bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling‐assisted minimal heat processing of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)
Authors: Stormo Svein Kristian , Skipnes Dagbjørn , Sone Izumi , Skuland Aase , Heia Karsten , Skåra Torstein
Published: March 2017

This study investigates how product quality and shelf life of vacuum‐packed cod loins are affected when surface bacteria are targeted in thermal processing regimes. A mathematical heat transfer model was used to generate two mild thermal processing regimes for temperature controlled water baths at 70 °C and 90 °C. The results show that shelf life assessment based on sensory evaluation is closely linked to microbial growth. This study shows that even if mild heat treatments do have a noticeable effect of inactivating bacteria on the surface of the fish muscle, such processes do not prolong shelf life considerably. This may be due to the overall limited effect of mild heat processing on bacterial inactivation, but may also be explained by the fact that for postrigor fish, the microbial contamination might be at a too advanced stage for the investigated mild processing to have significant effect.

Practical applications

For the consumer fresh fish is a superior product compared to frozen fish. Consequently, there is a higher demand and a higher market price for fresh seafood products. The aim of the present study was to evaluate in‐pack surface pasteurization as a mean to increase shelf life for a prepackaged white fish product. Since the surface of the fish fillet is the entry point of microbial contamination as well as the main colonization area, targeting the surface seems the obvious choice to minimize the negative impact of extensive heat processing. We show that modeling the heat treatment is a valuable tool for limiting the detrimental effect of heat treatment. However, when microbial contamination is high, very mild heat processing does not prolong shelf life considerably.
Aroma recovery of beer flavors by pervaporation through polydimethylsiloxane membranes
Authors: Paz Ana I. , Blanco Carlos A. , Andrés‐Iglesias Cristina , Palacio Laura , Prádanos Pedro , Hernández Antonio
Published: March 2017

Five commercial beers and their corresponding no‐alcohol presentations have been analyzed in terms of five aroma compounds: three alcohols and two esters (isobutyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, 2‐methyl butanol, 3‐methyl butanol, and isoamyl acetate). Substantial reductions of volatile aroma compounds have been encountered in these nonalcoholic beers. Pervaporation of these aromas in order to allow their recovery has been tested through two commercial membranes with polydimethylsiloxane active layers (Pervatech and Sulzer). Total fluxes are higher through the Pervatech membrane while individual aroma ones are similar for both the membranes. Mass recovery is higher for the Pervatech membrane for most of the aromas whereas their enrichment factors are better for the Sulzer membrane. The rest of the beer profile modulates to some extent the general trends referred. Mass recoveries and enrichment factors from 5 to 35% were obtained for the aromas tested. Mass recovery and enrichment factors could be improved by increasing membrane area or time of treatment.

Practical applications

Pervaporation is a membrane technique which effectiveness has been proven to separate volatile organic compounds from aqueous mixtures. It could be useful in beer industry in a significant way, helping nonalcoholic beers to improve their organoleptic characteristics. In a near future, by controlling operating parameters involved in the full process, it will be possible to introduce this technique into the factories and produce a tastier and better quality beer by minimizing the lack of valuable aroma compounds.
Introducing new shape features for classification of cucumber fruit based on image processing technique and artificial neural networks
Authors: Kheiralipour Kamran , Pormah Abbas
Published: March 2017

Shape‐based classification of fruits and vegetables is one of the most important applications of image processing and machine vision technology in post‐harvest processing of agricultural products. In this research, desirable (cylindrical), and undesirable (curved and conical) shapes of cucumber fruit were considered to be intelligently detected using image processing technique and artificial neural networks method. A new algorithm was programed for preprocessing and extraction of shape features from the images in MATLAB 2010a software. Beside common features, two new features including “centroid non homogeneity” and “width non homogeneity” were introduced and extracted. After feature selection, different neural network models were evaluated to classify the useful features. The best classifier model had accuracy of 97.1% with 4‐20‐2 structure.

Practical applications

The present research introduces new features to distinguish cucumber shape: desired (cylindrical) and undesired. The approach can be used to develop a sorting system based on machine vision to separate cucumber fruits to two classes in industry.
Role of second‐look endoscopy and prophylactic hemostasis after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Eun Hye , Park Se Woo , Nam Eunwoo , Eun Chang Soo , Han Dong Soo , Park Chan Hyuk
Published: March 2017

Background

Although several studies have shown that second‐look endoscopy does not affect the incidence of bleeding after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), the potential roles of second‐look endoscopy have not been fully evaluated. This study aimed to determine the role of second‐look endoscopy after ESD through a systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

This study conducted a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library through March 2016 using the keywords “second‐look,” “prophylactic hemostasis,” “prophylactic haemostasis,” “prevention,” “prophylaxis,” and “endoscopic submucosal dissection.” Studies were included if they evaluated the incidence of post‐ESD bleeding according to second‐look endoscopy or prophylactic hemostasis during second‐look endoscopy.

Results

Four randomized controlled trials on post‐ESD bleeding between second‐look endoscopy and no second‐look endoscopy and 12 non‐randomized studies with a cohort design on post‐ESD bleeding were included. On meta‐analysis, second‐look endoscopy did not affect delayed post‐ESD bleeding (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.27 [0.80–2.00], I2 = 0%). During second‐look endoscopy, patients who were considered as high‐risk for post‐ESD bleeding underwent prophylactic hemostasis. Delayed post‐ESD bleeding was more common in patients who were treated with hemostasis during second‐look endoscopy compared with those who were not (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 3.40 [1.87–6.18], I2 = 62%). In patients who underwent prophylactic hemostasis, the number needed to prolong a hospitalization period to avoid one additional post‐ESD bleeding after discharge was 25.

Conclusion

Second‐look endoscopy after ESD could not reduce the risk of delayed post‐ESD bleeding. Delayed post‐ESD bleeding was more common in patients who underwent prophylactic hemostasis than in those who did not.
Undiagnosed pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and chronic pancreatitis in functional GI disorder patients with diarrhea or abdominal pain
Authors: Talley Nicholas J , Holtmann Gerald , Nguyen Quoc Nam , Gibson Peter , Bampton Peter , Veysey Martin , Wong James , Philcox Stephen , Koloski Natasha , Bunby Lisa , Jones Michael
Published: March 2017

Background and Aim

A previous UK study showed that 6.1% of patients with diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS‐D) had evidence of severe pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI), but these findings need replication. We aimed to identify the prevalence of PEI based on fecal elastase stool testing in consecutive outpatients presenting with chronic unexplained abdominal pain and/or diarrhea and/or IBS‐D.

Methods

Patients aged over 40 years presenting to hospital outpatient clinics from six sites within Australia with unexplained abdominal pain and/or diarrhea for at least 3 months and/or IBS‐D were studied. Patients completed validated questionnaires and donated a stool sample in which elastase concentration was measured by ELISA. A concentration of < 100 mcg/g stool represented severe and < 200 mcg/g mild to moderate PEI. Patients whose fecal elastase was < 200 mcg/g underwent testing for pancreatic pathology with an endoscopic ultrasound or abdominal CT.

Results

Two hundred eighteen patients (mean age of 60 years, 29.4% male) were studied. PEI was found in 4.6% (95% CI 2.2–8.3%) (n = 10), with five patients (2.3% (95% CI 0.8–5.3%) having severe PEI. Only male sex and heavy alcohol use were significantly associated with abnormal versus normal pancreatic functioning. Of seven patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound or CT, two had features indicative of chronic pancreatitis.

Conclusion

One in 50 patients with IBS‐D or otherwise unexplained abdominal pain or diarrhea have an abnormal fecal elastase, but unexpected pancreatic insufficiency was detected in only a minority of these. This study failed to confirm the high prevalence of PEI among patients with unexplained GI symptoms previously reported.
Long‐Term Self‐Reported Cognitive Problems After Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit and the Effect of Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Wolters Annemiek E. , Peelen Linda M. , Veldhuijzen Dieuwke S. , Zaal Irene J. , de Lange Dylan W. , Pasma Wietze , van Dijk Diederik , Cremer Olaf L. , Slooter Arjen J. C.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To describe the association between intensive care unit (ICU) delirium and self‐reported cognitive problems in 1‐year ICU survivors, and investigate whether this association was altered by exposure to systemic inflammation during ICU stay.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Dutch medical‐surgical ICU.

Participants

One‐year ICU survivors, admitted to the ICU ≥48 hours.

Measurements

Self‐reported cognitive problems were measured with the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ). Cumulative exposure to systemic inflammation was based on all daily C‐reactive protein (CRP) measurements during ICU stay, expressed as the area under the curve (AUC). Multivariable linear regression was conducted to evaluate the association between delirium and the CFQ. The effect of inflammation on the association between delirium and CFQ was assessed, comparing the effect estimate (B) of delirium and CFQ between models with and without inclusion of the AUC of CRP.

Results

Among 567 1‐year ICU survivors, the CFQ was completed by 363 subjects. Subjects with multiple days of delirium during ICU stay reported more self‐reported cognitive problems (Badj = 5.10, 95% CI 1.01–9.20), whereas a single day delirium was not associated with higher CFQ scores (Badj = −0.72, 95% CI −5.75 to 4.31). Including the AUC of CRP did not change the association between delirium and the CFQ (ratio for a single and multiple days were respectively: 1.00, 95%CI 0.59–1.44 and 0.86, 95% CI 0.47–1.16).

Conclusion

Multiple days of delirium was associated with long‐term self‐reported cognitive problems. The cumulative exposure to systemic inflammation did not alter this association, suggesting that delirium in the context of little inflammation is also detrimental.
Delirium During Postacute Nursing Home Admission and Risk for Adverse Outcomes
Authors: Kosar Cyrus M. , Thomas Kali S. , Inouye Sharon K. , Mor Vincent
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To identify the rate of delirium present during admission to postacute care (PAC) in the nursing home setting and to determine whether patients with delirium had higher risk for adverse outcomes.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

US Medicare‐ and Medicaid‐certified nursing homes, 2011 to 2014.

Participants

Individuals admitted to all US nursing homes for PAC, aged ≥65 years, and without prior history of nursing home residence (n = 5,588,702).

Measurements

Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 admission assessments identified delirium based upon Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) items. Robust Poisson regression was used to calculate adjusted relative risks (aRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for death following PAC admission, and for 30‐day discharge outcomes including re‐hospitalization from PAC, discharge home, and functional improvement.

Results

Delirium was identified in 4.3% of new postacute nursing home admissions. Mortality within 30 days of PAC admission was observed in 16.3% of patients with delirium and 5.8% of patients without delirium (aRR = 2.27, CI = 2.24–2.30). The rate of 30‐day readmission from PAC was 21.3% for patients with delirium compared with 15.1% among patients without delirium (aRR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.40, 1.43). 26.9% of patients with delirium were discharged home within 30 days of admission compared to 52.5% of patients without delirium (aRR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.57, 0.58). 48.9% of patients with delirium showed functional improvement at discharge compared to 59.9% of patients without delirium (aRR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.82, 0.83).

Conclusions

Patients with delirium present upon PAC admission were at high risk for mortality and 30‐day re‐hospitalization and were less likely to have timely discharge to home or to improve in physical function at discharge. Early identification and care planning for individuals with delirium at PAC admission may be essential to improve outcomes.
Vulnerable Emotional Expression In Emotion Focused Couples Therapy: Relating Interactional Processes To Outcome
Authors: McKinnon Jacqueline M. , Greenberg Leslie S.
Published: March 2017

This study examined whether interactions characterized by high expression of emotional vulnerability in one partner followed by a highly supportive response style by the other partner predicted greater improvement on domains of forgiveness, unfinished business, trust, and relationship satisfaction in a sample of 32 couples presenting for Emotion Focused Couples Therapy with unresolved emotional injuries. For each outcome measure, two separate hierarchical regression models were tested (injured partner vulnerability and offending partner supportiveness; offending partner vulnerability and injured partner supportiveness). Both models significantly predicted improvement on the majority of outcome measures. Practice suggestions for working with emotionally injured couples are provided in light of the findings.
Structure‐dependent behaviours of skin layers studied by atomic force microscopy
Authors: CHANG A.C. , LIU B.H. , SHAO P.L. , LIAO J.D.
Published: March 2017

The multilayer skin provides the physical resistance and strength against the environmental attacks, and consequently plays a significant role in maintaining the mammalian health. Currently, optical microscopy (OM) is the most common method for the research related to skin tissues while with the drawbacks including the possibility of changing the native morphology of the sample with the addition of the chemical or immunological staining and the restricted resolution of images for the direct observation of the tissue structures. To investigate if the function of each tissue is structure‐dependent and the how the injured skin returns to the intact condition, we applied atomic force microscopy (AFM) on the sectioned mice‐skin to reveal the tissue structures with a nanoscale resolution. From the outermost stratum to the inner layer of the skin tissue, the respectively laminated, fibrous, and brick‐like structures were observed and corresponded to various functions. Due to the mechanical differences between the tissue constituents and their boundaries, the sizes and arrangements of the components were characterised and quantified by the mechanical mapping of AFM, which enabled the analytical comparisons between tissue layers. For the wound model, the skin tissues were examined with the initial formation of blood vessels and type‐I collagen, which agreed with the stage of healing process estimated by OM but showed more detail information about the evolution of proteins among the skin. In conclusion, the characterisation of the components that consist of skin tissue by AFM enables the connection of the tissue function to the corresponded ultrastructure.
5‐HT7 receptor shapes spinogenesis in cortical and striatal neurons
Authors: Marin Philippe , Dityatev Alexander
Published: March 2017

Read the highlighted article ‘Serotonin 5‐HT7 receptor increases the density of dendritic spines and facilitates synaptogenesis in forebrain neurons’ on page 647.
Current update on the diagnosis and management of head and neck hard tissue sarcomas
Authors: Tudor‐Green Ben , Fonseca Felipe Paiva , Gomez Ricardo S. , Brennan Peter A.
Published: March 2017

Head and neck hard tissue sarcomas form a rare group of mesenchymal‐derived tumours that comprise less than 1% of all head and neck neoplasms. Hard tissue sarcomas account for 20% of head and neck sarcomas and they form a heterogeneous group with a diverse origin. Unlike head and neck soft‐tissue sarcomas, they have lower recurrence and mortality rates. In this study, we review the current management of head and neck hard tissue sarcomas.
Ambiguity and Insurance: Capital Requirements and Premiums
Authors: Dietz Simon , Walker Oliver
Published: March 2017

Many insurance contracts are contingent on events such as hurricanes, terrorist attacks, or political upheavals, whose probabilities are ambiguous. This article offers a theory to underpin the large body of empirical evidence showing that higher premiums are charged under ambiguity. We model a (re)insurer that maximizes profit subject to a survival constraint that is sensitive to the range of estimates of the probability of ruin, as well as the insurer's attitude toward this ambiguity. We characterize when one book of insurance is more ambiguous than another and general circumstances in which a more ambiguous book requires at least as large a capital holding. We subsequently derive several explicit formulae for the price of insurance contracts under ambiguity, each of which identifies the extra ambiguity load.
The Costs of Regulations on US Baitfish and Sportfish Producers
Authors: van Senten Jonathan , Engle Carole R.
Published: March 2017

The US regulatory environment has been characterized as complex due to the greater than 1300 laws promulgated at local, state, and federal levels. Recent declines in the growth rate of US aquaculture have been attributed, in part, to a complex, overlapping, and inefficient regulatory framework. This study is the first to examine this question by quantifying the farm‐level regulatory burden and its economic effects in an aquaculture industry sector. A survey was conducted of baitfish and sportfish producers in the 13 major production states in the USA to identify the direct and indirect costs of regulation on producers. Survey responses captured 74% of the national volume of baitfish and sportfish production. The data revealed that only 1% of total regulatory costs are direct costs of regulation, such as license and permit fees, while 99% of the costs are due to manpower used for compliance, farm changes to remain in compliance, and sales lost without replacement. Costs due to regulations varied across states and farm sizes. Across all respondents, average total regulatory costs were found to be $148,554/farm, or $7383/ha. The farm‐level cost to the US baitfish and sportfish industry was estimated to be in excess of $12 million. On 38% of the farms, the cost of regulations exceeded the value of profits on baitfish and sportfish farms. Our findings confirm previous reports of the complexity of the regulatory environment. Results show that the total regulatory burden has increased farm‐level costs and restricted access to markets, thereby reducing profitability and contributing to reduced growth of the US baitfish and sportfish industry.
Impact history of the Apollo 17 landing site revealed by U‐Pb SIMS ages
Authors: Thiessen Fiona , Nemchin Alexander A. , Snape Joshua F. , Whitehouse Martin J. , Bellucci Jeremy J.
Published: March 2017

Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) U‐Pb ages of Ca‐phosphates from four texturally distinct breccia samples (72255, 76055, 76015, 76215) collected at the Apollo 17 landing site were obtained in an attempt to identify whether they represent a single or several impact event(s). The determined ages, combined with inferences from petrologic relationships, may indicate two or possibly three different impact events at 3920 ± 3 Ma, 3922 ± 5 Ma, and 3930 ± 5 Ma (all errors 2σ). Searching for possible sources of the breccias by calculating the continuous ejecta radii of impact basins and large craters as well as their expected ejecta thicknesses, we conclude that Nectaris, Crisium, Serenitatis, and Imbrium are likely candidates. If the previous interpretation that the micropoikilitic breccias collected at the North Massif represent Serenitatis ejecta is correct, then the average 207Pb/206Pb age of 3930 ± 5 Ma (2σ) dates the formation of the Serenitatis basin. The occurrence of zircon in the breccias sampled at the South Massif, which contain Ca‐phosphates yielding an age of 3922 ± 5 Ma (2σ), may indicate that the breccia originated from within the Procellarum KREEP terrane (PKT) and the Imbrium basin appears to be the only basin that could have sourced them. However, this interpretation implies that all basins suggested to fall stratigraphically between Serenitatis and Imbrium formed within a short (<11 Ma) time interval, highlighting serious contradictions between global stratigraphic constraints, sample interpretation, and chronological data. Alternatively, the slightly older age of the two micropoikilitic breccias may be a result of incomplete resetting of the U‐Pb system preserved in some phosphate grains. Based on the currently available data set this possibility cannot be excluded.
Lead and Mg isotopic age constraints on the evolution of the HED parent body
Authors: Schiller Martin , Connelly James N. , Bizzarro Martin
Published: March 2017

The large collection of howardite‐eucrite‐diogenite (HED) meteorites allows us to study the initial magmatic differentiation of a planetesimal. We report Pb‐Pb ages of the unequilibrated North West Africa (NWA) 4215 and Dhofar 700 diogenite meteorites and their mass‐independent 26Mg isotope compositions (26Mg*) to better understand the timing of differentiation and crystallization of their source reservoir(s). NWA 4215 defines a Pb‐Pb age of 4484.5 ± 7.9 Myr and has a 26Mg* excess of +2.3 ± 1.6 ppm whereas Dhofar 700 has a Pb‐Pb age of 4546.4 ± 4.7 Myr and a 26Mg* excess of +25.5 ± 1.9 ppm. We interpret the young age of NWA 4215 as a thermal overprint, but the age of Dhofar 700 is interpreted to represent a primary crystallization age. Combining our new data with published Mg isotope and trace element data suggests that approximately half of the diogenites for which such data are available crystallized within the first 1–2 Myr of our solar system, consistent with a short‐lived, early‐formed magma ocean undergoing convective cooling. The other half of the diogenites, including both NWA 4215 and Dhofar 700, are best explained by their crystallization in slowly cooled isolated magma chambers lasting over at least ~20 Myr.
Contribution of snacks to dietary intakes of young children in the United States
Authors: Shriver Lenka H. , Marriage Barbara J. , Bloch Tama D. , Spees Colleen K. , Ramsay Samantha A. , Watowicz Rosanna P. , Taylor Christopher A.
Published: March 2017

Nutritional quality of children's diets is a public health priority in the fight against childhood obesity and chronic diseases. The main purpose of this study was to determine contribution of snacks to energy and nutrient intakes and to identify leading snack food sources of energy, total fat, and added sugars amongst young children in the United States. Using the 2005–2012 NHANES data, dietary intakes of 2‐ to 5‐year‐old children were analysed from a parent‐reported 24‐hour dietary recall (n = 3,429). Snacking occasions were aggregated to determine the proportion of total food/beverage intake obtained from snacks, estimate energy, and nutrient intakes, and identify the leading snack food sources of energy, added sugars, and total fat. Nearly all children consumed a snack on the reported day (62% morning, 84% afternoon, and 72% evening). Snacks accounted for 28% of total energy intake, 32% of carbohydrates, 39% of added sugars, and 26% of total fat and dietary fiber intakes for the day. Snacking occasions accounted for 46.6% of all beverages consumed on the reported day. Snacks and sweets food category (i.e., cookies and pastries) were the leading sources of energy (44%), total fat (52%), and added sugars (53%) consumed during snacking occasions. Sweetened beverages (e.g., fruit and sport drinks) contributed 1‐quarter of all added sugars obtained from snacks. Snacks contribute considerable amount of energy and nutrients to young children's diets, with a heavy reliance on energy‐dense foods and beverages. Targeted interventions are needed to improve the nutritional quality of snacks consumed by young children.
Direct‐Iterative Hybrid Solution in Nonlinear Dynamic Structural Analysis
Authors: Yang Yuan‐Sen , Wang Weichung , Lin Jia‐Zhang
Published: March 2017

Although many advanced sparse direct solvers are widely used in structural analysis, these often require longer computing times than iterative solvers for well‐conditioned structural systems. However, iterative solvers cannot efficiently solve an ill‐conditioned system when a structure becomes highly nonlinear. This work proposes a hybrid solution integrating a direct solver and an iterative solver to reduce overall computing time in solving a series of linear equations arising from nonlinear dynamic structural analysis. The hybrid solution selects the iterative solver, which reuses the factorized matrices for preconditioning, and switches to the direct solver in the initial stage or when factorized matrices need updating. The performance of the hybrid solution is tested on the OpenSees platform. The results show that the hybrid solution outperforms the direct solver, even when the structure becomes highly nonlinear during analysis.
Vessel collision injuries on live humpback whales,Megaptera novaeangliae, in the southern Gulf of Maine
Authors: Hill Alex N. , Karniski Caitlin , Robbins Jooke , Pitchford Tom , Todd Sean , Asmutis‐Silvia Regina
Published: March 2017

North Atlantic humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Gulf of Maine overlap with both recreational and commercial vessel activity. Vessel strikes are one source of anthropogenic impact that has the potential to inhibit the recovery of this protected species. There are currently no regulations or guidelines specifically devised to reduce the likelihood of collisions for vessels transiting in the vicinity of humpback whales, except for vessels actively engaged in whale watching. To understand interactions between vessels and humpback whales better, we analyzed injuries on 624 individuals photographed in the southern Gulf of Maine from 2004 to 2013. Multiple reviewers evaluated 210,733 photos for five categories of injury consistent with a vessel strike. In total, 14.7% (n= 92) of individuals photographed showed injuries consistent with one or more vessel strikes. These results likely underestimate vessel collision rates and impacts because multiple events, events resulting in mortality, and those that involved only blunt force trauma could not be detected. Nevertheless, our results indicate that vessel strikes are underreported and that healing is dependent on the severity and location of the injury. We recommend that a management strategy be developed for all classes of vessels transiting in the vicinity of whales.
Deep impact: The fiction of a smooth Brexit for Northern Ireland
Authors: Braniff Máire , Whiting Sophie
Published: March 2017

Brexit poses unique and disproportionate challenges to Northern Ireland, and has laid bare the frailties of power‐sharing, argue Máire Braniff and Sophie Whiting. Political leaders, they urge, must come together from across the spectrum and place Northern Ireland before the deeply embedded fault lines of nationalism and unionism.
Species diversity of Protoperidinium sect. Oceanica (Dinophyceae, Peridiniales) in Vietnamese waters, with description of the new species P. larsenii sp. nov.
Authors: Phan‐Tan Luom , Nguyen‐Ngoc Lam , Doan‐Nhu Hai , Raine Robin , Larsen Jacob
Published: March 2017

Protoperidinium is one of the most important genera of armoured marine dinoflagellates. Despite its importance and many previous studies on this genus, the descriptions of many species are incomplete, their diagnostic features not properly described and illustrated and most species have been illustrated, if at all, only by line drawings and not documented by micro‐photography. As here described, examinations of about 600 phytoplankton net samples collected from Viet Nam and adjacent coastal waters over the last decade revealed about 100 species of Protoperidinium, ten of which belong to the section Oceanica and this paper is the first in a series describing all species of Protoperidinium found in Vietnamese waters. The Oceanica species are described and illustrated by light, and for some also by scanning electron, microscopy. The species are: Protoperidinium claudicans, P. depressum, P. depressum var. claudicanoides, P. larsenii sp. nov., P. murrayi, P. oceanicum f. bisintercalares comb. nov., P. oceanicum var. tenellum comb. nov., P. paraoblongum, P. venustum and P. venustum var. facetum. Protoperidinium larsenii L. Phan Tan, L. Nguyen‐Ngoc, and H. Doan‐Nhu is new to science. It was found in the coastal waters of Rach Gia in Kien Giang Province, western part of south Viet Nam (Gulf of Thailand). The new species is characterized by its broad shape, conical epitheca and short, non‐divergent antapical horns; the 1’ plate is asymmetrical, there are 3 anterior intercalary plates, the 2a plate is quadrangular; and the sutures connecting the 6” plate with the 4’ plate and the 7” form an almost straight line. By these features P. larsenii differs from the similar species P. claudicans and P. latidorsale. Protoperidinium oceanicum (Vanh ffen) Balech () f. bisintercalares (Graham) H. Doan‐Nhu, L. Phan‐Tan, L. Nguyen‐Ngoc, and J. Larsen comb. nov. and Protoperidinium oceanicum (Vanh ffen) Balech () var. tenellum (Graham) L. Nguyen‐Ngoc, L. Phan‐Tan, H. Doan‐Nhu and J. Larsen comb. nov. are two new combinations.
Disrupted intrinsic connectivity of the periaqueductal gray in patients with functional dyspepsia: A resting‐state fMRI study
Authors: Liu P. , Wang G. , Liu Y. , Zeng F. , Lin D. , Yang X. , Liang F. , Calhoun V. D. , Qin W.
Published: March 2017

Background

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder. Accumulating evidence suggests the crucial role of central nervous system in the development and maintenance of FD. In particular, periaqueductal gray (PAG) has demonstrated an important role in modulation of pain and emotion, which may be related to FD. However, the study of the PAG in FD is still limited. This study aimed to assess intrinsic connectivity of the PAG in FD patients.

Methods

Resting‐state functional magnetic imaging (fMRI) data were collected from 66 FD patients and 42 healthy controls (HCs). Functional connectivity analysis was performed to investigate the PAG connectivity pattern differences between the patients and HCs. We then examined the relationships between functional connectivity within the PAG networks and FD symptoms.

Key Results

Compared to HCs, patients had increased PAG connectivity with the insula, and decreased PAG connectivity with the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and hippocampus/parahippocampus (HIPP/paraHIPP). There were positive correlations between disease duration and PAG connectivity with the putamen and supplementary motor area (SMA), and positive correlations between symptom severity and PAG connectivity with the insula. FD patients with high level of anxiety and depression had altered PAG connectivity with the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), precuneus, dlPFC and caudate, compared to other patients.

Conclusions & Inferences

These findings indicate that abnormal intrinsic network of the PAG might be associated with abnormality of pain processing and disruption of emotion processing in FD patients. Our study further complements neuroimaging findings about FD.
5‐HT4 receptors facilitate cholinergic neurotransmission throughout the murine gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Pauwelyn V. , Lefebvre R. A.
Published: March 2017

Background

In the gastrointestinal tract of several species, facilitating 5‐HT4 receptors were proposed on myenteric cholinergic neurons innervating smooth muscle by in vitro study of the effect of the selective 5‐HT4 receptor agonist prucalopride on submaximal cholinergic contractions. This was not yet established in the murine gastrointestinal tract.

Methods

In circular smooth muscle strips from murine fundus, jejunum and colon, contractions were induced by electrical field stimulation in the presence of guanethidine, L‐NAME and for colon also MRS 2500. Submaximal contractions were induced to study the influence of prucalopride.

Key Results

Electrical field stimulation at reduced voltage induced reproducible submaximal neurogenic and cholinergic contractions as the contractions were abolished by tetrodotoxin and atropine. Hexamethonium had no systematic inhibitory effect but mecamylamine reduced the responses, suggesting that part of the cholinergic response is due to activation of preganglionic neurons. Prucalopride concentration‐dependently increased the submaximal cholinergic contractions in the three tissue types, reaching maximum from 0.03 μmol/L onwards. The facilitation in the different series with 0.03 μmol/L prucalopride ranged from 41% to 104%, 30% to 76% and 24% to 74% in fundus, jejunum, and colon, respectively. The effect of 0.03 μmol/L prucalopride was concentration‐dependently inhibited by GR 113808.

Conclusions & Inferences

In the murine gastrointestinal tract, activation of 5‐HT4 receptors with prucalopride enhances cholinergic contractions, illustrating facilitation of myenteric cholinergic neurotransmission. The degree of enhancement with prucalopride is of similar magnitude as previously reported in other species, but the effective concentrations are lower than those needed in the gastrointestinal tract of other species.
Conflicting phylogenomic signals reveal a pattern of reticulate evolution in a recent high‐Andean diversification (Asteraceae: Astereae:Diplostephium)
Authors: Vargas Oscar M. , Ortiz Edgardo M. , Simpson Beryl B.
Published: March 2017

High‐throughput sequencing is helping biologists to overcome the difficulties of inferring the phylogenies of recently diverged taxa. The present study analyzes the phylogenetic signal of genomic regions with different inheritance patterns using genome skimming and ddRAD‐seq in a species‐rich Andean genus (Diplostephium) and its allies.

We analyzed the complete nuclear ribosomal cistron, the complete chloroplast genome, a partial mitochondrial genome, and a nuclear‐ddRADmatrix separately with phylogenetic methods. We applied several approaches to understand the causes of incongruence among datasets, including simulations and the detection of introgression using theD‐statistic (ABBA‐BABAtest).

We found significant incongruence among the nuclear, chloroplast, and mitochondrial phylogenies. The strong signal of hybridization found by simulations and theD‐statistic among genera and inside the main clades ofDiplostephiumindicate reticulate evolution as a main cause of phylogenetic incongruence.

Our results add evidence for a major role of reticulate evolution in events of rapid diversification. Hybridization and introgression confound chloroplast and mitochondrial phylogenies in relation to the species tree as a result of the uniparental inheritance of these genomic regions. Practical implications regarding the prevalence of hybridization are discussed in relation to the phylogenetic method.
Overestimation of stereo thresholds by the TNO stereotest is not due to global stereopsis
Authors: Vancleef Kathleen , Read Jenny C. A. , Herbert William , Goodship Nicola , Woodhouse Maeve , Serrano‐Pedraza Ignacio
Published: March 2017

Purpose

It has been repeatedly shown that the TNO stereotest overestimates stereo threshold compared to other clinical stereotests. In the current study, we test whether this overestimation can be attributed to a distinction between ‘global’ (or ‘cyclopean’) and ‘local’ (feature or contour‐based) stereopsis.

Methods

We compared stereo thresholds of a global (TNO) and a local clinical stereotest (Randot Circles). In addition, a global and a local psychophysical stereotest were added to the design. One hundred and forty‐nine children between 4 and 16 years old were included in the study.

Results

Stereo threshold estimates with TNO were a factor of two higher than with any of the other stereotests. No significant differences were found between the other tests. Bland‐Altman analyses also indicated low agreement between TNO and the other stereotests, especially for higher stereo threshold estimates. Simulations indicated that the TNO test protocol and test disparities can account for part of this effect.

Discussion

The results indicate that the global – local distinction is an unlikely explanation for the overestimated thresholds of TNO. Test protocol and disparities are one contributing factor. Potential additional factors include the nature of the task (TNO requires depth discrimination rather than detection) and the use of anaglyph red/green 3D glasses rather than polarizing filters, which may reduce binocular fusion.
Political advisers in Portugal: Partisanship and loyalty in policy processes
Authors: Silva Patrícia
Published: March 2017

This article aims to contribute to the current debate regarding the role of political advisers in Portugal. It does so by empirically analysing appointments to positions within ministers’ private offices, specifying when and why such advice is sought and accepted by ministers. Multivariate analysis is complemented with elite perspectives on the roles of ministerial advisers. Results suggest that parties in government appoint political advisers to ministers’ private offices as a strategy to legitimize policy choices and instruments, by injecting partisanship, responsiveness and loyalty in the policy‐making process. Politicizing these positions is also a valuable asset for politicians given the procedural‐oriented, and the inter‐sector and inter‐service coordination problems within a heavy administrative structure, such as the Portuguese one. The use of this mechanism depends on the capacity of opposition parties to constrain incumbents’ control over such appointments.
Political control of coordination? The roles of ministerial advisers in government coordination in Denmark and Sweden
Authors: Hustedt Thurid , Salomonsen Heidi H.
Published: March 2017

Ministerial advisers are said to strengthen the political control of bureaucracy. Using a comparative case design, this article investigates this claim by studying the roles of ministerial advisers in government coordination in Denmark and Sweden. The article demonstrates how the roles of advisers differ in coordination: Swedish advisers directly control government coordination through hierarchical authority. The roles of advisers and bureaucrats are functionally differentiated in coordination. In contrast, Danish advisers play a more indirect role in coordination. Rather than controlling coordination, they serve to reproduce the functional politicization of the permanent bureaucracy in government coordination. The findings underline the relevance of including advisers in the future study of government coordination. The analysis is based on 48 interviews with advisers and top civil servants in Denmark and Sweden.
The Metacognition Assessment Scale (MAS‐A): Results of a pilot study applying a German translation to individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Authors: Bröcker Anna‐Lena , Bayer Samuel , Stuke Frauke , Giemsa Patrick , Heinz Andreas , Bermpohl Felix , Lysaker Paul H. , Montag Christiane
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Metacognition, the capacity ‘to think about thinking’ and thus to reflect and to master interpersonal problems on a mentalistic basis, is often impaired among patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and has been suggested as a potential treatment target. However, little is known about the reliability of its measurement and links with related phenomena. The aim of this study was to validate a German translation of the Metacognition Assessment Scale (MAS‐A) as a measure to assess metacognition from free narratives of patients’ personally relevant episodes and relationships.

Design and Methods

MAS‐A was applied to narratives of 22 individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders together with self‐ratings and behavioural tests of metacognitive and related functions such as mentalizing and emotional awareness. Multi‐level modelling allowed to calculate inter‐rater reliability (IRR) and inter‐rater agreement (IRA) and to include test results as level‐2 predictors of the aggregated scorings on the MAS‐A subscales in order to explore convergent validity. After considering neurocognition and symptom scores as further predictors, aggregated scorings were correlated with psychosocial functioning.

Results

There were high IRRs and IRAs all over the ratings. None of the related measures accounted for variance in MAS‐A scorings, indicating the existence of separable, non‐overlapping constructs. Verbal memory and positive symptoms were significant predictors for MAS‐A subscales. MAS‐A, but no other measure, displayed significant associations with psychosocial functioning.

Conclusions

MAS‐A is a reliable expert rating to assess metacognition from patients’ free narratives. Considering the link to psychosocial functioning, MAS‐A appears to be a promising tool for the evaluation of metacognition.

Practitioner points

MAS‐A is a reliable tool to evaluate metacognitive function from narratives about emotionally relevant topics and meaningful relationships.

Metacognition appears separate from neighbouring constructs such as mentalizing, ToM, or emotional awareness.

MAS‐A scales are significantly predicted by verbal memory and positive symptoms.

Only MAS‐A scales display significant associations with psychosocial functioning, and it thus is a promising tool to evaluate metacognition in psychotherapy research.
Time‐course expression QTL‐atlas of the global transcriptional response of wheat to Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Samad‐Zamini Mina , Schweiger Wolfgang , Nussbaumer Thomas , Mayer Klaus F.X. , Buerstmayr Hermann
Published: March 2017

Fusarium head blight is a devastating disease of small grain cereals such as bread wheat (Triticum aestivum). The pathogen switches from a biotrophic to a nectrotrophic lifestyle in course of disease development forcing its host to adapt its defence strategies. Using a genetical genomics approach, we illustrate genome‐wide reconfigurations of genetic control over transcript abundances between two decisive time points after inoculation with the causative pathogen Fusarium graminearum. Whole transcriptome measurements have been recorded for 163 lines of a wheat doubled haploid population segregating for several resistance genes yielding 15 552 at 30 h and 15 888 eQTL at 50 h after inoculation. The genetic map saturated with transcript abundance‐derived markers identified of a novel QTL on chromosome 6A, besides the previously reported QTL Fhb1 and Qfhs.ifa‐5A. We find a highly different distribution of eQTL between time points with about 40% of eQTL being unique for the respective assessed time points. But also for more than 20% of genes governed by eQTL at either time point, genetic control changes in time. These changes are reflected in the dynamic compositions of three major regulatory hotspots on chromosomes 2B, 4A and 5A. In particular, control of defence‐related biological mechanisms concentrated in the hotspot at 4A shift to hotspot 2B as the disease progresses. Hotspots do not colocalize with phenotypic QTL, and within their intervals no higher than expected number of eQTL was detected. Thus, resistance conferred by either QTL is mediated by few or single genes.
Association of cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen 4 +49A/G gene polymorphism with acute rejection risk in renal transplantation
Authors: Yang Chun‐Hua , Chen Xue‐Xia , Chen Li , Zheng Dong‐Hua , Liu Qiong‐Shan , Xie Wen‐Feng
Published: March 2017

The conclusions on the association between cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) +49A/G gene polymorphism and acute rejection risk in renal transplantation are still debated. This meta‐analysis was performed to update the association between CTLA4 +49A/G and acute rejection risk in renal transplantation. The association investigations were identified from PubMed and Cochrane Library, and eligible studies were included and synthesized using meta‐analysis method. Fourteen reports were included into this meta‐analysis for the association of CTLA4 A/G gene polymorphism and acute rejection risk in renal transplantation, consisting of 962 acute rejection patients and 2084 non‐acute rejection controls. The association between CTLA4 G allele/GG genotype and acute rejection risk in renal transplantation was found in this meta‐analysis (G allele: OR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.03‐1.44, P=.02; GG genotype: OR=1.37, 95% CI: 1.10‐1.69, P=.004). However, the AA genotype was not associated with acute rejection risk in renal transplantation. In conclusion, CTLA4 G allele/GG genotype is associated with the acute rejection risk in renal transplantation.
Agents of Prosociality: Agency Affirmation Promotes Mutual Prosocial Tendencies and Behavior Among Conflicting Groups
Authors: SimanTov‐Nachlieli Ilanit , Shnabel Nurit , Aydin Anna Lisa , Ullrich Johannes
Published: March 2017

Members of conflicting groups are motivated to restore their ingroup's agency, leading to antisocial tendencies against the outgroup. The present research tested the hypothesis that affirming conflicting groups' agency would increase their members' mutual prosociality. The effectiveness of agency affirmation was demonstrated in three contexts of conflict between groups: Switzerland and the EU following the 2014 referendum (Study 1), Israelis and Palestinians (Study 2), and Israeli rightists and leftists (Study 3). Study 1 found that in a nonconflictual context Swiss participants prioritized their moral (prosocial) over agentic goals, yet in the context of conflict with the EU, they prioritized their agentic over moral goals. This “primacy‐of‐agency” effect, however, was eliminated once their ingroup's agency was affirmed. Studies 2 and 3 demonstrated the positive effect of agency affirmation on prosociality among Israelis referring to Palestinians and Israeli rightists and leftists referring to the adversarial political camp. This effect was mediated by group members' readiness to relinquish some power for the sake of morality. Pointing to the importance of the affirmation's specific content, Studies 2 and 3 demonstrated that morality affirmation failed to increase prosociality. As such, the present research puts forward a promising strategy to reduce hostility and promote prosociality between conflicting groups.