bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A year in the life of a thrombolite: comparative metatranscriptomics reveals dynamic metabolic changes over diel and seasonal cycles
Authors: Louyakis Artemis S. , Gourlé Hadrien , Casaburi Giorgio , Bonjawo Rachelle M. E. , Duscher Alexandrea A. , Foster Jamie S.
Published: December 2017

Microbialites are one of the oldest known ecosystems on Earth and the coordinated metabolisms and activities of these mineral‐depositing communities have had a profound impact on the habitability of the planet. Despite efforts to understand the diversity and metabolic potential of these systems, there has not been a systematic molecular analysis of the transcriptional changes that occur within a living microbialite over time. In this study, we generated metatranscriptomic libraries from actively growing thrombolites, a type of microbialite, throughout diel and seasonal cycles and observed dynamic shifts in the population and metabolic transcriptional activity. The most transcribed genes in all seasons were associated with photosynthesis, but only transcripts associated with photosystem II exhibited diel cycling. Photosystem I transcripts were constitutively expressed at all time points including midnight and sunrise. Transcripts associated with nitrogen fixation, methanogenesis and dissimilatory sulfate reduction exhibited diel cycling, and variability between seasons. Networking analysis of the metatranscriptomes showed correlated expression patterns helping to elucidate how metabolic interactions are coordinated within the thrombolite community. These findings have identified distinctive temporal patterns within the thrombolites and will serve an important foundation to understand the mechanisms by which these communities form and respond to changes in their environment.
Rheological behaviour, sensory properties and syneresis of probiotic yoghurt supplemented with various prebiotics
Authors: Heydari Somayeh , Amiri‐Rigi Atefeh , Ehsani Mohammad Reza , Mohammadifar Mohammad Amin , Khorshidian Nasim , Koushki Mohammad Reza , Mortazavian Amir Mohammad
Published: December 2017

The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of addition of six different prebiotic compounds (inulin, lactulose, lactitol, Hi‐maize, maltodextrin and β‐glucan) on syneresis, sensory attributes and rheological characteristics (elastic modulus, viscous modulus, loss tangent, complex modules) of probiotic yoghurt. The results revealed that the inclusion of the prebiotic compounds into the probiotic yoghurt profoundly affected the products' syneresis, as well as the sensory and rheological characteristics of the probiotic yoghurts compared with control samples. On the whole, production of probiotic yoghurts supplemented with 1.5% Hi‐maize or 1.5% β‐glucan is strongly recommended because these additions provided products with satisfactory rheological, syneresis and sensory properties.
Significance of Controllable and Uncontrollable Drivers in Credit Defaults
Authors: Shi Lei , Allan Neil , Evans John , Yun Yin
Published: December 2017

The world economy has been shown to be a complex adaptive system with the consequence that companies within the global economy are constantly needing to react to influences from the activities of other companies with which they are interconnected and external influences. This paper uses a methodology developed for complex adaptive systems to analyse the characteristics of multiple credit default events in the United States, Europe and Asia over the period 1990–2010 to establish the significance of factors driving credit defaults. The analysis indicates that factors controllable by companies are more significant in the United States and Europe than uncontrollable events, but the reverse occurs in Asia.
Testing top‐down and bottom‐up effects on arid zone beetle assemblages following mammal reintroduction
Authors: Gibb Heloise , Verdon Simon J. , Weir Tom , Johansson Therese , L'Hotellier Felicity , Hayward Matthew W.
Published: December 2017

Species extinctions and declines are occurring globally and commonly have cascading effects on ecosystems. In Australia, mammal extinctions have been extensive, particularly in arid areas, where precipitation drives ecosystems. Many ecologically extinct mammals feed on soil‐dwelling insects. However, how this top‐down pressure affected their prey and how this contrasts with the bottom‐up impacts of fluctuating precipitation remains unclear. We constructed a long‐term exclusion experiment in a multi‐species mammal reintroduction zone in semi‐arid Australia to test how top‐down (reintroduced mammals) and bottom‐up (precipitation) factors affect root‐feeding chafer beetles (Coleoptera: Melolonthinae). We used emergence traps in ten replicate 20 × 20 m plots of control, exclusion and procedural control treatments to trap chafers biannually from 2009 to 2015. Annual precipitation during this period varied from 173 to 481 mm. Mammal exclusion did not affect chafers, indicating that top‐down regulation was not important. Instead, chafer abundance, species density and biomass increased with precipitation. Chafer body size and assemblage composition were best predicted by sampling year, suggesting that random drift determined species abundances. Increased resource availability therefore favoured all species similarly. We thus found no evidence that mammal predation alters chafer populations and conclude that they may be driven primarily by bottom‐up processes. Further research should determine if the cascading effects of species loss are less important for herbivores generally than for higher level trophic groups and the role of ecosystem stability in mediating these patterns.
Serum concentration of anti‐Müllerian hormone is not associated with semen quality
Authors: Aksglaede L. , Olesen I. A. , Carlsen E. , Petersen J. H. , Juul A. , Jørgensen N.
Published: December 2017

Impaired semen quality is frequent in Western countries and is the main reason or contributing reason in up to 50% of cases of couple infertility. Male factor infertility is mainly determined by examination of semen samples according to the World Health Organization's 2010 guidelines. AMH has both autocrine and paracrine properties through a direct effect via the AMH type II receptor and is therefore thought to be involved in spermatogenesis. We aimed to study the association between the serum concentration of AMH and semen quality in a cross‐sectional study including 970 young Danish men from the general population. All participants provided a semen sample, had a blood sample drawn, underwent a physical examination, and answered a questionnaire including information on lifestyle and medical history. Serum concentrations of reproductive hormones [AMH, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (T), calculated free T, oestradiol (E2) and inhibin B] and semen parameters (semen volume, sperm concentration, and percentages of motile and morphologically normal spermatozoa) were determined. We found no association between serum AMH and semen quality, except for a significant (p = 0.011) trend for lower percentage of normal morphology with higher AMH. AMH quartile was positively associated with serum inhibin B (p < 0.001), inhibin B/FSH ratio (p < 0.001) and T/E2 ratio (0.016), and negatively associated with FSH (p = 0.004), LH (p = 0.005) and E2 (p = 0.028). There was no association between AMH quartile and T, calculated free T or total T/LH ratio. In conclusion, serum AMH is not useful as a marker of semen quality, and semen analysis using WHO criteria is still the golden standard in the evaluation of the infertile man.
Surgical management of plunging ranulas: a 10‐year case series in South East Queensland
Authors: Lomas Jonathan , Chandran Dhinashin , Whitfield Bernard C. S.
Published: December 2017

Background

Plunging ranulas are rare mucous extravasation pseudocysts that arise in the floor of the mouth and pass into the submandibular space of the neck. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnosis, surgical management and outcomes of patients with a plunging ranula at our institution in South East Queensland over a 10‐year period.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of adult patients diagnosed with and treated for plunging ranula between 2006 and 2016 at Logan Hospital was conducted. Patient demographics, preoperative investigations, surgical management and post‐operative outcomes were collected from medical records.

Results

A total of 18 adult patients were treated for plunging ranula. Of the 18 cases, 17 were treated via transoral excision of the sublingual gland. The mean age at presentation was 28.8 years with a 3:1 female to male predominance. Fifty‐six percent of patients were of Polynesian descent. The success rate was 94% with only one patient experiencing recurrence and requiring re‐excision of remnant sublingual gland tissue. Three patients (17%) developed complications related to post‐operative bleeding. There was a slight predominance for right‐sided disease (56%) compared with left and one case of bilateral plunging ranulas in this series.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that excision of the sublingual gland is an effective and safe treatment for plunging ranula. The majority of plunging ranulas occur in patients aged <30 years with a higher incidence in patients of Polynesian heritage, which is consistent with previous studies suggesting a possible underlying genetic predisposition for this condition.
Downregulation of heat shock protein B8 decreases osteogenic differentiation potential of dental pulp stem cells during in vitro proliferation
Authors: Flanagan M. , Li C. , Dietrich M. A. , Richard M. , Yao S.
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Tissue‐derived stem cells, such as dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), reduce differentiation capability during in vitro culture. We found that cultured DPSCs reduce expression of heat shock protein B8 (HspB8) and GIPC PDZ domain containing family member 2 (Gipc2). Our objectives were to evaluate the changes in DPSC composition during in vitro proliferation and to determine whether HspB8 and Gipc2 have function in differentiation potential of DPSCs.

Materials and Methods

Different passages of rat DPSCs were evaluated for changes in CD90+ and/or CD271+ stem cells and changes in osteogenic potential. Real‐time RT‐PCR and immunostaining were conducted to determine expression of HspB8 and Gipc2. Expression of the genes in DPSCs was knocked down by siRNA, followed by osteogenic induction to evaluate the function of the genes.

Results

About 90% of cells in the DPSC cultures were CD90+ and/or CD271+ cells without dramatic change during in vitro proliferation. The DPSCs at passages 3 to 5 (P3 to P5) possess strong osteogenic potential, but such potential was greatly reduced at later passages. Expression of HspB8 and Gipc2 was significantly reduced at P11 versus P3. Knock‐down of HspB8 expression abolished osteogenic potential of the DPSCs, but knock‐down of Gipc2 had no effect.

Conclusions

CD90+ and CD271+ cells are the major components of DPSCs in in vitro culture. High‐level expression of HspB8 was critical for maintaining differentiation potential of DPSCs.
Paediatric Rehabilitation Ingredients Measure: a new tool for identifying paediatric neurorehabilitation content
Authors: Forsyth Rob , Young David , Kelly Gemma , Davis Kathy , Dunford Carolyn , Golightly Andrew , Marshall Lindsay , Wales Lorna
Published: December 2017

Aim

To develop an instrument (Paediatric Rehabilitation Ingredients Measure [PRISM]) for quantitative estimation of contents of interdisciplinary neurorehabilitation for use in studies of relationships between rehabilitation treatment delivered and severity‐adjusted outcomes after acquired brain injury (ABI).

Method

The measure was developed using an ingredients–mediators–outcomes model consistent with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, a literature review, and other current initiatives in the development of rehabilitation treatment taxonomies, with item codevelopment in workshops with rehabilitation professionals. Interrater reliability was assessed in inpatient and residential paediatric rehabilitation settings.

Results

Although sometimes an initially unfamiliar perspective on rehabilitation practice, PRISM's acceptability amongst professionals was excellent. Internal consistency of scores was sometimes an issue for users unfamiliar with the tool; however, this improved with practice and interrater reliability (assessed by Kendall's W) was good. The tool was felt to have particular value in facilitating interdisciplinary communication and working. Modifications to the design of the tool have improved internal consistency.

Interpretation

PRISM supports identification of the ‘active ingredients’ of an interdisciplinary rehabilitation package and facilitates interdisciplinary communication. It also has potential as a research tool examining relationships between rehabilitation delivered and severity‐adjusted outcomes observed after paediatric ABI.

What this paper adds

Identifying contribution of rehabilitation to outcomes after acquired brain injury requires quantification of rehabilitation ‘dose’ and ‘content’.

Previous approaches to ‘parsing’ of rehabilitation dose and content may have overemphasized one‐to‐one sessions with therapists.

We present a novel, holistic tool for identification of ingredients of an interdisciplinary rehabilitation package.

It supports interdisciplinary communication and has potential as a research tool.
Intranasal Oxytocin Attenuates Reactive and Ongoing, Chronic Pain in a Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Meidahl Anders C. , Eisenried Andreas , Klukinov Michael , Cao Longhui , Tzabazis Alexander Z. , Yeomans David C.
Published: December 2017

Background

Approximately 1.7 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year and chronic pain is a common complication.

Objective

We studied the effects of intranasally administered oxytocin as a potential treatment for chronic pain in an animal model of mild TBI.

Methods

The lateral fluid percussion model of mild TBI was chosen for this purpose and after exposure to mild TBI the rats (n = 12) developed hind paw and facial allodynia compared to sham animals (n = 6). Oxytocin or a vehicle was afterwards administered intranasally and reactive pain was assessed by hind paw and facial von Frey testing. Some animals received the oxytocin receptor antagonist, atosiban, in addition to oxytocin/vehicle treatment (n = 12). The effect of oxytocin on ongoing and spontaneous pain was examined through conditioned place preference testing. To determine whether the effects of intranasal oxytocin could be attributed to delivery via the peripheral blood stream, some TBI animals received an intravenous injection of the same oxytocin dose that was given intranasally. ELISA immunoassays were carried out (n = 6) to measure concentrations of oxytocin in the trigeminal ganglia, pons, spinal cord, and olfactory bulb after intranasal administration and evaluate the most likely route of entry.

Results

These studies confirmed that the fluid percussion model can be used to study post‐TBI facial allodynia. Oxytocin attenuated both reactive and spontaneous, ongoing non‐reactive pain following mild TBI for at least 3‐4 hours after intranasal administration by binding to OT or VA1‐receptors most likely by a peri‐trigeminal nerve mediated uptake.

Conclusions

Intranasal oxytocin attenuates measures of reactive and non‐reactive pain in a model of mild TBI and may represent a novel treatment for chronic pain in TBI patients.
In Defence of Backyard Chickens
Authors: Fischer Bob , Milburn Josh
Published: December 2017

Suppose that animals have rights. If so, may you go down to your local farm store, buy some chicks, raise them in your backyard, and eat their eggs? You wouldn't think so. But we argue, to the contrary, that you may. Just as there are circumstances in which it's permissible to liberate a slave, even if that means paying into a corrupt system, so there are circumstances in which it's permissible to liberate chickens by buying them. Moreover, we contend that restrictions on freedom of movement can be appropriate for chickens, but not humans, because of the obvious differences between the interests of healthy, adult humans versus those of chickens who have been bred for human use. We also argue that egg consumption is permissible based on the plausible assumption that no one's rights are violated in their consumption, and so while there may sometimes be morally preferable uses for eggs, you do nothing unjust in eating them. If we're right, then the rights view doesn't imply that veganism is obligatory; rather, it implies that the constraints on how we source animal products, though highly demanding, are not so demanding that they can't be met.
Clinical deterioration: A concept analysis
Authors: Padilla Ricardo M , Mayo Ann M
Published: December 2017

Aims and objectives

To present a concept analysis of clinical deterioration and introduce an operational definition.

Background

Hospitalised patients who endure cardiopulmonary arrest and unplanned intensive care unit admissions often exhibit physiological signs preceding these events. Clinical deterioration not promptly recognised can result in increased patient morbidity and mortality.

A barrier to recognising and responding to clinical deterioration stems from practice variations among healthcare clinicians.

Design

Concept analysis.

Methods

Eight‐step method of concept analysis proposed by Walker and Avant.

Results

Defining attributes include dynamic state, decompensation and objective and subjective determination. Antecedents identified include clinical state, susceptibility, pathogenesis and adverse event. Increased mortality, resuscitation, implementation of higher level of care and prolonged hospital admission were the consequences identified. Defining attributes, antecedents and consequences identified led to an operational definition of clinical deterioration as a dynamic state experienced by a patient compromising hemodynamic stability, marked by physiological decompensation accompanied by subjective or objective findings.

Conclusions

Clinical deterioration is a key contributor to inpatient mortality, and its recognition is often underpinned by contextual factors and practice variances. Variation in the uniformity of the concept of clinical deterioration causes a gap in knowledge and necessitated clarification of this phenomenon for nursing research and practice.

Relevance to clinical practice

Identifying and intervening on clinical deterioration plays a vital role in the inpatient setting demonstrated by the dynamic nature of a patients' condition during hospitalisation. It is anticipated that this concept analysis on clinical deterioration will contribute to further identification of clinically modifiable risk factors and accompanying interventions to prevent clinical deterioration in the inpatient setting.
Oral hygiene practices and knowledge among stroke‐care nurses: A multicentre cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ab. Malik Normaliza , Mohamad Yatim Saari , Hussein Norhayati , Mohamad Hanita , McGrath Colman
Published: December 2017

Aims and objectives

To investigate oral health knowledge for stroke care and the clinical practices performed for oral hygiene care in Malaysia.

Background

Oral hygiene care following stroke is important as the mouth can act as a reservoir for opportunistic infections that can lead to aspirational pneumonia.

Design

A national cross‐sectional survey was conducted in Malaysia among public hospitals where specialist stroke rehabilitation care is provided.

Methods

All (16) hospitals were invited to participate, and site visits were conducted. A standardised questionnaire was employed to determine nurses' oral health knowledge for stroke care and existing clinical practices for oral hygiene care. Variations in oral health knowledge and clinical practices for oral hygiene care were examined.

Results

Questionnaires were completed by 806 nurses across 13 hospitals. Oral health knowledge scores varied among the nurses; their mean score was 3.7 (SD 1.1) out of a possible 5.0. Approximately two‐thirds (63.6%, n = 513) reported that some form of “mouth cleaning” was performed for stroke patients routinely. However, only a third (38.3%, n = 309) reported to perform or assist with the clinical practice of oral hygiene care daily. Their oral health knowledge of stroke care was associated with clinical practices for oral hygiene care (p < .001).

Conclusions

The clinical practice of providing oral hygiene care is less than ideal, and there are deficiencies in oral health knowledge for stroke care. Oral health knowledge was associated with clinical practice of providing oral hygiene care. This has implications for training and integrating oral hygiene care within stroke rehabilitation.
Network on veterinary medicines initiated by the European Federation For Pharmaceutical Sciences
Authors: Mochel J. P. , Tyden E. , Hellmann K. , Vendrig J. C. , Şenel S. , Dencker L. , Cristina R. T. , Linden H. , Schmerold I.
Published: December 2017

The European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences (EUFEPS) was founded 25 years ago by more than 20 national pharmaceutical societies and faculty members. As a pan‐European organization, it brings together pharmaceutical societies as well as academic, industrial and regulatory scientists engaged in drug research and development, drug regulation and education of professionals working in these fields. EUFEPS represents pharmaceutical sciences in Europe and is recognized as such by both the European Commission and the European Medicines Agency. EUFEPS cooperates with the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and other European organizations and maintains global connections with agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration and the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists. EUFEPS has established specified networks forming the basis of its activities. The creation of a Network on Veterinary Medicines is prompted by the manifold problems resulting from the use of veterinary drugs and its inherent interconnections with human medicine, environmental and public health. A long‐term goal of this initiative was to expand the spectrum of available therapeutics for use in animals, including the development of innovative delivery systems.
Estimating average shock pressures recorded by impactite samples based on universal stage investigations of planar deformation features in quartz—Sources of error and recommendations
Authors: Holm‐Alwmark S. , Ferrière L. , Alwmark C. , Poelchau M. H.
Published: December 2017

Planar deformation features (PDFs) in quartz are the most widely used indicator of shock metamorphism in terrestrial rocks. They can also be used for estimating average shock pressures that quartz‐bearing rocks have been subjected to. Here we report on a number of observations and problems that we have encountered when performing universal stage measurements and crystallographically indexing of PDF orientations in quartz. These include a comparison between manual and automated methods of indexing PDFs, an evaluation of the new stereographic projection template, and observations regarding the PDF statistics related to the c‐axis position and rhombohedral plane symmetry. We further discuss the implications that our findings have for shock barometry studies. Our study shows that the currently used stereographic projection template for indexing PDFs in quartz might induce an overestimation of rhombohedral planes with low Miller–Bravais indices. We suggest, based on a comparison of different shock barometry methods, that a unified method of assigning shock pressures to samples based on PDFs in quartz is necessary to allow comparison of data sets. This method needs to take into account not only the average number of PDF sets/grain but also the number of high Miller–Bravais index planes, both of which are important factors according to our study. Finally, we present a suggestion for such a method (which is valid for nonporous quartz‐bearing rock types), which consists of assigning quartz grains into types (A–E) based on the PDF orientation pattern, and then calculation of a mean shock pressure for each sample.
How Research in Production and Operations Management May Evolve in the Era of Big Data
Authors: Feng Qi , Shanthikumar J. George
Published: December 2017

We are living in an era in which data is generated in huge volume with high velocity and variety. Big Data and technology are reshaping our life and business. Our research inevitably needs to catch up with these changes. In this short essay, we focus on two aspects of supply chain management, namely, demand management and manufacturing. We feel that, while rapidly growing research on these two areas is contributed by scholars in computer science and engineering, the developments made by production and operations management society have been insufficient. We believe that our field has the expertise and talent to push for advancements in the theory and practice of demand management and manufacturing (of course, among many other areas) along unique dimensions. We summarize some relevant concepts emerged with Big Data and present several prototype models to demonstrate how these concepts can lead to rethinking of our research. Our intention is to generate interests and guide directions for new research in production and operations management in the era of Big Data.
Loss of maximal explosive power of lower limbs after 2 weeks of disuse and incomplete recovery after retraining in older adults
Authors: Rejc Enrico , Floreani Mirco , Taboga Paolo , Botter Alberto , Toniolo Luana , Cancellara Lina , Narici Marco , Šimunič Boštjan , Pišot Rado , Biolo Gianni , Passaro Angelina , Rittweger Joern , Reggiani Carlo , Lazzer Stefano
Published: December 2017

Key points

Disuse in older adults can critically decrease lower limb muscle power, leading to compromised mobility and overall quality of life.

We studied how muscle power and its determinants (muscle mass, single muscle fibre properties and motor control) adapted to 2 weeks of disuse and subsequent 2 weeks of physical training in young and older people.

Disuse decreased lower limb muscle power in both groups; however, different adaptations in single muscle fibre properties and co‐contraction of leg muscles were observed between young and older individuals.

Six physical training sessions performed after disuse promoted the recovery of muscle mass and power. However, they were not sufficient to restore muscle power to pre‐disuse values in older individuals, suggesting that further countermeasures are required to counteract the disuse‐induced loss of muscle power in older adults.

Disuse‐induced loss of muscle power can be detrimental in older individuals, seriously impairing functional capacity. In this study, we examined the changes in maximal explosive power (MEP) of lower limbs induced by a 14‐day disuse (bed‐rest, BR) and a subsequent 14‐day retraining, to assess whether the impact of disuse was greater in older than in young men, and to analyse the causes of such adaptations. Sixteen older adults (Old: 55–65 years) and seven Young (18–30 years) individuals participated in this study. In a subgroup of eight Old subjects, countermeasures based on cognitive training and protein supplementation were applied. MEP was measured with an explosive ergometer, muscle mass was determined by magnetic resonance, motor control was studied by EMG, and single muscle fibres were analysed in vastus lateralis biopsy samples. MEP was ∼33% lower in Old than in Young individuals, and remained significantly lower (−19%) when normalized by muscle volume. BR significantly affected MEP in Old (−15%) but not in Young. Retraining tended to increase MEP; however, this intervention was not sufficient to restore pre‐BR values in Old. Ankle co‐contraction increased after BR in Old only, and remained elevated after retraining (+30%). Significant atrophy occurred in slow fibres in Old, and in fast fibres in Young. After retraining, the recovery of muscle fibre thickness was partial. The proposed countermeasures were not sufficient to affect muscle mass and power. The greater impact of disuse and smaller retraining‐induced recovery observed in Old highlight the importance of designing suitable rehabilitation protocols for older individuals.
Resilience and efficiency in transportation networks
Authors: Ganin Alexander A. , Kitsak Maksim , Marchese Dayton , Keisler Jeffrey M. , Seager Thomas , Linkov Igor
Published: December 2017

Comparing traffic delays finds that some cities with efficient road networks are less resilient than inefficient cities.
Rain-fed agriculture thrived despite climate degradation in the pre-Hispanic arid Andes
Authors: Cruz Pablo , Winkel Thierry , Ledru Marie-Pierre , Bernard Cyril , Egan Nancy , Swingedouw Didier , Joffre Richard
Published: December 2017

Simple yet extensive landscape modifications made past agrarian societies resilient to climate change.
Induced seismicity provides insight into why earthquake ruptures stop
Authors: Galis Martin , Ampuero Jean Paul , Mai P. Martin , Cappa Frédéric
Published: December 2017

Our theoretical model of rupture arrest indicates that most of the injection-induced earthquakes have been self-arrested.
In vivo genome editing improves motor function and extends survival in a mouse model of ALS
Authors: Gaj Thomas , Ojala David S. , Ekman Freja K. , Byrne Leah C. , Limsirichai Prajit , Schaffer David V.
Published: December 2017

CRISPR-Cas9–mediated genome editing can be used to treat ALS in an animal model of the disease.
Soft humanoid motor learning
Authors: Morimoto Jun
Published: December 2017

A combination of compliant mechanical components and data-driven approaches may improve humanoid motor control.
Resting heart rate, temporal changes in resting heart rate, and overall and cause-specific mortality
Authors: Seviiri Mathias , Lynch Brigid M , Hodge Allison M , Yang Yi , Liew Danny , English Dallas R , Giles Graham G , Milne Roger L , Dugué Pierre-Antoine
Published: December 2017

Objective

Most studies investigating the association between resting heart rate (RHR) and mortality have focused on cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, and measured RHR at only one time point. We aimed to assess associations of RHR and changes in RHR over approximately a decade with overall and cause-specific mortality.

Methods

We used data from participants in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study with RHR measures at baseline (1990–1994; n=41 386; 9846 deaths) and at follow-up (2003–2007; n=21 692; 2818 deaths). RHR measures were taken by trained staff, using Dinamap monitors. Cox models were used to estimate HR and 95% CI for the associations between RHR and mortality. Vital status and cause of death were ascertained until August 2015 and December 2013, respectively.

Results

After adjustment for confounders, including blood pressure and known medical conditions but not arrhythmias or atrial fibrillation, RHR was associated with a higher risk of death of similar magnitude for CVD (HR per 10 beats per minute (bpm)=1.11, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.16), cancer (HR=1.10, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.13) and other causes (HR=1.20, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.25). Higher mortality was observed for most cancer sites, including breast (HR=1.16, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.31), colorectal (HR=1.18, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.29), kidney (HR=1.27, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.57) and lung cancer (HR=1.19, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.29). Temporal increases in RHR were associated with higher mortality, particularly for individuals whose RHR increased by more than 15 bpm.

Conclusions

RHR and changes in RHR over a decade are associated with mortality risk, including from causes other than CVD such as breast, colorectal or lung cancer. Monitoring of RHR may have utility in identifying individuals at higher mortality risk.
The Drosophila hep pathway mediates Lrrk2-induced neurodegeneration
Authors: Yang Dejun , Thomas Joseph M. , Li Tianxia , Lee Youngseok , Liu Zhaohui , Smith Wanli W.
Published: December 2017

Although the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains unclear, mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (Lrrk2) are among the major causes of familial PD. Most of these mutations disrupt Lrrk2 kinase and (or) GTPase domain function, resulting in neuronal degeneration. However, the signal pathways underlying Lrrk2-induced neuronal degeneration are not fully understood. There is an expanding body of evidence that suggests a link between Lrrk2 function and MAP kinase (MAPK) cascades. To further investigate this link in vivo, genetic RNAi screens of the MAPK pathways were performed in a Drosophila model to identify genetic modifier(s) that can suppress G2019S-Lrrk2-induced PD-like phenotypes. The results revealed that the knockdown of hemipterous (hep, or JNKK) increased fly survival time, improved locomotor function, and reduced loss of dopaminergic neurons in G2019S-Lrrk2 transgenic flies. Expression of the dominant-negative allele of JNK (JNK-DN), a kinase that is downstream of hep in G2019S-Lrrk2 transgenic flies, elicited a similar effect. Moreover, treatment with the JNK inhibitor SP600125 partially reversed the G2019S-Lrrk2-induced loss of dopaminergic neurons. These results indicate that the hep pathway plays an important role in Lrrk2-linked Parkinsonism in flies. These studies provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying Lrrk2-linked PD pathogenesis and aid in identifying potential therapeutic targets.
Seismic performance evaluation of RC frame-shear wall structures using nonlinear analysis methods
Authors: Shi Jialiang , Wang Qiuwei
Published: December 2017

To further understand the seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) frame-shear wall structures, a 1/8 model structure is scaled from a main factory structure with seven stories and seven bays. The model with four-stories and two-bays was pseudo-dynamically tested under six earthquake actions whose peak ground accelerations (PGA) vary from 50[Formula: see text]gal to 400[Formula: see text]gal. The damage process and failure patterns were investigated. Furthermore, nonlinear dynamic analysis (NDA) and capacity spectrum method (CSM) were adopted to evaluate the seismic behavior of the model structure. The top displacement curve, story drift curve and distribution of hinges were obtained and discussed. It is shown that the model structure had the characteristics of beam-hinge failure mechanism. The two methods can be used to evaluate the seismic behavior of RC frame-shear wall structures well. What’s more, the NDA can be somewhat replaced by CSM for the seismic performance evaluation of RC structures.
Runtime Slack Creation for Processor Performance Variability using System Scenarios
Authors: Noltsis Michail , Rodopoulos Dimitrios , Zompakis Nikolaos , Catthoor Francky , Soudris Dimitrios
Published: December 2017

Modern microprocessors contain a variety of mechanisms used to mitigate errors in the logic and memory, referred to as Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability (RAS) techniques. Many of these techniques, such as component disabling, come at a performance cost. With the aggressive downscaling of device dimensions, it is reasonable to expect that chip-wide error rates will intensify in the future and perhaps vary throughout system lifetime. As a result, it is important to reclaim the temporal RAS overheads in a systematic way and enable dependable performance. The current article presents a closed-loop control scheme that actuates processor’s frequency based on detected timing interference to ensure performance dependability. The concepts of slack and deadline vulnerability factor are introduced to support the formulation of a discrete time control problem. Default application timing is derived using the system scenario methodology, the applicability of which is demonstrated through simulations. Additionally, the proposed concept is demonstrated on a real platform and application: a Proportional-Integral-Differential controller, implemented within the application, actuates the Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) framework of the Linux kernel to effectively reclaim temporal overheads injected at runtime. The current article discusses the responsiveness and energy efficiency of the proposed performance dependability scheme. Finally, additional formulation is introduced to predict the upper bound of timing interference that can be absorbed by actuating the DVFS of any processor and is also validated on a representative reduction to practice.
Electrical potential profile in rabbit ileum: role of rheogenic Na transport.
Authors: Rose R C , Nahrwold D L , Koch M J
Published: December 2017

The electrical potential profile of rabbit ileum was investigated in vitro with the microelectrode technique. The transmural electrical potential difference (PD), designated psims, was immediately reduced by 60% upon cooling the tissue from 37 to 7 degrees C; the PD across the mucosal membrane (transmucosal PD, psimc) was simultaneously reduced by 37%. These electrical changes could not be attributed to alternations in either transmembrane ion concentration gradients or total tissue conductance. The psimc and psims may have substantial values even after the concentration gradients of Na and K across the cell membane are eliminated, provided that active transport mechanisms are still operative. Conversely, in the presence of approximately normal transmembrane ion concentration gradients, but when active transport mechanisms have been inhibited. psimc is reduced by 45% and psims is zero. These observations are consistent with a model of electrolyte transport in which psims and the normal transmembrane cation concentration gradients are established by rheogenic active transport of Na out of the cell. The psimc is generated both by rheogenic active Na transport and by cation concentration gradients which exist across the cell membrane. The Koefoed-Johnsen and Ussing model (Acta Physiol. Scand., 1958, vol. 42, p. 298) of electrolyte transport by epithelial cells does not adequately describe the electrical properties of ileum.
Comparison of pancreatic responses to portal and systemic secretin and VIP in cats.
Authors: Konturek S J , Domschke S , Domschke W , Wünsch E , Demling L
Published: December 2017

This study was designed to compare pancreatic bicarbonate responses to secretin and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) administered either by peripheral or portal route in 24 anesthetized cats. Continuous intravenous infusion of graded doses of secretin (rang from 0.04 to 0.68 nmol/kg per h), stimulated pancreatic volume flow and bicarbonate outputs dose dependently and not statistically differently when given into the peripheral or portal vein. VIP infused in graded doses (range from 0.60 to 9.62 nmol/kg per h) into the peripheral vein produced pancreatic volume flow and bicarbonate outputs not statistically different from those obtained with secretin. In contrast, the biological activity of VIP administered intraportally was reduced by 60% at lower VIP doses (0.60 and 1.20 nmol/kg per h) and by 40% at 2.40 nmol/kg per h, whereas at higher doses it was not significantly changed. This study provides evidence that VIP in the cat is a secretin-like full agonist of pancreatic bicarbonate secretion and that it is only partially inactivated by the liver.
Stimulation of insulin and glucagon secretion by vasoactive intestinal peptide.
Authors: Schebalin M , Said S I , Makhlouf G M
Published: December 2017

In vivo, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) produces simultaneous increases in blood glucose and insulin levels. In order to determine whether VIP, like its homologues, also stimulates insulin secretion directly, studies were made in controlled glucose media employing the vascularly perfused cat pancreas. VIP stimulated insulin secretion significantly in the presence of constant physiological concentrations of glucose. The highest insulin response to VIP (100.3+/-8.1 muU/min) approached the highest insulin response to glucose (119.9 +/- 12.0 muU/min). In the absence of glucose, the insulin response to VIP was insignificant. Unexpectedly, VIP was found to be a more effective stimulant of glucagon than of insulin secretion. The highest glucagon response to VIP (327+/-51% of control levels) was attained in the presence of physiological concentrations of glucose and equalled the glucagon response obtained upon withdrawal of glucose from the perfusate. The glucagon response to VIP was blocked by increasing the glucose in the perfusate. These studies indicate the VIP present in pancreatic islets might play a role in the local control of pancreatic endocrine function.
Effect of angiotensin II and glucocorticoids on plasma angiotensinogen concentration in the dog.
Authors: Reid I A
Published: December 2017

The increase in plasma angiotensinogen concentration produced by angiotensin II infusion in the dog is accompanied by an increase in plasma corticosteroid concentration and is prevented by adrenalectomy. The present study was undertaken to test the possibility that the angiotensinogen response to angiotensin is mediated via an increase in glucocorticoid secretion. Infusion of angiotensin II (3-6 mug/h for 5 h) into the third cerebral ventricle of five dogs increased plasma corticosteroid concentration from 3.5+/-0.6 to 11.8+/-1.5 mug/dl (P less than 0.025) but did not increase plasma corticosteroid concentration from 2.7+/-0.4 to 7.8+/-1.5 mug/dl (P less than 0.05) but again failed to increase plasma angiotensinogen concentration. On the other hand, more prolonged glucocorticoid treatment with dexamethasone produced a significant increase in plasma angiotensinogen concentration within 24 h. Intravenous infusion of angiotensin II (50 mug/h for 5 h) in five acutely hypophysectomized dogs receiving a cortisol infusion caused only a small increase in plasma corticosteroid concentration (5.0+/-0.5 TO 6.9+/-0.6 mug/dl, P less than 0.02) but increased plasma angiotensinogen concentration from 967+/-122 to 1,358+/-204 ng/ml (P less than 0.02). These results indicate that although glucocorticoids can increase plasma angiotensinogen concentration, the angiotensinogen response to angiotensin II is not dependent on increased glucocorticoid secretion.
Effect of carnitine on branched-chain amino acid oxidation by liver and skeletal muscle.
Authors: Paul H S , Adibi S A
Published: December 2017

The effect of L-carnitine (0.5-2.0 mM) on the rates of alpha-decarboxylation of 1-14C-labeled branched-chain amino acids by gastrocnemius muscle and liver homogenates of fed rats was investigated. Carnitine increased the rate of alpha-decarboxylation of leucine (125%) and valine (28%) by muscle, but it was without effect on the oxidation of these amino acids by liver. Carnitine increased the rate of alpha-decarboxylation of alpha-ketoisocaproate by both tissues. This effect was more pronounced in muscle (130% increase) than in liver (41% increase). The activity of carnitine acyltransferase, with isovaleryl-CoA as a substrate, was 18 times higher in muscle mitochondria than in liver mitochondria. Both starvation and diabetes increased the rate of alpha-decarboxylation of leucine by muscle without having a remarkable effect on the concentration of carnitine or the activity of carnitine acyltransferase. We conclude that: a) carnitine stimulates decarboxylation of branched-chain amino acids by increasing the conversion of their ketoanalogues into carnitine esters, b) a greater carnitine acyltransferase activity in muscle than in liver may be responsible for the greater carnitine effect in muscle, c) carnitine does not appear responsible for the enhancement of leucine oxidation by muscle of starved and diabetic rats.
Relative rates of tumor, normal gut, liver, and fibrinogen protein synthesis in man.
Authors: Stein T P , Mullen J L , Oram-Smith J C , Rosato E F , Wallace H W , Hargrove W C
Published: December 2017

Fractional protein synthesis rates of tumor, normal intestinal tissue, liver, and fibrinogen were measured in a series of patients with gastrointestinal malignancies. Protein synthesis rates were measured by the continuous infusion of 95+% [15N]glycine. Twelve to eighteen hours prior to the clinically indicated surgical excision of the tumor, 1-2 g of 95+% [15N]glycine was infused at a constant rate into each subject. During the surgical procedure, 0.05-2 g of tumor, normal intestinal tissue, liver, and 30 ml of venous blood were obtained. Protein synthesis rates were estimated from the ratio of 15N incorporated into tissue protein to the 15N enrichment of the tissue-free amino acid pool. The major findings were: i) the 15N enrichment of the tissue-free amino acids in malignant tissue was greater than and proportional to that in the corresponding normal tissue (P less than 0.02); ii) tumor protein synthesis rates were greater and proportional to the corresponding intestinal tissue rates (P less than 0.05); iii) the fibrinogen synthesis rate was greater than the liver protein synthesis rate (P less than 0.01), but there was no correlation between them.
Role of gastrin in mucosal DNA synthesis after vagotomy and atropine in the rat.
Authors: Ryan G P , Johnson L R
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine 1) the influence of the cholinergic innervation of the stomach on the rate of DNA synthesis in the fundic mucosa of the rat and 2) the possibility that hypergastrinemia might be involved in the response. Repeated injections of atropine in fasting rats increased by 40% the rate of DNA synthesis in the oxyntic gland mucosa. Two weeks after truncal vagotomy, the DNA synthesis rate in oxyntic gland mucosa was increased 64% compared to sham-operated control animals. In the rat colon, atropine administration produced a 56% increase in DNA synthesis compared to saline-injected controls. The injection of pentagastrin in fasting rats also increased the DNA synthesis rate in both stomach and colon, but pentagastrin combined with either atropine or vagotomy stimulated DNA synthesis no more than pentagastrin alone. Cholinergic interruption by atropine or vagotomy elevated endogenous serum gastrin concentrations, indicating that the observed DNA stimulation may be mediated by hypergastrinemia.
Role of Ca2+ in genesis of lower esophageal sphincter tone and other active contractions.
Authors: Fox J A , Daniel E E
Published: December 2017

The effects of absent or low Ca2+ (0.5 mM), verapamil, nifedipine, Na nitroprusside, theophylline, La2+, and ethanol on basal active tension (tone), "off" contractions, and carbachol contractions were studied in opossum lower esophageal sphincter strips. Incubation in Ca2+-free Ringer (0.1 mM EGTA) abolished tone and contractions. Low Ca2+, verapamil, nifedipine, and theophylline depressed tone more rapidly than "off" contractions. Only verapamil and nifedipine depressed carbachol contractions. Na nitroprusside rapidly depressed tone but left contractions unchanged. La3+ at 1 X 10(-3) M behaved like Ca2+-free incubation but produced sustained contractions with muscle stimulation. Ethanol depressed "off" contractions more than tone and did not affect carbachol-induced contractions. These results suggest that tone probably results from inward leak of Ca2+, whereas "off" contractions depend on release of Ca2+ sequestered in the cell by a mechanism not immediately dependent on increased Ca2+ influx. Carbachol may increase Ca2+ influx as well as utilize sequestered Ca2+. Nifedipine and verapamil may act to block both resting and stimulated Ca2+ influx. Na nitroprusside may act by increasing Ca2+ efflux. Ethanol may act by decreasing the availability of sequestered Ca2+ or by inhibiting the function of a mediator responsible for "off" contractions.