bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ectopic expression of olfactory receptors and associated G‐protein subunits in the head integument of the amphihaline migratory fish hilsa Tenualosa ilisha
Authors: Chatterjee Subhendu K. , Malick Chandan , Bhattacharya Samir , Suresh Vettath R. , Kundu Rakesh , Saikia Surjya K.
Published: September 2018

The chemosensory nature of the tissue from the dorsal surface of the head (also termed sensory pad; SP) of the amphihaline diadromous fish hilsa Tenualosa ilisha was investigated for odorant receptor (OR), olfactory marker protein (OMP) and G‐protein subunits (Gαs‐olf, Gαq, Gαo, Gαi3) through immunolocalization and immunoblotting techniques. The immunolocalization of OR, OMP and G‐protein subunits showed clear expression of these proteins in the tissues of the SP. Robust expressions of these proteins in the SP were detected with immunoblot analysis. The strong expression of these proteins in the SP indicates that the tissues from this area in riverine T. ilisha may play significant role in chemosensing and signalling through ectopic expression of olfactory receptor proteins which are otherwise reported in olfactory organs in vertebrates. Being migratory in nature, ectopic expression of these receptors in T. ilisha probably helps them to prevent damage to epidermal tissues of the SP, or they may also utilize them as a chemo and mechanosensory tool to optimize chemo‐communications during migration.
Where do fish go when stranded on land? Terrestrial orientation of the mangrove rivulus Kryptolebias marmoratus
Authors: Bressman Noah R. , Simms Mark , Perlman Benjamin M. , Ashley‐Ross Miriam A.
Published: September 2018

The goal of the present study was to determine which sensory cues the mangrove rivulus Kryptolebias marmoratus, a quasi‐amphibious, hermaphroditic fish, uses to orient in an unfamiliar terrestrial environment. In a laboratory setting, K. marmoratus were placed on a terrestrial test arena and were provided the opportunity to move toward reflective surfaces, water, dark colours v. light colours, and orange colouration. Compared with hermaphrodites, males moved more often toward an orange section of the test arena, suggesting that the response may be associated with camouflage or male–male competition, since only males display orange colouration. Younger individuals also moved more often toward the orange quadrant than older individuals, suggesting age‐dependent orientation performance or behaviour. Sloped terrain also had a significant effect on orientation, with more movement downhill, suggesting the importance of the otolith‐vestibular system in terrestrial orientation of K. marmoratus. By understanding the orientation of extant amphibious fishes, we may be able to infer how sensory biology and behaviour might have evolved to facilitate invasion of land by amphibious vertebrates millions of years ago.
Effects of repeated anaesthesia on gill and general health of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar
Authors: Chance Rachel J. , Cameron Gary A. , Fordyce Mark , Noguera Patricia , Wang Tiehui , Collins Catherine , Secombes Christopher J. , Collet Bertrand
Published: September 2018

Fish are the second most widely utilized vertebrate group used for scientific procedures in the United Kingdom, but the development and application of 3Rs (the principles of replacement, reduction, and refinement) in aquaculture disease research lags behind methodologies in place for mammalian studies. With a need for individual monitoring and non‐lethal sampling, the effect of repeat anaesthesia on experimental fish needs to be better understood. This study analyses the effect of repeat anaesthesia with MS‐222, metomidate and AQUI‐S upon the gill and general health of post‐smolt Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. A single, lethal dose of anaesthetic was compared with seven anaesthetizing time points over 28 days, terminating in a lethal dose. No anaesthetic showed significant differences in accumulation in the muscle tissue, or changes in plasma glucose after repeated or single dosing. Fish repeatedly anaesthetized with MS‐222 or AQUI‐S exhibited upregulation of osmoregulatory genes in the gill and AQUI‐S‐treated individuals showed, histologically, epithelial lifting from the lamellae capillary irrespective of whether they had a single or repeated dose history. No significant changes were seen in inflammatory or stress genes in the head kidney of fish repeatedly anaesthetized with AQUI‐S or metomidate, however MS‐222 treatment resulted in upregulation of tnfα3. Repeated anaesthesia with MS‐222 and metomidate gave a significant decrease and increase in peripheral blood neutrophils, respectively. This study concludes that no increase in cumulative stress or inflammation is induced by the repeated anaesthetization of S. salar with any of the tested anaesthetics, however gill osmotic regulation and blood parameters may be affected.
Application of a moderate electric field for the potential acceleration of the salting process of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Simpson R. , Nuñez H. , Jaques A. , Ramírez C. , Quiroz N. , Moreno J. , Sastry S.
Published: September 2018

The aim of this research was to investigate the acceleration of brine‐salting process of salmon when coupling it with moderate electric field (MEF). Salmon samples were cut into cylinder shape (0.025 ± 0.001 m diameter and 0.025 ± 0.001 m height), and then brined at two salt concentrations (6 or 24%) until equilibrium is reached. Processing time, salt concentration throughout time, moisture content, color, and hardness of salmon samples were determined. The results showed that the effective diffusion coefficients (De) of salt within salmon tissue, were in the range 3.28 × 10−10 to 4.22 × 10−10 m2/s for both standard process and coupled with MEF, without significant differences (p > .05). Even though De had no significant differences for both processes, processing time for MEF treatments were significantly shorter, due to differences in the equilibrium salt concentration. Also, MEF did not affect quality parameters when compared with standard process. In addition, MEF treatments showed an increased salt concentration in the final product.

Practical applications

One of the most attractive technologies to add value to Atlantic salmon is the cold smoking process. For this purpose, salting is considered as the main step during cold smoking of Atlantic salmon to extend its shelf‐life. However, salmon salting using a brining solution take many hours until reaching an adequate salt concentration (between 2.0 and 3.9% or 3.5 and 6% in the water phase). The moderate electric field (MEF) technology will allow to reduce the salting processing time up to 80% using a very low electric field (around 2 V/cm) and without affecting the final quality of the product, compared with the traditional method. This technology shows potential for a successful implementation in the seafood industry without requiring a high investment cost.
Orotate phosphoribosyltransferase as a predictor of benefit from S‐1 adjuvant chemotherapy for cholangiocarcinoma patients
Authors: Akahoshi Keiichi , Ban Daisuke , Kuboki Ryo , Oba Atsushi , Ono Hiroaki , Mitsunori Yusuke , Kudo Atsushi , Tanaka Shinji , Tanabe Minoru
Published: September 2018

Background and Aim

To improve the prognosis of cholangiocarcinoma, we investigated potential biomarkers that may enable the selection of patients for whom postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy is likely effective.

Methods

The cohort of this retrospective study included 170 surgically resected cholangiocarcinoma patients, 26 with gemcitabine adjuvant chemotherapy (GEM group), 36 with S‐1 adjuvant chemotherapy (S‐1 group), and 103 receiving no adjuvant chemotherapy (NC group). Propensity score matching was performed to adjust patient backgrounds; 36 patients from the NC group then were selected. Immunohistochemistry of orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT) and human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) was performed to determine the correlation between their expression and disease‐free survival (DFS).

Results

After matching, the backgrounds of these three groups were unbiased. No significant improvement of DFS by adjuvant chemotherapy was observed in the whole cohort. However, among the high‐OPRT‐expression patients, DFS of GEM, S‐1, and NC groups at 5 years was 28.8%, 53.8%, and 25.5%, respectively. The DFS of the S‐1 group was significantly longer than that of the NC group (P = 0.034). On the other hand, no significant differences in DFS were observed among the low OPRT expression patients. hENT1 expression was shown to have no predictive value. Multivariate analysis of the high‐OPRT‐expression patients demonstrated that S‐1 adjuvant chemotherapy can reduce tumor recurrence (HR, 0.303; P = 0.013).

Conclusion

Cholangiocarcinoma patients with high OPRT expression would benefit from postoperative adjuvant S‐1 therapy, which increases the DFS. Assessment of OPRT expression may contribute to the optimization of adjuvant chemotherapy for cholangiocarcinoma.
Psychometric properties of the Clinical Outcome Routine Evaluation‐Learning Disabilities 30‐Item (CORE‐LD30)
Authors: Barrowcliff A. L. , Oathamshaw S. C. , Evans C.
Published: September 2018

Background

There is paucity in availability of valid and reliable measures of psychopathology that can be routinely applied with an intellectual disability (ID) population in clinical practice. The psychometric properties of the Clinical Outcome Routine Evaluation‐Learning Disabilities 30‐Item version (CORE‐LD30) are examined.

Method

The CORE‐LD30 was administered to 271 sequential referrals to three National Health Service (NHS) ID services providing psychological support. A principal components analysis with oblique rotation was conducted with examination of convergent validity for extracted domains.

Results

Three rotated factors were extracted with good levels of internal consistency reported for the overall measure (α = 0.92) and each of the domains, conceptually labelled Problems/Symptoms (α = 0.90), Risk to Self (α = 0.76) and Risk to Others (α = 0.71). Convergent validity is reported for two domains [Problems/Symptoms with the Glasgow Depression Scale for people with a learning disability (LD) and Risk to Others with the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale‐LD], and support for the CORE‐LD30 as a ‘core’ measure indicated.

Conclusions

The CORE‐LD30 is recommended as a useful broad ranging measure of psychopathology for use with an ID population. Domains may prove to be useful for research and clinical purposes. Further research is recommended to examine the ability to monitor clinical change associated with specific levels of presentation and different clinical presentations/cohorts.
“Everything Went Boom”: Kinship Narratives of Transfronterizo University Students
Authors: O'Connor Brendan H.
Published: September 2018

Este artículo explora la interrelación de la movilidad transfronteriza, el parentesco y la educación superior entre alumnos universitarios que cruzaban regularmente la frontera EE.UU‐México. Un análisis de contrastes cronotópicos (espaciales‐temporales) en las narrativas de parentesco de estos alumnos revela que los cambios en la movilidad transfronteriza, ocasionados por la agitación sociopolítica además que las decisiones educativas de los alumnos, resultaban en temores frente al cambio cultural – específicamente, la sustitución del parentesco mexicano con una forma “más norteamericana” de ser familia. Los participantes exploraron concepciones diferentes del riesgo y discutieron las dificultades materiales de cultivar relaciones con la familia a través de la frontera. Los alumnos no solamente exprimieron sus ansiedades sobre el cambio cultural, sino que usaron las narrativas para posicionarse complejamente con respecto a las transformaciones sociales y culturales en la región fronteriza, considerando su propia agentividad en efectuar estos cambios y afirmando sus identidades como sujetos transfronterizos.
Practical implementation of the planar and spatial rotator in a complex tissue: the brain
Authors: HASSELHOLT S. , HAHN U. , VEDEL JENSEN E.B. , NYENGAARD J.R.
Published: September 2018

In neuroscience, application of widely used stereological local volume estimators, including the planar rotator, is challenged by the combination of a complex tissue organisation and an estimator requirement of either isotropic or vertical sections, i.e. randomly oriented tissue. The spatial rotator is applicable with any tissue orientation but is sensitive to projection artefacts. The challenge is thus to select the most appropriate method for individual analyses.

In this study, agreement between estimates of mean cell volume acquired with the vertical planar and the spatial rotator is assessed for two brain regions with different types of cytoarchitecture (motor cortex and hippocampal cornu ammonis 1). The possibility of using the planar rotator in tissues cut in an arbitrary direction is explored and requirements for a theoretically unbiased result as well as histological considerations are provided.

Lay Description

Cells may change volume both during disease and with advancing age. Assessment of the volume of individual cells can therefore serve as a useful indicator of general tissue state. Most available methods to estimate cell volume in tissue sections, however, require that the tissue analysed has random orientation. Particularly for complex tissues such as the brain this is a challenge as identification, delineation and subdivision of many brain areas rely heavily on the use of anatomical atlases where illustrations depict the tissue in a few well‐known orientations. In this study, the practical application of two different methods for estimating mean cell volumes in tissues cut in a preferred orientation is evaluated. Requirements for the feasibility of cell volume estimation without random tissue orientation as well as histological considerations are provided.
Practice Environment Characteristics Associated With Missed Nursing Care
Authors: Park Shin Hye , Hanchett Miranda , Ma Chenjuan
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To examine which characteristics of the practice environment were associated with missed nursing care in U.S. acute care hospital units.

Design

A descriptive, correlational study used secondary analysis of the 2015 National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators® Registered Nurse (RN) Survey data. Subscales of the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index were used to measure practice environment characteristics. The sample included 1,583 units in 371 hospitals, containing survey responses from 31,650 RNs.

Methods

Multilevel logistic regression was performed to estimate the effects of the practice environment characteristics on missed care, controlling for hospital and unit characteristics.

Results

About 84.1% of unit RNs reported missing at least one of the 15 necessary care activities. Good environment units had 63.3% significantly lower odds of having RNs miss care activities than poor environment units. Units had 81.5% lower odds of having RNs miss any necessary activities with 1 point increase of the staffing and resource adequacy score; 21.9% lower odds for 1 point increase in the nurse–physician relations score; and approximately 2.1 times higher odds with 1 point increase in the nurse participation in hospital affairs score.

Conclusions

Good environments were significantly associated with lower levels of missed care. The impact on missed care differed by the characteristics of the practice environment.

Clinical Relevance

Hospital and nursing administrators should maintain good practice environments for nurses to reduce missed care activities and thus potentially improve patient outcomes. Specifically, their efforts should be targeted on improving staffing and resource adequacy and nurse–physician relations and on reducing workloads on hospital affairs.
The Politics of Foreclosures
Authors: AGARWAL SUMIT , AMROMIN GENE , BEN‐DAVID ITZHAK , DINC SERDAR
Published: September 2018

The U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee considered many important banking reforms in 2009 to 2010. We show that, during this period, foreclosure starts on delinquent mortgages were delayed in the districts of committee members although there was no difference in delinquency rates between committee and noncommittee districts. In these areas, banks delayed the foreclosure starts by 0.5 months (relative to the 12‐month average). The estimated cost of delay to lenders is an order of magnitude greater than the campaign contributions by the political action committees of the largest mortgage servicing banks to the committee members in that period.
Do ETFs Increase Volatility?
Authors: BEN‐DAVID ITZHAK , FRANZONI FRANCESCO , MOUSSAWI RABIH
Published: September 2018

Due to their low trading costs, exchange‐traded funds (ETFs) are a potential catalyst for short‐horizon liquidity traders. The liquidity shocks can propagate to the underlying securities through the arbitrage channel, and ETFs may increase the nonfundamental volatility of the securities in their baskets. We exploit exogenous changes in index membership and find that stocks with higher ETF ownership display significantly higher volatility. ETF ownership increases the negative autocorrelation in stock prices. The increase in volatility appears to introduce undiversifiable risk in prices because stocks with high ETF ownership earn a significant risk premium of up to 56 basis points monthly.
Strengthening personal growth: The effects of a strengths intervention on personal growth initiative
Authors: van Woerkom Marianne , Meyers Maria Christina
Published: September 2018

Personal growth is not only a central individual need but also a key requirement for organizational success. Nevertheless, workplace interventions aimed at stimulating the personal growth of employees are still scarce. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of an intervention that aimed at the identification, development, and use of employee strengths in stimulating personal growth initiative. We conducted a field experiment with a sample of 84 educational professionals who were either assigned to a strengths intervention or a wait‐list control group. In a 1‐month follow‐up study, we found that the intervention had a direct effect on general self‐efficacy (GSE) and an indirect effect on personal growth initiative. Moreover, in line with plasticity theory we found that the intervention was especially effective for participants with low to medium initial levels of GSE. We conclude that a strengths intervention may provide a brief and effective tool for organizations that aim for self‐directed learning among their staff, in particular when offered to employees who lack confidence in their own abilities.

Practitioner points

In a 1 month follow‐up study, we found that a strengths intervention had a positive direct effect on general self‐efficacy and an indirect effect on personal growth initiative.

In line with plasticity theory, we found that the strengths intervention was especially effective for participants with low to medium initial levels of general self‐efficacy.
Evaluation of neurological behaviour in late‐preterm newborn infants using the Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination
Authors: Chin En Yi Joanne , Baral Vijay R , Ereno Imelda L , Allen John C , Low Kelly , Yeo Cheo Lian
Published: September 2018

Aim

We hypothesise that clinically well late‐preterm infants (LPI) (34+0–36+6 weeks) are neurologically more immature than their term counterparts, and this immaturity persists even when these infants reach term‐corrected age (TCA). The primary aim of our study was to characterise and contrast the neurodevelopmental profile of well LPI with full‐term infants (FTI) (39+0–41+6 weeks) using the Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination (HNNE). Our secondary aim was to obtain local reference ranges for the 34 items in the HNNE in an Asian‐dominant population.

Methods

LPI were assessed at two time points: 12–72 h of life and at TCA of 39+0–41+6 weeks, while FTI were assessed at 12–72 h of life using the HNNE. Each of the 34 items on the HNNE was assigned an optimality score (OS) of 0, 0.5 or 1, totalling up to 34. A quantitative comparison of the neurobehavioral patterns was made using two‐sample t‐tests.

Results

A total of 212 infants (79 LPI and 133 FTI) were recruited. Mean OSs for LPI and FTI at birth were (25.11 ± 3.36)/34 and (31.19 ± 1.50)/34, respectively, with a mean difference of 6.08 (P value <0.0001). The mean OS for LPI on reaching TCA was (28.91 ± 2.30)/34, with a mean difference of 2.28 (P value <0.0001). Reference OSs for the 34 items on the HNNE were also obtained.

Conclusion

LPI are more immature than their term counterparts even on reaching TCA, with discrepancies most apparent in ‘tone’ and ‘movement’. We provide reference OSs of 34 items in the HNNE for infants in an Asian‐dominant population.
Melatonin and inflammation—Story of a double‐edged blade
Authors: Hardeland Rüdiger
Published: September 2018

Melatonin is an immune modulator that displays both pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory properties. Proinflammatory actions, which are well documented by many studies in isolated cells or leukocyte‐derived cell lines, can be assumed to enhance the resistance against pathogens. However, they can be detrimental in autoimmune diseases. Anti‐inflammatory actions are of particular medicinal interest, because they are observed in high‐grade inflammation such as sepsis, ischemia/reperfusion, and brain injury, and also in low‐grade inflammation during aging and in neurodegenerative diseases. The mechanisms contributing to anti‐inflammatory effects are manifold and comprise various pathways of secondary signaling. These include numerous antioxidant effects, downregulation of inducible and inhibition of neuronal NO synthases, downregulation of cyclooxygenase‐2, inhibition of high‐mobility group box‐1 signaling and toll‐like receptor‐4 activation, prevention of inflammasome NLRP3 activation, inhibition of NF‐κB activation and upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2). These effects are also reflected by downregulation of proinflammatory and upregulation of anti‐inflammatory cytokines. Proinflammatory actions of amyloid‐β peptides are reduced by enhancing α‐secretase and inhibition of β‐ and γ‐secretases. A particular role in melatonin's actions seems to be associated with the upregulation of sirtuin‐1 (SIRT1), which shares various effects known from melatonin and additionally interferes with the signaling by the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and Notch, and reduces the expression of the proinflammatory lncRNA‐CCL2. The conclusion on a partial mediation by SIRT1 is supported by repeatedly observed inhibitions of melatonin effects by sirtuin inhibitors or knockdown.
Pharmacokinetics and physiologic/behavioral effects of buprenorphine administered sublingually and intravenously to neonatal foals
Authors: Grubb Tamara L. , Kurkowski Danielle , Sellon Deborah C. , Seino Kathy K. , Coffey Todd , Davis Jennifer L.
Published: September 2018

Buprenorphine is absorbed following sublingual administration, which would be a low‐stress delivery route in foals. However, the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics are not described in foals. Six healthy foals <21 days of age participated in a blinded, randomized, 3‐period, 5‐sequence, 3‐treatment crossover prospective study. Foals received 0.01–0.02 mg/kg buprenorphine administered SL or IV with an equivalent volume of saline administered by the opposite route. Blood was collected from the cephalic vein for pharmacokinetic analysis. Physiologic parameters (HR, RR, body temperature, GI sounds), locomotion (pedometer), and behavioral data (activity level, nursing time, response to humans) were recorded. Plasma concentration of buprenorphine exceeded a presumed analgesic level (0.6 ng/ml) in five foals in the IV group and one in the SL group but only for a very brief time. Pharmacokinetic analysis following IV administration demonstrated a short elimination half‐life (t1/2β 1.95 ± 0.7 hr), large volume of distribution (6.46 ± 1.54 L/kg), and a high total clearance (55.83 ± 23.75 ml/kg/min), which differs from adult horses. Following SL administration, maximum concentrations reached were 0.61 ± 0.11 ng/ml and bioavailability was 25.1% ± 10.9%. In both groups, there were minor statistical differences in HR, RR, body temperature, locomotion, and time spent nursing. However, these differences were clinically insignificant in this single dose study, and excitement, sedation, or colic did not occur.
Pharmacokinetics of harpagoside in horses after intragastric administration of a Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) extract
Authors: Axmann Sonja , Hummel Karin , Nöbauer Katharina , Razzazi‐Fazeli Ebrahim , Zitterl‐Eglseer Karin
Published: September 2018

Devil's claw is used for the treatment of inflammatory symptoms and degenerative disorders in horses since many years, but without the substantive pharmacokinetic data. The pharmacokinetic parameters of harpagoside, the main active constituent of Harpagophytum procumbens DC ex Meisn., were evaluated in equine plasma after administration of Harpagophytum extract FB 8858 in an open, single‐dose, two‐treatment, two‐period, randomized cross‐over design. Six horses received a single dose of Harpagophytum extract, corresponding to 5 mg/kg BM harpagoside, and after 7 days washout period, 10 mg/kg BM harpagoside via nasogastric tube. Plasma samples at certain time points (before and 0–24 hr after administration) were collected, cleaned up by solid‐phase extraction, and harpagoside concentrations were determined by LC‐MS/MS using apigenin‐7‐glucoside as internal standard. Plasma concentration‐time data and relevant parameters were described by noncompartmental model through PKSolver software. Harpagoside could be detected up to 9 hr after administration. Cmax was found at 25.59 and 55.46 ng/ml, t1/2 at 2.53 and 2.32 hr, respectively, and tmax at 1 hr in both trials. AUC0–inf was 70.46 and 117.85 ng hr ml−1, respectively. A proportional relationship between dose, Cmax and AUC was observed. Distribution (Vz/F) was 259.04 and 283.83 L/kg and clearance (CL/F) 70.96 and 84.86 L hr−1 kg−1, respectively. Treatment of horses with Harpagophytum extract did not cause any clinically detectable side effects.
Effect of stocking density and feeding regime on larval growth, survival, and larval development of Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, using live feeds
Authors: Geng Jia , Belfranin Christina , Zander Ian A. , Goldstein Emma , Mathur Shubham , Lederer Blanka I. , Benvenuti Riccardo , Benetti Daniel D.
Published: September 2018

This research examined the effect of initial stocking density and feeding regime on larval growth and survival of Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. Larval rearing trials were conducted in nine 50‐L tanks with different initial stocking densities combined with different feed rations (20 larvae/L with standard feed ration [LD], 80 larvae/L with standard feed ration [HD], and 80 larvae/L with four times the standard feed ration [HD+]). Larvae were stocked on 0 days posthatch (DPH) following hatching of the fertilized embryos. Larval total length (TL), survival rates, and final densities were observed on larval settlement (32 DPH) to evaluate larval rearing performance. At 32 DPH, there were no significant differences (p > .05) in TL or survival rates between the LD (46.5 ± 17.0%) and HD+ (40.3 ± 9.4%). The TL and survival rate of HD (23.1 ± 3.5%) were significantly lower than that of LD and HD+ (p < .05). However, the larval density of HD was significantly higher than that of LD (p < .05). HD+ achieved the best larvae production (32.27 ± 7.51 larvae/L), supported by sufficient food source, high water exchange, and proper water quality management (routine siphoning, surface skimming). The larval‐rearing protocols and larval development from hatching to metamorphosis is described in detail, with corresponding photographs taken during the experiment.
Improved Imaging of Zebrafish Motility
Authors: Rich Adam
Published: September 2018

Zebrafish larvae are transparent and the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract is easily visualized. Application of a new image analysis technique is reported in this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (Neurogastroenterol Motil., 2018, volume 30, e13351). The technique quantifies movement in images collected in a timed sequence, and characterizes smooth muscle contractions based on contraction distance and frequency. The technique also reports the contraction amplitude, or the distance moved. This technique, and current spatiotemporal mapping techniques, are essential tools enabling characterization of GI motility patterns in intact physiological settings. Advances and development of transgenic zebrafish that lack pigmentation, with calcium reporters expressed in specific cell types, or with inactivation of specific genes contribute to our understanding of the generation, and regulation of GI motility at the molecular, cellular, and systemic level. Finally, development of chambers that immobilize zebrafish larvae for long‐duration imaging will contribute to our technique toolbox, and will provide an increased experimental throughput.
Increased autumn productivity permits temperate trees to compensate for spring frost damage
Authors: Zohner Constantin M. , Rockinger Alexander , Renner Susanne S.
Published: September 2018

Climate warming is leading to earlier budburst and therefore an increased risk of spring frost injury to young leaves. But to what extent are second‐cohort leaves, which trees put out after leaf‐killing frosts, able to compensate incurred losses?

To investigate whether second‐cohort leaves behave differently from first‐cohort leaves, we exposed saplings of beech (Fagus sylvatica), oak (Quercus robur), and honeysuckle (Lonicera xylosteum) to experimental treatments mimicking either a warm spring or a warm spring with a leaf‐killing frost.

Refoliation took 48, 43, and 36 d for beech, oak and honeysuckle, respectively. In beech and oak, autumn Chl content and photosynthesis rates were higher in second‐ than in first‐cohort leaves, senescence in second‐cohort leaves occurred c. 2‐wk‐later, and autumn bud growth in beech was elevated 66% in frost‐damaged plants compared with the warm spring treatment. No differences in autumn phenology and growth were observed for honeysuckle.

Overall, in beech and oak, delayed Chl breakdown in second‐cohort leaves mitigated 31% and 25%, respectively, of the deficit in growing‐season length incurred by spring frost damage. These results reveal an unexpected ability of second‐cohort leaves of beech and oak to compensate for spring frost damage, and demonstrate that long‐lived trees vary their autumnal phenology depending on preceding productivity.
The validity of optimal leaf traits modelled on environmental conditions
Authors: Bloomfield Keith J. , Prentice I. Colin , Cernusak Lucas A. , Eamus Derek , Medlyn Belinda E. , Rumman Rizwana , Wright Ian J. , Boer Matthias M. , Cale Peter , Cleverly James , Egerton John J. G. , Ellsworth David S. , Evans Bradley J. , Hayes Lucy S. , Hutchinson Michael F. , Liddell Michael J. , Macfarlane Craig , Meyer Wayne S. , Togashi Henrique F. , Wardlaw Tim , Zhu Lingling , Atkin Owen K.
Published: September 2018

The ratio of leaf intercellular to ambient CO2 (χ) is modulated by stomatal conductance (gs). These quantities link carbon (C) assimilation with transpiration, and along with photosynthetic capacities (Vcmax and Jmax) are required to model terrestrial C uptake. We use optimization criteria based on the growth environment to generate predicted values of photosynthetic and water‐use efficiency traits and test these against a unique dataset.

Leaf gas‐exchange parameters and carbon isotope discrimination were analysed in relation to local climate across a continental network of study sites. Sun‐exposed leaves of 50 species at seven sites were measured in contrasting seasons.

Values of χ predicted from growth temperature and vapour pressure deficit were closely correlated to ratios derived from C isotope (δ13C) measurements. Correlations were stronger in the growing season. Predicted values of photosynthetic traits, including carboxylation capacity (Vcmax), derived from δ13C, growth temperature and solar radiation, showed meaningful agreement with inferred values derived from gas‐exchange measurements. Between‐site differences in water‐use efficiency were, however, only weakly linked to the plant's growth environment and did not show seasonal variation.

These results support the general hypothesis that many key parameters required by Earth system models are adaptive and predictable from plants’ growth environments.
Living the intensive order: Common sense and schizophrenia in Deleuze and Guattari
Authors: Van der Wielen Julie
Published: September 2018

In Anti‐Oedipus, Deleuze and Guattari aim to describe schizophrenia in a positive manner. According to them, the schizophrenic lives on the intensive order. To fully comprehend what this means, it is key to address some of Deleuze's insights regarding the notion of intensity in relation to experience and cognition. This is why I will combine ideas from Anti‐Oedipus with theory from Difference and Repetition, in order to explain Deleuze and Guattari's conception of intensity in its relation to common sense and to schizophrenia. According to this conception (a), intensity is the condition of possibility and limit for the sensible; (b) it becomes covered over by the organizing principles of common sense, which make our affects more workable and recognizable; and (c) this process of organization must hang together with the codification of desire through Oedipus, the main organizational principle of the socius. On the back of these theoretical considerations, I will explain what it means to say that the schizophrenic lives amongst intensities: (a) this involves a lack of codification of desire and thus of common sense, meaning an absence of organizational principles; and (b) this perspective leads to a different understanding of the schizophrenic's experience and expression, with very concrete implications for a clinical approach to schizophrenia.
Single incision technique for implantation of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators
Authors: Darrat Yousef H. , Benn Francis , Salih Mohsin , Shah Jignesh , Parrott Kevin , Morales Gustavo X. , Gurley John C. , Elayi Claude‐Samy
Published: September 2018

Background

Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (S‐ICDs) have gained increasing popularity because of certain advantages over transvenous ICDs. However, while conventional ICDs require a single surgical incision to implant, S‐ICDS need two or three incisions, making them less appealing.

Objective

This study sought out to investigate the feasibility of using a single‐incision technique to implant S‐ICDs.

Methods

Patients qualifying for S‐ICDs were considered for a single incision. A single incision is performed by making a left inframammary incision and then the subcutaneous tissue is dissected medially toward the lower sternum. Two sutures are placed in the fascia in the xiphoid area to anchor the lead and a tunneling tool is used to dissect the tissue to place the lead parallel to the sternum. Then subcutaneous tissues are dissected down the lateral chest wall over the muscle fascia to create the pulse generator pocket in the vicinity of the fifth and sixth intercostal spaces and near the mid‐axillary line.

Results

Eleven patients (six males and five females) successfully underwent S‐ICD implantation with a single incision without acute complications (64% for primary prevention). The mean age is 47.4 ± 15.8 years. There were no lead dislodgements, inappropriate shocks, or any other issues during a median follow‐up of 10 months (interquartile range 5–17). One patient had a successful appropriate shock for ventricular fibrillation about one year after device implant.

Conclusions

A single incision for subcutaneous ICDs is feasible and safe in our early experience.
Complementation studies of the Arabidopsis fc1 mutant substantiate essential functions of ferrochelatase 1 during embryogenesis and salt stress
Authors: Fan Tingting , Roling Lena , Meiers Anna , Brings Lea , Ortega‐Rodés Patricia , Hedtke Boris , Grimm Bernhard
Published: September 2018

Ferrochelatase (FC) is the final enzyme for haem formation in the tetrapyrrole biosynthesis pathway and encoded by two genes in higher plants. FC2 exists predominantly in green tissue, whereas FC1 is constitutively expressed. We intended to substantiate the specific roles of FC1. The embryo‐lethal fc1–2 mutant was used to express the two genomic FC‐encoding sequences under the FC1 and FC2 promoter and explore the complementation of the FC1 deficiency. Apart from the successful complementation with FC1, expression of FC2 under control of the FC1 promoter (pFC1::FC2) compensates for missing FC1 but not by FC2 promoter expression. The complementing lines pFC1FC2(fc1/fc1) succeeded under standard growth condition but failed under salt stress. The pFC1FC2(fc1/fc1) line exhibited symptoms of leaf senescence, including accelerated loss of haem and chlorophyll and elevated gene expression for chlorophyll catabolism. In contrast, ectopic FC1 expression (p35S::FC1) resulted in increased chlorophyll accumulation. The limited ability of FC2 to complement fc1 is explained by a faster turnover of FC2 mRNA during stress. It is suggested that FC1‐produced haem is essential for embryogenesis and stress response. The pFC1::FC2 expression readily complements the fc1–2 embryo lethality, whereas higher FC1 transcript content contributes essentially to stress tolerance.
Extraction of building roof planes with stratified random sample consensus
Authors: Carrilho André C. , Galo Mauricio
Published: September 2018

This paper describes a consensus‐set estimation for building roof‐plane detection using a stratified random sample consensus (sRANSAC) algorithm applied to point clouds acquired by laser scanning systems. The main idea is to use one initial classification to generate consensus‐set candidates to optimise the sampling mechanism compared to the original RANSAC. The initial classification is performed using mathematical morphology to filter ground returns and estimate local variance information to detect potential planar regions. Thus, the algorithm can prioritise points within planar segments and the number of iterations can be estimated dynamically from available data. The results based on experiments using five different lidar datasets indicate that the proposed method reduces the number of computations for building roof‐plane detection and also improves accuracy compared to RANSAC.
Tuning the Triplet–Triplet Energy Transfer Between Phthalocyanine and Carotenoid by Methyl Groups on the Conjugated Chain
Authors: Polívka Tomáš
Published: September 2018

Mimicking light‐harvesting and photoprotective processes of natural photosynthesis by artificial supramolecular systems is of considerable interest for artificial photosynthesis. The authors of the highlighted paper report on synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of a novel Pd‐phthalocyanine–carotenoid dyads that allow to directly follow the triplet–triplet energy transfer between Pd‐phthalocyanine and carotenoid. Unexpectedly, the T‐T energy transfer does not follow the dependence on conjugation length of the acceptor carotenoid. Instead, the donor–acceptor coupling and resulting T‐T energy transfer rate is controlled by the presence or absence of a methyl groups on the conjugated chain in the vicinity of the carotenoid keto‐oxygen. This reveals yet another level of tuning the spectroscopic properties of carotenoids having a conjugated keto group in their structure, underlining their potential for tailoring specific supramolecular complexes carrying out either light‐harvesting or photoprotective functions.
Service Center Staffing with Cross‐Trained Agents and Heterogeneous Customers
Authors: Coban Elvin , Heching Aliza , Scheller‐Wolf Alan
Published: September 2018

We model a real‐world service center with cross‐trained agents serving customer requests that are heterogeneous with respect to complexity and priority levels: High priority requests preempt low priority requests and low‐skilled agents can only serve less complex requests, while high skilled agents can serve all requests. Our main aim is to dynamically assign requests to agents considering the priority and complexity levels of requests. We model this system as a Markov chain that is infinite in multiple dimensions and thus is not amenable to exact analysis. We therefore apply approximation and bounding techniques to develop a tractable, novel algorithm using the Matrix Analytic Method. Our algorithm closely approximates the operations of the real‐world service system under a simple but effective threshold‐based request‐assignment policy. Extensive computational results demonstrate the usefulness of our algorithm to minimize costs given an existing staffing configuration, as well as in helping to make long‐term staffing decisions. In addition, our algorithm also has at least two orders of magnitude shorter computation times than each replication of simulation. Hence, it is both fast and accurate.
The Impact of Health Information Exchanges on Emergency Department Length of Stay
Authors: Ayer Turgay , Ayvaci Mehmet U. S. , Karaca Zeynal , Vlachy Jan
Published: September 2018

Health information exchanges (HIEs) are expected to improve poor information coordination in emergency departments (EDs); however, whether and when HIEs are associated with better operational outcomes remains poorly understood. In this work, we study HIE and length of stay (LOS) relationship using a large dataset from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project consisting of about 7.4 million treat‐and‐release visits made to 63 EDs in Massachusetts. Overall, we find that HIE adoption is associated with a 10.2% reduction in LOS and the percentage reduction increases to 14.8% when the hospital is part of an integrated health system or to 21.0% when a patient has a previous visit to an HIE‐carrying hospital. We further find that (i) teaching hospitals benefit more from HIE adoption compared with non‐teaching hospitals, (ii) patients with severe or multiple comorbid conditions spend less time in the ED under HIE presence. Together, these results imply that (i) HIE adoption reduces overall ED LOS, (ii) wider HIE adoption would scale up the benefits for individual hospitals, (iii) magnitude of the association between HIE and LOS is higher when financial incentives for HIE adoption are stronger (e.g., integrated health systems), and (iv) the size of the reduction depends on certain contextual moderating factors. Given that HIEs are a key component of healthcare delivery and ongoing reforms, we believe that our findings have important implications and may inform policymakers regarding the nationwide HIE adoption.
Changes in size and composition of pigweed (Amaranthus hybridus L.) calcium oxalate crystals under CO2 starvation conditions
Authors: Tooulakou Georgia , Nikolopoulos Dimosthenis , Dotsika Elissavet , Orkoula Malvina G. , Kontoyannis Christos G. , Liakopoulos Georgios , Klapa Maria I. , Karabourniotis George
Published: September 2018

The functional role(s) of plant calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals are still poorly understood. Recently, it was shown that crystals function as dynamic carbon pools whose decomposition could provide CO2 to photosynthesis when stomata are closed (e.g. under drought conditions) and CO2 starvation conditions may be created within the mesophyll. This biochemical process, named as ‘alarm photosynthesis’, can become crucial for plant survival under adverse conditions. Here, we study crystal decomposition under controlled CO2 starvation conditions (either in the shoot or in the root) to obtain a better insight into the process of crystal formation and function. Hydroponically grown pigweed plants were kept in CO2‐free air and/or CO2‐free nutrient medium for 9 days. Crystal volume was monitored daily, and carbon stable isotope composition (δ13C) and Fourier transformation Raman spectra were obtained at the end of the experiment. A considerable reduction in the leaf crystal volume was observed in shoot‐CO2‐starved plants at the end of the experiment. The smallest crystals were isolated from the plants in which carbon was excluded from both the shoot and the root and contained potassium nitrate. Crystal δ13C of CO2‐starved plants was altered in a predicted way. Specifically, it depended on the average calculated isotope fractionation of all carbon fixation processes considered to be contributing in each experimental treatment. The results of the present study confirmed the correlation between CO2 starvation conditions and the CaOx crystal decomposition. Inorganic carbon fixed in the root may represent a major carbon source for CaOx formation.
Application and performance impact of stage–gate systems – the role services in the firm’s business focus
Authors: Schultz Carsten , Globocnik Dietfried , Kock Alexander , Salomo Søren
Published: September 2018

Although service innovation is important, knowledge of new product and service development, including the positive effect of stage‐and‐gate‐type systems, has been derived almost exclusively from studies in the manufacturing sector. In the present paper, we address two important questions: How do differences in the firm’s business focus, which describes whether a firm puts more emphasis on products or services in its business activities, influence the usage of such formal innovation processes? Is stage‐and‐gate‐type systems’ impact on innovation program performance contingent on the firm’s business focus? Unlike previous studies, we not only differentiate service and manufacturing by industry classification codes but also apply a continuous measure to take into account the blurring of boundaries between the manufacturing and service businesses. Based on a comprehensive discussion of service‐specific characteristics and their implications for innovation management and using a cross‐industry, multi‐informant sample of innovation programs from 272 firms with 1,985 informants, we find empirical support for firms with a stronger focus on the service business being less likely to use stage‐and‐gate‐type systems. Furthermore, the use of stage‐and‐gate‐type systems fosters innovation program performance, and this effect becomes stronger as the business focus shifts toward services. This result implies that service‐based firms can benefit from stage‐and‐gate‐type systems to a greater extent than product‐based firms. Our research also demonstrates the gap between the desired level of innovation process formalization and its current usage in practice, especially for firms with a dominating service business.
The metabolic regulation of dietary L‐carnitine in aquaculture nutrition: present status and future research strategies
Authors: Li Ling‐Yu , Limbu Samwel M. , Ma Qiang , Chen Li‐Qiao , Zhang Mei‐Ling , Du Zhen‐Yu
Published: September 2018

L‐carnitine is a multi‐functional nutrient which plays a leading role in fatty acid metabolism in mammals and other eukaryotes. Its main physiological function is to promote fatty acid β‐oxidation to produce energy, which reduces body fat content and improves body weight without affecting moisture content in whole body and muscle. In recent years, its dietary supplementation in aquaculture nutrition has been studied in different cultured species. It has been proved that L‐carnitine can improve growth and increase lipid utilization rate in some aquatic animals. However, such beneficial effects of dietary L‐carnitine are limited or absent in other species. The reasons for the conflicting results obtained on L‐carnitine functions in aquatic animals need to be elucidated. This review explores comprehensively the different physiological functions of L‐carnitine in various aquatic animals. In the end, research strategies are provided to elucidate the existing conflicts on dietary L‐carnitine application in aquaculture nutrition in order to promote its utilization in aquatic feed industry.