bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creation of gene expression database on preeclampsia-affected human placenta
Authors: Lykhenko Oleksandr , Frolova Alina , Obolenska Maria
Published: January 2017

Publication of gene expression raw data in open access at online resources like NCBI or ArrayExpress made it possible to use these data for cross-experiment integrative analysis and make new insights into biological phenomena. However, most popular of the present online resources are meant to be archives rather than ready for immediate access and interpretation databases. Data uploaded by independent contributors is not standardized and sometimes incomplete and needs further processing before it is ready for the analysis. Hence, the need for a specialized database appears.

Given in this article is the description of the database that was created after processing a collection of 33 relevant datasets on pre-eclampsia-affected human placenta. Data processing includes the choice of relevant experiments from ArrayExpress database, the experiment sample attributes standardization according to MeSH term dictionary and Experimental Factor Ontology and the completion of missing data using information from the corresponding articles and authors.

A database of more than 1000 samples contains sufficient sample-wise metadata for them to be arranged into relevant case-control groups. Metadata includes information on biological specimen, donor’s diagnosis, gestational age, mode of delivery etc. The average size of these groups will be higher than it is in separate experiments. This will reduce experiment bias and enhance statistical accuracy of the subsequent analysis such as search for differentially expressed genes or inferring gene networks. The article concludes with the guidelines for the microarray experiment metadata uploading for future contributors.
A hierarchical Bayesian approach to estimate endosymbiont infection rates
Authors: Marion Zachary H. , Hamm Christopher A.
Published: January 2017

Endosymbionts may play an important role in the evolution of the Insecta. Bacteria such asWolbachia, Cardinium,andRickettsiaare known to manipulate host reproduction to facilitate their own. Indeed, there are many documented cases whereWolbachia(Alphaproteobacteria: Rickettsiaceae) induces one of four manipulative phenotypes (cytoplasmic incompatibility, male killing, feminization, and parthenogenesis). The scale of infection among species has been a major subject of investigation, but quantification has been difficult because various approaches have yielded different estimates. One under-appreciated aspect of this problem arises when multiple—yet independent—samples are taken within a taxon. When independent samples within a taxon are treated as levels of a hierarchy, the problem is greatly simplified because data are partially pooled according to taxon. Here, we present a hierarchical Bayesian approach to estimate infection frequency where multiple independent samples were collected across several taxonomic levels. We apply this model to estimate the rates of infection forWolbachiain the Lepidoptera, and then extend the model to account for phylogenetic non-independence. In addition, we highlight the current knowledge regardingWolbachiaand its effects within Lepidoptera. Our model estimates that the rate of endosymbiont infection for the Lepidoptera is approximately 12%. Given our limited knowledge regarding the phenotypes induced by these endosymbionts and the low infection rate, we urge caution when extrapolating the results of positive assays.
Untangling cortical maps in mouse primary visual cortex
Authors: Jimenez Luis O. , Tring Elaine , Trachtenberg Joshua T. , Ringach Dario L.
Published: January 2017

Local populations of neurons in mouse visual cortex exhibit diverse tuning preferences. We show this seeming disorder can be untangled — the similarity of tuning between pairs of neurons is correlated better with the overlap between their receptive fields in visual space rather than with their distance in the cortex. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that salt-and-pepper maps arise from the lateral dispersion of clonally related neurons.
Density-dependent selection and the limits of relative fitness
Authors: Bertram Jason , Masel Joanna
Published: January 2017

Selection is commonly described by assigning constant relative fitness values to genotypes. Yet population density is often regulated by crowding. Relative fitness may then depend on density, and selection can change density when it acts on a density-regulating trait. When strong density-dependent selection acts on a density-regulating trait, selection is no longer describable by density-independent relative fitnesses, even in demographically stable populations. These conditions are met in most previous models of density-dependent selection (e.g. “K-selection” in the logistic and Lotka-Volterra models), suggesting that density-independent relative fitnesses must be replaced with more ecologically explicit absolute fit-nesses unless selection is weak. Here we show that density-independent relative fitnesses can also accurately describe strong density-dependent selection under some conditions. We develop a novel model of density-regulated population growth with three ecologically intuitive traits: fecundity, mortality, and competitive ability. Our model, unlike the logistic or Lotka-Volterra, incorporates a density-dependent juvenile “reproductive excess”, which largely decouples density-dependent selection from the regulation of density. We find that density-independent relative fitnesses accurately describe strong selection acting on any one trait, even fecundity, which is both density-regulating and subject to density-dependent selection. Pleiotropic interactions between these traits recovers the familiarK-selection behavior. In such cases, or when the population is maintained far from demographic equilibrium, our model offers a possible alternative to relative fitness.
Bayesian divergence-time estimation with genome-wide SNP data of sea catfishes (Ariidae) supports Miocene closure of the Panamanian Isthmus
Authors: Stange Madlen , Sánchez-Villagra Marcelo R. , Salzburger Walter , Matschiner Michael
Published: January 2017

The closure of the Isthmus of Panama has long been considered to be one of the best defined biogeographic calibration points for molecular divergence-time estimation. However, geological and biological evidence has recently cast doubt on the presumed timing of the initial isthmus closure around 3 Ma but has instead suggested the existence of temporary land bridges as early as the Middle or Late Miocene. The biological evidence supporting these earlier land bridges was based either on only few molecular markers or on concatenation of genome-wide sequence data, an approach that is known to result in potentially misleading branch lengths and divergence times, which could compromise the reliability of this evidence. To allow divergence-time estimation with genomic data using the more appropriate multi-species coalescent model, we here develop a new method combining the SNP-based Bayesian species-tree inference of the software SNAPP with a molecular clock model that can be calibrated with fossil or biogeographic constraints. We validate our approach with simulations and use our method to reanalyze genomic data of Neotropical army ants (Dorylinae) that previously supported divergence times of Central and South American populations before the isthmus closure around 3 Ma. Our reanalysis with the multi-species coalescent model shifts all of these divergence times to ages younger than 3 Ma, suggesting that the older estimates supporting the earlier existence of temporary land bridges were artifacts resulting at least partially from the use of concatenation. We then apply our method to a new RAD-sequencing data set of Neotropical sea catfishes (Ariidae) and calibrate their species tree with extensive information from the fossil record. We identify a series of divergences between groups of Caribbean and Pacific sea catfishes around 10 Ma, indicating that processes related to the emergence of the isthmus led to vicariant speciation already in the Late Miocene, millions of years before the final isthmus closure.
Synthetic OCP Heterodimers are Photoactive and Recapitulate the Fusion of Two Primitive Carotenoproteins in the Evolution of Cyanobacterial Photoprotection
Authors: Lechno-Yossef Sigal , Melnicki Matthew R. , Bao Han , Montgomery Beronda L. , Kerfeld Cheryl A.
Published: January 2017

The Orange Carotenoid Protein (OCP) governs photoprotection in the majority of cyanobacteria. It is structurally and functionally modular, comprised of a C-terminal regulatory domain (CTD), an N-terminal effector domain (NTD) and a ketocarotenoid; the chromophore spans the two domains in the ground state and translocates fully into the NTD upon illumination. Using both the canonical OCP1 and the presumably more primitive OCP2 fromFremyella diplosiphon, we show that an NTD-CTD heterodimer forms when the domains are expressed as separate polypeptides. The carotenoid is required for the heterodimeric association, assembling an orange complex which is stable in the dark. Both OCP1 and OCP2 heterodimers are photoactive, undergoing light-driven heterodimer dissociation, but differ in their ability to reassociate in darkness, setting the stage for bioengineering photoprotection in cyanobacteria as well as for developing new photoswitches for biotechnology. Additionally, we reveal that homodimeric CTD can bind carotenoid in the absence of NTD, and name this truncated variant the C-terminal domain-like Carotenoid Protein (CCP). This finding supports the hypothesis that the OCP evolved from an ancient fusion event between genes for two different carotenoid-binding proteins ancestral to the NTD and CTD. We suggest that the CCP and its homologs constitute a new family of carotenoproteins within the NTF2-like superfamily found across all kingdoms of life.
Probabilistic load flow computation using saddle-point approximation
Authors: Tourandaz Kenari Meghdad , Sepasian Mohammad Sadegh , Setayesh Nazar Mehrdad
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new cumulant-based method, based on the properties of saddle-point approximation (SPA), to solve the probabilistic load flow (PLF) problem for distribution networks with wind generation.

Design/methodology/approach

This technique combines cumulant properties with the SPA to improve the analytical approach of PLF calculation. The proposed approach takes into account the load demand and wind generation uncertainties in distribution networks, where a suitable probabilistic model of wind turbine (WT) is used.

Findings

The proposed procedure is applied to IEEE 33-bus distribution test system, and the results are discussed. The output variables, with and without WT connection, are presented for normal and gamma random variables (RVs). The case studies demonstrate that the proposed method gives accurate results with relatively low computational burden even for non-Gaussian probability density functions.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is the use of SPA for the reconstruction of probability density function or cumulative distribution function in the PLF problem. To confirm the validity of the method, results are compared with Monte Carlo simulation and Gram–Charlier expansion results. From the viewpoint of accuracy and computational cost, SPA almost surpasses other approximations for obtaining the cumulative distribution function of the output RVs.
Outage and BER analysis of dual-carrier modulation over frequency-selective Nakagami-m fading channels
Authors: Kondoju Sai Krishna , Mani V.V.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to the increasing need for high-speed low-power data transmissions over frequency-selective fading channels has drawn attention to suggest dual-carrier modulation (DCM) for multiband orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) transceivers for ultra wideband (UWB) wireless personal area network (WPAN).

Design/methodology/approach

Under frequency-selective fading channel conditions, the decoder is not sufficient enough to decode the transmission bits of severely attenuated data tones. Hence, the authors suggest DCM for a multiband OFDM transceiver because of its multiple capability of providing both frequency diversity and coding gain. It also resulted in low bit-error-rate (BER) at a given signal- to-noise ratio when compared to conventional multiband OFDM system. To achieve an optimised BER, DCM transforms four re-ordered bits into two quaternary phase shift keying symbols and further transforms to two 16-quadrature amplitude modulation-like (16-QAM) symbols with a suitable mapping technique, and at the receiver end, they are decoded with maximum likelihood decision rule. After performing the transformation, the outage probability and average BER expressions are derived to analyse the system performance.

Findings

DCM is suitable for high data rate transmission and is immune to frequency-selective fading. The outage and BER performance outstands over conventional multiband OFDM transceiver because of the inclusion of DCM mapping.

Practical implications

It is widely used in WPANs such as high definition multimedia interface and wireless universal serial bus.

Originality/value

This paper derives novel closed-form outage probability and a tight upper bound on average BER expressions for DCM-based multiband OFDM UWB transceiver over frequency-selective Nakagami-m fading channels for any arbitrary value of m. For this, moment-generating function of sum of squared, independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) Nakagami-m random variables are used. Further, the system performance is also validated for the case of exponential decaying power delay profile, and the simulation results are provided to check the accuracy of the derived expressions.
Filter design at the output of the inverter in PMSM drives
Authors: Zhang Guangming , Liu Xiaojun , Mei Lei , Ouyang Huimin , Deng Xin
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a simple low-pass filter to suppress torque pulsation and current harmonics in permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drives.

Design/methodology/approach

For the control of the PMSM, a field-oriented control algorithm is always used. The proposed filter is actually a resistance, inductance, capacitance (RLC) filter. At the output of the inverter and the input of PMSM, an RLC filter is connected. This filter suppresses current harmonics through filtering phase voltage harmonics. Analysis of the filter is achieved through frequency characteristics analysis.

Findings

This filter can effectively filter out the harmonic of phase voltage. Both the simulation and experiment results show that the proposed filter can effectively suppress torque pulsation and current harmonics in PMSM drives. Also, the method of selecting filter parameters and the whole control system are very simple.

Research limitations implications

The filter increases the design cost of the system.

Practical implications

The harmonics and torque ripple of phase current are greatly suppressed. Also, the loss of the PMSM reduced.

Originality/value

The method of selecting filter parameters and the analysis of the proposed filter are proposed for the first time.
Analysis of feedback predictive encoder based ADCs
Authors: Scanlan Anthony , O’Hare Daniel , Halton Mark , O’Brien Vincent , Mullane Brendan , Thompson Eric
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present analysis of the feedback predictive encoder-based analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

Design/methodology/approach

The use of feedback predictive encoder-based ADCs presents an alternative to the traditional two-stage pipeline ADC by replacing the input estimate producing first stage of the pipeline with a predictive loop that also produces an estimate of the input signal.

Findings

The overload condition for feedback predictive encoder ADCs is dependent on input signal amplitude and frequency, system gain and filter order. The limitation on the practical usable filter order is set by limit cycle oscillation. A boundary condition is defined for determination of maximum usable filter order. In a practical implementation of the predictive encoder ADC, the time allocated to the key functions of the gain stage and loop quantizer leads to optimization of the power consumption.

Practical implications

A practical switched capacitor implementation of the predictive encoder-based ADC is proposed. The power consumption of key circuit blocks is investigated.

Originality/value

This paper presents a methodology to optimize the bandwidth of predictive encoder ADCs. The overload and stability conditions may be used to determine the maximum input signal bandwidth for a given loop quantizer. Optimization of power consumption based on the allocation of time between the gain stage and the successive approximation register ADC operation is investigated. The lower bound of power consumption for this architecture is estimated.
X‐ray Powder Diffraction for Characterization of Raw Materials in Banknotes
Authors: Marabello Domenica , Benzi Paola , Lombardozzi Antonietta , Strano Morela
Published: January 2017

We report about the X‐ray powder diffraction characterization of crystalline materials used to produce genuine and counterfeit banknotes, performed with a single‐crystal diffractometer that permits fast and nondestructive measurements in different 0.5‐mm sized areas; 20‐euro denomination genuine banknotes were analyzed, and results were compared with counterfeit banknotes. The analysis shows that the papers used to print real banknotes are composed, as expected, of cotton‐based cellulose and titanium dioxide as crystalline additive, but different polymorphs of TiO2 for different emission countries are evidenced. The counterfeit banknotes are composed of cellulose based on wood pulp; moreover, an unexpected significant quantity of TiO2 was found to be mixed with calcite, indicating that the paper employed by forgers is not simply a common low‐cost type. The crystalline index and intensity ratios between the peaks attributable to cellulose and fillers can provide additional information to trace back paper suppliers for forensic purposes.
Effects of Cremation on Fetal Bones
Authors: Zana Michela , Magli Francesca , Mazzucchi Alessandra , Castoldi Elisa , Gibelli Daniele , Caccia Giulia , Cornacchia Francesca , Gaudio Daniel A. , Mattia Mirko , Cattaneo Cristina
Published: January 2017

The charring process is a weak point of anthropological analysis as it changes bone morphology and reduces information obtainable, specially in fetuses. This experiment aims at verifying the conservation of fetal bones after cremation. A total of 3138 fetuses of unknown sex and age were used, deriving from legal and therapeutic abortions from different hospitals of Milan. Cremations took place in modern crematoria. Nine cremation events were analyzed, each ranging from 57 to 915 simultaneously cremated fetuses. During the cremations, 4356 skeletal remains were recovered, 3756 of which (86.2%) were morphologically distinguishable. All types of fetal skeletal elements were found, with the exception of some cranial bones. Only 3.4% of individuals could be detected after the cremation process, because of the prevalence of abortions under 12 lunar weeks. All fire alterations were observed and the results were statistically analyzed. This pilot study confirmed the possibility of preservation of fetal skeletal elements after cremation.
The abundance and diversity of Odonata along an altitudinal gradient in East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Leksono Amin Setyo , Feriwibisono Bambang , Arifianto Teguh , Pratama Ahmad Febri
Published: January 2017

Odonate diversity in East Java was surveyed, and samplings were made during 2 years in ten sites along an altitudinal gradient. The characteristics of odonate assemblages in East Java were analyzed regarding of the number of individuals, the number of species, and Shannon's diversity index. The differences in abundance, species richness, and diversity between study sites were analyzed by an independent t‐test. There were 3270 individuals of Odonata belong to 30 species, 7 families and 2 suborders identified from all study sites. The abundance, species richness and diversity of Odonata varied between study sites. The greatest abundance of Odonata was found in Malang Coban Talun (MCT) (148.8 ± 9.5), while the lowest was in South Beach Forest (SBF) (14.4 ± 3.6). The highest species richness and diversity was found in Malang Paddy Field (MPF) (richness =14.4 ± 0.8 and H′ = 2.4 ± 0.1), while the lowest was found in South Coastal Area (SCA) (richness =2.8 ± 0.1 and H′ = 0.4 ± 0.1). A significant positive correlation was detected between the elevation and overall odonate abundance (P < 0.05), while there was not significant correlation between that and odonate species richness and diversity.
A systematic review of cognitive effects of exercise in depression
Authors: Brondino N. , Rocchetti M. , Fusar‐Poli L. , Codrons E. , Correale L. , Vandoni M. , Barbui C. , Politi P.
Published: January 2017

Objective

The aim of the present systematic review and meta‐analysis was to evaluate the impact of physical exercise on cognitive symptoms in depressed adult patients.

Methods

Systematic literature search was performed in Web of Science™ and CINAHL from inception to August 2016. Two reviewers independently selected randomized trials evaluating the effect of exercise on cognitive functions in patients with a validated diagnosis of depression. Outcome measures included global cognition and different cognitive domains (speed of processing, attention/vigilance, working memory, verbal and visual memory, and reasoning).

Results

Eight trials met inclusion criteria (637 patients). A fixed‐effects model showed absence of beneficial effect on global cognition (Hedges’ g = 0.07, 95% CI −0.08 to 0.24, I2 = 0%) as well as on specific cognitive domains. Sensitivity analyses did not show an impact of exercise in studies with shorter intervention duration compared to longer trials (between group heterogeneity Q = 3.564, df = 1, P = 0.059), single session per week compared to multiple sessions (Q = 2.691, df = 1, P = 0.101) and low exercise intensity compared with moderate/high intensity (Q = 2.952, df = 1, P = 0.086).

Conclusion

Our meta‐analysis did not observe a substantial benefit of physical exercise on cognitive symptoms in depression.
Precision medicine in allergic disease—food allergy, drug allergy, and anaphylaxis—PRACTALL document of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Authors: Muraro A. , Lemanske R. F. , Castells M. , Torres M. J. , Khan D. , Simon H.‐U. , Bindslev‐Jensen C. , Burks W. , Poulsen L. K. , Sampson H. A. , Worm M. , Nadeau K. C.
Published: January 2017

This consensus document summarizes the current knowledge on the potential for precision medicine in food allergy, drug allergy, and anaphylaxis under the auspices of the PRACTALL collaboration platform. PRACTALL is a joint effort of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, which aims to synchronize the European and American approaches to allergy care. Precision medicine is an emerging approach for disease treatment based on disease endotypes, which are phenotypic subclasses associated with specific mechanisms underlying the disease. Although significant progress has been made in defining endotypes for asthma, definitions of endotypes for food and drug allergy or for anaphylaxis lag behind. Progress has been made in discovery of biomarkers to guide a precision medicine approach to treatment of food and drug allergy, but further validation and quantification of these biomarkers are needed to allow their translation into practice in the clinical management of allergic disease.
The Great War of Enclosure: Securing the Skies
Authors: Shaw Ian G.R.
Published: January 2017

Swarms of police drones, fleets of overhead delivery bots, and flocks of private security drones are set to multiply the complex interfaces between state, capital, and sense. This paper explores the military and economic enclosure of the atmosphere by drones. For centuries, capitalist enclosure has privatized and secured common spaces: territorializing new power relations into the soil. Enclosure now operates through an increasingly atmospheric spatiality. The birth of airpower enabled new vertical regimes of state power, capital accumulation, and violence. Now, drones are materializing both intimate and pervasive colonizations of local, national, and international airspace. Crucially, this discloses new morphologies and ontologies of urban (in)security, in which an atmospheric state polices deterritorialized aerial circulations. Such a reenchanted atmosphere collapses the geopolitical and geoeconomic in uncertain robotic orbits. This paper, which connects past and present, is driven by a deeper concern for the existential dimensions of dronified skyscapes, subjects, and violence.
Eosinophilia – associated basal plasmacytosis: an early and sensitive histologic feature of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Canavese Gabriella , Villanacci Vincenzo , Antonelli Elisabetta , Cadei Moris , Sapino Anna , Rocca Rodolfo , Daperno Marco , Suriani Renzo , Di santo Maria Giulia , Cassoni Paola , Bernardini Nunzia , Bassotti Gabrio
Published: January 2017

Basal plasmacytosis is an early‐onset and highly predictive feature of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but may have several restrictions in routine histology. Considering evidences about cooperation between eosinophils and plasma cells in IBD pathogenesis, we investigated immunostain of these two cells as a marker of disease. 343 samplings from 83 patients (52 IBD, 31 non‐IBD colitis) were evaluated. The sections were stained with monoclonal antibodies against plasma cells (CD138 and MUM1), and eosinophils (CD193). Eosinophilia‐associated basal plasmacytosis (EBP) was related with the histologic diagnosis of IBD (90.3% IBD and 35.4% non‐IBD colitides, p < 0.005, sensitivity 90.4%). A strong relation was detected between the occurrence of EBP and (i) the achieving of a complete endoscopic mapping; (ii) the presence of other characteristic lesions of IBD in single segmental sampling, although EBP was evident in more than 40% of samples without other IBD‐related lesions. EBP is a sensitive histologic feature of IBD, especially at the first endoscopic sampling, even in the absence of the other characteristic histologic lesions, and may help in formulating a more precise diagnosis in this setting.
EphB3 protein is associated with histological grade and FIGO stage in ovarian serous carcinomas
Authors: Gao Weiwei , Zhang Qin , Wang Yan , Wang Jiandong , Zhang Shu
Published: January 2017

Eph (Erythropoietin‐producing human hepatocellular carcinoma cell) is the largest subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases. Eph receptors and their ephrin ligands are involved in embryonic development and physiological processes. Aberrant expression of Eph/ephrin may contribute to a variety of diseases including cancer. EphB3 is a member of Eph receptors and has been found to play roles in carcinogenesis of some types of human cancer. But, its expression and clinical significance in ovarian serous carcinoma have not been well investigated and are unknown. In this study, a set of ovarian tissues including normal fallopian tube, serous borderline tumor, and serous carcinoma were subjected to immunohistochemistry using a specific polyclonal antibody for EphB3. The relationship between EphB3 expression and clinicopathological parameters was statistically analyzed. EphB3 was strongly expressed in all fallopian tube specimens (19/19, 100%). EphB3 was negatively or weekly expressed in 1 of 17 (5.8%) in borderline tumors and 26 of 50 (52.0%) in serous carcinomas, moderately expressed in 7 of 17 (41.2%) in borderline tumors and 14 of 50 (28%) in serous carcinomas, and strongly expressed in 9 17 (52.9%) in borderline tumors and 10 of 50 (20%) in serous carcinomas. EphB3 expression is significantly reduced in serous carcinomas compared with normal fallopian tubes and borderline tumors (p < 0.001). EphB3 expression is negatively associated with histological grade (p < 0.001, rs = −0.613) and FIGO stage (p = 0.001, rs = −0.464) of serous carcinomas. Our results show EphB3 protein lost in ovarian serous carcinoma and is associated with tumor grade and FIGO stage, which indicate EphB3 protein may play a role in carcinogenesis of ovarian serous carcinoma and may be used as a molecular marker for prognosis.
Experimental patch testing with chromium‐coated materials
Authors: Bregnbak David , Thyssen Jacob P. , Jellesen Morten S. , Zachariae Claus , Johansen Jeanne D.
Published: January 2017

Background

Chromium coatings on metal alloys can be decorative, and prevent corrosion and metal ion release. We recently showed that handling of a chromium‐containing disc resulted in chromium deposition on the skin.

Objectives

To examine patch test reactivity to chromium‐coated discs.

Methods

We included 15 patients: 10 chromium‐allergic patients, and 5 patients without chromium allergy. All were patch tested with potassium dichromate, cobalt chloride, nickel sulfate, and nine different metallic discs. The chromium‐allergic patients were also patch tested with serial dilutions of potassium dichromate.

Results

Positive/weaker reactions were observed to disc B (1 of 10), disc C (1 of 10), and disc D, disc E, and disc I (4 of 10 each). As no controls reacted to any of the discs, the weak reactions indicate allergic reactions. Positive patch test reactions to 1770 ppm chromium(VI) in the serial dilutions of potassium dichromate were observed in 7 of 10 patients. When the case group was narrowed down to include only the patients with a current positive patch test reaction to potassium dichromate, elicitation of dermatitis by both chromium(III) and chromium(VI) discs was observed in 4 of 7 of patients.

Conclusions

Many of the patients reacted to both chromium(III) and chromium(VI) surfaces. Our results indicate that both chromium(VI) and chromium(III) pose a risk to chromium‐allergic patients.
Current Status of Companion and Complementary Diagnostics: Strategic Considerations for Development and Launch
Authors: Scheerens H , Malong A , Bassett K , Boyd Z , Gupta V , Harris J , Mesick C , Simnett S , Stevens H , Gilbert H , Risser P , Kalamegham R , Jordan J , Engel J , Chen S , Essioux L , Williams JA
Published: January 2017

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved diagnostic assays play an increasingly common role in managing patients to prolong lifespan while also enhancing quality of life. Diagnostic assays can be essential for the safe and effective use of therapeutics (companion diagnostic), or may inform on improving the benefit/risk ratio without restricting drug access (complementary diagnostic). This tutorial reviews strategic considerations for drug and assay development resulting in FDA‐approved companion or complementary diagnostic status.
International Demand For Spanish University Education: an analysis in the context of the European Higher Education Area
Authors: Rincón Virginia , Barrutia Jon
Published: January 2017

In the current context of globalisation it seems inevitable that the international openness of universities would also lead to efforts to attract foreign students. In the case of Spain, this is more necessary, insofar as the drop in population, the existence of other quality educational offerings, and the greater number of public and private universities have made students a target to compete for. Cutbacks in public funds have accentuated this trend. This article analyses the international demand at Spanish universities in order to determine whether there are significant differences because of the level of local competition faced by universities and public or private ownership. The Herfindhal index and analysis of variance are used to this end. Using data from the Statistics on University Students for the 2005‐2006 and 2011‐2012 academic years, we found that the creation of the European Higher Education Area partially affected international demand at Spanish universities. The overall international attractiveness of the Spanish university system improved considerably and universities have assumed an international view, regardless of the competition in their respective areas. Therefore, local competition is no longer a decisive factor to explain the international demand. In contrast, although public or private ownership does not determine the international attractiveness of universities, it does serve to explain their type of international demand.
Validation of automated latex von Willebrand factor activity assay in a new prospective study including post‐treatment patient samples
Authors: Ettel M. , Nardi M. A. , McVoy L.
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most prevalent inherited bleeding disorder. Diagnosis requires measurement of VWF–platelet binding function, for which VWF ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo) is the reference method. Recently, an automated latex particle‐enhanced immunoturbidimetric von Willebrand factor activity assay (VWF:Ab) has been validated showing superior characteristics. We further validate VWF:Ab in a prospective study including post‐treatment patient samples.

Methods

A total of 1151 samples were collected from patients tested for VWD, including 119 samples from patients treated with desmopressin or VWF replacement product. All samples were tested for VWF:Ab and VWF:RCo, and the methods were compared using linear regression. Imprecision, linearity and lower detection limit were determined for both assays.

Results

VWF:Ab showed improved precision compared to VWF:RCo. Linear regression of VWF:Ab and VWF:RCo across all samples exhibited good agreement (R2 = 0.89) with statistical significance (P < 0.001) and bias of −8.7. Concordance was high in classifying samples as normal or abnormal. Analysis of treated samples showed excellent agreement (R2 = 0.91) with statistical significance (P < 0.001) and bias of −4.3.

Conclusions

Our analysis validates the VWF:Ab assay in a prospective study of a large cohort of patient samples and extends these results to post‐treatment patient samples.
Support workers in community mental health teams for older people: roles, boundaries, supervision and training
Authors: Wilberforce Mark , Abendstern Michele , Tucker Sue , Ahmed Saima , Jasper Rowan , Challis David
Published: January 2017

Aims

The aim of this study was to explore the support worker functions in community mental health teams for older adults in relation to roles, boundaries, supervision and training.

Background

Support workers in community mental health teams provide important help to older people with complex mental and physical health needs in their own homes. Their numbers have grown substantially in recent years, but without professional registration there is concern that boundaries with qualified practitioners are insufficiently clear and that they do not receive the support they require.

Design

Qualitative research using interview data and thematic framework analysis investigated support workers’ and registered practitioners’ perspectives on roles, boundaries, supervision and training.

Methods

Semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews were undertaken in 2011, with 42 members of nine teams spread across England, including support workers and community mental health nurses. Coding of transcribed audio‐recordings and subsequent analysis was undertaken by four researchers.

Results

Support workers undertook diverse roles and had considerable autonomy over their duties. Participants agreed about what tasks support workers should not undertake, yet there was evidence of ‘negotiated’ boundaries and examples of these being breached. Lines of authority were complex, yet support workers were supported through open communication with the wider team. Training was problematic, with few courses tailored for support workers and efforts towards formal qualification hindered by low pay and time pressures.

Conclusion

Local and national attention is needed to prevent ‘drift’ into activities that both support workers and registered practitioners consider outside their remit. Barriers to training and further qualification need to be addressed.
Pattern of novel object exploration in cynomolgus monkey Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Zou Hong , Liu Ming , Luan Yi , Xie Qinglian , Cheng Zhiheng , Zhao Guoping , Jin Meilei , Guo Ning , Jin Gang Jason , Yu Lei
Published: January 2017

Background

Primates exhibit substantial capacity for behavioral innovation, expanding the diversity of their behavioral repertoires, and benefiting both individual survival and species development in evolution. Novel object exploration is an integral part of behavioral innovation. Thus, qualitative and quantitative analysis of novel object exploration helps to better understand behavioral innovation.

Methods

To study the pattern of novel object exploration, two different sized balls were sequentially introduced to singly caged cynomolgus monkeys. Two aspects of monkeys’ behaviors were analyzed: the types of motor activities in toy playing and whether there is an orderly sequence of such motor activities during novelty exploration.

Results

Four types of behavioral activities (oral contact, gross and fine forelimb motor, and hind limb motor) followed a pattern: first forelimb gross motor and oral contact, followed by forelimb fine motor and hind limb activities. Oral contact appeared to be an important behavior in monkeys’ repertoire of novelty exploratory behaviors, both as an early appearing activity, and showing a consistent pattern of high cumulative time for two different novel objects.

Conclusions

These results provide a profile of novel object exploratory behaviors in cynomolgus monkeys, contributing to a better understanding of this aspect of behavioral innovation.
The Flash Crash: High‐Frequency Trading in an Electronic Market
Authors: KIRILENKO ANDREI , KYLE ALBERT S. , SAMADI MEHRDAD , TUZUN TUGKAN
Published: January 2017

We study intraday market intermediation in an electronic market before and during a period of large and temporary selling pressure. On May 6, 2010, U.S. financial markets experienced a systemic intraday event—the Flash Crash—where a large automated selling program was rapidly executed in the E‐mini S&P 500 stock index futures market. Using audit trail transaction‐level data for the E‐mini on May 6 and the previous three days, we find that the trading pattern of the most active nondesignated intraday intermediaries (classified as High‐Frequency Traders) did not change when prices fell during the Flash Crash.
Impact of salivary enzyme activity on the oral perception of starch containing foods
Authors: Bridges John , Smythe John , Reddrick Raven
Published: January 2017

It has long been held that product developers should not rely solely on instrumental measures of texture. This study examined the widely accepted effects of salivary α amylase on mouth thinning during oral processing. To understand this phenomenon, 13 descriptive panelists were trained to manipulate starch thickened semisolid foods and note when changes in the perceived thickness occurred. The panelists were subsequently grouped based on their reports of how quickly these foods broke down in their oral cavity. The accepted effect of salivary α amylase was then analyzed and found to be consistent across the starch thickened foods examined but different among the panelists. Thus it became clear that starch containing foods with long residence times in the mouth can be perceived differently among people based on their amylase activity, making descriptive profiling difficult to calibrate. This study suggests that classic sensory techniques could also have limitations when considering the oral processing of starchy foods, especially those with long residence times in the oral cavity. Panelists' individual salivary amylase activity was not measured in this study.

Practical applications

Food texture is an important sensory attribute that affects consumers' acceptance of products. Semisolid foods such as puddings and yogurts are expected to thin as the food is manipulated in the mouth. By the same token, starch systems in chewy candies can also be impacted over long periods of mastication. Understanding the impact of salivary amylase on how quickly these foods breakdown is important to developing foods that will be acceptable to consumers. Developers with an understanding of the effects salivary amylase has on various starches can lead them to design products that perform more consistently across individuals with different activity levels of salivary α amylase.
Defining the end‐point of mastication: A conceptual model
Authors: Gray‐Stuart Eli M. , Jones Jim R. , Bronlund John E.
Published: January 2017

The great risks of swallowing are choking and aspiration of food into the lungs. Both are rare in normal functioning humans, which is remarkable given the diversity of foods and the estimated 10 million swallows performed in a lifetime. Nevertheless, it remains a major challenge to define the food properties that are necessary to ensure a safe swallow. Here, the mouth is viewed as a well‐controlled processor where mechanical sensory assessment occurs throughout the occlusion‐circulation cycle of mastication. Swallowing is a subsequent action. It is proposed here that, during mastication, temporal maps of interfacial property data are generated, which the central nervous system compares against a series of criteria in order to be sure that the bolus is safe to swallow. To determine these criteria, an engineering hazard analysis tool, alongside an understanding of fluid and particle mechanics, is used to deduce the mechanisms by which food may deposit or become stranded during swallowing. These mechanisms define the food properties that must be avoided. By inverting the thinking, from hazards to ensuring safety, six criteria arise which are necessary for a safe‐to‐swallow bolus. A new conceptual model is proposed to define when food is safe to swallow during mastication. This significantly advances earlier mouth models.

Practical applications

The conceptual model proposed in this work provides a framework of decision‐making to define when food is safe to swallow. This will be of interest to designers of dietary foods, foods for dysphagia sufferers and will aid the further development of mastication robots for preparation of artificial boluses for digestion research. It enables food designers to influence the swallow‐point properties of their products. For example, a product may be designed to satisfy five of the criteria for a safe‐to‐swallow bolus, which means the sixth criterion and its attendant food properties define the swallow‐point. Alongside other organoleptic factors, these properties define the end‐point texture and enduring sensory perception of the food.
Ultraviolet Radiation‐Induced Downregulation of SERCA2 Mediates Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ahmad Israr , Muneer Kashiff M. , Chang Michelle E. , Nasr Hana M. , Clay Jacqueline M. , Huang Conway C. , Yusuf Nabiha
Published: January 2017

Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) account for majority of skin malignancies in the United States. The incidence of BCCs is strongly associated with exposure of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Nucleotide‐binding domain, leucine‐rich‐repeat‐containing family, pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays an important role in innate immune responses. Different stimuli such as toxins, microorganisms and particles released from injured cells activate the NLRP3 inflammasome. Activated NLRP3 results in activation of caspase‐1, which cleaves pro‐IL‐1β to active IL‐1β. In this study, we have shown that NLRP3 is expressed in human basal cell carcinomas. The proximal steps in activation of NLRP3 inflammasome are not well understood. Here, we have attempted to elucidate a critical role for Ca2+ mobilization in activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by UVB exposure using HaCaT keratinocytes. We have demonstrated that UVB exposure blocks Ca2+ mobilization by downregulating the expression of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase (SERCA2), a component of store‐operated Ca2+ entry that leads to activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.
Assessment of viable conidia of Monilinia fructicola in flower and stone fruit combining propidium monoazide (PMA) and qPCR
Authors: Vilanova L. , Usall J. , Teixidó N. , Torres R.
Published: January 2017

Brown rot is the most economically important fungal disease of stone fruits and is primarily caused by Monilinia laxa and M. fructicola. Conventional methods used to identify M. fructicola are mainly based on phenotypic characteristics and pathogen quantification is not always accurate. In contrast, methodologies based on molecular tools improve pathogen characterization and identification but are not able to differentiate between live and dead conidia. In this study the PMA‐qPCR methodology was optimized, validated and applied to quantify viable cells of M. fructicola in artificially and naturally infected samples. qPCR methodology showed good primer efficiency and sensitivity with quantification limits lower than obtained using a plate count method. The conditions of propidium monoazide (PMA) pretreatment were 60 μm PMA for 20 min incubation and 30 min of light‐emitting diode (LED) exposure that, combined with qPCR, measured live cells accurately without overestimation of dead cells. Using this methodology in naturally infected samples, M. fructicola live cells were quantified specifically, in contrast to other traditional methodologies that cannot distinguish among Monilinia spp. The developed methodology based on combined PMA‐qPCR will be a new tool to quantify viable M. fructicola in further epidemiological and ecological studies of this fungus.
Effect of systemic insulin treatment on diabetic wound healing
Authors: Vatankhah Nasibeh , Jahangiri Younes , Landry Gregory J. , Moneta Gregory L. , Azarbal Amir F.
Published: January 2017

This study investigates if different diabetic treatment regimens affect diabetic foot ulcer healing. From January 2013 to December 2014, 107 diabetic foot ulcers in 85 patients were followed until wound healing, amputation or development of a nonhealing ulcer at the last follow‐up visit. Demographic data, diabetic treatment regimens, presence of peripheral vascular disease, wound characteristics, and outcome were collected. Nonhealing wound was defined as major or minor amputation or those who did not have complete healing until the last observation. Median age was 60.0 years (range: 31.1–90.1 years) and 58 cases (68.2%) were males. Twenty‐four cases reached a complete healing (healing rate: 22.4%). The median follow‐up period in subjects with classified as having chronic wounds was 6.0 months (range: 0.7–21.8 months). Insulin treatment was a part of diabetes management in 52 (61.2%) cases. Insulin therapy significantly increased the wound healing rate (30.3% [20/66 ulcers] vs. 9.8% [4/41 ulcers]) (p = 0.013). In multivariate random‐effect logistic regression model, adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, type of diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, peripheral arterial disease, oral hypoglycemic use, wound infection, involved side, presence of Charcot's deformity, gangrene, osteomyelitis on x‐ray, and serum hemoglobin A1C levels, insulin treatment was associated with a higher chance of complete healing (beta ± SE: 15.2 ± 6.1, p = 0.013). Systemic insulin treatment can improve wound healing in diabetic ulcers after adjusting for multiple confounding covariates.