bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Face, content, construct and concurrent validity of dry laboratory exercises for robotic training using a global assessment tool
Authors: Ramos Patrick , Montez Jeremy , Tripp Adrian , Ng Casey K. , Gill Inderbir S. , Hung Andrew J. 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate robotic dry laboratory (dry lab) exercises in terms of their face, content, construct and concurrent validities.To evaluate the applicability of the Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) tool to assess dry lab performance.Materials and MethodsParticipants were prospectively categorized into two groups: robotic novice (no cases as primary surgeon) and robotic expert (≥30 cases).Participants completed three virtual reality (VR) exercises using the da Vinci Skills Simulator (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA), as well as corresponding dry lab versions of each exercise (Mimic Technologies, Seattle, WA, USA) on the da Vinci Surgical System.Simulator performance was assessed by metrics measured on the simulator. Dry lab performance was blindly video‐evaluated by expert review using the six‐metric GEARS tool.Participants completed a post‐study questionnaire (to evaluate face and content validity).A Wilcoxon non‐parametric test was used to compare performance between groups (construct validity) and Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess simulation to dry lab performance (concurrent validity).ResultsThe mean number of robotic cases experienced for novices was 0 and for experts the mean (range) was 200 (30–2000) cases.Expert surgeons found the dry lab exercises both ‘realistic’ (median [range] score 8 [4–10] out of 10) and ‘very useful’ for training of residents (median [range] score 9 [5–10] out of 10).Overall, expert surgeons completed all dry lab tasks more efficiently (P < 0.001) and effectively (GEARS total score P < 0.001) than novices. In addition, experts outperformed novices in each individual GEARS metric (P < 0.001).Finally, in comparing dry lab with simulator performance, there was a moderate correlation overall (r = 0.54, P < 0.001). Most simulator metrics correlated moderately to strongly with corresponding GEARS metrics (r = 0.54, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe robotic dry lab exercises in the present study have face, content, construct and concurrent validity with the corresponding VR tasks.Until now, the assessment of dry lab exercises has been limited to basic metrics (i.e. time to completion and error avoidance). For the first time, we have shown it is feasibile to apply a global assessment tool (GEARS) to dry lab training.
The background to this themed issue on neuropeptides
Authors: Keeble Julie 
Published: November 2013

A meeting of the British Pharmacological Society in association with the European Neuropeptide Club and Americal Summer Neuropeptide Conference in June 2012 led to this themed issue on neuropetides. A wide range of neuropeptides are discussed, in various physiological and pathophysiological conditions, with respect to their upstream and downstream pathways. It is clear, at this point in time, that targeting neuropeptides has therapeutic potential in pathologies ranging from migraine to obesity. It is also clear from the reviews in this issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology that there is still so much to learn.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Neuropeptides. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2013.170.issue‐7
Dutch Disease, factor mobility, and the Alberta Effect: the case of federations
Authors: Raveh Ohad 
Published: November 2013

AbstractDo reduced costs of factor mobility mitigate Dutch Disease effects to the extent that they are reversed? The case of federations provides an indication they do. We observe resource blessing (curse) effects at the provincial (federal) level, and argue the difference in outcomes stems from the difference in factor mobility costs. We construct a simple tax competition model which shows that if factor mobility costs are sufficiently low, a resource‐boom triggers an Alberta Effect that mitigates, and possibly reverses, Dutch Disease symptoms. The paper concludes with empirical evidence for the main implications of the model.
Interferon‐alpha and interferon‐gamma modulate Fas‐mediated apoptosis in mitomycin‐C‐resistant human Tenon's fibroblasts
Authors: Wang Xiao Yang , Crowston Jonathan G , White Andrew JR , Zoellner Hans , Healey Paul R 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the study was to investigate, using a native mitomycin‐C‐resistant human Tenon's fibroblast cell line, the possibility that interferon‐alpha and gamma could be used with Fas agonists as an alternative anti‐fibrotic strategy to mitomycin‐C in trabeculectomy.MethodsA clinically resistant and in vitro verified mitomycin‐C‐resistant human Tenon's fibroblast cell line was pretreated with interferon‐alpha and interferon‐gamma for 48 h before stimulation with an agonistic Fas antibody (CH11) for 2 days to induce cell death. Cell death assays were undertaken. Changes in apoptosis‐related proteins were determined by flow cytometry and Western blot.ResultsPretreatment with interferon‐alpha or interferon‐gamma for 48 h increased Fas, Fas‐associated protein with death domain and caspase‐8 expression. Protein expression was further increased by combined exposure to interferon‐alpha and gamma. Pretreatment with cytokines had no effect on Fas‐L and Bcl‐2. Interferon‐alpha alone did not change the rate of induced cell death. A combination of interferon‐alpha and gamma synergistically increased the sensitivity of mitomycin‐C‐resistant human Tenon's fibroblast cell line to induced cell death. An antagonistic anti‐Fas antibody (ZB4) completely blocked induced cell death. Broad caspase inhibitors specific for caspases‐8 and ‐3 reduced induced deaths in interferon pretreated mitomycin‐C‐resistant human Tenon's fibroblast cell line in a dose‐dependent manner.ConclusionsInterferon‐alpha and interferon‐gamma render mitomycin‐C‐resistant human Tenon's fibroblast cell line sensitive to Fas‐mediated apoptosis. The mechanism involves increased death‐inducing signalling complex formation by upregulation of Fas, Fas‐associated protein with death domain and caspase‐8 expression.
Scalable Realistic Rendering with Many‐Light Methods
Authors: Dachsbacher Carsten , Křivánek Jaroslav , Hašan Miloš , Arbree Adam , Walter Bruce , Novák Jan 
Published: November 2013

AbstractRecent years have seen increasing attention and significant progress in many‐light rendering, a class of methods for efficient computation of global illumination. The many‐light formulation offers a unified mathematical framework for the problem reducing the full lighting transport simulation to the calculation of the direct illumination from many virtual light sources. These methods are unrivaled in their scalability: they are able to produce plausible images in a fraction of a second but also converge to the full solution over time. In this state‐of‐the‐art report, we give an easy‐to‐follow, introductory tutorial of the many‐light theory; provide a comprehensive, unified survey of the topic with a comparison of the main algorithms; discuss limitations regarding materials and light transport phenomena and present a vision to motivate and guide future research. We will cover both the fundamental concepts as well as improvements, extensions and applications of many‐light rendering.
Quality assurance for care of melanoma patients based on guideline‐derived quality indicators and certification
Authors: Follmann Markus , Schadendorf Dirk , Kochs Corinna , Buchberger Barbara , Winter Anna , Wesselmann Simone 
Published: November 2013

SummaryBackground and objectivesIn 2013 the first German S‐3 guidelines on the diagnosis, treatment, and follow‐up of melanoma were published in the framework of the German Guideline Program on Oncology. Quality indicators were developed at the same time as the guideline development process in order to implement the guideline recommendations.Patients and methodsA multidisciplinary, interprofessional working group developed quality indicators following a standardized process.ResultsTwelve quality indicators directly linked to guideline recommendations were generated and agreed on by consensus. They were integrated into the catalogue of requirements for dermato‐oncological centers certified by the German Cancer Society.ConclusionsThe close cooperation between the guideline group and commission for certification allowed the guideline contents to be implemented in the form of quality indicators in everyday clinical practice. Adherence to the guidelines is required and continuously evaluated as part of certification.
Exploring functional concerns in help‐seeking youth: a qualitative study
Authors: Cairns Alice , Dark Frances , Kavanagh David , McPhail Steven 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimThis study aimed to explore the functional concerns of help‐seeking young people 12–25 years of age.MethodSemistructured interviews with n = 10 young people seeking help from a youth mental health clinic were conducted. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis. Results were verified by member checking.ResultsParticipants identified reasons for seeking help, with the main themes being relationships, emotional management, risk‐taking behaviour and difficulties with employment. There appeared to be a difference between the concerns of the older, post‐school‐age group and the younger participants.ConclusionYoung people are able to identify their functional concerns and reasons for seeking help from mental health services. Understanding the concerns of these young people provides weight to the model of youth‐specific mental health services. Future work examining concerns of 12–25 year olds should ensure adequate representation of the older group as their needs and concerns seem to differ from those of younger participants in this study. Post‐school‐age youth seem to be under‐represented in existing literature in this field. However, a limitation with this study is the small sample sizes once the cohort is divided by age. Future studies with a larger, more detailed examination of the needs and concerns of this population are warranted to inform service delivery advancements and clarify the difference in needs between the post‐school and current school attendee groups.
Inbreeding Avoidance in Male Primates: A Response to Female Mate Choice?
Authors: Tennenhouse Erica M. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractInbreeding often has negative fitness consequences for primates, which have led to the evolution of inbreeding avoidance strategies in a number of species. In polygynous primates, females may suffer a higher fitness cost from inbreeding than males and are thus expected to exhibit a lower tolerance for inbreeding. Nevertheless, it is apparent that inbreeding avoidance behaviours are common in both female and male polygynous primates. In this perspectives article, I review the evidence that female mate choice can lead to male inbreeding avoidance behaviours in polygynous primates. I conclude that male inbreeding avoidance may be strongly driven by female mate choice at both proximate and ultimate levels. To better understand the extent to which this pattern applies across the primate order, studies are needed on the separate effects of participating in inbred matings and producing inbred offspring on male and female lifetime reproductive success. It would also be useful to examine how inbreeding avoidance strategies vary across primate mating systems. Finally, measuring the covariance between female choice and male inbreeding avoidance behaviour, and between male inbreeding avoidance behaviour and male fitness, would help to clarify the role of female mate choice in the evolution of male inbreeding avoidance.
The degradation (by distinct pathways) of human d‐amino acid oxidase and its interacting partner pLG72 – two key proteins in d‐serine catabolism in the brain
Authors: Cappelletti Pamela , Campomenosi Paola , Pollegioni Loredano , Sacchi Silvia 
Published: November 2013

Human d‐amino acid oxidase (EC 1.4.3.3; hDAAO) is a peroxisomal flavoenzyme significantly enriched in the mammalian brain. hDAAO has been proposed to play (with serine racemase; EC 5.1.1.18) an essential role in the catabolism of d‐serine, an ‘atypical’ key signalling molecule that acts as allosteric activator of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate‐type glutamate receptor (NMDAr). hDAAO and its interacting partner pLG72 have been related to schizophrenia, a highly disabling psychiatric disorder in which a dysfunction of NMDA‐mediated neurotransmission is widely assumed to occur. We previously demonstrated that the d‐serine cellular concentration depends on hDAAO and pLG72 expression levels and that newly‐synthesized hDAAO interacts with its modulator in the cytosol, being progressively destabilized and inactivated. To obtain insight into the mechanisms regulating cellular d‐serine levels, we investigated the degradation pathways of hDAAO and pLG72 in U87 glioblastoma cells stably expressing enhanced yellow fluorescent protein‐hDAAO (peroxisomal), hDAAO‐enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (cytosolic) or pLG72‐enhanced cyan fluorescent protein (mitochondrial) proteins. hDAAO is a long‐lived protein: the peroxisomal fraction of this flavoprotein is degraded via the lysosomal/endosomal pathway (and blocking this pathway increases the cellular hDAAO activity and decreases d‐serine levels), whereas the cytosolic portion is ubiquitinated and targeted to the proteasome. By contrast, pLG72 shows a rapid turnover (t1/2 ≈ 25–40 min) and is degraded via the proteasome system, albeit not ubiquitinated. Overexpression of pLG72 increases the turnover of hDAAO, in turn playing a protective role against excessive d‐serine depletion.
Microbially enhanced dissolution of HgS in an acid mine drainage system in the California Coast Range
Authors: Jew A. D. , Behrens S. F. , Rytuba J. J. , Kappler A. , Spormann A. M. , Brown G. E. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMercury sulfides (cinnabar and metacinnabar) are the main ores of Hg and are relatively stable under oxic conditions (Ksp = 10−54 and 10−52, respectively). However, until now their stability in the presence of micro‐organisms inhabiting acid mine drainage (AMD) systems was unknown. We tested the effects of the AMD microbial community from the inoperative Hg mine at New Idria, CA, present in sediments of an AMD settling pond adjacent to the main waste pile and in a microbial biofilm on the surface of this pond, on the solubility of crystalline HgS. A 16S rRNA gene clone library revealed that the AMD microbial community was dominated by Fe‐oxidizing (orders Ferritrophicales and Gallionellas) and S‐oxidizing bacteria (Thiomonas sp.), with smaller amounts (≤6%) being comprised of the orders Xanthomondales and Rhodospirillales. Though the order Ferritrophicales dominate the 16S rRNA clones (>60%), qPCR results of the microbial community indicate that the Thiomonas sp. represents ~55% of the total micro‐organisms in the top 1 cm of the AMD microbial community. Although supersaturated with respect to cinnabar and metacinnabar, microcosms inoculated with the AMD microbial community were capable of releasing significantly more Hg into solution compared to inactivated or abiotic controls. Four different Hg‐containing materials were tested for bacterially enhanced HgS dissolution: pure cinnabar, pure metacinnabar, mine tailings, and calcine material (processed ore). In the microcosm with metacinnabar, the presence of the AMD microbial community resulted in an increase of dissolved Hg concentrations up to 500 μg L‐1 during the first 30 days of incubation. In abiotic control microcosms, dissolved Hg concentrations did not increase above 100 ng L−1. When Hg concentrations were below 50 μg L‐1, the Fe‐oxidizing bacteria in the AMD microbial community were still capable of oxidizing Fe(II) to Fe(III) in the AMD solution, whereas concentrations above 50 μg L−1 resulted in inhibition of microbial iron oxidation. Our experiments show that the AMD microbial community contributes to the dissolution of mercury sulfide minerals. These findings have major implications for risk assessment and future management of inoperative Hg mines worldwide.
Cloning and expression profiling of odorant‐binding proteins in the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris
Authors: Hull J. J. , Perera O. P. , Snodgrass G. L. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn insects, the perception and discrimination of odorants requires the involvement of odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs). To gain a better molecular understanding of olfaction in the agronomic pest Lygus lineolaris (the tarnished plant bug), we used a transcriptomics‐based approach to identify potential OBPs. In total, 33 putative OBP transcripts, including the previously reported Lygus antennal protein (LAP), were identified based on the characteristic OBP Cys signature and/or sequence similarity with annotated orthologous sequences. The L. lineolaris OBP (LylinOBP) repertoire consists of 20 ‘classic’ OBPs, defined by the spacing of six conserved Cys residues, and 12 ‘Plus‐C’ OBPs, defined by the spacing of eight conserved Cys and one conserved Pro residue. Alternative splicing of OBP genes appears to contribute significantly to the multiplicity of LylinOBP sequences. Microarray‐based analysis of chemosensory tissues (antennae, legs and proboscis) revealed enrichment of 21 LylinOBP transcripts in antennae, 12 in legs, and 15 in proboscis, suggesting potential roles in olfaction and gustation respectively. PCR‐based determination of transcript abundance for a subset of the LylinOBP genes across multiple adult tissues yielded results consistent with the hybridization data.
Successful Earners and Failing Others: Transnational Orientation as Biographical Resource in the Context of Labor Migration
Authors: Nowicka Magdalena 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe article discusses how post‐2004 Polish immigrants in Great Britain narrate success and failure in their lives. It identifies and analyses inter‐related narrations specific to the transnational form of migration. It considers migrants’ transnational orientation as a resource for narratively producing a successful biography. The article makes use of a biographical perspective and embeds the analysis in theories of biographical action, while adding new knowledge to the scholarship of migration. It argues that failure is relative to a normatively, locally fixed expectation of success.
Swine influenza in Norway: a distinct lineage of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus
Authors: Forberg Hilde , Hauge Anna G. , Gjerset Britt , Hungnes Olav , Kilander Anette 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundSince the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus was first introduced to the Norwegian pig population in September 2009, it has repeatedly been detected in pigs in Norway. No other subtypes of influenza virus are circulating in Norwegian pigs.ObjectiveTo follow the diversity of A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses circulating in pigs in Norway and to investigate the relationship between viruses circulating in Norwegian pigs and in humans.MethodsBetween January 2011 and January 2013, nasal swabs from 507 pigs were tested for A(H1N1)pdm09 virus by real‐time RT‐PCR. The hemagglutinin (HA) gene of virus‐positive samples was sequenced and compared with publically available sequences from viruses circulating in humans at the time.ResultsSequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the HA gene showed that the A(H1N1)pdm09 virus circulating in Norwegian pigs early in 2011 resembled the A(H1N1)pdm09 virus circulating in humans during this time. Viruses detected in pigs by the end of 2011 had acquired four characteristic amino acid substitutions (N31D, S84I S164F, and N473D) and formed a distinct phylogenetic group.ConclusionsA(H1N1)pdm09 virus detected in Norwegian pigs by the end of 2011 formed a distinct genetic lineage. Also, our findings indicate that reverse‐zoonotic transmission from humans to pigs of the A(H1N1)pdm09 virus is still important.
Epidemiological survey of swine influenza A virus in the wild boar population of two Italian provinces
Authors: Foni Emanuela , Garbarino Chiara , Chiapponi Chiara , Baioni Laura , Zanni Irene , Cordioli Paolo 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesAn epidemiological survey was carried out in order to obtain a better understanding of the role of wild boars in the epidemiology of the influenza virus.DesignThe samples were submitted to Real‐Time PCR testing for gene M of the swine influenza virus (SIV), and virus isolation was performed from the positive PCR samples. Genome sequence analysis was performed on the isolates. Additionally, 1,977 boar sera samples were analyzed using ELISA and hemoagglutination inhibition.SettingOver recent years, the wild boar population has greatly increased in Italy, including in areas of high‐density industrial pig farming, where the influenza virus is widespread. From July to December 2012, wild boar lung samples were collected in the Parma and Piacenza area, in the Emilia Romagna region.Sample354 wild boar lung samples were collected.Main outcome measuresWild‐boar influenza A virus infection should be studied more broadly in order to obtain a better understanding of the epidemiological role played by this species.ResultsThree SIV strains were isolated out of 12 samples that resulted positive using PCR analysis and they were identified as avian‐like SIV subtype H1N1. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences obtained from isolate A/wild boar/291320/2012 showed that it clustered with recent Italian avian‐like H1N1 SIVs isolated from domestic pigs. Sixty‐eight sera samples showed a positive titer to the isolate A/wild boar/291320/2012.ConclusionsThis study suggests that SIV actively circulates in the wild boar population in the investigated. area.
Antibiotic Resistant Group A Streptococci
Authors: Yoshioka Morimasa , Konuma Tsuneko , Kunii Toyo 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTA series of Streptococcus pyogenes strains, including strains isolated from patients, mutants which had acquired in vitro resistance to penicillin (Pc), mitomycin C (MC), tetracycline (TC) and chloramphenicol (CM), ultraviolet light induced α hemolytic mutants, as well as β hemolytic mutants (β mutants) derived from α hemolytic mutants (α mutants) were compared as to their antibiotic sensitivity, and physiological, biochemical and serological properties. To obtain β mutants from α mutants the following procedures were employed: (1) serial mouse passage, (2) serial serum‐broth transfers, (3) cultivation in heat‐killed cultures of parent strains, and (4) cultivation in broth containing bacterial DNA extracted from parent streptococcus cells. From the results obtained these strains could be divided into two major groups, each with two subgroups. Group 1 strains produce soluble hemolysins and are sensitive to Pc. Subgroup 1–1 strains are sensitive to other antibiotics too; subgroup 1–2 are resistant to certain antibiotics other than Pc, bacitracin and MC. Group 2 strains do not produce soluble hemolysins and resistant to Pc. Subgroup 2‐1 strains are α hemolytic on horse blood agar and subgroup 2–2 are β hemolytic on the same medium. Pc resistance in group 2 strains was more than 100‐fold higher than that of sensitive strains, and was accompanied by MC resistance, but to a lesser degree. Pc resistance in group 2 mutants could be induced by antibiotics other than Pc and also by ultraviolet irradiation. Although group 1 cells retained the characteristics of typical S. pyogenes, group 2 cells, both α and β hemolytic, lost most of the physiological, biochemical and serological properties of this species. The similarity of group 2 strains to group D or group N streptococcal strains in their general properties is discussed.