bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualität ist Chefsache
Authors: Gaede Kirsten
Published: March 2016

Qualitätsberichte, KTQ-Zertifikate – die aussagekräftigste Einschätzung ihrer Qualität erhalten Kliniken durch den ergebnisorientierten Report der BQS Bundesgeschäftsstelle für Qualitätssicherung. Doch er wird nur selten effektiv genutzt, bedauert Volker Mohr, Geschäftsführer der BQS.

kma-Interview mit Volker Mohr
Von Freundeskreisen und Lebensrettern
Authors: Heuer Claudia
Published: March 2016

Für die meisten gemeinnützigen Organisationen, wie auch für viele Krankenhäuser gilt es, eine Antwort zu finden, auf die existentielle Frage: Wo bekomme ich Geld her, wenn die öffentliche Hand pleite ist? Die Antwort: aus der privaten Hand! Doch wie stellt man es an? Hierauf geben professionelle Fundraiser Antworten. Doch auch sie sind keine modernen Rumpelstilzchen, die aus Stroh Gold machen können.
Digitaler Lebensretter
Authors: Ghanaat Henrik
Published: March 2016

Jedes Jahr sterben in Deutschland über 130.000 Menschen am plötzlichen Herztod. Ein neues Notruf-Terminal mit eingebautem Defibrillator soll dazu beitragen, diese Zahl zu senken. Das System dient zugleich als Alarmmelder und als digitale Auskunft – und eröffnet seinem Hersteller damit einen riesigen Markt.
Die Erziehung der Ärzte
Authors: Janning Martina
Published: March 2016

Viele leitende Mediziner sind alles andere als ideale Führungskräfte: Sie entziehen sich der Verantwortung, steuern das Alltagsgeschäft nicht und suchen Schuldige stets anderswo. Budgetverantwortung, Zielvereinbarungen und Druck von unten können Abhilfe schaffen.
Neue Besetzung bei Helios und in der Charité
Authors: Gaede Kirsten
Published: March 2016

Eine Reihe Kli­niken haben ihre Pressestelle neu besetzt.
Und sie bewegen sich doch
Authors: Mühlnikel Ingrid
Published: March 2016

Langsam kommt Bewegung in die Arbeitszeitmodelle an deutschen Krankenhäusern. Mit dem Klinikum in Schwerin setzt einer der Maximalversorger das neue Arbeitszeitgesetz um. Erste Erfahrungsberichte werden mit Spannung verfolgt.
Anspruchsvolles Programm
Authors: Ghanaat Henrik
Published: March 2016

Verbandsnachrichten der FKT - Fachvereinigung Krankenhaustechnik (e. V.). Diese Seiten sind nur als PDF-Dokument verfügbar.
Kassen-Totalumbau
Authors: Mühlnikel Ingrid
Published: March 2016

Von der Öffentlichkeit relativ unbemerkt, vollzieht sich hinter den Kulissen der Gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung ein fundamentaler Umbau der Kassen. Komplette Vertriebssysteme werden neu organisiert, Marketingkonzepte entwickelt, Arbeiten zentralisiert. Die Großkassen bereiten sich auf den Tag X vor, an dem die Koalition kassenartenübergreifende Zusammenschlüsse ermöglicht.
Völliges Unverständnis
Authors: Glatzer Ulrich
Published: March 2016

In Chemnitz sah das Bundeskartellamt die Gefahr, dass bereits bestehende marktbeherrschende Stellungen durch die Verflechtung des lokalen Klinikums mit zwei weiteren Krankenhäusern der Region noch verstärkt werden könnten. Das Geschäft ist geplatzt, die Beteiligten verstehen die Welt nicht mehr und suchen nach Auswegen.
Gedrängel auf dem Parkett
Authors: Schmidt Hartmut
Published: March 2016

Die IPO-Pipeline ist voll. Auch 2006 gibt es fast so viele Börsengänge wie 2005. Im Jahresverlauf sollen noch viele dazukommen. Die Banken sind optimistisch, die Europäische Zentralbank zeigt sich skeptisch. Wie immer der Ausgang auch sein mag: Klinikbetreiber würden kaum betroffen sein.
Kitas rechnen sich auf jeden Fall
Authors: Janning Martina
Published: March 2016

Viele Frauen geben ihren Arztberuf auf, weil sie Beruf und Familie nicht vereinbaren können. Klinik-Kindergärten können Abhilfe schaffen. Bislang sind sie jedoch Ausnahmen, wie eine aktuelle Umfrage zeigt. Dabei belegt das Beispiel der Unfallklinik Murnau, dass Kinderbetreuung sich rechnet.
Porträt Uwe Schmid
Authors: Stern Sara
Published: March 2016

Schmid kam als Seiteneinsteiger aus der Industrie nach Dachau und sanierte das kommunale Klinikunternehmen. Der Quereinsteiger übersetzte erfolgreiche Konzepte der Privatwirtschaft auf das Krankenhaus und rettet dessen Zukunft. Die Amper Kliniken, die heute zur Rhön Klinikum AG gehören, erzielen seit Jahren Gewinne.
Wir alle müssen umdenken
Authors: Sickinger Nina
Published: March 2016

Verbandsnachrichten der FKT - Fachvereinigung Krankenhaustechnik (e. V.). Diese Seiten sind nur als PDF-Dokument verfügbar.
Erbittertes Tauziehen
Authors: Heuer Claudia
Published: March 2016

Es ist eins der großen Rätsel unserer Zeit: Kommt die elektronische Gesundheitskarte oder kommt sie nicht? Während politische Großkopfeten nicht müde werden, den point-of-no-return zu beschwören, lächeln die Niedergelassen dazu nur vielsagend. Am Ende wird der Erfolg von ihnen abhängen. Und noch sind sie nicht mit im Boot.
Haushaltskunde
Authors: Gaede Kirsten
Published: March 2016

Viele Pflegeheime stehen wirtschaftlich schlecht da. Volkswirte mögen erwidern, ein wenig Marktbereinigung habe noch keiner Branche geschadet. Doch die Heime werden mehr als je zuvor gebraucht. Eine aktuelle Studie zeigt Wege aus dem Dilemma.
Klein, aber kompetent
Authors: Rabensaat Richard
Published: March 2016

Die Kleinen der Pflegebranche stehen kurz vor dem aus – so das Fazit der Pflegeheim-Studie. Doch in der ambulanten Pflege gibt es immer wieder kleine, wendige Stationen, die sich behaupten – vor allem, weil sie das Wirtschaften verstehen, wie der Berliner Pflegedienst Liebenow zeigt.
Kopf in den Sand
Authors: Glatzer Ulrich
Published: March 2016

Klinikchefs verschlafen die Neuorientierung ihrer Häuser, viele Manager besitzen gar nicht die erforderlichen Kompetenzen dafür, sagt Thomas Kupczik im kma-Interview.
25 Jahre im Dienste der FKT
Authors: Sickinger Nina
Published: March 2016

Verbandsnachrichten der FKT - Fachvereinigung Krankenhaustechnik (e. V.). Diese Seiten sind nur als PDF-Dokument verfügbar.
In den Startlöchern
Authors: Heuer Claudia
Published: March 2016

Die sektorübergreifende Kommunikation ist der große Schwachpunkt im deutschen Gesundheitswesen. Das tut dem Patienten nicht gut und wirkt sich negativ auf dessen Behandlungskosten aus. Dafür haben die Krankenhäuser kein Geld, auf die elektronische Gesundheitskarte kann nicht gewartet werden. Ein Dilemma, das die elektronische Fallakte lösen soll.
Gründungsväter
Authors: Mühlnikel Ingrid
Published: March 2016

Jetzt kann es losgehen mit der Gründung des Spitzenverbandes Bund der Krankenkassen. Der Gesetzgeber hatte die Spitzenverbände der Krankenkassen verpflichtet, sich in einem Verband zu organisieren und nicht mehr wie bislang in sieben verschiedenen.
Auf zu neuen Ufern
Authors: Mühlnikel Ingrid
Published: March 2016

Bis zur Rente wollte der ehemalige Staatssekretär Hermann Schulte-Sasse nicht in der Berliner Senatsverwaltung für Gesundheit weilen. Muss er auch nicht. Im Sommer 2006 quittierte der 59-Jährige den Dienst, seitdem arbeitet er für verschiedene Unternehmen als Berater.
Die Entdeckung der Langsamkeit
Authors: Gaede Kirsten
Published: March 2016

Ein Aufbaustudium neben dem Beruf ist oft zum Scheitern verurteilt. Zwei Module pro Semester sind für Teilnehmer mit Kindern kaum zu bewältigen. Das Angebot der Fernuni Hagen könnte eine Alternative sein: In der Medizinethik am Institut für Philosophie können die Studenten ihre acht Pflichtmodule auf vier oder gar auf acht Jahre verteilen.
Keine Kohle
Authors: Mühlnikel Ingrid
Published: March 2016

Die Investitionsfinanzierung der Krankenhäuser in Deutschland gleicht einem Flickenteppich. Forderungen nach mehr Geld sind nutzlos. Die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit von Krankenhäusern hängt von den Trägern und ihren Standorten ab.
Mission Impossible
Authors: Lorenz Friederike
Published: March 2016

Bürokratie pur: Der Gemeinsame Bundesausschuss vergibt einen Auftrag an das Institut für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit (IQWiG). Es sollten die Auswirkungen von Mindestmengen auf die Krankenhauslandschaft errechnet werden. Aus datenschutzrechtlichen Gründen musste das Vorhaben scheitern. Das IQWiG führte den Auftrag dennoch aus.
Bescheidene Planung
Authors: Schmidt Hartmut
Published: March 2016

Rhön hat seine Prognosen für dieses Jahr nicht verändert, auch wenn die Zahlen 2006 leicht über Plan lagen. Dies ist nicht überraschend, denn die Unsicherheiten im Markt sind hoch. Die Ergebnispolster werden jedoch dicker, zumal die Ergebnisbeiträge der neuen Kliniken steigen.
Lebendige Unternehmenskultur
Authors: Zehnder Adalbert
Published: March 2016

“Bester Arbeitgeber im Gesundheitswesen”: Eine mittelständische Klinikkette aus Bad Kissingen ist Sieger in diesem erstmals ausgetragenen Wettbewerb. Mitarbeiter müssen hier so hart arbeiten wie anderswo auch. Aber sie wissen, wofür.
Die letzen drei
Authors: Heuer Claudia
Published: March 2016

Das Rennen um die britische Softwarefirma Isoft plc scheint sich seinem Ende zu nähern. Seit sechs Monaten bemüht sich das Management um einen Investor beziehungsweise Käufer. Die Flagge für die letzte Runde wurde jetzt von dem australischen Softwareunternehmen IBA Health Limited, größter Isoft-Konkurrent down under, geschwenkt.
Gesundheitswirtschaft trifft Politik
Authors: Gerster Florian
Published: March 2016

Am 20. Juni beginnt der zehnte jährliche Hauptstadtkongress Medizin und Gesundheit in Berlin. Kongresspräsident Ulf Fink wird Bundesgesundheitsministerin Ulla Schmidt zum Eröffnungsvortrag begrüßen. Die versammelte Gesundheitswirtschaft wird aus berufenem Mund hören, wie es um das deutsche Gesundheitswesen bestellt ist.
Gewaltiges Zukunftspotenzial
Authors: Heuer Claudia
Published: March 2016

GE hat einen neuen Hauptgeschäftsführer an die Spitze seiner globalen Magnetresonanzsparte berufen. Der Amerikaner James E. Davis, ehemals für das Diagnostic-Imaging-Geschäft auf dem nordamerikanischem Kontinent verantwortlich, tritt die Nachfolge von John Chiminski an. kma sprach mit James E. Davis über seine neuen Herausforderungen.
Angekommen
Authors: Mühlnikel Ingrid
Published: March 2016

Andrea Fischer ist heute Teilhaberin der größten Public-Relations-Agentur Deutschlands. Zu ihren Kunden zählen vor allem die großen internationalen Pharmaunternehmen. Die haben offensichtlich kein Problem damit, dass sie als Ministerin noch die Positivliste durchsetzen wollte.
Der Esel & die Möhren
Authors: Heuer Claudia
Published: March 2016

In Zeiten leerer Staatskassen wird es sehr begrüßt, wenn die Wirtschaft dort einspringt, wo sich der Staat zurückzieht. Doch der Begriff Sponsoring impliziert auch immer eine Gegenleistung.
Porträt Ulf Fink
Authors: Otto Volkmar
Published: March 2016

65 Jahre ist Ulf Fink alt, aber an Ruhestand denkt er noch lange nicht. Zunächst gilt es das 10-jährige Jubiläum des Berliner Haupstadtkongresses zu feiern, den er erfunden und zum erfolgreichsten Projekt seiner Nachpolitik-Karriere gemacht hat.
Jahrbuch TG auch in Österreich
Authors: ÖVKT Präsident
Published: March 2016

Verbandsnachrichten der FKT - Fachvereinigung Krankenhaustechnik (e. V.). Diese Seiten sind nur als PDF-Dokument verfügbar.
Alles unter einem Dach
Authors: Heuer Claudia
Published: March 2016

Was lange währt, wird endlich realisiert. Nach einjähriger Verhandlung haben sich jetzt rund 220 Krankenkassen unter der Federführung von BKK, IKK, DAK und weiterer Ersatzkassen auf eine gemeinsame IT-Plattform geeinigt. Damit ist die viel beschworene Lagerbildung unter den IT-Dienstleistern in der deutschen Krankenkassenlandschaft Realität geworden.
Es geht bergauf
Authors: Gaede Kirsten
Published: March 2016

Den Krankenhäusern geht es schlecht. Trotzdem werden sie nicht umhinkommen, sich den Gehaltssteigerungen der anderen Branchen von derzeit 3 bis 4 Prozent jährlich anzupassen, prognostiziert Christian Näser aus der Kienbaum-Geschäftsleitung.
Die Korken knallen
Authors: Schmidt Hartmut
Published: March 2016

Vorbei sind die sonnigen Tage: Öl und Euro werden teurer. Damit befinden sich die konjunkturelle Entwicklung und die Gewinnperspektiven der Unternehmen in Gefahr. Dax und Mdax stagnieren jeweils bei plus 1 Prozent gegenüber kma 10/07. Die Aktien der Pflegeheimbetreiber entwickeln sich dagegen bestens. Sie profitieren vom Einstieg des US-Investors Wyser-Pratte bei Curanum.
Hilfreiche Heuschrecken
Authors: Schmidt Hartmut
Published: March 2016

Der US-amerikanische Investor Wyser-Pratte ist bei Curanum eingestiegen. Damit haben die sogenannten Heuschrecken die Oberhand. Nach dem Kursplus von über 50 Prozent seit Jahresmitte ist das Ende der Fahnenstange aber noch nicht erreicht.
Zu privat für Europa
Authors: Schmidt Hartmut
Published: March 2016

Die australische Ramsay erwarb vor kurzem Capio UK. Ihr Ziel ist, in Großbritannien und dem sich öffnenden Europa zu expandieren. In Australien hat das Unternehmen Riesenerfolge. Ob sich diese auch in Europa einstellen, ist noch nicht sicher.
Jagd auf Mr. Perfect
Authors: Schiekiera Kirsten
Published: March 2016

Immer mehr Krankenhäuser setzen Headhunter ein. Ihr Einsatz ist in vielen Fällen wirkungsvoll, als Schnäppchen sind ihre Dienste allerdings nicht zu haben. Deshalb sollte jeder, der die Besetzung einer Stelle in fremde Hände gibt, zuvor die Qualifikation und Vorgehensweise der Personalvermittler überprüfen.
Alles halb so wild
Authors: Heuer Claudia
Published: March 2016

Der große Schrecken, den das neue Gewebegesetz verbreitet hat, ist heute weitgehend abgeklungen. Die Politik hat nachgebessert. Die einen sind froh, dass das Thema endlich präsent ist, während die anderen noch mit den Konsequenzen kämpfen.
Stolperfalle
Authors: Geisendorf Nicklas
Published: March 2016

Laboruntersuchungen outzusourcen gilt als einfaches und zunehmend beliebtes Mittel, um Kosten zu senken. Die Entscheidung pro oder kontra Outsourcing wie auch die Auswahl eines geeigneten Dienstleisters aber wollen gut überlegt sein.
Private Equity mischt den Reha-Markt auf
Authors: Gaede Kirsten
Published: March 2016

Median, Mediclin, Damp, Medical Park – die Reha-Marktführer haben über Nacht Konkurrenz bekommen: Die neu gegründeten Celenus Kliniken, hervorgegangen aus den Reha-Häusern von Marseille, zählen bereits jetzt zu den größten Reha-Betreibern. In den nächsten Jahren will die Private-Equity-Tochter ihren Umsatz noch verdoppeln.
Neuer Steigbügelhalter für E-Health
Authors: Dirks Claudia
Published: March 2016

Das Bundesgesundheitsministerium (BMG) hat einen weiteren Schritt in Richtung Einsatz telemedizinischer Anwendungen gestartet.
„Ich bin ganz klar eine Übergangslösung“
Authors: Gaede Kirsten
Published: March 2016

In der Uniklinik Ulm übernimmt Rüdiger Strehl überraschend die Position des Kaufmännischen Direktors. kma sprach mit ihm über die Gründe für seine Rückkehr ins operative Klinikgeschäft.
Fluid simulation of tokamak ion temperature gradient turbulence with zonal flow closure model
Authors: Yamagishi Osamu , Sugama Hideo
Published: March 2016

Nonlinear fluid simulation of turbulence driven by ion temperature gradient modes in the tokamak fluxtube configuration is performed by combining two different closure models. One model is a gyrofluid model by Beer and Hammett [Phys. Plasmas 3, 4046 (1996)], and the other is a closure model to reproduce the kinetic zonal flow response [Sugama et al., Phys. Plasmas 14, 022502 (2007)]. By including the zonal flow closure, generation of zonal flows, significant reduction in energy transport, reproduction of the gyrokinetic transport level, and nonlinear upshift on the critical value of gradient scale length are observed.
Ab initio calculation of the cross sections for electron impact vibrational excitation of CO via the 2Π shape resonance
Authors: Falcetta Michael F. , Fair Mark C. , Tharnish Emily M. , Williams Lorna M. , Hayes Nathan J. , Jordan Kenneth D.
Published: March 2016

The stabilization method is used to calculate the complex potential energy curve of the 2Π state of CO− as a function of bond length, with the refinement that separate potentials are determined for p-wave and d-wave attachment and detachment of the excess electron. Using the resulting complex potentials, absolute vibrational excitation cross sections are calculated as a function of electron energy and scattering angle. The calculated cross sections agree well with experiment.
Strain dependence of In incorporation in m-oriented GaInN/GaN multi quantum well structures
Authors: Horenburg Philipp , Buß Ernst Ronald , Rossow Uwe , Bremers Heiko , Ketzer Fedor Alexej , Hangleiter Andreas
Published: March 2016

We demonstrate a strong dependence of the indium incorporation efficiency on the strain state in m-oriented GaInN/GaN multi quantum well (MQW) structures. Insertion of a partially relaxed AlInN buffer layer opens up the opportunity to manipulate the strain situation in the MQW grown on top. By lattice-matching this AlInN layer to the c- or a-axis of the underlying GaN, relaxation towards larger a- or smaller c-lattice constants can be induced, respectively. This results in a modified template for the subsequent MQW growth. From X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence measurements, we derive significant effects on the In incorporation efficiency and In concentrations in the quantum well (QW) up to x = 38% without additional accumulation of strain energy in the QW region. This makes strain manipulation a very promising method for growth of high In-containing MQW structures for efficient, long wavelength light-emitting devices.
Experimental characterization and constitutive modeling of the mechanical behavior of molybdenum under electromagnetically applied compression-shear ramp loading
Authors: Alexander C. S. , Ding J. L. , Asay J. R.
Published: March 2016

Magnetically applied pressure-shear (MAPS) is a new experimental technique that provides a platform for direct measurement of material strength at extreme pressures. The technique employs an imposed quasi-static magnetic field and a pulsed power generator that produces an intense current on a planar driver panel, which in turn generates high amplitude magnetically induced longitudinal compression and transverse shear waves into a planar sample mounted on the drive panel. In order to apply sufficiently high shear traction to the test sample, a high strength material must be used for the drive panel. Molybdenum is a potential driver material for the MAPS experiment because of its high yield strength and sufficient electrical conductivity. To properly interpret the results and gain useful information from the experiments, it is critical to have a good understanding and a predictive capability of the mechanical response of the driver. In this work, the inelastic behavior of molybdenum under uniaxial compression and biaxial compression-shear ramp loading conditions is experimentally characterized. It is observed that an imposed uniaxial magnetic field ramped to approximately 10 T through a period of approximately 2500 μs and held near the peak for about 250 μs before being tested appears to anneal the molybdenum panel. In order to provide a physical basis for model development, a general theoretical framework that incorporates electromagnetic loading and the coupling between the imposed field and the inelasticity of molybdenum was developed. Based on this framework, a multi-axial continuum model for molybdenum under electromagnetic loading is presented. The model reasonably captures all of the material characteristics displayed by the experimental data obtained from various experimental configurations. In addition, data generated from shear loading provide invaluable information not only for validating but also for guiding the development of the material model for multiaxial loadings.
Anomalous Josephson effect in noncentrosymmetric superconductors
Authors: Zhang Huan , Wang Jun , Liu Jun-Feng
Published: March 2016

We reveal the underlying physics of the anomalous Josephson effect in a magnetic Josephson junction between two noncentrosymmetric superconductors. The key point is that the two effective superconducting gaps provide two sets of Andreev bound states which carry two supercurrents with different amplitudes. When the magnetization direction of the ferromagnet is suitably chosen, the two supercurrents experience opposite phase shifts from the conventional sinusoidal current-phase relation. Then the total Josephson current results in a continuously tunable ground-state phase difference by adjusting the ferromagnet parameters and the triplet-singlet ratio of noncentrosymmetric superconductors. The emergence of anomalous Josephson current can definitely confirm the existence of triplet pairing and the ground-state phase difference serves as a tool to determine the triplet-singlet ratio of noncentrosymmetric superconductors.
Substitution of Nd with other rare earth elements in melt spun Nd2Fe14B magnets
Authors: Brown D. N. , Lau D. , Chen Z.
Published: March 2016

This is a contemporary study of rapidly quenched Nd1.6X0.4Fe14B magnetic materials (where X= Nd, Y, Ce, La, Pr, Gd and Ho). A 20% substitution of the Nd component from Nd2Fe14B can bring about some commercial advantage. However, there will be some compromise to the magnetic performance. Light rare earth elements are definitely more abundant (Y, Ce, La) than the heavier rare earth elements, but when they are included in RE2Fe14B magnets they tend to lower magnetic performance and thermal stability. Substituting heavy rare earth elements (Gd, Ho) for Nd in Nd2Fe14B improves the thermal stability of magnets but causes a loss in magnet remanence.
Unfolded protein response regulates yeast small GTPase Arl1p activation at late Golgi via phosphorylation of Arf GEF Syt1p
Authors: Hsu Jia-Wei , Tang Pei-Hua , Wang I-Hao , Liu Chia-Lun , Chen Wen-Hui , Tsai Pei-Chin , Chen Kuan-Yu , Chen Kuan-Jung , Yu Chia-Jung , Lee Fang-Jen S.
Published: March 2016

Significance

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a cellular response to stress caused by accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum lumen. ADP ribosylation factor (Arf) GTPases are key regulators of membrane traffic in the Golgi complex. In yeast, Arf guanine nucleotide-exchange factor (GEF) Syt1p activates the Arf-like protein Arl1 at late Golgi, thereby recruiting golgin Imh1p, but how Syt1p GEF activity is regulated is largely unknown. We demonstrate that UPR signaling regulated phosphorylation of Syt1, which is critical for Arl1p activation, recruitment of golgin protein Imh1p to the Golgi, and Syt1p interaction with Arl1. These findings reveal a previously unsuspected relationship between the UPR and Golgi transport.
Microscopic interpretation of folding ϕ-values using the transition path ensemble
Authors: Best Robert B. , Hummer Gerhard
Published: March 2016

Significance

ϕ-Value analysis remains the only experimental method that can give detailed structural information on protein folding transition states. Calculating ϕ-values from simulations is therefore an important validation of inferred folding mechanisms but has remained challenging. We describe a novel method for computing ϕ-values from folding transition paths, motivated by transition path theory. In addition to rendering an average ϕ-value, our approach can characterize pathway heterogeneity by resolving ϕ into contributions from individual transition paths. This method should be applicable not just to protein folding but to other complex self-assembly processes including protein binding or nucleic acid folding.
Cytochrome
c
folds through foldon-dependent native-like intermediates in an ordered pathway
Authors: Hu Wenbing , Kan Zhong-Yuan , Mayne Leland , Englander S. Walter
Published: March 2016

Significance

The energy landscape model pictures that proteins fold through many alternative pathways. The landscape contains all possible intermediates and pathways, and folding is driven only by the downhill energy gradient, with no way to choose any particular folding step against the vast number of alternatives. On the contrary, the present experiments demonstrate that Cytochrome
c
folds through distinct intermediates in a reproducible pathway, adding one native-like foldon after another down a defined energy ladder. This behavior is dictated by the cooperative foldon construction of the native protein. Two other proteins are known to do the same.
‘They tell me they were in fashion last year’: Samuel and Elizabeth Jeake and Clothing Fashions in Late Seventeenth-Century London and Rye
Authors: Tankard Danae
Published: March 2016

This article examines high fashion culture in late seventeenth-century London and Rye, focusing on the ways that Rye merchant, Samuel Jeake (1652–1699), and his wife, Elizabeth (1667–1736), engaged with the London fashion market at a time when the transmission of fashion styles was still primarily by word of mouth. Both Samuel and Elizabeth were intensely concerned to appear fashionable in provincial Rye. Correspondence between Samuel and Elizabeth and their London relatives shows how fashion information was being communicated between London and Rye and the speed with which clothing fashions changed in the capital. The discussion of Samuel and Elizabeth’s engagement with fashion is framed by an analysis of contemporary satirical literature which takes the supposed obsession of the English with fashion as its theme.
Second Skin: Investigating the Production of Contoured Patterns for the Theatrical Costume Industry
Authors: Garland Liz , Almond Kevin
Published: March 2016

This paper discusses research into pattern cutting via mould-making techniques for body-conscious, contoured clothing used in the theatrical costume industry (film, television and theatre). With their considerable experience as costume makers, the authors recognized a gap in knowledge and documentation for this approach to pattern cutting. The intentions were to expand the range of techniques available for theatrical costume professionals, allowing practitioners to draw complex style lines directly onto the body shape and onto inanimate objects. The research explored different approaches through a series of three-dimensional experiments, which included contouring the body with moulds to achieve sculptural or abstract forms and discovering the capabilities, advantages and restrictions of the technique. The enquiry includes a variety of methodologies, which investigated the practical, technical and historical background to contoured pattern cutting. Object-based research considered the design and manufacture of body conscious garments. Action-based research and semi-structured interviews with practitioners considered the skills costume makers use to produce contoured clothing and the ethics connected with drawing styles directly onto the human body. In order to contextualize the practical investigations, a review of the literature revealed the limited extent of contemporary and historical research dedicated to contoured pattern cutting.
The regulatory mechanism underlying light-inducible production of carotenoids in nonphototrophic bacteria
Authors: Takano Hideaki
Published: March 2016

Light is a ubiquitous environmental factor serving as an energy source and external stimulus. Here, I review the conserved molecular mechanism of light-inducible production of carotenoids in three nonphototrophic bacteria: Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2), Thermus thermophilus HB27, and Bacillus megaterium QM B1551. A MerR family transcriptional regulator, LitR, commonly plays a central role in their light-inducible carotenoid production. Genetic and biochemical studies on LitR proteins revealed a conserved function: LitR in complex with adenosyl B12 (AdoB12) has a light-sensitive DNA-binding activity and thus suppresses the expression of the Crt biosynthesis gene cluster. The in vitro DNA-binding and transcription assays showed that the LitR–AdoB12 complex serves as a repressor allowing transcription initiation by RNA polymerase in response to illumination. The existence of novel light-inducible genes and the unique role of the megaplasmid were revealed by the transcriptomic analysis of T. thermophilus. The findings suggest that LitR is a general regulator responsible for the light-inducible carotenoid production in the phylogenetically divergent nonphototrophic bacteria, and that LitR performs diverse physiological functions in bacteria.
Glucose-induced abnormal egg-laying rate inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Teshiba Eri , Miyahara Kohji , Takeya Hiroyuki
Published: March 2016

High glucose reduced the egg-laying rate of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and was dependent on serotonergic signaling. Antidiabetic drugs of the biguanide and thiazolidine classes ameliorated the detrimental effect of glucose on egg-laying rate, suggesting the possibility that this quick and easy assay system may be applicable to whole-animal screening for novel antidiabetic drugs, at least, of these classes.
Distributional analysis of semantic interference in picture naming
Authors: Roelofs Ardi , Piai Vitória
Published: March 2016

In picture–word interference experiments, participants name pictures (e.g., of a cat) while trying to ignore distractor words. Mean response time (RT) is typically longer with semantically related distractor words (e.g., dog) than with unrelated words (e.g., shoe), called semantic interference. Previous research has examined the RT distributional characteristics of distractor effects by performing ex-Gaussian analyses, which reveal whether effects are present in the normal part of the distribution (the μ parameter), its long right tail (the τ parameter), or both. One previous study linked the semantic interference effect selectively to the distribution tail. In the present study, we replicated the semantic interference effect in the mean picture naming RTs. Distributional analysis of the RTs and those of a previous study revealed that semantic interference was present in both μ and τ. These results provide evidence that the effect is not selectively linked to the τ parameter, and they warn against any simple one-to-one mapping between semantic interference and distributional parameters.
Riociguat (BAY 63‐2521) and Aspirin: A Randomized, Pharmacodynamic, and Pharmacokinetic Interaction Study
Authors: Frey Reiner , Reber Michael , Krätzschmar Jörn , Unger Sigrun , Mück Wolfgang , Wensing Georg
Published: March 2016

In preclinical studies, drugs that increase cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels have been shown to influence platelet function/aggregation; however, the effect of riociguat on human platelets is unclear. Aspirin, a platelet inhibitor, is likely to be given concomitantly in patients receiving riociguat. It is therefore important to establish clinically whether (1) riociguat affects platelet function and (2) aspirin and riociguat interact. This randomized, open‐label, crossover study investigated potential pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions between these drugs in healthy male volunteers (N = 18). There were 3 treatment regimens: a single morning dose of riociguat 2.5 mg, aspirin 500 mg on 2 consecutive mornings, and both treatments together, with riociguat given on the second morning. Fifteen participants were available for pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic analysis. There was no effect of riociguat alone on bleeding time, platelet aggregation, and serum thromboxane B2 levels. The effects of aspirin on these parameters were not influenced by concomitant administration of riociguat. The pharmacokinetic profile of riociguat showed interindividual variability, which was independent of aspirin coadministration. Six of 17 participants available for safety evaluation reported at least 1 treatment‐emergent adverse event. All adverse events were of mild severity, apart from 1 report of moderate headache. No serious adverse events occurred. In conclusion, riociguat demonstrated no clinically relevant pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic interactions with aspirin at the doses used in this study in healthy men; coadministration of riociguat and aspirin should therefore not require any dose adjustment for either drug.
Absorption of Riociguat (BAY 63‐2521): Bioavailability, Food Effects, and Dose Proportionality
Authors: Becker Corina , Frey Reiner , Hesse Christiane , Unger Sigrun , Reber Michael , Mück Wolfgang
Published: March 2016

Riociguat (BAY 63‐2521) is the first member of a novel class of compounds, the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators. Riociguat has a dual mode of action: it sensitizes sGC to endogenous nitric oxide (NO) and stimulates sGC independent of NO availability. To characterize the biopharmaceutical properties of riociguat, including absolute bioavailability, food interactions, and dose proportionality, riociguat (intravenous/oral) was administered to healthy male subjects in 3 open‐label, randomized, crossover studies: absolute bioavailability (1 mg; n = 22), food effect (2.5 mg; n = 23), and dose proportionality (0.5–2.5 mg; n = 24). Absolute bioavailability was 94% (95% confidence interval [CI], 83%–107%). Riociguat absorption was delayed by a high‐fat breakfast with little effect on the extent of absorption (area under the concentration‐time curve [AUC]fed : AUCfasted, 88% [90% CI, 82%–95%]). Exposure to riociguat was dose proportional over all doses (common slope of AUC, 1.09 [90% CI, 1.04–1.14]; maximum concentration, 0.98 [90% CI, 0.93–1.04]). Intraindividual variability was low; interindividual variability was moderate to high. Riociguat was well tolerated, and adverse events were consistent with the mode of action. In conclusion, riociguat shows complete oral absorption, no clinically relevant food effects, and a dose‐proportional increase in systemic exposure (0.5–2.5 mg). These data support the suitability of the individualized dose adjustment scheme employed in the phase 3 clinical studies.
Effects of Age and Sex on the Pharmacokinetics of the Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulator Riociguat (BAY 63‐2521)
Authors: Frey Reiner , Saleh Soundos , Becker Corina , Mück Wolfgang
Published: March 2016

Riociguat is a soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study investigated the pharmacokinetics of riociguat and its metabolite M1 in young (18–45 years) and elderly (64.5–80 years) healthy volunteers of both sexes to assist planning of the dose regimens for clinical trials. The data were also used to draw comparisons with the effects of age and sex on riociguat pharmacokinetics in patients with PAH and CTEPH from the riociguat phase 3 trials, PATENT and CHEST. Volunteers received an oral dose of either riociguat 2.5 mg or placebo, and the concentrations of riociguat and M1 in blood and urine samples were determined using mass spectrometry. In elderly healthy volunteers, overall riociguat and M1 exposure tended to be higher than in young healthy volunteers (P >0.05),partly because of reduced renal clearance (approximately 28% reduction) and differences in body weight. Although the mean maximum concentrations of riociguat and M1 were significantly higher in women than in men (35% and 50% higher, respectively), total exposure was similar. Despite differences in riociguat and M1 pharmacokinetics, riociguat was well tolerated with a comparable safety profile across all subgroups, suggesting that differences in drug exposure due to age or sex were not sufficient to warrant a dose adjustment in clinical trials. Furthermore, similar pharmacokinetics were observed in patients with PAH and CTEPH. However, particular care should be exercised during individual dose titration of riociguat in elderly patients.
cit: hypothesis testing software for mediation analysis in genomic applications
Authors: Millstein Joshua , Chen Gary K. , Breton Carrie V.
Published: March 2016

Motivation: The challenges of successfully applying causal inference methods include: (i) satisfying underlying assumptions, (ii) limitations in data/models accommodated by the software and (iii) low power of common multiple testing approaches.

Results: The causal inference test (CIT) is based on hypothesis testing rather than estimation, allowing the testable assumptions to be evaluated in the determination of statistical significance. A user-friendly software package provides P-values and optionally permutation-based FDR estimates (q-values) for potential mediators. It can handle single and multiple binary and continuous instrumental variables, binary or continuous outcome variables and adjustment covariates. Also, the permutation-based FDR option provides a non-parametric implementation.

Conclusion: Simulation studies demonstrate the validity of the cit package and show a substantial advantage of permutation-based FDR over other common multiple testing strategies.

Availability and implementation: The cit open-source R package is freely available from the CRAN website (https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/cit/index.html) with embedded C ++ code that utilizes the GNU Scientific Library, also freely available (http://www.gnu.org/software/gsl/).

Contact:  joshua.millstein@usc.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Giant pandas use odor cues to discriminate kin from nonkin
Authors: Gilad Oranit , Swaisgood Ronald R. , Owen Megan A. , Zhou Xiaoping
Published: March 2016

Sociality is an important factor in both the mechanism and function of kin recognition, yet it is little explored in solitary species. While there may be future opportunities for nepotistic functions of kin discrimination among solitary species, the ability to discriminate kin from nonkin may still have important roles in social regulation. The solitary giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca offers a good model system to explore kin discrimination in a solitary mammal. As kin discrimination in many other mammals is olfactorily mediated, we investigated whether giant pandas are able to discriminate odor cues from daughters even after months and years of separation. Our results indicate that giant pandas are capable of discriminating between kin and nonkin using odor cues available in urine and body odor. Daughters preferentially investigated the odors of unrelated adult female pandas over the odors of their mothers, and mothers spent more time investigating the odors of unrelated age-matched female pandas over those from their daughters. Because these studies were conducted months or years after the mother–daughter period of dependency ended, it is still unclear what mechanism is used for recognition. Long-term olfactory memories and phenotype matching should both be considered, and further studies are required for such determination.
Environmental Science and Politics
Authors: Brown Mark
Published: March 2016

This chapter examines the relation between environmental science and politics with regard to its implications for environmental values, expert advice, and the public understanding of science. Environmental thinkers have offered powerful critiques of modern science, but they have also relied on science both to understand environmental problems and to legitimate political responses to them. Ironically, both romantic critics of science and their rationalist opponents tend to assume that the relation between science and politics is fixed and predetermined. They merely disagree on whether science will help or hinder environmental goals. Constructivist approaches, in contrast, highlight the mutual shaping of science and politics. From a constructivist perspective, the democratic legitimacy of environmental policies depends in part on environmental science. Science can inform public attitudes toward environmental policies, and it can help justify such policies. Realizing such possibilities depends on integrating science advice with various forms of public engagement.
Democracy as Constraint and Possibility for Environmental Action
Authors: Ellis Elizabeth
Published: March 2016

This chapter argues that attention to environmental action forces us to revise conventional democratic theory. Democratic theory depends upon suppositions exploded by environmental issues: on a discrete identifiable citizenry making decisions for itself, for example, or on the revisability of policy decisions. Democracy constrains environmental action while environmental challenges constrain democracy. The answer, however, is not less democracy, as there is no alternative to democracy if we seek justice in a plural world. Simple democratic assumptions are the best candidates for general adjudication of differences. Rather than turn away from democratic theory, we must return to its majoritarian essence. Thus the chapter sketches a democratic approach that enables rather than constrains environmental possibilities by refocusing democratic theory on protecting majority interests and reframing environmental issues in terms of protecting majority interest in sustainability from minority interests in extraction.
Environmental Authoritarianism and China
Authors: Beeson Mark
Published: March 2016

China has recently become the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases and the focus of growing international attention as a result. One of the most noteworthy features of China’s response to climate change is the fact that it is being overseen by an authoritarian government that has a greater capacity to implement potentially difficult reforms. Indeed, China appears to be developing a form of “environmental authoritarianism” that stands in marked contrast to the approach taken in much of the West. This chapter traces the emergence of this policy approach, exploring both its domestic origins and international impact. Whether China’s ruling elites will be able to successfully manage rising domestic and international expectations about environmental management remains to be seen. In the meantime it provides an important and illuminating comparative model.
Human Nature, Non-human Nature, and Needs
Authors: Biro Andrew
Published: March 2016

This chapter assesses the relevance of Frankfurt School critical theory for contemporary environmental political theory. Early Frankfurt School thinkers such as Adorno, Horkheimer, and Marcuse developed a critique of instrumental rationality that provides a powerful framework for understanding the domination of nature in modernity, including an inability to articulate and defend human needs. Habermas subsequently attempts to mitigate this totalizing critique, countering instrumental rationality with a focus on communicative rationality. This Habermasian turn both provides new openings and forecloses certain possibilities for environmental political theory; deliberative democracy is emphasized, but with a renewed commitment to anthropocentrism. The chapter then explores whether Habermas’s communicative turn could be “greened,” either through an expansion of the subjects of communicative rationality, or by critically examining the extent to which human beings themselves can articulate their genuine needs.
Environmental Political Theory and Environmental Action Research Teams
Authors: Coles Romand
Published: March 2016

This chapter explores relationships between democratic action research and environmental political theory. In the absence of action research pedagogies, neo-liberalism will increasingly undermine the spaces and possibilities in institutions of higher education that have been integral to the development of environmental political theory. Action research pedagogy offers collaborative pathways for students, faculty, and community members to begin to address the profound ecological, political, and educational challenges of the contemporary world. The chapter contends that the transformative quotidian work involved in action research pedagogies is likely an indispensable condition for engendering civic agency, a sense of active hope, and theoretical reflection in students who are otherwise often resistant to it. With reference to the action research movement at Northern Arizona University, it illuminates ways in which action research can lead to institutional change in higher education that may catalyze environmental thought and action in dark times.
Global Environmental Governance
Authors: Dryzek John S.
Published: March 2016

Long subordinate to global economic governance, global environmental governance currently fails to produce responses that match the urgency and depth of global environmental challenges, as well as being short on justice and democracy. Environmental political theory can speak to this condition though the critique of the deficiencies of governance, scrutiny of reform proposals, and development of dynamic criteria to seek in improved governance. At issue here are not just institutions generally recognized as environmental, but the system of global governance in its entirety. In the Anthropocene, ecosystemic reflexivity can be recognized as properly the first virtue of global environmental governance.
Environmental Governmentality
Authors: Luke Timothy
Published: March 2016

This chapter asks critical thinkers and activist movements to concentrate their efforts on mapping out how and why the essential tasks of government today pivot on the arts of exercising power in techno-economic forms in both “the ecology” and “the economy” to protect the environment, maintain order, and attain the good life through more effective governmentalizing actions. In turn, they must determine if such actions either attain democratic action and environmental justice or simply accentuate technocratic domination and social injustice. The chapter provides an overview of governmentality, as Michel Foucault developed this concept, and reevaluates his provisional notion of “milieux” as it relates to shaping the environmental governmentality that many accept as progressive green political action. It concludes by stressing the importance of political reflexivity and resistance to counter the managerial impulses behind environmental governmentality.
Green Political Economy
Authors: Barry John
Published: March 2016

This chapter outlines the main features of green political economy and how it differs from dominant orthodox neo-classical economics. Neo-classical economics is critiqued on the grounds of its false presentation of itself as “objective” and “value neutral.” Its ecologically irrational commitment to the imperative of orthodox economic growth as a permanent feature of the economy compromises its ability to offer realistic or normatively compelling guides to how we might make the transition to a sustainable economy. Green political economy is presented as an alternative form of economic thinking but one which explicitly expresses its normative/ideological value bases. It also challenges the commitment to undifferentiated economic growth as a permanent objective of the human economy. In its place, it promotes “economic security” and a post-growth economy. The latter includes the transition to a low-carbon energy economy, and is one which maximizes quality of life and actively seeks to lower socio-economic inequality.
Indigenous Environmental Movements and the Function of Governance Institutions
Authors: Whyte Kyle Powys
Published: March 2016

Indigenous environmental movements have been important actors in twentieth- and twenty-first-century global environmental politics and environmental justice. Their explicit foci range from the protection of indigenous environmental stewardship systems to upholding and expanding treaty responsibilities to securing indigenous rights in law and policy. This chapter suggests that these movements open important intellectual spaces for thinking about the function of environmental governance institutions in addressing complex environmental issues such as clean water and forest conservation. Different from institutional functions based on market mechanisms or appeals to human psychological tendencies, a variety of indigenous environmentalists suggest that institutions should function to convene reciprocal responsibilities across relatives as diverse as humans, non-human beings such as plants, entities such as water, and collectives such as forests.