bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fibrillarin from Archaea to human
Authors: Rodriguez‐Corona Ulises , Sobol Margarita , Rodriguez‐Zapata Luis Carlos , Hozak Pavel , Castano Enrique
Published: March 2015

Fibrillarin is an essential protein that is well known as a molecular marker of transcriptionally active RNA polymerase I. Fibrillarin methyltransferase activity is the primary known source of methylation for more than 100 methylated sites involved in the first steps of preribosomal processing and required for structural ribosome stability. High expression levels of fibrillarin have been observed in several types of cancer cells, particularly when p53 levels are reduced, because p53 is a direct negative regulator of fibrillarin transcription. Here, we show fibrillarin domain conservation, structure and interacting molecules in different cellular processes as well as with several viral proteins during virus infection.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Computer‐Aided Drug Designing of New Derivatives of Hyperactive Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
Authors: Zhang Song , Huang Weibin , Li Xiaonan , Yang Zhicheng , Feng Binghong
Published: March 2015

The synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel series of compounds based on suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) had been designed as potential histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis). Molecular docking studies indicated that our derivatives had better fitting in the binding sites of HDAC8 than SAHA. Compounds 1–5 were synthesized through the synthetic routes. In biological test, compounds also showed good inhibitory activity in HDAC enzyme assay and more potent growth inhibition in human glioma cell lines (MGR2, U251, and U373). A representative compound, N3F, exhibited better inhibitory effect (HDAC, IC50 = 0.1187 μm; U251, IC50 = 0.8949 μm) and lower toxicity for human normal cells (LO2, IC50 = 172.5 μm and MRC5, IC50 = 213.6 μm) compared with SAHA (HDAC, IC50 = 0.8717 μm; U251, IC50 = 8.938 μm; LO2, IC50 = 86.52 μm and MRC5, IC50 = 81.02 μm). In addition, N3F obviously increased Beclin‐1 and Caspase‐3 and 9 as well as inhibited Bcl‐2 in U251 cells. All of our results indicated that these SAHA cap derivatives could serve as potential lead compounds for further optimization. In addition, N3F and N2E both displayed promising profile as antitumor candidates for the treatment of human glioma.
Slowing Down Fast Mapping: Redefining the Dynamics of Word Learning
Authors: Kucker Sarah C. , McMurray Bob , Samuelson Larissa K.
Published: March 2015

In this article, we review literature on word learning and propose a theoretical account of how lexical knowledge and word use emerge and develop over time. We contend that the developing lexical system is built on processes that support children's in‐the‐moment word usage interacting with processes that create long‐term learning. We argue for a new characterization of word learning in which simple mechanisms like association and competition, and the interaction between the two, guide children's selection of referents and word use in the moment. This in turn strengthens and refines the network of relationships in the lexicon, improving referent selection and use in future encounters with words. By integrating in‐the‐moment word use with long‐term learning through simple domain‐general mechanisms, this account highlights the dynamic nature of word learning and creates a broader framework for understanding language and cognitive development more generally.
Efficacy and tolerability of 16% subcutaneous immunoglobulin compared with 20% subcutaneous immunoglobulin in primary antibody deficiency
Authors: Niebur H B , Duff C M , Shear G F , Nguyen D , Alberdi T K , Dorsey M J , Sleasman J W
Published: March 2015

Multiple subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) products are available to treat primary antibody deficiency (PAD). The efficacy and tolerability of 16% SCIG (Vivaglobin®) was compared with 20% SCIG (Hizentra®) in PAD subjects. The study was a prospective, single-centre, open-label study of PAD subjects transitioning Vivaglobin to equivalent Hizentra doses, rounded to the nearest vial size. Comparisons included immunoglobulin (Ig)G levels; tetanus, varicella and Streptococcus pneumoniae titres; adverse events (AEs), annual infection rate and quality of life during 8 weeks of Vivaglobin and 24 weeks of Hizentra. Thirty-two subjects (aged 2–75 years) participated. Rounding to the nearest Hizentra vial size resulted in a 12·8% (± 2·9%) increase in SCIG dose. Median immunoglobulin (Ig)G level following 8 weeks of Vivaglobin was similar to 24 weeks of Hizentra (1050 versus 1035 mg/dl, respectively; P = 0·77). Both products had similar protective titres to tetanus, varicella and serotypes of S. pneumoniae, which were variable but well above protective levels. After 12 weeks of Hizentra, subjects reported fewer local site reactions compared with Vivaglobin. Switching products resulted in increased systemic AEs in some subjects but, overall, not significantly higher than during Vivaglobin treatment. Average infusion time decreased from 104·7 min (3·3 sites) with Vivaglobin to 70·7 min (2·2 sites) with Hizentra (P = 0·0005). Acute serious bacterial infections were similar. Treatment satisfaction was superior with Hizentra. Hizentra and Vivaglobin have similar pharmacokinetics and efficacy. Although transition to a different SCIG product initially increased AEs, Hizentra is well tolerated and can be infused more rapidly and with fewer sites compared to Vivaglobin.
Chemokine CXCL-1: activity in the vitreous during proliferative vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Symeonidis C , Androudi S , Georgalas I , Tzamalis A , Chalvatzis N , Rotsos T , Souliou E , Diza E , Dimitrakos S A
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate CXCL-1 chemokine levels in the vitreous during rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with and without proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and identify possible correlations with clinical parameters (extent and duration or RRD and PVR grade). Vitreous samples from patients with primary RRD with or without PVR were collected and assayed using a double antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Eleven vitreous samples from organ donors were employed as a control group. CXCL-1 levels were measured in 35 vitreous samples from 35 RRD patients. Mean CXCL-1 levels (64·82 ± 6·47 pg/ml) were significantly higher (P = 0·048) compared to controls. There was a significant positive correlation between CXCL-1 levels and the extent of the detachment (r = 0·794, P = 0·006). Peak CXCL-1 levels coincided with 3+ quadrant RRD, an interim of 29–60 days’ duration and PVR grade B. Increased CXCL-1 levels may be indicative of mild inflammation in the detached retina and the adjacent vitreous. The results of the present study may provide novel insight into the complex interactions taking place during the early and late stages of RRD complicated by PVR.
A New Weighting Approach Based on Rough Set Theory and Granular Computing for Road Safety Indicator Analysis
Authors: Li Tianrui , Ruan Da , Shen Yongjun , Hermans Elke , Wets Geert
Published: March 2015

The steadily increasing volume of road traffic has resulted in many safety problems. Road safety performance indicators may contribute to better understand current safety conditions and monitor the effect of policy interventions. A composite road safety performance indicator is desired to reduce the dimensions of selected risk factors. The essential step for constructing such a composite indicator is to assign a suitable weight to each indicator. However, no agreement on weighting and aggregation in the composite indicator literature has been reached so far. Granular computing is an emerging computing paradigm of information processing that makes use of granules in problem solving. Rough set theory is considered as one of the leading special cases of granular computing approaches. In this article, a new weighting approach based on rough set theory and granular computing is introduced for road safety indicator analysis. The proposed method is applied to a real case study of 21 European countries of which only the class information (not the real values) on all indicators is used to calculate the weights. Experimental evaluation shows that it is an efficient approach to combine individual road safety performance indicators into a composite one.
Photochromic ink formulation for digital inkjet printing and colour measurement of printed polyester fabrics
Authors: Aldib Mohanad
Published: March 2015

The application of a series of commercial photochromic dyes to polyester fabric by a digital inkjet printing method was investigated. Solvent‐based ink systems using the dyes were formulated. The inks were characterised in terms of their physical properties which are related to the jettability of the inks, and finally the prints were fixed onto polyester fabrics by thermal fixation. Colour measurement of the printed fabrics was used to measure their degree of photocoloration, fading rate, fatigue resistance, and storage stabilities. The measured properties of the inkjet‐printed fabrics were compared with the same properties of the same dyes applied to polyester fabrics by dyeing methods. The printed fabrics demonstrated inferior performance in terms of the degree of photocoloration, superior performance in the case of background colours, a higher rate of fading, and a lower fatigue resistance compared with that shown by the same dyes applied to polyester fabric by dyeing methods.
Aetiology and risk factors of community‐acquired pneumonia in hospitalized patients in Norway
Authors: Røysted Wenche , Simonsen Øystein , Jenkins Andrew , Sarjomaa Marjut , Svendsen Martin Veel , Ragnhildstveit Eivind , Tveten Yngvar , Kanestrøm Anita , Waage Halfrid , Ringstad Jetmund
Published: March 2015

Background and Aims

In Norway, data on the aetiology of community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) in hospitalized patients are limited. The aims of this study were to investigate the bacterial aetiology of CAP in hospitalized patients in Norway, risk factors for CAP and possible differences in risk factors between patients with Legionnaire's disease and pneumonia because of other causes.

Methods

Adult patients with radiologically confirmed CAP admitted to hospital were eligible for the study. Routine aerobic and Legionella culture of sputum, blood culture, urinary antigen test for Legionella pneumophila and Streptococcus pneumoniae, polymerase chain reaction detection of Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Bordetella pertussis from throat specimens, and serology for L. pneumophila serogroup 1–6 were performed. A questionnaire, which included demographic and clinical data, risk factors and treatment, was completed.

Results

We included 374 patients through a 20‐month study period in 2007–2008. The aetiological agent was detected in 37% of cases. S. pneumoniae (20%) was the most prevalent agent, followed by Haemophilus influenzae (6%) and Legionella spp. (6%). Eight Legionella cases were diagnosed by urinary antigen test, of which four also had positive serology. In addition, 13 Legionella cases were diagnosed by serology. The degree of comorbidity was high. An increased risk of hospital‐diagnosed Legionella pneumonia was found among patients with a diagnosis of chronic congestive heart failure.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that S. pneumoniae is the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia in hospitalized patients, and the prevalence of Legionella pneumonia is probably higher in Norway than recognized previously.
Successful behavioural strategies to increase physical activity and improve glucose control in adults with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Avery L. , Flynn D. , Dombrowski S. U. , van Wersch A. , Sniehotta F. F. , Trenell M. I.
Published: March 2015

Aims

To explore which behaviour change techniques and other intervention features are associated with increased levels of physical activity and improved HbA1c in adults with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Moderator analyses were performed on a dataset of 21 behaviour change techniques and six intervention features identified in a systematic review of behavioural interventions (N = 1975 patients with Type 2 diabetes) to establish their associations with changes in physical activity and HbA1c.

Results

Four behaviour change techniques (prompt focus on past success, barrier identification/problem‐solving, use of follow‐up prompts and provide information on where and when to perform physical activity) had statistically significant associations with increased levels of physical activity. Prompt review of behavioural goals and provide information on where and when to perform physical activity behaviour had statistically significant associations with improved HbA1c. Pedometer use was associated with decreased levels of physical activity.

Conclusions

These data suggest that clinical care teams can optimise their consultations by incorporating specific behaviour change techniques that are associated with increased levels of physical activity and improved long‐term glycaemic control.
Fear of hypoglycaemia in adults with Type 1 diabetes: results from Diabetes MILES – The Netherlands
Authors: Nefs G. , Bevelander S. , Hendrieckx C. , Bot M. , Ruige J. , Speight J. , Pouwer F.
Published: March 2015

Aims

To examine sociodemographic, clinical and psychological factors associated with fear of hypoglycaemia in adults with Type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Data were obtained from Diabetes MILES – The Netherlands, an online self‐report national survey. This cross‐sectional analysis focused on participants with Type 1 diabetes who completed the 18‐item Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey – Second Version Worry subscale (HFS–II–W; possible total score range 0–72, higher scores indicating higher fear) (n = 288). To explore correlates of fear of hypoglycaemia, a hierarchical linear regression analysis was performed in participants with full data on sociodemographic, clinical and psychological factors (n = 232; younger and more highly educated than those excluded).

Results

HFS–II–W mean score was 11.1 ± 11.1. Gender, age, education and having a partner (model 1) were not associated with fear of hypoglycaemia. In model 2, history of severe hypoglycaemia (irrespective of number of events) was associated with (greater) fear of hypoglycaemia, whereas diabetes duration, pump therapy and HbA1c were not. Type D personality was positively correlated (model 3), as were symptoms of depression, but not anxiety (model 4). Adding loneliness (model 5) did not improve the model. The fully adjusted analysis showed that fear of hypoglycaemia was associated with depressive symptoms (β = 0.38, P < 0.001) and history of hypoglycaemia (1–2 events: β = 0.30, P < 0.001; ≥ 3 events: β = 0.19, P = 0.002). Total explained variance was 23%.

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms and history of hypoglycaemia are associated with fear of hypoglycaemia in adults with Type 1 diabetes. These factors may help to identify people with excessive fear, who may particularly benefit from interventions to reduce hypoglycaemia risk and worries.
Vestiges of an ancestral host plant: preference and performance in the butterfly Polygonia faunus and its sister species P. c‐album
Authors: NYLIN SÖREN , SÖDERLIND LINA , GAMBERALE‐STILLE GABRIELLA , AUDUSSEAU HÉLÈNE , CELORIO‐MANCERA MARIA DE LA PAZ , JANZ NIKLAS , SPERLING FELIX A. H.
Published: March 2015

1. In the study of the evolution of insect–host plant interactions, important information is provided by host ranking correspondences among female preference, offspring preference, and offspring performance. Here, we contrast such patterns in two polyphagous sister species in the butterfly family Nymphalidae, the Nearctic Polygonia faunus, and the Palearctic P. c‐album.

2. These two species have similar host ranges, but according to the literature P. faunus does not use the ancestral host plant clade – the ‘urticalean rosids’. Comparisons of the species can thus test the effects of a change in insect–plant associations over a long time scale. Cage experiments confirmed that P. faunus females avoid laying eggs on Urtica dioica (the preferred host of P. c‐album), instead preferring Salix, Betula, and Ribes.

3. However, newly hatched larvae of both species readily accept and grow well on U. dioica, supporting the general theory that evolutionary changes in host range are initiated through shifts in female host preferences, whereas larvae are more conservative and also can retain the capacity to perform well on ancestral hosts over long time spans.

4. Similar rankings of host plants among female preference, offspring preference, and offspring performance were observed in P. c‐album but not in P. faunus. This is probably a result of vestiges of larval adaptations to the lost ancestral host taxon in the latter species.

5. Female and larval preferences seem to be largely free to evolve independently, and consequently larval preferences warrant more attention.
Parent and family factors associated with service use by young people with mental health problems: a systematic review
Authors: Ryan Siobhan M. , Jorm Anthony F. , Toumbourou John W. , Lubman Dan I.
Published: March 2015

Aim

To conduct a systematic review of parent and family factors associated with service use for young people with mental health problems, to inform early intervention efforts aimed at increasing service use by young people.

Methods

A systematic search of academic databases was performed. Articles were included in the review if they had: a sample of young people aged between 5 and 18 years; service use as the outcome measure; one or more parental or family variables as a predictor; and a comparison group of non‐service using young people with mental health problems. In order to focus on factors additional to need, the mental health symptoms of the young person also had to be controlled for. Stouffer's method of combining P‐values was used to draw conclusions as to whether or not associations between variables were reliable.

Results

Twenty‐eight articles were identified investigating 15 parental or family factors, 7 of which were found to be associated with service use for a young person with mental health needs: parental burden, parent problem perception, parent perception of need, parent psychopathology, single‐parent household, change in family structure and being from the dominant ethnic group for the United States specifically. Factors not found to be related to service use were: family history of service use, parent–child relationship quality, family functioning, number of children, parent education level, parent employment status, household income and non‐urban location of residence.

Conclusions

A number of family‐related factors were identified that can inform effective interventions aimed at early intervention for mental health problems. Areas requiring further research were also identified.
Concurrent proximal suspensory desmopathy and injury of the proximal aspect of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon in forelimbs or hindlimbs in 19 horses
Authors: Plowright E. , Dyson S.
Published: March 2015

Clinical features of proximal suspensory desmopathy (PSD) and concurrent injury of the proximal aspect of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT) have not been documented. The objectives were to describe clinical signs and diagnosis. This was a retrospective study. Patient details, lame limb(s), response to diagnostic analgesia, and radiographic and ultrasonographic findings were recorded. PSD and injury of the proximal aspect of the ALDDFT were identified in 19 horses, 14 with forelimb lameness (unilateral 5, bilateral 9) and 5 with hindlimb lameness (unilateral 2, bilateral 3). Localising clinical signs were seen in 7/31 lame limbs (subtle thickening in the region of the ALDDFT [n = 3], pain on palpation of the body of the suspensory ligament (SL) [n = 6], heat in the proximal metacarpal or metatarsal region [n = 2]). Forelimb lameness was abolished by perineural analgesia of the palmar metacarpal (subcarpal) nerves in 17/23 limbs. In the remaining limbs intra‐articular analgesia of the middle carpal joint (n = 2) or an ulnar nerve block (n = 4) were required to eliminate the lameness. Hindlimb lameness was abolished by perineural analgesia of the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve (n = 2) or local infiltration of the proximal plantar aspect of the metatarsus (n = 3); a tibial nerve block resolved lameness in the remaining 3 limbs. Lesions of the SL and of the ALDDFT were characterised ultrasonographically by enlargement, heterogeneous echogenicity and loss of long linear echoes in longitudinal images. In 3 horses adhesions between the ALDDFT and the SL were identified post mortem. Close apposition of these structures seen ultrasonographically may indicate adhesion formation. It was concluded that the clinical features of PSD and concurrent injury of the ALDDFT are similar to those for PSD alone, highlighting the need for comprehensive and systematic ultrasonographic assessment.
Comparison of two different centrifugation extenders for preservation of frozen equine semen
Authors: Leão Freitas M. , Silva Bouéres C. , Gonçalves de Oliveira F. J. , de Oliveira Viu M. A. , Arruda de Oliveira R.
Published: March 2015

This study compares a commercial semen extender (control group) to ultra high temperature (UHT) skimmed milk (treatment group) used during centrifugation for subsequent cryopreservation of equine semen. Following post‐thawing of semen samples parameters measured included motility, sperm motion kinetics (using computerised assisted semen analysis) as well as acrosome and plasmatic membrane integrity (using fluorescent dyes). After collection and analysis, the sperm‐rich fraction was divided and diluted with either: control (1:1 dilution in a skimmed milk‐glucose extender) or treatment (1:1 dilution in UHT skimmed milk). The milk used in this experiment was of the same source, commercial brand, of only one lot. After dilution, samples were subjected to centrifugation at 600 g for 10 min and sperm pellets were resuspended in a freezing extender to a concentration of 200 × 106 cells/ml. Aliquots were packed into 0.5 ml straws placed in a stainless steel support and kept inside the refrigerator (5°C) for 20 min. Subsequently, these straws were placed at a height of 6 cm over liquid nitrogen for 20 min in an isotherm box. No significant differences were observed in total sperm motility (42.71 vs. 38.29%), progressive sperm motility (12.29 vs. 7.86%), plasma membrane integrity (53.43 vs. 60.14%) or acrosomal membrane integrity (93.29 vs. 93.71%) with a P>0.05 calculated between the control and the treatment groups, respectively. Considering that UHT skimmed milk has a lower cost than the commercial semen extender, this could be an option used during the centrifugation protocol to decrease the expense of the equine semen cryopreservation process and increase shelf life.
Structural insights into the inhibition of cellobiohydrolase Cel7A by xylo‐oligosaccharides
Authors: Momeni Majid Haddad , Ubhayasekera Wimal , Sandgren Mats , Ståhlberg Jerry , Hansson Henrik
Published: March 2015

The filamentous fungus Hypocrea jecorina (anamorph of Trichoderma reesei) is the predominant source of enzymes for industrial saccharification of lignocellulose biomass. The major enzyme, cellobiohydrolase Cel7A, constitutes nearly half of the total protein in the secretome. The performance of such enzymes is susceptible to inhibition by compounds liberated by physico‐chemical pre‐treatment if the biomass is kept unwashed. Xylan and xylo‐oligosaccharides (XOS) have been proposed to play a key role in inhibition of cellobiohydrolases of glycoside hydrolase family 7. To elucidate the mechanism behind this inhibition at a molecular level, we used X‐ray crystallography to determine structures of H. jecorina Cel7A in complex with XOS. Structures with xylotriose, xylotetraose and xylopentaose revealed a predominant binding mode at the entrance of the substrate‐binding tunnel of the enzyme, in which each xylose residue is shifted ~ 2.4 Å towards the catalytic center compared with binding of cello‐oligosaccharides. Furthermore, partial occupancy of two consecutive xylose residues at subsites ‐2 and ‐1 suggests an alternative binding mode for XOS in the vicinity of the catalytic center. Interestingly, the ‐1 xylosyl unit exhibits an open aldehyde conformation in one of the structures and a ring‐closed pyranoside in another complex. Complementary inhibition studies with p‐nitrophenyl lactoside as substrate indicate mixed inhibition rather than pure competitive inhibition.

Database

The atomic coordinates and structure factors are available in the Protein Data Bank under accession number 4D5I (H. jecorina Cel7A E212Q variant, complex with xylotriose), 4D5J (H. jecorina Cel7A E217Q variant, complex with xylotriose), 4D5O (H. jecorina Cel7A E212Q variant, complex with xylopentaose), 4D5P (H. jecorina Cel7A E217Q variant, complex with xylopentaose), 4D5Q (wild‐type H. jecorina Cel7A, complex with xylopentaose) and 4D5V (H. jecorina Cel7A E217Q variant, complex with xylotetraose).
Carbon dioxide exchange dynamics over a mature switchgrass stand
Authors: Eichelmann Elke , Wagner‐Riddle Claudia , Warland Jon , Deen Bill , Voroney Paul
Published: March 2015

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has gained importance as feedstock for bioenergy over the last decades due to its high productivity for up to 20 years, low input requirements, and potential for carbon sequestration. However, data on the dynamics of CO2 exchange of mature switchgrass stands (>5 years) are limited. The objective of this study was to determine net ecosystem exchange (NEE), ecosystem respiration (Re), and gross primary production (GPP) for a commercially managed switchgrass field in its sixth (2012) and seventh (2013) year in southern Ontario, Canada, using the eddy covariance method. Average NEE flux over two growing seasons (emergence to harvest) was −10.4 μmol m−2 s−1 and reached a maximum uptake of −42.4 μmol m−2 s−1. Total annual NEE was −380 ± 25 and −430 ± 30 g C m−2 in 2012 and 2013, respectively. GPP reached −1354 ± 23 g C m−2 in 2012 and −1430 ± 50g C m−2 in 2013. Annual Re in 2012 was 974 ± 20 g C m−2 and 1000 ± 35 g C m−2 in 2013. GPP during the dry year of 2012 was significantly lower than that during the normal year of 2013, but yield was significantly higher in 2012 with 1090 g  m−2, compared to 790 g m−2 in 2013. If considering the carbon removed at harvest, the net ecosystem carbon balance came to 106 ± 45 g C  m−2 in 2012, indicating a source of carbon, and to −59 ± 45 g C m−2 in 2013, indicating a sink of carbon. Our results confirm that switchgrass can switch between being a sink and a source of carbon on an annual basis. More studies are needed which investigate this interannual variability of the carbon budget of mature switchgrass stands.
State Capitalism, Chinese‐Style: Strategic Value of Sectors, Sectoral Characteristics, and Globalization
Authors: Hsueh Roselyn
Published: March 2015

Scholarship on the institutional foundations of Chinese‐style capitalism emphasizes the impact of liberal reformers and China's participation in international organizations, devolution of economic decision making and local experimentation, and the proliferation of market actors to explain their origins. This article investigates distinct patterns of sectoral variation in market governance in China today, examining the extent and scope in which dominant forms of market coordination and distribution of property rights reflect variation in national goals of economic power, security, and growth; structural sectoral attributes; and the path‐dependent effects of institutional arrangements. The reinforcement of state coordination and the dominance of state ownership and shareholding in strategic industries, such as telecommunications, and the relinquishment of state control and the dominance of market stakeholders in nonstrategic sectors, such as textiles, characterize the rise of bifurcated capitalism in the period before and after China's accession to the World Trade Organization.
Systemic and mucosal immunity in mice elicited by a single immunization with human adenovirus type 5 or 41 vector‐based vaccines carrying the spike protein of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus
Authors: Guo Xiaojuan , Deng Yao , Chen Hong , Lan Jiaming , Wang Wen , Zou Xiaohui , Hung Tao , Lu Zhuozhuang , Tan Wenjie
Published: March 2015

An ideal vaccine against mucosal pathogens such as Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) should confer sustained, protective immunity at both systemic and mucosal levels. Here, we evaluated the in vivo systemic and mucosal antigen‐specific immune responses induced by a single intramuscular or intragastric administration of recombinant adenoviral type 5 (Ad5) or type 41 (Ad41) ‐based vaccines expressing the MERS‐CoV spike (S) protein. Intragastric administration of either Ad5‐S or Ad41‐S induced antigen‐specific IgG and neutralizing antibody in serum; however, antigen‐specific T‐cell responses were not detected. In contrast, after a single intramuscular dose of Ad5‐S or Ad41‐S, functional antigen‐specific T‐cell responses were elicited in the spleen and pulmonary lymphocytes of the mice, which persisted for several months. Both rAd‐based vaccines administered intramuscularly induced systemic humoral immune responses (neutralizing IgG antibodies). Our results show that a single dose of Ad5‐S‐ or Ad41‐S‐based vaccines represents an appealing strategy for the control of MERS‐CoV infection and transmission.
Effects of increasing nurse staffing on missed nursing care
Authors: Cho S.‐H. , Kim Y.‐S. , Yeon K.N. , You S.‐J. , Lee I.D.
Published: March 2015

Background

Inadequate nurse staffing has been reported to lead nurses to omit required nursing care. In South Korea, to reduce informal caregiving by patient families and sitters and to improve the quality of nursing care, a public hospital operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government has implemented a policy of increasing nurse staffing from 17 patients per registered nurse to 7 patients per registered nurse in 4 out of 13 general nursing units since January 2013.

Aim

The study aims to compare missed nursing care (omission of required care) in high‐staffing (7 patients per nurse) units vs. low‐staffing (17 patients per nurse) units to examine the effects of nurse staffing on missed care.

Methods

A nurse survey conducted in July 2013 targeted all staff nurses in all four high‐staffing and all nine low‐staffing units; 115 nurses in the high‐staffing units (response rate = 94.3%) and 117 nurses in the low‐staffing units (response rate = 88.6%) participated. Missed nursing care was measured using the MISSCARE survey that included 24 nursing care elements. Nurses were asked how frequently they had missed each element on a 4‐point scale from ‘rarely’ to ‘always’.

Results

Overall, nurses working in high‐staffing units had a significantly lower mean score of missed care than those in low‐staffing units. Seven out of 24 nursing care elements were missed significantly less often in high‐staffing (vs. low‐staffing) units: turning, mouth care, bathing/skin care, patient assessments in each shift, assistance with toileting, feeding and setting up meals.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that increasing nurse staffing is associated with a decrease in missed care. Less omission of required nursing care is expected to improve nursing surveillance and patient outcomes, such as patient falls, pressure ulcers and pneumonia.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Adequate nurse staffing should be ensured to reduce unmet nursing needs and improve patient outcomes.
Music behind scores: case study of learning improvisation with Playback Orchestra method
Authors: Juntunen P. , Ruokonen I. , Ruismäki H.
Published: March 2015

For music students in the early stages of learning, the music may seem to be hidden behind the scores. To support home practising, Juntunen has created the Playback Orchestra method with which the students can practise with the support of the notation program playback of the full orchestra. The results of testing the method with first‐grade string instrument students showed that the group who used the playback method learned faster than the group who did not. The clear and expressive body movements that are developed effectively by the playback method also provide support for leading a group by playing. The aim of this recent pilot study was to discover if improvisation benefits from an audio learning component. The research is a qualitative case study combined with quasi‐experimental tests and quantitative analyses. The improvisation task was to describe a storm in a long musical tale, Mickey Mouse in a Storm, which had several episodes in different atmospheres. The results showed that the playback group was clearly better in terms of ‘joy of playing’, ‘concentrating’, ‘finding one's own improvising ideas’ and ‘understanding the overall picture’. The most crucial finding was that ‘intensive continuity’ improved faster in the playback group.
Big Data and Industrial Ecology
Authors: Xu Ming , Cai Hua , Liang Sai
Published: March 2015

Many have witnessed the increasing popularity of “big data” in the past couple of years. Indeed, big data has been transforming how business is done in many industries. For example, online advertisements are increasingly customized for individual consumers based on their purchase history. Big data has also instigated many new areas of investigation, mostly in fields such as computer sciences and statistics. There are many areas in industrial ecology (IE) that can potentially benefit from big data. In this article, we try to explore what big data could bring to IE.
Measuring maternal health literacy in adolescents attending antenatal care in a developing country – the impact of selected demographic characteristics
Authors: Naigaga Mpolampola DAS , Guttersrud Øystein , Pettersen Kjell S
Published: March 2015

Aims and objectives

The aim of this paper is to describe how selected demographic characteristics ‘explain’ the observed variance in the distribution of maternal health literacy estimates in adolescents attending antenatal care in Uganda, as estimated by the ‘Maternal health literacy scale’.

Background

By the age of 20 years, more than 60% of Ugandan females are mothers. In the Busoga region of Uganda, the percentage of pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers is at its highest (above 30%).

Design

Validated questionnaire survey.

Methods

The Maternal health literacy scale was administered to 384 adolescents aged 15–19 years attending antenatal care in Jinja and Iganga districts of the Busoga region during the period of July 2013–December 2013. The Mann–Whitney U test in SPSS21 was used to determine if the two levels of dichotomised person factors, i.e. demographic characteristics, relate to ‘significantly’ different mean maternal health literacy estimates, not strictly following the normal distribution, as measured by the Maternal health literacy scale.

Results

The person factors, age, education level, pregnancy order and prepregnancy awareness about conception, explained approximately 12% of the observed variance in maternal health literacy estimates.

Conclusions

Prepregnancy awareness about conception was the single most contributory factor to the observed variance in estimated maternal health literacy levels. More research on women of childbearing age is warranted to explore the impact of further person factors on the maternal health literacy in pregnant adolescents.

Relevance to clinical practice

Using the person factors found to show ‘significant’ impact on maternal health literacy in pregnant adolescents, target‐specific interventions aimed at improving maternal health literacy in pregnant adolescents can be formulated. By accounting for these factors in reproductive health policy designs, one might take preventive actions to curb the prevalence of adolescent pregnancies in both developing and developed countries.
Cycas chenii (Cycadaceae), a new species from China, and its phylogenetic position
Authors: Wei Zhou , Meng‐Meng Guan , Xun Gong
Published: March 2015

Cycas chenii X. Gong & W. Zhou sp. nov., a new species of Cycas L., is described and illustrated here. The morphological and karyomorphological comparisons are made between C. chenii and the closely related taxa for defining its taxonomical status as a new species. Moreover, the phylogenetic position of C. chenii within 16 Cycas species is determined using DNA sequences of two plastid regions, nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers, and two nuclear regions. Cycas chenii is readily distinguished from the related C. guizhouensis K. M. Lan & R. F. Zou by an acaulescent stem. Phylogenetic evidence indicates that C. chenii is a distinct group related to C. guizhouensis in the Section Stangerioides. The distribution and conservation status of C. chenii are also discussed.
Sun skink landscape genomics: assessing the roles of micro‐evolutionary processes in shaping genetic and phenotypic diversity across a heterogeneous and fragmented landscape
Authors: Barley Anthony J. , Monnahan Patrick J. , Thomson Robert C. , Grismer L. Lee , Brown Rafe M.
Published: March 2015

Incorporating genomic data sets into landscape genetic analyses allows for powerful insights into population genetics, explicitly geographical correlates of selection, and morphological diversification of organisms across the geographical template. Here, we utilize an integrative approach to examine gene flow and detect selection, and we relate these processes to genetic and phenotypic population differentiation across South‐East Asia in the common sun skink, Eutropis multifasciata. We quantify the relative effects of geographic and ecological isolation in this system and find elevated genetic differentiation between populations from island archipelagos compared to those on the adjacent South‐East Asian continent, which is consistent with expectations concerning landscape fragmentation in island archipelagos. We also identify a pattern of isolation by distance, but find no substantial effect of ecological/environmental variables on genetic differentiation. To assess whether morphological conservatism in skinks may result from stabilizing selection on morphological traits, we perform FST–PST comparisons, but observe that results are highly dependent on the method of comparison. Taken together, this work provides novel insights into the manner by which micro‐evolutionary processes may impact macro‐evolutionary scale biodiversity patterns across diverse landscapes, and provide genomewide confirmation of classic predictions from biogeographical and landscape ecological theory.
Rhipicephalus rossicus, a neglected tick at the margin of Europe: a review of its distribution, ecology and medical importance
Authors: MIHALCA A. D. , KALMÁR Z. , DUMITRACHE M. O.
Published: March 2015

Rhipicephalus rossicus(Ixodida:Ixodidae) is a three‐host tick with a broad host spectrum that includes wild animals, pets, livestock and humans. Despite its local abundance in certain areas, most of the available information onR. rossicuswas published decades ago, mainly by former soviet authors. Its distribution largely overlaps theEurasian steppe. However, its range may be more extensive than is currently known because this species may have been misidentified asRhipicephalus sanguineus, principally in areas where the latter species is present. AlthoughR. rossicushas been occasionally reported to feed on people, little attention has been given to its medical importance. It has been shown to have a vectorial role in the transmission ofFrancisella tularensis,Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus andWestNile virus. However, the vectorial importance ofR. rossicusmay be significantly greater, mainly as the closely related speciesR. sanguineuss.l. is known to transmit a very wide spectrum of pathogens. The probably underestimated vectorial role ofR. rossicusmay represent a hidden public health threat.
Meniere's disease: histopathology, cytochemistry, and imaging
Authors: Ishiyama Gail , Lopez Ivan A. , Sepahdari Ali R. , Ishiyama Akira
Published: March 2015

Meniere's disease is a poorly understood, disabling syndrome causing spells of vertigo, hearing fluctuation, tinnitus, and aural fullness. In this paper, we present a review of the histopathology, cytochemistry, and imaging of Meniere's disease. Histopathology is significant for neuroepithelial damage with hair cell loss, basement membrane thickening, and perivascular microvascular damage. Cytochemical alterations are significant for altered AQP4 and AQP6 expression in the supporting cell, and altered cochlin and mitochondrial protein expression. Current developments include imaging techniques to determine the degree and presence of endolymphatic hydrops, and future studies will endeavor to correlate the observance of hydrops with clinical findings.
Exploring the link between scavenger receptor B1 expression and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease pathogenesis
Authors: Valacchi Giuseppe , Maioli Emanuela , Sticozzi Claudia , Cervellati Franco , Pecorelli Alessandra , Cervellati Carlo , Hayek Joussef
Published: March 2015

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been recognized as one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States; it is the third leading cause of deaths in the United States, with approximately 15 million Americans affected with COPD. Although exposure to cigarette smoke has been shown to be the main, if not the only, risk factor for COPD, the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. Most smokers do not develop COPD, suggesting that a combination of exposure and susceptibility (genetic background) is required. Several mechanisms contribute to the pathogenesis of COPD, such as influx of inflammatory cells into the lung, imbalance between proteolytic and antiproteolytic molecules, disruption of the balance between apoptosis and replenishment of structural cells in the lung, and disruption of oxidant/antioxidant balance. The scavenger receptor BI (SRB1) plays an important role in mediating the uptake of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐derived cholesterol and cholesteryl ester in tissues. In addition to its role as the HDL receptor, SRB1 is also involved in pathogen recognition, identification of apoptotic cells, tissue antioxidant uptake (tocopherol and carotenoids), and lung surfactant composition, all factors involved in COPD pathogenesis. Therefore, it is possible that lung SRB1 levels are involved in the development of COPD.
Repeatability and comparison of clinical techniques for anterior chamber angle assessment
Authors: Campbell Peter , Redmond Tony , Agarwal Rishi , Marshall Lewis R. , Evans Bruce J. W.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

To assess the repeatability of gonioscopy, van Herick method and anterior segment Optical Coherence Tomography (AS‐OCT) and determine the agreement between these techniques within a community optometry setting.

Methods

Gonioscopy, van Herick method and AS‐OCT imaging were performed by an optometrist on two occasions, 1 month apart, on 80 subjects aged over 40 years recruited from community optometry practices. Anterior segment images were captured with a spectral domain OCT (Topcon 3D OCT‐2000; wavelength 840 nm) set to the Anterior Segment (AS) mode. Eyes were graded as open or occludable for each method. AS‐OCT images from both visits were graded by a second optometrist masked to the gonioscopy and van Herick method results, and the visit on which the images were acquired. Cohen's kappa (κ) was used to describe the intra‐observer repeatability. Likelihood ratios, sensitivity and specificity of van Herick method and AS‐OCT were calculated, using gonioscopy as the reference standard.

Results

Measurements were obtained from 80 eyes of 80 subjects. In four cases, AS‐OCT images were un‐gradable due to difficulty in locating the scleral spur. The repeatability of gonioscopy was fair κ = 0.29, while that of the van Herick method (κ = 0.54) and AS‐OCT (κ = 0.47) were somewhat better. The van Herick method showed good sensitivity (visit 1: 75%, visit 2: 69%) and high specificity (visit 1: 88%, visit 2: 96%). The sensitivity of AS‐OCT was fair (visit 1: 46%, visit 2: 25%), but specificity was high (visit 1: 87%. visit 2: 89%).

Conclusion

Intra‐observer repeatability was better for van Herick method and for AS‐OCT than for gonioscopy, despite the latter being considered the gold standard method. The van Herick method appeared to be more sensitive than AS‐OCT when identifying eyes at risk of angle closure. A standalone anterior segment OCT with a longer wavelength laser could afford better visualisation of the angle, and might therefore be expected to enable the examiner to make more precise classifications. These instruments are not widely used by optometrists in clinical practice in the UK at present.
Genetics of anxiety disorders: Genetic epidemiological and molecular studies in humans
Authors: Shimada‐Sugimoto Mihoko , Otowa Takeshi , Hettema John M.
Published: March 2015

This review provides a broad overview of the state of research in the genetics of anxiety disorders (AD). Genetic epidemiological studies report a moderate level of familial aggregation (odds ratio: 4–6) and heritability estimates are about 30–50%. Twin studies suggest that the genetic architecture of AD is not isomorphic with their classifications, sharing risk factors with each other. So far, linkage and association studies of AD have produced inconclusive results. Genome‐wide association studies of AD can provide an unbiased survey of common genetic variations across the entire genome. Given the shared causes of AD that transcend our current diagnostic classifications, clustering anxiety phenotypes into broader groups may be a powerful approach to identifying susceptibility locus for AD. Using such a shared genetic risk factor, meta‐analyses of genome‐wide association studies of AD conducted by large consortia are needed. Environmental factors also make a substantial contribution to the cause of AD. Although candidate gene studies of gene by environmental (G × E) interaction have appeared recently, no genome‐wide search for G × E interactions have been performed. Epigenetic modification of DNA appears to have important effects on gene expression mediating environmental influences on disease risk. Given that G × E can be linked to an epigenetic modification, a combination analysis of genome‐wide G × E interaction and methylation could be an alternative method to find risk variants for AD. This genetic research will enable us to utilize more effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of AD in the near future.
On the Dual Phosphorescence of Xanthone and Chromone in Glassy Hydrocarbon Hosts
Authors: McMorrow Dale , Wyche Michon Irons , Chou Pi Tai , Kasha Michael
Published: March 2015

Trace quantities of hydrogen‐bonding impurities in otherwise highly purified and dried glassy hydrocarbon matrices at 77 K can modify the relative triplet state energy levels, and hence the photophysical properties of two aromatic ketones, xanthone and chromone, to the extent that the intrinsic spectroscopic properties are obscured. The intrinsic spectroscopic properties of each are revealed in multicrystalline n‐alkane Shpol'skii matrices, and also can be observed in rigorously purified and dried hydrocarbon glasses at 77 K. The extreme sensitivity to stoichiometric, and even substoichiometric quantities of hydrogen‐bonding impurities arises from the near‐degeneracy of the two lowest‐lying triplet states, and the sensitive nature of the n→π* blueshift phenomena to specific hydrogen‐bonding interactions.