bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved sleep scoring in mice reveals human-like stages
Authors: Lacroix Marie Masako , de Lavilléon Gaetan , Lefort Julie , El Kanbi Karim , Bagur Sophie , Laventure Samuel , Dauvilliers Yves , Peyron Christelle , Benchenane Karim
Published: December 2018

Rodents are the main animal model to study sleep. Yet, in spite of a large consensus on the distinction between rapid-eye-movements sleep (REM) and non-REM sleep (NREM) in both humans and rodent, there is still no equivalent in mice of the NREM subdivision classically described in humans.

Here we propose a classification of sleep stages in mice, inspired by human sleep scoring. By using chronic recordings in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus we can classify three NREM stages with a stage N1 devoid of any low oscillatory activity and N3 with a high density of delta waves. These stages displayed the same evolution observed in human during the whole sleep or within sleep cycles. Importantly, as in human, N1 in mice is the first stage observed at sleep onset and is increased after sleep fragmentation in Orexin-/- mice, a mouse model of narcolepsy.

We also show that these substages are associated to massive modification of neuronal activity. Moreover, considering these stages allows to predict mPFC neurons evolution of firing rates across sleep period. Notably, neurons preferentially active within N3 decreased their activity over sleep while the opposite is seen for those preferentially active in N1 and N2.

Overall this new approach shows the feasibility of NREM sleep sub-classification in rodents, and, in regard to the similarity between sleep in both species, will pave the way for further studies in sleep pathologies given the perturbation of specific sleep substages in human pathologies such as insomnia, somnambulism, night terrors, or fibromyalgia.
Development of a large-scale computer-controlled ozone inhalation exposure system for rodents
Authors: Smith Gregory J. , Walsh Leon , Higuchi Mark , Kelada Samir N. P.
Published: December 2018

Complete systems for laboratory-based inhalation toxicology studies are typically not commercially available; therefore, inhalation toxicologists utilize custom-made exposure systems. Here we report on the design, construction, testing, operation, and maintenance of a newly developed in vivo rodent ozone inhalation exposure system. Key design requirements for the system included large-capacity exposure chambers to facilitate studies with large sample sizes, automatic and precise control of chamber ozone concentrations, as well as automated data collection on airflow and environmental conditions. The exposure system contains two Hazelton H-1000 stainless steel and glass exposure chambers, each providing capacity for up to 180 mice or 96 rats. We developed an empirically tuned proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control loop that provides stable ozone concentrations throughout the exposure period (typically 3h), after a short ramp time (∼8 minutes), and across a tested concentration range of 0.2 to 2 ppm. Specific details on the combination analog and digital input/output system for environmental data acquisition, control, and safety systems are provided, and we outline the steps involved in maintenance and calibration of the system. We show that the exposure system produces consistent ozone exposures both within and across experiments, as evidenced by low coefficients of variation in chamber ozone concentration and consistent biological responses (airway inflammation) in mice, respectively. Thus, we have created a large and robust ozone exposure system, facilitating future studies on the health effects of ozone in rodents.
Influence of Preservation Methods, Sample Medium and Sampling Time on eDNA Recovery in a Neotropical River
Authors: Sales Naiara Guimarães , Wangensteen Owen Simon , Carvalho Daniel Cardoso , Mariani Stefano
Published: December 2018

Environmental DNA (eDNA) has rapidly emerged as a promising biodiversity monitoring technique, proving to be a sensitive and cost-effective method for species detection. Despite the increasing popularity of eDNA, several questions regarding its limitations remain to be addressed. We investigated the effect of sampling medium and time, and preservation methods, on fish detection performance based on eDNA metabarcoding of neotropical freshwater samples. Water and sediment samples were collected from 11 sites along the Jequitinhonha River, Southeastern Brazil; sediment samples were stored in ethanol, while the same amounts of water per sample (3L) were stored in a cool box with ice, as well as by adding the cationic surfactant Benzalkonium chloride (BAC). Sediment and water samples yielded a similar amount of fish MOTUs (237 vs 239 in the first sampling event, and 153 vs 142 in the second sampling event). Water stored in ice provided better results than those preserved in BAC (239 and 142 vs 194 and 71 MOTUs). While documenting the effectiveness of eDNA surveys as practical tools for fish biodiversity monitoring in poorly accessible areas, we showed that keeping water samples cooled results in greater eDNA recovery and taxon detection than by adding cationic surfactants as sample preservatives. Furthermore, by comparing two sets of samples collected from the same locations at a three-week interval, we highlight the importance of conducting multiple sampling events when attempting to recover a realistic picture of fish assemblages in lotic systems.
Discovery of antimicrobial compounds from Lendenfeldia, Ircinia and Dysidea sponges using bioassay guided fractionation of marine extracts
Authors: Dinarvand Mojdeh , Proschogo Nicholas , Spain Malcolm P. , Nagalingam Gayathri , Triccas James A. , Rutledge Peter J.
Published: December 2018

Multidrug resistant bacteria have emerged as a threat to public health all over the world. At the same time, the discovery of new bioactive small molecules with antimicrobial activity and suitable pharmacological properties has waned. Herein we report the screening of marine extracts to identify novel compounds with antimicrobial activity. Bioassay guided fractionation has enabled the discovery and identification of a family of simple amines with promising activity against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). To confirm the natural product structures proposed, these compounds and analogues have been prepared synthetically. Several of the synthetic analogues showed promising bioactivity against the medically important pathogens MRSA (MICs to 12.5 µM), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MICs to 0.02 µM), uropathogenic Escherichia coli (MIC 6.2 µM) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC 3.1 µM). Cross-referencing antimicrobial activity and toxicity show that these synthetic compounds display a favourable therapeutic index for their target pathogens.
Human Norovirus Neutralized by a Monoclonal Antibody Targeting the HBGA Pocket
Authors: Koromyslova Anna D , Morozov Vasily , Hefele Lisa , Hansman Grant
Published: December 2018

Temporal changes in the GII.4 human norovirus capsid sequences occasionally result in the emergence of genetic variants capable of causing new epidemics. The GII.4 persistence is believed to be associated with the recognition of numerous histo-blood group antigen (HBGA) types and antigenic drift. We found that one of the earliest known GII.4 isolate (1974) and a more recent epidemic GII.4 variant (2012) had varied norovirus-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb) reactivities, yet similar HBGA binding profiles. To better understand the binding interaction of one MAb (10E9) that had varied reactivities with these GII.4 variants, we determined the X-ray crystal structure of the NSW-2012 GII.4 P domain 10E9 Fab complex. We showed that the 10E9 Fab interacted with conserved and variable residues, which could be associated with antigenic drift. Interestingly, the 10E9 Fab binding pocket partially overlapped the HBGA pocket and haddirect competition for conserved HBGA binding residues (i.e., Arg345 and Tyr444). Indeed, the 10E9 MAb blocked norovirus VLPs from binding to several sources of HBGAs. Moreover, the 10E9 antibody completely abolished virus replication in the human norovirus intestinal enteroid cell culture system. Our new findings provide first direct evidence that competition for GII.4 HBGA binding residues and steric obstruction could lead to norovirus neutralization. On the other hand, the 10E9 MAb recognized residues flanking the HBGA pocket, which are often substituted as the virus evolves. This mechanism of antigenic drift likely influences herd immunityand impedes the possibility of acquiring broadly reactive HBGA-blocking antibodies.
Fast and accurate large multiple sequence alignments using root-to-leave regressive computation
Authors: Garriga Edgar , Tommaso Paolo Di , Magis Cedrik , Erb Ionas , Laayouni Hafid , Kondrashov Fyodor , Floden Evan , Notredame Cedric
Published: December 2018

Inferences derived from large multiple alignments of biological sequences are critical to many areas of biology, including evolution, genomics, biochemistry, and structural biology. However, the complexity of the alignment problem imposes the use of approximate solutions. The most common is the progressive algorithm, which starts by aligning the most similar sequences, incorporating the remaining ones following the order imposed by a guide-tree. We developed and validated on protein sequences a regressive algorithm that works the other way around, aligning first the most dissimilar sequences. Our algorithm produces more accurate alignments than non-regressive methods, especially on datasets larger than 10,000 sequences. By design, it can run any existing alignment method in linear time thus allowing the scale-up required for extremely large genomic analyses.

One Sentence Summary

Initiating alignments with the most dissimilar sequences allows slow and accurate methods to be used on large datasets
Structure and dynamics of the central lipid pool and protein components of the bacterial holo-translocon
Authors: Martin Remy , Larsen Andreas Haahr , Corey Robin A , Midtgaard Soren Roi , Frielinghaus Henrich , Schaffitzel Christiane , Arleth Lise , Collinson Ian
Published: December 2018

The bacterial Sec translocon, SecYEG, associates with accessory proteins YidC and the SecDF-YajC subcomplex to form the bacterial holo-translocon (HTL). The HTL is a dynamic and flexible protein transport machine capable of coordinating protein secretion across the membrane, and efficient lateral insertion of nascent membrane proteins. It has been hypothesized that a central lipid core facilitates the controlled passage of membrane proteins into the bilayer, ensuring efficient formation of their native state. By performing small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) on protein solubilized in match-out deuterated detergent, we have been able to interrogate a naked HTL complex, with the scattering contribution of the surrounding detergent micelle rendered invisible. Such an approach has allowed the confirmation of a lipid core within the HTL, which accommodates between 8 and 29 lipids. Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of the HTL also demonstrate a dynamic, central pool of lipids. An opening at this lipid rich region between YidC and the SecY lateral gate may provide an exit gateway for newly synthesized, correctly oriented, membrane protein helices to emerge from the HTL.
Interregional causal influences of brain metabolic activity reveal the spread of aging effects during normal aging
Authors: Di Xin , Wölfer Marie , Amend Mario , Wehrl Hans , Ionescu Tudor M. , Pichler Bernd J. , Biswal Bharat B. ,   the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2018

During healthy brain aging, different brain regions show anatomical or functional declines at different rates, and some regions may show compensatory increases in functional activity. However, few studies have explored interregional influences of brain activity during the aging process. We proposed a causality analysis framework combining high dimensionality independent component analysis (ICA), Granger causality, and LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression on longitudinal brain metabolic activity data measured by Fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). We analyzed FDG-PET images from healthy old subjects, who were scanned for at least five sessions with an averaged intersession interval of about one year. The longitudinal data were concatenated across subjects to form a time series, and the first order autoregressive model was used to measure interregional causality among the independent sources of metabolic activity identified using ICA. Several independent sources with reduced metabolic activity in aging, including the anterior temporal lobe and orbital frontal cortex, demonstrated causal influences over many widespread brain regions. On the other hand, the influenced regions were more distributed, and had smaller age related declines or even relatively increased metabolic activity. The current data demonstrated interregional spreads of aging on metabolic activity at the scale of a year, and have identified key brain regions in the aging process that have strong influences over other regions.
Reactive oxygen species and evaluation of the quality of carcasses and beef meat from cold storage slaughterhouses located in the Federal District and Surroundings (Brazil)
Authors: Leite Thais Rezende , Zago de Sousa Carla Magalini , Narciso de Souza Paulo Eduardo , Veiga de Souza Fabiane Hiratsuka , Picão Gonçalves Vítor Salvador , Arrais de Alenca Ana Lourdes , Racanicci Aline Mondini Calil , Santana Angela Patrícia
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to detect reactive oxygen species and evaluate the quality of carcasses and beef meat from cold storage slaughterhouses located in the Federal District and Surroundings. Information was obtained on the gender, breed and age of each animal, as well as the distance travelled (km) and time (h) from the property to the cold storage slaughterhouse. Data and samples were obtained from a total of 33 animals and their respective carcasses. Fragments of the extensor carpi radialis muscle were extracted from all the carcasses to analyze the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and samples of the Longissimus dorsi muscle to perform the 24h post-mortem pH, colorimetric test, cooking loss and drip loss assessment and to measure the shear force. The presence of hematomas was detected in 28 carcasses, where the tail and croup (17/33) and flank (17/33) regions were the most affected. The electron paramagnetic resonance indicated an average of 52.59 ROS/g in the analyzed pieces. The meat quality tests indicated averages of: 5.8 for the 24h post-mortem pH, L*29.34, a* 2.52 and b* 1.31 in calorimetry, 2.30 kg/f for the shearing force, 11.75% of cooking losses and 1.88% of drip losses. The statistical analyses demonstrated a tendency to positive correlation between the presence of hematomas with and the amount of ROS, and between the presence of hematomas and pH value. Furthermore, statistically, female gender was one of the influential factors on the tenderness value. According to the results, it was concluded that the meat evaluated in this study meets the desirable quality parameters and it was possible to detect reactive oxygen species in the samples of muscle tissue.
Response of soil microbial communities to alpine meadow degradation severity levels in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: zhang wenjuan , xue xian , peng fei , you quangang , pan jing , li chengyang , lai chimin
Published: December 2018

Soil microbial community structure is an effective indicator to reflect changes in soil quality. Little is known about the effect of alpine meadow degradation on the soil bacterial and fungal community. In this study, we used the Illumina MiSeq sequencing method to analyze the microbial community structure of alpine meadow soil in five different degradation levels (i.e., non-degraded (ND), slightly degraded (LD), moderately degraded (MD), severely degraded (SD), and very severely degraded (VD)) in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria were the mainly bacterial phyla in meadow soil across all five degradation levels investigated. Basidiomycota was the mainly fungal phylum in ND; however, we found a shift from Basidiomycota to Ascomycota with an increase (severity) in degradation level. The overall proportion of Cortinariaceae exhibited high fungal variability, and reads were highest in ND (62.80%). Heatmaps of bacterial genera and fungal families showed a two-cluster sample division on a genus/family level: (1) an ND and LD group and (2) an SD, VD, and MD group. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that 79.7%and 71.3% of the variance in bacterial and fungal composition, respectively, could be explained by soil nutrient conditions (soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and moisture) and plant properties (below-ground biomass). Our results indicate that meadow degradation affects both plant and soil properties and consequently drives changes in soil microbial community structure.
Comparing the Rat Grimace Scale and a composite behaviour score in rats
Authors: Klune Cassandra , Larkin Amy , Leung Vivian , Pang Daniel SJ
Published: December 2018

There is a growing interest in the use of voluntarily displayed ongoing behaviours in laboratory animals to assess the pain experience. In rats, two behavioural pain scales, the Rat Grimace Scale (RGS, a facial expression scale) and a composite behaviour score (CBS, a behavioural ethogram reliant on postural changes), are both promising pain assessment methods. Both scales have been used to assess pain in a laparotomy model, however, they have never been compared directly and the knowledge of how different analgesics may affect these two scales is limited. This study aimed to provide a comparison to discriminate the temporal and analgesic response in a laparotomy model. Female Wistar (n = 26) and Sprague Dawley rats (n = 26) were block randomized to receive saline, meloxicam (2 mg/kg) or buprenorphine (0.05 mg/kg) 30 minutes before a laparotomy model. Rats were video-recorded before surgery (BL) and at 30, 150, 270, and 390 minutes post-operatively. Videos were assessed according to both scales by a trained, blinded observer. Both CBS and RGS scores increased significantly at all post surgical timepoints in the saline group. Post-surgical CBS scores did not increase significantly above baseline levels in the groups given meloxicam or buprenorphine. However, the RGS scores only remained low in the buprenorphine group while scores increased significantly in the meloxicam group, to a similar degree as in the saline group. These findings suggest that the CBS is more sensitive to the analgesic effects of NSAIDs than the RGS.
Observation of the shock-induced β-Sn to b.c.t.-Sn transition using time-resolved X-ray diffraction
Authors: Briggs R. , Torchio R. , Sollier A. , Occelli F. , Videau L. , Kretzschmar N. , Wulff M.
Published: December 2018

Time-resolved X-ray diffraction measurements have been carried out on dynamically compressed Sn up to a maximum pressure of ∼13 GPa at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. The phase transition from β-Sn to body-centered tetragonal (b.c.t.) Sn has been observed using synchrotron X-ray diffraction for the first time undergoing shock compression and release. Following maximum compression, the sample releases to lower pressures for several nanoseconds until the reverse transition occurs. The data are in good agreement with previous shock boundaries that indicate that the β-Sn phase is stable ∼2 GPa higher than the static boundary upon compression and the b.c.t.-Sn phase is stable ∼1 GPa lower upon release. The transition to the high-pressure phase reveals a loss of texture in the X-ray diffraction data from the `quasi' single-crystal β-Sn structure to a more powder-like Debye–Scherrer ring.
Quantification of propagating and standing surface acoustic waves by stroboscopic X-ray photoemission electron microscopy
Authors: Foerster Michael , Statuto Nahuel , Casals Blai , Hernández-Mínguez Alberto , Finizio Simone , Mandziak Ania , Aballe Lucia , Hernàndez Ferràs Joan Manel , Macià Ferran
Published: December 2018

The quantification of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) in LiNbO3 piezoelectric crystals by stroboscopic X-ray photoemission electron microscopy (XPEEM), with a temporal smearing below 80 ps and a spatial resolution below 100 nm, is reported. The contrast mechanism is the varying piezoelectric surface potential associated with the SAW phase. Thus, kinetic energy spectra of photoemitted secondary electrons measure directly the SAW electrical amplitude and allow for the quantification of the associated strain. The stroboscopic imaging combined with a deliberate detuning allows resolving and quantifying the respective standing and propagating components of SAWs from a superposition of waves. Furthermore, standing-wave components can also be imaged by low-energy electron microscopy (LEEM). Our method opens the door to studies that quantitatively correlate SAWs excitation with a variety of sample electronic, magnetic and chemical properties.
Dynamic adaptive X-ray optics. Part I. Time-resolved optical metrology investigation of the bending behaviour of piezoelectric bimorph deformable X-ray mirrors
Authors: Alcock Simon G. , Nistea Ioana-Theodora , Signorato Riccardo , Sawhney Kawal
Published: December 2018

Piezoelectric bimorph deformable mirrors (`bimorphs') are routinely used on many synchrotron and free-electron laser beamlines to provide active variation in the size and shape of the X-ray beam. However, the time-domain potential of such optics has never been fully exploited. For the first time, the fast dynamic bending response of bimorphs is investigated here using Fizeau interferometry. Automated scripts for acquisition and analysis were developed to collect Fizeau data at a rate of 0.1 Hz to record dynamic changes in the optical surface as voltages were applied to the electrodes of the piezoelectric actuators. It is demonstrated that residual drift in the tangential radius of curvature of a bimorph can be significantly reduced using enhanced opto-mechanical holders and a fast programmable high-voltage power supply. Further improvements are achieved by applying small opposing voltages to compensate for piezoelectric creep. The present study shows that bimorphs can truly be used as high-speed adaptive optics for the X-ray domain, even without closed-loop feedback correction. This opens the possibility for relatively simple real-time tuning of the profile of X-ray bimorphs. Part II of this study [Alcock, Nistea, Signorato, Owen, Axford, Sutter, Foster & Sawhney (2019), J. Synchrotron Rad.
26, 45–51] builds upon these results and demonstrates how bimorphs can rapidly provide customisable sizes and shapes of synchrotron X-ray beams, specifically tailored to suit the experimental samples being investigated.
Napoleon in the Hamster Wheel: in the Labyrinth of Gendered Career Trajectories
Authors: Lipovka Anastassiya V.
Published: December 2018

Learning outcomes

To analyze and personally relate to an individual having faced a quarter-life crisis; to define how environmental factors influence the person’s career priorities; to analyze the causes of career-family conflicts; to comprehend another gender’s position and concerns; and to originate ideas for prospective career development.

Case overview/synopsis

The case study presents a career management dilemma of a PhD candidate, senior lecturer at the Almaty Management University, Kazakhstan and a married mother of two small children. Having faced a kind of quarter-life crisis and the pressures of a traditional society with gendered career trajectories, the protagonist (33) is challenging her initial plan of an academic career that sees gradual promotion and progress and has to make a difficult decision about her professional and personal identity amidst the realities of a newly emerging and transitional economy.

Complexity academic level

Master’s level

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes, company’s organizational charts, protagonist’s curriculum vitae, PowerPoint slides with the protagonist and her classmates’ pictures.

Subject code

CSS 6: Human Resource Management.
The barriers and enablers to career and leadership development
Authors: Mate Susan Elizabeth , McDonald Matthew , Do Truc
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to contrast how the relationship between career and leadership development and workplace culture is experienced by women in two different countries and the implications this has for human resource development initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a qualitative narrative research design to understand how the lived experiences of Australian and Vietnamese early- to mid-career female academics is engendered.

Findings

The study identified a number of key barriers and enablers that affected women’s career and leadership development. For the Australian participants, the main barrier included the competing demands of work and life and male dominated organisational cultures that discriminate against women in covert ways. The main enabler was mentoring and the building of professional networks that provided their careers with direction and support. For the Vietnamese participants, the main barriers were overt and included male-dominated organisational and societal cultures that limit their career and leadership development opportunities. The main enabler was having a sponsor or person with power in their respective organisation who would be willing to support their career advancement and gaining recognition from colleagues and peers.

Research limitations/implications

Gaining a deeper understanding of the barriers and enablers that effect women’s career and leadership development can be used to investigate how culturally appropriate developmental relationships can create ways to overcome the barriers they experience.

Originality/value

The study analysed the contrasting experiences of barriers and enablers from two cultures. The participants narrated stories that reflected on the gender politics they experienced in their career and leadership development. The narrative comparisons provide a unique lens to analyse the complex cultural experience of gender and work with potential implications for human resource development.
The systems approach to Irish society: 136 years of unintended consequences
Authors: McCloughlin Thomas John
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine a range of unintended consequences in Irish society both historical and present-day, with a view of presenting the structure of society as a dynamic system with both homeostatic or autopoietic aspects.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken in this work is in the examination of the concept of institutionalisation and whether the public perception of life in Ireland can be compared between two widely separated periods, in this case, 1800s and 2000s, and then taking one example from this model and determining the validity of single case isolation: autism units in mainstream primary schools.

Findings

Even initiatives in society for the “common good” appear to have unforeseen consequences which are negative. Irish society has the appearance of a homeostatic system but on closer examination is autopoietic. The term “better” is misplaced when comparing two time frames, and argument can be made to agree or disagree.

Research limitations/implications

There are serious limitations in using historical data in the first place, but secondarily problematic when correlating with the equivalent modern data, for example, how questions are termed and answers given, how data are collected and validated are different across different time frames. Even when one finds comparable data, it is difficult to validate and selection does itself create a bias.

Originality/value

The value of this work is to evaluate the commonplace distinction policymakers make when comparing two periods in time; for the lay person, this is a means to say whether modern Irish society could be said to be “better” than that in the nineteenth century.
Guanxi and intra-organizational conflicts: evidence from Chinese logistics industry
Authors: Butt Atif Saleem
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand conflicts that develop between managers and their respective firms when a personal relationship is present between managers of buying and supplying firms in the Chinese logistics industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a case study methodology to allow for an assessment of the conflicts that emerge between managers and their respective firms when a personal relationship is present between them.

Findings

The findings reveal conflicts between managers and their respective firms as a result of personal relationship between managers buying and selling logistics services in China.

Research limitations/implications

This study uses semi-structured interviews with Chinese senior managers to explore intra-organizational conflicts, which develop as a result of personal relationships embedded within buyer–supplier relationships. The generalizability of the findings will have to be empirically examined in future research.

Practical implications

Chinese firms can use the findings to understand conflicts, which arise between managers and their respective firms when a personal relationship is present between managers engaged in the process of buying and selling logistics services.

Originality/value

A notable gap in buyer–supplier relationship literature, specifically in Chinese business culture, is an unfulfilled need for research examining intra-organizational conflicts, when a personal relationship is present between managers of buying and supplying firms in the logistics industry. This paper addresses this gap.
Evaluation of long‐term efficacy of finasteride in Korean men with androgenetic alopecia using the basic and specific classification system
Authors: Shin Jung‐Won , Chung Euy‐Hyun , Kim Moon‐Bum , Kim Tae‐Ook , Kim Woo‐Il , Huh Chang‐Hun
Published: December 2018

Finasteride 1 mg is considered to be the standard treatment method for male androgenetic alopecia (AGA). However, there have only been a few studies investigating its long‐term efficacy. Moreover, its effect on various types of AGA remains unknown. In this study, the authors investigated the 5‐year efficacy of finasteride 1 mg in Korean men with AGA and analyzed the changes in hair growth according to the distribution of hair loss. The medical records of male AGA patients who were treated with oral finasteride for a period of at least 5 years at two university hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' photographs were evaluated using the basic and specific (BASP) classification and investigator's global assessment. Of the total 126 patients, 108 (85.7%) showed improvement after 5 years of treatment. According to the BASP classification, hair loss of the anterior hair line (basic type), vertex (V type), and frontal area (F type) was improved in 44.4%, 89.7% and 61.2% of patients, respectively. The V type showed a more rapid and steady improvement compared with the other types. Progression of alopecia after peak improvement was seen in 10.3% of cases of the V type, 16.2% of the F type and 0% of the basic type. In conclusion, finasteride 1 mg showed a sustainable effect for at least 5 years in Korean male AGA patients. The exact time points showing signs of first clinical improvement and sustainability were different depending on the type of alopecia.
The healing of dental extraction sockets in insulin‐dependent diabetic patients: a prospective controlled observational study
Authors: Power DJ , Sambrook PJ , Goss AN
Published: December 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to determine whether there was a difference in delayed healing following dental extractions for insulin‐dependent diabetics as compared to non‐diabetic patients.

Methods

Prospective patients referred to the Adelaide Dental Hospital exodontia clinic for dental extractions were recruited into two groups: Known insulin‐dependent diabetics and healthy non‐diabetics. All had a random blood glucose level (BGL). Delayed healing cases were identified, and statistical evaluation was performed.

Results

There were 56 insulin‐dependent diabetic patients (BGL 10.03, range 4.9–26) and 49 non‐diabetic, age‐ and sex‐matched patients. Seven patients (12.5%) in the study group showed delayed healing following extraction, while only four patients (8.2%) in the control group suffered delayed healing. This difference was not statistically significant. Two of the study group developed postextraction infections, requiring incision, drainage and antibiotics.

Conclusion

The study shows that Type 1 and insulin‐dependent Type 2 diabetic patients, if well controlled, tend to heal up well following dental extractions but with a small but not statistically different rate of postextraction complications including infection. This is contrary to what is usually taught. Clinicians should take great care with management of insulin‐dependent diabetic patients, as compared to non‐insulin dependent diabetics or non‐diabetic patients.
Embryo production by intracytoplasmic injection of sperm retrieved from Meishan neonatal testicular tissue cryopreserved and grafted into nude mice
Authors: Kaneko Hiroyuki , Kikuchi Kazuhiro , Men Nguyen Thi , Noguchi Junko
Published: December 2018

Testicular xenografting, combined with cryopreservation can assist conservation of the genetic diversity of indigenous pigs by salvaging germ cells from their neonatal testes. Using Meishan male piglets as an example, we examined whether testicular tissue would acquire the ability to produce sperm after cryopreservation and grafting into nude mice (MS group). For comparison, testicular tissue from neonatal Western crossbreed male piglets was used (WC group). Sixty days after xenografting (day 0 = grafting), MS grafts had already developed seminiferous tubules containing sperm, whereas in the WC grafts, sperm first appeared on day 120. The proportion of tubules containing spermatids and sperm was higher in the MS group than in the WC group between days 90 and 120. Moreover, in vitro‐matured porcine oocytes injected with a single sperm obtained from the MS group on day 180 developed to the blastocyst stage. The blastocyst formation rate after injection of the xenogeneic sperm was 14.6%, whereas the ratio in the absence of such injection (attributable to parthenogenesis) was 6.7%. Thus, cryopreserved Meishan testicular tissue acquired spermatogenic activity in host mice 60 days earlier than Western crossbreed tissue. Such xenogeneic sperm are likely capable of generating blastocysts in vitro.
Recent advances in New Caledonian biogeography
Authors: Heads Michael
Published: December 2018

The biota of New Caledonia is one of the most unusual in the world. It displays high diversity and endemism, many peculiar absences, and far‐flung biogeographic affinities. For example, New Caledonia is the only place on Earth with both main clades of flowering plants – the endemic Amborella and ‘all the rest’, and it also has the highest concentration of diversity in conifers. The discovery of Amborella's phylogenetic position led to a surge of interest in New Caledonian biogeography, and new studies are appearing at a rapid rate. This paper reviews work on the topic (mainly molecular studies) published since 2013. One current debate is focused on whether any biota survived the marine transgressions of the Paleocene and Eocene. Total submersion would imply that the entire fauna was derived by long‐distance dispersal from continental areas since the Eocene, but only if no other islands (now submerged) were emergent. A review of the literature suggests there is little actual evidence in geology for complete submersion. An alternative explanation for New Caledonia's diversity is that the archipelago acted as a refugium, and that the biota avoided the extinctions that occurred in Australia. However, this is contradicted by the many groups that are anomalously absent or depauperate in New Caledonia, although represented there by a sister group. The anomalous absences, together with the unusual levels of endemism, can both be explained by vicariance at breaks in and around New Caledonia. New Caledonia has always been situated at or near a plate boundary, and its complex geological history includes the addition of new terranes (by accretion), orogeny, and rifting. New Caledonia comprises ‘basement’ terranes that were part of Gondwana, as well as island arc and forearc terranes that accreted to the basement after it separated from Gondwana. The regional tectonic history helps explain the regional biogeography, as well as distribution patterns within New Caledonia. These include endemics on the basement terranes (for example, the basal angiosperm, Amborella), disjunctions at the West Caledonian fault zone, and great biotic differences between Grande Terre and the Loyalty Islands.
PTP1B markedly promotes breast cancer progression and is regulated by miR‐193a‐3p
Authors: Yu Mengchao , Liu Zhijian , Liu Yuan , Zhou Xinyan , Sun Feng , Liu Yanqing , Li Liuyi , Hua Shiyu , Zhao Yi , Gao Haidong , Zhu Zhouting , Na Muhan , Zhang Qipeng , Yang Rong , Zhang Jianguo , Yao Yongzhong , Chen Xi
Published: December 2018

The protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP1B, which is encoded by PTPN1, is a ubiquitously expressed nonreceptor protein tyrosine phosphatase. PTP1B has long been known to negatively regulate insulin and leptin receptor signalling. Recently, it was reported to be aberrantly expressed in cancer cells and to function as an important oncogene. In this study, we found that PTP1B protein levels are dramatically increased in breast cancer (BC) tissues and that PTP1B promotes the proliferation, and suppresses the apoptosis, of both HER2‐positive and triple‐negative BC cell lines. Bioinformatics analysis identified that the miRNA, miR‐193a‐3p, might potentially target PTP1B. We demonstrate that miR‐193a‐3p regulates PTP1B in BC cells and that it regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of BC cells by targeting PTP1B, both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, this study confirms that PTP1B acts as an oncogene in BC and demonstrates that miR‐193a‐3p can serve as a tumour suppressor gene in BC by targeting PTP1B.
The organic stratigraphy of Ontong Java Plateau Tuff correlated with the depth‐related presence and absence of putative microbial alteration structures
Authors: Purvis Graham , van der Land Cees , Sano Naoko , Cockell Charles , Barlow Anders , Cumpson Peter , Lopez‐Capel Elisa , Gray Neil
Published: December 2018

Structures in geological samples are often interpreted as fossilised life; however, such interpretations are equivocal, as abiotic processes can be invoked to explain their presence. Thus, additional lines of chemical evidence are invaluable in confirming or refuting such morphological evidence. Glass shards in tuff from the Ontong Java Plateau (OJP) contain microtubular structures that are in close proximity to functionalised nitrogen substituted aromatic compounds that may be indicative of the chemical remnants of biological activity. The organic composition of the OJP tuff containing microtubular alteration structures was compared with tuff without such features. In addition, organic matter associated with horizons with compacted remnants of woody material buried in the OJP tuff and overlying pelagic calcareous foraminifer sediment were also characterised, to ascertain the provenance of the organic matter found in the OJP tuff. As a further control, the organic material in submarine and terrestrial basalts from other locations were also characterised providing further evidence to support the view that the organic matter in the OJP tuff is authigenic. Carbon–nitrogen chemistry was detected across all OJP tuff samples irrespective of the presence or absence of microtubular features, but was not detected in either the wood material, the overlying pelagic sediments or in the basalts from other locations. The results indicate no direct link between the OJP nitrogenous organic compounds and the presence or absence of microtubular features.
The relationship between oral‐health‐related quality of life and general health in an elderly population: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: da Mata Cristiane , Allen Patrick Finbar , McKenna Gerald John , Hayes Martina , Kashan Ali
Published: December 2018

Objective

To assess the oral‐health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in a cohort of Irish older patients and explore associations with overall health status.

Background

The impact of oral health conditions on older individuals’ quality of life may be influenced by patients’ general health status.

Materials and Methods

This paper reports a cross‐sectional study, which analysed baseline data from patients aged over 60 years. Patients were recruited from two different environments, namely Cork University Dental Hospital and St. Finbarr's Hospital, to take part in two research studies. All patients completed the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) and EuroQol‐5D (EQ‐5D) questionnaires. All patients provided a comprehensive overview of their general medical status. Data from the Quality of Life questionnaires were analysed to check for differences between healthy and frail elders and explore associations between OHRQoL and general health.

Results

The patient sample comprised 146 (44.6%) male and 181 (55.4%) female participants, with a mean (SD) age of 73.96 (6.9). Frail patients reported a higher mean OHIP‐14 score compared to non‐frail patients (P < 0.001). Pearson's correlation analysis showed a negative association between OHIP‐14 and EQ‐5D scores. Regression analysis showed that among frail individuals, better general health corresponded to poorer OHRQoL. In the non‐frail cohort, better general health was related to better OHRQoL, although these results were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

General health was not significantly associated with the way that patients perceive their oral health within this patient cohort. However, factors such as objective oral health, denture wear and patient's expectations may play a role in this association.
Leadership development in Higher Education: A literature review and implications for programme redesign
Authors: Dopson Sue , Ferlie Ewan , McGivern Gerry , Fischer Michael D. , Mitra Mahima , Ledger Jean , Behrens Sonja
Published: December 2018

Leadership development (LD) activity and its effectiveness has not been explored rigorously across changing university settings globally. As Higher Education settings change radically throughout the world, Higher Education professionals are operating in more uncertain environments, and leaders are taking increasingly complex and diverse approaches to their leadership roles. LD activities therefore become important in supporting this highly complex context, yet little is known in the literature about LD and its impact in Higher Education. We examine peer‐reviewed work on LD in Higher Education settings globally to understand what may be learned about its content, processes, outcomes and impact. Our results suggest the current literature is small‐scale, fragmented and often theoretically weak, with many different and coexisting models, approaches and methods, and little consensus on what may be suitable and effective in the Higher Education context. We reflect on this state of play and develop a novel theoretical approach for designing LD activity in Higher Education institutions.
The Productivity of Several Machines Under the Care of One Operator
Authors: Ashcroft H.
Published: December 2018

Probability concepts are applied to determine the extent to which the productivity of machines is reduced when one operator has charge of several so that, whenever two machines stop at about the same time, one has to stand idle until the operator has re-started the other. For the case when the requisite attention times for each re-start are equal, a table of the average number of machines running and a chart showing the most economical ratio of machines to operators have been prepared.
The Random Division of an Interval—Part II
Authors: Moran P. A. P.
Published: December 2018

In a previous paper the theory of a test for the random distribution of events in time was considered. In the present paper a model is set up for a process in which events occur in time in a dependant manner. Using this model as an alternative hypothesis the asymptotic efficiency of the previously considered test is compared with that of a test proposed by M. S. Bartlett and it is found that the latter is considerably more efficient as well as being easier to use.
Some Problems in the Theory of Queues
Authors: Kendall David G.
Published: December 2018

The paper opens with a general review of some points in congestion theory, and continues with a simplified account of the Pollaczek-Khintchine “equilibrium” theory for the single-counter queue fed by an input of the Poisson type and associated with a general service-time distribution. It is pointed out that although the stochastic process describing the fluctuations in queue-size is not (in general) Markovian, it is possible to work instead with an enumerable Markov chain if attention is directed to the epochs at which individual customers depart (these epochs forming a sequence of regeneration points).
On Two-Stage Sampling
Authors: Godambe V. P.
Published: December 2018

Some interesting results in the theory of two-stage sampling are presented. These follow a simple proposition in probability which facilitates further deductions.
The Variance of Least-Square Estimates Under Linear Restraints
Authors: Rosenbaum S.
Published: December 2018

The set of normal equations arising from the least-squares procedure in regression analyses can sometimes be conveniently reduced when there are special restraints on the parameters, and the resulting Lagrangian multipliers are zero. We deduce from the inverse matrix of the reduced set an appropriate form for the variances and covariances of the estimates of the parameters.
A General Technique for the Analysis of Experiments with Incorrectly Treated Plots
Authors: Grundy P. M.
Published: December 2018

A method of dealing with experiments containing incorrectly treated plots is described in general terms. After an indication of the relevant regression theory, different aspects of the technique are illustrated by examples. These also include illustrations of the calculation of exact variances resulting from missing-plot analyses. A short sketch of the algebraic theory is included.
The Distribution and Frequency of Record Values
Authors: Chandler K. N.
Published: December 2018

The lower record values of a semi-infinite time series derived by random simple sampling from a fixed universe are defined to be those members which are less than all previous members. The probability distribution of the rth lower record value, Xr, is obtained and its probability points for r = 2, 3, …, 9, for normal and rectangular universes are tabulated. The probability distribution of the serial number, ur, of Xr in the original series xu is found and also the probability distribution of the difference of the serial numbers of Xr - 1, and Xr. These serial numbers, ur, are interesting in that they do not leave finite means. Further, they are independent of the parent universe, providing it has finite or zero probability density at all points.
On a Useful Set of Orthogonal Comparisons
Authors: Loraine Phyllis K.
Published: December 2018

A set of orthogonal components is developed for partitioning, in the analysis of variance, the sum of squares corresponding to a main effect X, at n equi-spaced levels. This partitioning determines the point of appreciable departure from linearity of the response curve, this departure being expected to occur at one end only of the range considered.