareness. Our results show that reception was more favorable among participants who tested for HIV previously, discussed the campaign with others, demonstrated a superior knowledge of HIV, visited the campaign website, were of Caribbean or African background, and were male. In addition, reception varied by city and according to participants’ language (English or French). These results may inform future campaigns, although how campaigns are received may reflect issues related to their implementation.
Ipilimumab-Induced Neutropenia in Melanoma
Authors: Ban-Hoefen Makiko , Burack Richard , Sievert Lynn , Sahasrabudhe Deepak
Published: August 2016

Ipilimumab is a human monoclonal IgG1 antibody against CTLA-4 that has been shown to prolong the overall survival of advanced melanoma. The most common adverse events associated with ipilimumab are immune-related. Severe hematological toxicity is rare. We report a case of severe neutropenia following ipilimumab therapy that fully resolved after the administration of prednisone, cyclosporine, and anti-thymocyte globulin therapies.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Quadriceps Versus Achilles Tendon Bone Block Allograft
Authors: Forsythe Brian , Haro Marc S. , Bogunovic Ljiljana , Collins Michael J. , Arns Thomas A. , Trella Katie J. , Shewman Elizabeth F. , Verma Nikhil N. , Bach Bernard R.
Published: August 2016

Background:

Long-term studies of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction suggest that normal stability is not restored in the majority of patients. The Achilles tendon allograft is frequently utilized, although recently, the quadriceps tendon has been introduced as an alternative option due to its size and high patellar bone density.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical strength of PCL reconstructions using a quadriceps versus an Achilles allograft. The hypothesis was that quadriceps bone block allograft has comparable mechanical properties to those of Achilles bone block allograft.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Twenty-nine fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: (1) intact PCL, (2) PCL reconstruction with Achilles tendon allograft, or (3) PCL reconstruction with quadriceps tendon allograft. After reconstruction, all supporting capsular and ligamentous tissues were removed. Posterior tibial translation was measured at neutral and 20° external rotation. Each specimen underwent a preload, 2 cyclic loading protocols of 500 cycles, then load to failure.

Results:

Construct creep deformation was significantly lower in the intact group compared with both Achilles and quadriceps allograft ( P = .008). The intact specimens reached the greatest ultimate load compared with both reconstructions (1974 ± 752 N, P = .0001). The difference in ultimate load for quadriceps versus Achilles allograft was significant ( P = .048), with the quadriceps group having greater maximum force during failure testing. No significant differences were noted between quadriceps versus Achilles allograft for differences in crosshead excursion during cyclic testing (peak-valley [P-V] extension stretch), creep deformation, or stiffness. Construct stiffness measured during the failure test was greatest in the intact group (117 ± 9 N/mm, P = .0001) compared with the Achilles (43 ± 11 N/mm) and quadriceps (43 ± 7 N/mm) groups.

Conclusion:

While the quadriceps trended to be a stronger construct with a greater maximum load and stiffness required during load to failure, only maximum force in comparison with the Achilles reached statistical significance. Quadriceps and Achilles tendon allografts had similar other biomechanical characteristics when used for a PCL reconstruction, but both were inferior to the native PCL.

Clinical Relevance:

The quadriceps tendon is a viable graft option in PCL reconstruction as it exhibits a greater maximum force and is otherwise comparable to the Achilles allograft. These findings expand allograft availability in PCL reconstruction.
Latina/o Students in Majority White Schools
Authors: Salerno Stacy , Reynolds John R.
Published: August 2016

Latina/o high school students face many challenges in school, and much current research on ethnicity and education likewise focuses on the downsides of being an ethnic minority in the U.S. educational system. Social scientists attribute the educational gaps associated with ethnic minority status to factors such as fewer family resources, discrimination, teacher-student mismatch, English learner status, and social isolation at school. This article shifts attention to the ways in which ethnic minority status can bolster educational attainment and highlights the significance of co-ethnic physical spaces or “enclaves” in majority white high schools. Data include 11 interviews with teachers and administrators at a public high school in the Southeast, supplemented with 100 hours of classroom participant observation and over 100 narratives written by students. Student perceptions are tapped through analysis of an open-ended essay writing exercise on what it means to be a Latina/o in the United States, completed by the Latina/o students enrolled in four Spanish language–only courses during three terms in 2013–2014. The observation, interview, and essay-based data indicate that Latino/a high school students benefit from school ethnic enclaves where they are free to draw on the support of co-ethnic peers and culturally flexible teachers. These themes emerge in the interviews with teachers and are supported by student comments in a writing exercise. School ethnic enclaves provide both academic and social support, help foster a positive ethnic self-image, and ultimately link ethnic minority status and heritage to success despite the significant—and more often studied—educational challenges faced by Latina/o high school students.
Supporting Client and Family Engagement in Care Through the Planning and Implementation of an Online Consumer Health Portal
Authors: Maxwell Joanne , Williams Laura , Adamson Keith , Karmali Amir , Quinlan Becky
Published: August 2016

Web-based portals and electronic health records are making it easier for clients and families to access health information. This improved transparency and access to information has the potential to promote activation and improve outcomes, but to realize these benefits, the information needs to be valuable, meaningful, and understandable. Engagement of the end users in the planning and implementation will ensure that the product meets the needs of the consumers. The purpose of this case study is to describe the client and family engagement strategies that were employed to support the process of planning and implementing an online consumer health portal at a pediatric rehabilitation hospital to support the successful launch of this new information-sharing technology platform.
Dance? I Can’t Dance! Developing an Understanding of Mental Models Through Line Dancing
Authors: Peterson Tim O. , Peterson Claudette M. , Krom Cynthia L. , A. Griffith Brian
Published: August 2016

Mental models guide our attitudes and direct our actions. Senge defined a mental model as a deeply ingrained set of assumptions, generalizations, or images that influence how we understand and respond to the world around us. Line dancing is an example of a process that includes many types of mental models. In fact, each dance is a mental model of its own. In addition, we each come to dancing with our own mental models about dancing and our self-concept. In this article, we share experiences of using line dances in classes as a way to help students be engaged while learning about a complex topic. Three sets of supplemental materials are included: (a) music suggestions, video links, and steps to help teach each dance; (b) suggestions to apply line dancing in various business courses; and (c) reflections on dance and mental models by the instructors.
BAMQL: a query language for extracting reads from BAM files
Authors: Masella Andre P. , Lalansingh Christopher M. , Sivasundaram Pragash , Fraser Michael , Bristow Robert G. , Boutros Paul C.
Published: August 2016

Background

It is extremely common to need to select a subset of reads from a BAM file based on their specific properties. Typically, a user unpacks the BAM file to a text stream using SAMtools, parses and filters the lines using AWK, then repacks them using SAMtools. This process is tedious and error-prone. In particular, when working with many columns of data, mix-ups are common and the bit field containing the flags is unintuitive. There are several libraries for reading BAM files, such as for Perl and for Python. Both allow access to the BAM’s read information and can filter reads, but require substantial boilerplate code; this is high overhead for mostly ad hoc filtering.

Results

We have created a query language that gathers reads using a collection of predicates and common logical connectives. Queries run faster than equivalents and can be compiled to native code for embedding in larger programs.

Conclusions

BAMQL provides a user-friendly, powerful and performant way to extract subsets of BAM files for ad hoc analyses or integration into applications. The query language provides a collection of predicates beyond those in SAMtools, and more flexible connectives.
Serum starvation-induced cell cycle synchronization stimulated mouse rDNA transcription reactivation during somatic cell reprogramming into iPSCs
Authors: Zhao Qiaoshi , Wu Yanshuang , Shan Zhiyan , Bai Guangyu , Wang Zhendong , Hu Jing , Liu Li , Li Tong , Shen Jingling , Lei Lei
Published: August 2016

Background

rDNA, the genes encoding ribosomal RNA (rRNA), is highly demanded for ribosome production and protein synthesis in growing cells such as pluripotent stem cells. rDNA transcription activity varies between cell types, metabolism conditions, and specific environmental challenges. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs), partially reprogrammed cells, and somatic cells reveal different epigenetic signatures, including rDNA epigenetic marks. rDNA epigenetic characteristic resetting is not quite clear during induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) generation. Little is known that whether the different rDNA epigenetic status in donor cells will result in different rDNA transcription activities, and furthermore affect reprogramming efficiency.

Methods

We utilized serum starvation-synchronized mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) to generate S-iPSCs. Both MEFs and serum-refeeding MEFs (S-MEFs) were reprogrammed to a pluripotent state. rDNA-related genes, UBF proteins, and rDNA methylation levels were detected during the MEF and S-MEF cell reprogramming process.

Results

We demonstrated that, after transient inhibition, retroviral induced rRNA transcriptional activity was reprogrammed towards a pluripotent state. Serum starvation would stimulate rDNA transcription reactivation during somatic cell reprogramming. Serum starvation improved the methylation status of donor cells at rRNA gene promoter regions.

Conclusions

Our results provide insight into regulation of rDNA transcriptional activity during somatic cell reprogramming and allow for comparison of rDNA regulation patterns between iPSCs and S-iPSCs. Eventually, regulation of rDNA transcriptional activity will benefit partially reprogrammed cells to overcome the epigenetic barrier to pluripotency.
Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells protect against experimental colitis via CD5+ B regulatory cells
Authors: Chao Kang , Zhang Shenghong , Qiu Yun , Chen Xiaoyong , Zhang Xiaoran , Cai Chuang , Peng Yanwen , Mao Ren , Pevsner-Fischer Meirav , Ben-horin Shomron , Elinav Eran , Zeng Zhirong , Chen Baili , He Yao , Xiang Andy Peng , Chen Minhu
Published: August 2016

Background

To clarify the effect of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSCs) treatment on colitis and to explore the role of CD5+ B cells in MSC therapy.

Methods

The trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis mouse model was used. HUC-MSCs were transferred peritoneally. Survival rates, colitis symptoms, and macroscopic and histologic scores were evaluated. CD4+ T helper (Th) cell subgroups and CD5+ regulatory B cell (Bregs) in lymphocytes were quantitated by flow cytometry. Cytokine levels were detected by ELISA and Bio-plex. CD5+ B cells were isolated for in vitro co-culture and adaptive transfer.

Results

HUC-MSC treatment alleviated TNBS-induced colitis by increasing survival rates, relieving symptoms, and improving macroscopic and histologic scores. Labeled hUC-MSCs were located in the inflamed areas of colitis mice. Increases in regulatory T cells (Tregs) and CD5+ B cells and decreases in Th1 cells, Th17 cells, and several pro-inflammatory cytokines were observed with hUC-MSC treatment. After adaptive transfer, CD5+ B cells, which were located mainly in the peritoneal lavage fluid, improved TNBS-induced colitis by correcting Treg/Th1/Th17 imbalances. CD5+ B cells also inhibited T-cell proliferation and produced interleukin (IL)-10.

Conclusions

HUC-MSCs protected against experimental colitis by boosting the numbers of CD5+ B cells and IL-10-producing CD5+ Bregs, and correcting Treg/Th17/Th1 imbalances.
Cross double-difference inversion for microseismic event location using data from a single monitoring well
Authors: Tian Xiao , Zhang Wei , Zhang Jie
Published: August 2016

The double-difference (DD) location method has long been applied for locating a cluster of earthquakes with data recorded at surface seismic stations. This method has also been used for locating microseismic events with multiple monitoring wells during hydraulic fracturing. We first extended the approach for locating a cluster of microseismic events with data recorded from a single well. To do this, we have reduced the 3D location problem to 2D by projecting all of the events onto a vertical ([Formula: see text]) plane, with a vertical [Formula: see text]-axis and a horizontal [Formula: see text]-axis representing the distance to the monitoring well, considering the symmetric character of the 1D velocity model and the vertical monitoring well. We then performed a 2D location inversion and projected the results back to 3D using the event azimuths, which were determined from a separate analysis of the initial P-wave polarizations. However, although the DD method could determine relative locations of events reasonably well, it yielded poor absolute locations. We have developed a cross DD (CDD) approach using the cross traveltime difference between the P-wave arrival of one event and the S-wave arrival of another event for inversion instead of the arrival-time differences of the same phases as in the DD method. The CDD method contains more information on absolute locations than the DD method, resulting in a much more stable absolute location determination. The synthetic and field data tests indicated that the CDD method could improve the accuracy of relative and absolute event locations in microseismic clusters.
Cost-effectiveness of telehealth for patients with depression: evidence from the Healthlines randomised controlled trial
Authors: Dixon Padraig , Hollinghurst Sandra , Edwards Louisa , Thomas Clare , Foster Alexis , Davies Ben , Gaunt Daisy , Montgomery Alan A. , Salisbury Chris
Published: August 2016

Background

Depression is a prevalent long-term condition that is associated with substantial resource use. Telehealth may offer a cost-effective means of supporting the management of people with depression.

Aims

To investigate the cost-effectiveness of a telehealth intervention (‘Healthlines’) for patients with depression.

Method

A prospective patient-level economic evaluation conducted alongside a randomised controlled trial. Patients were recruited through primary care, and the intervention was delivered via a telehealth service. Participants with a confirmed diagnosis of depression and PHQ-9 score ≥10 were recruited from 43 English general practices. A series of up to 10 scripted, theory-led, telephone encounters with health information advisers supported participants to effect a behaviour change, use online resources, optimise medication and improve adherence. The intervention was delivered alongside usual care and was designed to support rather than duplicate primary care. Cost-effectiveness from a combined health and social care perspective was measured by net monetary benefit at the end of 12 months of follow-up, calculated from incremental cost and incremental quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Cost–consequence analysis included cost of lost productivity, participant out-of-pocket expenditure and the clinical outcome.

Results

A total of 609 participants were randomised – 307 to receive the Healthlines intervention plus usual care and 302 to receive usual care alone. Forty-five per cent of participants had missing quality of life data, 41% had missing cost data and 51% of participants had missing data on either cost or utility, or both. Multiple imputation was used for the base-case analysis. The intervention was associated with incremental mean per-patient National Health Service/personal social services cost of £168 (95% CI £43 to £294) and an incremental QALY gain of 0.001 (95% CI −0.023 to 0.026). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was £132 630. Net monetary benefit at a cost-effectiveness threshold of £20 000 was –£143 (95% CI –£164 to –£122) and the probability of the intervention being cost-effective at this threshold value was 0.30. Productivity costs were higher in the intervention arm, but out-of-pocket expenses were lower.

Conclusions

The Healthlines service was acceptable to patients as a means of condition management, and response to treatment after 4 months was higher for participants randomised to the intervention. However, the positive average intervention effect size was modest, and incremental costs were high relative to a small incremental QALY gain at 12 months. The intervention is not likely to be cost-effective in its current form.
A role for post-transcriptional control of ER dynamics and function in C. elegans germline stem cell maintenance
Authors: Maheshwari Richa , Pushpa Kumari , Subramaniam Kuppuswamy
Published: August 2016

Membrane-bound receptors, crucial for mediating several developmental signals, are synthesized on endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Therefore, the functional integrity of ER must be important for the regulation of at least some of the developmental programs. However, the developmental control of ER function has not been well understood. Here, we identify the C. elegans protein FARL-11, an ortholog of the mammalian STRIPAK complex component STRIP1/2 (FAM40A/B), as an ER protein. In the embryo, we find that FARL-11 is essential for the cell cycle-dependent morphological changes of ER and embryonic viability. In the germline, FARL-11 is required for normal ER morphology and for the membrane localization of the GLP-1 / Notch receptor involved in germline stem cell (GSC) maintenance. Furthermore, we provide evidence that PUF-8, a key translational regulator in the germline, promotes the translation of farl-11 mRNA. These findings, thus, reveal that the ER form and function in the C. elegans germline are post-transcriptionally regulated and essential for the niche-GSC signaling mediated by GLP-1.
Eye development and photoreceptor differentiation in the cephalopod Doryteuthis pealeii
Authors: Koenig Kristen M. , Sun Peter , Meyer Eli , Gross Jeffrey M.
Published: August 2016

Photoreception is a ubiquitous sensory ability found across the Metazoa, and photoreceptive organs are intricate and diverse in their structure. While the morphology of the compound eye in Drosophila and the single-chambered eye in vertebrates have elaborated independently, the amount of conservation within the ‘eye’ gene regulatory network remains controversial with few taxa studied. To better understand the evolution of photoreceptive organs, we established the cephalopod, Doryteuthis pealeii, as a lophotrochozoan model for eye development. Utilizing histological, transcriptomic and molecular assays we characterize eye formation in Doryteuthis pealeii. Through lineage tracing and gene expression analyses, we demonstrate that cells expressing Pax and Six genes incorporate into the lens, cornea and iris, and the eye placode is the sole source of retinal tissue. Functional assays demonstrate that Notch signaling is required for photoreceptor cell differentiation and retinal organization. This comparative approach places the canon of eye research in traditional models into perspective, highlighting complexity as a result of both conserved and convergent mechanisms.
Modeling halotropism: A key role for root tip architecture and reflux loop remodeling in redistributing auxin
Authors: van den Berg Thea , Korver Ruud A. , Testerink Christa S. , ten Tusscher Kirsten H. W. J.
Published: August 2016

A key characteristic of plant development is its plasticity in response to various and dynamically changing environmental conditions. Tropisms contribute to this flexibity by allowing plant organs to grow from or towards environmental cues. Halotropism is a recently described tropism allowing plant roots to bend away from salt. During halotropism, as in most other tropisms, directional growth is generated through an asymmetric auxin distribution that generates differences in growth rate and hence induces bending. Here we develop a detailed model of auxin transport in the Arabidopsis root tip and combine this with experiments to investigate the processes generating auxin asymmetry during halotropism. Our model points to the key role of root tip architecture in allowing the decrease in PIN2 at the salt-exposed side of the root to result in a rerouting of auxin to the opposite side. In addition, our model demonstrates how feedback of auxin on the auxin transporter AUX1 amplifies this auxin asymmetry, while a salt-induced transient increase in PIN1 levels increases the speed at which this occurs. Using AUX1-GFP imaging and pin1 mutants we experimentally confirmed these model predictions, thus expanding our knowledge of the cellular basis of halotropism.
Plastid osmotic stress influences cell differentiation at the plant shoot apex
Authors: Wilson Margaret E. , Mixdorf Matthew , Berg R. Howard , Haswell Elizabeth S.
Published: August 2016

The balance between proliferation and differentiation in the plant shoot apical meristem is controlled by regulatory loops involving the phytohormone cytokinin and stem cell identity genes. Concurrently, cellular differentiation in the developing shoot is coordinated with the environmental and developmental status of plastids within those cells. Here we employ an Arabidopsis thaliana mutant exhibiting constitutive plastid osmotic stress to investigate the molecular and genetic pathways connecting plastid osmotic stress with cell differentiation at the shoot apex. msl2 msl3 mutants exhibit dramatically enlarged and deformed plastids in the shoot apical meristem, and develop a mass of callus tissue at the shoot apex. Callus production in this mutant requires the cytokinin receptor AHK2 and is characterized by increased cytokinin levels, down-regulation of cytokinin signaling inhibitors ARR7 and ARR15, and induction of the stem cell identity gene WUSCHEL. Furthermore, plastid stress-induced apical callus production requires elevated plastidic ROS, ABA biosynthesis, the retrograde signaling protein GUN1, and ABI4. These results are consistent with a model wherein the cytokinin/WUS pathway and retrograde signaling control cell differentiation at the shoot apex.
The Ets protein pointed prevents both premature differentiation and dedifferentiation of Drosophila intermediate neural progenitors
Authors: Xie Yonggang , Li Xiaosu , Deng Xiaobing , Hou Yanjun , O'Hara Krysten , Urso Andreacarola , Peng Ying , Chen Li , Zhu Sijun
Published: August 2016

Intermediate neural progenitor cells (INPs) need to avoid both dedifferentiation and differentiation during neurogenesis, but the mechanisms are not well understood. In Drosophila, the Ets protein Pointed P1 (PntP1) is required to generate INPs from type II neuroblasts. Here, we investigated how PntP1 promotes INP generation. By generating pntP1-specific mutants and using RNAi knockdown, we show that the loss of PntP1 leads to both an increase in the type II neuroblast number and the elimination of INPs. We show that the elimination of INPs results from premature differentiation of INPs due to the ectopic Prospero expression in newly generated immature INPs (imINP), whereas the increase in the type II neuroblast number results from the dedifferentiation of imINPs due to a loss of Earmuff at later stages of imINP development. Furthermore, reducing Buttonhead enhances the loss of INPs in pntP1 mutants, suggesting that PntP1 and Buttonhead act cooperatively to prevent premature INP differentiation. Our results demonstrate that PntP1 prevents both the premature differentiation and dedifferentiation of INPs by regulating the expression of distinct target genes at different stages of imINP development.
Epb41l5 competes with Delta as a substrate for Mib1 to coordinate specification and differentiation of neurons
Authors: Matsuda Miho , Rand Kinneret , Palardy Greg , Shimizu Nobuyuki , Ikeda Hiromi , Nogare Damian Dalle , Itoh Motoyuki , Chitnis Ajay B.
Published: August 2016

We identified Erythrocyte membrane Protein Band 4.1-like 5 (Epb41l5) as a substrate for the E3 ubiquitin ligase Mind bomb 1 (Mib1) which is essential for activation of Notch signaling. While loss of Epb41l5 does not significantly alter the pattern of Neural Progenitor Cells (NPCs) specified as neurons at the neural plate stage, it delays their delamination and differentiation after neurulation when NPCs normally acquire organized Apical Junctional Complexes (AJCs) in the zebrafish hindbrain. Delays in differentiation are reduced by knocking-down N-cadherin, a manipulation expected to help destabilize Adherens Junctions (AJs). This suggested that delays in neuronal differentiation in epb41l5 deficient embryos are related to a previously described role for Epb41l5 in facilitating disassembly of cadherin-dependent AJCs. Mib1 ubiquitinates Epb41l5 to promote its degradation. DeltaD can compete with Epb41l5 to reduce Mib1-dependent Epb41l5 degradation and increasing the number of NPCs specified to become neurons, expressing high levels of DeltaD, stabilizes Epb41l5 in the embryo. Together, these observations suggest that relatively high levels of Delta stabilize Epb41l5 in NPCs specified as neurons. This, we suggest, helps coordinate NPC specification with Epb41l5-dependent delamination and differentiation as neurons.
A novel small molecule that disrupts a key event during the oocyte-to-embryo transition in C. elegans
Authors: Weicksel Steven E. , Mahadav Assaf , Moyle Mark , Cipriani Patricia G. , Kudron Michelle , Pincus Zachary , Bahmanyar Shirin , Abriola Laura , Merkel Janie , Gutwein Michelle , Fernandez Anita G. , Piano Fabio , Gunsalus Kristin C. , Reinke Valerie
Published: August 2016

The complex cellular events that occur in response to fertilization are essential for mediating the oocyte-to-embryo transition. Here, we describe a comprehensive small-molecule screen focused on identifying compounds that affect early embryonic events in Caenorhabditis elegans. We identify a single novel compound that disrupts early embryogenesis with remarkable stage and species specificity. The compound, named C22, primarily impairs eggshell integrity, leading to osmotic sensitivity and embryonic lethality. The C22-induced phenotype is dependent upon the upregulation of the LET-607/CREBH transcription factor and its candidate target genes, which primarily encode factors involved in diverse aspects of protein trafficking. Together, our data suggest that in the presence of C22, one or more key components of the eggshell are inappropriately processed, leading to permeable, inviable embryos. The remarkable specificity and reversibility of this compound will facilitate further investigation into the role and regulation of protein trafficking in the early embryo, as well as serve as a tool for manipulating the life cycle for other studies such as those involving aging.
Introducing a novel mechanism to control heart rate in the ancestral pacific hagfish
Authors: Wilson Christopher M. , Roa Jinae N. , Cox Georgina K. , Tresguerres Martin , Farrell Anthony P.
Published: August 2016

While neural modulation of heart rate is well established among chordate animals, the Pacific hagfish (Eptatretus stoutii) lacks any cardiac innervation yet can increase its heart rate from the steady, depressed heart rate seen in prolonged anoxia to almost double its normal normoxic heart rate, an almost four-fold overall change during the 1-h recovery from anoxia. The present study sought mechanistic explanations for these regulatory changes in heart rate. We provide evidence for a bicarbonate-activated, soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC)-dependent mechanism to control heart rate, a mechanism never previously implicated in chordate cardiac control.
Effects of series elastic compliance on muscle force summation and the rate of force rise
Authors: Mayfield Dean L. , Cresswell Andrew G. , Lichtwark Glen A.
Published: August 2016

Compliant tendons permit mechanically unfavourable fascicle dynamics during fixed-end contractions. The purpose of this study was to reduce the effective compliance of tendon and investigate how small reductions in active shortening affect twitch kinetics and contractile performance in response to a second stimulus. The series elastic element (SEE) of the human triceps surae (N=15) was effectively stiffened by applying a 55 ms rotation to the ankle, through a range of 5°, at the onset of twitch and doublet [interstimulus interval (ISI) of 80 ms] stimulation. Ultrasonography was employed to quantify lateral gastrocnemius and soleus fascicle lengths. Rotation increased twitch torque (40-75%), rate of torque development (RTD, 124-154%) and torque-time integral (TTI, 70-110%) relative to constant-length contractions at the initial and final joint positions, yet caused only modest reductions in shortening amplitude and velocity. The torque contribution of the second pulse increased when stimulation was preceded by rotation, a finding unable to be explained on the basis of fascicle length or SEE stiffness during contraction post-rotation. A further increase in torque contribution was not demonstrated, nor an increase in doublet TTI, when the second pulse was delivered during rotation and shortly after the initial pulse (ISI of 10 ms). The depressant effect of active shortening on subsequent torque generation suggests that compliant tendons, by affording large length changes, may limit torque summation. Our findings indicate that changes in tendon compliance shown to occur in response to resistance training or unloading are likely sufficient to considerably alter contractile performance, particularly maximal RTD.
Echolocation behavior in big brown bats is not impaired after intense broadband noise exposures
Authors: Hom Kelsey N. , Linnenschmidt Meike , Simmons James A. , Simmons Andrea Megela
Published: August 2016

Echolocating bats emit trains of intense ultrasonic biosonar pulses and listen to weaker echoes returning from objects in their environment. Identification and categorization of echoes are crucial for orientation and prey capture. Bats are social animals and often fly in groups in which they are exposed to their own emissions and to those from other bats, as well as to echoes from multiple surrounding objects. Sound pressure levels in these noisy conditions can exceed 110 dB, with no obvious deleterious effects on echolocation performance. Psychophysical experiments show that big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) do not experience temporary threshold shifts after exposure to intense broadband ultrasonic noise, but it is not known if they make fine-scale adjustments in their pulse emissions to compensate for any effects of the noise. We investigated whether big brown bats adapt the number, temporal patterning, or relative amplitude of their emitted pulses while flying through an acoustically-cluttered corridor after exposure to intense broadband noise (frequency range 10-100 kHz; sound exposure level 152 dB). Under these conditions, four bats made no significant changes in navigation errors or in pulse number, timing, and amplitude 20 min, 24 h or 48 h after noise exposure. These data suggest that big brown bats remain able to perform difficult echolocation tasks after exposure to ecologically-realistic levels of broadband noise.