bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma’s Injury Control and Violence Prevention Committee’s annual distracted driving outreach event: Evaluating attitude and behavior change in high school students
Authors: Allee Lisa , Dechert Tracey , Rao Sowmya R. , Crandall Marie , Christmas Ashley , Eastman Alexander , Duncan Thomas , Foster Shannon
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

The National Center for Statistics and Analysis reports at least eight deaths and 1,160 daily injuries due to distracted driving (DD) in the United States. Drivers younger than 20 years are most likely to incur a distraction-related fatal crash. We aimed to determine short- and long-term impact of a multimodal educational program including student-developed interventions, simulated driving experiences, and presentations by law enforcement and medical personnel.

METHODS

A single-day program aimed at teen DD prevention was conducted at a high school targeting students aged 15 years to 19 years old. Students were surveyed before, after, and at 6 weeks. We surveyed age, gender, knowledge, and experience regarding DD. Summary statistics were obtained at each survey time point. Bivariate and multivariable analysis were conducted to assess whether change in responses varied over time points. Multivariable models were adjusted for sex and urban and rural driving.

RESULTS

Preintervention, postintervention, and 6-week follow-up surveys were completed by 359, 272 (76%), and 331 (92%) students, respectively. At baseline and 6-week follow-up, the most frequent passenger-reported DD behaviors were cell phone (63% [63% at follow-up) and radio use (61% [63%]). Similarly, the most frequent driver-reported DD behaviors were cell phone (68% [72%]) and radio use (79% [80%]). When students were asked, “How likely are you to use your cell phone while driving?” they answered “never” 35%, 70%, and 46% on the preintervention, postintervention, and 6-week surveys. They were less likely to report consequences to be worse or change in attitude to a great extent at 6 weeks (p < 0.01). Gender and urban or rural driving were not significantly associated with responses.

CONCLUSIONS

While DD education may facilitate short-term knowledge and attitude changes, there appears to be no lasting effect. Research should be focused toward strategies for longer-term impact.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, level II.
How camouflage works
Authors: Merilaita Sami , Scott-Samuel Nicholas E. , Cuthill Innes C.
Published: May 2017

For camouflage to succeed, an individual has to pass undetected, unrecognized or untargeted, and hence it is the processing of visual information that needs to be deceived. Camouflage is therefore an adaptation to the perception and cognitive mechanisms of another animal. Although this has been acknowledged for a long time, there has been no unitary account of the link between visual perception and camouflage. Viewing camouflage as a suite of adaptations to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio provides the necessary common framework. We review the main processes in visual perception and how animal camouflage exploits these. We connect the function of established camouflage mechanisms to the analysis of primitive features, edges, surfaces, characteristic features and objects (a standard hierarchy of processing in vision science). Compared to the commonly used research approach based on established camouflage mechanisms, we argue that our approach based on perceptual processes targeted by camouflage has several important benefits: specifically, it enables the formulation of more precise hypotheses and addresses questions that cannot even be identified when investigating camouflage only through the classic approach based on the patterns themselves. It also promotes a shift from the appearance to the mechanistic function of animal coloration.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Animal coloration: production, perception, function and application’.
SNaReSim: Synthetic Nanopore Read Simulator
Authors: Faucon Philippe , Balachandran Parithi , Crook Sharon
Published: May 2017

Nanopores represent the first commercial technology in decades to present a significantly different technique for DNA sequencing, and one of the first technologies to propose direct RNA sequencing. Despite significant differences with previous sequencing technologies, read simulators to date make similar assumptions with respect to error profiles and their analysis. This is a great disservice to both nanopore sequencing and to computer scientists who seek to optimize their tools for the platform. Previous works have discussed the occurrence of some k-mer bias, but this discussion has been focused on homopolymers, leaving unanswered the question of whether k-mer bias exists over general k-mers, how it occurs, and what can be done to reduce the effects. In this work, we demonstrate that current read simulators fail to accurately represent k-mer error distributions, We explore the sources of k-mer bias in nanopore basecalls, and we present a model for predicting k-mers that are difficult to identify. We also propose a new SNaReSim, a new state-of-the-art simulator, and demonstrate that it provides higher accuracy with respect to 6-mer accuracy biases.
Promoter or enhancer activation by CRISPRa rescues haploinsufficiency caused obesity
Authors: Matharu Navneet , Rattanasopha Sawitree , Maliskova Lenka , Wang Yi , Hardin Aaron , Vaisse Christian , Ahituv Nadav
Published: May 2017

Haploinsufficiency, having only one functional copy of a gene, leads to a wide range of human disease and has been associated with over 300 genes. Here, we tested whether CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) could rescue a haploinsufficient diseasein vivo. Haploinsufficiency ofSim1, a transcription factor involved in the leptin pathway, results in severe obesity in humans and mice. CRISPRa targeting of either theSim1promoter or its ~270kb distant hypothalamic enhancer using transgenic mice, rescued the obesity phenotype inSim1heterozygous mice. Interestingly, despite using a ubiquitous promoter for CRISPRa,Sim1was upregulated only in tissues where the promoter or enhancer are active, suggesting that cis-regulatory elements can determine CRISPRa tissue-specificity. To further relate this to therapy, we injected CRISPRa adeno associated virus into the hypothalamus, leading to reversal of the obesity phenotype. This therapeutic strategy could be used to rescue numerous diseases resulting from altered gene dosage.
The role of diffusion MRI in neuroscience
Authors: Assaf Yaniv , Johansen-Berg Heidi , de Schotten Michel Thiebaut
Published: May 2017

Diffusion weighted imaging has further pushed the boundaries of neuroscience by allowing us to peer farther into the white matter microstructure of the living human brain. By doing so, it has provided answers to fundamental neuroscientific questions, launching a new field of research that had been largely inaccessible. We will briefly summarise key questions, that have historically been raised in neuroscience, concerning the brain’s white matter. We will then expand on the benefits of diffusion weighted imaging and its contribution to the fields of brain anatomy, functional models and plasticity. In doing so, this review will highlight the invaluable contribution of diffusion weighted imaging in neuroscience, present its limitations and put forth new challenges for the future generations who may wish to exploit this powerful technology to gain novel insights.
Genome report: A duplication lost in sugarcane hybrids revealed by chloroplast genome assembly of wild speciesSaccharum officinarum
Authors: Paes Deise , Matteoli Filipe Pereira , Venancio Thiago Motta , Ferreira Paulo Cavalcanti Gomes , Grativol Clicia
Published: May 2017

Sugarcane is a crop of paramount importance for sustainable energy. Modern sugarcane cultivars are derived from interspecific crosses between the two wild speciesSaccharum officinarumandSaccharum spontaneumand this event occurred very early in the sugarcane domestication history. This hybridization allowed the generation of cultivars with complex aneuploidy genomes containing 100–130 chromosomes that are unequally inherited - ~80% fromS. officinarum, ~10% fromS. spontaneumand ~10% from inter-specific crosses. Several studies have highlighted the importance of chloroplast genomes (cpDNA) to investigate hybridization events in plant lineages. Few sugarcane cpDNAs have been assembled and published, including those from sugarcane hybrids. However, cpDNAs of wild Saccharum species remains unexplored. In the present study, we used whole-genome sequencing data to survey the chloroplast genome of the wild sugarcane speciesS. officinarum. Illumina sequencing technology was used for assembly 142,234 bp ofS.officinarumcpDNA with 2,065,893 reads and 1043x of coverage. The analysis of theS. officinarumcpDNA revealed a notable difference in the LSC region of wild and cultivated sugarcanes. Chloroplasts of sugarcane cultivars showed a loss of a duplicated fragment with 1,031 bp in the beginning of the LSC region, which decreased the chloroplast gene content in hybrids. Based on these results, we propose the comparative analysis of organelle genomes as a very important tool for deciphering and understanding hybrid Saccharum lineages.
Apilimod
Authors: Morris Patrick J. , Moore Curtis , Thomas Craig J.
Published: May 2017

Apilimod {systematic name:N-[(E)-(3-methylbenzylidene)amino]-6-(morpholin-4-yl)-2-[2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethoxy]pyrimidin-4-amine}, C23H26N6O2, a molecule of interest for its antiviral properties, was acquired from several different commercial vendors. Analysis of several commercial batches had led to some ambiguity over the exact structure. In order to remove any ambiguity, the structure was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. In addition, the NMR spectra are provided as reference material for future investigations.
O.R.C.U.S. risk assessment tool for operations of light UAS above Germany
Authors: Hirling Oliver , Holzapfel Florian
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss European Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA’s) Prototype Regulation on Unmanned Aircraft Operation and introduce the tool Operational Risk Considerations for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (O.R.C.U.S.). In contrast to existing airworthiness regulations for civil manned aircraft, EASA’s approach is focussed on flight operations and not aircraft, a significant change for the domain of civil airworthiness.

Design/methodology/approach

O.R.C.U.S. is a software risk analysis tool developed by the corresponding author. It encompasses all relevant factors for flight operations of light Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) above populated areas in Germany. The tool generates predictions of possible fatalities in the event of a light Unmanned Aircraft crash through the use of validated statistics and considering the time and location of a mission. An example mission, including a discussion of the results, is provided to demonstrate and discuss the capabilities of O.R.C.U.S.

Findings

EASA’s Prototype Regulation on Unmanned Aircraft Operation makes a sound risk assessment of UAS flight operations indispensable. O.R.C.U.S. is able to increase risk awareness for operators and airworthiness authorities even if only less to none information about the UAS is available, supporting the possible approval of such an operation.

Originality/value

In this paper, O.R.C.U.S. is presented for the first time. O.R.C.U.S. can provide risk estimations for UAS operations in Germany, even if only minimum information about the UAS is available. In contrast to other tools, O.R.C.U.S. offers a unique risk prediction by combining aspects of the flying Unmanned Aircraft as well as the overflown area.
Conceptualizing mechanisms influencing strategizing in business networks
Authors: Nyström Anna-Greta , Ramstrom Joachim , Törnroos Jan-Åke
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study how insights from socio-cognitivism (sensemaking and interaction) in conjunction with institutional theory enhance our knowledge of strategizing in business networks through role and position.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is conceptual and reviews extant literature from the fields under scrutiny, presenting and analyzing new combined approaches.

Findings

Current writings concerning strategizing in networks need to be supplemented in the area of strategic business network research. Interaction, sensemaking and institutionalization, as well as the network in which a firm is embedded, are important for strategically developing network positions and the roles of actors.

Research limitations/implications

This conceptual paper suggests mechanisms affecting role and position in networks and calls for empirical research to deepen the understanding of the change forces at play in embedded relational situations for firms.

Originality value

This study adds to current conceptual knowledge of strategizing in business networks. It presents a comprehensive perspective in viewing how key forces impact on the strategic position and role of corporate actors (both managers and firms) in networks.
An analysis of technical and commercialization paths for an innovation trajectory
Authors: Purchase Sharon , Kum Christina , Olaru Doina
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate sequences of event and the resulting innovation paths and trajectories followed by a university spin-off organization.

Design/methodology/approach

A single longitudinal case study methodology was applied to analyze innovation events and paths along the trajectory. Narrative methods were used to analyze actor perceptions on innovation processes/events.

Findings

The study categorizes events and paths in two categories, technical and commercialization, and finds that lock-in events matter for convergence of an innovation trajectory. The results indicate that understanding critical events may assist timely interventions in the innovation paths, thus potentially avoiding disruptions of the development of an innovation trajectory. The temporal processes reveal contrasting convergence–divergence patterns in the trajectory, depending on the types of events that occur.

Research limitations/implications

Using a single case data may limit the applicability of the findings, which calls for future research.

Practical implications

Industries could monitor the technical and commercialization paths as a strategy to reduce “vulnerability” of the innovation trajectory and possible negative impacts. Knowledge about the role of the CEO is key for a university spin-off organization.

Originality/value

This study presents a new typology of events and paths, identifies and characterizes lock-in events and shows the relatively fragile dexterity between convergent and divergent paths along an innovation trajectory.
Cross-border remittance between emerging economies: an institutional perspective
Authors: Theingi Theingi , Theingi Hla , Purchase Sharon
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how institutional mechanisms operate within both formal and informal channels of cross-border remittance.

Design/methodology/approach

Face-to-face interviews were conducted with Myanmar migrants mostly working in Thailand. Thematic coding was used to analyze field notes and identify themes in channel member perceptions and institutional environmental process.

Findings

Informal money transfer channels have achieved higher levels of legitimacy when compared to formal channels. Channel legitimacy is a more important attribute than efficiency. Lack of financial infrastructure, such as bank branches and ATM machines particularly in rural or outlying areas of Myanmar, the requirements for formal documentation and language and communication are the major institutional constraints that encourage the development and use of multiple channels in Myanmar. Formal money transfer channels develop with stronger regulative institutional processes, whereas informal money transfer channels develop with stronger cultural-cognitive and normative institutional processes.

Research limitations/implications

Using convenience sample of remitters mainly from one area of Thailand and other channel members from Yangon, the financial capital of Myanmar, may limit the applicability of the findings, which calls for future research.

Practical implications

Banks and money transfer offices need to improve legitimacy perception within migrant communities by building stronger networks with local banks and international banks. They could provide Myanmar speaking front-line service personnel and include brochures in the Myanmar language to improve the communication process. The findings and recommendations from this study are also applicable to informal channels and formal financial institutions in other ASEAN countries that are preparing to make investments in Myanmar. Moreover, Myanmar banks should also consider opening branches to cater for Myanmar workers in ASEAN, especially in Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.

Originality value

This paper applies institutional theory within channels, investigates the context of a financial channel rather than a product channel, addresses the importance of institutional environmental mechanisms and constraints in influencing channel behavior and is embedded in the situational context of Myanmar, a newly opened South-East Asian economy where little prior research has been conducted.
Fake Indian currency racket in Nepal’s Terai
Authors: Dipesh Kumar K.C.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to attempt to analyse the trend of trafficking of fake Indian currency notes (FICN), which is organised in nature. It accounts the trend of the smuggling of FICN through the route of Nepal and emerging routes as a consequence of the extension and strength of the criminal gangs.

Design/methodology/approach

The author utilized the governmental and non-governmental reports besides journalistic reports related to the intention of fake currency trafficking to analyse the ground reality and vested interests of such crime.

Findings

Though the open border of Nepal with India is exaggerated as the reason behind the cross-border crimes, such as smuggling of FICN, this paper has falsified the biased perception of labelling the borderline as a crime zone. It finds an outcome of the FICN smuggling that turns the Indo–Nepal border areas as a covert battlefield of organised criminal gangs as well as secret agencies of regional powers.

Research limitations/implications

Due to ethical issues and limitations of research works on the topic, the descriptive analysis that could be carried out was limited.

Practical implications

The negative findings of the crime are implacable, in keeping in mind before establishing a good policy related to development and security of Nepal, especially the Terai region.

Social implications

The paper highlights social problems and challenges in the Terai region of Nepal that enforced the people residing in that area towards the fake currency racket. Hence, it urged to solve the social problems to curb the financial crime such as counterfeit notes trafficking in the region.

Originality/value

This study is the latest research describing and disclosing the fact behind fake currency trafficking and its consequences.
New York finalizes cybersecurity regulations for financial institutions
Authors: Cedarbaum Jonathan G. , Powell Benjamin A. , Freeman D. Reed , Schloss Leah , Abrahamson Reed
Published: May 2017

Purpose

To analyze the cybersecurity regulations for financial institutions issued by the New York State Department of Financial Services on February 16, 2017.

Design/methodology/approach

This article summarizes the regulations’ scope and requirements including definition of Covered Entities and substantive requirements including periodic Risk Assessments, cyber policies, dedicated and trained personnel, testing, audit trails, control over Third Party Service Providers, authentication, secure disposal, encryption, and incident reporting.

Findings

The regulations go beyond federal requirements in a number of important respects.

Originality/value

This article provides a guide for regulated entities to start preparing for compliance with the new regulations from experienced lawyers with specialties in cybersecurity, privacy and communications.
The power of signaling: presidential leadership and rhetoric over 20 years
Authors: Kiessling Timothy , Martin Thomas M. , Yasar Burze
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the power of leadership rhetoric with a theoretical foundation of signaling theory. Past research mostly focus on followers and not other stakeholders and the authors attempt to fill that research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The research explored nearly 20 years and 51,500 pages of information from US presidents and explored the impact on stock market volatility using generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity.

Findings

The research findings suggest that leaders can/do have a powerful impact on stakeholders. In particular negative statements will cause the greatest reaction due to risk adverse stockholders, neutral rhetoric will calm the market and decrease volatility and positive rhetoric was not significant.

Research limitations/implications

Past research suggests that a focus on the consequences of leadership rhetoric be explored and the research suggests that people do respond to powerful leaders, even if they are not followers. Also the authors filled a gap in regard to the impact of leader communication about economic and marketplace events.

Practical implications

Practitioners benefit from the research as they can focus upon the US presidents’ rhetoric and strategically apply the research as they can predict the movement of the stock market immediately thereafter.

Originality/value

Very little research has ever explored the impact of a leader’s rhetoric and the subsequent economic impact, and no one has explored in particular the president’s rhetorical impact (who is considered by many the top leader in the USA).
Perceptions of therapeutic principles in a therapeutic community
Authors: Capone Georgina , Braham Louise , Schroder Thomas , Moghaddam Nima
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore staff and service users’ perceptions of therapeutic principles within a unique male high secure learning disability therapeutic community (LDTC).

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was adopted using deductive content analysis and inductive thematic analysis. In total, 12 participants took part in a semi-structured interview to explore their perceptions of Haigh’s (2013) quintessence principles and any further additional therapeutic features in the environment not captured by the theory.

Findings

All five quintessence principles were identified in the LDTC environment. Some limits to the principle of “agency” were highlighted, with specific reference to difficulties implementing a flattened hierarchy in a forensic setting. Additional therapeutic features were identified including; security and risk, responsivity, and more physical freedom which appear to aid implementation of the quintessence principles.

Research limitations/implications

The study was performed within a single case study design. Therefore, results remain specific to this LDTC. However, the finding of these principles in such a unique setting may indicate Haigh’s (2013) quintessence principles are evident in other TC environments.

Originality/value

This is the first research paper that has attempted to test whether Haigh’s (2013) quintessence principles are evident within a given therapeutic community. The research provides empirical evidence for the quintessence principles in a novel TC setting and suggests recommendations for future research.
Therapeutic communities and group analysis
Authors: Lees Jan , Haigh Rex , Tucker Sarah
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight theoretical and clinical similarities between therapeutic communities (TCs) and group analysis (GA).

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review shows comparison of TC and group-analytic concepts with illustrative case material.

Findings

Findings reveal many similarities between TCs and GA, but also significant divergences, particularly in practice.

Practical implications

This paper provides theoretical basis for TC practice, and highlights the need for greater theorising of TC practice.

Social implications

This paper highlights the importance of group-based treatment approaches in mental health.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to review the relevant literature and compare theory and practice in TCs and GA, highlighting their common roots in the Northfields Experiments in the Second World War.
Attachment, motivation, and clinical progress in a Filipino therapeutic community: a mediation analysis
Authors: Ramos Sixtus Dane
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The therapeutic community (TC) is a widely used intervention program in treating substance use disorders. Despite its documented utility, researchers and practitioners are still perplexed on how it exactly works. The purpose of this paper is to suggest the role of attachment styles and treatment motivation in the TC process.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying an explanatory correlational research, this notion was tested by examining the responses of 200 patients with substance use disorder in a TC using mediation analysis.

Findings

The results revealed that attachment styles indirectly affect client’s clinical progress by the path of treatment motivation. Although the current study cannot conclude causality, the results provide empirical evidence suggesting that attachment activates motivation in treatment within the social dynamics of the TC, thus influencing clinical progress.

Originality/value

From these findings, recommendations for the modification of TCs along with considerations for further research, and socio-political implications are discussed.
S.O.S. on my phone: An analysis of motives and incentives for participation in smartphone‐based volunteering
Authors: Horstmann Aike C. , Winter Stephan , Rösner Leonie , Krämer Nicole C.
Published: May 2017

This paper aimed to analyse the potential of new technologies to support volunteer engagement in emergency response. To examine prerequisites for the use of a smartphone‐based application by medically trained volunteers in circumstances in which regular medical resources are exceeded, the influence of volunteering motives and user characteristics were assessed via an online survey. Results demonstrate that value‐oriented individuals evaluated the system more positively and were more willing to participate. Career‐oriented motivation and technical expertise had a partial influence. Different incentives emphasized in the system description did not make any difference, possibly because the overall evaluation was very positive. Among other implications, results point to the relevance of investigating ways to address value‐oriented individuals and to effectively trigger their motivation.
Reducing Inmate Misconduct and Prison Returns with Facility Education Programs
Authors: Pompoco Amanda , Wooldredge John  , Lugo Melissa , Sullivan Carrie , Latessa Edward J.
Published: May 2017

Research Summary

Participants and nonparticipants in Ohio prison education programs were compared in rates of misconduct during incarceration and prison returns after release. Propensity score matching was used to compare male nonparticipants with males who completed or started but did not complete GEDs, vocational training/apprenticeship programs, and college classes (each education group examined separately). More than 92,000 males were eligible for study, reflecting all men admitted to Ohio prisons between January 2008 and June 2012. Inmates who earned GEDs or completed college classes were less likely than nonprogram inmates to engage in violence during incarceration, whereas completing vocational training and apprenticeship programs had no such effect on any type of inmate misconduct examined. On the other hand, completing vocational training and apprenticeship programs, GEDs, or college classes at any point during incarceration coincided with lower rates of prison returns within 3 years after release. None of these benefits accrued to inmates who started but did not complete these programs/classes.

Policy Implications

The provision of GED programs and college classes to prison inmates may help to reduce levels of violence during incarceration, thus, providing safer facility environments for both inmates and staff. GED programs, college classes, and vocational training/apprenticeship programs may also help offenders to refrain from returning to prison, perhaps by providing knowledge and skills that enhance their employability in desirable jobs after release. The absence of comparable findings for inmates who started but did not complete these activities, however, underscores the importance of completion, providing incentive for state policy makers and correctional administrators to encourage inmates to complete these pursuits.
Reduction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Biofilms Using Bacteriophage BPECO 19
Authors: Sadekuzzaman Mohammad , Yang Sungdae , Mizan Md. Furkanur Rahaman , Ha Sang‐Do
Published: May 2017

Biofilm formation is a growing concern in the food industry. Escherichia coli O157:H7 is one of the most important foodborne pathogens that can persists in food and food‐related environments and subsequently produce biofilms. The efficacy of bacteriophage BPECO 19 was evaluated against three E. coli O157:H7 strains in biofilms. Biofilms of the three E. coli O157:H7 strains were grown on abiotic (stainless steel, rubber, and minimum biofilm eradication concentration [MBECTM] device) and biotic (lettuce) surfaces at different temperatures. The effectiveness of bacteriophage BPECO 19 in reducing preformed biofilms on these surfaces was further evaluated by treating the surfaces with a phage suspension (108 PFU/mL) for 2 h. The results indicated that the phage treatment significantly reduced (P  < 0.05) the number of adhered cells in all the surfaces. Following phage treatment, the viability of adhered cells was reduced by ≥3 log CFU/cm2, 2.4 log CFU/cm2, and 3.1 log CFU/peg in biofilms grown on stainless steel, rubber, and the MBECTM device, respectively. Likewise, the phage treatment reduced cell viability by ≥2 log CFU/cm2 in biofilms grown on lettuce. Overall, these results suggested that bacteriophages such as BPECO 19 could be effective in reducing the viability of biofilm‐adhered cells.
A trophic interaction framework for identifying the invasive capacity of novel organisms
Authors: Penk Marcin , Saul Wolf‐Christian , Dick Jaimie T.A. , Donohue Ian , Alexander Mhairi E. , Linzmaier Stefan , Jeschke Jonathan M.
Published: May 2017

The likelihood and impacts of invasions by novel organisms (e.g. non‐native species, genetically modified organisms) on the composition and functioning of receiving biological communities hinges on their capacity to exploit resources and/or avoid predation relative to resident counterparts. While assessment of invasion risk based on the comparison of functional responses (per‐capita consumption rate as a function of resource density) of novel species with native analogues has been gaining popularity, it may be undermined if alternative prey and potential predators are not represented realistically.

Here, we propose a conceptual framework that enables rigorous identification of trophic traits conducive to invasion success by novel organisms—irrespective of their trophic position—and their likely ecological impacts, given their arrival and establishment. We focus on consumption here, but our framework can also be used for autotrophic energy acquisition, and extended to non‐trophic and indirect interactions.

The framework enables a structured and prioritized selection of subsets of trophic links for invasion risk assessment. It is based on foraging theory and advances in comparative functional responses in invasion ecology. It can even be used in the absence of a resident comparator organism and when resources or predators are only partly known.

Our approach enhances the predictive power of species screening, and thus advances prevention and management of invasions under a common framework for all types of novel organisms.
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) inhibits spontaneous contraction of the mouse atrium by possible activation of the NPY1 receptor
Authors: Oki Y. , Teraoka H. , Kitazawa T.
Published: May 2017

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) causes various central and peripheral actions through activation of G‐protein‐coupled NPY receptors. Although a species‐dependent difference in cardiac actions of NPY has been reported, the responses to NPY have not been examined in mice, widely used experimental animals. This study aimed to clarify the responses to NPY and the receptor subtype involved in the responses in mouse atrium.

Neuropeptide Y caused negative inotropic and negative chronotropic actions in spontaneous beating right atria. Negative inotropic actions were more marked than negative chronotropic actions. Therefore, negative inotropic actions were studied in detail for evaluation of the NPY‐induced cardiac actions in mouse atrium.

Neuropeptide Y‐induced negative inotropic actions were not affected by atropine but were abolished in the atria from pertussis toxin‐treated mice.

In isolated atrial preparations from reserpine‐treated mice, NPY‐induced negative inotropic actions were significantly attenuated.

[Leu31, Pro34]‐NPY, but not peptide YY, was effective in decreasing spontaneous contraction in atrial preparations.

Although Y1, Y2, Y4 and Y5 receptor mRNAs were expressed almost equally in the brain, NPY1 receptor mRNA was dominantly expressed in the atrium.

In conclusion, NPY caused negative inotropic and chronotropic actions through activation of the Y1 receptor in the mouse atrium. A high expression level of Y1 mRNA in the atrium suggests a functional role of NPY in the regulation of mouse cardiac contraction.
Impairment of insulin signalling in peripheral tissue fails to extend murine lifespan
Authors: Merry Troy L. , Kuhlow Doreen , Laube Beate , Pöhlmann Doris , Pfeiffer Andreas F. H. , Kahn C. Ronald , Ristow Michael , Zarse Kim
Published: May 2017

Impaired insulin/IGF1 signalling has been shown to extend lifespan in model organisms ranging from yeast to mammals. Here we sought to determine the effect of targeted disruption of the insulin receptor (IR) in non‐neuronal tissues of adult mice on the lifespan. We induced hemizygous (PerIRKO+/−) or homozygous (PerIRKO−/−) disruption of the IR in peripheral tissue of 15‐weeks‐old mice using a tamoxifen‐inducible Cre transgenic mouse with only peripheral tissue expression, and subsequently monitored glucose metabolism, insulin signalling and spontaneous death rates over 4 years. Complete peripheral IR disruption resulted in a diabetic phenotype with increased blood glucose and plasma insulin levels in young mice. Although blood glucose levels returned to normal, and fat mass was reduced in aged PerIRKO−/− mice, their lifespan was reduced. By contrast, heterozygous disruption had no effect on lifespan. This was despite young male PerIRKO+/− mice showing reduced fat mass and mild increase in hepatic insulin sensitivity. In conflict with findings in metazoans like Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster, our results suggest that heterozygous impairment of the insulin signalling limited to peripheral tissues of adult mice fails to extend lifespan despite increased systemic insulin sensitivity, while homozygous impairment shortens lifespan.
Adolescents’ exposure to paid alcohol advertising on television and their alcohol use: exploring associations during a 13‐year period
Authors: White Victoria , Azar Denise , Faulkner Agatha , Coomber Kerri , Durkin Sarah , Livingston Michael , Chikritzhs Tanya , Room Robin , Wakefield Melanie
Published: May 2017

Aims

To determine (i) whether Australian adolescents’ exposure to television alcohol advertisements changed between 1999 and 2011 and (ii) examine the association between television alcohol advertising and adolescent drinking behaviours.

Design

Cross‐sectional surveys conducted every 3 years between 1999 and 2011. Analyses examined associations between advertising exposures and reported drinking.

Setting

Five Australian major cities.

Participants

Students aged 12–17 years participating in a triennial nationally representative school‐based survey residing in the television advertising markets associated with the major cities (sample size range per survey: 12 644–16 004).

Measurements

Outcome measures were: drinking in the past month, past week and past‐week risky drinking (5+ drinks on a day). The key predictor variable was past‐month adolescent‐directed alcohol advertising Targeted Rating Points (TRPs, a measure of television advertising exposure). Control measures included student‐level characteristics, government alcohol‐control advertising TRPs, road safety (drink‐driving) TRPs and time of survey.

Findings

Average monthly adolescent alcohol TRPs increased between 1999 (mean = 2371) to 2005 (mean = 2679) (P < 0.01) then decreased between 2005 and 2011: (mean = 880) (P < 0.01). Multi‐level logistic regression analyses that adjusted for survey timing, student level factors and alcohol‐control advertising variables showed a significant association between past‐month alcohol TRPs and past‐month drinking [odds ratio (OR) = 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07–1.15), past‐week drinking (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.06–1.14) and past‐week risky drinking (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.09–1.22). Past‐week risky drinking was associated inversely with road safety TRPs (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.49–0.98).

Conclusions

While Australian adolescents’ exposure to alcohol advertising on television reduced between 1999 and 2011, higher levels of past‐month television alcohol advertising were associated with an increased likelihood of adolescents’ drinking. The reduction in television alcohol advertising in Australia in the late 2000s may have played a part in reducing adolescents’ drinking prevalence.
Morphological Characteristics of the Oropharyngeal Cavity (Tongue, Palate and Laryngeal Entrance) in the Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra, Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Abumandour M. M. A. , El‐Bakary N. E. R.
Published: May 2017

The present study represents the first definitive anatomical description of the oropharyngeal cavity of the coot Fulica atra. For this purpose, the organs of six birds were prepared to examine grossly and by SEM and stereomicroscope. The oval lingual apex had multiple overlapping branched acicular processes on its anterior and lateral border. The lingual apex and body had multiple caudally directed filiform‐like papillae. By stereomicroscopy, the lingual root had a characteristic appearance and consisted of four parts. The openings of the anterior glands were present on the dorsal lingual surface of the body, while the projected papillae with wide openings of the posterior glands were present on the dorsal surface of lingual root. There was a row of caudally directed pharyngeal papillae at the caudal border of the laryngeal mound. Grossly, the pharyngeal papillae arrangement took a W‐shape, while by stereomicroscopy was observed to be heart shape. The palate was divided into two regions: a small rostral non‐papillary and a large caudal papillary region, but the rostral region was characterized by the presence of three longitudinal ridges. The papillary crest had two paramedian longitudinal papillary rows, which continued caudally until the beginning of the third median row. The freely distributed papillae took a caudolateral direction, while the papillae encircling the rostral part of choanal cleft took a caudomedial direction. There was a transverse papillary row between the two parts of choanal cleft. There was a transverse papillary row between the caudal border of the infundibular cleft and oesophagus.
Abnormal ratio of CD57+ cells to CD56+ cells in women with recurrent implantation failure
Authors: Jiang Ruiwei , Yan Guijun , Xing Jun , Wang Zhilong , Liu Yong , Wu Hongyan , Fan Xiangshan , Zhou Jianjun , Ding Lijun , Sun Haixiang
Published: May 2017

Problem

To define a more precise parameter for a better understanding of natural killer (NK) cells and its relation with regulatory T cells (Tregs) in women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF).

Method of study

The percentages of CD56+ cells, CD57+ cells and Foxp3+ cells in the endometrium and blood from 23 normal controls and 32 women with RIF were measured by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry.

Results

Women with RIF had significantly increased ratio of CD57+ cells to CD56+ cells in both the endometrium (P<.01) and blood (P<.05), and decreased percentage of Foxp3+ cells in the endometrium (P<.05). There was a significant negative correlation between CD57+ cells to CD56+ cells ratio and the percentage of Foxp3+ cells in the blood of RIF patients (P<.05).

Conclusion

Our study provides a novel assessment parameter, CD57+ cells to CD56+ cells ratio, to evaluate NK cells and its relation with Tregs in RIF patients.
Real exchange rate misalignment of Asian currencies
Authors: Toulaboe Dosse
Published: May 2017

This paper examines the size of real exchange rate (RER) misalignment in seven developing Asian counties and Japan. An analytical framework is developed to estimate the equilibrium RERs, which are then used to derive the RER misalignments. The estimation results from the model indicate that RERs have been misaligned in most of the Asian countries during the sample period, although not to the extent claimed in some studies. The real exchange behaviour in these countries is mostly consistent with the economic fundamentals and the magnitude of measured RER misalignment is not alarming.
A novel K+ competitive acid blocker, YH4808, sustains inhibition of gastric acid secretion with a faster onset than esomeprazole: randomised clinical study in healthy volunteers
Authors: Yi S. , Lee H. , Jang S. B. , Byun H. M. , Yoon S. H. , Cho J.‐Y. , Jang I.‐J. , Yu K.‐S.
Published: May 2017

Background

YH4808, a K+‐competitive acid blocker, is under clinical development for the treatment of acid‐related disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Aims

To determine the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of YH4808, compared to placebo and esomeprazole.

Methods

This double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐ and active comparator (esomeprazole)‐controlled study was conducted with 123 healthy male volunteers. We evaluated YH4808 (30‐800 mg) properties, administered in single (N=55) and multiple (N=24) oral doses, and recorded the effects on 24‐hour intragastric acidity. Results were compared to placebo (N=20) and esomeprazole 40 mg (N=24).

Results

Plasma YH4808 exposure increased dose‐proportionally and declined in a multi‐phasic manner. YH4808 ≥200 mg/d maintained intragastric acidity at pH >4 for longer times than esomeprazole during both day and night (%Time at pH >4: >70% vs 58% of a 24‐hour period, respectively; and >50% vs 33% of a 9‐hour night respectively). A twice‐daily regimen of YH4808 more effectively controlled intragastric pH at night than a once‐daily regimen. In evaluating the mean areas under the intragastric pH‐time curves in 15‐minute intervals for 2 hours after dosing, we found that YH4808 had a faster onset than esomeprazole. Moreover, unlike esomeprazole, YH4808 PK and PD were not significantly affected by the CYP2C19 genotype of the subjects. YH4808 was well‐tolerated at all doses administered.

Conclusion

This study showed that YH4808 produced a rapid, sustained suppression of gastric secretion with good tolerability. The results at YH4808 ≥200 mg/d provide a rationale for further clinical investigations in populations with acid‐related diseases.
‘Pushing the Boundaries’ versus Identifying the Boundaries: An Institutional Perspective on NPM Principles
Authors: Luke Belinda , Kearins Kate , Verreynne Martie‐Louise
Published: May 2017

This paper considers the boundaries of new public management (NPM) principles in the context of the mandate for a commercial approach within a New Zealand state‐owned enterprise (SOE). Investigating a commercial approach to NPM through an institutional theory lens, the case study highlights complexities and potential conflict between structured NPM principles and the more complex reality. Analysis reveals blurred lines and boundaries have implications for public sector organisations such as SOEs, government and other stakeholders, where managers push the boundaries beyond the point where stakeholders are comfortable. Thus, a key challenge involves developing clearer institutional boundaries to balance freedoms with stakeholder acceptability.
A clinical review of communication training for haematologists and haemato‐oncologists: a case of art versus science
Authors: Christie Deborah , Glew Sarah
Published: May 2017

The art of communication at times seems at odds with the science of medicine. Poor communication is associated with risks for patient and physician. Communication skills are highly relevant for haematologists and are associated with increased physician and patient satisfaction, positive psychosocial outcomes and possible health outcomes. Medical communication training has recently become widespread but is largely restricted to junior medical professionals. In haematology, the proliferation of high quality communication skills is low and there are few interventions catering for the required skillset. A review identified five applicable interventions for haematologists. There is variation in intervention length and structure, and most studies measure targeted skill fidelity rather than patient outcomes. Work on motivation and empowerment holds potential for haematological conditions, but is largely absent from care. This review highlights the need for new interventions for haematologists which focus on producing and maintaining positive patient outcomes.