bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence of cryptic incidence in childhood diseases
Authors: Gunning Christian E. , Ferrari Matthew J. , Erhardt Erik B. , Wearing Helen J.
Published: August 2017

Persistence and extinction are key processes in infectious disease dynamics that, owing to incomplete reporting, are seldom directly observable. For fully immunizing diseases, reporting probabilities can be readily estimated from demographic records and case reports. Yet reporting probabilities are not sufficient to unambiguously reconstruct disease incidence from case reports. Here, we focus on disease presence (i.e. marginal probability of non-zero incidence), which provides an upper bound on the marginal probability of disease extinction. We examine measles and pertussis in pre-vaccine era United States (US) cities, and describe a conserved scaling relationship between population size, reporting probability and observed presence (i.e. non-zero case reports). We use this relationship to estimate disease presence given perfect reporting, and define cryptic presence as the difference between estimated and observed presence. We estimate that, in early twentieth century US cities, pertussis presence was higher than measles presence across a range of population sizes, and that cryptic presence was common in small cities with imperfect reporting. While the methods employed here are specific to fully immunizing diseases, our results suggest that cryptic incidence deserves careful attention, particularly in diseases with low case counts, poor reporting and longer infectious periods.
Effects of early-life competition and maternal nutrition on telomere lengths in wild meerkats
Authors: Cram Dominic L. , Monaghan Pat , Gillespie Robert , Clutton-Brock Tim
Published: August 2017

Early-life adversity can affect health, survival and fitness later in life, and recent evidence suggests that telomere attrition may link early conditions with their delayed consequences. Here, we investigate the link between early-life competition and telomere length in wild meerkats. Our results show that, when multiple females breed concurrently, increases in the number of pups in the group are associated with shorter telomeres in pups. Given that pups from different litters compete for access to milk, we tested whether this effect is due to nutritional constraints on maternal milk production, by experimentally supplementing females' diets during gestation and lactation. While control pups facing high competition had shorter telomeres, the negative effects of pup number on telomere lengths were absent when maternal nutrition was experimentally improved. Shortened pup telomeres were associated with reduced survival to adulthood, suggesting that early-life competition for nutrition has detrimental fitness consequences that are reflected in telomere lengths. Dominant females commonly kill pups born to subordinates, thereby reducing competition and increasing growth rates of their own pups. Our work suggests that an additional benefit of infanticide may be that it also reduces telomere shortening caused by competition for resources, with associated benefits for offspring ageing profiles and longevity.
Full Likelihood Inference from the Site Frequency Spectrum based on the Optimal Tree Resolution
Authors: Sainudiin Raazesh , Véber Amandine
Published: August 2017

We develop a novel importance sampler to compute the full likelihood function of a demographic or structural scenario given the site frequency spectrum (SFS) at a locus free of intra-locus recombination. This sampler, instead of representing the hidden genealogy of a sample of individuals by a labelled binary tree, uses the minimal level of information about such a tree that is needed for the likelihood of the SFS and thus takes advantage of the huge reduction in the size of the state space that needs to be integrated. We assume that the population may have demographically changed and may be non-panmictically structured, as reflected by the branch lengths and the topology of the genealogical tree of the sample, respectively. We also assume that mutations conform to the infinitely-many-sites model. We achieve this by a controlled Markov process that generates ‘particles’ in the hidden space of SFS histories which are always compatible with the observed SFS.

To produce the particles, we use Aldous’ Beta-splitting model for a one parameter family of prior distributions over genealogical topologies or shapes (including that of the Kingman coalescent) and allow the branch lengths or epoch times to have a parametric family of priors specified by a model of demography (including exponential growth and bottleneck models). Assuming independence across unlinked loci, we can estimate the likelihood of a population scenario based on a large collection of independent SFS by an importance sampling scheme, using the (unconditional) distribution of the genealogies under this scenario when the latter is available. When it is not available, we instead compute the joint likelihood of the tree balance parameterβassuming that the tree topology follows Aldous’ Beta-splitting model, and of the demographic scenario determining the distribution of the inter-coalescence times or epoch times in the genealogy of a sample, in order to at least distinguish different equivalence classes of population scenarios leading to different tree balances and epoch times. Simulation studies are conducted to demonstrate the capabilities of the approach with publicly available code.
CXCR4involvement in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Bonham Luke W , Karch Celeste M. , Fan Chun C. , Tan Chin Hong , Geier Ethan G. , Wang Yunpeng , Wen Natalie , Broce Iris J. , Li Yi , Barkovich Matthew J. , Ferrari Raffaele , Hardy John , Hardy John , Hardy John , Hardy John , Momeni Parastoo , Höeglinger Günter , Müller Ulrich , Hess Christopher P. , Sugrue Leo P. , Dillon William P. , Schellenberg Gerard D. , Miller Bruce L. , Andreassen Ole A. , Dale Anders M. , James Barkovich A. , Yokoyama Jennifer S. , Desikan Rahul S.
Published: August 2017

Neurodegenerative diseases likely share common underlying pathobiology. Although prior work has identified susceptibility loci associated with various dementias, few, if any, studies have systematically evaluated shared genetic risk across several neurodegenerative diseases. Using genome-wide association data from large studies (total n = 82,337 cases and controls), we utilized a previously validated approach to identify genetic overlap and reveal common pathways between progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In addition to theMAPTH1 haplotype, we identified a variant near the chemokine receptorCXCR4that was jointly associated with increased risk for PSP and PD. Using bioinformatics tools, we found strong physical interactions betweenCXCR4and four microglia related genes, namelyCXCL12,TLR2, RALBandCCR5.Evaluating gene expression from post-mortem brain tissue, we found that expression ofCXCR4and microglial genes functionally related toCXCR4was dysregulated across a number of neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, in a mouse model of tauopathy, expression ofCXCR4and functionally associated genes was significantly altered in regions of the mouse brain that accumulate neurofibrillary tangles most robustly. BeyondMAPT, we show dysregulation ofCXCR4expression in PSP, PD, and FTD brains, and mouse models of tau pathology. Our multi-modal findings suggest that abnormal signaling across a ‘network’ of microglial genes may contribute to neurodegeneration and may have potential implications for clinical trials targeting immune dysfunction in patients with neurodegenerative diseases.
Hemimetabolous genomes reveal molecular basis of termite eusociality
Authors: Harrison Mark C , Jongepier Evelien , Robertson Hugh M. , Arning Nicolas , Bitard-Feildel Tristan , Chao Hsu , Childers Christopher P. , Dinh Huyen , Doddapaneni Harshavardhan , Dugan Shannon , Gowin Johannes , Greiner Carolin , Han Yi , Hu Haofu , Hughes Daniel S.T. , Huylmans Ann-Kathrin , Kemena Carsten , Kremer Lukas P.M. , Lee Sandra L. , Lopez-Ezquerra Alberto , Mallet Ludovic , Monroy-Kuhn Jose M. , Moser Annabell , Murali Shwetha C. , Muzny Donna M. , Otani Saria , Piulachs Maria-Dolors , Poelchau Monica , Qu Jiaxin , Schaub Florentine , Wada-Katsumata Ayako , Worley Kim C. , Xie Qiaolin , Ylla Guillem , Poulsen Michael , Gibbs Richard A. , Schal Coby , Richards Stephen , Belles Xavier , Korb Judith , Bornberg-Bauer Erich
Published: August 2017

Around 150 million years ago, eusocial termites evolved from within the cockroaches, 50 million years before eusocial Hymenoptera, such as bees and ants, appeared. Here, we report the first, 2GB genome of a cockroach,Blattella germanica, and the 1.3GB genome of the drywood termite,Cryptotermes secundus. We show evolutionary signatures of termite eusociality by comparing the genomes and transcriptomes of three termites and the cockroach against the background of 16 other eusocial and non-eusocial insects. Dramatic adaptive changes in genes underlying the production and perception of pheromones confirm the importance of chemical communication in the termites. These are accompanied by major changes in gene regulation and the molecular evolution of caste determination. Many of these results parallel molecular mechanisms of eusocial evolution in Hymenoptera. However, the specific solutions are remarkably different, thus revealing a striking case of convergence in one of the major evolutionary transitions in biological complexity.
Photoperiodic control of the Arabidopsis proteome reveals a translational coincidence mechanism
Authors: Seaton Daniel D , Graf Alexander , Baerenfaller Katja , Stitt Mark , Millar Andrew J. , Gruissem Wilhelm
Published: August 2017

Plants respond to seasonal cues, such as the photoperiod, to adapt to current conditions and to prepare for environmental changes in the season to come. To assess photoperiodic responses at the protein level, we quantified the proteome of the model plantArabidopsis thalianaby mass spectrometry across four photoperiods. This revealed coordinated changes of abundance in proteins of photosynthesis, primary and secondary metabolism, including pigment biosynthesis, consistent with higher metabolic activity in long photoperiods. Higher translation rates in the daytime than the night likely contribute to these changes via rhythmic changes in RNA abundance. Photoperiodic control of protein levels might be greatest only if high translation rates coincide with high transcript levels in some photoperiods. We term this proposed mechanism ´translational coincidence´, mathematically model its components, and demonstrate its effect on the Arabidopsis proteome. Datasets from a green alga and a cyanobacterium suggest that translational coincidence contributes to seasonal control of the proteome in many phototrophic organisms. This may explain why many transcripts but not their cognate proteins exhibit diurnal rhythms.
Exome sequencing and genotyping identify a rare variant inNLRP7gene associated with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Onoufriadis Alexandros , Stone Kristina , Katsiamides Antreas , Amar Ariella , Omar Yasmin , de Lange Katrina , Taylor Kirstin , Barrett Jeffrey C. , Pollok Richard , Hayee Bu’Hussain , Mansfield John C. , Sanderson Jeremy D. , Simpson Michael A. , Mathew Christopher G. , Prescott Natalie J.
Published: August 2017

Background and aims

Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have identified a large number of common disease susceptibility alleles for both Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), a substantial fraction of IBD heritability remains unexplained, suggesting that rare coding genetic variants may also have a role in pathogenesis. We used high-throughput sequencing in families with multiple cases of IBD, followed by genotyping of cases and controls, to investigate whether rare protein altering genetic variants are associated with susceptibility to IBD.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing was carried out in 10 families in which 3 or more individuals were affected with IBD. A stepwise filtering approach was applied to exome variants to identify potential causal variants. Follow-up genotyping was performed in 6,025 IBD cases (2,948 CD; 3,077 UC) and 7,238 controls.

Results

Our exome variant analysis revealed coding variants in theNLRP7gene that were present in affected individuals in two distinct families. Genotyping of the two variants, p.S361L and p.R801H, in IBD cases and controls showed that the p.S361L variant was significantly associated with an increased risk of ulcerative colitis (odds ratio 4.79, p=0.0039) and IBD (odds ratio 3.17, p=0.037). A combined analysis of both variants showed suggestive association with an increased risk of IBD (odds ratio 2.77, p=0.018).

Conclusions

The results suggest thatNLRP7signalling and inflammasome formation may be a significant component in the pathogenesis of IBD.
Cheater-altruist synergy in immunopathogenic ecological public goods games
Authors: Morsky Bryce , Vural Dervis Can
Published: August 2017

Much research has focused on the deleterious effects of free-riding in public goods games, and a variety of mechanisms that suppresses cheating behavior. Here we argue that under certain conditions cheating behavior can be beneficial to the population. In a public goods game, cheaters do not pay for the cost of the public goods, yet they receive the benefit. Although this free-riding harms the entire population in the long run, the success of cheaters may aid the population when there is a common enemy that antagonizes both cooperators and cheaters. Here we study models in which an immune system antagonizes a cooperating pathogen. We investigate three population dynamics models, and determine under what conditions the presence of cheaters help defeat the immune system. The mechanism of action is that a polymorphism of cheaters and altruists optimizes the average growth rate. Our results give support for a possible synergy between cooperators and cheaters in ecological public goods games.
Brokerage-based value creation: the case of a Danish offshore business network
Authors: Gretzinger Susanne , Leick Birgit
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Social capital plays an important role in transforming knowledge within and across inter-firm business networks in industries. The purpose of this paper is to explore different kinds of transfer mechanism such as “bonding,” “bridging,” and “protecting” within a case network of the Danish offshore windmill industry. Its aim is to describe how these mechanisms interactively support value co-creation among the involved enterprises and how social capital, residing in the relationships between actors from the firms, is influenced by the different transfer mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

Based upon a single case study, the paper demonstrates “bonding,” “bridging,” and “protecting” as distinct, yet related, mechanisms for inter-firm business networking. The sample used covers selected key actors from the network as well as third-party experts from the Danish windmill industry, which together represent the most important knowledge-offering and knowledge-demanding domains.

Findings

Activities associated with “bridging” and “bonding” clearly matter for creating value for the business network and the industry alike, as they are supportive of strategic capability development (for instance, high-skilled work). While producers and supply companies apply such “bridging,” “bonding,” and additional “protecting” mechanisms based upon their predominant position, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), however, need to shape teams to do so. A major finding of the study is, thus, that team-based interrelationships among SMEs activate “bridging,” “bonding.” and “protecting” initiatives which are particularly supportive of capability improvement and industry growth. They enable the transfer of relevant capabilities between different projects where actors within SMEs organizations learn to activate and use such knowledge transfer mechanisms. Moreover, asymmetrical dependency-relationships can be partly overcome by shaping and using the mechanisms on the part of SMEs in the network.

Originality/value

To date, brokerage is still an under-explored topic with regard to inter-firm business networks. This case study contributes to the research by illustrating important and distinct qualitative aspects of brokerage, which are conceptualized as “bonding,” “bridging,” and “protecting” initiatives on the part of brokers. The study highlights that not only strong actors with central positions can step into the role as a broker. Even less resourceful actors within asymmetrical relations can act as broker and compensate a lack of resources or strengthen their position within the industry network. Consequently, value co-creating processes within industry networks can also be boosted by brokerage initiated by small companies.
Practice or lip service: exploring collaboration perspectives in purchasing
Authors: Boyce Wesley S. , Mundy Ray A.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to convey a sample of current collaboration perspectives in purchasing. The purchasing function has a critical role to play in collaborative relationships since it is a key facet of any given supply chain. These relationships may be beneficial when coordinated actions benefit buyers, suppliers, and the entire supply chain more than the uncoordinated efforts of individual firms. Despite the commonly reported benefits that can be gained in close relationships, recent research has indicated that collaboration attempts between firms in supply chains have not been as widespread as anticipated.

Design/methodology/approach

This research investigates the progress the purchasing function has made in achieving collaborative supply chain relationships. Input is gained from purchasing professionals via semi-structured interviews of procurement professionals. Grounded theory is used to deduct key themes from the interviews.

Findings

Results from a small sample size of nine interviews indicate that collaboration in purchasing has not yet reached the theoretical ideal, and it is suggested that key issues such as trust still do not exist at levels that would be appropriate to support collaborative relationships.

Research limitations/implications

This paper can be used as a basis to support further analysis that may broaden the scope of input from purchasing professionals. It is also difficult to draw generalizations from an interview method, and the sampling technique utilized limited the pool of potential interviewees to a sample size of nine semi-structured interviews.

Practical implications

This paper provides insights that purchasing professionals and those that deal with them can consider when engaging in supply chain relationships. It provides potential insights into where the purchasing function stands in its use of a collaborative strategy.

Originality/value

This paper focuses specifically on how the purchasing function is utilizing collaboration by gathering input from purchasing professionals. This practical viewpoint provides a realistic perspective that complements previous research on collaboration.
Maintenance management system (MMS) to support facilities management at Malaysian polytechnic
Authors: Ismail Zul-Atfi
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Conventional methods practiced by the Development and Facilities Management Unit (UPPF) have faced issues due to management deficiencies and incompetent staff members who were unable to handle facilities management assessment processes at Malaysian Polytechnics. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The prime objective of this paper is to improve the conventional methods which tend to be both cumbersome and ineffective in the UPPF Maintenance Management Systems (MMSs) at Malaysian Polytechnics. Primary data were gathered through interviews to develop the proposed system. Eight Polytechnics were selected based on major problems arising from using conventional methods. A comparison was then conducted to investigate the maintenance management practices at each Polytechnic. There are around 32 Polytechnics in Malaysia and most are using conventional methods.

Findings

The major conclusion drawn from the interview results was that comprehensive MMSs are lacking, specifically those that integrate operation and maintenance (O&M) processes of facilities management and software programming that provides guidelines for decision-making processes. The interview results also revealed irregularities within the Malaysian Polytechnics’ maintenance management database. This paper explores the concepts of Electronic Form Defect Assessment (E-Form Defect Assessment), relational databases and online customer complaints to adapt their role as dynamic maintenance management tools.

Originality/value

The paper concludes that the developed system is able to accommodate recording of data, such as complaints and specific items needed for maintenance, through the internet and intranet. MMSs potentially transform facilities management O&M processes into one of the most sophisticated technologies by providing access to all information published by each Malaysian Polytechnic institution. This technology was established in order to foster financial cooperation with the idea being that Polytechnics which compete with one another become financially interdependent with the goal of promoting successful facilities management in the construction of new facilities and infrastructure.
Risk factors for multidrug‐resistant Gram‐negative infection in burn patients
Authors: Vickers Mark L. , Dulhunty Joel M. , Ballard Emma , Chapman Paul , Muller Michael , Roberts Jason A. , Cotta Menino O.
Published: August 2017

Background

Infection with multidrug‐resistant (MDR) Gram‐negative organisms leads to poorer outcomes in the critically ill burn patient. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for MDR Gram‐negative pathogen infection in critically ill burn patients admitted to a major tertiary referral intensive care unit (ICU) in Australia.

Methods

A retrospective case–control study of all adult burn patients admitted over a 7‐year period was conducted. Twenty‐one cases that cultured an MDR Gram‐negative organism were matched with 21 controls of similar age, gender, burn size and ICU stay. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to individually assess risk factors after adjusting for Acute Burn Severity Index. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were reported. P‐values < 0.25 were considered as potentially important risk factors.

Results

Factors increasing the risk of MDR Gram‐negative infection included superficial partial thickness burn size (OR: 1.08; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.16; P‐value: 0.034), prior meropenem exposure (OR: 10.39; 95% CI: 0.96–112.00; P‐value: 0.054), Gram‐negative colonization on admission (OR: 9.23; 95% CI: 0.65–130.15; P‐value: 0.10) and escharotomy (OR: 2.66; 95% CI: 0.52–13.65; P‐value: 0.24). For cases, mean age was 41 (SD: 13) years, mean total body surface area burned was 47% (SD: 18) and mean days in ICU until MDR specimen collection was 17 (SD: 10) days.

Conclusion

Prior meropenem exposure, Gram‐negative colonization on admission, escharotomy and superficial partial thickness burn size may be potentially important factors for increasing the risk of MDR Gram‐negative infection in the critically ill burn patient.
The AB Portable Driver Generates Higher Drive‐Line Pressures Possibly Leading to Accelerated Hemolysis
Authors: Goda Motohiko , Yabu Naoto , Tominaga Norihisa , Machida Daisuke , Isomatsu Yukihisa , Suzuki Shinichi , Nitta Manabu , Komura Naohiro , Nakayama Naoki , Kiyokuni Masayoshi , Sugano Teruyasu , Masuda Munetaka
Published: August 2017

The AB5000 Circulatory Support System is paracorporeal pulsatile ventricular assist device. The AB Portable Driver is a portable console for this system. We experienced two cases with accelerated hemolysis while receiving support by the AB Portable Driver. The purpose of this study was to clarify the mechanical differences associated with the hemolysis between the AB5000 console and the AB Portable Driver. The mock circulatory system modeled by an AB5000 ventricle and a blood sampling bag of vinyl chloride was run with an AB5000 console or AB Portable Driver. The peak drive‐line pressure, the mean arterial cannula pressure and the pumping rate of the VAD were recorded. The AB5000 console generated a peak drive‐line pressure of 280–300 mm Hg in LVAD mode and 210–220 mm Hg in RVAD mode, approximately 100 mm Hg lower than officially documented. In contrast, the AB Portable Driver generated pressures of 310–330 mm Hg in LVAD mode and 230–250 mm Hg in RVAD mode, 65–95 mm Hg higher than officially documented. The AB Portable Driver console generates higher drive‐line pressures than the AB5000 console, possibly explaining the accelerated hemolysis.
Long‐term evaluation of osteotome sinus floor elevation and simultaneous placement of implants without bone grafts: 10‐Year radiographic and clinical follow‐up
Authors: Caban Janusz , Fermergård Robert , Abtahi Jahan
Published: August 2017

Background

Insertion of an implant in the edentulous posterior maxilla is a challenging procedure because of poor bone quality and increased pneumatization of the maxillary sinus after tooth extraction. To increase the amount of bone, several surgical bone grafting techniques have been used―with considerable morbidity for patients. Osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) is a less invasive technique. The clinical and radiographic outcome of 53 implants placed with this technique without bone graft has been reported previously.

Purpose

Here we report the clinical and radiographic findings after 10 years of implant load bearing.

Material and methods

In a retrospective study, 34 Astra implants in 25 patients were subjected to 10‐year follow‐up radiologically and clinically. Each patient received 1 or 2 conical Astra implants. The level of the marginal bone and the height of the residual peri‐implant alveolar bone (RPAB) for each implant were measured from digital intra‐oral radiographs.

Results

Two implants in edentulous patients were lost at the 1‐year follow‐up, and 1 more at the 3‐year examination. There was no loss between 3‐year and 10‐year follow‐up. At 10‐year follow‐up 36 implants were included. Implants used in single‐tooth replacements and in partially edentulous cases had a 100% survival rate. The mean marginal bone loss was 0.6 ± 0.8 mm. The bone height at the time of implant insertion ranged from 1.8 to 6.9 mm, with a mean value of 4.3 ± 1.0 mm. At 10‐year follow‐up the mean gain in bone at the implant sites for all implants was 2.6 ± 1.2 mm.

Conclusions

The OSFE technique is a reliable method for rehabilitation of patients with atrophied posterior maxilla. However, the success of this method is associated with the amount of the residual bone. In the present study, this surgical approach without bone graft showed reliable long‐term results with Astra implants.
Movement, distribution and marine reserve use by an endangered migratory giant
Authors: Reynolds Samantha D. , Norman Bradley M. , Beger Maria , Franklin Craig E. , Dwyer Ross G.
Published: August 2017

Aim

Understanding the spatial and temporal variation in the distribution of migratory species is critical for management and conservation efforts. However, challenges in observing mobile marine species throughout their migratory pathways can impede the identification of critical habitat, linkages between these habitats and threat‐mitigation strategies. This study aimed to gain insight into the long‐term residency and movement patterns of the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) and to reveal important habitat in the context of R. typus usage of existing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Location

South‐eastern Indian Ocean.

Methods

Satellite telemetry was used to remotely track the long‐term movements of 29 R. typus, and to quantify shark usage of the existing MPA network. From the tracking data and environmental predictors, nonlinear models were developed to predict suitable R. typus habitat throughout the south‐eastern Indian Ocean.

Results

This study includes the first documented complete return migrations by R. typus to Ningaloo Marine Park, which was found to be an important area for R. typus all year‐round. We found that while existing MPAs along Australia's west coast do afford some protection to R. typus, telemetry‐based habitat models revealed large areas of suitable habitat not currently protected, particularly along the Western Australian coast, in the Timor Sea, and in Indonesian and international waters.

Main conclusions

Animal‐borne telemetric devices allowed the gathering of long‐term spatial information from the elusive and highly mobile R. typus, revealing the spatial scale of their migration in the south‐eastern Indian Ocean. Suitable habitat was predicted to occur inside conservation areas, but our findings indicate that the current MPA network may not sufficiently protect R. typus throughout the year. We suggest that telemetry‐based habitat models can be an important tool to inform conservation planning and spatial management efforts for migratory species.
Does artificial light pollution impair problem‐solving success in peafowl?
Authors: Yorzinski Jessica L. , Ordonez Kimberly A. , Chema Kailey T.
Published: August 2017

Behavioral innovations allow animals to adjust their behavior to solve novel problems. While innovative behavior can be important for animals living in new environments, anthropogenic pollution may limit their ability to adapt by impairing cognition or motivation. In particular, exposure to light pollution at night can cause sleep deprivation and may, therefore, hinder innovative behavior. To test this hypothesis, we examined experimentally whether exposure to acute light pollution impacts problem‐solving success in peafowl (Pavo cristatus). After peafowl were exposed to artificial light pollution for one night, they were presented with a problem‐solving task in which they could extract food by piercing the lid of an unfamiliar food bowl. Their problem‐solving success was unrelated to short‐term light pollution exposure. Other factors, including persistence, sex of the bird, and moon illumination, influenced their success in solving the task. The results suggest that short‐term exposure to light pollution does not limit behavioral innovation, but long‐term studies are necessary to further probe this question.
Adaptive parasitic manipulation as exemplified by acanthocephalans
Authors: Bakker Theo C. M. , Frommen Joachim G. , Thünken Timo
Published: August 2017

Parasites with complex life cycles often change intermediate host traits in order to enhance their transmission to the next host. Acanthocephalans are excellent examples of such parasitic manipulation. Here, we summarise evidence for adaptive parasitic manipulation in this group, provide a comprehensive overview of intermediate host traits affected by these parasites and discuss critical items for parasitic manipulation such as avoidance of infected prey by target hosts and transmission to dead‐end hosts.
Location of white matter changes and response to donepezil in patients with Alzheimer's disease: A retrospective and observational study
Authors: Wu Meng‐Ni , Kao Yi‐Hui , Chou Ping‐Song , Lin Tzu‐Chao , Kao Lin‐Li , Yang Yuan‐Han
Published: August 2017

Aim

The response to donepezil in patients with Alzheimer's disease varies, and it is important to identify the potential responder before therapy. Cerebral white matter changes (WMC) are frequently observed in older patients, and the effect of WMC on therapeutic response remains controversial. The present study aimed to investigate the relationships between the location of WMC, severe WMC and the response to donepezil.

Methods

Among 418 patients with Alzheimer's disease receiving donepezil, 196 patients were eligible for analysis. Five brain areas on each side were analyzed using computed tomography scans and the Age‐Related White Matter Changes Rating Scale before therapy. The Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument was used annually. Patients were defined as responders if their baseline Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument score minus their follow‐up Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument score was ≤0.

Results

There was no significant difference in demographic data between responder and non‐responder groups. Patients in the responder group had significantly less involvement of WMC in the frontal area (P = 0.0213) and nearly a trend for less involvement of WMC in the basal ganglia (P = 0.1103). After adjustment for age, sex, education, polymorphism of apolipoprotein E, hypertension and diabetes, WMC in the frontal area (OR 0.446, P = 0.0139) and basal ganglia (OR 0.243, P = 0.0380) were significantly associated with a reduced therapeutic response.

Conclusions

Patients with WMC in the frontal area and basal ganglia had significant decreases in their therapeutic response to donepezil. The location of WMC, independent of their severity, might be associated with the therapeutic response in patient with Alzheimer's disease. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 123–129.
Various pathophysiological states of acute symptomatic seizures immediately after ischemic stroke, namely “onset seizures,” shown by complementary use of peri‐ictal magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography
Authors: Murao Kei , Morioka Takato , Shimogawa Takafumi , Furuta Yoshihiko , Haga Sei , Sakata Ayumi , Arihiro Shoji , Arakawa Shuji
Published: August 2017

Background

“Onset seizures” are acute symptomatic seizures occurring within 24 h after the onset of ischemic stroke, and their pathophysiological states are unknown. Electroencephalography is commonly used to diagnose epileptic activities; however, it is limited for use with acute stroke. Magnetic resonance imaging, including diffusion‐weighted imaging and perfusion imaging with arterial spin labeling, are applied mainly in an emergency. Ictal hyperperfusion on arterial spin labeling and cortical hyperintensity of cytotoxic edema on diffusion‐weighted imaging, peri‐ictally, can be obtained from an epileptically activated cortex.

Aim

We aimed to show pathophysiological states of onset seizures by complementary use of peri‐ictal magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography.

Methods

Four patients diagnosed as onset seizures underwent an initial magnetic resonance imaging and subsequent electroencephalography.

Results

In case 1, having persistent non‐convulsive status epilepticus after control of onset seizures, ictal magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography findings clearly showed the topographical relationship between the acute atherothrombotic infarction and the peri‐infarction activated cortex. In case 2, with multiple embolic strokes in the bifrontal lobes, prolonged arterial spin labeling hyper signals were observed in the perirolandic area of the right leg; cortical hyperintensity on diffusion‐weighted imaging and paroxysmal activities on electroencephalography were not shown. In cases 3 and 4, postictal hypoperfusion was shown in the large extent involving the multiple embolic infarctions. Because the epileptic cortex was located in the convexity, electroencephalography clearly showed inter‐ictal paroxysms in case 3, and localized slow wave in case 4.

Conclusion

The present study shows that the complementary use of peri‐ictal arterial spin labeling/diffusion‐weighted imaging and electroencephalography potentially offers the ability to document the various pathophysiological states of onset seizure.
Serious hyponatremia induced by a combination of angiotensin II receptor blocker and thiazide caused deterioration of cognitive functions and psychological symptoms in an elderly Alzheimer's disease patient
Authors: Sato Kota , Takemoto Mami , Hishikawa Nozomi , Ohta Yasuyuki , Yamashita Toru , Abe Koji
Published: August 2017

As the number of elderly people increases, Alzheimer's disease and hypertension have become more common. This is an important case report that shows severe hyponatremia induced by a combination of angiotensin II receptor blocker and thiazide, causing the deterioration of cognitive functions in an elderly patient. In rapidly aging societies around the world, more attention should be paid to hyponatremia under combination therapy of angiotensin II receptor blocker plus thiazide to assist elderly patients.
Assessment and implications of social withdrawal in early childhood: A first look at social avoidance
Authors: Coplan Robert J. , Ooi Laura L. , Xiao Bowen , Rose‐Krasnor Linda
Published: August 2017

The goals of the present research were to: (a) develop and provide preliminary validation of a parent‐rated measure of social avoidance in early childhood; and (b) to evaluate a conceptual model of the direct and indirect links among young children's social withdrawal (shyness, unsociability, social avoidance), peer problems, and indices of internalizing problems (social anxiety, depression). Participants were N = 564 children (272 boys, 292 girls; Mage = 67.29 mos, SD = 11.70) attending kindergarten and Grade 1 classes in public schools in southeastern Ontario, Canada. A new subscale assessing social avoidance was added to an existing parent‐rated measure of children's social withdrawal. Indices of children's socioemotional functioning were provided by parents and teachers. Among the results, the revised measure of multiple forms of social withdrawal demonstrated good psychometric properties, moderate stability 16 months later, and evidence of validity. Shyness, unsociability, and social avoidance also displayed differential patterns of associations with indices of children's socioemotional functioning. Results are discussed in terms of the assessment and implications of different forms of social withdrawal in early childhood.
AN EXPONENTIALLY WEIGHTED MOVING AVERAGE METHOD WITH DESIGNED INPUT DATA ASSIGNMENTS FOR FORECASTING LIME PRICES IN THAILAND
Authors: Booranawong Thitima , Booranawong Apidet
Published: August 2017

In this paper, the Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) method with designed input data assignments (i.e. the proposed method) is presented to forecast lime prices in Thailand during January 2016 to December 2016. The lime prices from January 2011 to December 2015 as the input data are gathered from the website’s database of Simummuang market, which is one of the big markets in Thailand. The novelty of our paper is that although the performance of the EWMA method significantly decreases when applying to forecast data which show trend and seasonality behaviors and the EWMA method is used for short-range forecasting (i.e. usually one month into the future), the proposed method can properly handle such mentioned problems. For this purpose, to forecast lime prices, five different input data are intently defined before assigned to the EWMA method: a) the monthly data of the year 2015 (i.e. the recent year data), b) the average monthly data of the year 2011 to 2015, c) the median of the monthly data of the year 2011 to 2015, d) the monthly data of the year 2011 to 2015 after applying the linear weighting factor, where the higher weight value is applied to the recent data, and e) the average monthly data of the year 2011 to 2015 after applying the exponential weighting factor, where the higher weight is also applied to the recent data. These designed input data are used as agents of the raw data. Our study reveals that using the input data b) with the EWMA method to forecast lime prices during January 2016 to September 2016 gives the smallest forecasting error measured by the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). Forecasted lime prices of October 2016 to December 2016 are also provided. Additionally, we demonstrate that the proposed method works well compared with the Double Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (DEWMA), the Multiplicative Holt-Winters (MHW), and the Additive Holt-Winters (AHW) methods, which are suitably used for forecasting data with the trend and the seasonality.
A REVIEW OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM SPP. INFECTION IN LIVESTOCK
Authors: Raja Abdul Rahman Raja Nur Rahifah Inani , Md Isa Muhammad Lokman , Mat Yusof Afzan
Published: August 2017

Cryptosporidium infection is a major problem in neonatal ruminants. Cryptosporidium is a zoonotic small protozoan parasite (4-6µm) that inhabit microvillus border of epithelium mucosal in many vertebrates including livestock. Cryptosporidium spp. is known as one of the most common water and foodborne diseases. It is a common cause diarrhea in human and animals. This review highlights the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection livestock particularly in cattle, goats, sheep and buffaloes are explained in this review paper including the clinical and pathological features and the interaction of Cryptosporidium spp. with other enteropathogens. The information about the transmission, epidemiological factors of the infection and economic losses are also discussed in this paper. Cryptosporidium infection is a major problem in livestock as the infection causes neonatal diarrhea syndrome. Cryptosporidium infections in small ruminants may be a source for cryptosporidiosis in human. Since there is a lack of effective drug available to treat cryptosporidiosis, application of proper effective management is a must to prevent the spread of cryptosporidiosis among the livestock.
IMPROVEMENT OF QUADROTOR PERFORMANCE WITH FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM USING PARTICLE SWARM PROPORTIONAL-INTEGRAL-DERIVATIVE (PS-PID)
Authors: Adriansyah Andi , Amin Shamsudin H. M. , Minarso Anwar , Ihsanto Eko
Published: August 2017

The rapid development of microprocessor, electrical, sensors and advanced control technology make a quadrotor fast expansion. Unfortunately, a quadrotor is unstable and impossible to fly in fully open loop system. PID controller is one of methodology that has been proposed to control the flight control system. Unfortunately, adjustment of PID parameters for robust control performance is not easy and still problems. The paper proposed a flight controller system based on a PID controller. The PID parameters are tuned automatically using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). Objective of this method is to improve the flight control system performance. Several experiments have been performed. According to these experiments the proposed system able to generate optimal and reliable PID parameters for robust flight controller. The system also has 41.57 % improvement in settling time response.
NEAR SURFACE MOUNTED BAMBOO REINFORCEMENT FOR FLEXURAL STRENGTHENING OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS
Authors: Haryanto Yanuar , Gan Buntara Sthenly , Widyaningrum Arnie , Maryoto Agus
Published: August 2017

Near Surface Mounted (NSM) is a technique performed for the installation of strengthening material into grooves cut into the concrete cover of reinforced concrete (RC) beams bonded using a bonding agent. This technique is becoming more widely recognized because of its efficiency, effectiveness, and ease of application. We investigated flexural strengthening of RC beams with the NSM technique using bamboo reinforcements, through both experimental tests and a finite element analysis (FEA). The experimental tests were carried out on three RC beams, one consisting of a control beam, and the other two strengthened by the NSM technique with two steel reinforcements, and four bamboo reinforcements. From the experimental tests, we found that the flexural strength of the beam with NSM bamboo reinforcements was increased by 41.7% and the deflection ductility index was reduced by 21.55%. The mode of failure observed in all the strengthened beams was a flexural failure. Finally, the result of FEA behaved similarly to the results of the experimental test.
EARTH OBSERVATORY DATA FOR MARITIME SILK ROAD DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH EAST ASIA
Authors: Hossain Mohamad Shawkat , Hashim Mazlan
Published: August 2017

Malaysia is one of the leading maritime countries surrounded by the South China Sea. Since the emergence of Maritime Silk Road (MSR) concept and its operational implementation, economic growth, development and cooperation, particularly in the context of Southeast Asia (SEA) including Malaysia has enhanced, but simultaneously traffic congestion and tensions in the South China Sea through claiming Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by the law enforcing agencies of the regional countries have increased. To trade China within SEA, has to follow longer shipping route, linking the mainland of China with ports throughout the Middle East, traversing the South China Sea. Given there are many uncharted and emerging islands in the South China Sea, that still undetected and therefore, delineation of these island boundaries could be a major step forward in reducing maritime tensions. An integrated MSR network plan can be developed through recognizing those islands as potential EEZ for the related regional countries based on international water boundary law suits. The set of initiatives recommended in this paper gives strategic focus to – how earth observatory (EO) data can be used in (1) delineating emerging islands, (2) designing and developing coastal infrastructural facilities, and (3) protecting the integrity of the maritime environment. The future study can emphasize on investigating the potential usefulness of EO data, inter alia optical and radar for mapping emerging islands, possibilities of appearing islands in future based on shallowness predicted from bathymetric and sedimentation data analysis, and forecast opportunities and risks of using those as MSR transportations. The environmental risks associated with water pollution, degradation of coastal habitats, and marine ecosystem health and vulnerabilities can be assessed by analysing current and historical EO data. The particular emphasis should be given on protecting environmental pollution in the effort to introduce the philosophy of sustainable development in the local maritime sector.
EVALUATION OF RENNELLIA ELLIPTICA AS POTENTIAL ANTIPLASMODIAL HERBAL REMEDY
Authors: Osman Che Puteh , Ismail Nor Hadiani , Ahmad Rohaya , Widyawaruyanti Aty , Tumewu Lidya , Choo Chee Yan , Ideris Sharinah
Published: August 2017

Rennellia elliptica (Rubiaceae) has been used by local Jakun Community in the Endau Rompin State Park for the treatment of jaundice. Previous study has revealed the antiplasmodial activity of the root extract and major anthraquinones isolated from the roots. The present study entails the optimization of extraction methods, qualitative and quantitative analyses of selected marker anthraquinones and in vivo antiplasmodial activity along with toxicity and inhibition of β-hematin in vitro. HPLC profile showed the present of marker compounds as major constituents with content ranging 3-12 µg/g extract. The root extract showed potent antiplasmodial activity against rodent malaria, Plasmodium berghei with ED50 value of 1.23 µg/ml BW. The major anthraquinones, damnacanthal and nordamnacanthal showed significant inhibition against β-hematin formation via lipids and HRP2 catalyses. However, the root extract is slightly toxic against hepatocyte cell. These data suggests that R. elliptica is a potential herbal remedy for malaria treatment and antiplasmodial of the root extract possibly due to the action of major anthraquinones.
Inflammatory monocytes expressing tissue factor drive SIV and HIV coagulopathy
Authors: Schechter Melissa E. , Andrade Bruno B. , He Tianyu , Richter George Haret , Tosh Kevin W. , Policicchio Benjamin B. , Singh Amrit , Raehtz Kevin D. , Sheikh Virginia , Ma Dongying , Brocca-Cofano Egidio , Apetrei Cristian , Tracy Russel , Ribeiro Ruy M. , Sher Alan , Francischetti Ivo M. B. , Pandrea Ivona , Sereti Irini
Published: August 2017

Activated monocytes in blood promote chronic inflammation and persistent coagulation in HIV-infected patients and SIV-infected macaques.
Nanotransfection brings progress that’s more than skin-deep
Authors: Miller Miles A.
Published: August 2017

Arrayed nanochannels efficiently transfect skin for local in vivo genetic reprogramming.