bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphatidylinositol‐3‐phosphate in the regulation of autophagy membrane dynamics
Authors: Nascimbeni Anna Chiara , Codogno Patrice , Morel Etienne
Published: December 2016

Phosphatidylinositol‐3‐phosphate (PI3P) is a key player in membrane dynamics and trafficking regulation. Most PI3P is associated with endosomal membranes and with the autophagosome preassembly machinery, presumably at the endoplasmic reticulum. The enzyme responsible for most PI3P synthesis, VPS34 and proteins such as Beclin1 and ATG14L that regulate PI3P levels are positive modulators of autophagy initiation. It had been assumed that a local PI3P pool was present at autophagosomes and preautophagosomal structures, such as the omegasome and the phagophore. This was recently confirmed by the demonstration that PI3P‐binding proteins participate in the complex sequence of signalling that results in autophagosome assembly and activity. Here we summarize the historical discoveries of PI3P lipid kinase involvement in autophagy, and we discuss the proposed role of PI3P during autophagy, notably during the autophagosome biogenesis sequence.
Structural analysis and unique molecular recognition properties of a Bauhinia forficata lectin that inhibits cancer cell growth
Authors: Lubkowski Jacek , Durbin Sarah V. , Silva Mariana C. C. , Farnsworth David , Gildersleeve Jeffrey C. , Oliva Maria Luiza V. , Wlodawer Alexander
Published: December 2016

Lectins have been used at length for basic research and clinical applications. New insights into the molecular recognition properties enhance our basic understanding of carbohydrate–protein interactions and aid in the design/development of new lectins. In this study, we used a combination of cell‐based assays, glycan microarrays, and X‐ray crystallography to evaluate the structure and function of the recombinant Bauhinia forficata lectin (BfL). The lectin was shown to be cytostatic for several cancer cell lines included in the NCI‐60 panel; in particular, it inhibited growth of melanoma cancer cells (LOX IMVI) by over 95%. BfL is dimeric in solution and highly specific for binding of oligosaccharides and glycopeptides with terminal N‐acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc). BfL was found to have especially strong binding (apparent Kd = 0.5–1.0 nm) to the tumor‐associated Tn antigen. High‐resolution crystal structures were determined for the ligand‐free lectin, as well as for its complexes with three Tn glycopeptides, globotetraose, and the blood group A antigen. Extensive analysis of the eight crystal structures and comparison to structures of related lectins revealed several unique features of GalNAc recognition. Of special note, the carboxylate group of Glu126, lining the glycan‐binding pocket, forms H‐bonds with both the N‐acetyl of GalNAc and the peptide amido group of Tn antigens. Stabilization provided by Glu126 is described here for the first time for any GalNAc‐specific lectin. Taken together, the results provide new insights into the molecular recognition of carbohydrates and provide a structural understanding that will enable rational engineering of BfL for a variety of applications.

Database

Structural data are available in the PDB under the accession numbers 5T50, 5T52, 5T55, 5T54, 5T5L, 5T5J, 5T5P, and 5T5O.
Seasonality constraints to livestock grazing intensity
Authors: Fetzel Tamara , Havlik Petr , Herrero Mario , Erb Karl‐Heinz
Published: December 2016

Increasing food production is essential to meet the future food demand of a growing world population. In light of pressing sustainability challenges such as climate change and the importance of the global livestock system for food security as well asGHGemissions, finding ways to increasing food production sustainably and without increasing competition for food crops is essential. Yet, many unknowns relate to livestock grazing, in particular grazing intensity, an essential variable to assess the sustainability of livestock systems. Here, we explore ecological limits to grazing intensity (GI; i.e. the fraction of net primary production consumed by grazing animals) by analysing the role of seasonality in natural grasslands. We estimate seasonal limitations toGIby combining monthly net primary production data and a map of global livestock distribution with assumptions on the length of nonfavourable periods that can be bridged by livestock (e.g. by browsing dead standing biomass, storage systems or biomass conservation). This allows us to derive a seasonality‐limited potentialGI, which we compare with theGIprevailing in 2000. We find thatGIin 2000 lies below its potential on 39% of the total global natural grasslands, which has a potential for increasing biomass extraction of up to 181 MtC/yr. In contrast, on 61% of the areaGIexceeds the potential, made possible by management. Mobilizing this potential could increase milk production by 5%, meat production by 4% or contribute to free up to 2.8 Mio km² of grassland area at the global scale if the numerous socio‐ecological constraints can be overcome. We discuss socio‐ecological trade‐offs, which may reduce the estimated potential considerably and require the establishment of sound monitoring systems and an improved understanding of livestock system's role in the Earth system.
Grassland gross carbon dioxide uptake based on an improved model tree ensemble approach considering human interventions: global estimation and covariation with climate
Authors: Liang Wei , Lü Yihe , Zhang Weibin , Li Shuai , Jin Zhao , Ciais Philippe , Fu Bojie , Wang Shuai , Yan Jianwu , Li Junyi , Su Huimin
Published: December 2016

Grassland ecosystems act as a crucial role in the global carbon cycle and provide vital ecosystem services for many species. However, these low‐productivity and water‐limited ecosystems are sensitive and vulnerable to climate perturbations and human intervention, the latter of which is often not considered due to lack of spatial information regarding the grassland management. Here by the application of a model tree ensemble (MTE‐GRASS) trained on local eddy covariance data and using as predictors gridded climate and management intensity field (grazing and cutting), we first provide an estimate of global grassland gross primary production (GPP). GPP from our study compares well (modeling efficiency NSE = 0.85 spatial; NSE between 0.69 and 0.94 interannual) with that from flux measurement. Global grassland GPP was on average 11 ± 0.31 Pg C yr−1 and exhibited significantly increasing trend at both annual and seasonal scales, with an annual increase of 0.023 Pg C (0.2%) from 1982 to 2011. Meanwhile, we found that at both annual and seasonal scale, the trend (except for northern summer) and interannual variability of the GPP are primarily driven by arid/semiarid ecosystems, the latter of which is due to the larger variation in precipitation. Grasslands in arid/semiarid regions have a stronger (33 g C m−2 yr−1/100 mm) and faster (0‐ to 1‐month time lag) response to precipitation than those in other regions. Although globally spatial gradients (71%) and interannual changes (51%) in GPP were mainly driven by precipitation, where most regions with arid/semiarid climate zone, temperature and radiation together shared half of GPP variability, which is mainly distributed in the high‐latitude or cold regions. Our findings and the results of other studies suggest the overwhelming importance of arid/semiarid regions as a control on grassland ecosystems carbon cycle. Similarly, under the projected future climate change, grassland ecosystems in these regions will be potentially greatly influenced.
A Spatially Periodic Solute Boundary for MT3DMS and PHT3D
Authors: Laattoe Tariq , Post Vincent E. A. , Werner Adrian D.
Published: December 2016

The assumption of spatial repetition is commonly made when producing bedform scale models of the hyporheic zone. Two popular solute transport codes, MT3DMS and PHT3D, do not currently provide the necessary boundary condition required to simulate spatial periodicity in hyporheic zone transport problems. In this study, we develop a spatially periodic boundary (SPB) for solutes that is compatible with a SPB that was previously developed for MODFLOW to simulate the flow component of spatially periodic problems. The approach is ideal for simulating groundwater flow and transport patterns under repeating surface features, such as ripples or dunes on the bottom of a lake or stream. The appropriate block‐centered finite‐difference approach to implement the boundary is presented and the necessary source code modifications are discussed. The performance of the solute SPB, operating in conjunction with the groundwater flow SPB, is explored through comparison of a multi‐bedform hyporheic‐zone model with a single bedform variant. The new boundary conditions perform well in situations where both dispersive effects and lateral seepage flux in the underflow regime beneath the hyporheic zone are minimal.
Offending Characteristics of Male Ex‐Armed Forces Personnel in Prison
Authors: WAINWRIGHT VERITY , LENNOX CHARLOTTE , MCDONNELL SHARON , SHAW JENNY , SENIOR JANE
Published: December 2016

Ex‐armed forces represent the largest occupational subset of offenders in prison in England yet we know little about their offending behaviour. One‐hundred‐and‐five veterans in prison were interviewed and their offending histories reviewed. Most were serving their first custodial sentence, predominantly for violent and sexual crimes and had previous convictions recorded: a number had offended before their service. High levels of alcohol misuse and pre‐service adversity were found. There were significant differences between offence types: violent offenders were more likely than sexual or other offenders to have offended before service. Findings suggest that interventions should focus on violent behaviour and alcohol misuse.
Rape Politics, Policies and Practice: Exploring the Tensions and Unanticipated Consequences of Well‐Intended Victim‐Focused Measures
Authors: CARLINE ANNA , GUNBY CLARE
Published: December 2016

The inability of the criminal justice system to respond effectively to rape has led to numerous law and policy reforms in England and Wales. Nevertheless, difficulties remain, with problems often linked to the impact of rape myths and implementation failure. This article, however, adopts a different lens through which to explore the ongoing challenges faced by rape complainants. Drawing on interviews with 14 barristers in the north‐west of England, the article asks: how have rape law and policy reforms impacted practice for this group of practitioners? The findings highlight that numerous tensions emerged from these reforms. In particular, measures that were perceived to be politically driven and well intended were often perceived to generate unanticipated negative consequences for complainants, as opposed to improving their experience. In concluding, we emphasise the importance of a close working practice between the policy maker and practitioner, in order to institute more effective responses.
Wetting and interfacial phenomena of Ni‐Ta alloys on CVD‐SiC
Authors: Valenza Fabrizio , Gambaro Sofia , Muolo Maria Luigia , Cacciamani Gabriele , Tatarko Peter , Saunders Theo Graves , Reece Mike J. , Schmidt Andreas , Schubert Thomas , Weißgärber Thomas , Passerone Alberto
Published: December 2016

When designing high‐temperature brazing processes for ceramic materials, the interfacial phenomena between the liquid media and the adjoining surfaces must be known to design reliable joints. In order to assess the feasibility of using Ta‐containing alloys for high‐temperature brazing of SiC‐based composites, the wetting of molten Ni‐Ta alloys on ultra‐pure chemical vapor deposited (CVD) SiC substrates has been investigated using the sessile drop technique. For all of the compositions and experimental conditions, good wetting was observed with fast spreading. The interfacial behavior is determined by the competition between the typical interfacial phenomena of the pure elements; specifically, either the dissolution of the ceramic phase by Ni or the formation of a new interfacial layer, TaC, by reaction between Ta and CVD‐SiC, which prevails depends on the relative amount of the single element in the alloy.
Sustainability studies and the changing landscape of social science research in Singapore
Authors: Nasir Kamaludeen Mohamed
Published: December 2016

The Singapore government has traditionally invested heavily in, and focused on, the development of the hard sciences since gaining independence in 1965. This bode well for the fate of sustainability studies as the state, in the initial decades, focused heavily on performance legitimacy, emphasising issues of survivability and economic progress. With the country now at the top of global charts on many rankings on economic prosperity, the city‐state has steadily begun to examine issues of nation‐building rather than state‐building. This can be attributed, in part, to the paradox of soft authoritarian regimes that invest heavily in human capital, because in the long run, an educated electorate will want, as active and informed citizens, to participate effectively in politics. The social sciences are slowly evolving to look at the Singapore model from a comparative perspective, moving away from the dominant narrative of “Singaporean exceptionalism”, which overstates the uniqueness of the city‐state.
Understanding ‘change’ through spatial thinking using Google Earth in secondary geography
Authors: Xiang X. , Liu Y.
Published: December 2016

Understanding geographic changes has become an indispensable element in geography education. Describing and analyzing changes in space require spatial thinking skills emphasized in geography curriculum but often pose challenges for secondary school students. This school‐based research targets a specific strand of spatial thinking skills and investigates whether students using geospatial technology, such as Google Earth, are able to develop their thinking about spatio‐temporal changes. An experiment was conducted in a Singaporean secondary school in which skill development was framed within the formal geography curriculum. It compared the effectiveness of two pedagogical approaches: learning with Google Earth versus traditional instruction without the use of such a technology. Findings indicate that the use of Google Earth significantly increased students' ability to identify spatial and temporal changes and analyse these changes. Qualitative data complemented the results by showing that Google Earth could offer students more opportunities to observe and infer changes, thus facilitating their understanding about the dynamic and the complex nature of changes.

Lay Description

What is already known about this topic:

The advantages of Google Earth utilized as a learning tool over traditional teaching means are obvious regarding building up skills in spatial thinking.

Many studies have suggested that incorporating Google Earth into the classroom could help facilitate spatial thinking from the perspective of curriculum design and implementation.

What this paper adds:

Empirical evidence on the learning effects of using Google Earth in secondary geography education on students' spatial and temporal skills and higher order thinking is provided.

Three factors that potentially influence the effects of utilizing geospatial technologies on developing spatial thinking are highlighted.

The roles Google Earth plays to assist the development of students' spatial and temporal thinking are identified.

Implications for practice and policy:

Our findings support the policy to include geospatial technologies as an integral part of school curriculum for effective teaching and learning of spatial thinking.

Teachers should be encouraged to incorporate geospatial technologies in classroom to promote spatial skills and higher order thinking.

Improvement of the technology‐based learning environment may benefit from considering students' prior knowledge on spatial concepts, the sequence of introducing spatial skills, the type of spatial stimulus used and the depth of technology‐based learning activities.
Prospective multicentre cohort study on 9154 surgical procedures to assess the risk of postoperative bleeding – a DESSI study
Authors: Koenen W. , Kunte C. , Hartmann D. , Breuninger H. , Moehrle M. , Bechara F.G. , Schulze H.J. , Lösler A. , Löser C.R. , Wetzig T. , Pappai D. , Rapprich S. , Weiß C. , Faulhaber J.
Published: December 2016

Background

To date, there is still a debate how to deal with patients receiving antithrombotic agents prior to surgical procedures on the skin.

Objective

To prospectively assess complications after dermatosurgical interventions, especially bleeding, depending on anticoagulation therapy.

Methods

Patients underwent surgery consecutively as scheduled, without randomization, whether or not they were currently taking anticoagulants. Nine institutions of the DESSI (DErmatoSurgical Study Initiative) working group documented patient data prospectively on a standardized study sheet prior to and after 9154 dermatosurgical interventions.

Results

Bleeding complications were observed in 7.14% of cases (654/9154 surgeries). A severe bleed requiring intervention by a physician occurred in 83 surgeries (0.91%). In multivariate analysis, INR, length of the defect, perioperative antibiotic treatment, current treatment with anticoagulation therapy, age and surgery on hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa (HS/AI) were significant parameters independently influencing the risk of bleeding. Discontinuation of phenprocoumon therapy and subsequent switching to low molecular weight heparin was associated with the highest risk of bleeding (9.26%).

Conclusion

Bleeding complications in skin surgery are generally rare. Even if slightly increased complication rates are found in patients taking anticoagulants during skin surgery, platelet inhibitors should not be stopped prior to surgery. If a surgical procedure in patients on a combination therapy of 2 or more antiplatelet cannot be postponed, it should be conducted with the patient remaining on combination therapy. Discontinuation of DOACs is recommended 24 h prior to surgery. Bridging of phenprocoumon should be terminated. In patients with a bleeding history, the INR value should be within the therapeutic range.
Feeding ecology of silky sharks Carcharhinus falciformis associated with floating objects in the western Indian Ocean
Authors: Filmalter J. D. , Cowley P. D. , Potier M. , Ménard F. , Smale M. J. , Cherel Y. , Dagorn L.
Published: December 2016

The silky shark Carcharhinus falciformis is commonly associated with floating objects, including fish aggregating devices (FADs), in the Indian Ocean. While the motives for this associative behaviour are unclear, it does make them vulnerable to capture in the tuna purse seine fishery that makes extensive use of FADs. Here, the diet of 323 C. falciformis, caught at FADs in the Indian Ocean, was investigated to test the hypothesis that trophic benefits explain the associative behaviour. A high proportion of stomachs with fresh contents (57%) suggested that extensive feeding activity occurred while associated with FADs. Multiple dietary indices showed that typical non‐associative prey types dominated, but were supplemented with fishes typically found at FADs. While the trophic benefits of FAD association may be substantial, our results suggest that associative behaviour is not driven solely by feeding.
A nomogram based on preoperative inflammatory markers predicting the overall survival of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xu Jie , Shi Ke‐Qing , Chen Bi‐Cheng , Huang Zhi‐Peng , Lu Fei‐Yu , Zhou Meng‐Tao
Published: December 2016

Background and Aims

Developing a preoperative prediction model for estimating the risk of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients before pancreaticoduodenectomy is a difficult task. The purpose of current study was to develop a prognostic nomogram based on inflammatory markers for PDAC patients.

Methods

Cox regression analysis was performed to calculate the overall survival (OS) and assess the prognostic factors based on 265 PDAC patients undergone surgery. The nomogram was built to estimate the probability of 1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year OS. The predictive accuracy of nomogram was determined by concordance index, calibration curve, and time dependent receiver operating characteristics.

Results

In multivariable Cox analysis, vascular invasion, Tumor Grade, TNM stage, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, and albumin/globulin ratio were significantly associated with OS, which were all assembled into nomogram. The calibration curves for probability of survival showed optimal agreement between nomogram prediction and actual observation. The concordance index for 1‐year, 3‐year and 5‐year OS prediction were 0.860 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.837–0.885), 0.837 (95%CI: 0.819–0.856), and 0.809 (95%CI: 0.787–0.829), respectively. The area under time dependent receiver operating characteristics curve of 1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year OS prediction were 0.938 (95%CI: 0.886–0.989), 0.844 (95%CI: 0.782–0.906), and 0.884 (95%CI: 0.792–0.976), suggesting high discriminative ability of nomogram. It allowed significant distinction survival outcomes by grouping the patients evenly into three subgroups after sorting by total points.

Conclusions

Based on clinicopathology characteristics and inflammatory markers, we developed a nomogram providing an individualized risk estimate for PDAC patients.
Entity Normalization in Life Cycle Assessment: Hybrid Schemes Applied to a Transportation Agency Case Study
Authors: Langfitt Quinn , Haselbach Liv
Published: December 2016

Government agencies, companies, and other entities are using environmental assessments, like life cycle assessment (LCA), as an input to decision‐making processes. Communicating the esoteric results of an LCA to these decision makers can present challenges, and interpretation aids are commonly provided to increase understanding. One such method is normalizing results as a means of providing context for interpreting magnitudes of environmental impacts. Normalization is mostly carried out by relating the environmental impacts of a product (or process) under study to those of another product or a spatial reference area (e.g., the United States). This research is based on the idea that decision makers might also benefit from normalization that considers comparisons to their entity's (agency, company, organization, etc.) total impacts to provide additional meaning and aid in comprehension. Two hybrid normalization schemes have been developed, which include aspects of normalization to both spatially based and entity‐based impacts. These have been named entity‐overlaid and entity‐accentuated normalization, and the schemes allow for performance‐based planning or emphasizing environmental impact types that are most relevant to an entity's operational profile, respectively. A hypothetical case study is presented to demonstrate these schemes, which uses environmental data from a U.S. transportation agency as the basis for entity normalization factors. Results of this case study illustrate how entity‐related references may be developed, and how this additional information may enhance the presentation of LCA results using the hybrid normalization schemes.
Vagal nerve stimulation modifies neuronal activity and the proteome of excitatory synapses of amygdala/piriform cortex
Authors: Alexander Georgia M. , Huang Yang Zhong , Soderblom Erik J. , He Xiao‐Ping , Moseley M. Arthur , McNamara James O.
Published: December 2016

Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Therapy® is a United States Food and Drug Administration approved neurotherapeutic for medically refractory partial epilepsy and treatment‐resistant depression. The molecular mechanisms underlying its beneficial effects are unclear. We hypothesized that one mechanism involves neuronal activity‐dependent modifications of central nervous system excitatory synapses. To begin to test this hypothesis, we asked whether VNS modifies the activity of neurons in amygdala and hippocampus. Neuronal recordings from adult, freely moving rats revealed that activity in both amygdala and hippocampus was modified by VNS immediately after its application, and changes were detected following 1 week of stimulation. To investigate whether VNS modifies the proteome of excitatory synapses, we established a label‐free, quantitative liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry workflow that enables global analysis of the constituents of the postsynaptic density (PSD) proteome. PSD proteins were biochemically purified from amygdala/piriform cortex of VNS‐ or dummy‐treated rats following 1‐week stimulation, and individual PSD protein levels were quantified by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry analysis. We identified 1899 unique peptides corresponding to 425 proteins in PSD fractions, of which expression levels of 22 proteins were differentially regulated by VNS with changes greater than 150%. Changes in a subset of these proteins, including significantly increased expression of neurexin‐1α, cadherin 13 and voltage‐dependent calcium channel α2δ1, the primary target of the antiepileptic drug gabapentin, and decreased expression of voltage‐dependent calcium channel γ3, were confirmed by western blot analysis of PSD samples. These results demonstrate that VNS modulates excitatory synapses through regulating a subset of the PSD proteome. Our study reveals molecular targets of VNS and point to possible mechanisms underlying its beneficial effects, including activity‐dependent formation of excitatory synapses.

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Dehydroepiandrosterone Heightens Aggression and Increases Androgen Receptor and Aromatase mRNA Expression in the Brain of a Male Songbird
Authors: Wacker D. W. , Khalaj S. , Jones L. J. , Champion T. L. , Davis J. E. , Meddle S. L. , Wingfield J. C.
Published: December 2016

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a testosterone/oestrogen precursor and known modulator of vertebrate aggression. Male song sparrows (Melospiza melodia morphna) show high aggression during breeding and nonbreeding life‐history stages when circulating DHEA levels are high, and low aggression during molt when DHEA levels are low. We previously showed that androgen receptor and aromatase mRNA expression are higher during breeding and/or nonbreeding in brain regions associated with reproductive and aggressive behaviour, although the potential role of DHEA in mediating these seasonal changes remained unclear. In the present study, nonbreeding male song sparrows were captured and held in the laboratory under short days (8 : 16 h light/dark cycle) and implanted with s.c. DHEA‐filled or empty (control) implants for 14 days. DHEA implants increased aggression in a laboratory‐based simulated territorial intrusion. Brains of DHEA‐implanted birds showed higher aromatase mRNA expression in the preoptic area (POA) and higher androgen receptor mRNA expression in the periventricular nucleus of the medial striatum (pvMSt) and ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus. The DHEA‐induced increases in aromatase expression in the POA and androgen receptor expression in the pvMSt are consistent with previously reported seasonal increases in these markers associated with naturally elevated DHEA levels. This suggests that DHEA facilitates seasonal increases in aggression in nonbreeding male song sparrows by up‐regulating steroid signalling/synthesis machinery in a brain region‐specific fashion.
Quantification of anatomical variation at the atlanto‐occipital articulation: morphometric resolution of commingled human remains within the repatriation documentation process
Authors: Dudar J. Christopher , Castillo Eric R.
Published: December 2016

Within many institutional collections are skeletal and mummified human remains representing a part of our species’ adaptation and evolution to various biocultural environments. Archaeologically recovered individuals come from deep into our past, and possess information that provides insight into population history, genetics, diet, health and other questions relevant to all living peoples. Academic concerns have been raised regarding the reinterment of these collections due to the rise of the international repatriation movement, the passage of various laws and implementation of institutional policies. While all potential research questions cannot be anticipated, the proactive documentation of collections is one way to ensure primary data are maintained for future study. This paper explores developments in digitization technology that allow the archive of virtual copies of human remains, and an example of how anatomical and archaeological collections can be digitized towards pragmatic research goals. The anatomical variability of the human atlanto‐occipital (AO) articular surfaces was studied using non‐metric categorical shape, 2D measurement and 3D morphometric analyses to provide reference standards for the reassociation of individuals from commingled skeletal remains, such as found in some archaeological sites or forensic investigations including mass grave or mass disaster recovery scenes. Results suggest that qualitative shape observations and caliper‐derived measurements of the articulating AO condyles tend to display significant sexual dimorphism and biological ancestry‐related size and shape differences. Variables derived from a scanned 3D mesh, such as condylar angle and articular surface curvature, quantify biomechanical variation and display a stronger congruency within individuals. It is recommended that a two‐stage approach involving initial screening and identification of possible reassociation candidates is accomplished with a linear osteometric approach, followed by 3D laser scanning of the candidate joint surfaces for morphometric analyses to confirm reassociations when destructive DNA typing is not allowed or otherwise impractical due to cost or other resource restrictions.
Reliability and validity of a tool to measure the severity of tongue thrust in children: the Tongue Thrust Rating Scale
Authors: Serel Arslan S. , Demir N. , Karaduman A. A.
Published: December 2016

This study aimed to develop a scale called Tongue Thrust Rating Scale (TTRS), which categorised tongue thrust in children in terms of its severity during swallowing, and to investigate its validity and reliability. The study describes the developmental phase of the TTRS and presented its content and criterion‐based validity and interobserver and intra‐observer reliability. For content validation, seven experts assessed the steps in the scale over two Delphi rounds. Two physical therapists evaluated videos of 50 children with cerebral palsy (mean age, 57·9 ± 16·8 months), using the TTRS to test criterion‐based validity, interobserver and intra‐observer reliability. The Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KCPS) and Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale (DSFS) were used for criterion‐based validity. All the TTRS steps were deemed necessary. The content validity index was 0·857. A very strong positive correlation was found between two examinations by one physical therapist, which indicated intra‐observer reliability (r = 0·938, P < 0·001). A very strong positive correlation was also found between the TTRS scores of two physical therapists, indicating interobserver reliability (r = 0·892, P < 0·001). There was also a strong positive correlation between the TTRS and KCPS (r = 0·724, P < 0·001) and a very strong positive correlation between the TTRS scores and DSFS (r = 0·822 and r = 0·755; P < 0·001). These results demonstrated the criterion‐based validity of the TTRS. The TTRS is a valid, reliable and clinically easy‐to‐use functional instrument to document the severity of tongue thrust in children.
Insomnia complaints in lean patients with obstructive sleep apnea negatively affect positive airway pressure treatment adherence
Authors: Eysteinsdottir Bjorg , Gislason Thorarinn , Pack Allan I. , Benediktsdottir Bryndís , Arnardottir Erna S. , Kuna Samuel T. , Björnsdottir Erla
Published: December 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate the determinants of long‐term adherence to positive airway pressure treatment among patients with obstructive sleep apnea, with special emphasis on patients who stop positive airway pressure treatment within 1 year. This is a prospective long‐term follow‐up of subjects in the Icelandic Sleep Apnea Cohort who were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea between 2005 and 2009, and started on positive airway pressure treatment. In October 2014, positive airway pressure adherence was obtained by systematically evaluating available clinical files (n = 796; 644 males, 152 females) with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (apnea–hypopnea index ≥15 events per h). The mean follow‐up time was 6.7 ± 1.2 years. In total, 123 subjects (15.5%) returned their positive airway pressure device within the first year, 170 (21.4%) returned it later and 503 (63.2%) were still using positive airway pressure. The quitters within the first year had lower body mass index, milder obstructive sleep apnea, less sleepiness, and more often had symptoms of initial and late insomnia compared with long‐term positive airway pressure users at baseline. Both initial and late insomnia were after adjustment still significantly associated with being an early quitter among subjects with body mass index <30 kg m−2, but not among those with body mass index ≥30 kg m−2. The prevalence of early quitters decreased significantly during the study period (2005–2009). Almost two‐thirds of patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea are positive airway pressure users after 7 years. Obesity level, obstructive sleep apnea severity and daytime sleepiness are important determinants of long‐term adherence. Symptoms of initial and late insomnia are associated with early quitting on positive airway pressure among non‐obese subjects.
Impact of sleep restriction versus idealized sleep on emotional experience, reactivity and regulation in healthy adolescents
Authors: Reddy Radhika , Palmer Cara A. , Jackson Christine , Farris Samantha G. , Alfano Candice A.
Published: December 2016

Sleep loss is associated with affective disturbances and disorders; however, there is limited understanding of specific mechanisms underlying these links, especially in adolescence. The current study tested the effects of sleep restriction versus idealized sleep on adolescents’ emotional experience, reactivity and regulation (specifically cognitive reappraisal). Following 1 week of sleep monitoring, healthy adolescents (n = 42; ages 13–17 years) were randomized to 1 night of sleep restriction (4 h) or idealized sleep (9.5 h). The following day, adolescents provided self‐reports of affect and anxiety and completed a laboratory‐based task to assess: (1) emotional reactivity in response to positive, negative, and neutral images from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS); and (2) ability to use cognitive reappraisal to decrease negative emotional responses. Large effects were observed for the adverse impact of sleep restriction on positive affect and anxiety as well as a medium‐sized effect for negative affect, compared to the idealized sleep condition. Subjective reactivity to positive and neutral images did not differ between the groups, but a moderate effect was detected for reactivity to negative images whereby sleep‐restricted teens reported greater reactivity. Across both sleep conditions, use of cognitive reappraisal down‐regulated negative emotion effectively; however, sleep restriction did not impact upon adolescents’ ability to use this strategy. These findings add to a growing body of literature demonstrating the deleterious effects of sleep restriction on aspects of emotion and highlight directions for future research in adolescents.
Therapy with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir plus dasabuvir is effective and safe for the treatment of genotypes 1 and 4 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with severe renal impairment: A multicentre experience
Authors: Muñoz‐Gómez R. , Rincón D. , Ahumada A. , Hernández E. , Devesa M. J. , Izquierdo S. , Ortiz M. , Hernández‐Albujar A. , Fernández‐Rodríguez C. , Calvo M. , González R. , Lozano M. , Castellano G. , Fernández‐Vázquez I.
Published: December 2016

Limited data are available on direct‐acting antivirals for treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with severe renal impairment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (OBV/PTV/r) ± dasabuvir (DSV) ± ribavirin (RBV) in patients with stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) and HCV genotype 1 or 4 infection in real clinical practice, and to investigate pharmacological interactions. This retrospective study included patients treated with OBV/PTV/r+DSV±RBV or OBV/PTV/r+RBV with CKD stage 4 (eGFR: 15‐29 mL/min/1.73m2) or 5 (eGFR<15 mL/min/1.73m2 or requiring dialysis) and HCV infection by genotypes 1 and 4 between April 2015 and October 2015 in nine Spanish centres. Sustained virological response at 12 weeks (SVR12) was assessed, and clinical and laboratory data, fibrosis stage, adverse events and pharmacological interactions were reported. Forty‐six patients were included: 10 (21.7%) had CKD stage 4 and 36 (78.2%) CKD stage 5. Seventeen (36.9%) had cirrhosis. SVR12 rate in the intention‐to‐treat population was 95.7%. Twenty‐one (45.6%) received RBV, which was discontinued in two (9.5%) patients. Anaemia (haemoglobin <10 g/dl) occurred in 12 patients (57.1%) with RBV vs 10 (40.0%) without RBV (P=.246). Renal function remained stable during antiviral therapy. Nine patients (19.5%) experienced serious adverse events unrelated to antiviral therapy. Concomitant medication was discontinued or modified in 41.3% of patients. In conclusion, the effectiveness of OBV/PTV/r±DSV±RBV in patients with CKD 4‐5 was similar to that observed in those with normal renal function and was not associated with severe adverse events.
Hybridization between a Euro‐Siberian (Vipera berus) and a Para‐Mediterranean viper (V. aspis) at their contact zone in western France
Authors: Guiller G. , Lourdais O. , Ursenbacher S.
Published: December 2016

Western European vipers are well‐defined species with parapatric distributions that reflect contrasting thermal niches and climatic adaptations. Contact zones are usually narrow, coincide with steep ecological gradients and are associated with clear habitat segregation. Natural hybridization has been demonstrated between several species but has not been detected in others. The cold‐adapted adder (V. berus, subgenus Pelias) is not known to hybridize with the warm‐adapted aspic viper (V. aspis subgenus Vipera). For over 12 years, we have monitored sympatric populations of V. berus and V. aspis in western France where the two species exhibit very similar life cycles. We tested for possible hybridization because individuals with intermediate morphological traits have been reported in the past and were recently detected in the study population. Our results demonstrate that hybridization actually occurs and is directional since it involves females V. aspis viper and male V. berus in all analyzed cases. We discuss our results in the frame of previous findings on contact zones to evaluate in which conditions hybridization may occur.
A Shared Platform for Studying Second Language Acquisition
Authors: MacWhinney Brian
Published: December 2016

The study of second language acquisition (SLA) can benefit from the same process of datasharing that has proven effective in areas such as first language acquisition and aphasiology. Researchers can work together to construct a shared platform that combines data from spoken and written corpora, online tutors, and Web‐based experimentation. Many of the methods and tools for building this platform are already available as a result of earlier work on corpus sharing in first language acquisition. By working together on a shared platform in a coordinated manner, researchers will be able to construct a rich new empirical basis for the study of SLA.
Effects of Intercultural Competence and Social Contact on Speech Act Production in a Chinese Study Abroad Context
Authors: TAGUCHI NAOKO , XIAO FENG , LI SHUAI
Published: December 2016

This study investigated the effects of intercultural competence and amount of social contact in the development of pragmatic knowledge. All these variables were time‐varying variables and measured twice over a 3‐month study abroad. Participants were 109 American college students studying Chinese in a semester study‐abroad program in Beijing. Using Kelley & Meyers's (1995) instrument, intercultural competence—defined as one's potential to succeed in intercultural adjustment—was measured by 4 factors: emotional resilience, flexibility/openness, perceptual acuity, and personal autonomy. A survey was used to assess the amount of time spent on a variety of social activities in Chinese. Pragmatic knowledge was measured with a spoken task, which assessed participants’ ability to produce speech acts (k = 24). Latent Growth Curve Modeling showed that cross‐cultural adaptability and social contact, when combined, explained 26% of pragmatic gains. Cross‐cultural adaptability had no significant direct effect to speech acts gains: It had indirect effects through social contact.
Erysimum damirliense sp. nov. (Brassicaceae) from Iran
Authors: Mahmoodi Mohammad , Moazzeni Hamid , Bidarlord Mahmood , Ghahremaninezhad Farrokh , Maassoumi Ali Asghar
Published: December 2016

Erysimum damirliense, a new species of Brassicaceae from Zanjan and Ardebil provinces (northwest Iran) is described and illustrated. The new species resembles E. uncinatifolium and E. elbrusense, but is easily recognized by its life form, basal leaf margin, indumentum of cauline leaves, number of flowers in the main raceme, fruit width and style length. Phylogenetic analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) DNA sequences confirm that the new species is distinct from morphologically similar species.
Influence of cognitive function on quality of life in anorexia nervosa patients
Authors: Hamatani Sayo , Tomotake Masahito , Takeda Tomoya , Kameoka Naomi , Kawabata Masashi , Kubo Hiroko , Tada Yukio , Tomioka Yukiko , Watanabe Shinya , Inoshita Masatoshi , Kinoshita Makoto , Ohta Masashi , Ohmori Tetsuro
Published: December 2016

Aim

The purpose of this study was to elucidate determinants of quality of life (QOL) in anorexia nervosa (AN) patients.

Methods

Twenty‐one female patients with AN participated in the study. QOL was assessed with the 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36), and cognitive function was evaluated using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test Keio version, the Rey Complex Figure Test, and the Social Cognition Screening Questionnaire. Clinical symptoms were evaluated with the Beck Depression Inventory‐II, the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory‐Form JYZ (STAI‐JYZ), and the Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Inventory.

Results

The Difficulty Maintaining Set score of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test Keio version was negatively correlated to the SF‐36 Physical Component Summary. Scores of the Beck Depression Inventory‐II and the STAI‐JYZ State and Trait were negatively correlated to the SF‐36 Mental Component Summary (MCS), and the Central Coherence Index 30‐min Delayed Recall score of the Rey Complex Figure Test was positively correlated with the MCS. Stepwise regression analysis showed that the Difficulty Maintaining Set score was an independent predictor of the Physical Component Summary and scores for Central Coherence Index 30‐min Delayed Recall and the STAI‐JYZ Trait‐predicted MCS.

Conclusion

These results suggest that not only trait anxiety but also poor central coherence and impaired ability to maintain new rule worsen AN patients’ QOL.
Is it permissible for a child with neurodevelopmental disabilities to be a living donor transplant candidate, but not a deceased donor candidate? Should donor source influence transplant center deliberations?
Authors: Wightman Aaron
Published: December 2016

Limited data from surveys and highly publicized cases suggest that pediatric transplant providers and the public may use different standards when evaluating a potential transplant candidate with severe neurodevelopmental disabilities depending on whether a parent or other living donor has been identified. The purpose of this article is to explore the arguments in favor and against differing standards of candidacy for living and deceased donor transplants in pediatric solid organ transplantation using the example of children with severe neurodevelopmental disabilities. I conclude that donor source should not be a relevant consideration of pediatric transplant teams when considering the candidacy of a potential recipient.
Azacitidine as a bridge to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in a pediatric patient with Fanconi anemia and acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Ding Hilda , Hashem Hasan , Cabral Linda , Rangarajan Hemalatha , Abusin Ghada , Lazarus Hillard M. , Abu‐Arja Rolla
Published: December 2016

HCT is the definitive therapy for patients with FA and AML. Conventional cytotoxic agents cause potential DNA damage, and currently, there is no established regimen for these patients prior to HCT. A 13‐year‐old male with FA and refractory AML was given azacitidine, achieved morphologic remission and underwent HCT. At 95 days after HCT, he relapsed. Azacitidine along with DLI was used as first salvage therapy. Azacitidine was overall well tolerated with minimal side effects. In patients with AML and FA, azacitidine can be considered an alternative to conventional chemotherapy.
Tyr72 and Tyr80 are Involved in the Formation of an Active Site of a Luciferase of Copepod Metridia longa
Authors: Larionova Marina D. , Markova Svetlana V. , Vysotski Eugene S.
Published: December 2016

Luciferase of copepod Metridia longa (MLuc) is a naturally secreted enzyme catalyzing the oxidative decarboxylation of coelenterazine with the emission of light. To date, three nonallelic isoforms of different lengths (17–24 kDa) for M. longa luciferase have been cloned. All the isoforms are single‐chain proteins consisting of a 17‐residue signal peptide for secretion, variable N‐terminal part and conservative C‐terminus responsible for luciferase activity. In contrast to other bioluminescent proteins containing a lot of aromatic residues which are frequently involved in light emission reaction, the C‐terminal part of MLuc contains only four Phe, two Tyr, one Trp and two His residues. To figure out whether Tyr residues influence bioluminescence, we constructed the mutants with substitution of Tyr to Phe (Y72F and Y80F). Tyrosine substitutions do not eliminate the ability of luciferase to bioluminescence albeit significantly reduce relative specific activity and change bioluminescence kinetics. In addition, the Tyr replacements have no effect on bioluminescence spectrum, thereby indicating that tyrosines are not involved in the emitter formation. However, as it was found that the intrinsic fluorescence caused by Tyr residues is quenched by a reaction substrate, coelenterazine, in concentration‐dependent manner, we infer that both tyrosine residues are located in the luciferase substrate‐binding cavity.
Motherhood and Mistakes about Defeasible Duties to Benefit
Authors: Woollard Fiona
Published: December 2016

Discussion of the behaviour of pregnant women and mothers, in academic literature, medical advice given to mothers, mainstream media and social media, assumes that a mother who fails to do something to benefit her child is liable for moral criticism unless she can provide sufficient countervailing considerations to justify her decision. I reconstruct the normally implicit reasoning that leads to this assumption and show that it is mistaken. First, I show that the discussion assumes that if any action might benefit her child, the mother has a defeasible duty to perform that action. I suggest that this assumption is implicitly supported by two arguments but that each argument is unsound. The first argument conflates moral reasons and defeasible duties; the second misunderstands the scope of a defeasible duty to benefit. This argument has important practical and theoretical implications: practically, it provides a response to a highly damaging discourse on maternal behaviour; theoretically, it provides the framework for a clearer understanding of the scope and nature of defeasible duties to benefit.