bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of latent toxoplasmosis on olfactory functions of men and women
Authors: Flegr Jaroslav , Milinski Manfred , Kaňková Šárka , Hůla Martin , Hlaváčová Jana , Sýkorová Kateřina
Published: December 2017

The prevalence of toxoplasmosis is higher in schizophrenics than in the general population. It has been suggested that certain symptoms of schizophrenia, including changes in olfactory functions, are in fact symptoms of toxoplasmosis that can be easily detected in schizophrenics only due to the increased prevalence of toxoplasmosis in this population. Schizophrenics have impaired identification of odors and lower sensitivity of odor detection. Here we searched for differences in olfactory functions between 62 infected and 61 noninfected non-schizophrenic subjects. The infected men scored better in the standard odor-identification test. The infected women rated all smells as more intensive while the infected men rated nearly all smells as less intensive. Infected women rated the pleasantness of the smell of undiluted cat urine as higher than the non-infected women and the opposite was true for the men (the opposite direction shifts in men and women were described earlier for highly diluted cat urine). Toxoplasmosis had no effect on the rated pleasantness of the smell of other stimuli. Our results suggest that latent toxoplasmosis is associated with changes in the olfactory functions in humans; however, the observed changes differ from those observed in schizophrenics.

Key findings

Infected men but not women show better odor identification ability than the non-infected controls.

The infected women rated all smells as more and men as less intensive than the controls.

The infected women rated smell of cat urine as more and men as less pleasurable than the controls.

Toxoplasmosis had no effect on the rated pleasantness of the smell of other stimuli.

We found no new evidence for the toxoplasmosis hypothesis of schizophrenia.
Behavioral variation correlates with differences in single neuron serotonin receptor subtype expression within and across species
Authors: Tamvacakis A.N. , Senatore A. , Katz P.S.
Published: December 2017

The marine mollusc, Pleurobranchaea californica varies daily in whether it swims and this correlates with whether serotonin (5-HT) enhances the strength of synapses made by the swim central pattern generator neuron, C2. Another species, Tritonia diomedea, reliably swims and does not vary in serotonergic neuromodulation. A third species, Hermissenda crassicornis, never produces this behavior and lacks the neuromodulation. We found that expression of particular 5-HT receptor genes in C2 correlates with swimming. Seven 5-HT receptor subtype genes were identified from whole-brain transcriptomes. We isolated individual C2 neurons and sequenced their RNA or measured 5-HT receptor gene expression using quantitative PCR. C2 neurons isolated from Pleurobranchaea individuals that produced a swim motor pattern just prior to isolation expressed the 5-HT2a and 5-HT7 receptor genes, as did the Tritonia samples. These subtypes were absent from C2 neurons isolated from Pleurobranchaea individuals that did not swim that day and from Hermissenda C2 neurons. Expression of other receptors did not correlate with swimming. This suggests that 5-HT2a and 5-HT7 receptors mediate the modulation of C2 synaptic strength and play an important role in swimming. Furthermore, the results suggest that regulation of receptor expression might underlie daily changes in behavior as well as behavioral evolution.
Mechanisms of KCNQ1 Channel Dysfunction in Long QT Syndrome Involving Voltage Sensor Domain Mutations
Authors: Huang Hui , Kuenze Georg , Smith Jarrod A. , Taylor Keenan C. , Duran Amanda M. , Hadziselimovic Arina , Meiler Jens , Vanoye Carlos G. , George Alfred L. , Sanders Charles R.
Published: December 2017

Loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in human KCNQ1 are responsible for susceptibility to a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder, the congenital long-QT syndrome (LQTS). Hundreds of KCNQ1 mutations have been identified, but the molecular mechanisms responsible for impaired function are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the impact of 51 KCNQ1 variants located within the voltage sensor domain (VSD), with an emphasis on elucidating effects on cell surface expression, protein folding and structure. For each variant, the efficiency of trafficking to the plasma membrane, the impact of proteasome inhibition, and protein stability were assayed. The results of these experiments, combined with channel functional data, provided the basis for classifying each mutation into one of 6 mechanistic categories. More than half of the KCNQ1 LOF mutations destabilize the structure of the VSD, resulting in mistrafficking and degradation by the proteasome, an observation that underscores the growing appreciation that mutation-induced destabilization of membrane proteins may be a common human disease mechanism. Finally, we observed that 5 of the folding-defective LQTS mutants are located in the VSD S0 helix, where they interact with a number of other LOF mutation sites in other segments of the VSD. These observations reveal a critical role for the S0 helix as a central scaffold to help organize and stabilize the KCNQ1 VSD and, most likely, the corresponding domain of many other ion channels.

One Sentence Summary

Long QT syndrome-associated mutations in KCNQ1 most often destabilize the protein, leading to mistrafficking and degradation.
Epithelial stratification shapes infection dynamics
Authors: Murall Carmen Lía , Jackson Robert , Zehbe Ingeborg , Boulle Nathalie , Segondy Michel , Alizon Samuel
Published: December 2017

Infections of stratified epithelia collectively represent a large burden on global health. Experimental models provide a means to understand how the cell dynamics themselves influence the outcomes of these infections. Mathematical approaches are needed to improve quantification and theoretical advancement of these complex systems. Here, we develop a general ecology-inspired model for stratified epithelial dynamics, which allows us to simulate infections and to estimate parameters that are difficult to measure with organotypic cell cultures. To explore how epithelial cell dynamics affect infection dynamics, we focus on two contrasting pathogens of the cervicovaginal epithelium:Chlamydia trachomatisand Human papillomaviruses. We find that key infection symptoms stem from differential interactions with the layers, while clearance and pathogen burden are bottom-up processes. Cell protective responses to infections (e.g. increased cell proliferation) generally lowered pathogen load but there were specific effects based on infection strategies. These generic responses by the epithelium, then, will have varying results depending on the pathogen’s infection strategy. Our modeling approach opens new perspectives for 3D tissue culture experimental systems of infections and, more generally, for developing and testing hypotheses related to infections of stratified epithelia.
Mitochondrial heteroplasmy is responsible for Atovaquone drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Siegel Sasha , Rivero Andrea , Adapa Swamy R. , Wang ChengQi , Manetsch Roman , Jiang Rays H.Y. , Kyle Dennis E.
Published: December 2017

Malaria is the most significant parasitic disease affecting humans, with 212 million cases and 429,000 deaths in 2 0151, and resistance to existing drugs endangers the global malaria elimination campaign. Atovaquone (ATO) is a safe and potent antimalarial drug that acts on cytochrome b (cyt. b) of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (mtETC) in Plasmodium falciparum, yet treatment failures result in resistance-conferring SNPs in cyt. b. Herein we report that rather than the expected de novo selection of resistance, previously unknown mitochondrial diversity is the genetic mechanism responsible for resistance to ATO, and potentially other cyt. b targeted drugs. We found that P. falciparum harbors cryptic cyt. b. Y268S alleles in the multicopy (∼22 copies) mitochondrial genome prior to drug treatment, a phenomenon known as mitochondrial heteroplasmy. Parasites with cryptic Y268S alleles readily evolve into highly resistant parasites with >95% Y268S copies under in vitro ATO selection. Further we uncovered high mitochondrial diversity in a global collection of 1279 genomes in which heteroplasmic polymorphisms were >3-fold more prevalent than homoplasmic SNPs. Moreover, significantly higher mitochondrial genome copy number was found in Asia (e.g., Cambodia) versus Africa (e.g., Ghana). Similarly, ATO drug selections in vitro induced >3-fold mitochondrial copy number increases in ATO resistant lines. Hidden mitochondrial diversity is a previously unknown mechanism of antimalarial drug resistance and characterization of mitochondrial heteroplasmy will be of paramount importance in combatting resistance to antimalarials targeting the electron transport chain.
Biphasic mechanosensitivity of TCR mediated adhesion of T lymphocytes
Authors: Wahl A. , Dinet C. , Dillard P. , Puech P-H. , Limozin L. , Sengupta K.
Published: December 2017

Force sensitivity of the T cell receptor (TCR) is now believed to be essential for immune recognition, but cellular mechanosensitivity of T cells is still poorly understood. Here we show that T cells adhering via the TCR-complex respond to environmental stiffness in an unusual biphasic fashion. As the stiffness increases, adhesion and spreading first increase, then decrease, attaining their maximal values on an optimally stiff surface, with stiffness comparable to certain antigen presenting cells. Remarkably, in presence of additional ligands for the integrin LFA-1, spreading increases monotonously with stiffness up to a saturation value. Using a mesoscopic semi-analytical model linking spreading to molecular characteristics of bonds, we identify force sensitivity of the off-rate and the effective bond stiffness as the crucial parameters that determine monotonic or biphasic mechanosensitive behavior.
CFT & people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Hardiman Mark , Willmoth Corrina , Walsh James J.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the effects of compassion-focussed therapy (CFT) on anxiety in a small sample of adults with intellectual disability.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods design was employed. Participants (n=3) completed questionnaire measures of anxiety and self-compassion on three occasions: pre-intervention, post-intervention and, at three months follow-up. Post-intervention, they also took part in recorded interviews that were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Findings were then synthesised to develop a comprehensive understanding of their overall experience.

Findings

Final data synthesis revealed five themes: participant anxiety decreased (reliable for all participants); the faulty self; improved positive compassionate attitudes; increased sense of common humanity; and mindful distraction techniques.

Research limitations/implications

This research paper offers in-depth analysis of three participants’ experiences rather than reporting in less detail about a larger number of participants. The self-compassion scale required considerable support and reasonable adaptation to be used with these clients.

Originality/value

Only two other studies have explored the use of CFT with people with intellectual disabilities.
Understanding the nature of processes: an information-processing perspective
Authors: Zelt Sarah , Schmiedel Theresa , vom Brocke Jan
Published: December 2017

Purpose

While researchers and practitioners agree on the importance to adapt business process management (BPM) practices to the nature of processes, the authors observe a lack of research on how to most meaningfully distinguish processes in order to apply context-specific BPM practices that increase process efficiency and effectiveness. The purpose of this paper is to systematically analyze the nature of processes as one contextual factor for BPM.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review, the authors systematically derive process dimensions that describe the nature of processes and apply an information-processing perspective to the process level as a theoretical lens through which to analyze and structure these process dimensions.

Findings

The authors identified 36 dimensions used to describe process differences that can be consolidated into five generic dimensions based on an information-processing perspective: interdependence of process participants, differentiation of process participants, process analyzability, variability, and importance.

Research limitations/implications

The paper derives process dimensions from the literature and links them to extant theories as a foundation for context-sensitive BPM. The findings serve as a basis for further conceptualizing BPM and for explaining seemingly contradicting findings about whether management practices increase or decrease organizational performance.

Practical implications

While the paper focuses on understanding and explaining process differences, the authors also demonstrate how these dimensions can be used to make strategic management decisions in order to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of processes.

Originality/value

The authors systematically conceptualize process differences as a foundation for contingent process management. In addition, the authors demonstrate that organizational processes provide a new field of application for information-processing theory.
A systematic approach to diagnose the current status of quality management systems and business processes
Authors: Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic approach to conduct a diagnosis of the current status of a company’s quality management systems (QMS) and business processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach proposed is based upon the assessment of the maturity level of a company’s QMS, for which a “maturity diagnostic instrument” is also proposed, a self-assessment exercise using a business excellence model and a first-party quality audit.

Findings

The integration of a QMS’ maturity assessment, a self-assessment exercise and a quality audit may provide a more thorough evaluation of various company’s systems and operations. This paper provides organisations, and their managers, with a systematic approach to help them understand better the current performance of their QMSs and business processes.

Originality/value

This paper’s main contribution consists in the proposal of a novel approach for organisation to measure and understand the status of their QMS and business processes. Subsequently, better management decisions to improve a company’s operations can be taken.
Ramping up
Authors: Lampert Cory
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Digital library managers are faced with growing pressure to digitize materials efficiently on a larger scale. This paper aims to address the staffing and other resources needed to evolve smaller scope operations into teams capable of outputting larger-scale production.

Design/methodology/approach

Much of the current literature focuses on philosophy of these projects and issues of metadata and user access. In contrast, this article seeks to supply the much-needed practical information for digital library managers who need to take immediate action to meet new mandates and reach higher target goals within the constraints of limited resources.

Findings

The author will provide an overview of resources needed to increase digitization output and provide an analysis of three key resources that can be targeted by digital library managers in a range of environments. These resources will be examined with practical advice given on how new staffing configurations, outsourcing of materials and high-efficiency equipment can be implemented in phases.

Originality/value

This paper examines the gap between smaller-scale digitization and successful large-scale projects, and offers several possible scenarios for organizations to consider as they choose to move forward in a way that suits their goals. The focus of this study is neither on the rationale for large-scale digitization nor on the detailed specifications for large-scale digitization workflows. Rather, it will outline the types of resources (internal and external), decision points and specific practical strategies for digital library managers seeking to start ramping up the production.
Librarian as data migrator: a functional pathway from Millennium to Koha
Authors: Todd Christopher R.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This case study aims to demonstrate that in-house integrated library systems migration can be accomplished by a dedicated team of librarians without advanced tools or prior experience with data migration or systems integration.

Design/methodology/approach

This migration was accomplished by academic librarians using freely available tools: OpenOffice Calc, MarcEdit and the Koha Integrated Library System.

Findings

The data migration pathway presented here was developed and successfully used to transfer over 48,000 records in less than two months.

Practical implications

This case study presents an original process that is particularly effective for smaller libraries.

Originality/value

While similar case studies exist, most employ expensive third-party contractors for data migration or rely heavily on institutional IT departments.
Observed difficulties during implementation of quality management systems in Brazilian manufacturing companies
Authors: Anholon Rosley , Simon Rampasso Izabela , Cooper Ordonez Robert Eduardo , Silva Dirceu da , Quelhas Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves , Leal Filho Walter
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the difficulties observed during implementation of quality management systems (QMSs) in Brazilian manufacturing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological strategy used was a literature review, a panel of experts and a survey. Through the literature review, 15 difficulties associated with the implementation of QMS were raised; these were organized into latent variables by specialists in the subject and served as the basis for a survey. In total, 123 professionals working with quality management in manufacturing companies participated in the research and the data collected were analyzed by means of second-order confirmatory factorial analysis.

Findings

The results allowed the validation of the 15 difficulties observed in the literature, and it was evidenced that these difficulties are structured in four latent variables as follows: difficulties associated with employees; difficulties associated with QMS structuration; difficulties associated with integration; and difficulties resulting from the planning.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this research is the sample size, because 123 professionals that work with quality management in manufacturing companies participated in the research. It should be noted, however, that all parameters evaluated through the second-order confirmatory factorial analysis were validated.

Practical implications

The findings have great value for both quality management professionals, who may use those findings to guide the pre-implementation phase of a QMS, and researchers, who may use those findings as a foundation for future studies, in the development of models or tools related to QMS implementation.

Originality/value

No other paper was found on the scientific basis with the same focus for Brazilian manufacturing companies, thus demonstrating originality. The value of the research lies in the fact that the results presented here, statistically validated, may be used by other researchers and market professionals.
Signing up for voluntary simplicity – consumer motives and effects
Authors: Pravet Irina , Holmlund Maria
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine consumers’ motives in signing up for a week-long voluntary simplicity experiment, No Impact Week (NIW), and reducing their consumption during and afterwards.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data come from informants who filled out a pre-week email inquiry, completed a daily diary template centred on eight themes, responded to a post-week email inquiry and answered follow-up questions one month after completion.

Findings

Those who participate in NIW were motivated by personal factors, such as curiosity and desire to be more aware, to learn tips for eco-living applicable to daily life and to challenge themselves. People who chose not to participate did so largely because they did not understand what would be required of them. Participants incorporated the experiment into their lives, but the outcomes remained dependent on existing structures, in this case environmental and personal factors. The findings indicate the existence of a value–action gap and an awareness–behaviour gap.

Research limitations/implications

While a mismatch between consumers’ consumption values and behaviour is not uncommon, enabling behaviour in line with values is crucial for reducing consumption. Although voluntary simplicity is a drastic form of consumption reduction that appeals only to a small but growing niche of people, the motives for and consequences of engaging in it highlight pressing issues of consumer behaviour and consumption.

Originality/value

The study is unique in that it links voluntary simplicity to a social marketing campaign that should appeal to those with a favourable attitude towards taking action and reducing their consumption.
Design optimization of key components’ spatial position of unilateral axle counting sensor
Authors: Tong Weiming , Liu Yanlong , Jin Xianji , Li Zhongwei , Guan Jian
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The unilateral axle counting sensor is an important railway signal device that detects a train. For efficient and stable detection, the amplitude of induced electromotive force and its changes must be big enough. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to find a way to design and optimize the sensor structure quickly and accurately.

Design/methodology/approach

With the help of extensive electromagnetic field calculations, the study puts forward a modified model based on the finite element method, establishes an independent air domain around the sensor, wheel and the railway and adopts a unique grid division method. It offers a design optimization method of the induction coil angles and its spatial location with respect to the excitation coil by using the combination weighting algorithm.

Findings

The modified modeling method can greatly reduce the number of finite element mesh and the operation time, and the method can also be applied to other areas. The combination weighting algorithm can optimize the structure of the sensor quickly and accurately.

Originality/value

This study provides a way to design and optimize the structure of the sensor and a theoretical basis for the development. The results can improve and expand the technology of the axle counting sensor.
Learning on the move
Authors: Janand Anne , Notais Amélie
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the types of learning engendered by internal mobility (IM) by referring to the principles elaborated by Bateson (1972).

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology is followed with interviews among 50 professionals working at four large French firms.

Findings

A system of classification for IM is proposed, namely, replication, adaptation, innovation and revolution.

Practical implications

The identification of these categories invites human resource managers to reconsider the traditional career paths.

Originality/value

This paper brings a new perspective on the possible link between learning and IM and questions what employees really learn thanks to their moves.
Intergenerational learning and knowledge transfer – challenges and opportunities
Authors: Rupčić Nataša
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight challenges and opportunities that surround the process of intergenerational learning and knowledge transfer. Several options in this regard have been discussed from the managerial and employee perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The systems approach has been implemented to identify options of intergenerational learning and knowledge transfer that could be valuable when developing a strong individual and organizational body of knowledge with the purpose to avoid the “knowledge crash.”

Findings

A review and analysis regarding intergenerational diversity, especially in the light of information and communication technology and social media, has been proposed along with the discussion on possible intergenerational knowledge transfer practices and methods of developing learning agility in all generations though engaging in internal mobility and building communities of practice and learning.

Research limitations/implications

Conclusions and remarks provided in the paper need further empirical testing and validation.

Practical implications

Implications for practitioners, especially mangers, have been identified regarding recommendations for implementing intergenerational knowledge transfer solutions which could benefit all stakeholders – not only younger and senior employees but also managers responsible for pursuing enterprise development based on continuous learning and knowledge sharing.

Social implications

Implementation of suggestions provided in the paper regarding intergenerational knowledge transfer and learning could result in significant benefits in terms of less intergenerational conflict and stress and greater organizational working cohesion as well as further advancements in organizational learning and knowledge management.

Originality/value

Challenges that surround the process of intergenerational learning and knowledge transfer have been identified along with options to manage this complicated and often delicate processes from the managerial and employee perspective.
Community Narratives of Disaster Risk and Resilience: Implications for Government Policy
Authors: Drennan Lex
Published: December 2017

The paper explores how subjective risk perception intersects with government disaster management policy that is premised on an objective approach to risk assessment and mitigation. It finds that the presumption of objective risk management underpinning government policy is fundamentally at odds with community risk perceptions. This paper applies the techniques of ethnographic study to explore how communities understand and frame risk narratives. Using qualitative methods, the paper constructs the risk narratives of residents of Rocklea, Brisbane, following their experience with the 2011 Brisbane Flood. These risk narratives are considered in light of the Australian National Strategy for Disaster Resilience and recommendations are accordingly made for government disaster management policy.
Barriers to Care Among Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Adults
Authors: GONZALES GILBERT , HENNING‐SMITH CARRIE
Published: December 2017

Policy Points:

Transgender and gender nonconforming (GNC) adults may experience barriers to care for a variety of reasons, including discrimination and lack of awareness by providers in health care settings.

In our analysis of a large, population‐based sample, we found transgender and GNC adults were more likely to be uninsured and have unmet health care needs, and were less likely to have routine care, compared to cisgender (nontransgender) women. Our findings varied by gender identity.

More research is needed on transgender and GNC populations, including on how public policy and provider awareness affects health care access and health outcomes differentially by gender identity.

Context

Very little population‐based research has examined health and access to care among transgender populations. This study compared barriers to care between cisgender, transgender, and gender nonconforming (GNC) adults using data from a large, multistate sample.

Methods

We used data from the 2014‐2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to estimate the prevalence of having no health insurance, unmet medical care needs due to cost, no routine checkup, and no usual source of care for cisgender women (n = 183,370), cisgender men (n = 131,080), transgender women (n = 724), transgender men (n = 449), and GNC adults (n = 270). Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each barrier to care while adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics.

Findings

Transgender and GNC adults were more likely to be nonwhite, sexual minority, and socioeconomically disadvantaged compared to cisgender adults. After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, transgender women were more likely to have no health insurance (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.07‐2.40) compared to cisgender women; transgender men were more likely to have no health insurance (OR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.25‐3.25) and no usual source of care (OR = 1.84; 95% CI = 1.18‐2.88); and GNC adults were more likely to have unmet medical care needs due to cost (OR = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.02‐3.67) and no routine checkup in the prior year (OR = 2.41; 95% CI = 1.41‐4.12).

Conclusions

Transgender and GNC adults face barriers to health care that may be due to a variety of reasons, including discrimination in health care, health insurance policies, employment, and public policy or lack of awareness among health care providers on transgender‐related health issues.
Edible Coating Using a Chitosan‐Based Colloid Incorporating Grapefruit Seed Extract for Cherry Tomato Safety and Preservation
Authors: Won Jin Sung , Lee Seung Jo , Park Hyeon Hwa , Song Kyung Bin , Min Sea C.
Published: December 2017

Grapefruit seed extract (GSE)‐containing chitosan‐based coating was developed and applied to cherry tomatoes to protect them from Salmonella invasion and improve their storability. The coating colloids were produced by mixing a chitosan colloid (1% [w/w] chitosan) with GSE at various concentrations (0.5%, 0.7%, 1.0%, and 1.2% [w/w]) using high‐shear mixing (10000 rpm, 2 min). Coatings with chitosan colloids containing GSE at 0.0%, 0.5%, 0.7%, and 1.0% (w/w) inactivated Salmonella on cherry tomatoes by 1.0 ± 0.3, 1.2 ± 0.3, 1.6 ± 0.1, and 2.0 ± 0.3 log CFU/cherry tomato, respectively. Coatings both with and without GSE (1.0%) effectively inhibited the growth of Salmonella and total mesophilic aerobes, reduced CO2 generation, and retarded titratable acidity decrease during storage at 10 and 25 °C. The advantage of incorporating GSE in the formulation was demonstrated by delayed microorganism growth and reduced weight loss at 25 °C. The chitosan‐GSE coating did not affect lycopene concentration, color, and sensory properties (P > 0.05). Chitosan‐GSE coating shows potential for improving the microbiological safety and storability of cherry tomatoes, with stronger efficacy at 25 °C than that of chitosan coating without GSE.

Practical Application

A novel chitosan coating containing grape fruit seed extract (GSE) improved the microbiological safety against Salmonella and storability of cherry tomatoes without altering their flavor, demonstrating its strong potential as an effective postharvest technology. Chitosan coating containing GSE might be preferable over chitosan coating without GSE for application to tomatoes that are stored at room temperature in that it more effectively inhibits microbial growth and weight loss than the coating without GSE at 25 °C.
Bioactive Peptides Derived from Seaweed Protein and Their Health Benefits: Antihypertensive, Antioxidant, and Antidiabetic Properties
Authors: Admassu Habtamu , Gasmalla Mohammed Abdalbasit. A. , Yang Ruijin , Zhao Wei
Published: December 2017

Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are the biggest causes of death globally. Therefore, prevention of these diseases is a focus of pharmaceuticals and functional food manufacturers. This review summarizes recent research trends and scientific knowledge in seaweed protein‐derived peptides with particular emphasis on production, isolation and potential health impacts in prevention of hypertension, diabetes and oxidative stress. The current status and future prospects of bioactive peptides are also discussed. Bioactive peptides have strong potential for use in therapeutic drug and functional food formulation in health management strategy, especially cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Seaweeds can be used as sustainable protein sources in the production of these peptide‐based drugs and functional foods for preventing such diseases. Many studies have reported that peptides showing angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition, antihypertensive, antioxidative and antidiabetics activities, have been successfully isolated from seaweed. However, further research is needed in large‐scale production of these peptides, efficient isolation methods, interactions with functional foods and other pharmaceuticals, and their ease to digestion in in vivo studies and safety to validate the health benefits of these peptides.
Incorporating biotic interactions in the distribution models of African wild silk moths (Gonometa species, Lasiocampidae) using different representations of modelled host tree distributions
Authors: Raath Morgan Jade , le Roux Peter Christiaan , Veldtman Ruan , Greve Michelle
Published: December 2017

Biotic interactions influence species niches and may thus shape distributions. Nevertheless, species distribution modelling has traditionally relied exclusively on environmental factors to predict species distributions, while biotic interactions have only seldom been incorporated into models. This study tested the ability of incorporating biotic interactions, in the form of host plant distributions, to increase model performance for two host‐dependent lepidopterans of economic interest, namely the African silk moth species, Gonometa postica and Gonometa rufobrunnea (Lasiocampidae). Both species are dependent on a small number of host tree species for the completion of their life cycle. We thus expected the host plant distribution to be an important predictor of Gonometa distributions. Model performance of a species distribution model trained only on abiotic predictors was compared to four species distribution models that additionally incorporated biotic interactions in the form of four different representations of host plant distributions as predictors. We found that incorporating the moth–host plant interactions improved G. rufobrunnea model performance for all representations of host plant distribution, while for G. postica model performance only improved for one representation of host plant distribution. The best performing representation of host plant distribution differed for the two Gonometa species. While these results suggest that incorporating biotic interactions into species distribution models can improve model performance, there is inconsistency in which representation of the host tree distribution best improves predictions. Therefore, the ability of biotic interactions to improve species distribution models may be context‐specific, even for species which have obligatory interactions with other organisms.
Assessing the fit of finite mixture distributions
Authors: Suesse Thomas , Rayner John C.W. , Thas Olivier
Published: December 2017

Mixture distributions have become a very flexible and common class of distributions, used in many different applications, but hardly any literature can be found on tests for assessing their goodness of fit. We propose two types of smooth tests of goodness of fit for mixture distributions. The first test is a genuine smooth test, and the second test makes explicit use of the mixture structure. In a simulation study the tests are compared to some traditional goodness of fit tests that, however, are not customised for mixture distributions. The first smooth test has overall good power and generally outperforms the other tests. The second smooth test is particularly suitable for assessing the fit of each component distribution separately. The tests are applicable to both continuous and discrete distributions and they are illustrated on three medical data sets.
Cellular models for beta‐cell function and diabetes gene therapy
Authors: Green A. D. , Vasu S. , Flatt P. R.
Published: December 2017

Diabetes is characterized by the destruction and/or relative dysfunction of insulin‐secreting beta‐cells in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. Consequently, considerable effort has been made to understand the physiological processes governing insulin production and secretion in these cells and to elucidate the mechanisms involved in their deterioration in the pathogenesis of diabetes. To date, considerable research has exploited clonal beta‐cell lines derived from rodent insulinomas. Such cell lines have proven to be a great asset in diabetes research, in vitro drug testing, and studies of beta‐cell physiology and provide a sustainable, and in many cases, more practical alternative to the use of animals or primary tissue. However, selection of the most appropriate rodent beta cell line is often challenging and no single cell line entirely recapitulates the properties of human beta‐cells. The generation of stable human beta‐cell lines would provide a much more suitable model for studies of human beta‐cell physiology and pathology and could potentially be used as a readily available source of implantable insulin‐releasing tissue for cell‐based therapies of diabetes. In this review, we discuss the history, development, functional characteristics and use of available clonal rodent beta‐cell lines, as well as reflecting on recent advances in the generation of human‐derived beta‐cell lines, their use in research studies and their potential for cell therapy of diabetes.
Editorial: long‐term effectiveness of elimination diet therapy for eosinophilic oesophagitis—is the glass half full or half empty?
Authors: Gonsalves N. , Hirano I.
Published: December 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Reed et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14290.
Letter: thiopurines ‐ is less really more? Authors’ reply
Authors: Roblin X. , Paul S. , Nancey S. , Flourie B.
Published: December 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Roblin et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14106 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14375.
Letter: biologics treatment in Crohn's disease and risk of bowel resection—what about the patients who stop anti‐TNF therapy? Authors’ reply
Authors: Eberhardson M. , Söderling J. K. , Olén O.
Published: December 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Eberhardson et al and Ribaldone papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14224 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14321.
Patients with chronic bipolar disorder exhibit widespread increases in extracellular free water
Authors: Tuozzo Carissa , Lyall Amanda E. , Pasternak Ofer , James Anthony C.D. , Crow Timothy J. , Kubicki Marek
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Bipolar disorder (BP) is a debilitating psychiatric disease that is not well understood. Previous diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) studies of BP patients found prominent microstructural white matter (WM) abnormalities of reduced fractional anisotropy (FA). Because FA is a nonspecific measure, relating these abnormalities to a specific pathology is difficult. Here, dMRI specificity was increased by free water (FW) imaging, which allows identification of changes in extracellular space (FW) from neuronal tissue (fractional anisotropy of tissue [FA‐t]). Previous studies identified increased FW in early schizophrenia (SZ) stages which was replaced by widespread decreased FA‐t in chronic stages. This is the first analysis utilizing this method to compare BP patients and controls.

Methods

3 Tesla diffusion weighted imaging (3T DWI) data were acquired for 17 chronic BP and 28 healthy control (HC) participants at Oxford University. Tract‐based spatial statistics was utilized to generate a WM skeleton. FW imaging deconstructed the diffusion signal into extracellular FW and tissue FA‐t maps. These maps were projected onto the skeleton and FA, FA‐t, and FW were compared between groups.

Results

We found significantly lower FA in BP patients when compared to HC in areas that overlapped with extensive FW increases. There were no FA‐t differences.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that chronic BP shows similar WM changes to early SZ, suggesting that extracellular FW increases could be a transient indication of recent psychotic episodes. Since FW increase in SZ has been suggested to be related to neuroinflammation, we theorize that neuroinflammation might be a shared pathology between chronic BP and early SZ.
New Semiparametric Method for Predicting High-Cost Patients
Authors: Maidman Adam , Wang Lan
Published: December 2017

Motivated by the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey containing data from individuals’ medical providers and employers across the United States, we propose a new semiparametric procedure for predicting whether a patient will incur high medical expenditure. Problems of the same nature arise in many other important applications where one would like to predict if a future response occurs at the upper (or lower) tail of the response distribution. The common practice is to artificially dichotomize the response variable and then apply an existing classification method such as binomial regression or a classification tree. We propose a new semiparametric prediction rule to classify whether a future response occurs at the upper tail of the response distribution. The new method can be considered a semiparametric estimator of the Bayes rule for classification and enjoys some nice features. It does not require an artificially dichotomized response and better uses the information contained in the data. It does not require any parametric distributional assumptions and tends to be more robust. It incorporates nonlinear covariate effects and can be adapted to construct a prediction interval and hence provides more information about the future response. We provide an R package plaqr to implement the proposed procedure and demonstrate its performance in Monte Carlo simulations. We illustrate the application of the new method on a subset of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data.
Dynamic Borrowing Through Empirical Power Priors that Control Type I Error
Authors: Nikolakopoulos Stavros , van der Tweel Ingeborg , Roes Kit C. B.
Published: December 2017

In order for historical data to be considered for inclusion in the design and analysis of clinical trials, prospective rules are essential. Incorporation of historical data may be of particular interest in the case of small populations where available data is scarce and heterogeneity is not as well understood, and thus conventional methods for evidence synthesis might fall short. The concept of power priors can be particularly useful for borrowing evidence from a single historical study. Power priors employ a parameter that quantifies the heterogeneity between the historical study and the new study. However, the possibility of borrowing data from a historical trial will usually be associated with an inflation of the type I error. We suggest a new, simple method of estimating the power parameter suitable for the case when only one historical dataset is available. The method is based on predictive distributions and parameterized in such a way that the type I error can be controlled by calibrating to the degree of similarity between the new and historical data. The method is demonstrated for normal responses in a one or two group setting. Generalization to other models is straightforward.
C-learning: A new Classification Framework to Estimate Optimal Dynamic Treatment Regimes
Authors: Zhang Baqun , Zhang Min
Published: December 2017

A dynamic treatment regime is a sequence of decision rules, each corresponding to a decision point, that determine that next treatment based on each individual's own available characteristics and treatment history up to that point. We show that identifying the optimal dynamic treatment regime can be recast as a sequential optimization problem and propose a direct sequential optimization method to estimate the optimal treatment regimes. In particular, at each decision point, the optimization is equivalent to sequentially minimizing a weighted expected misclassification error. Based on this classification perspective, we propose a powerful and flexible C-learning algorithm to learn the optimal dynamic treatment regimes backward sequentially from the last stage until the first stage. C-learning is a direct optimization method that directly targets optimizing decision rules by exploiting powerful optimization/classification techniques and it allows incorporation of patient's characteristics and treatment history to improve performance, hence enjoying advantages of both the traditional outcome regression-based methods (Q- and A-learning) and the more recent direct optimization methods. The superior performance and flexibility of the proposed methods are illustrated through extensive simulation studies.
Left behind and left out: The impact of the school environment on young people with continence problems
Authors: Whale Katie , Cramer Helen , Joinson Carol
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To explore the impact of the secondary school environment on young people with continence problems.

Design

In‐depth qualitative semi‐structured interviews.

Methods

We interviewed 20 young people aged 11–19 years (11 female and nine male) with continence problems (daytime wetting, bedwetting, and/or soiling). Interviews were conducted by Skype (n = 11) and telephone (n = 9). Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

We generated five main themes: (1) Boundaries of disclosure: friends and teachers; (2) Social consequences of avoidance and deceit; (3) Strict and oblivious gatekeepers; (4) Intimate actions in public spaces; and (5) Interrupted learning.

Conclusion

Disclosure of continence problems at school to both friends and teachers was rare, due to the perceived stigma and fears of bullying and social isolation. The lack of disclosure to teachers and other school staff, such as pastoral care staff, creates challenges in how best to support these young people. Young people with continence problems require unrestricted access to private and adequate toilet facilities during the school day. There is a need for inclusive toilet access policies and improved toilet standards in schools. Addressing the challenges faced by young people with continence problems at school could help to remove the barriers to successful self‐management of their symptoms. It is particularly concerning that young people with continence problems are at higher risk of academic underachievement. Increased support at school is needed to enable young people with continence problems to achieve their academic potential.

Statement of Contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Continence problems are among the most common paediatric health problems

Self‐management of continence problems requires a structured schedule of fluid intake and bladder emptying

Inadequate toilet facilities and restricted access make it difficult for young people to manage their incontinence

What does this study add?

Improvement is needed in teacher understanding of the needs of young people with continence problems

Young people are reluctant to disclose continence problems due to perceived stigma and fear of social isolation

Young people with continence problems may be at increased risk of academic underachievement