bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-altitude shorebird migration in the absence of topographical barriers: avoiding high air temperatures and searching for profitable winds
Authors: Senner Nathan R. , Stager Maria , Verhoeven Mo A. , Cheviron Zachary A. , Piersma Theunis , Bouten Willem
Published: June 2018

Nearly 20% of all bird species migrate between breeding and nonbreeding sites annually. Their migrations include storied feats of endurance and physiology, from non-stop trans-Pacific crossings to flights at the cruising altitudes of jetliners. Despite intense interest in these performances, there remains great uncertainty about which factors most directly influence bird behaviour during migratory flights. We used GPS trackers that measure an individual's altitude and wingbeat frequency to track the migration of black-tailed godwits (Limosa limosa) and identify the abiotic factors influencing their in-flight migratory behaviour. We found that godwits flew at altitudes above 5000 m during 21% of all migratory flights, and reached maximum flight altitudes of nearly 6000 m. The partial pressure of oxygen at these altitudes is less than 50% of that at sea level, yet these extremely high flights occurred in the absence of topographical barriers. Instead, they were associated with high air temperatures at lower altitudes and increasing wind support at higher altitudes. Our results therefore suggest that wind, temperature and topography all play a role in determining migratory behaviour, but that their relative importance is context dependent. Extremely high-altitude flights may thus not be especially rare, but they may only occur in very specific environmental contexts.
ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Baculoviridae
Authors: Harrison Robert L. , Herniou Elisabeth A. , Jehle Johannes A. , Theilmann David A. , Burand John P. , Becnel James J. , Krell Peter J. , van Oers Monique M. , Mowery Joseph D. , Bauchan Gary R. ,   ICTV Report Consortium
Published: June 2018

The family Baculoviridae comprises large viruses with circular dsDNA genomes ranging from 80 to 180 kbp. The virions consist of enveloped, rod-shaped nucleocapsids and are embedded in distinctive occlusion bodies measuring 0.15–5 µm. The occlusion bodies consist of a matrix composed of a single viral protein expressed at high levels during infection. Members of this family infect exclusively larvae of the insect orders Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera and Diptera. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the taxonomy of the Baculoviridae, which is available at www.ictv.global/report/baculoviridae.
HSP90 buffers newly induced mutations in massively mutated plant lines
Authors: Alex Mason G. , Carlson Keisha D , Press Maximilian O , Bubb Kerry L , Queitsch Christine
Published: June 2018

Robustness to both genetic and environmental change is an emergent feature of living systems. Loss of phenotypic robustness can be associated with increased penetrance of genetic variation. In model organisms and in humans, the phenotypic consequences of standing genetic variation can be buffered by the molecular chaperone HSP90. However, it has been argued that HSP90 has the opposite effect on newly introduced genetic variation. To test the buffering effect of HSP90 on new mutations, we introduced vast numbers of mutations into wild-type and HSP90-reduced plants and assessed embryonic lethality and early seedling phenotypes for thousands of offspring. Although the levels of newly introduced mutations were similar in the two backgrounds, the HSP90-reduced plants showed a significantly greater frequency of embryonic lethality and severe phenotypic abnormalities, consistent with higher penetrance and expressivity of newly introduced genetic variation. We further demonstrate that some mutant phenotypes were heritable in an HSP90-dependent manner, and we map candidate HSP90-dependent polymorphisms. Moreover, both sequence and phenotypic analyses of wild-type and HSP90-reduced plants suggest that the HSP90-dependent phenotypes are largely due the newly introduced mutations rather than to an increased mutation rate in HSP90-reduced plants. Taken together, our results support a model in which HSP90 buffers newly introduced mutations, and the phenotypic consequences of such mutations outweigh those of mutations arising de novo in response to HSP90 perturbation.
Excitable dynamics of Ras triggers self-organized PIP3 signaling for spontaneous cell migration
Authors: Fukushima Seiya , Matsuoka Satomi , Ueda Masahiro
Published: June 2018

Spontaneous cell movement is underpinned by an asymmetric distribution of signaling molecules including small G proteins and phosphoinositides on the cell membrane. A fundamental question is the molecular mechanism for the spontaneous symmetry breaking. Here we report that GTP bound Ras (Ras-GTP) breaks the symmetry due to excitability even in the absence of extracellular spatial cues and cytoskeletal polarity as well as downstream signaling activities. A stochastic excitation of local and transient Ras activation induced PIP3 accumulation via direct interaction with PI3K, causing tightly coupled traveling waves propagating along the membrane. Comprehensive phase analysis of the waves of Ras-GTP and PIP3 metabolism-related molecules revealed the network structure of the excitable system including positive feedback regulation of Ras-GTP by PIP3. A mathematical model reconstituted a series of the observed symmetry breaking phenomena, illustrating an essential involvement of excitability in the cellular decision-making process.
Pathway specific drive of cerebellar Golgi cells reveals integrative rules of cortical inhibition
Authors: Tabuchi Sawako , Gilmer Jesse I. , Purba Karen , Person Abigail L.
Published: June 2018

Cerebellar granule cells (GrCs) constitute over half of all neurons in the vertebrate brain and are proposed to decorrelate convergent mossy fiber inputs in service of learning. Interneurons within the granule cell layer, Golgi cells (GoCs), are the primary inhibitors of this vast population and therefore play a major role in influencing the computations performed within the layer. Despite this central function for GoCs, few studies have directly examined how GoCs integrate inputs from specific afferents which vary in density to regulate GrC population activity. We used a variety of methods in mice of either sex to study feedforward inhibition recruited by identified MFs, focusing on features that would influence integration by GrCs. Comprehensive 3D reconstruction and quantification of GoC axonal boutons revealed tightly clustered boutons that focus feedforward inhibition in the neighborhood of GoC somata. Acute whole cell patch clamp recordings from GrCs in brain slices showed that despite high bouton density, fast phasic inhibition was very sparse relative to slow spillover mediated inhibition. Furthermore, dynamic clamp simulating inhibition combined with optogenetic mossy fiber activation supported the predominant role of slow spillover mediated inhibition. Whole cell recordings from GoCs revealed a role for the density of active MFs in preferentially driving them. Thus, our data provide empirical conformation of predicted rules by which MFs activate GoCs to regulate GrC activity levels.
Maintenance of homeostatic plasticity at theDrosophilaneuromuscular synapse requires continuous IP3-directed signaling
Authors: James Thomas D. , Zwiefelhofer Danielle J. , Frank C. Andrew
Published: June 2018

Synapses and circuits rely on neuroplasticity to adjust output and meet physiological needs. Forms of homeostatic synaptic plasticity impart stability at synapses by countering destabilizing perturbations. TheDrosophila melanogasterlarval neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a model synapse with robust expression of homeostatic plasticity. At the NMJ, a homeostatic system detects impaired postsynaptic sensitivity to neurotransmitter and activates a retrograde signal that restores synaptic function by adjusting neurotransmitter release. This process has been separated into temporally distinct phases, induction and maintenance. One prevailing hypothesis is that a shared mechanism governs both phases. Here we show the two phases are separable. Combining genetics, pharmacology, and electrophysiology, we find that a signaling system consisting of PLCβ, inositol triphosphate (IP3), IP3receptors, and Ryanodine receptors is required only for the maintenance of homeostatic plasticity. We also find that the NMJ is capable of inducing homeostatic signaling even when its sustained maintenance process is absent.
Supervised learning on synthetic data for reverse engineering gene regulatory networks from experimental time-series
Authors: Ganscha Stefan , Fortuin Vincent , Horn Max , Arvaniti Eirini , Claassen Manfred
Published: June 2018

The reconstruction of gene regulatory networks from time resolved gene expression measurements is a key challenge in systems biology with applications in health and disease. While the most popular network inference methods are based on unsupervised learning approaches, supervised learning methods have proven their potential for superior reconstruction performance. However, obtaining the appropriate volume of informative training data constitutes a key limitation for the success of such methods.

Here, we introduce a supervised learning approach to detect gene-gene regulation based on exclusively synthetic training data, termed surrogate learning, and show its performance for synthetic and experimental time-series. We systematically investigate different simulation configurations of biologically representative time-series of transcripts and augmentation of the data with a measurement model. We compare the resulting synthetic datasets to experimental data, and evaluate classifiers trained on them for detection of gene-gene regulation from experimental time-series. For classifiers, we consider hybrid convolutional recurrent neural networks, random forests and logistic regression, and evaluate the reconstruction performance of different simulation settings, data pre-processing and classifiers.

When training and test time-courses are generated from the same distribution, we find that the largest tested neural network architecture achieves the best performance of 0.448 ± 0.047 (mean ± std) in maximally achievable F1 score over all datasets outperforming random forests by 32.4 % ± 14 % (mean ± std). Reconstruction performance is sensitive to discrepancies between synthetic training and test data, highlighting the importance of matching training and test data domains. For an experimental gene expression dataset from E.coli, we find that training data generated with measurement model, multi-gene perturbations, but without data standardization is best suited for training classifiers for network reconstruction from the experimental test data. We further demonstrate superiority to multiple unsupervised, state-of-the-art methods for networks comprising 20 genes of the experimental data from E.coli (average AUPR best supervised = 0.22 vs best unsupervised = 0.07).

We expect the proposed surrogate learning approach to be broadly applicable. It alleviates the requirement for large, difficult to attain volumes of experimental training data and instead relies on easily accessible synthetic data. Successful application for new experimental conditions and other data types is only limited by the automatable and scalable process of designing simulations which generate suitable synthetic data.
Evolutionary origin of disease and complexity: A nonequilibrium thermodynamic solution
Authors: Koch Lauren Gerard , Britton Steven L.
Published: June 2018

Our long-term goal was to develop realistic animal models of complex disease that are underwritten by fundamental principles. Along this path we noted a literature demonstrating that low exercise capacity is a stronger predictor of death relative to all other clinical conditions including diabetes and smoking. From this linkage we formulated the Energy Transfer Hypothesis (ETH): Variation in capacity for energy transfer is the central mechanistic determinant of the divide between disease and health. As an unbiased test of the ETH we reasoned that: divergent artificial selection of rats based on low and high intrinsic treadmill running capacity would yield contrasting models of capacity for energy transfer that also divide for disease risks. Thirty-five generations of selection produced Low Capacity Runners (LCR) and High Capacity Runners (HCR) that differ in running capacity by over 8-fold. Selection failed to disprove the ETH: disease risks segregate in the LCR, and the HCR demonstrate resistance to disease. For mechanistic explanation of the ETH we postulate that evolution, life, and thus disease follow the same entropic path of the other atoms and molecules of the universe. That is, 1) all systems tend towards Maximal Entropy Production, 2) entropy can temporarily decrease locally and form order such as life, 3) life developed with a genome as a path for coding for replication of energy metabolism units, and 4) evolution selects, in a constantly changing environment, for features that enhance life’s capacity for energy transfer. That is, Maximal Entropy Production is the driving force mediating evolution. Thus, for each species, consider that there is phenotypic variation for this capacity that underlies the divide between health and disease. One goal of this paper is to stimulate new cross-disciplinary tests of the ETH of disease.
Reward signaling in a recurrent circuit of dopaminergic neurons and Kenyon cells
Authors: Lyutova Radostina , Pfeuffer Maximilian , Segebarth Dennis , Habenstein Jens , Selcho Mareike , Wegener Christian , Thum Andreas S. , Pauls Dennis
Published: June 2018

1.

Dopaminergic neurons in the brain of theDrosophilalarva play a key role in mediating reward information to the mushroom bodies during appetitive olfactory learning and memory. Using optogenetic activation of Kenyon cells we provide evidence that a functional recurrent signaling loop exists between Kenyon cells and dopaminergic neurons of the primary protocerebral anterior (pPAM) cluster. An optogenetic activation of Kenyon cells paired with an odor is sufficient to induce appetitive memory, while a simultaneous impairment of the dopaminergic pPAM neurons abolishes memory expression. Thus, dopaminergic pPAM neurons mediate reward information to the Kenyon cells, but in turn receive feedback from Kenyon cells. We further show that the activation of recurrent signaling routes within mushroom body circuitry increases the persistence of an odor-sugar memory. Our results suggest that sustained activity in a neuronal circuitry is a conserved mechanism in insects and vertebrates to consolidate memories.
Quantification of genetic components of population differentiation in UK Biobank traits reveals signals of polygenic selection
Authors: Liu Xuanyao , Loh Po-Ru , O’Connor Luke J. , Gazal Steven , Schoech Armin , Maier Robert M. , Patterson Nick , Price Alkes L.
Published: June 2018

The genetic architecture of most human complex traits is highly polygenic, motivating efforts to detect polygenic selection involving a large number of loci. In contrast to previous work relying on top GWAS loci, we developed a method that uses genome-wide association statistics and linkage disequilibrium patterns to estimate the genome-wide genetic component of population differentiation of a complex trait along a continuous gradient, enabling powerful inference of polygenic selection. We analyzed 43 UK Biobank traits and focused on PC1 and North-South and East-West birth coordinates across 337K unrelated British-ancestry samples, for which our method produced close to unbiased estimates of genetic components of population differentiation and high power to detect polygenic selection in simulations across different trait architectures. For PC1, we identified signals of polygenic selection for height (74.5±16.7% of 9.3% total correlation with PC1 attributable to genome-wide genetic effects; P = 8.4×10−6) and red hair pigmentation (95.9±24.7% of total correlation with PC1 attributable to genome-wide genetic effects; P = 1.1×10−4); the bulk of the signal remained when removing genome-wide significant loci, even though red hair pigmentation includes loci of large effect. We also detected polygenic selection for height, systolic blood pressure, BMI and basal metabolic rate along North-South birth coordinate, and height and systolic blood pressure along East-West birth coordinate. Our method detects polygenic selection in modern human populations with very subtle population structure and elucidates the relative contributions of genetic and non-genetic components of trait population differences.
ID30B – a versatile beamline for macromolecular crystallography experiments at the ESRF
Authors: McCarthy Andrew A. , Barrett Ray , Beteva Antonia , Caserotto Hugo , Dobias Fabien , Felisaz Franck , Giraud Thierry , Guijarro Matias , Janocha Robert , Khadrouche Akim , Lentini Mario , Leonard Gordon A. , Lopez Marrero Marcos , Malbet-Monaco Stephanie , McSweeney Sean , Nurizzo Didier , Papp Gergely , Rossi Christopher , Sinoir Jeremy , Sorez Clement , Surr John , Svensson Olof , Zander Ulrich , Cipriani Florent , Theveneau Pascal , Mueller-Dieckmann Christoph
Published: June 2018

ID30B is an undulator-based high-intensity, energy-tuneable (6.0–20 keV) and variable-focus (20–200 µm in diameter) macromolecular crystallography (MX) beamline at the ESRF. It was the last of the ESRF Structural Biology Group's beamlines to be constructed and commissioned as part of the ESRF's Phase I Upgrade Program and has been in user operation since June 2015. Both a modified microdiffractometer (MD2S) incorporating an in situ plate screening capability and a new flexible sample changer (the FlexHCD) were specifically developed for ID30B. Here, the authors provide the current beamline characteristics and detail how different types of MX experiments can be performed on ID30B (http://www.esrf.eu/id30b).
Direct information retrieval after 3D reconstruction in grating-based X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography
Authors: Wu Zhao , Gao Kun , Wang Zhili , Wei Chenxi , Wali Faiz , Zan Guibin , Wei Wenbin , Zhu Peiping , Tian Yangchao
Published: June 2018

Grating-based X-ray differential phase-contrast imaging has attracted a great amount of attention and has been considered as a potential imaging method in clinical medicine because of its compatibility with the traditional X-ray tube source and the possibility of a large field of view. Moreover, phase-contrast computed tomography provides three-dimensional phase-contrast visualization. Generally, two-dimensional information retrieval performed on every projection is required prior to three-dimensional reconstruction in phase-contrast computed tomography. In this paper, a three-dimensional information retrieval method to separate absorption and phase information directly from two reconstructed images is derived. Theoretical derivations together with numerical simulations have been performed to confirm the feasibility and veracity of the proposed method. The advantages and limitations compared with the reverse projection method are also discussed. Owing to the reduced data size and the absence of a logarithm operation, the computational time for information retrieval is shortened by the proposed method. In addition, the hybrid three-dimensional images of absorption and phase information were reconstructed using an absorption reconstruction algorithm, hence the existing data pre-processing methods and iterative reconstruction algorithms in absorption reconstruction may be utilized in phase reconstruction immediately.
A biological perspective towards a standard for information exchange and reporting in XAS
Authors: Sarangi Ritimukta
Published: June 2018

The complex structural landscape of biological samples and their sensitivity to X-ray exposure leads to specific challenges in biological X-ray absorption spectroscopy (bio-XAS) research, which in turn has necessitated standardization of various aspects of bio-XAS data measurement, analysis and interpretation. The bio-XAS community is therefore well suited for the development of a data-reporting standard with the specific aim of creating a feedback loop for improving/standardizing data analysis protocols and optionally to make published data available to collaborators/researchers in a meaningful and quantitative format. The XIF (XAFS information file) reporting format presented here contains key experimental and analysis parameters, useful in developing a consistent platform for bio-XAS research worldwide. Such a reporting standard, enforced by the user community and publishing groups alike, can be an important step towards the standardization of data measurement and analysis techniques in bio-XAS.
A substrate selected by phage display exhibits enhanced side-chain hydrogen bonding to HIV-1 protease
Authors: Windsor Ian W. , Raines Ronald T.
Published: June 2018

Crystal structures of inactive variants of HIV-1 protease bound to peptides have revealed how the enzyme recognizes its endogenous substrates. The best of the known substrates is, however, a nonnatural substrate that was identified by directed evolution. The crystal structure of the complex between this substrate and the D25N variant of the protease is reported at a resolution of 1.1 Å. The structure has several unprecedented features, especially the formation of additional hydrogen bonds between the enzyme and the substrate. This work expands the understanding of molecular recognition by HIV-1 protease and informs the design of new substrates and inhibitors.
Nonfamily knowledge during family business succession: a cultural understanding
Authors: Wasim Jahangir , Cunningham James , Maxwell-Cole Alexander , Taylor James Richard
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Knowledge transfer plays a key role in the succession process. While much attention has been given to the passing of business knowledge form incumbent to successor, less is known about the use of nonfamily knowledge during this most crucial of family business events. The purpose of this paper is to look how knowledge from nonfamily employees is treated at times of succession. Importantly, it considers how the controlling family’s cultural background may influence nonfamily knowledge use, and subsequent implications for the succession process.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory comparative case study design is adopted in order to uncover the complex social and cultural dynamics around knowledge use. Four case studies are presented from family businesses of different, and contrasting, cultural origins. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, observations and formal secondary data from the organisations, all of whom operate in the UK.

Findings

Findings reveal a complex picture, part influenced by the cultural dynamics of the family and part by business necessity. Specifically, power–distance appears as an informative cultural dimension, influencing how knowledge is used and nonfamily are perceived. While some family businesses privilege the knowledge from family, others see the need to build knowledge relationships more broadly.

Originality/value

This paper provides further evidence to the heterogeneity of family businesses. It moves beyond a processual explanation of succession to develop a more contextually aware understanding of the dynamics and sensitivities involved.
Antecedents of competitive group formation intention in business education context
Authors: Tripathi Anshul , Bamel Umesh Kumar , Paul Happy , Gordon David , Bamel Nisha
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the relationships of complementary specialization, cognitive trust, affective trust, tie strength and similarity with group formation intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The data have been collected from 30 management students from a batch of 110 students of a premiere Indian business school. To assess the proposed relationship, multiple hierarchical regression was performed on collected data by using SPSS© 20.

Findings

The obtained results exhibited cognitive trust, affective trust and tie strength as significant predictors of dyadic group formation intention, whereas similarity and complementary specialization were not found.

Originality/value

The research on group formation is limited, and more particularly the functions of the above-mentioned factors on the group formation intentions of management graduates are yet to generalize. Therefore, present research is an early approach which tries to address the mentioned gap from a social network perspective and considers the group formation and social network literature.
Macro and micro financial liberalizations, savings and growth
Authors: Pina Gonçalo
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically and theoretically study the role of domestic savings behind the financial stability and growth effects of different financial liberalizations, when the government is not able to commit to enforce financial contracts. The following liberalizations are considered. Macro financial liberalizations target capital flow and interest rate liberalization, whereas micro financial liberalizations target competition in the financial sector. Simultaneous liberalizations target both micro and macro dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study theoretically solves a new simple model of different types of financial liberalizations, micro, macro and simultaneous. The focus is on the crisis and growth effects of countries liberalizing only macro dimensions of financial policy, relative to both micro and macro dimensions together, and on how the level of savings determines these effects. The study empirically uses data on macro and micro financial liberalizations for 91 countries between 1973 and 2005 to provide a taxonomy of liberalization strategies, and empirically tests whether domestic savings are related to the success of different strategies. Capital accumulation, investment profile and the frequency of financial crises are also evaluated.

Findings

The findings show that, empirically, simultaneous liberalizations are associated with larger growth only if the savings rate is large. If the savings rate is low, growth is larger when liberalizations target macro dimensions. Capital accumulation increases more with macro liberalizations under low savings and simultaneous liberalizations with high savings. Simultaneous liberalizations with low savings increase risks related to contract viability and expropriation, profits repatriation and payment delays. Simultaneous liberalizations with high savings are associated with smaller probabilities of financial crises. These observations are consistent with the theoretical model, where reduced competition in the financial sector can improve financial stability and reduce financial crises when savings are low.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper, relative to the vast literature on financial liberalizations, is to document how savings determine the crisis and growth effects of macro and micro liberalizations. It provides and tests empirically a new channel for the role of savings when governments cannot commit to enforce financial contracts. This is informative for policymakers and policy institutions facing different strategies of financial liberalizations.
Do cross-border mergers-acquisitions in mature and emerging markets create similar value?
Authors: Chalencon Ludivine , Mayrhofer Ulrike
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the value creation of cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in mature and emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study is based on a sample of 285 cross-border M&As announced between 2010 and 2012 and completed by companies of the French SBF 120 index in 54 countries.

Findings

The statistical analysis shows how financial markets react before and after the announcement of M&As. The obtained findings highlight significant differences: the reaction of financial markets before the announcement is moderately positive for M&As in mature economies, but negative for those in emerging economies; their reaction after the announcement is clearly positive for M&As in mature markets and moderately positive for those in emerging markets.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies on M&A value creation should differentiate mature and emerging economies and adopt a more in-depth classification of target countries.

Practical implications

This research emphasizes the necessity to consider country-specific factors for M&A value creation.

Originality/value

The empirical study is based on a sample of French acquirers, who account for 3 percent of the volume and value of M&As in the world and whose operations are rarely studied in the literature. The authors compare the reaction of financial markets before and after the announcement of M&As conducted in mature and emerging economies.
Accommodation prices on Airbnb: effects of host experience and market demand
Authors: Magno Francesca , Cassia Fabio , Ugolini Marta Maria
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Accommodation sharing is a major trend shaping the hospitality industry, and Airbnb is the most prominent sharing platform driving this growth. While price convenience is reported as one of the main strengths of Airbnb accommodations, only a few studies have examined price determinants. In particular, it is unclear whether hosts dynamically adjust prices for shared accommodation based on their experience with price management and on the level of market demand. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap by suggesting and testing a comprehensive hedonic pricing model.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from all 1,056 Airbnb listings for accommodations available in the city of Verona, Italy on four booking dates in 2016 are collected and analysed through regression analysis.

Findings

The results highlight that price is significantly related to the level of the host’s accumulated experience and the level of market demand on a specific booking date. The findings provide support for the ability of hosts to dynamically adjust prices for their accommodations.

Practical implications

Drawing on the innovator’s dilemma theory, this study suggests some strategies that traditional hotels may adopt to react to the disruptive nature of Airbnb.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies to address hosts’ pricing strategies and specifically consider price adjustments owing to variations in host experience and market demand.
Improving the oxidative stability of model whey protein hydrolysate‐based infant formula emulsions with lecithin
Authors: Drapala Kamil P , Mulvihill Daniel M , O'Mahony James A
Published: June 2018

Oil‐in‐water emulsions containing 1.55, 3.50 and 7.00%, w/v, protein (whey protein hydrolysate), soya bean oil and carbohydrate, respectively, and 0–5% lecithin, w/w oil, were prepared and stored for 14 days at 40 °C. Oxidative stability of bulk oil (0–5% lecithin) and emulsions was measured using Rancimat and using peroxide and TBARS assays, respectively. The oxidative stability of bulk oils increased with increasing lecithin concentration. In emulsions, lecithin addition at 1%, w/w oil, retarded lipid oxidation, while adding lecithin at 2–5% showed no additional effect. The antioxidant effect of the lecithin, in both bulk oil and emulsions, was associated with its surface activity and ability to bind free radicals and pro‐oxidants.
Safety of the Combination of PERC and YEARS Rules in Patients With Low Clinical Probability of Pulmonary Embolism: A Retrospective Analysis of Two Large European Cohorts
Authors: Gorlicki Judith , Penaloza Andrea , Germeau Boris , Moumneh Thomas , Philippon Anne‐Laure , Truchot Jennifer , Douillet Delphine , Steinier Charlotte , Soulié Caroline , Bloom Ben , Cachanado Marine , Roy Pierre‐Marie , Freund Yonathan
Published: June 2018

Background

This study aimed to determine the failure rate of a combination of the PERC and the YEARS rules for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of two European cohorts of emergency patients with low gestalt clinical probability of PE (PROPER and PERCEPIC). All patients we included were managed using a conventional strategy (D‐dimer test, followed, if positive, by computed tomographic pulmonary angiogram (CTPA). We tested a diagnostic strategy that combined PERC and YEARS to rule out PE. The primary endpoint was a thromboembolic event diagnosed in the ED or at 3‐months follow‐up. Secondary endpoints included a thromboembolic event at baseline in the ED and a CTPA in the ED. Ninety‐five percent confidence intervals (CIs) of proportions were calculated with the use of Wilson's continuity correction.

Results

We analyzed 1,951 patients (mean ± SD age = 47 ± 18 years, 56% women) with an overall proportion of patients with PE of 3.5%. Both PERC and YEARS strategies were associated with 11 missed PE in the ED: failure rate 0.57 (95% CI = 0.32–1.02). At 3‐month follow‐up, the overall failure rate was 0.83% (95% CI = 0.51–1.35). Among the 503 patients who underwent a CTPA (26%), the use of the PERC–YEARS combination would have ruled out PE without CTPA in 249 patients (50% [95%CI = 45%–54%], absolute reduction 13% (95% CI = 11%–14%]).

Conclusion

The combination of PERC then YEARS was associated with a low risk of PE diagnostic failure and would have resulted in a relative reduction of almost half of CTPA.
Loren Parsons' contribution to addiction neurobiology
Authors: De Luca Maria A. , Buczynski Matthew W. , Di Chiara Gaetano
Published: June 2018

Loren (Larry) H. Parsons passed away at the age of 51. In spite of his premature departure, Larry much contributed to the drug abuse field. Since his graduate studies for the Ph.D. in Chemistry in J.B. Justice lab, microdialysis is the tread that links Larry's research topics, namely, the role of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5‐HT), gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate and endocannabinoids (eCBs) in drug reinforcement and dependence. Larry was the first to show that abstinence from chronic cocaine reduces extracellular DA in the NAc, consistent with the so called ‘dopamine depletion hypothesis’ of cocaine addiction. Another Larry's major contributions are the studies on 5‐HT and 5‐HT receptors' role in cocaine stimulant actions, which resulted in the identification of 5‐HT1B receptors as a critical substrate of cocaine reinforcement. By applying mass spectrometry to eCBs analysis in brain dialysates, Larry's lab showed that ethanol, heroin, nicotine and cocaine differentially affect anandamide and 2‐arachidonoylglicerol overflow in the NAc shell, a critical site of drugs of abuse DA stimulant actions. Larry also applied microdialysis to study GABA and glutamate's role in ethanol dependence and heroin reinforcement, providing in vivo evidence for a sensitization of corticotropin‐releasing factor‐dependent release of GABA in the central amygdala in withdrawal from chronic ethanol and for a reduction of GABA transmission in the ventral pallidum in heroin but not cocaine intravenous self‐administration. Larry showed the wide possibilities of microdialysis as a general purpose methodology for monitoring neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in the brain extracellular compartment. From this viewpoint, he stands as the best advocate for microdialysis.
Factors affecting periodontal disease referral and the adherence to guidelines among general dentists
Authors: Sum J , O'Rourke VJ
Published: June 2018

Background

Current research highlights a need to investigate the factors affecting periodontal disease referral. Limited literature exists on periodontal disease referral in Australia and no comparison to the periodontal disease referral guidelines exists.

Objective

This study analyses the factors affecting periodontal disease referral and the adherence to guidelines in general dentists in Queensland, Australia.

Methods

Fifty‐seven general dentists who are members of the Australian Dental Association (Queensland) undertook an online survey.

Results

The disease factor regarded as most important (90% of respondents) was unresolved inflammation upon re‐evaluation. The non‐disease factor regarded as most important (79% of respondents) was the operator's level of training. There is low awareness of the guidelines (36.7%) yet a reasonable adherence to them (78.3%). Of those aware of the guidelines, there was a statistically significant poorer adherence to the guidelines compared to those unaware (P = 0.036), while there is no significant difference in the adherence to guidelines between those who have and those who have not attended continuing professional development (CPD) courses (P = 0.66).

Conclusions

Adherence to current guidelines is not significantly impacted by the level of awareness of the guidelines or CPD attendance. The results from this study suggest a need to refine the current guidelines to better inform decisions about periodontal disease referrals.
Protective roles of estradiol against vascular oxidative stress in ovariectomized female rats exposed to normoxia or intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Ribon‐Demars Alexandra , Pialoux Vincent , Boreau Anaëlle , Marcouiller François , Larivière Richard , Bairam Aida , Joseph Vincent
Published: June 2018

Aim

We tested the hypothesis that estradiol (E2) reduces aortic oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in ovariectomized (OVX) female rats exposed to room air (RA) or chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH).

Methods

We used intact or OVX female rats treated with vehicle or E2 (0.5 mg/kg/d) and exposed to RA or CIH (21%‐10% O2, 10 cycles/h, 8 h/d) for 7 or 35 days, and measured the arterial pressure, heart rate and plasma endothelin‐1 levels. We also measured in thoracic aortic samples, the activities of the pro‐oxidant enzymes NADPH (NOX) and xanthine oxidase (XO), the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and the advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP—oxidative stress marker). Finally, we used aortic rings to assess the contractile response to phenylephrine and the vasodilatory response to acetylcholine.

Results

After 7 or 35 days of CIH, E2 supplementation reduced arterial pressure. E2 reduced plasma endothelin‐1 levels after 7 days of CIH, but not after 35 days. Ovariectomy, but not CIH for 7 days, increased aortic oxidative stress and E2 treatment prevented this effect. Remarkably, in animals exposed to RA, this was achieved by a reduction in NOX and XO activities, but in animals exposed to CIH this was achieved by increased catalase activity. In OVX female rats exposed to CIH for 7 days, E2 supplementation improved the NO‐mediated vasodilation. After 35 days of CIH, enzymatic activities, AOPP and aortic reactivity were similar in all groups.

Conclusion

E2‐based therapy could help prevent the vascular consequences of CIH in apneic women.
The crucial but underrepresented role of philosophy in conservation science curricula
Authors: Saltz David , Justus James , Huffaker Buddy
Published: June 2018

Article impact statement: Normative scientists must be trained in current thinking of the philosophy that underlies their fields, an issue not fully realized in conservation.
The risk of long‐term bowel dysfunction after resection for sigmoid adenocarcinoma: a cross‐sectional survey comparing complete mesocolic excision with conventional surgery
Authors: Bertelsen C. A. , Elfeki H. , Neuenschwander A. U. , Laurberg S. , Kristensen B. , Emmertsen K. J.
Published: June 2018

Aim

To investigate whether complete mesocolic excision (CME) might carry a higher risk of bowel dysfunction and subsequent reduction in quality of life compared with conventional resection.

Method

A cross‐sectional questionnaire study based on data from a national survey regarding long‐term bowel function and a population‐based cohort study comparing CME (study group) with conventional resection (control group). A total of 622 patients undergoing elective resection for Stage I–III sigmoid adenocarcinoma at four university colorectal centres between June 2008 and December 2014 were eligible to receive the questionnaire in mid‐November 2015. Primary outcomes were four or more bowel movements daily, nocturnal bowel movements, unproductive call to stool, obstructive sensation and impact of bowel function on quality of life (QOL).

Results

One hundred and twenty‐seven (69.0%) and 289 (66.0%) patients in the study and control groups, respectively, responded to the questionnaire after medians of 4.41 [interquartile range (IQR) 2.50, 5.83] and 4.57 (IQR 3.15, 5.82) years, respectively (P = 0.048). CME was not associated with: increased risk of four or more bowel movements daily [adjusted OR 1.14 (95% CI 0.59–2.14; P = 0.68)], nocturnal bowel movements [adjusted OR 1.31 (0.66–2.53; P = 0.43)], unproductive call to stool [adjusted OR 0.99 (0.54–1.77; P = 0.97)] or obstructive sensation [adjusted OR 1.01 (0.56–1.78; P = 0.96)]. While one in five patients in both groups had moderate to severe impact of bowel function on QOL, there was no association with CME.

Conclusion

For patients with sigmoid cancer, CME is associated with neither higher risk of bowel dysfunction nor impaired QOL.
Live donor liver transplantation with older donors: Increased long‐term graft loss due to HCV recurrence
Authors: Goldaracena Nicolas , Barbas Andrew S. , Galante Antonio , Sapisochin Gonzalo , Al‐Adra David , Selzner Nazia , Galvin Zita , Cattral Mark S. , Greig Paul D. , Lilly Les , Bhat Mamatha , McGilvray Ian D. , Ghanekar Anand , Levy Gary , Grant David R. , Selzner Markus
Published: June 2018

Using our prospectively collected database all adult hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐positive patients receiving an adult‐to‐adult LDLT between October 2000 and May 2014 were identified. Outcome of LDLT with grafts from younger (<50 years=128) vs older donors (≥50 years=31) was compared. Post‐transplant graft function, postoperative complications and incidence of HCV recurrence were evaluated. Long‐term graft and patient survival was calculated. No difference in graft function was observed between younger and older grafts. Overall complications were similar between both groups. The severity of complications determined by the Dindo‐Clavien score was similar. Graft loss from HCV recurrence was significantly less frequent in younger grafts (18% vs 62%, P = 0.001). Young vs older livers had a trend toward improved 1‐, 5‐, and 10‐year graft survival (89% vs 87%, 77% vs 69%, 70% vs 55%, P = 0.096), while patient survival was comparable between both groups (91% vs 90%, 78% vs 69%, 71% vs 60%, P = 0.25). In conclusion, LDLT with older vs younger grafts are more frequently associated with long‐term graft loss due to HCV recurrence. Differences in graft survival might be more prominent with prolonged (≥5‐year) follow‐up. Living donor‐recipient matching is particularly important for younger HCV‐positive recipients.
Intraoperative versus postoperative rendezvous endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography to treat common bile duct stones during cholecystectomy
Authors: Noel Rozh , Arnelo Urban , Swahn Fredrik
Published: June 2018

Background and Aim

The rendezvous postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) technique has been introduced as a modification of the single‐session rendezvous intraoperative ERCP procedure in the management of concurrent common bile duct stones during cholecystectomy. There are no reports on the impact of this modified technique on post‐ERCP morbidity. The objective of the present study was to study and compare the rendezvous techniques in terms of procedure‐associated morbidities, such as post‐ERCP pancreatitis and postoperative infections.

Methods

The Swedish National Registry for Gallstone Disease and ERCP was searched for ERCP procedures cross‐matched with cholecystectomies for the same patient carried out for gallstone indications between 2008 and 2014. A total of 1770 rendezvous ERCP procedures were retrieved and included in this study. The ERCP procedures were considered rendezvous intraoperative or rendezvous postoperative, depending on whether the ERCP procedure was carried out during or after completing the cholecystectomy.

Results

There were 1205 and 565 ERCP procedures in the rendezvous intraoperative and the rendezvous postoperative groups, respectively. The cohorts were similar in age and gender distribution. Overall complication rates were higher in the rendezvous postoperative group compared with the rendezvous intraoperative group (19.7% vs 14%, P = 0.004), involving specifically post‐ERCP pancreatitis (6.4% vs 3.2% P = 0.003) and postoperative infections (4.4% vs 2.3% P = 0.028). Despite similar stone clearance rates, there were higher rates of retained stones in the rendezvous postoperative group (5.5% vs 0.6%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Single‐session rendezvous intraoperative ERCP is superior to the rendezvous postoperative ERCP technique in terms of post‐ERCP pancreatitis and postoperative infections.
Developmental changes in automatic rule‐learning mechanisms across early childhood
Authors: Mueller Jutta L , Friederici Angela D , Männel Claudia
Published: June 2018

Infants’ ability to learn complex linguistic regularities from early on has been revealed by electrophysiological studies indicating that 3‐month‐olds, but not adults, can automatically detect non‐adjacent dependencies between syllables. While different ERP responses in adults and infants suggest that both linguistic rule learning and its link to basic auditory processing undergo developmental changes, systematic investigations of the developmental trajectories are scarce. In the present study, we assessed 2‐ and 4‐year‐olds’ ERP indicators of pitch discrimination and linguistic rule learning in a syllable‐based oddball design. To test for the relation between auditory discrimination and rule learning, ERP responses to pitch changes were used as predictor for potential linguistic rule‐learning effects. Results revealed that 2‐year‐olds, but not 4‐year‐olds, showed ERP markers of rule learning. Although, 2‐year‐olds’ rule learning was not dependent on differences in pitch perception, 4‐year‐old children demonstrated a dependency, such that those children who showed more pronounced responses to pitch changes still showed an effect of rule learning. These results narrow down the developmental decline of the ability for automatic linguistic rule learning to the age between 2 and 4 years, and, moreover, point towards a strong modification of this change by auditory processes. At an age when the ability of automatic linguistic rule learning phases out, rule learning can still be observed in children with enhanced auditory responses. The observed interrelations are plausible causes for age‐of‐acquisition effects and inter‐individual differences in language learning.