bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is leisure time sitting associated with mortality rates among men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer?
Authors: Bonn Stephanie E. , Holmberg Erik , Hugosson Jonas , Bälter Katarina
Published: July 2019

Objective

Being physically active postdiagnosis has been associated with lower rates of prostate cancer progression and mortality, but studies investigating postdiagnostic time spent sitting are lacking. We aim to study the association between leisure time sitting after a prostate cancer diagnosis and overall and prostate cancer-specific mortality.

Methods

Data from 4595 men in Sweden, diagnosed with localized prostate cancer between 1997–2002 and followed-up until the end of 2012, were analyzed. Time spent sitting during leisure time postdiagnosis was categorized into <2, 2–3, 3–4, and >4 h/day. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of postdiagnosis leisure time sitting and a joint variable of sitting time and exercise, and time to overall or prostate cancer-specific death.

Results

The results showed no significant associations between postdiagnostic leisure time sitting and overall or prostate cancer-specific mortality rates. When the joint effect of both sitting and exercise time was considered, borderline significantly lower mortality rates for overall and prostate cancer-specific mortality were seen among participants that sat the least and exercised the most compared to the reference category with participants sitting the most and exercising least (HR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.56–1.00 and HR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.36–1.05, respectively).

Conclusions

No significant association between leisure time sitting and mortality rates among men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer was seen. This study does not support an association between leisure time sitting per se; however, being physically active may have beneficial effects on survival among men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer.
Application of Implementation Science to OB/GYN Quality Improvement Efforts
Authors: ROSENSTEIN MELISSA G.
Published: July 2019

Although there is no shortage of guidelines and toolkits outlining clinical practices that are evidence-based and have been shown to improve outcomes, many hospitals, and L&D units struggle to figure out exactly how to implement strategies that have been shown to work. This paper will describe suggestions to help obstetrics and gynecology units successfully implement evidence-based strategies to improve quality and safety based on the theoretical framing structures of implementation science, including theories such as the Health Beliefs Model, the Theory of Planned Behavior, Ecological Perspectives, COM-B, CFIR, and tools such as Driver Diagrams.
Adherence to Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD
Authors: Oates Gabriela R. , Niranjan Soumya J. , Ott Corilyn , Scarinci Isabel C. , Schumann Christopher , Parekh Trisha , Dransfield Mark T.
Published: July 2019

Purpose:

Adherence to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is low. This qualitative study used the PRECEDE model to identify predisposing (intrapersonal), reinforcing (interpersonal), and enabling (structural) factors acting as barriers or facilitators of adherence to PR, and elicit recommendations for solutions from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods:

Focus groups with COPD patients who had attended PR in the past year were conducted. Sessions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded independently by 2 coders, who then jointly decided on the final coding scheme. Data were summarized across groups, and analysis was used a thematic approach with constant comparative method to generate categories.

Results:

Five focus groups with 24 participants each were conducted. Participants (mean age 62 yr) were 54% male, and 67% black. More than half had annual income less than $20 000, 17% were current smokers, and 54% had low adherence (less than 35% of prescribed PR sessions). The most prominent barriers included physical ailments and lack of motivation (intrapersonal), no support system (interpersonal), transportation difficulties, and financial burden (structural). The most prominent facilitators included health improvement, personal determination (intrapersonal), support from peers, family, and friends (interpersonal), and program features such as friendly staff and educational component of sessions (structural). Proposed solutions included incentives to maintain motivation, tobacco cessation support (intrapersonal), educating the entire family (interpersonal), transportation assistance, flexible program scheduling, and financial assistance (structural).

Conclusion:

Health limitations, social support, transportation and financial difficulties, and program features impact ability of patients to attend PR. Interventions addressing these interpersonal, intrapersonal, and structural barriers are needed to facilitate adherence to PR.
MULTIMODAL IMAGING OF IGG4-RELATED PAPILLITIS AND RETINAL DISEASE
Authors: Tsui Edmund , Goldberg Naomi R. , Pillai Cinthi , Goduni Lediana , Freund K. Bailey
Published: July 2019

Purpose:

To report a case of IgG4-related ophthalmic disease, which presented with papillitis and subretinal deposits.

Methods:

Observational case report with multimodal imaging.

Results:

A 52-year-old man with a history of persistent lymphadenopathy presented with decreased vision in his left eye. Funduscopic examination demonstrated cuticular drusen in both eyes and florid edema of the left optic nerve, along with scattered circumscribed grey-yellow subretinal deposits that were distinct from the cuticular drusen. Swept-source optical coherence tomography demonstrated a hyper-reflective subretinal material corresponding to the grey-yellow subretinal deposits on clinical examination along with diffuse outer retinal disruption. Fundus autofluorescence revealed scattered hypoautofluorescence corresponding to cuticular drusen and also larger patches of hypoautofluorescence corresponding to the grey-yellow subretinal deposits. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated hypofluorescence corresponding to the large subretinal deposits and leakage at the optic nerve. Lymph node biopsy demonstrated IgG4-positive plasma cells and elevated serum IgG4 levels leading to a diagnosis of IgG4-related ophthalmic disease. The patient was treated with oral prednisone with subsequent resolution of the optic nerve edema.

Conclusion:

We describe multimodal imaging of unique retinal and optic nerve findings associated with IgG4-related ophthalmic disease. Our report broadens the spectrum of ocular involvement associated with IgG4-related disease.
An inflammatory subtype of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is associated with poor prognosis and increased perioperative mortality
Authors: Benzing Christian , Klein Fritz , Pelzer Uwe , Sinn Marianne , Pratschke Johann , Bahra Marcus
Published: July 2019

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a malignancy characterized by an aggressive tumor behavior. The present analysis seeks to identify and analyze a cohort that meets criteria for “inflammatory” PDAC (IPDAC). All patients who underwent a curative resection for PDAC at our institution between 1989 and 2015 were included in the retrospective analysis. Patients with histological proven adenocarcinoma and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) (≥6 mg/L) serum concentrations, but no other suspicion of infection were included. We provide a matched control group with normal CRP serum levels from the same patient cohort. Thirty-six (6.8%) of 532 patients meet our criteria for an IPDAC group type. In-hospital (30 days) mortality was 13.9% in the IPDAC group vs 0% in the control group (P = .020). Median follow-up was 183.8 months (standard deviation [SD] = 53.3, range 14.3–285.4). Median overall survival was 8.5 months (SD = 16.8, range 0.3–89.6) in the IPDAC group and 24.8 months (SD = 19.4, range 0.7–80.4) in the control group (P = .002). Patients indicating an IPDAC in our cohort had a significantly and clinical meaningful decreased overall survival and a higher perioperative morbidity and mortality.
Keeping Up With Current Orthopaedic Nursing Practice
Authors: Roberts Dottie , Pirri Kathleen , Hanes Margaret
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND:

The Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB) conducts a role delineation study (RDS), also known as a job task analysis, every 5 years. Results identify tasks performed by orthopaedic registered nurses and nurse practitioners, as well as musculoskeletal health conditions commonly experienced by their patients.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to define current practice patterns among orthopaedic nurses and nurse practitioners to determine content for future certification examinations.

METHOD:

An online survey methodology was used to identify task and knowledge statements representative of orthopaedic nursing practice.

FINDINGS:

Of 6,462 e-mails sent, 904 valid responses were returned (response rate 13.9%). This is lower than results of the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board's 2010 RDS (22.7% response rate) but is considered acceptable for an RDS.

CONCLUSION:

Survey results were analyzed by ONCB Test Committee members with guidance from psychometric staff at PSI/AMP. PSI/AMP staff were used to review and revise examination specifications for the Orthopaedic Nurse Certified (ONC) and Orthopaedic Nurse Practitioner-Certified (ONP-C) certification programs. New examination specification and passing points were implemented with April 2018 testing.
Impact of Bundled Care on Outcomes Following Elective Primary Total Hip or Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Arkin Laura C. , Reising Ellen , Penoyer Daleen , Talbert Steve
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND:

Standardized approaches to care and care pathways for patients with joint replacement have been shown to decrease length of stay (LOS), improve patient participation in education, decrease patient anxiety while improving perception of care, and lead to overall efficiency and improved care and outcomes.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to determine whether implementation of a standardized bundle approach to care influenced the outcomes after total hip or total knee arthroplasty (THA or TKA).

METHODS:

A retrospective, quasi-experimental before- and after-design study was used to evaluate the impact of the intervention. Two hospitals implemented a standardized bundle of care for patients undergoing THA or TKA that included preoperative patient education, day of surgery mobilization, and a total joint group physical therapy session (Full Bundle). Data analyses were completed on a convenience sample of 2,200 patients who underwent THA or TKA. Outcomes data measured were LOS, discharge disposition, costs, and readmission rate.

RESULTS:

Patients receiving the Full Bundle had significant reduction in LOS of roughly 1 day (OR = 1.687, 95% CI [1.578, 1.797]) versus group not receiving all elements (OR = 2.706; 95% CI [2.623, 2.789]). Full Bundle patients were 6 times more likely to be discharged home compared with the Partial Bundle group (OR = 6.01, 95% CI [4.01, 9.03]). Full Bundle group had significantly lower total direct costs, F(1) = 4.06, p = .046, partial η2 = 0.003. There were no differences in readmission rates between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION:

Patients who had all elements of the THA/TKA bundle had the best outcomes. By improving efficiencies of care through the use of the bundle, the 2 hospitals positively impacted the care and outcomes of THA and TKA patients.
Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Molino Suzanne , Cottreau Jessica
Published: July 2019

The treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has evolved significantly, marked by the approval of combination, direct-acting antiviral medications, which have improved the tolerability and efficacy of therapy. As the number of patients engaged in HCV treatment increases, it is important that all members of the healthcare team remain current on treatment options and equipped with the knowledge to educate patients. Nursing staff play a critical role in understanding the role of new medications in treatment, significant drug interactions, and patient counseling points on administration, potential adverse reactions, and the importance of adherence.
Effects of Optical Correction Method on the Magnitude and Variability of Accommodative Response: A Test-retest Study
Authors: Jiménez Raimundo , Redondo Beatriz , Davies Leon N. , Vera Jesús
Published: July 2019

SIGNIFICANCE

The present study addresses the accommodative response and its dependence on the type of optical correction used. The results are discussed relative to their possible implications for myopia progression and visual fatigue.

PURPOSE

The accommodative response has been investigated owing to its possible relationship with the onset and progression of myopia and visual fatigue. This study explored the influence of wearing soft contact lenses in comparison with spectacles in terms of magnitude and variability of accommodation. In addition, we analyzed the intersession and intermethod repeatability.

METHODS

Dynamic accommodative response was recorded during 30-second epochs, at five different distances (50, 40, 33, 25, and 20 cm), in 21 individuals (mean refractive error ± SD, −0.79 ± 1.39 D) while wearing either soft contact lenses or spectacles on two different days. To assess repeatability, a second identical intervention was conducted.

RESULTS

Higher lags of accommodation were obtained with the use of soft contact lenses in comparison with the spectacle condition (P = .04, partial η2 [ηp
2] = 0.204), and similarly, a higher variability of accommodation at near distances was found during the soft contact lens measurement (P < .001, ηp
2 = 0.647). There was a strong intersession repeatability at all the distances tested for both optical correction methods.

CONCLUSIONS

The higher accommodative lag and fluctuations found while wearing soft contact lenses in comparison with spectacles may help to understand the mechanisms underlying myopia progression and asthenopia. These findings may be also considered when testing the accommodative response in research settings. Our test-retest design confirmed that there is a very good intersession repeatability for all the distances in both optical correction methods.
A protocol for the systematic review and meta-analysis of studies in which cannabinoids were tested for antinociceptive effects in animal models of pathological or injury-related persistent pain
Authors: Soliman Nadia , Hohmann Andrea G. , Haroutounian Simon , Wever Kimberley , Rice Andrew S.C. , Finn David P.
Published: July 2019

Introduction:

The International Association for the Study of Pain has established a global task force to comprehensively investigate the use of cannabinoids and cannabis-based medicines for pain management. This systematic review, the first in this field, will assess the preclinical literature that investigates the antinociceptive effects of cannabinoids, cannabis-based medicines, and endocannabinoid system modulators in animal models of tissue damage, inflammation, or neuropathy.

Methods:

A systematic electronic search of 3 online databases will identify relevant studies in which cannabinoids, cannabis-based medicines, and endocannabinoid system modulators have been tested in animal models of injury-related or pathological persistent pain. Data will be extracted for pain-associated behavioural outcomes, study design, and the reporting of measures to avoid bias. Standardised mean difference meta-analysis will be used to provide summary estimates of efficacy, with the effects of study quality and study design explored using stratified meta-analysis.

Perspective:

The evaluation of the preclinical evidence will quantify the antinociceptive effects of cannabinoids on pain behaviour in animal models of pathological pain in an effort to quantify the presence and prevalence of analgesic efficacy. It will also provide an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the preclinical field and inform an agenda for future research.
Stress and Illness: A Role for Specific Emotions
Authors: Levenson Robert W.
Published: July 2019

Research on stress and disease has often afforded an important role to emotion, typically conceptualized in broad categories (e.g., negative emotions), viewed as playing a causal role (e.g., anger contributing to pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease), and measured using self-report inventories. In this article, I argue for the value of evaluating specific emotions, considering bidirectional causal influences, and assessing actual emotional responding when considering the role that emotions play in the stress-disease relationship. In terms of specificity, specific emotions (e.g., anger, sadness, and embarrassment) can be linked with particular health outcomes (e.g., cardiovascular disease and musculoskeletal disease). In terms of bidirectionality, the influences of emotions on disease as well as the influences of disease on emotional functioning can be considered. In terms of assessing actual emotional responding, emotions can be studied in vivo under controlled conditions that allow behavioral, physiological, and subjective responses to be measured during different kinds of emotional functioning (e.g., responding to emotional stimuli, interacting with relationship partners, and downregulating emotional responses). With these considerations in mind, I review early theories and empirical studies in psychosomatic medicine that considered the role of specific emotions and emotion-related behaviors. Studies from our laboratory are presented that illustrate a) differences in patterns of autonomic nervous system responding associated with specific emotions, b) relationships between specific emotions and particular health outcomes in the context of social relationships, c) age as a moderator of the relationship between specific emotions and well-being, d) bidirectional influences (emotions influencing disease and disease influencing emotional functioning), and e) impact of changes in emotional functioning in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases on the health of familial caregivers.
Duraplasty Using Autologous Fascia Lata and Latissimus Dorsi Free Flap for Chronic Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak
Authors: Barrientos Stephan , Leif Marilyn , Hon Heidi H. , Aizenberg Michele , Wong Shannon
Published: July 2019

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a common complication after cranial surgery. Therefore, after neurosurgical procedures it is crucial to obtain a dural repair that is complete and watertight. There are many techniques that have been described attempting to achieve this goal. However, there are complicating factors (eg, poor tissue viability, need for future radiation, comorbidities, infection, size of the dural defect, multiple operations) that may require a more comprehensive approach to achieve an optimal healing environment. The authors present a technique that uses a muscle free flap to vascularize an autologous fascia lata graft, preserving the viability of the graft and reinforcing its healing ability.

The authors applied this technique to a single patient with chronic CSF leak from poor tissue healing after treatments for recurrent medulloblastoma. After harvesting a fascia lata graft with appropriate size, the graft was sutured into the dural defect in a watertight fashion. A latissimus dorsi muscle free flap was harvested and anastomosed to a saphenous vein Corlett loop/AV fistula to the facial artery. The flap was than sutured to the graft. A drain was left in place and a skin graft was applied to the muscle flap.

At 8 months follow-up the patient was able to continue with her treatment and has had a stable repair without leak or breakdown. The authors present an algorithm to facilitate dural repair selection.

Duraplasty using autologous fascia lata reinforced with a free muscle flap is an effective technique to control chronic CSF leaks, especially when the dura is poorly vascularized and less viable.
Tubular Ectasia in Renal Allograft Biopsy: Associations With Occult Obstructive Urological Complications
Authors: Bojić Marija , Regele Heinz , Herkner Harald , Berlakovich Gabriela , Kläger Johannes , Bauer Clemens , Seitz Christian , Kikić Željko
Published: July 2019

Background.

Urological obstructive complications (UOC) affect up to 15% of kidney transplants (KTX). Most cases are excluded by ultrasonography (US); however, accuracy may be limited in the early transplant phase. Features of acute tubular injury (ATI) in KTX biopsy may be informative but histological features indicating UOC are ill defined. Tubular ectasia (TE) was shown to be associated with UOC in experimental data. We evaluated the association of histomorphological features, particularly TE, with occult (=without relevant hydronephrosis in US) UOC and renal outcomes.

Methods.

We included all recipients with an early indication biopsy (976 of 1537 consecutive KTX). The biopsy finding of TE classified as “suspicious of UOC” was compared with the following endpoints: delayed graft function, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and occult UOC. Additionally, histopathological features of ATI were reevaluated by a single pathologist to increase diagnostic accuracy.

Results.

Fifty-eight (5.9%) patients presented with TE, which was not related to delayed graft function or estimated glomerular filtration rate. Forty percent of patients had a UOC (most frequently ureteral stenosis) close to biopsy. Comparing these biopsies to matched controls, TE was significantly associated with UOC (odds ratio 2.69; P = 0.018). After histopathological reevaluation of these biopsies including additional features of ATI, we developed a final multivariate model with a highly significant relationship to UOC (Receiver operating characteristic–area under the curve: 0.77; P = 0.001). The model provides a specificity of 78% and negative predictive value of 73%.

Conclusions.

TE together with additional signs of ATI indicates occult UOC. This histological phenotype should trigger more detailed evaluation for UOC when there is no evidence of relevant hydronephrosis in the ultrasonography.
Re-analysis of data reveals no evidence for neonatal imitation in rhesus macaques
Authors: Redshaw Jonathan
Published: July 2019

Over the past decade, a growing number of publications have claimed to provide evidence for the existence and function of neonatal imitation in rhesus macaques. Here I show that there is in fact no empirical basis for these claims. Studies of the phenomenon have consistently failed to implement the gold standard cross-target analytical approach, which controls for increases in matching responses that may not be a function of the specific modelled behaviour. Critically, a pre-registered re-analysis of the entire set of existing data using this cross-target approach shows that macaque neonates have failed to produce matching tongue protrusion or lipsmacking responses at levels greater than chance. Furthermore, there is no evidence for intra-individual consistency in ‘imitative’ responses across different actions, as imitation scores for the two actions are negatively correlated with each other. Macaque tongue protrusion and lipsmacking responses may vary as a function of general factors that fluctuate over testing sessions, rather than as a function of the specific model or of between-individual variations in imitative tendencies.
The mechanobiology of actin cytoskeletal proteins during cell–cell fusion
Authors: Cong Jing , Fang Bing , Wang Qian , Su Yan , Gu Tianqi , Luo Tianzhi
Published: July 2019

Myosin II and spectrin β display mechanosensitive accumulations in invasive protrusions during cell–cell fusion of
Drosophila
myoblasts. The biochemical inhibition and deactivation of these proteins results in significant fusion defects. Yet, a quantitative understanding of how the protrusion geometry and fusion process are linked to these proteins is still lacking. Here we present a quantitative model to interpret the dependence of the protrusion size and the protrusive force on the mechanical properties and microstructures of the actin cytoskeleton and plasma membrane based on a mean-field theory. We build a quantitative linkage between mechanosensitive accumulation of myosin II and fusion pore formation at the tip of the invasive protrusion through local area dilation. The mechanical feedback loop between myosin II and local deformation suggests that myosin II accumulation possibly reduces the energy barrier and the critical radius of fusion pores. We also analyse the effect of spectrin β on maintaining the proper geometry of the protrusions required for the success of cell–cell fusion.
Borealodon osedax, a new stem mysticete (Mammalia, Cetacea) from the Oligocene of Washington State and its implications for fossil whale-fall communities
Authors: Shipps B. K. , Peredo Carlos Mauricio , Pyenson Nicholas D.
Published: July 2019

Baleen whales (mysticetes) lack teeth as adults and instead filter feed using keratinous baleen plates. They do not echolocate with ultrasonic frequencies like toothed whales but are instead known for infrasonic acoustics. Both baleen and infrasonic hearing are separately considered key innovations linked to their gigantism, evolutionary success and ecological diversity. The earliest mysticetes had teeth, and the phylogenetic position of many so-called toothed mysticetes remains debated, including those belonging to the nominal taxonomic groups Llanocetidae, Mammalodontidae and Aetiocetidae. Here, we report a new stem mysticete,Borealodon osedaxgen. et sp. nov., from the Oligocene of Washington State, USA.Borealodonpreserves multi-cusped teeth with apical wear; microCT scans of the inner ear indicate that the minimum frequency hearing limit ofBorealodonwas similar to mammalodontids.Borealodonis not recovered within a monophyletic Mammalodontidae nor a monophyletic Aetiocetidae; instead, it represents an unnamed lineage of stem Mysticeti, adding to the diversity of stem mysticetes, especially across the Rupelian–Chattian boundary. Furthermore, the presence of a putative chemosynthetic bivalve along withOsedax, a bone-boring annelid, found in association with the type specimen ofBorealodon, offer more insights into the evolution of deep-sea whale-fall communities.
Ionic liquid-modified MCM-41-polymer mixed matrix membrane for butanol pervaporation
Authors: Li Yifang , Yan Dandan , Wu Yanhui
Published: July 2019

Because of the preferential butanol selectivity of some ionic liquids (ILs), an increasing amount of research has appeared regarding their application in butanol separation. In this research, two ionic liquids, namely, 1-ethyl-3-vinylimidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide ([EVIM][Tf2N], IL1) andN-octyl-pyridinium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide ([OMPY][Tf2N], IL2), were applied to modify a mesoporous molecular sieve MCM-41. The IL-modified MCM-41 samples were characterized by XPS, BET, XRD, SEM and TEM. The ionic liquid-modified MCM-41 was incorporated into the polymer PEBA to prepare mixed matrix membranes to study the influences of the filling of IL-modified MCM-41 and operating conditions on the performance of the mixed matrix membrane for butanol pervaporation. The results indicated that the pervaporation performance of the PEBA membrane was enhanced by the incorporation of IL-modified MCM-41. When the temperature of the feeding liquid was 35°C and the mass fraction of butanol was 2.5 wt%, the 5% MCM-41-IL2-PEBA membrane showed a permeation flux of 421.7 g m−2h−1and a separation factor of 25.4. The permeation flux and the separation factor of the membrane increased as the temperature of the feeding liquid increased. The results of the long-period experiment suggested that the 5% MCM-41-IL2-PEBA membrane exhibited high stability within 100 h of operation.
Low-latitude zooplankton pigmentation plasticity in response to multiple threats
Authors: Lee Marcus , Zhang Huan , Sha Yongcui , Hegg Alexander , Ugge Gustaf Ekelund , Vinterstare Jerker , Škerlep Martin , Pärssinen Varpu , Herzog Simon David , Björnerås Caroline , Gollnisch Raphael , Johansson Emma , Hu Nan , Nilsson P. Anders , Hulthén Kaj , Rengefors Karin , Langerhans R. Brian , Brönmark Christer , Hansson Lars-Anders
Published: July 2019

Crustacean copepods in high-latitude lakes frequently alter their pigmentation facultatively to defend themselves against prevailing threats, such as solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and visually oriented predators. Strong seasonality in those environments promotes phenotypic plasticity. To date, no one has investigated whether low-latitude copepods, experiencing continuous stress from UVR and predation threats, exhibit similar inducible defences. We here investigated the pigmentation levels of Bahamian ‘blue hole’ copepods, addressing this deficit. Examining several populations varying in predation risk, we found the lowest levels of pigmentation in the population experiencing the highest predation pressure. In a laboratory experiment, we found that, in contrast with our predictions, copepods from these relatively constant environments did show some changes in pigmentation subsequent to the removal of UVR; however, exposure to water from different predation regimes induced minor and idiosyncratic pigmentation change. Our findings suggest that low-latitude zooplankton in inland environments may exhibit reduced, but non-zero, levels of phenotypic plasticity compared with their high-latitude counterparts.
Unexpected polymerization mechanism of dilignol in the lignin growing
Authors: Matsushita Yasuyuki , Oyabu Yuto , Aoki Dan , Fukushima Kazuhiko
Published: July 2019

Lignin is an essential component of higher plants, which is built by the enzymatic dehydrogenative polymerization of monolignols. First, monolignol is enzymatically oxidized to produce the phenoxy radical, which can form resonance hybrids. Two radical resonant hybrids are coupled with each other to yield dilignol with various linkage types, of which the main structures are β-
O
-4′ (
I
), β-5′ (
II
) and β-β′ (
III
). However, the reaction mechanism behind the addition lignol radicals to dilignol is not yet fully understood. Here, we show an unexpected reaction with structure
II
during enzymatic dehydrogenative polymerization, which involves cleavage of a covalent linkage and creation of a new radical coupling site. This implied that the β-5 dilignol diversifies the growing pattern of lignin. This discovery elucidates a novel mechanism in lignin polymerization.
New dicationic DABCO-based ionic liquids: a scalable metal-free one-pot synthesis of bis-2-amino-5-arylidenethiazol-4-ones
Authors: Arafa Wael A. A. , Mourad Asmaa K.
Published: July 2019

Herein, a novel DABCO-based dicationic ionic liquid (bis-DIL) was easily prepared from the sonication of DABCO with 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol and then characterized by several techniques. Thereafter, under the ultimate green conditions, the performance of the bis-DIL was examined for the sono-synthesis of a new library of bis-2-amino-5-arylidenethiazol-4-ones via one-pot pseudo-five-component Knoevenagel condensation reaction of appropriate dialdehydes, rhodanine and amines. This protocol is tolerant towards several mono- and dialdehydes, excellently high yielding and affording access to the desired products in a single step within a short reaction time. Compared with the conventional methodologies, the proposed method displayed several remarkable merits such as milder reaction conditions without any side product, green solvent media, recording well in a variety of green metrics and applicability in gram-scale production. The recyclability of the bis-DIL was also investigated with an average recovered yield of 97% for six sequential cycles without any significant loss of the activity.
IFITMs Inhibit Cell Fusion Mediated by Trophoblast Syncytins
Authors: Zani Ashley , Zhang Lizhi , Kenney Adam , McMichael Temet M. , Kwiek Jesse J. , Liu Shan-Lu , Yount Jacob S.
Published: July 2019

Type I interferon (IFN) induced by virus infections during pregnancy causes placental damage, though the mechanisms and identities of IFN-stimulated genes that are involved remain under investigation. The IFN-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) inhibit virus infections by preventing virus membrane fusion with cells and by inhibiting fusion of infected cells (syncytialization). Fusion of placental trophoblasts via expression of endogenous retroviral fusogens known as Syncytins forms the syncytiotrophoblast, a multinucleated cell structure essential for fetal development. We found that IFN blocks fusion of BeWo human placental trophoblasts. Stably-expressed IFITMs 1, 2, and 3 also blocked fusion of these trophoblasts, while making them more resistant to virus infections. Conversely, stable knockdown of IFITMs in BeWo trophoblasts increased their spontaneous fusion and allowed fusion in the presence of IFN, while also making the cells more susceptible to virus infection. Overall, our data demonstrate that IFITMs are anti-viral and anti-fusogenic in trophoblasts.
The small and efficient language network of polyglots and hyper-polyglots
Authors: Jouravlev Olessia , Mineroff Zachary , Blank Idan A. , Fedorenko Evelina
Published: July 2019

Acquiring a foreign language is challenging for many adults. Yet certain individuals choose to acquire sometimes dozens of languages, and often just for fun. Is there something special about the minds and brains of such polyglots? Using robust individual-level markers of language activity, measured with fMRI, we compared native language processing in polyglots versus matched controls. Polyglots (n=17, including 9 “hyper-polyglots” with proficiency in 10-55 languages) used fewer neural resources to process language: their activations were smaller in both magnitude and extent. This difference was spatially and functionally selective: the groups were similar in their activation of two other brain networks – the multiple demand network and the default mode network. We hypothesize that the activation reduction in the language network is experientially driven, such that the acquisition and use of multiple languages makes language processing generally more efficient. However, genetic and longitudinal studies will be critical to distinguish this hypothesis from the one whereby polyglots’ brains already differ at birth or early in development. This initial characterization of polyglots’ language network opens the door to future investigations of the cognitive and neural architecture of individuals who gain mastery of multiple languages, including changes in this architecture with linguistic experiences.
Temporal Chunking as a Mechanism for Unsupervised Learning of Task-Sets
Authors: Bouchacourt Flora , Palminteri Stefano , Koechlin Etienne , Ostojic Srdjan
Published: July 2019

Depending on environmental demands, humans can learn and exploit multiple concurrent sets of stimulus-response associations. Mechanisms underlying the learning of such task-sets remain unknown. Here we investigate the hypothesis that task-set learning relies on unsupervised chunking of stimulus-response associations that occur in temporal proximity. We examine behavioral and neural data from a task-set learning experiment using a network model. We first show that task-set learning can be achieved provided the timescale of chunking is slower than the timescale of stimulus-response learning. Fitting the model to behavioral data confirmed this expectation and led to specific predictions linking chunking and task-set retrieval that were borne out by behavioral performance and reaction times. Comparing the model activity with BOLD signal allowed us to identify neural correlates of task-set retrieval in a functional network involving ventral and dorsal prefrontal cortex, with the dorsal system preferentially engaged when retrievals are used to improve performance.
Substrate Transport is Mediated not only by P-glycoprotein but also by Lipid Penetration
Authors: Yu Yuqi , Wang Jinan , Chen Zhaoqiang , Wang Guimin , Xu Zhijian , Shao Qiang , Shi Jiye , Zhu Weiliang
Published: July 2019

In association with large-scale conformational changes, the members of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) pump endogenous cytotoxic substances and exogenous drugs out of cells. Here, a series of nonequilibrium-driven molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are sophisticatedly combined to provide a generally effective access to quantitatively investigate such a complex biological process that has been posing a great challenge for experiments and computational simulations. Both common features and unique characteristics of multiple ligands (substrates or inhibitors) that are recognized by P-gps from mouse and human species are quantitatively explored, providing additional insights into experimentally suggested ligand transport pathways and summarizing the important roles of not only different P-gps but also lipids in regulating ligand transport. These findings reveal the molecular mechanism underlying the transport of ligands by P-gps from different species and emphasize the consideration of lipid effects on the future design of effective P-gp inhibitors.
Benchmark and integration of resources for the estimation of human transcription factor activities
Authors: Garcia-Alonso Luz , Holland Christian H. , Ibrahim Mahmoud M. , Turei Denes , Saez-Rodriguez Julio
Published: July 2019

The prediction of transcription factor (TF) activities from the gene expression of their targets (i.e., TF regulon) is becoming a widely used approach to characterize the functional status of transcriptional regulatory circuits. Several strategies and data sets have been proposed to link the target genes likely regulated by a TF, each one providing a different level of evidence. The most established ones are (1) manually curated repositories, (2) interactions derived from ChIP-seq binding data, (3) in silico prediction of TF binding on gene promoters, and (4) reverse-engineered regulons from large gene expression data sets. However, it is not known how these different sources of regulons affect the TF activity estimations and, thereby, downstream analysis and interpretation. Here we compared the accuracy and biases of these strategies to define human TF regulons by means of their ability to predict changes in TF activities in three reference benchmark data sets. We assembled a collection of TF–target interactions for 1541 human TFs and evaluated how different molecular and regulatory properties of the TFs, such as the DNA-binding domain, specificities, or mode of interaction with the chromatin, affect the predictions of TF activity. We assessed their coverage and found little overlap on the regulons derived from each strategy and better performance by literature-curated information followed by ChIP-seq data. We provide an integrated resource of all TF–target interactions derived through these strategies, with confidence scores, as a resource for enhanced prediction of TF activities.
Development of food products with addition of rapeseed presscake fermented by Rhizopus
Authors: Lücke Friedrich-Karl , Tannhäuser Kathrin , Sharma Amrita , Fritz Viktoria
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the prospects and limitations of consumer acceptance towards food products that have been enriched with rapeseed protein in the form of fermented rapeseed presscake.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 16 different food products with up to 18 per cent fermented rapeseed presscake were developed. Three types of vegetarian spreads and one type of bread were formulated, and consumer acceptance was assessed by sensory evaluation, questionnaires and in a focus group.

Findings

The fermentation of the rapeseed presscake by using the tempeh mould, Rhizopus oligosporus, had little if any effect on the bitterness of the presscake, and the bitter taste and aftertaste of the fermented presscake limited its use in food products. However, promising results were obtained when the breads and vegetarian spreads that were prepared with 5–6 per cent dried fermented rapeseed presscake were presented to sensory panels and to consumers, provided that the bitterness was masked, to some degree, by appropriate formulations and processes.

Research limitations/implications

Responders consisted mainly of younger people open to sustainable, plant-based nutrition, and may not represent the general population. Nevertheless, the results have implications for further research on utilization of rapeseed proteins.

Practical implications

It is possible to use the fermented rapeseed presscake to enrich various foods with protein or to replace other proteins, e.g. from animals or soybeans, provided that the degree of degradation of undesired compounds can be better standardized.

Originality/value

This study provides useful information for how to increase the use of underutilized plant proteins for human nutrition.
From Ossau and Iraty to PDO Ossau-Iraty
Authors: Millet Morgane
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how a geographical indication (GI) is built through time and how its (non)appropriation by local producers shapes it. The reciprocity of such process is also considered: how the creation of a GI changes local relationships between producers, within the GI and out of it? The case of Ossau-Iraty is relevant: in south-west of France, this protected designation of origin (PDO) has been based on two distinct regions: Bearn (Ossau) and Pays Basque (Iraty). Since then, most producers of Bearn have rejected this PDO.

Design/methodology/approach

The author adopts a diachronic perspective: the trajectory of the local dairy ewe sector is described, focusing on the trajectory of on-farm cheese makers from Bearn and Pays Basque and the trajectory of Ossau-Iraty. Based on different methods (qualitative interviews and archive research), this paper aims at analyzing the interactions within such heterogeneous networks.

Findings

When the PDO was created (1980), the opposition between producers of Bearn and Pays Basque was based on strong senses of place, which would be translated in a different perception of tradition: to Bearn producers, PDO Ossau-Iraty would be an industrial cheese, in which they did not recognize their product and themselves. With time, the producers who have been involved in the PDO worked on its specifications. The recognition of symbolic practices such as on-farm production or Summer pasture production, the recognition of differences between Basque cheese and Bearn cheese are changes that contribute to the evolution of perceptions within the local producers’ community. The author observes a recent convergence between Basque producers and Bearn producers, as their distinct products share common and strong qualifications within PDO Ossau-Iraty that contribute to their respective valorization. However, it seems to occur at an institutional level and the adhesion of the local producers might still be at stakes.

Research limitations/implications

A statistical study could reinforce the author’s exploratory and historical research. Furthermore, it would have been relevant to take local inhabitants and local consumers into account, as they have participated in the products’ qualifications as well.

Originality/value

A long-term analysis (40 years) contributes to better understand how cheeses are valorized and how such process is based on controversial processes. It contributes to root GIs into local histories, which are nor as consensual neither as uniform as we would primarily think, and to identity levers for sustainable local development.
A novel memristive true random number generator design
Authors: Cam Taskiran Zehra Gulru , Taşkıran Murat , Kıllıoğlu Mehmet , Kahraman Nihan , Sedef Herman
Published: July 2019

Purpose

In this work, a true random number generator is designed by sampling the double-scroll analog continuous-time chaotic circuit signals.

Methodology

A Chua circuit based on memristance simulator is designed to obtain a non-linear term for a chaotic dynamic system. It is implemented on the board by using commercially available integrated circuits and passive elements. A low precision ADC which is commonly found in the market is used to sample the chaotic signals. The mathematical analysis of the chaotic circuit is verified by experimental results.

Originality

It is aimed to be one of the pioneering studies (including low precision ADC) in the literature on the implementation of memristive chaotic random number generators.

Findings

Two new methods are proposed for post-processing and creating random bit array using XOR operator and J-K flip flop. The bit stream obtained by a full-hardware implementation successfully passed the NIST-800-22 test. In this respect, the availability of the memristance simulator circuit, memristive chaotic double-scroll attractor, proposed random bit algorithm and the randomness of the memristive analog continuous-time chaotic true number generator were also verified.
Lattice Boltzmann modeling of convective flows in a large-scale cavity heated from below by two imposed temperature profiles
Authors: Abouricha Noureddine , El Alami Mustapha , Souhar Khalid
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to model the convective flows in a room equipped by a glass door and a heated floor of length l = 0.8 × H and submitted to a sinusoidal temperature profile and mono alternative temperature profile.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opts for a numerical study of convective flows in a large scale cavity using the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) by considering a two dimensions (2D) square cavity of side H and filled by air (Pr = 0.71). All the vertical walls, the ceiling and the rest of the floor are thermally insulated, the hot portion of length l = 0.8×H is heated with two imposed temperature profiles of amplitude values 0.2 ≤  a  ≤ 0.6 and for two different periods ζ = ζ0 and ζ = 0.4×ζ0. One of the vertical walls has a cold portion θc = 0 that represents the glass door.

Findings

A systematic study of the flow structure and heat transfer is carried out considering principal control parameters: amplitude “a” and period ζ for Rayleigh number Ra = 108. Effects of these parameters on results are presented in terms of isotherms, streamlines, profiles of velocities, temperature in the cavity, global and local Nusselt number. It has been found that an increase in amplitude or period increases the amplitude of the temperature in the core of cavity. The Nusselt number increases when the amplitude “a” of the imposed temperature increases, but this later is not affected by variation of the period.

Originality/value

The authors used LBM to simulate the convective flows in a cavity at high Ra, heated from below by tow imposed temperature profiles. Indeed, they simulate a local equipped by a solar water heater (SWH). The floor is subjected to a periodic heating: Sinusoidal heating (Case 1) for which the temperature varies sinusoidally (SWH without a supplement), and mono alternation heating (Case 2), the temperature evolves like a redressed signal (SWH with a supplement). The considered method has been successfully validated and compared with the previous work. The study has been conducted using several control parameters such as the signal amplitude and period in the case of turbulent convection. This allowed us to obtain a considerable set of results that can be used for engineering.