bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolomics reveals the key role of oxygen metabolism in heat susceptibility of an alpine‐dwelling ghost moth, Thitarodes xiaojinensis (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae)
Authors: Zhu Wei , Meng Qian , Zhang Huan , Wang Meng‐Long , Li Xuan , Wang Hong‐Tuo , Zhou Gui‐Ling , Miao Lin , Qin Qi‐Lian , Zhang Ji‐Hong
Published: May 2018

Ghost moths inhabiting the alpine meadows of the Tibetan Plateau are cold‐adapted stenothermal organisms that are susceptible to heat (dead within 7 days at 27 °C exposure). Exploring the metabolic basis of their heat susceptibility would extend our understanding of the thermal biology of alpine‐dwelling invertebrates. Here, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics was combined with physiological and transcriptional approaches to determine the metabolic mechanisms of heat susceptibility in Thitarodes xiaojinensis larvae. The metabolomics results showed that 27 °C heat stress impaired the Krebs cycle and lipolysis in T. xiaojinensis larvae, as demonstrated by the accumulation of intermediary metabolites. In addition, carbohydrate reserves were highly and exclusively consumed, and an anaerobic product, lactate, accumulated. This evidence suggested a strong reliance on glycolysis to anaerobically generate energy. The respiration rate and enzymatic activity test results indicated a deficiency in O2 metabolism; in addition, the Krebs cycle capacity was not decreased, and the metabolic flux through aerobic pathways was limited. These findings were further supported by the occurrence of hypoxia symptoms in midgut mitochondria (vacuolation and swelling) and increased transcription of hypoxia‐induced factor 1‐α. Overall, heat stress caused O2 limitation and depressed the overall intensity of aerobic metabolism in ghost moths, and less efficient anaerobic glycolysis was activated to sustain their energy supply. As carbohydrates were depleted, the energy supply became deficient. Our study presents a comprehensive metabolic explanation for the heat susceptibility of ghost moths and reveals the relationship between O2 metabolism and heat susceptibility in these larvae.
Combination Therapy With Intensive Granulocyte and Monocyte Adsorptive Apheresis Plus Ustekinumab in Patients With Refractory Crohn's Disease
Authors: Tanida Satoshi , Mizoshita Tsutomu , Ozeki Keiji , Katano Takahito , Tanaka Mamoru , Nishie Hirotada , Shimura Takaya , Okamoto Yasuyuki , Kubota Eiji , Kataoka Hiromi , Joh Takashi
Published: May 2018

Ustekinumab is applied to induce clinical remission in patients with Crohn's disease. Granulocyte and monocyte absorptive apheresis depletes activated myeloid lineage leukocytes and has been applied for active Crohn's disease. This study retrospectively examined the efficacy and safety of combining intensive granulocyte and monocyte absorptive apheresis and ustekinumab for remission induction therapy in refractory Crohn's disease. Between June and September 2017, three consecutive cases (two females) with refractory Crohn's disease were treated with intensive granulocyte and monocyte absorptive apheresis plus ustekinumab. Crohn's disease activity index, and simple endoscopic score for Crohn's disease at baseline and 10 weeks were applied as treatment efficacy outcomes. In all three cases, at week 10, clinical remission was achieved, while simple endoscopic score for Crohn's disease reflected no improvement. Thus, combination therapy with intensive granulocyte and monocyte absorptive apheresis plus ustekinumab appeared to represent a safe and effective intervention for inducing clinical remission.
Law and Democracy in Deliberative Theory and Practice
Authors: Bello Hutt Donald
Published: May 2018

Both books are interesting, and extremely well documented, and their authors are conversant with a vast array of literature, which they grapple with, advancing innovative arguments. They will certainly be of value to constitutional lawyers, political theorists and political scientists who are interested in deliberation.
Prospective pilot study of cerebral near infrared spectroscopy monitoring during pre‐hospital anaesthesia
Authors: Ångerman S. , Länkimäki S. , Neuvonen N. , Kirves H. , Nurmi J.
Published: May 2018

Backround

Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) provides a non‐invasive measure of cerebral tissue oxygenation. The literature on application of this method in pre‐hospital setting is limited. The aims of this study were to determine the feasibility of cerebral NIRS during pre‐hospital anaesthesia and to quantify the changes in front lobe regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) during the pre‐hospital phase.

Methods

NIRS monitoring (Nonin SenSmart X‐100) of front lobe regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) was initiated before induction of anaesthesia in 31 adult patients and continued until hospital arrival. The median age of the patients was 55 years (IQR [range] 43‐63 [20‐84]), and 20 (65%) of the patients were male. The indications for pre‐hospital anaesthesia were neurological reasons (29%), intoxication (23%), traumatic brain injury (23%) and successful resuscitation from cardiac arrest (16%).

Results

The NIRS monitoring was successful in 29 of 31 cases (94%; 95% CI: 78‐99). One patient could not be monitored due to poor probe‐skin contact, and 1 patient had poor contact with 1 hemisphere. Monitoring was performed for a total of 1335 minutes and was successful in both hemispheres 95% (95% CI: 94‐96) of the time. The median lowest rSO2 was 8% (IQR [range] 2‐13 [0‐30]) below baseline, and median peak rSO2 was 7% (IQR [range] 2‐11 [0‐34]) above the baseline. Changes in rSO2 without accompanying changes in vital signs were observed.

Conclusion

NIRS is feasible during pre‐hospital anaesthesia and substantial changes were observed in some patients. It provides data beyond the standard monitoring used in the pre‐hospital setting.
High birth weight was associated with increased radial artery intima thickness but not with other investigated cardiovascular risk factors in adulthood
Authors: Johnsson I W , Naessén T , Ahlsson F , Gustafsson J
Published: May 2018

Aim

This study investigated whether a high birth weight was associated with increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease when Swedish adults reached 34–40.

Methods

We studied 27 subjects born at Uppsala University Hospital in 1975–1979, weighing at least 4500 g, and compared them with 27 controls selected by the Swedish National Board of Welfare with birth weights within ±1 standard deviations scores and similar ages and gender. The study included body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, lipid profile, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), C‐reactive protein (CRP) and high‐frequency ultrasound measurements of intima‐media thickness, intima thickness (IT) and intima:media ratio of the carotid and radial arteries.

Results

Subjects with a high birth weight did not differ from controls with regard to BMI, blood pressure, lipid profile, high‐sensitivity CRP, HbA1c or carotid artery wall dimensions. However, their radial artery intima thickness was 37% greater than the control group and their intima:media ratio was 44% higher.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that a high birth weight was associated with increased radial artery intima thickness, but not with other investigated cardiovascular risk factors, at 34–40 years of age. The clinical implications of these findings should be investigated further, especially in subjects born with a very high birth weight.
Transanal minimally invasive surgery as a treatment option for a completely occluded anastomosis after low anterior resection: A new approach to severe anastomotic stenosis
Authors: Bong Jun Woo , Lim Seok‐Byung
Published: May 2018

New techniques have been developed to treat severe anastomotic strictures after rectal surgery. This report describes a new approach using transanal minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of complete anastomotic occlusion. A 49‐year‐old man presented with a completely occluded anastomosis after low anterior resection with temporary ileostomy for rectal cancer. The lumen was completely obstructed with a blind wall. A transanal surgical approach was used to treat the obstruction. Water‐soluble radiopaque contrast medium was injected intraoperatively to identify the proximal lumen, and an incision was made by electrocautery until the luminal diameter was sufficient. There was no sign of bleeding or perforation after surgery. The patient underwent ileostomy takedown after all the chemotherapy sessions were completed. This report shows that transanal minimally invasive surgery is safe and feasible for the treatment of complete anastomotic occlusions requiring invasive interventions.
Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for a right renal tumor with renal vein tumor thrombus in a patient with situs inversus totalis
Authors: Ito Jun , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Iwamura Hiromichi , Anan Go , Sato Makoto
Published: May 2018

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by complete inversion of the thoracic and abdominal organs. Many intra‐abdominal and vessel anomalies have been reported in association with SIT. However, there have been no reports on the use of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with thrombectomy for renal vein thrombus, which is considered as a safe and feasible procedure, in patients with SIT. We herein present the case of an 80‐year‐old man with SIT who was preoperatively diagnosed with a right renal tumor and renal vein tumor thrombus. The patient underwent laparoscopic right nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy with no intraoperative complications. To ensure a safe procedure, the anatomy and vessels were carefully evaluated preoperatively using 3‐D multiplanar reconstructed CT imaging. Assessing anatomical structures leads to safer laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma with venous tumor thrombus in patients with SIT.
The association of bicycle‐related genital numbness and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) score: results from a large, multinational, cross‐sectional study
Authors: Baradaran Nima , Awad Mohannad , Gaither Thomas W. , Fergus Kirkpatrick B. , Ndoye Medina , Cedars Benjamin E. , Balakrishnan Ashwin S. , Eisenberg Michael L. , Sanford Tom , Breyer Benjamin N.
Published: May 2018

Objective

To assess the association of genital numbness and erectile dysfunction in male cyclists.

Subjects and methods

Cyclists were recruited through Facebook advertisements and outreach to sporting clubs. This is a secondary analysis of a larger epidemiological population‐based study that examined sexual and urinary wellness in athletes. We queried cycling habits and erectile function using Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM).

Results

A total of 2 774 male cyclists were included in the analysis. Amongst cyclists, there was a statistically significant increase in the trend of genital numbness presence with more years of cycling (P = 0.002), more frequent weekly cycling (P < 0.001), and longer cycling distance at each ride (P < 0.001). Less frequent use of padded shorts (odds ratio [OR] 0.14, P < 0.001) and lower handlebar (OR 0.49, P < 0.001) were associated with numbness, but body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.1, P = 0.33) and age (OR 1.2, P = 0.15) were not. In a multivariate logistic regression model, after adjusting for age, BMI, and lifetime miles (calculated by average daily cycling mileage × cycling days/week × cycling years.), there were no statistically significant differences in mean SHIM score between cyclists with and cyclists without numbness (20.3 vs 20.2, P = 0.83). However, interestingly, the subset of cyclists who reported numbness in the buttock reported statistically significantly worse SHIM scores (20.3 vs 18.4, P < 0.001). This association was not present in cyclists who reported numbness in the scrotum, penis, or perineum and remained significant after adjusting for overall biking intensity.

Conclusion

Cyclists report genital numbness in proportion with biking intensity but numbness is not associated with worse sexual function in this cohort.
The mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance: how diverse are they?
Authors: Tikhodeyev Oleg N.
Published: May 2018

Although epigenetic inheritance (EI) is a rapidly growing field of modern biology, it still has no clear place in fundamental genetic concepts which are traditionally based on the hereditary role of DNA. Moreover, not all mechanisms of EI attract the same attention, with most studies focused on DNA methylation, histone modification, RNA interference and amyloid prionization, but relatively few considering other mechanisms such as stable inhibition of plastid translation. Herein, we discuss all known and some hypothetical mechanisms that can underlie the stable inheritance of phenotypically distinct hereditary factors that lack differences in DNA sequence. These mechanisms include (i) regulation of transcription by DNA methylation, histone modifications, and transcription factors, (ii) RNA splicing, (iii) RNA‐mediated post‐transcriptional silencing, (iv) organellar translation, (v) protein processing by truncation, (vi) post‐translational chemical modifications, (vii) protein folding, and (viii) homologous and non‐homologous protein interactions. The breadth of this list suggests that any or almost any regulatory mechanism that participates in gene expression or gene‐product functioning, under certain circumstances, may produce EI. Although the modes of EI are highly variable, in many epigenetic systems, stable allelic variants can be distinguished. Irrespective of their nature, all such alleles have an underlying similarity: each is a bimodular hereditary unit, whose features depend on (i) a certain epigenetic mark (epigenetic determinant) in the DNA sequence or its product, and (ii) the DNA sequence itself (DNA determinant; if this is absent, the epigenetic allele fails to perpetuate). Thus, stable allelic epigenetic inheritance (SAEI) does not contradict the hereditary role of DNA, but involves additional molecular mechanisms with no or almost no limitations to their variety.
Outcomes of Bethesda categories III and IV thyroid nodules over 5 years and performance of the Afirma gene expression classifier: A single‐institution study
Authors: Deaver Kelsi E. , Haugen Bryan R. , Pozdeyev Nikita , Marshall Carrie B.
Published: May 2018

Objective

The second edition Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology estimates 6%‐18% malignancy rate of category III (B3) and 10%‐40% for category IV (B4) nodules; however, reported malignancy rates have considerable variability among institutions. Use of molecular classifiers (including Afirma Gene Expression Classifier, GEC) can be utilized in management of thyroid nodules. Our objective was to analyse malignancy rates of B3 and B4 nodules and determine clinical outcomes of GEC Benign nodules.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 2019 thyroid FNAs was performed at the University of Colorado from 2011 to 2015, including molecular, surgical and clinical follow‐up.

Results

Of 2019 FNAs analysed, 231 (11.4%) were diagnosed as B3 and 80 (4.0%) as B4. GEC was obtained in 54.1% of B3 cases, with nearly half (48.8%) having a Benign result. Surgery was performed in 40.7% B3 cases with a 24.5% malignancy rate, ranging 8%‐38% by year. In the B4 group, 52.5% underwent molecular testing with 28.6% as GEC Benign. About 68.8% of B4 cases underwent surgery with a 20% malignancy rate, ranging 0%‐42% by year. Seventy‐three GEC Benign cases were reviewed: 5 (6.8%) underwent surgery, with none demonstrating malignancy in the target nodule. Size remained stable for most GEC Benign nodules: 75.9% (B3) and 71.4% (B4) with no malignancy on repeat FNA.

Conclusions

Our 5‐year review demonstrated that malignancy rates of B3 and B4 nodules showed year‐to‐year variability. We suggest that clinicians use a multi‐year average of their institution's malignancy rates to optimally manage patients. Follow‐up for GEC Benign cases thus far supports their indolent nature.
Ten‐year follow‐up of dental implants used for immediate loading in the edentulous mandible: A prospective clinical study
Authors: Windael Simon , Vervaeke Stijn , Wijnen Lieve , Jacquet Wolfgang , De Bruyn Hugo , Collaert Bruno
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the 10‐year outcome of 25 patients with immediate loading in the edentulous mandible.

Material and Methods

Twenty‐five patients were consecutively treated with 5 immediately loaded fluoride‐modified implants in the edentulous mandible. Implant survival and bone loss were evaluated by an external researcher comparing digital periapical radiographs taken during recall visits with baseline (at implant insertion). Statistical descriptive analysis and nonparametric tests were performed using SPSS v23, multilevel analysis was performed by means of R version 3.1.0. to identify risk factors for bone loss.

Results

Twenty‐one patients (8 males, 13 females, mean age 68.4, range 49‐84) responded to the 10‐year recall invitation. No implants were lost during follow‐up, resulting in a 100% survival rate. After 10 years, bleeding on probing and plaque were present at 49.5% and 67.6% of the sites, respectively. The mean pocket probing depth was 3.77 mm (SD 0.73, range 3.0‐6.83). Bone loss on implant level after 3, 12, 24, and 120 months was 0.16 mm (SD 0.33, range 0‐1.75), 0.14 mm (SD 0.24, range 0‐1.05), 0.17 mm (SD 0.27, range 0‐1.5), and 0.49 mm (SD 1.08, range 0‐7.8). Five implants were identified with or at risk for progressive bone loss. Forty‐seven percent of the implants did not show any bone loss after 10 years in function and 87% lost less than 1 mm. Multilevel statistical analysis identified 2‐year bone loss as a predictor for bone loss after 10 years of function.

Conclusion

Immediate loading of 5 fluoride‐modified dental implants with a fixed prosthetic rehabilitation is a predictable and reliable treatment in the edentulous mandible, based on a 100% implant survival and limited peri‐implant bone loss. Implants used for immediate loading in the edentulous mandible who are showing early bone loss may be at higher risk to develop peri‐implantitis.
Racial differences in completion of the living kidney donor evaluation process
Authors: Kumar Komal , Tonascia James M. , Muzaale Abimereki D. , Purnell Tanjala S. , Ottmann Shane E. , Al Ammary Fawaz , Bowring Mary G. , Poon Anna , King Elizabeth A. , Massie Allan B. , Chow Eric K. H. , Thomas Alvin G. , Ying Hao , Borja Marvin , Konel Jonathan M. , Henderson Macey , Cameron Andrew M. , Garonzik‐Wang Jacqueline M. , Segev Dorry L.
Published: May 2018

Racial disparities in living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) persist but the most effective target to eliminate these disparities remains unknown. One potential target could be delays during completion of the live donor evaluation process. We studied racial differences in progression through the evaluation process for 247 African American (AA) and 664 non‐AA living donor candidates at our center between January 2011 and March 2015. AA candidates were more likely to be obese (38% vs 22%: P < .001), biologically related (66% vs 44%: P < .001), and live ≤50 miles from the center (64% vs 37%: P < .001) than non‐AAs. Even after adjusting for these differences, AAs were less likely to progress from referral to donation (aHR for AA vs non‐AA: 0.260.47 0.83; P = .01). We then assessed racial differences in completion of each step of the evaluation process and found disparities in progression from medical screening to in‐person evaluation (aHR: 0.410.620.94; P = .02) and from clearance to donation (aHR: 0.28 0.510.91; P = .02), compared with from referral to medical screening (aHR: 0.781.021.33; P = .95) and from in‐person evaluation to clearance (aHR: 0.59 0.931.44; P = .54). Delays may be a manifestation of the transplant candidate's social network, thus, targeted efforts to optimize networks for identification of donor candidates may help address LDKT disparities.
Impact of intensive dosing of mycophenolate on pancreas allograft survival
Authors: Descourouez Jillian L. , Jorgenson Margaret R. , Menninga Nathan , Leverson Glen , Odorico Jon , Redfield Robert
Published: May 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of mycophenolate (mycophenolic acid, MPA) dose on pancreas allograft survival following simultaneous pancreas kidney (SPK) transplant.

Methods

This was an observational study of adult SPK recipients transplanted between 1/1/2002 and 6/30/2015. Recipients were divided into cohorts based on MPA dose at discharge: high dose (HD), 1000 mg three times daily mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and standard dose (SD), 1000 mg twice daily MMF. Primary outcome was pancreas allograft survival. Secondary endpoints included kidney allograft survival, pancreas allograft rejection, infection, time to initial dose decrease, and patient survival (PS).

Results

In all, 453 patients met inclusion criteria: 324 in HD‐MPA group and 129 in SD‐MPA group. HD‐MPA patients had higher rates of pancreas graft survival (P = .003). There were no differences in rates of pancreas allograft rejection (P = .8), kidney graft survival (P = .15), overall infection (P = .4), overall malignancy (P = .93), time to first dose reduction (P = .35), or patient survival (P = .3). In a multivariable analysis adjusted for differences between groups and known confounders, dosing group continued to significantly affect incidence of pancreas allograft failure (P = .02).

Conclusions

HD‐MPA significantly impacted pancreas allograft survival in SPK recipients independent of graft rejection. Further studies are warranted to investigate the etiology of this finding and determine the optimal duration of HD‐MPA associated with positive graft outcomes.
Organ donation after euthanasia, morally acceptable under strict procedural safeguards
Authors: van Dijk Gert , van Bruchem‐Visser Rozemarijn , de Beaufort Inez
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we will present a case of organ donation after active euthanasia (ODE) in the Netherlands from a patient who had his life ended at his explicit and voluntary request. The form of ODE we describe here concerns patients who are not unconscious and on life support, but who are conscious and want to have their life ended because of their hopeless and unbearable suffering, for instance due to a terminal illness such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This form of ODE is of course only possible in jurisdictions where euthanasia is allowed. In these jurisdictions, organ donation after euthanasia is an option that may be considered. We believe ODE is worthwhile to pursue, as it can strengthen patient autonomy, can give meaning to the inevitable death of the patient, and be an extra source of much needed donor organs. To ensure voluntariness of both euthanasia and organ donation and avoid conflict of interest by physicians, ODE does need strict procedural safeguards however. The most important safeguard is a strict separation between the 2 procedures. The paper discusses several ethical issues such as who should broach the subject of organ donation and who should perform the euthanasia, and how a conflict of interest can be avoided.
Patterns of species richness hotspots and estimates of their protection are sensitive to spatial resolution
Authors: McKerrow Alexa J. , Tarr Nathan M. , Rubino Matthew J. , Williams Steven G.
Published: May 2018

Aim

Species richness is a measure of biodiversity often used in spatial conservation assessments and mapped by summing species distribution maps. Commission errors inherent those maps influence richness patterns and conservation assessments. We sought to further the understanding of the sensitivity of hotspot delineation methods and conservation assessments to commission errors, and choice of threshold for hotspot delineation.

Location

United States.

Methods

We created range maps and 30‐m and 1‐km resolution habitat maps for terrestrial vertebrates in the United States and generated species richness maps with each dataset. With the richness maps and the GAP Protected Areas Dataset, we created species richness hotspot maps and calculated the proportion of hotspots within protected areas; calculating protection under a range of thresholds for defining hotspots. Our method allowed us to identify the influence of commission errors by comparing hotspot maps.

Results

Commission errors from coarse spatial grain data and lack of porosity in the range data inflated richness estimates and altered their spatial patterns. Coincidence of hotspots from different data types was low. The 30‐m hotspots were spatially dispersed, and some were very long distances from the hotspots mapped with coarser data. Estimates of protection were low for each of the taxa. The relationship between estimates of hotspot protection and threshold choice was nonlinear and inconsistent among data types (habitat and range) and grain size (30‐m and 1‐km).

Main conclusions

Coarse mapping methods and grain sizes can introduce commission errors into species distribution data that could result in misidentifications of the regions where hotspots occur and affect estimates of hotspot protection. Hotspot conservation assessments are also sensitive to choice of threshold for hotspot delineation. There is value in developing species distribution maps with high resolution and low rates of commission error for conservation assessments.
Endogenous GLP‐1 alters postprandial functional connectivity between homeostatic and reward‐related brain regions involved in regulation of appetite in healthy lean males: A pilotstudy
Authors: Meyer‐Gerspach Anne Christin , Ly Huynh Giao , Borgwardt Stefan , Dupont Patrick , Beglinger Christoph , Van Oudenhove Lukas , Wölnerhanssen Bettina K.
Published: May 2018

Aims

Peripheral infusion of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) can affect brain activity in areas involved in the regulation of appetite, including hypothalamic and reward‐related brain regions. In contrast, the physiological role of endogenous GLP‐1 in the central regulation of appetite has hardly been investigated.

Materials and Methods

This was a randomized, cross‐over trial that involved 12 healthy volunteers who received an intragastric (ig) glucose (gluc) load, with or without intravenous (iv) exendin9‐39 (ex9‐39; specific GLP‐1 receptor antagonist). Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to investigate the effect of endogenous GLP‐1 on resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) between homeostatic and reward‐related brain regions. Visual analogue scales were used to rate appetite‐related sensations. Blood samples were collected for GI hormone measurements.

Results

Administration of iv‐ex9‐39/ig‐gluc induced a significantly higher rsFC, relative to ig‐gluc administration, between the hypothalamus and the left lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) as well as the left amygdala (P ≤ .001, respectively). Administration of iv‐ex9‐39/ig‐gluc induced a significantly higher rsFC, relative to ig‐gluc administration, between the right nucleus accumbens and the right lateral OFC (P < .001). Administration of iv‐ex9‐39/ig‐gluc induced a significantly lower rsFC, relative to ig‐gluc administration, between the midbrain and the right caudate nucleus (P = .001). Administration of ig‐gluc significantly decreased prospective food consumption and increased sensations of fullness compared to pre‐infusion baseline (P = .028 and P = .019, respectively); these effects were not present in the iv‐ex9‐39/ig‐gluc condition.

Conclusions

This pilot trial provides preliminary experimental evidence that glucose‐induced endogenous GLP‐1 affects central regulation of appetite by modulating rsFC in homeostatic and reward‐related brain regions in healthy lean male participants in a GLP‐1 receptor‐mediated fashion.
Mating and social contact change egg production and longevity in adult females of the mirid Lygus hesperus
Authors: Brent Colin S.
Published: May 2018

There is frequently a tradeoff between fecundity and longevity, but the relationship is inconsistent across species and influenced by various exogenous and endogenous factors. Previous studies of Lygus hesperus Knight (Hemiptera: Miridae) established that egg production is promoted by insemination, at least temporarily, but little is known about the long‐term effects of mating and nonsexual interactions with conspecifics on egg production and female lifespan. To elucidate these relationships, survivorship and oviposition rate were tracked daily in females that were isolated or paired with a fertile male or another female throughout their adult lives. Mating rates were determined by postmortem examination. Results indicate that male‐specific stimuli accelerate female reproductive maturation, and that mating elevates oviposition rate. However, females paired with either a female or male companion had shortened lifespans, suggesting that social contacts exact a significant cost in this solitary species. Despite the negative impact of conspecific interactions and the finding that a singly mated female has sufficient sperm to fertilize a lifetime supply of eggs, many females were found to have mated more than once. Multiply mated females had higher sustained oviposition rates, lived longer, and had greater lifetime fecundities. Collectively, no strong evidence was found of a direct physiological link between fecundity and longevity, but environmental factors and mating were found to significantly influence both traits.
The returns to invention during the British industrial revolution
Authors: Bottomley Sean
Published: May 2018

It was a commonplace among contemporaries, and remains received wisdom today, that inventors were poorly remunerated during the industrial revolution. Adapting a dataset of 759 British inventors, this article presents the first large‐scale attempt to examine the issue systematically. Using probate information, the article shows that inventors were extremely wealthy relative to the adult male population. Inventors were also significantly wealthier than another group who would have received a similar inheritance (in terms of both financial and social capital) and entered similar occupations: their brothers. Their additional wealth was derived from inventive activities: invention paid.
Evidence‐based dentistry skill acquisition by second‐year dental students
Authors: Marshall T. A. , McKernan S. C. , Straub‐Morarend C. L. , Guzman‐Armstrong S. , Marchini L. , Handoo N. Q. , Cunningham M. A.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Identification and assessment of Evidence‐based dentistry (EBD) outcomes have been elusive. Our objective was to describe EBD skill acquisition during the second (D2) year of pre‐doctoral dental education and student competency at the end of the year.

Methods

The first and fourth (final) curricular‐required EBD Exercises (ie, application of the first 4 steps of the 5‐Step evidence‐based practice process applied to a real or hypothetical situation) completed by D2 students (n = 151) during 2014‐2015 and 2015‐2016 were evaluated to measure skill acquisition through use of a novel rubric with measures of performance from novice to expert. Exercises were evaluated on the performance for each step, identification of manuscript details and reflective commentary on manuscript components. Changes in performance were evaluated using the chi‐square test for trend and the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

Seventy‐eight per cent of students scored competent or higher on the Ask step at the beginning of the D2 year; scores improved with 58% scoring proficient or expert on the fourth Exercise (P < .001). Most students were advanced beginners or higher in the Acquire, Appraise and Apply steps at the beginning of the D2 year, with minimal growth observed during the year. Identification of manuscript details improved between the first and fourth Exercises (P = .015); however, depth of commentary skills did not change.

Discussion

Unlike previous investigations evaluating EBD knowledge or behaviour in a testing situation, we evaluated skill acquisition using applied Exercises.

Conclusion

Consistent with their clinical and scientific maturity, D2 students minimally performed as advanced beginners at the end of their D2 year.
Neuroplasticity in cholinergic neurons of the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus contributes to the development of cocaine addiction
Authors: Kaneda Katsuyuki
Published: May 2018

The laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (LDT) is a brainstem nucleus that sends cholinergic, glutamatergic, and gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic projections to the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a key brain region associated with reward information processing and reinforcement learning, and thus, with addiction induced by drugs of abuse, including cocaine. Recent studies have revealed that the LDT, in addition to the VTA, plays important roles in the development and expression of cocaine‐induced addiction and stress‐induced enhancement of addictive behaviors. Additionally, neuroplasticity induced in LDT cholinergic neurons by repeated cocaine administration critically contributes to these behaviors. Elucidation of the underlying mechanisms of cocaine‐induced neuroplasticity in the LDT that influences reward circuit activity may lead to the development of therapeutic strategies to treat cocaine addiction and stress‐induced reinstatement of cocaine use. This review summarizes recent progress in the study of the LDT, specifically neuroplasticity in LDT cholinergic neurons induced by cocaine and its functional roles in the development and modulation of addictive behaviors associated with cocaine.
From learning to action: the integration of dorsal striatal input and output pathways in instrumental conditioning
Authors: Peak James , Hart Genevra , Balleine Bernard W.
Published: May 2018

Considerable evidence suggests that the learning and performance of instrumental actions depend on activity in basal ganglia circuitry; however, these two functions have generally been considered independently. Whereas research investigating the associative mechanisms underlying instrumental conditioning has identified critical cortical and limbic input pathways to the dorsal striatum, the performance of instrumental actions has largely been attributed to activity in the dorsal striatal output pathways, with direct and indirect pathway projection neurons mediating action initiation, perseveration and cessation. Here, we discuss evidence that the dorsal striatal input and basal ganglia output pathways mediate the learning and performance of instrumental actions, respectively, with the dorsal striatum functioning as a transition point. From this perspective, the issue of how multiple striatal inputs are integrated at the level of the dorsal striatum and converted into relatively restricted outputs becomes one of critical significance for understanding how learning is translated into action. So too does the question of how learning signals are modulated by recent experience. We propose that this occurs through recurrent corticostriatothalamic feedback circuits that serve to integrate performance signals by updating ongoing action‐related learning.
A journey into the retina: Müller glia commanding survival and death
Authors: Subirada Paula V. , Paz María C. , Ridano Magali E. , Lorenc Valeria E. , Vaglienti María V. , Barcelona Pablo F. , Luna José D. , Sánchez María C.
Published: May 2018

Müller glial cells (MGCs) are known to participate actively in retinal development and to contribute to homoeostasis through many intracellular mechanisms. As there are no homologous cells in other neuronal tissues, it is certain that retinal health depends on MGCs. These macroglial cells are located at the centre of the columnar subunit and have a great ability to interact with neurons, astrocytes, microglia and endothelial cells in order to modulate different events. Several investigations have focused their attention on the role of MGCs in diabetic retinopathy, a progressive pathology where several insults coexist. As expected, data suggest that MGCs display different responses according to the severity of the stimulus, and therefore trigger distinct events throughout the course of the disease. Here, we describe physiological functions of MGCs and their participation in inflammation, gliosis, synthesis and secretion of trophic and antioxidant factors in the diabetic retina. We invite the reader to consider the protective/deleterious role of MGCs in the early and late stages of the disease. In the light of the results, we open up the discussion around and ask the question: Is it possible that the modulation of a single cell type could improve or even re‐establish retinal function after an injury?
From noise to knowledge: how randomness generates novel phenomena and reveals information
Authors: Boettiger Carl
Published: May 2018

Noise, as the term itself suggests, is most often seen a nuisance to ecological insight, a inconvenient reality that must be acknowledged, a haystack that must be stripped away to reveal the processes of interest underneath. Yet despite this well‐earned reputation, noise is often interesting in its own right: noise can induce novel phenomena that could not be understood from some underlying deterministic model alone. Nor is all noise the same, and close examination of differences in frequency, colour or magnitude can reveal insights that would otherwise be inaccessible. Yet with each aspect of stochasticity leading to some new or unexpected behaviour, the time is right to move beyond the familiar refrain of “everything is important” (Bjørnstad & Grenfell). Stochastic phenomena can suggest new ways of inferring process from pattern, and thus spark more dialog between theory and empirical perspectives that best advances the field as a whole. I highlight a few compelling examples, while observing that the study of stochastic phenomena are only beginning to make this translation into empirical inference. There are rich opportunities at this interface in the years ahead.
The Firm In Search Of Its Nature
Authors: Grandori Anna
Published: May 2018

This paper argues that the notions of ‘the nature of the firm’ prevailing in economics and management, in the course of having contributed to some distorsions in firm behavior via some biased assumptions, fall short of a core task: providing a clear specification of the traits distinguishing a firm from other organized entities. Paradoxically, the available theory of the firm does not say what precisely a firm is. Hence, in a firstpars destruens,the paper identifies four main biases in the assumptions of available theories of the firm: pro central planning bias, association neglect, reification and teleologism. The secondpars construensidentifies four minimal necessary and sufficient elements for having a firm: continuous association and dedication of assets, legal personhood anderga omnesresponsibility, constitutional contracting, and property right sharing. The third part draws implications for an expanded theory of economic organization and for improved firm governance practices.
Tiled array‐based sequencing identifies enrichment of loss‐of‐function variants in the highly homologous filaggrin gene in African‐American children with severe atopic dermatitis
Authors: Mathyer Mary Elizabeth , Quiggle Ashley M. , Wong X. F. Colin C. , Denil Simon L. I. J. , Kumar Monique G. , Ciliberto Heather M. , Bayliss Susan J. , Common John E. , de Guzman Strong Cristina
Published: May 2018

Filaggrin (FLG) loss‐of‐function (LOF) variants are a major risk factor for the common inflammatory skin disease, atopic dermatitis (AD) and are often population‐specific. African‐American (AA) children are disproportionately affected with AD, often later developing asthma and/or allergic rhinitis and comprise an atopy health disparity group for which the role of FLG LOF is not well known. Discovery of FLG LOF using exome sequencing is challenging given the known difficulties for accurate short‐read alignment to FLG's high homology repeat variation. Here, we employed an array‐based sequencing approach to tile across each FLG repeat and discover FLG LOF in a well‐characterized cohort of AA children with moderate‐to‐severe AD. Five FLG LOF were identified in 23% of our cohort. Two novel FLG LOF singletons, c.488delG and p.S3101*, were discovered as well as p.R501*, p.R826* and p.S3316* previously reported for AD. p.S3316* (rs149484917) is likely an African ancestral FLG LOF, reported in African individuals in ExAC (Exome Aggregation Consortium), Exome Variant Server (ESP), and 4 African 1000G population databases (ESN, MSL, ASW, and ACB). The proportion of FLG LOF (11.5%) among the total FLG alleles in our cohort was significantly higher in comparisons with FLG LOF reported for African individuals in ExAC (2.5%; P = 4.3 × 10−4) and ESP (1.7%; P = 3.5 × 10−5) suggesting a disease‐enrichment effect for FLG LOF. Our results demonstrate the utility of array‐based sequencing in discovering FLG LOF, including novel and population‐specific, which are of higher prevalence in our AA severe AD group than previously reported.
Does corn market uncertainty impact the US ethanol prices?
Authors: Dutta Anupam , Bouri Elie , Junttila Juha , Uddin Gazi Salah
Published: May 2018

The growing interest in biofuel as a green energy source has intensified the linkages between corn and ethanol markets, especially in the United States that represents the largest producing and exporting country for ethanol in the world. In this study, we examine the effect of corn market uncertainty on the price changes of US ethanol applying a set of GARCH‐jump models. We find that the US ethanol price changes react positively to the corn market volatility shocks after controlling for the effect of oil price uncertainty. In addition, we document that the impact of corn price volatility on the US ethanol prices appears to be asymmetric. Specifically, only the positive corn market volatility shocks are found to influence the ethanol market returns. Our findings also suggest that time‐varying jumps do exist in the ethanol market.
Diaspora and mapping methodologies: tracing transnational digital connections with ‘mattering maps’
Authors: ALINEJAD DONYA , CANDIDATU LAURA , MEVSIMLER MELIS , MINCHILLI CLAUDIA , PONZANESI SANDRA , VAN DER VLIST FERNANDO N.
Published: May 2018

There is a methodological tendency in work on diaspora and digital media for quantitative investigations to approach diaspora in static ways that contrast with theories of diaspora as a dynamic cultural formation. On the other hand, qualitative, ethnographic work tends not to engage with digital methods and quantitative data‐driven investigation. In this article, we sketch this methodological and disciplinary disconnect and address it by proposing a model for understanding digitally mediated formations of diaspora that combines digital methods techniques with a sensitivity to ethical and theoretical discussions of migration and diaspora. Drawing on interpretive epistemologies and feminist research ethics, we present a case study analysis of a locally informed, Turkish–Dutch issue. We argue for a method that produces ‘mattering maps’. This involves tracking and visualizing digital traces of an issue across web platforms (Google Search results, Facebook pages, and Instagram posts) and integrating this with an analysis of the face‐to‐face interview responses of a key issue actor.
In the steps of Joan Acker: A journey in researching inequality regimes and intersectional inequalities
Authors: Healy Geraldine , Tatli Ahu , Ipek Gulce , Özturk Mustafa , Seierstad Cathrine , Wright Tessa
Published: May 2018

Inspired by two of Acker's interconnected concepts, inequality regimes and intersectionality, the authors revisit their intersectional research. By exploring their various studies on inequality regimes and intersectionality, the authors propose some novel insights that have emerged from an aggregate appraisal of some 17 empirically researched papers, all shaped by Joan Acker's sociology. While Acker's work on gender and organizations has provided crucial insights into much of this work, this article concentrates on the overarching concept of inequality regimes and then focuses in on less‐developed aspects of intersectionality in Acker's work. In doing so, it reconsiders the value of inequality regimes in pushing the boundaries of intersectional insights.
Achieving pay equity: Strategic mobilization for substantive equality in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: McGregor Judy , Davies Sharyn Graham
Published: May 2018

In an unprecedented move the New Zealand Government in 2017 announced a $2 billion pay equity settlement for 55,000 healthcare workers in aged and disability residential care and home and community support services. The settlement reversed the Government's previous austerity stance that pay equity for carers was too expensive, and that pay parity in the sector was out of the question. The political concession followed five years of intensive equal pay feminist activism. While pay equity settlements overseas have generally used either legal opportunity structures or government intervention, this article argues it was the combination of complementary and intersecting elements of mobilization that led to the negotiated settlement. These elements include a statutory human rights inquiry; legal opportunity; civil society coalition building; increased women's voice; and a government‐led negotiated settlement. The novel theoretical contribution of this article is its empirical support for the concept of substantive equality.
Challenging the gendered rhetoric of success? The limitations of women‐only mentoring for tackling gender inequality in the workplace
Authors: Dashper Katherine
Published: May 2018

Mentoring is widely acknowledged to be an important contributor to women's career success and progression, but women often struggle to access mentoring networks that can help sponsor and develop their careers. Formal mentoring programmes designed specifically for women help overcome this challenge, but such schemes may at the same time reinforce masculine discourses which position women as deficient in relation to the invisibly male norm that is implicit within contemporary working practices. Drawing on a formal women‐only mentoring programme built on gender‐positive goals to empower women to ‘be the best they can be’ within the events industry, this article considers the extent to which such programmes can both challenge and reproduce gendered discourses of business and success. Interviews with mentors and mentees illustrate how such programmes make gender visible within business and individual careers, but masculinist underpinnings of organizational discourses remain invisible, unacknowledged and thus largely unchallenged.
Doing gender in public services: Affective labour of employment agents
Authors: Glinsner Barbara , Sauer Birgit , Gaitsch Myriam , Penz Otto , Hofbauer Johanna
Published: May 2018

The restructuring of state bureaucracies into service organizations and the new welfare state paradigm of activation have changed the work requirements of front‐line workers in public employment agencies across Europe. Public employment agents are less engaged in bureaucratic labour, but have to perform service work. They use affective means to motivate and to monitor and sanction jobseekers. This article provides evidence that these transformations in Austria, Germany and Switzerland did not suspend the gendering of public service work. We discovered four typical modes of affectively enacting the state: both male and female employment agents follow feminized service work patterns or masculinized entrepreneurial norms. To prevent a possible loss of their professional status, some employment agents reinterpret affective labour as professional service work that demands high expertise. Others resist the activation paradigm by performing traditionally feminized care work or by still adhering to affect‐neutral male bureaucratic work.