bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Uric Acid Control on Serum Creatinine
Authors: Yamamoto Ted , Xie John , Li Zhongze , Field Carey , Block Clay , Taylor Thomas
Published: June 2018

Objective

Hyperuricemia has been epidemiologically associated with multiple comorbidities including chronic renal failure and cardiovascular disease. Cause and effect are difficult to address, given comorbidities associated with and prevalence of metabolic syndrome. One impediment to achieving serum uric acid (sUa) levels less than or equal to 6.0 mg/DL is the concept that allopurinol might be nephrotoxic. We examined the relation of sUa less than or equal to 6.0 mg/dL to renal function over time.

Methods

This is a medical records review study of 348 hyperuricemia patients identified in 2015, as having been followed with serial uric acid measurements. After 1 year of serial urate levels, to allow for treatment, patient cohorts were defined: sUa less than or equal to 6.0 mg/dL and sUa greater than 6.0 mg/dL. A repeated measure model was used to test for an association between uric acid level and serum creatinine, while adjusting for covariates.

Results

There was a significant difference in the least square means of serum creatinine comparing those who achieved an sUa less than or equal to 6.0 mg/dL versus sUa greater than 6.0 mg/dL (1.39 mg/dL [95% confidence interval, 1.30–1.48] vs 1.57 mg/dL [95% confidence interval, 1.46–1.69]; p = 0.0015). This is a between-group difference in creatinine of 0.18 mg/dL. If a change in serum creatinine of 0.2 is considered significant, this short-term between-group progression of renal failure approaches clinical significance.

Conclusions

Given that most serial measures were within the first few years of follow-up, and change in renal function occurs slowly over time, the between group difference of sUa of 0.18 mg/dL is close to a clinically significant creatinine difference of 0.2 mg/dL.
Quantifying the Effect of Transplanting Older Donor Livers Into Younger Recipients: The Need for Donor-recipient Age Matching
Authors: Bittermann Therese , Goldberg David S.
Published: June 2018

Background

Increasing recipient and donor age are independently associated with survival after liver transplantation (LT). Whether donor age differentially impacts post-LT outcomes based on recipient age is unknown.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network data. All adult deceased-donor, single organ, primary LTs from 2002 to 2015 were included. Donor and recipient age were categorized as younger than 40 years, 40 to 59 years, and 60 years or older. Mixed-effects survival analysis evaluated the risk of graft failure and death according to the interaction of donor and recipient age categories.

Results

Of 63 628 LTs, 6.6% were in recipients younger than 40 years, of which 51.4% used an age-matched donor younger than 40 years. There was a significant among-center variability unrelated to United Network for Organ Sharing region in the use of older organs in young recipients, ranging from 0% to 25% or greater (overall center median, 9.7%; interquartile range, 5.4-16.5%). There was a significant interaction between donor and recipient age (P < 0.05) such that the impact of older donor age was more pronounced in younger recipients. Transplanting livers from donors aged 40 to 59 years and 60 years or older was associated with worse graft survival in recipients younger than 40 years, but there was no difference based on donor age in recipients 60 years or older.

Conclusions

There is a differential impact of using older donors in younger recipients than that in older recipients. Given their longer expected post-LT survival and the ethical imperative to maximize utilization of the scarce resource of transplantable livers, efforts should be made to allocate the highest-quality organs to those most likely to derive lasting benefit.
Measurement Characteristics of the Knowledge Assessment of Renal Transplantation
Authors: Peipert John D. , Hays Ron D. , Kawakita Satoru , Beaumont Jennifer L. , Waterman Amy D.
Published: June 2018

Background.

Kidney transplant is the best treatment for most end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, but proportionally few ESRD patients receive kidney transplant. To make an informed choice about whether to pursue kidney transplant, patients must be knowledgeable of its risks and benefits. To reliably and validly measure ESRD patients’ kidney transplant knowledge, rigorously tested measures are required. This article describes the development and psychometric testing of the Knowledge Assessment of Renal Transplantation (KART).

Methods.

We administered 17 transplant knowledge items to a sample of 1294 ESRD patients. Item characteristics and scale scores were estimated using an Item Response Theory graded response model. Construct validity was tested by examining differences in scale scores between patients who had spent less than 1 and 1 hour or longer receiving various types of transplant education.

Results.

Item Response Theory modeling suggested that 15 items should be retained for the KART. This scale had a marginal reliability of 0.75 and evidenced acceptable reliability (>0.70) across most of its range. Construct validity was supported by the KART’s ability to distinguish patients who had spent less than 1 and 1 hour or longer receiving different types of kidney transplant education, including talking to doctors/medical staff (effect size [ES], 0.61; P < 0.001), reading brochures (ES, 0.45; P < 0.001), browsing the internet (ES, 0.56; P < 0.001), and watching videos (ES, 0.56; P < 0.001).

Conclusions.

The final 15-item KART can be used to determine the kidney transplant knowledge levels of ESRD patients and plan appropriate interventions to ensure informed transplant decision making occurs.
Comparison of Two Luminex Single-antigen Bead Flow Cytometry Assays for Detection of Donor-specific Antibodies After Renal Transplantation
Authors: Bertrand Dominique , Farce Fabienne , Laurent Charlotte , Hamelin Frédérique , François Arnaud , Guerrot Dominique , Etienne Isabelle , Hau Françoise
Published: June 2018

Background.

Defining the clinical relevance of donor-specific HLA antibodies (DSA) detection by Luminex single-antigen (LSA) flow beads assay is critical in monitoring posttransplant outcome.

Methods.

Sera of kidney transplanted patients were tested by LSA1 and LSA2 with One Lambda Labscreen (test 1) and Immucor Lifecodes (test 2), at the time of a graft biopsy. The first group (G1, n = 50) had a biopsy highly suggestive of humoral rejection, and the second (G2, n = 50) had no criteria of rejection. Positivity criteria for DSA was mean fluorescence intensity greater than 500 for test 1, whereas specificity assignation respected the provider’s recommendations for test 2.

Results.

In G1, we identified at least 1 DSA in 44 patients with test 1, and in 39 patients with test 2. In G2, test 1 identified at least 1 DSA in 16 (32%) patients and test 2 in 7 (14%) patients. Sensitivity and specificity for antibody-mediated rejection diagnosis was 88% and 68%, respectively, with One Lambda, and 78% and 86%, respectively, with Immucor. Correlation and agreement were found in class I and II between intensity parameters of the 2 manufacturers. The use of the sum of the intensity of DSA improved the sensitivity and specificity of the 2 tests.

Conclusions.

We report the first comparative study of the 2 Luminex assays available for detecting DSA in the postkidney transplant setting. Although there is a good correlation and reliability between the 2 assays, significant differences exist. Positivity criteria for DSA determination differ and interpretation should take these specificities into account.
Neurofeedback helps to reveal a relationship between context reinstatement and memory retrieval
Authors: deBettencourt Megan T. , Turk-Browne Nicholas B. , Norman Kenneth A.
Published: June 2018

Theories of mental context and memory posit that successful mental context reinstatement enables better retrieval of memories from the same context, at the expense of memories from other contexts. To test this hypothesis, we had participants study lists of words, interleaved with task-irrelevant images from one category (e.g., scenes). Following encoding, participants were cued to mentally reinstate the context associated with a particular list, by thinking about the images that had appeared between the words. We measured context reinstatement with fMRI, and related this to performance on a free recall test that followed immediately afterwards. To increase sensitivity, we used a closed-loop neurofeedback procedure, whereby higher levels of context reinstatement (measured neurally) elicited increased visibility of the images from the studied context onscreen. Our goal was to create a positive feedback loop that amplified small fluctuations in mental context reinstatement, making it easier to experimentally detect a relationship between context reinstatement and recall. As predicted, we found that higher levels of neural context reinstatement were associated with better recall of words from the reinstated context, and worse recall of words from a different context. In a second experiment, we assessed the role of neurofeedback in identifying this brain-behavior relationship by presenting context images again but manipulating whether their visibility depended on neural context reinstatement. When neurofeedback was removed, the relationship between context reinstatement and memory retrieval disappeared. Together, these findings demonstrate a clear effect of context reinstatement on memory recall and suggest that neurofeedback can be a useful tool for characterizing brain-behavior relationships.

Abbreviated title

Neurofeedback context
Cheminformatics tools for analyzing and designing optimized small molecule libraries
Authors: Moret Nienke , Clark Nicholas A. , Hafner Marc , Wang Yuan , Lounkine Eugen , Medvedovic Mario , Wang Jinhua , Gray Nathanael , Jenkins Jeremy , Sorger Peter K.
Published: June 2018

Libraries of highly annotated small molecules have many uses in chemical genetics, drug discovery and drug repurposing. Many such libraries have become available, but few data-driven approaches exist to compare these libraries and design new ones. In this paper, we describe such an approach that makes use of data on binding selectivity, target coverage and induced cellular phenotypes as well as chemical structure and stage of clinical development. We implement the approach asRsoftware and a Web-accessible tool (http://www.smallmoleculesuite.org) that uses incomplete and often confounded public data in combination with user preferences to score and create libraries. Analysis of six kinase inhibitor libraries using our approach reveals dramatic differences among them, leading us to design a newLSP-OptimalKinaselibrary that outperforms all previous collections in terms of target coverage and compact size. We also assemble a mechanism of action library that optimally covers 1852 targets of the liganded genome. Using our tools, individual research groups and companies can quickly analyze private compound collections and public libraries can be progressively improved using the latest data.
Chicken uric acid elimination via the uric acid transporters BCRP and MRP4 in the liver, kidneys, and intestines
Authors: Ding Xuedong , Li Manman , Qian Shoufa , Ma Yuying , Fang Tianyi , Li Xinlu , Liu Huan , Feng Shibin , Li Yu , Wang Xichun , Li Jinchun , Wu Jinjie
Published: June 2018

Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) and multidrug resistance protein 4 (MRP4) are involved in uric acid excretion in humans and mice. Despite evidence suggesting that chicken renal proximal tubular epithelial cells participate in uric acid secretion, the roles of BCRP and MRP4 in chickens remain unclear. This study evaluated the relationship between chicken BCRP and MRP4 expression and renal function in the liver, kidneys, and intestines. Sixty 20-day-old Isa brown laying hens were randomly divided into four groups: a control group (NC) and groups provided with sulfonamide-treated drinking water (SD), a diet supplemented with fishmeal (FM), and an intraperitoneal injection of uric acid (IU). Serum uric acid, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were significantly higher in the SD and IU groups than in the NC group. BCRP and MRP4 levels in the SD and IU groups were significantly increased in the kidneys and ileum and decreased in the liver. In the FM group, BCRP and MRP4 were significantly increased in the kidneys and slightly increased in the ileum. These results demonstrate that chicken BCRP and MRP4 are involved in renal and intestinal uric acid excretion. When renal function is impaired, serum uric acid increased and BCRP and MRP4 in the liver, kidneys, and ileum exhibit compensatory increases; when renal function is normal, serum uric acid changes have no effect on ileum BCRP and MRP4 expression. Therefore, this study may provide the references to the uric acid regulation in human.
Anopheles Mosquitoes May Drive Invasion and Transmission of Mayaro Virus across Geographically Diverse Regions
Authors: Brustolin Marco , Pujhari Sujit , Henderson Cory A. , Rasgon Jason L.
Published: June 2018

The Togavirus (Alphavirus) Mayaro virus (MAYV) was initially described in 1954 from Mayaro County (Trinidad) and has been responsible for outbreaks in South America and the Caribbean. Imported MAYV cases are on the rise, leading to invasion concerns similar to Chikungunya and Zika viruses. Little is known about the range of mosquito species that are competent MAYV vectors. We tested vector competence of 2 MAYV genotypes for six mosquito species (Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae, An. stephensi, An. quadrimaculatus, An. freeborni, Culex quinquefasciatus). Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus were poor MAYV vectors, and either were poorly infected or poorly transmitted. In contrast, all Anopheles species were able to transmit MAYV, and 3 of the 4 species transmitted both genotypes. The Anopheles species tested are divergent and native to widely separated geographic regions, suggesting that Anopheles may be important in the invasion and spread of MAYV across diverse regions of the world.
Major evolutionary transitions as Bayesian structure learning
Authors: Czégel Dániel , Zachar István , Szathmáry Eӧrs
Published: June 2018

Complexity of life forms on Earth has increased tremendously, primarily driven by subsequent evolutionary transitions in individuality, a mechanism in which units formerly being capable of independent replication combine to form higher-level evolutionary units. Although this process has been likened to the recursive combination of pre-adapted subsolutions in the framework of learning theory, no general mathematical formalization of this analogy has been provided yet. Here we show, building on former results connecting replicator dynamics and Bayesian update, that (i) evolution of a hierarchical population under multilevel selection is equivalent to Bayesian inference in hierarchical Bayesian models, and (ii) evolutionary transitions in individuality, driven by synergistic fitness interactions, is equivalent to learning the structure of hierarchical models via Bayesian model comparison. These correspondences support a learning theory oriented narrative of evolutionary complexification: the complexity and depth of the hierarchical structure of individuality mirrors the amount and complexity of data that has been integrated about the environment through the course of evolutionary history.
Transcriptome analysis of differential gene expression inDichomitus squalensduring interspecific mycelial interactions and the potential link with laccase induction
Authors: Zhong Zixuan , Li Nannan , He Binghui , Igarashi Yasuo , Luo Feng
Published: June 2018

Interspecific mycelial interactions between white rot fungi are always accompanied by increased production of laccase. In this study, the potential of white rot fungiDichomitus squalensfor enhancing laccase production during interaction with two other white rot fungiTrametes versicolororPleurotus ostreatuswas identified. To probe the mechanism of laccase induction and the role of laccase played during the combative interaction, we analyzed the laccase induction response to stressful conditions during fungal interaction related to the differential gene expression profile. We further confirmed the expression patterns of 16 selected genes by qRT-PCR analysis. We noted that many differential expression genes (DEGs) encoding proteins were involved in xenobiotics detoxification and ROS generation or reduction, including aldo/keto reductase, glutathione S-transferases, cytochrome P450 enzymes, alcohol oxidases and dehydrogenase, manganese peroxidase and laccase. Furthermore, many DEG-encoding proteins were involved in antagonistic mechanisms of nutrient acquisition and antifungal properties, including glycoside hydrolase, glucanase, chitinase and terpenoid synthases. DEGs analysis effectively revealed that laccase induction was likely caused by protective responses to oxidative stress and nutrient competition during fungal interspecific interaction.
Identification of circulating protein biomarkers for pancreatic cancer cachexia
Authors: Shahda Safi , Narasimhan Ashok , Kays Joshua , Perkins Susan M. , Cheng Lijun , Hannaford Katheryn N. , Schloss Daniel E. I. , Koniaris Leonidas G. , Zimmers Teresa A.
Published: June 2018

Background

Over 80% of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) suffer from cachexia, characterized by severe muscle and fat loss. Although various model systems have improved our understanding of cachexia, translating the findings to human cachexia has remained a challenge. In this study, our objectives were to i) identify circulating protein biomarkers using serum for human PDAC cachexia, (ii) identify the ontological functions of the identified biomarkers and (iii) identify new pathways associated with human PDAC cachexia by performing protein co-expression analysis.

Methods

Serum from 30 patients with PDAC was collected. Body composition measurements of skeletal muscle index (SMI), skeletal muscle density (SMD), total adipose index (TAI) were obtained from computed tomography scans (CT). Cancer associated weight loss (CAWL), an ordinal classification of history of weight loss and body mass index (BMI) was obtained from medical record. Serum protein profiles and concentrations were generated using SOMAscan, a quantitative aptamer-based assay. Ontological analysis of the proteins correlated with clinical variables (r≥ 0.5 and p<0.05) was performed using DAVID Bioinformatics. Protein co-expression analysis was determined using pairwise Spearman’s correlation.

Results

Overall, 111 proteins of 1298 correlated with these clinical measures, 48 proteins for CAWL, 19 for SMI, 14 for SMD, and 30 for TAI. LYVE1, a homolog of CD44 implicated in tumor metastasis, was the top CAWL-associated protein (r= 0.67, p=0.0001). Other proteins such as INHBA, MSTN/GDF11, and PIK3R1 strongly correlated with CAWL. Proteins correlated with cachexia included those associated with proteolysis, acute inflammatory response, as well as B cell and T cell activation. Protein co-expression analysis identified networks such as activation of immune related pathways such as B-cell signaling, Th1 and Th2 pathways, natural killer cell signaling, IL6 signaling, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Conclusion

Taken together, these data both identify immune system molecules and additional secreted factors and pathways not previously associated with PDAC and confirm the activation of previously identified pathways. Identifying altered secreted factors in serum of PDAC patients may assist in developing minimally invasive laboratory tests for clinical cachexia as well as identifying new mediators.
Cortical responses to natural speech reflect probabilistic phonotactics
Authors: Di Liberto Giovanni M. , Wong Daniel , Melnik Gerda Ana , de Cheveigné Alain
Published: June 2018

Humans comprehend speech despite the various challenges of real-world environments, such as loud noise and mispronunciation. Our auditory system is robust to these thanks to the integration of the upcoming sensory input with prior knowledge and expectations built on language-specific regularities. One such regularity regards the permissible phoneme sequences, which determine the likelihood that a word belongs to a given language (phonotactic probability; “blick” is more likely to be an English word than “bnick”). Previous research suggested that violations of these rules modulate brain evoked responses such as the N400 and the late positive complex. Yet several fundamental questions remain unresolved, especially regarding the neural encoding and integration strategy of phonotactic information. Here, we used linear modelling approaches to assess the influence of phonotactic probabilities on the brain responses to narrative speech measured with non-invasive EEG. We found that the relationship between continuous speech and EEG responses is best described when the speech descriptor includes phonotactic probabilities. This provides us with a methodology to isolate and measure the brain responses to phonotactics using natural speech at the individual subject-level. Furthermore, such low-frequency signals showed the strongest speech-EEG interactions at latencies of 100-400 ms, supporting a pre-lexical role of phonotactic information.

Significance Statement

Speech is composed of basic units, called phonemes, whose combinations comply with language-specific regularities determining whether a sequence “sounds” as a plausible word. Our ability to detect irregular combinations requires matching incoming sequences with our internal expectations, a process that supports speech segmentation and learning. However, the neural mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have not yet been established. Here, we examine this in the human brain using narrative speech. We identified a brain signal reflecting the likelihood that a word belongs to the language, which may offer new opportunities to investigate speech perception, learning, development, and impairment. Our data also suggest a pre-lexical role of this phenomenon, thus supporting and extending current mechanistic perspectives.
Effect of chronic stimulation and stimulus level on temporal processing by cochlear implant listeners
Authors: Carlyon Robert P. , Guérit François , Billig Alexander J. , Tam Yu Chuen , Harris Frances , Deeks John M.
Published: June 2018

A series of experiments investigated potential changes in temporal processing during the months following activation of a cochlear implant (CI) and as a function of stimulus level. Experiment 1 tested patients on the day of implant activation and two and six months later. All stimuli were presented using direct stimulation of a single apical electrode. The dependent variables were rate discrimination ratios (RDRs) for pulse trains with rates centred on 120 pulses per second (pps), obtained using an adaptive procedure, and a measure of the upper limit of temporal pitch, obtained using a pitch-ranking procedure.

All stimuli were presented at their most comfortable level (MCL). RDRs decreased from 1.23 to 1.16 and the upper limit increased from 357 to 485 pps from 0 to 2 months post-activation, with no overall change from 2 to 6 months. Because MCLs and hence the testing level increased across sessions, two further experiments investigated whether the performance changes observed across sessions could be due to level differences. Experiment 2 re-tested a subset of subjects at 9 months post-activation, using current levels similar to those used at 0 months. Although the stimuli sounded softer, some subjects showed lower RDRs and/or higher upper limits at this re-test. Experiment 3 measured RDRs and the upper limit for a separate group of subjects at levels equal to 60%, 80%, and 100% of the dynamic range. RDRs decreased with increasing level. The upper limit increased with increasing level for most subjects, with two notable exceptions. Implications of the results for temporal plasticity are discussed, along with possible influences of the effects of level and of across-session learning.
Calcium-dependent reactive oxygen formation and blood-brain barrier breakdown by NOX5 limits post-reperfusion outcome in stroke
Authors: Casas Ana I , Kleikers Pamela WM , Geuss Eva , Langhauser Friederike , Egea Javier , Lopez Manuela G , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Schmidt Harald HHW
Published: June 2018

Ischemic stroke is a predominant cause of disability worldwide, with thrombolytic or mechanical removal of the occlusion being the only therapeutic options. Reperfusion bears the risk of an acute deleterious calcium-dependent breakdown of the blood-brain-barrier. Its mechanism, however, is unknown. Here we identify type 5 NADPH oxidase (NOX5), a calcium-activated, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-forming enzyme as missing link. Using a humanised knock-in mouse model and in vitro in organotypic cultures, we find re-oxygenation or calcium overload to increase brain ROS levels in a NOX5-dependent manner. In vivo, post-ischemic ROS formation, infarct volume and functional outcomes were worsened in NOX5 knock-in mice. Of clinical and therapeutic relevance, in a human blood-barrier model pharmacological NOX inhibition also prevented acute re-oxygenation induced leakage. Our data therefore identify NOX5 as sufficient to induce acute post-reperfusion calcium-dependent blood-brain-barrier breakdown. We suggest urgent clinical validation by conducting protective post-stroke re-canalisation in the presence of a NOX inhibitor.
Reduced gray matter volume in the orbitofrontal cortex is associated with greater body mass index: a coordinate-based meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Eunice Y. , Murray Susan , Giovannetti Tania , Smith David V.
Published: June 2018

Meta-analyses of neuroimaging studies have not found a clear relationship between the orbitofrontal cortex and obesity, despite animal and human studies suggesting the contrary. Our primary meta-analysis examined what regions are associated with reduced gray matter volume, given increased body mass index. We identified 23 voxel-based morphometry studies examining the association between gray matter volume and body mass index. In a sample of 6,788 participants, we found that greater body mass index is associated with decreased gray matter volume in the right Brodmanns’ area 10 and 11, forming part of the right orbitofrontal cortex (FWE, p=0.05). Use of Brodmanns’ areas 10 and 11 as seeds in a Neurosynth network coactivation and text decoding analysis revealed that these regions are associated with studies of emotional regulation and processing, clinical symptoms and disorder, ‘mentalizing’ and social cognition, and the Default mode network. Our finding uniquely contributes to the literature in showing a relationship between the orbitofrontal cortex and obesity and showing the wide-ranging impact these differences may have on social, mental, and emotional functioning as well as on the Default mode network. Exploratory analyses suggest the need for studies examining the effect of age on these findings.
The C.elegans AWA Olfactory Neuron Fires Calcium-Mediated All-or-None Action Potentials
Authors: Liu Qiang , Kidd Philip B. , Dobosiewicz May , Bargmann Cornelia I.
Published: June 2018

We find, unexpectedly, that C. elegans neurons can encode information through regenerative all-or-none action potentials. In a survey of current-voltage relationships in C. elegans neurons, we discovered that AWA olfactory neurons generate membrane potential spikes with defining characteristics of action potentials. Ion substitution experiments, pharmacology, and mutant analysis identified a voltage-gated CaV1 calcium channel and a Shaker-type potassium channel that underlie action potential dynamics in AWA. Simultaneous patch-clamp recording and calcium imaging in AWA revealed spike-associated calcium signals that were also observed after odor stimulation of intact animals, suggesting that natural odor stimuli induce AWA action potentials. The stimulus regimes that elicited action potentials match AWA’s proposed specialized function in climbing odor gradients. Our results provide evidence that C. elegans can use digital as well as analog coding schemes, expand the computational repertoire of its nervous system, and inform future modeling of its neural coding and network dynamics.
A multi-modal study into students’ timing and learning regulation: time is ticking
Authors: Tempelaar Dirk , Rienties Bart , Nguyen Quan
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This empirical study aims to demonstrate how the combination of trace data derived from technology-enhanced learning environments and self-response survey data can contribute to the investigation of self-regulated learning processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a showcase based on 1,027 students’ learning in a blended introductory quantitative course, the authors analysed the learning regulation and especially the timing of learning by trace data. Next, the authors connected these learning patterns with self-reports based on multiple contemporary social-cognitive theories.

Findings

The authors found that several behavioural facets of maladaptive learning orientations, such as lack of regulation, self-sabotage or disengagement negatively impacted the amount of practising, as well as timely practising. On the adaptive side of learning dispositions, the picture was less clear. Where some adaptive dispositions, such as the willingness to invest efforts in learning and self-perceived planning skills, positively impacted learning regulation and timing of learning, other dispositions such as valuing school or academic buoyancy lacked the expected positive effects.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the blended design, there is a strong asymmetry between what one can observe on learning in both modes.

Practical implications

This study demonstrates that in a blended setup, one needs to distinguish the grand effect on learning from the partial effect on learning in the digital mode: the most adaptive students might be less dependent for their learning on the use of the digital learning mode.

Originality/value

The paper presents an application of embodied motivation in the context of blended learning.
Adaptive decision support for suggesting a machine tool maintenance strategy
Authors: Shagluf Abubaker , Parkinson Simon , Longstaff Andrew Peter , Fletcher Simon
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to produce a decision support aid for machine tool owners to utilise while deciding upon a maintenance strategy. Furthermore, the decision support tool is adaptive and capable of suggesting different strategies by monitoring for any change in machine tool manufacturing accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

A maintenance cost estimation model is utilised within the research and development of this decision support system (DSS). An empirical-based methodology is pursued and validated through case study analysis.

Findings

A case study is provided where a schedule of preventative maintenance actions is produced to reduce the need for the future occurrences of reactive maintenance actions based on historical machine tool accuracy information. In the case study, a 28 per cent reduction in predicted accuracy-related expenditure is presented, equating to a saving of £14k per machine over a five year period.

Research limitations/implications

The emphasis on improving machine tool accuracy and reducing production costs is increasing. The presented research is pioneering in the development of a software-based tool to help reduce the requirement on domain-specific expert knowledge.

Originality/value

The paper presents an adaptive DSS to assist with maintenance strategy selection. This is the first of its kind and is able to suggest a preventative strategy for those undertaking only reactive maintenance. This is of value for both manufacturers and researchers alike. Manufacturers will benefit from reducing maintenance costs, and researchers will benefit from the development and application of a novel decision support technique.
Sleeping with the enemy
Authors: Huang Ming-Chang , Chang Bau-Jung
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This paper highlights cooperation as an important moderating condition of competitive action and response. Drawing on a new perspective of collective identity on competitive dynamics, the purpose of this paper is to stress the impacts of market commonalities and resource similarities on competitive actions and responses and focus on the moderating effect of cooperation on the relationships mentioned above.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs logistic regression analysis to test the hypotheses in the Taiwanese flour industry at the period 2002–2005.

Findings

The results indicate market commonalities and resource similarities have a negative effect on the likelihood of a price-competitive action and a price-competitive response. Moreover, the level of cooperation among firms moderates the relationships among market commonalities, resource similarities, price-competitive actions, and price-competitive responses.

Practical implications

To understand and predict competitive behavior help firms to control and avoid unnecessary rivalry and therefore maintain mutual forbearance with competitors.

Originality/value

This study provides a new angle on cooperation-level analysis, contributing the use of collective identity theory to analyze the moderating effects of cooperation on competitive actions and responses.
Optimization of laboratory procedures for intrauterine insemination: survey of methods in relation to clinical outcome
Authors: Lemmens L. , Kos S. , Beijer C. , Braat D. D. M. , Jonker M. A. , Nelen W. L. D. M. , Wetzels A. M. M.
Published: June 2018

Background

There is a wide practice variation of used methods and outcomes in IUI in fertility laboratories. Standardization of the IUI procedure is important for reducing inconsistency among laboratories in counseling infertile couples and in pregnancy results. The aim of the study was to evaluate the currently used laboratory procedures of IUI in Dutch fertility laboratories and their effect on IUI pregnancy results. Additionally, the methods for semen analysis (SA) were evaluated, as SA is related to IUI in terms of inseminated sperm number and IUI counseling.

Material and Methods

This questionnaire survey study was sent to laboratories participating in the Dutch external quality control program for semen analysis (SKML) and consisted of 46 questions concerning laboratory management, methods for semen analysis and IUI, and clinical results. The results were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

A total of 52 laboratories (out of 99) provided information on used methodologies for SA or laboratory procedures of IUI and the organization of the laboratory. A wide variability was confirmed in used methods for both SA and IUI. Evaluation of pregnancy results obtained during 3 years (2013‐2015) showed that specific used laboratory methods have a significant effect on the probability of becoming pregnant.

Discussion and conclusion

Important to remark is that in this survey study cycle‐specific data, including variables of the individual couples (age, stimulation protocol, etc), were not included and may have effects on the results. The reported results provide an overview of the current practice performance; however, the organization of fertility laboratories is changing rapidly. The use of standardized methods in IUI is important for optimizing the performance of care and improving pregnancy results. The knowledge on used procedures, however, is limited, and further research on factors involving SA and the IUI procedure is necessary.
Lopinavir/ritonavir treatment increases the placental transfer of bupivacaine enantiomers in human immunodeficiency virus‐infected pregnant women
Authors: Ribeiro Rodrigo Metzker Pereira , Moreira Fernanda de Lima , Moisés Elaine Christine Dantas , Cavalli Ricardo Carvalho , Quintana Silvana Maria , Lanchote Vera Lucia , Duarte Geraldo
Published: June 2018

Aims

The present study evaluated the placental transfer and amniotic fluid distribution of bupivacaine enantiomers in health pregnant women and in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected pregnant women receiving epidural anaesthesia for caesarean section.

Methods

Twelve HIV‐infected pregnant women (HIV group) were treated long‐term (at least 8 weeks) with lopinavir/ritonavir (400/100 mg twice daily), and 12 healthy pregnant women (Control group) who submitted to epidural anaesthesia with racemic bupivacaine (75 mg) during caesarean section were investigated. At delivery, samples of maternal and fetal blood and amniotic fluid were collected (10–20 min after drug administration).

Results

The placental transfer ratio of bupivacaine enantiomers was significantly higher among the pregnant women from the HIV group when compared with those from the Control group (Mann–Whitney test, P ≤ 0.05). Placental transfer ratios (median and 25th ‐ 75th percentiles) for (+)‐(R)‐bupivacaine were 0.58 (0.38–0.82) in the HIV group vs. 0.25 (0.18–0.33) in the Control group, and for (–)‐(S)‐bupivacaine, they were 0.54 (0.34–0.69) in the HIV group vs. 0.25 (0.19–0.29) in the Control group. The transplacental distribution of bupivacaine was stereoselective only in the HIV group. The umbilical artery/umbilical vein ratio and amniotic fluid/maternal vein ratio were low and nonstereoselective, and no statistically significant differences were observed between the groups.

Conclusions

This study supports that the placental transfer of both bupivacaine enantiomers was 100% higher in HIV‐pregnant women treated with lopinavir/ritonavir when compared with that in healthy pregnant women receiving epidural anaesthesia for caesarean section.
Gambogic Acid Inhibits Melanoma through Regulation of miR‐199a‐3p/ZEB1 Signalling
Authors: Liang Lili , Zhang Zhixin , Qin Xiaowei , Gao Ying , Zhao Peng , Liu Jing , Zeng Weihui
Published: June 2018

Malignant melanoma is an aggressive form of cancer which is highly resistant to chemotherapy. We have previously found that gambogic acid (GA), a kind of polyprenylated xanthone, exhibits an antitumour role in melanoma. The study was designed to investigate novel mechanisms of the antitumour effect of GA in melanoma cells and implanted nude mice. Gambogic acid significantly decreased cell viability, increased apoptosis and reduced migration and invasion in A375 cells. In addition, cisplatin‐induced cytotoxicity in both A375 and A375/CDDP cells was increased by GA. The expression of miR‐199a‐3p was increased by GA in A375 cells and implanted tumours, and inhibition of miR‐199a‐3p significantly prevented GA‐induced effect on cell viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion and cisplatin sensitivity in A375 cells. miR‐199a‐3p mimics reduced tumour weight and volume in vivo and decreased cell viability, increased apoptosis and reduced migration and invasion in vitro. miR‐199a‐3p expression was decreased in melanoma tissues and cells, as compared with their controls. miR‐199a‐3p possessed a potential binding site in the 3′‐UTR of zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox (ZEB1). ZEB1 expression was increased in melanoma tissues and cells, as compared with their controls. ZEB1 and miR‐199a‐3p expression was negatively correlated in melanoma tissues. The expression of ZEB1 was decreased by GA in A375 cells and implanted tumours, and up‐regulation of ZEB1 significantly prevented GA‐induced effect on cell viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion and cisplatin sensitivity. Down‐regulation of ZEB1 reduced tumour weight and volume in vivo and decreased cell viability, increased apoptosis and reduced migration and invasion in vitro. We identified the important roles of miR‐199a‐3p and ZEB1 in melanoma and elucidated the tumour suppressor function of miR‐199a‐3p through inhibition of ZEB1. The results highlight the importance of miR‐199a‐3p–ZEB1 signalling in antitumour effect of GA in malignant melanoma and provide novel targets for the chemotherapy of melanoma.
Tracking the Within‐Trial, Cross‐Trial, and Developmental Dynamics of Cognitive Control: Evidence From the Simon Task
Authors: Erb Christopher D. , Marcovitch Stuart
Published: June 2018

Six‐ to 8‐year‐olds, 10‐ to 12‐year‐olds, and adults (N = 108) performed the Simon task by reaching to targets on a digital display. The spatial and temporal characteristics of their movements were used to assess how two key processes underlying cognitive control—a threshold adjustment process and a controlled selection process—unfold over the course of a response (within‐trial dynamics), are modulated by recent experience (cross‐trial dynamics), and contribute to age‐related gains in control (developmental dynamics). The results indicate that the controlled selection process undergoes a more protracted development than the threshold adjustment process. The results also shed light on a prominent debate concerning the cross‐trial dynamics of control by supporting the feature integration account over the conflict adaptation account.
Hemoglobin A1c predicts hemorrhagic transformation and poor outcomes after acute anterior stroke
Authors: Zhang G. , He M. , Xu Y. , Li X. , Cai Z. , Guo Z. , Meng P. , Ji N. , He X. , Pang L.
Published: June 2018

Background and purpose

Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a major complication of acute ischaemic stroke that is potentially related to clinical deterioration. The objective of this study was to assess whether chronic hyperglycemia is a predictive factor of HT in patients with acute anterior stroke.

Methods

Patients with acute anterior stroke were included in this study. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was measured in the morning after hospitalization. HT was detected by computed tomography scans or gradient echo magnetic resonance imaging performed 4 (±2) days after onset. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the risks for HT and short‐term outcomes.

Results

Of the 426 patients included, 93 (21.8%) had HT: 61 (14.3%) presented with hemorrhagic infarction and 32 (7.5%) presented with parenchymal hematoma. A total of 54 patients received thrombolytic treatment and 18 (33.3%) were found to have HT. In the multivariate analysis, HbA1c [odds ratio (OR), 1.294; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.097–1.528], infarction size (OR, 3.358; 95% CI, 1.748–6.449) and thrombolytic therapy (OR, 3.469; 95% CI, 1.757–6.847) were predictors of HT. The predictive effect of HbA1c on HT was still observed in both groups when patients were stratified according to the levels of fasting blood glucose. HbA1c was found to be a predictor of poor outcomes in the multilogistic regression analysis (OR, 1.482; 95% CI, 1.228–1.788).

Conclusions

Higher HbA1c was independently related to HT and poor neurological outcomes in patients with ischaemic stroke. These findings have significant implications for the treatment of diabetes and glucose management in patients with diabetes mellitus and/or acute ischaemic stroke.
A century of genetic variation inferred from a persistent soil‐stored seed bank
Authors: Summers Jennifer L. , Bernik Brittany , Saunders Colin J. , McLachlan Jason S. , Blum Michael J.
Published: June 2018

Stratigraphic accretion of dormant propagules in soil can result in natural archives useful for studying ecological and evolutionary responses to environmental change. Few attempts have been made, however, to use soil‐stored seed banks as natural archives, in part because of concerns over nonrandom attrition and mixed stratification. Here, we examine the persistent seed bank of Schoenoplectus americanus, a foundational brackish marsh sedge, to determine whether it can serve as a resource for reconstructing historical records of demographic and population genetic variation. After assembling profiles of the seed bank from radionuclide‐dated soil cores, we germinated seeds to “resurrect” cohorts spanning the 20th century. Using microsatellite markers, we assessed genetic diversity and differentiation among depth cohorts, drawing comparisons to extant plants at the study site and in nearby and more distant marshes. We found that seed density peaked at intermediate soil depths. We also detected genotypic differences among cohorts as well as between cohorts and extant plants. Genetic diversity did not decline with depth, indicating that the observed pattern of differentiation is not due to attrition. Patterns of differentiation within and among extant marshes also suggest that local populations persist as aggregates of small clones, likely reflecting repeated seedling recruitment and low immigration from admixed regional gene pools. These findings indicate that persistent and stratified soil‐stored seed banks merit further consideration as resources for reconstructing decadal‐ to century‐long records that can lend insight into the tempo and nature of ecological and evolutionary processes that shape populations over time.
The climate, the fuel and the land use: Long‐term regional variability of biomass burning in boreal forests
Authors: Molinari Chiara , Lehsten Veiko , Blarquez Olivier , Carcaillet Christopher , Davis Basil A. S. , Kaplan Jed O. , Clear Jennifer , Bradshaw Richard H. W.
Published: June 2018

The influence of different drivers on changes in North American and European boreal forests biomass burning (BB) during the Holocene was investigated based on the following hypotheses: land use was important only in the southernmost regions, while elsewhere climate was the main driver modulated by changes in fuel type. BB was reconstructed by means of 88 sedimentary charcoal records divided into six different site clusters. A statistical approach was used to explore the relative contribution of (a) pollen‐based mean July/summer temperature and mean annual precipitation reconstructions, (b) an independent model‐based scenario of past land use (LU), and (c) pollen‐based reconstructions of plant functional types (PFTs) on BB. Our hypotheses were tested with: (a) a west‐east northern boreal sector with changing climatic conditions and a homogeneous vegetation, and (b) a north‐south European boreal sector characterized by gradual variation in both climate and vegetation composition. The processes driving BB in boreal forests varied from one region to another during the Holocene. However, general trends in boreal biomass burning were primarily controlled by changes in climate (mean annual precipitation in Alaska, northern Quebec, and northern Fennoscandia, and mean July/summer temperature in central Canada and central Fennoscandia) and, secondarily, by fuel composition (BB positively correlated with the presence of boreal needleleaf evergreen trees in Alaska and in central and southern Fennoscandia). Land use played only a marginal role. A modification towards less flammable tree species (by promoting deciduous stands over fire‐prone conifers) could contribute to reduce circumboreal wildfire risk in future warmer periods.
Accumulation of γ‐aminobutyric acid during cold storage in mulberry leaves
Authors: Li Erna , Luo Xinxin , Liao Sentai , Shen Weizhi , Li Qian , Liu Fan , Zou Yuxiao
Published: June 2018

The γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) contained in mulberry leaves has the effect of improving mood. Mulberry leaf cultivars ‘Kangxuan 01‐28’, ‘Lunbai No.1’ and ‘BR 60’ were analysed for GABA accumulation under low temperature storage. The effects of ice temperature storage (ITS), cold acclimation combined with ice‐temperature storage (CACIS) and cold storage (CS) on GABA and associated enzymes, soluble protein and leaf colour were measured. The increase in GABA content differed among varieties. Under different low temperature storage treatments, the GABA concentration increased by 33.93‐fold, 11.75‐fold and 4.28‐fold in mulberry leaves compared with the initial concentration in the three cultivars ‘Kangxuan 01‐28’, ‘Lunbai No.1’ and ‘BR 60’, respectively. GAD activity and soluble protein were positively correlated with GABA concentration, while GABA‐T activity showed an opposite trend to the GABA concentration. After being treated with ITS, ‘Kangxuan 01‐28’ could accumulate higher GABA and should be consumed within 7 days.