bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Formula to Calculate Standard Liver Volume Using Thoracoabdominal Circumference
Authors: Shaw Brian I. , Burdine Lyle J. , Braun Hillary J. , Ascher Nancy L. , Roberts John P.
Published: October 2017

Background

With the use of split liver grafts as well as living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) it is imperative to know the minimum graft volume to avoid complications. Most current formulas to predict standard liver volume (SLV) rely on weight-based measures that are likely inaccurate in the setting of cirrhosis. Therefore, we sought to create a formula for estimating SLV without weight-based covariates.

Methods

LDLT donors underwent computed tomography scan volumetric evaluation of their livers. An optimal formula for calculating SLV using the anthropomorphic measure thoracoabdominal circumference (TAC) was determined using leave-one-out cross-validation. The ability of this formula to correctly predict liver volume was checked against other existing formulas by analysis of variance. The ability of the formula to predict small grafts in LDLT was evaluated by exact logistic regression.

Results

The optimal formula using TAC was determined to be SLV = (TAC × 3.5816) − (Age × 3.9844) − (Sex × 109.7386) − 934.5949. When compared to historic formulas, the current formula was the only one which was not significantly different than computed tomography determined liver volumes when compared by analysis of variance with Dunnett posttest. When evaluating the ability of the formula to predict small for size syndrome, many (10/16) of the formulas tested had significant results by exact logistic regression, with our formula predicting small for size syndrome with an odds ratio of 7.94 (95% confidence interval, 1.23-91.36; P = 0.025).

Conclusion

We report a formula for calculating SLV that does not rely on weight-based variables that has good ability to predict SLV and identify patients with potentially small grafts.
Structure of the fission yeast actomyosin ring during constriction
Authors: Swulius Matthew T. , Nguyen Lam T. , Ladinsky Mark S. , Ortega Davi R. , Aich Samya , Mishra Mithilesh , Jensen Grant J.
Published: November 2017

Cell division in many eukaryotes is driven by a ring containing actin and myosin. While much is known about the main proteins involved, the precise arrangement of actin filaments within the contractile machinery, and how force is transmitted to the membrane remains unclear. Here we use cryosectioning and cryo-focused ion beam milling to gain access to cryo-preserved actomyosin rings inSchizosaccharomyces pombefor direct three-dimensional imaging by electron cryotomography. Our results show that straight, overlapping actin filaments, running nearly parallel to each other and to the membrane, form a loose bundle of approximately 150 nm in diameter that “saddles” the inward-bending membrane at the leading edge of the division septum. The filaments do not make direct contact with the membrane. Our analysis of the actin filaments reveals the variability in filament number, nearest-neighbor distances between filaments within the bundle, their distance from the membrane and angular distribution with respect to the membrane.

Significance Statement

Most eukaryotic cells divide using a contractile actomyosin ring, but its structure is unknown. Here we use new specimen preparation methods and electron cryotomography to image constricting rings directly in 3D, in a near-native state in the model organismSchizosaccharomyces pombe. Our images reveal the arrangement of individual actin filaments within the contracting actomyosin ring.
Pathogen Population Structure Can Explain Hospital Outbreaks
Authors: Spagnolo Fabrizio , Cristofari Pierre , Tatonetti Nicholas P. , Ginzburg Lev R. , Dykhuizen Daniel E.
Published: November 2017

Objective

To analyze Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI) outbreaks using microbial population biology dynamics in order to understand outbreaks as a biological system.

Design

Computational modeling study.

Methods

The majority of HAI transmission models describe dynamics on the level of the host rather than on the level of the pathogens themselves. Accordingly, epidemiologists often cannot complete transmission chains without direct evidence of either host-host contact or large reservoir populations. Here, we propose an ecology-based model to explain the transmission of pathogens in hospitals. The model is based upon metapopulation biology, which describes a group of interacting localized populations and island biogeography, which provides a basis for how pathogens may be moving between locales. Computational simulation trials are used to assess the applicability of the model.

Results

Results indicate that pathogens survive for extended periods without the need for large reservoirs by living in localized ephemeral populations while continuously transmitting pathogens to new seed populations. Computational simulations show small populations spending significant portions of time at sizes too small to be detected by most surveillance protocols. The number and type of these ephemeral populations enable the overall pathogen population to be sustained.

Conclusions

By modeling hospital pathogens as a metapopulation, observations characteristic of hospital acquired infection outbreaks for which there has previously been no sufficient biological explanation, including how and why empirically successful interventions work, can now be accounted for using population dynamic hypotheses. Epidemiological links between temporally isolated outbreaks are explained via pathogen population dynamics and potential outbreak intervention targets are identified.
Ift172conditional knockout mice exhibit rapid retinal degeneration and protein trafficking defects
Authors: Gupta Priya R , Pendse Nachiket , Greenwald Scott H , Leon Mihoko , Liu Qin , Pierce Eric A , Bujakowska Kinga M
Published: October 2017

Intraflagellar transport (IFT) is a bidirectional transport process that occurs along primary cilia and specialized sensory cilia, such as photoreceptor outer-segments. Genes coding for various IFT components are associated with ciliopathies. Mutations inIFT172lead to diseases ranging from isolated retinal degeneration to severe syndromic ciliopathies. In this study, we created a mouse model ofIFT172-associated retinal degeneration to investigate the ocular disease mechanism. We found that depletion of IFT172 in rod photoreceptors leads to a rapid degeneration of the retina, with severely reduced electroretinography responses by one month and complete outer-nuclear layer degeneration by two months. We investigated molecular mechanisms of degeneration and show that IFT172 protein reduction leads to mislocalization of specific photoreceptor outer-segments proteins (RHO, RP1, IFT139), aberrant light-driven translocation of alpha transducin and altered localization of glioma-associated oncogene family member 1 (GLI1). This murine model recapitulates the retinal phenotype seen in patients withIFT172-associated blindness and can be used for invivotesting of ciliopathy therapies.
Single cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq indicate critical roles of Isl1 and Nkx2-5 for cardiac progenitor cell transition states and lineage settlement
Authors: Jia Guangshuai , Preussner Jens , Guenther Stefan , Yuan Xuejun , Yekelchyk Michail , Kuenne Carsten , Looso Mario , Zhou Yonggang , Braun Thomas
Published: October 2017

Formation and segregation of cell lineages building the vertebrate heart have been studied extensively by genetic cell tracing techniques and by analysis of single marker gene expression but the underlying gene regulatory networks driving cell fate transitions during early cardiogenesis are only partially understood. Here, we comprehensively characterized mouse cardiac progenitor cells (CPC) marked by Nkx2-5 and Isl1 expression from E7.5 to E9.5 using single-cell RNA sequencing. By leveraging on cell-to-cell heterogeneity, we identified different previously unknown cardiac sub-populations. Reconstruction of the developmental trajectory revealed that Isl1+ CPC represent a transitional cell population maintaining a prolonged multipotent state, whereas extended expression of Nkx2-5 commits CPC to a unidirectional cardiomyocyte fate. Furthermore, we show that CPC fate transitions are associated with distinct open chromatin states, which critically depend on Isl1 and Nkx2-5. Our data provide a model of transcriptional and epigenetic regulations during cardiac progenitor cell fate decisions at single-cell resolution.
Forced-rupture of Cell-Adhesion Complexes Reveals abrupt switch between two Brittle States
Authors: Toan Ngo Minh , Thirumalai D.
Published: October 2017

Cell adhesion complexes (CACs), which are activated by ligand binding, play key roles in many cellular functions ranging from cell cycle regulation to mediation of cell extracellular matrix adhesion. Inspired by single molecule pulling experiments using atomic force spectroscopy on leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), expressed in T-cells, bound to intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAM), we performed constant loading rate (rf) and constant force (F) simulations using the Self-Organized Polymer (SOP) model to describe the mechanism of ligand rupture from CACs. The simulations reproduce the major experimental finding on the kinetics of the rupture process, namely, the dependence of the most probable rupture forces (f∗s) on ln rf (rf is the loading rate) exhibits two distinct linear regimes. The first, at low rf, has a shallow slope whereas the the slope at high rf is much larger, especially for LFA-1/ICAM-1 complex with the transition between the two occurring over a narrow rf range. Locations of the two transition states (TSs), extracted from the simulations show an abrupt change from a high value at low rf or F to a low value at high rf or F. This unusual behavior in which the CACs switch from one brittle (TS position is a constant over a range of forces) state to another brittle state is not found in forced-rupture in other protein complexes. We explain this novel behavior by constructing the free energy profiles, F (Λ)s, as a function of a collective reaction coordinate (Λ), involving many key charged residues and a critical metal ion (M g2+). The TS positions in F(Λ), which quantitatively agree with the parameters extracted using the Bell-Evans model, change abruptly at a critical force, demonstrating that it, rather than the molecular extension is a good reaction coordinate. Our combined analyses using simulations performed in both the pulling modes (constant rf and force) reveal a new mechanism for the two loading regimes observed in the rupture kinetics in CACs.
The frailty index is associated with the need for care in an aging Swedish population
Authors: Jylhävä J , Jiang M , Foebel AD , Pedersen NL , Hägg S
Published: November 2017

Background

The Rockwood frailty index (FI) has proven a valid predictor of mortality, institutionalization and requirement for health services. However, little is known about the relationship between the FI and the need for care – an indication of dependency. To this end, we ascertained the associations between the FI and the need for current and future care.

Methods

A Rockwood-based FI was tested for association with the current need for care and care needs in the future during a 23-year follow-up in the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging (n=1477; 623 men, 854 women; aged 29-95 years at baseline). Need for care was defined as receiving help at least once a week in daily routines. Age, sex, education, living alone, smoking status and body mass index were considered as covariates.

Results

The FI was independently associated with current need for care (OR=1.27 for accumulation of one deficit, 95%CI 1.20–1.34) and future need for care (HR=1.12 for accumulation of one deficit, 95%CI 1.08–1.15). Co-twin control analyses confirmed the results; the pair member currently needing care had higher median FI levels compared to their co-twin not needing care, and the pair member having higher baseline FI had shorter median time to the onset of future care need compared to their co-twin with lower FI.

Conclusions

The FI is a determinant of current care needs and predictive of care needs in the future. The FI may thus represent a risk indicator for dependency and offer an amenable target for preventive measures.
phylopath: Easy phylogenetic path analysis in R
Authors: van der Bijl Wouter
Published: November 2017

Confirmatory path analysis allows researchers to evaluate and compare causal models using observational data. This tool has great value for comparative biologists since they are often unable to gather experimental data on macro-evolutionary hypotheses, but is cumbersome and error-prone to perform.

I introducephylopath, anRpackage that implements phylogenetic path analysis (PPA) as described by Von Hardenberg & Gonzalez-Voyer (2013). In addition to the published method, I provide support for the inclusion of binary variables.

I illustrate PPA andphylopathby recreating part of a study on the relationship between brain size and vulnerability to extinction.

The package aims to make the analysis straight-forward, providing convenience functions and several plotting methods, which I hope will encourage the spread of the method.

phylopathis released under the GPL-3 license, and is freely available on CRAN (https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/phylopath/index.html) and GitHub (https://github.com/Ax3man/phylopath).
Mouse Sperm Cryopreservation Using Cryoprotectant Containing Monothioglycerol (MTG)
Authors: Taft Robert
Published: November 2017

Significant progress has been made in sperm cryopreservation. It is now possible to achieve more consistent fertilization rates using in vitro fertilization (IVF) with cryorecovered sperm. Including the antioxidant monothioglycerol (MTG) in the cryoprotectant may increase the fertilization rate. This protocol has been successfully used at The Jackson Laboratory since 2007 to cryopreserve >5000 strains on many genetic backgrounds. Although it is possible to recover motile sperm from 2-yr-old mice, sperm quality often begins to decline by 6 mo of age. In practice, sperm from males 10–16 wk of age has yielded the best results. This protocol is relatively easy to implement because it uses a simple freezing apparatus and a cryopreservation medium.
Fission Yeast Cell Wall Analysis
Authors: Pérez Pilar , Ribas Juan C.
Published: November 2017

The Schizosaccharomyces pombe cell wall is a rigid exoskeletal structure mainly composed of interlinked glucose polysaccharides and galactomannoproteins. It is essential for survival of the fission yeast, as it prevents cells from bursting from internal turgor pressure and protects them from mechanical injuries. Additionally, the cell wall determines the cell shape and, therefore, a better knowledge of cell wall structure and composition could provide valuable data in S. pombe morphogenetic studies. Here, we provide information about this structure and the current reliable methods for rapid analysis of the cell wall polymers by specific enzymatic and chemical degradations of purified cell walls.
Structure of theBacillus anthracisdTDP-L-rhamnose-biosynthetic enzyme glucose-1-phosphate thymidylyltransferase (RfbA)
Authors: Baumgartner Jackson , Lee Jesi , Halavaty Andrei S. , Minasov George , Anderson Wayne F. , Kuhn Misty L.
Published: October 2017

L-Rhamnose is a ubiquitous bacterial cell-wall component. The biosynthetic pathway for its precursor dTDP-L-rhamnose is not present in humans, which makes the enzymes of the pathway potential drug targets. In this study, the three-dimensional structure of the first protein of this pathway, glucose-1-phosphate thymidylyltransferase (RfbA), fromBacillus anthraciswas determined. In other organisms this enzyme is referred to as RmlA. RfbA was co-crystallized with the products of the enzymatic reaction, dTDP-α-D-glucose and pyrophosphate, and its structure was determined at 2.3 Å resolution. This is the first reported thymidylyltransferase structure from a Gram-positive bacterium. RfbA shares overall structural characteristics with known RmlA homologs. However, RfbA exhibits a shorter sequence at its C-terminus, which results in the absence of three α-helices involved in allosteric site formation. Consequently, RfbA was observed to exhibit a quaternary structure that is unique among currently reported glucose-1-phosphate thymidylyltransferase bacterial homologs. These structural analyses suggest that RfbA may not be allosterically regulated in some organisms and is structurally distinct from other RmlA homologs.
Leadership competencies: qualitative insight into non-profit sport organisations
Authors: Megheirkouni Majd
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the competencies of leadership used and the reasons behind their use in an attempt to understand the nature of leadership competencies in non-profit sports organisations, and guide the experts to focus on specific competencies for general purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study adopts a qualitative method to achieve the aim of the study.

Findings

The results revealed that four groups of competencies, namely, understanding the whole,communication, general management relation, and change tend to be specific competencies for general purposes in different leadership positions. The findings demonstrate the value of the approach in discoveringinsights that would not have emerged from more commonly utilised methodologies.

Practical implications

Overall, these findings suggest that individuals, in different sport leadership positions, need four groups of competencies to overcome internal and external challenges effectively. Implications of this research may exist in business and other domains. Specifically, several competency frameworks are suggested in business for leaders to meet their internal and external challenges.

Originality/value

This research represents the first attempt to understand and explore the nature of leadership competencies in non-profit sports organisations in the Middle East.
Privacy concerns in integrating big data in “e-Oman”
Authors: Saxena Stuti
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Whereas integration of big data in “e-Oman” – the e-government face of Oman – is a significant prospect, this paper aims to underscore the challenges of privacy concerns in effecting such integration.

Design/methodology/approach

Providing a brief description about the concepts of e-government and big data, the paper follows a discussion on “e-Oman”. While drawing a framework for integration of big data in “e-Oman”, the paper throws light on the privacy concerns in effecting such an integration following a qualitative approach.

Findings

Integration of big data in “e-Oman” is fraught with ethical challenges in terms of privacy issues which have social implications.

Practical implications

While the pros of integration of big data in “e-Oman” are noteworthy, technical and administrative constraints vis-à-vis the cons of such integration need to be taken care of. It may be underlined that there is a trade-off between the norms of transparency and privacy of individuals versus the deployment of big data in “e-Oman” for effective real-time problem-solving.

Social implications

Technical and administrative infrastructure needs to be robust for countering challenges of cybercrimes. Furthermore, confidentiality and privacy of individuals may be at stake; the government needs to tackle these issues.

Originality/value

Integration of big data in “e-Oman” needs to be probed, and this paper seeks to fill this gap. Second, the paper underscores that it is important that ethical norms are being accounted for while effecting this integration.
Library usage mining in the context of alternative costs
Authors: Hajek Petr , Stejskal Jan
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The behaviour of a library user is based on his ability to evaluate the consumption of library services based on alternative market services. The purpose of this paper is to study the usage behaviour in a public library building in the context of alternative costs instead of a narrow focus on book circulation data.

Design/methodology/approach

By library usage mining, using associative rules, the authors described the behaviour of library users and identified the typical behaviour during the visits. The authors analyse the results in the context of alternative costs assigned to the visits.

Findings

The results confirm that some underused services, such as digital services, deliver significantly greater benefit. The frequency of use, the duration of visit and the number of items used are associated with higher alternative costs. There were no significant differences in alternative cost within economic groups (excluding pensioners). This paper identified 41 frequent patterns with different alternative costs.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study is the fact that data for library usage mining were collected using a questionnaire survey.

Practical implications

This may be particularly important for both policy makers and library management. The first beneficiaries are donors and patrons, who can learn about the benefit that libraries bring to society. The proposed system for library usage mining also enables managers to promote specific (effective) services, take steps to avoid readers leaving, and improve the adoption of library services. It can also be used to adapt the location of library services. Librarians, especially those who engage in acquisitions, may also use this information in their evidence-based decisions about the design of services.

Originality/value

So far, there has been no relevant research on the economic aspects of extracted behaviour patterns. Therefore, this study revealed users’ economic preferences using a questionnaire survey that supplemented transaction data. The ability to describe users’ behaviour can provide library management with enough information to realise evidence-based decision making.
An overview of contemporary international human resource management studies
Authors: Lee Yuan-Duen , Lin Chiu-Chuan , Huang Chen-Fen
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the evolution of the intellectual structure of international human resource management (IHRM) studies and to propose a theory of an invisible network of knowledge (INK).

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers can also use this methodology to explore the knowledge network of their own fields so as to gain a vantage position with respect to their field and conduct seminal research.

Findings

The results help to profile the INK production in IHRM and provide important insights with implications for current and future research directions of IHRM studies for management scholars and practitioners.

Originality/value

This study examines the status of contemporary IHRM research over the last decade. This study examines the status of contemporary IHRM research over the last decade. With Social Sciences Citation Index citation data from the top IHRM journal,International Journal of Human Resource Management, this study used citation and co-citation analysis to identify the most important publications, scholars, and research themes in the IHRM area, and then mapped the intellectual structure of IHRM studies.
The influence of learning style on satisfaction and learning effectiveness in the asynchronous web-based learning system
Authors: Cheng Fei-Fei , Chiu Chui-Chen , Wu Chin-Shan , Tsaih Der-Chian
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of user’s learning style (including accommodators, divergers, convergers, and assimilators) on user’s satisfaction on the web-based learning system and their learning effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

This experimental research used the college students from a technology institute in Taiwan as the subject sources. By using the Kolb’s learning style model, the students are classified as four types of learners: convergers, divergers, assimilators, and accommodators. The authors analyzed the relationships among the different learning styles with their effectiveness of learning and satisfaction of using the web-based learning system. The mediation effect of gender is also presented.

Findings

This research indicates that: first, the satisfaction of the web-based learning system has significant influence on the learning performance of learners; second, different learning styles learners have no significant effect to the satisfaction on using the web-based learning system; third, learning effectiveness has significant difference among different learning style learners on the web-based learning system; the learning effectiveness of accommodators and divergers was significantly higher than the assimilators; fourth, different learning styles learners show significant difference in gender proportion. In addition to accommodators, whose proportion of women is higher than men, the other three learning styles’ proportions in men are higher than women.

Research limitations/implications

This study was grounded in the Kolb’s learning style theory. The authors provide implications for academic studies in e-learning research stream that aimed at understanding the role of learning style as well as gender differences in the asynchronous web-based learning system.

Practical implications

Results from this study provided the implications for students, educators, and e-learning system designers. The design of teaching materials as well as functions of e-learning systems should take learners’ learning style into consideration to ensure the best learning outcome.

Originality/value

This study examined the students’ learning style as well as gender differences in the asynchronous web-based learning system. An experiment was conducted to ensure the data were collected in a controlled environment, thus, offer the value that most of the prior study lacks.
Arterial Perfusion—A Useful Technique for Evaluating Incised Wounds
Authors: Langlois Neil E. I. , Byard Roger W.
Published: October 2017

A 54‐year‐old woman was found deceased with incised wounds of both sides of her neck and both wrists. Postmortem CT scanning revealed air in the heart and in the dural veins in continuity with air in the right jugular vein. Death was due to incised wounds of the wrist and neck with blood loss and air embolism. The manner of death was suicide. At autopsy, perfusion of the thoracic ascending aorta produced a fine stream of water emanating from an incised wound of the right ulnar artery with no significant leakage of water from the wound of the left wrist. There was also leakage from the facial artery branch of the right external carotid artery. Perfusion testing can be used as a screening test prior to formal dissection and also to identify small vessels that may not be obvious on standard examination of an exsanguinated field.
Two‐Stage Basilic Vein Transposition: Second Stage Results
Authors: Rego Duarte , Nogueira Clara , Matos António , Almeida Paulo , Queirós José , Silva Fernanda , Sousa Clemente , Almeida Rui
Published: October 2017

The increasing survival of hemodialysis patients results in the depletion of superficial venous capital justifying the use of the basilic vein. Many groups still prefer an arteriovenous graft due to transposition complexity and the time needed to achieve maturation. In this work we review the results of our series of basilic vein transpositions (BVT). BVTs were performed in two stages: first, creation of the fistula; second, transposition of the vein using three small incisions in the arm. All patients had to have direct arterialization of the basilic vein, therefore, patients with previous ipsilateral wrist fistulas also followed a two‐stage protocol. Data were retrospectively revised from all transposition procedures made between September 2005 and November 2012. Patency and complication rates were the primary outcomes evaluated. A total of 276 basilic veins were transposed. Usage rate was 82.2%. 8% (N = 22) of the fistulas were never used due to thrombosis. Secondary patency rates at 1 and 2 years were, respectively, 84% and 66.3%. Complications occurred in 61.6% (N = 170) of fistulas and 65.9% (N = 112) of which had to undergo surgical or endovascular revision. The most frequent complication was vein stenosis (39.7% of late complications, N = 92). Albeit its greater technical complexity, the transposed basilic vein represents a hemodialysis access with good patency rates. Complication rates, although high, are less than those of CVC or prosthetic grafts. These results support the use of the transposed basilic vein as hemodialysis access after the brachiocephalic fistula.
Comparison of Plateletpheresis on the Haemonetics and Trima Accel Cell Separators
Authors: Keklik Muzaffer , Keklik Ertugrul , Kalan Ugur , Ozer Ozerhan , Arik Ferhat , Sarikoc Murat
Published: October 2017

The use of apheresis equipment to collect platelets has rapidly increased in recent years. We compared two apheresis instruments (Haemonetics MCS + and Trima Accel) with regard to platelet (PLT) yield and efficiency, and collection rate (CR) in a retrospective study. Overall 120 data obtained by Haemonetics and Trima systems (N = 60 for each) were randomly selected among 400 plateletpheresis procedures performed at the Apheresis Unit of Kayseri Education and Research Hospital between July 2016 and January 2017. The CR was significantly higher with the Haemonetics compared to the Trima (0.076 ± 0.016 vs. 0.065 ± 0.015 (PLT × 1011/min) respectively; P < 0.001). The PLT yield/unit was higher with the Haemonetics (4.4 ± 0.8 vs. 3.9 ± 0.8 × 1011, P = 0.001). Haemonetics and Trima Accel instruments collected platelets efficiently. We hope that these data will be a guide in selecting equipment for apheresis units.
Production, Characterization, and Stability of Orange or Eucalyptus Essential Oil/β‐Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex
Authors: Kringel Dianini Hüttner , Antunes Mariana Dias , Klein Bruna , Crizel Rosane Lopes , Wagner Roger , de Oliveira Roberto Pedroso , Dias Alvaro Renato Guerra , Zavareze Elessandra da Rosa
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study was to produce and characterize inclusion complexes (IC) between β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and orange essential oil (OEO) or eucalyptus essential oil (EEO), and to compare these with their pure compounds and physical mixtures. The samples were evaluated by chemical composition, morphology, thermal stability, and volatile compounds by static headspace‐gas chromatography (SH‐GC). Comparing the free essential oil and physical mixture with the inclusion complex, of both essential oils (OEO and EEO), it was observed differences occurred in the chemical composition, thermal stability, and morphology. These differences show that there was the formation of the inclusion complex and demonstrate the necessity of the precipitation method used to guarantee the interaction between β‐CD and essential oils. The slow loss of the volatile compounds from both essential oils, when complexed with β‐CD, showed a higher stability when compared with their physical mixtures and free essential oils. Therefore, the results showed that the chemical composition, molecular size, and structure of the essential oils influence the characteristics of the inclusion complexes. The application of the β‐CD in the formation of inclusion complexes with essential oils can expand the potential applications in foods.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Albumin Peptides from Corn Germ Meal on Chronic Alcohol‐Induced Liver Injury in Mice
Authors: Yu Yali , Wang Lijun , Wang Ying , Lin Dingbo , Liu Jingbo
Published: October 2017

Despite the fact that chronic and excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, such as a fatty liver disease, the addictive power of alcohol is strong worldwide. Corn germ meal albumin peptides (CGMAPs), by‐products in corn germ oil industry have often been considered as wastes disposal in food processing. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of CGMAPs on chronic alcohol‐induced liver injury in a mouse model. The corn germ meal‐derived albumin was enzymatically hydrolysed, and the albumin peptides fractions (APFs) with Mw < 1 kDa (APF4) was collected. APF4 was an oligopeptide with a high Fischer's ratio (F > 3), rich in glutamic, alanine, leucine and proline. The hydrophobic Q value was 5.1, indicating the property of high enrichment in hydrophobic amino acids. Alcohol administration significantly increased the activities and levels of hepatic aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and triglycerides (TG) (P < 0.01), and significantly reduced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and levels of glutathione (GSH) (P < 0.01) compared to the control group. Those changes were significantly reversed by the application of APF4 at 800 mg/kg bw. Thus, APF4 of CGMAPs had a significant protective effect against chronic alcohol‐induced liver injury through enhancement of in vivo antioxidant ability as a possible mechanism of action, which therefore suggested that APF4 might be useful as natural sources to protect liver from alcoholic damage.

Practical Application

Corn germ meal albumin peptides (CGMAPs) of Mw < 1 kDa, a kind of bioactive peptides which could effectively improve alcohol metabolism and protect against the hepatic damage induced by alcohol, might be useful as natural sources to protect liver from alcoholic damage.
Why Policymakers Should View Carbon Capture and Storage as a Stepping‐stone to Carbon Dioxide Removal
Authors: Maher Bryan
Published: October 2017

It is increasingly clear that atmospheric carbon dioxide removal will be necessary to limit global warming to below 2 degrees. Today the primary candidate to achieve this removal is bioenergy carbon capture and storage (CCS). Similarly, energy derived from coal with sufficiently low emissions for stringent climate change mitigation (i.e. clean coal) cannot be achieved without CCS. This article argues that the prior or simultaneous establishment of coal CCS provides an important stepping stone to the future diffusion of bioenergy CCS. However, progress on coal CCS is sluggish and needs further rationale to give it impetus. With appropriate policy intervention, the impending need for bioenergy CCS can provide this impetus. Policy makers should not consider coal CCS as simply an end in itself but also as a means to an end.
Are farms in less favored areas less efficient?
Authors: Baráth Lajos , Fertő Imre , Bojnec Štefan
Published: November 2017

This article investigates farm technical efficiency (TE) and the effect of heterogeneity on production among farms using the Slovenian Farm Accountancy Data Network sample of farms in the period 2007–2013. We model production technology with a random parameter model that allows us to examine both the direct effect of heterogeneity on production and the indirect effect through the interaction of unobserved heterogeneity with time and input variables. Additionally, we consider intersectoral heterogeneity among types of farming. Results confirm the importance of all these sources of heterogeneity. The second contribution of the article is that, in addition to using conventional statistical methods, we examine the differences between less favored area (LFA) and non‐LFA farms using matching techniques. Results indicate that there is only a minor and statistically nonsignificant difference in TE between these groups. However, the difference is highly significant in terms of heterogeneity and technology. In other words, results show that farms in LFAs are not more inefficient but rather use different, production–environment‐specific technologies. These findings call attention to the fact that omitting the effect of heterogeneity on production technology leads to biased TE estimates and, in turn, leads to potentially imperfect policy choices.
Precision oncology using a clinician‐directed, tailored approach to molecular profiling
Authors: Lam Michael , Tran Ben , Beck Sophie , Tie Jeanne , Herath Dishan , Whittle James , Kwan Edmond M. , Fox Stephen B. , Fellowes Andrew , Ananda Sumitra , Lipton Lara , Gibbs Peter , Rosenthal Mark A. , Desai Jayesh
Published: October 2017

Aim

Precision oncology involves molecularly matching patients to targeted agents usually in early drug development (EDD) programs. Molecular profiling (MP) identifies actionable targets. Comprehensive commercial MP platforms are costly and in resource limited environments, a more practical approach to MP is necessary to support EDD and precision oncology. We adopted a clinician‐directed, tailored approach to MP to enrol patients onto molecularly targeted trials. We report the feasibility of this approach.

Methods

All patients referred to the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) EDD between September 2013 and September 2015 were identified in a prospective database. Key captured data included clinicopathological data, MP platform ordered (if any), molecular targets identified and subsequent enrolment onto clinical trials. EDD‐clinician decisions to order MP and the platform utilized was guided by patient consultation, tumor type, trial availability and requirement for molecular information.

Results

We identified 377 patients referred to RMH EDD. A total of 216 (57%) had MP ordered. The remainder had known actionable targets (19%), or were inappropriate for clinical trials (24%). In those undergoing MP, 187 genetic aberrations were found in 113 patients with 98 considered actionable targets in 86 patients. Ninety‐eight (25%) patients were enrolled onto a clinical trial, including 40 (11%) receiving molecularly matched treatments. Median progression‐free survival was improved in patients enrolled onto molecularly matched trials compared to those on unmatched trials (3.6 months vs 1.9 months, HR 0.58 [0.38–0.89], P  =  0.013).

Conclusion

A clinician‐directed, tailored approach to the use of MP is feasible, resulting in 11% of patients enrolled onto molecularly matched trials.
Upregulation of Tim‐3 expression at feto‐maternal interface may explain embryo survival in the CBAxDBA/2 model of abortion
Authors: Li Fanfan , Dang Jing , Jiang Min , He Mengzhou , Yang Meitao , Li Jing , Hao Haiyan , Zhou Yuan , Zuo Wei , Xie Yin , Deng Dongrui
Published: October 2017

Problem

To understand the mechanisms of action of Tim‐3 at the maternal‐fetal interface and explore how Tim‐3 might be involved in the pathogenesis of abortion by constructing an in vitro trophoblast‐lymphocyte system.

Methods of Study

Female CBA/J × male DBA/2 matings were used as the abortion‐prone model and CBA/J × male BALB/c matings as control. The expression of Tim‐3 at the maternal‐fetal interface and in the peripheral blood lymphocytes was measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The proliferation index of lymphocytes and levels of Th1/Th2‐derived cytokines in peripheral blood and in the co‐culture system were determined using CCK‐8 assay and ELISA, respectively.

Results

The expression level of Tim‐3 was higher in abortion‐prone matings than that of control (P < .05). A preponderance of Th1 was observed in the co‐culture system in the abortion‐prone mating group. Recombinant Tim‐3 Ig reversed the imbalance of Th1/Th2 immunity of abortion‐prone matings by suppressing the secretion of IFN‐γ and IL‐2 but had no direct effect on the generation of IL‐4.

Conclusion

Tim‐3 might contribute to successful pregnancy by restraining Th1 bias, and the maternal immune system might develop a strategy including upregulation of Tim‐3 at the maternal‐fetal interface and in peripheral blood so as to maintain moderate inflammatory responses against miscarriage.
Clinical applications of QT/RR hysteresis assessment: A systematic review
Authors: Gravel Hugo , Jacquemet Vincent , Dahdah Nagib , Curnier Daniel
Published: October 2017

Background

QT/RR hysteresis (QT‐hys) is an index of the time accommodation of ventricular repolarization to heart rate changes. This report comprehensively reviews studies addressing QT‐hys as a biomarker of medical conditions.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of data from a recent systematic review pertaining to methods of assessment of QT‐hys. Articles included in the former review were filtered in order to select original articles investigating the association of QT‐hys with medical conditions in humans.

Results

Nineteen articles fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Given the heterogeneity of the methods and investigated conditions, no pooled analysis of data could be implemented. QT‐hys was mostly studied as a risk marker of severe arrhythmias, as a predictor of the long QT syndrome (LQTS) phenotypes and genotypes and as a marker of exercise‐induced ischemia. An increased QT‐hys appears to be implicated in arrhythmogenesis, although the evidence in this regard relies on few human studies. An augmented QT‐hys was reported in the LQTS, predominantly in the LQT2 genotype, but conflicting results were obtained between studies using different methods of assessment. In addition, QT‐hys appears to be a useful marker of stress‐induced myocardial ischemia in patients suspected of coronary artery disease.

Conclusions

QT‐hys evaluation has potential clinical utility in at least some clinical conditions. Further studies of the clinical validity of QT‐hys assessment are warranted, particularly condition specific studies based on QT‐hys evaluation methods that provide separate estimates of QT‐hys and QT/RR dependency.
Environmental Justice Meets Risk‐Class: The Relational Distribution of Environmental Bads
Authors: Curran Dean
Published: October 2017

Recent treatments of environmental justice have highlighted the need to move beyond focusing upon inequalities in the distribution of environmental risks to address other aspects of environmental injustice, including unequal participation and recognition. While acknowledging the importance of extending environmental justice to include these other dimensions of justice, this paper argues that more, not less, analytical attention needs to be devoted to the diverse logics of distribution of environmental risks. In light of continuing dilemmas associated with whether environmental inequalities can be just or, alternatively, that environmental inequality and injustice are co‐extensive, this paper proposes to untangle some key connections between environmental inequalities and injustice through a critical confrontation of environmental justice with risk‐class analysis. Focusing on the positional or relational distribution of environmental bads as analysed in risk‐class analysis, this paper argues that bringing these two bodies of knowledge together can illuminate how relational inequalities have characteristics that make them particularly illegitimate from a justice perspective, thus making an advance in identifying key connections between environmental inequality and injustice.
Are women positive for the One Step but negative for the Two Step screening tests for gestational diabetes at higher risk for adverse outcomes?
Authors: Caissutti Claudia , Khalifeh Adeeb , Saccone Gabriele , Berghella Vincenzo
Published: November 2017

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate if women meeting criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by the One Step test as per International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria but not by other less strict criteria have adverse pregnancy outcomes compared with GDM‐negative controls. The primary outcome was the incidence of macrosomia, defined as birthweight > 4000 g.

Material and methods

Electronic databases were searched from their inception until May 2017. All studies identifying pregnant women negative at the Two Step test, but positive at the One Step test for IADPSG criteria were included. We excluded studies that randomized women to the One Step vs. the Two Step tests; studies that compared different criteria within the same screening method; randomized studies comparing treatments for GDM; and studies comparing incidence of GDM in women doing the One Step test vs. the Two Step test.

Results

Eight retrospective cohort studies, including 29 983 women, were included. Five study groups and four control groups were identified. The heterogeneity between the studies was high. Gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and large for gestational age, as well as in some analyses cesarean delivery, macrosomia and preterm birth, were significantly more frequent, and small for gestational age in some analyses significantly less frequent, in women GDM‐positive by the One Step, but not the Two Step.

Conclusion

Women meeting criteria for GDM by IADPSG criteria but not by other less strict criteria have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and large for gestational age, compared with GDM‐negative controls. Based on these findings, and evidence from other studies that treatment decreases these adverse outcomes, we suggest screening for GDM using the One Step IADPSG criteria.
POLITICAL INEQUALITY, CENTRALIZED SANCTIONING INSTITUTIONS, AND THE MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC GOODS
Authors: Chang Han Il , Dawes Christopher T. , Johnson Tim
Published: October 2017

Centralized sanctioning institutions cultivate cooperation by eradicating the gains from free‐riding. Studies show that electing a community member to operate a centralized sanctioning institution further increases support for the public good. These studies have overlooked an all‐too‐common attribute of non‐laboratory elections: political inequality. In this paper, we replicate those studies and, then, introduce novel experimental treatments that examine how political inequality influences the cooperation‐enhancing effect of a democratic election to centralized sanctioning institutions. In our novel treatment conditions, participants receive either a random allotment of votes that they can use to elect a centralized sanctioning authority or an allocation of votes proportional to their earnings in a previously‐executed public goods game. We find that political inequalities created via the random allocation of votes do not hinder cooperation, whereas political inequalities created via past game play undermine elected authorities and diminish contributions to the public good from individuals advantaged by political inequality.
Intellectual property rights and diaspora knowledge networks: Can patent protection generate brain gain from skilled migration?
Authors: Naghavi Alireza , Strozzi Chiara
Published: November 2017

This paper studies the mechanism through which intellectual property rights (IPR) protection can influence the impact of skilled migration on innovation activities in developing countries. We argue that knowledge acquired by emigrants abroad can flow back to their country of origin through diaspora networks. IPR protection in the sending country facilitates this channel by increasing returns to skills and encouraging workers to move into the innovation sector. An expansion of the innovation sector allows diaspora knowledge to be absorbed by a larger range of workers. Strong IPR enforcement therefore makes it more likely for brain drain to be transformed into brain gain.