bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic responses of the marine cyanobacteriumProchlorococcusto viral lysis products
Authors: Fang Xiaoting , Liu Yaxin , Zhao Yao , Chen Yue , Liu Riyue , Qin Qi-Long , Li Gang , Zhang Yu-Zhong , Chan Wan , Hess Wolfgang R. , Zeng Qinglu
Published: August 2018

Marine phytoplankton contributes to about one half of global primary production, and a significant proportion of their photosynthetically fixed organic carbon is released after viral infection as dissolved organic matter (DOM). This DOM pool is known to be consumed by heterotrophic microorganisms; however, its impact on the uninfected co-occurring phytoplankton remains largely unknown. Here, we conducted transcriptomic analyses to study the effects of viral lysis products on the unicellular cyanobacteriumProchlorococcus, which is the most abundant photosynthetic organism on Earth. WhileProchlorococcusgrowth was not affected by viral lysis products, many tRNAs increased in abundance, which was also seen after amino acid addition, suggesting that amino acids are one of the compounds in viral lysis products that affected the expression of tRNA genes. The decreased transcript abundances of N metabolism genes also suggested thatProchlorococcusresponded to organic N compounds, consistent with abundant amino acids in viral lysis products. The addition of viral lysis products toProchlorococcusreduced the maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II and CO2fixation while increased its respiration rate, consistent with differentially expressed genes related to photosynthesis and respiration. One of the highest positive fold-changes was observed for the 6S RNA, a non-coding RNA functioning as a global transcriptional regulator in bacteria. The high level of 6S RNA might be responsible for some of the observed transcriptional responses. Taken together, our results revealed the transcriptional regulation ofProchlorococcusin response to viral lysis products and suggested its metabolic potential to utilize organic N compounds.

Importance

Photosynthetic microorganisms called phytoplankton are abundant in the oceans and contribute to about one half of global CO2fixation. Phytoplankton are frequently infected by viruses and after infection their organic carbon is released into the ocean as dissolved organic matter (DOM). Marine DOM is important for the marine food web because it supports the growth of heterotrophic microorganisms. However, the impact of viral DOM on the uninfected phytoplankton is largely unknown. In this study, we conducted transcriptomic analyses and identified many differentially expressed genes when viral DOM was added to the marine cyanobacteriumProchlorococcus. One effect of viral DOM is that the carbon fixation ofProchlorococcuswas reduced by ~16%, which might affect carbon cycling in the world’s oceans sinceProchlorococcusis the most abundant photosynthetic organism on Earth.
Quorums enable optimal pooling of independent judgements
Authors: Marshall James , Kurvers Ralf H.J.M. , Krause Jens , Wolf Max
Published: August 2018

Majority-voting and the Condorcet Jury Theorem pervade thinking about collective decision-making. Thus, it is typically assumed that majority-voting is the best possible decision mechanism, and that scenarios exist where individually-weak decision-makers should not pool information. Condorcet and its applications implicitly assume that only one kind of error can be made, yet signal detection theory shows two kinds of errors exist, ‘false positives’ and ‘false negatives’. We apply signal detection theory to collective decision-making to show that majority voting is frequently sub-optimal, and can be optimally replaced by quorum decision-making. While quorums have been proposed to resolve within-group conflicts, or manage speed-accuracy trade-offs, our analysis applies to groups with aligned interests undertaking single-shot decisions. Our results help explain the ubiquity of quorum decision-making in nature, relate the use of sub- and super-majority quorums to decision ecology, and may inform the design of artificial decision-making systems.

Impact Statement

Theory typically assumes that majority voting is optimal; this is incorrect – majority voting is typically sub-optimal, and should be replaced by sub-majority or super-majority quorum voting. This helps explain the prevalence of quorum-sensing in even the simplest collective systems, such as bacterial communities.
Soil bacterial biomass and diversity are affected by different furrow-ridge mulched management systems during potato continuous cropping
Authors: Zhang Weina , Qin Shuhao , Xu Xuexue , Zhang Junlian , Liu Yuhui
Published: August 2018

The soil bacterial composition is vital for sustainable agriculture due to its importance in biogeochemical processes in the soil environment. Multiple management systems, such as different furrow-ridge mulched cropping systems, have been established to reduce the damage caused by continuous cropping of potato (Solanum tuberosumL.). However, little is known about the responses of soil bacterial biomass and diversity to these systems. In this study, six different ridge-furrow film planting patterns were tested in a 2-year continuous cropping potato field: flat plot without mulch (CK), flat plot with mulch (T1), on-ridge planting with full mulch (T2), on-furrow planting with full mulch (T3), on-ridge planting with half mulch (T4), and on-furrow planting with half mulch (T5). The soil physicochemical properties and bacterial composition were significantly affected by the planting pattern. Mulched soils, especially T2, maintained better soil physicochemical properties than controls. Fully mulched soil maintained higher bacterial biomass and diversity. Among the dominant genera, the abundances ofNitrosomonadaceaein T2 and T4 were higher than those in the other treatments. Consequently, compared with the other treatments, on-ridge with mulching patterns resulted in better soil physicochemical properties and high bacterial biomass and diversity, which could reduce the economic losses due to potato production by continuous cropping.
Beyond financial conflicts of interest: Institutional oversight of faculty consulting agreements at schools of medicine and public health
Authors: Mello Michelle M. , Murtagh Lindsey , Joffe Steven , Taylor Patrick L. , Greenberg Yelena , Campbell Eric G.
Published: August 2018

Importance

Approximately one-third of U.S. life sciences faculty engage in industry consulting. Despite reports that consulting contracts often impinge on faculty and university interests, institutional approaches to regulating consulting agreements are largely unknown.

Objective

To investigate the nature of institutional oversight of faculty consulting contracts at U.S. schools of medicine and public health.

Design

Structured telephone interviews with institutional administrators. Questions included the nature of oversight for faculty consulting agreements, if any, and views about consulting as a private versus institutional matter. Interviews were analyzed using a structured coding scheme.

Setting

All accredited schools of medicine and public health in the U.S.

Participants

Administrators responsible for faculty affairs were identified via internet searches and telephone and email follow-up. The 118 administrators interviewed represented 73% of U.S. schools of medicine and public health, and 75% of those invited to participate.

Intervention

Structured, 15-30 minute telephone interviews.

Main outcomes and measures

Prevalence and type of institutional oversight; responses to concerning provisions in consulting agreements; perceptions of institutional oversight.

Results

One third of institutions (36%) required faculty to submit at least some agreements for institutional review and 36% reviewed contracts upon request, while 35% refused to review contracts. Among institutions with review, there was wide variation the issues covered. The most common topic was intellectual property rights (64%), while only 23% looked at publication rights and 19% for inappropriately broad confidentiality provisions. Six in ten administrators reported they had no power to prevent faculty from signing consulting agreements. Although most respondents identified institutional risks from consulting relationships, many maintained that consulting agreements are “private.”

Conclusions and relevance

Oversight of faculty consulting agreements at U.S. schools of medicine and public health is inconsistent across institutions and usually not robust. The interests at stake suggest the need for stronger oversight.
Modeling of an inductively coupled system
Authors: Psiuk Rafael , Artizada Alisa , Cichon Daniel , Brauer Hartmut , Toepfer Hannes , Heuberger Albert
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a flexible model for a system of inductively coupled loops in a quasi-static magnetic field. The outlined model is used for theoretical analyses on the magnetic field-based football goal detection system called as GoalRef, where a primary loop generates a magnetic field around the goal. The passive loops are integrated in the football, and a goal is deduced from induced voltages in loop antennas mounted on the goal frame.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the law of Biot–Savart, the magnetic vector potential of a primary current loop is calculated. The induced voltages in secondary loops are derived by Faraday’s Law. Expressions to calculate induced voltages in elliptically shaped loops and their magnetic field are also presented.

Findings

The induced voltages in secondary loops close to the primary loop are derived by either numerically integrating the primary magnetic flux density over the area of the secondary loop or by integrating the primary magnetic vector potential over the boundary of that loop. Both approaches are examined and compared with respect to accuracy and calculation time. It is shown that using the magnetic vector potential instead of the magnetic flux density can decrease the processing time by a factor of around 100.

Research limitations/implications

Environmental influences like conductive or permeable obstacles are not considered in the model.

Practical implications

The model can be used to investigate the theoretical behavior of inductively coupled systems.

Originality/value

The proposed model provides a flexible, fast and accurate tool for calculations of inductively coupled systems, where the loops can have arbitrary shape, position and orientation.
Efficient analysis method of light scattering by a grating of plasmonic nanorods
Authors: Jandieri Vakhtang , Okropiridze Lana , Yasumoto Kiyotoshi , Erni Daniel , Pistora Jaromir
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a rigorous self-contained formulation for analyzing electromagnetic scattering by grating of plasmonic nanorods. The authors investigate this structure from the viewpoint of the practical application as a refractive index plasmonic sensor. The presented rigorous formulation is accompanied with a neat implementation providing a high computation efficiency and could be considered as an important tool for designing and optimizing compact sensors.

Design/methodology/approach

Scattering of an incident plane wave by grating made of a periodic arrangement of metal-coated dielectric nanocylinders on a dielectric slab is rigorously investigated using the recursive algorithm combined with the lattice sums technique. As a dielectric slab, the authors consider glass material, which is widely used in experiments, whereas silver (Ag) is used as a low loss metal suitable to excite plasmon resonances. The main advantage of the developed self-contained formulation is that first the authors extract the reflection and transmission matrices of a single planar array from a separate analysis of the grating and the slab and then obtain the scattering characteristics of the whole structure by using a recursive formula. The method is computationally fast.

Findings

Dependence of the surface plasmon resonance wavelength on the refractive index of the surrounding medium is carefully investigated. The resonance peaks are red-shifted with respect to an increasing refractive index of surrounding medium showing an almost linear behavior. Near field distributions are analyzed at the resonance wavelengths of the spectral responses. Special attention is paid to the formation of the dual-absorption bands because of the excitation of the localized surface plasmons. The authors give physical insight to the coupling between grating and the glass slab. The authors found that a strong enhancement of the field inside the slab occurs when the scattered wave of the grating is phase-matched to the guided modes supported by the slab.

Originality/value

In the authors’ formulation, they do not use any approximation and it is rigorous and accurate. The authors use their original method. The method is based on the lattice sums technique and uses the recursive algorithm to calculate the generalized reflection and transmission characteristics by grating. Such fast and accurate method is an effective tool apt for designing and optimizing tailored sensors, for e.g. advanced biomedical applications.
Achieving sustainability through the lean and resilient management of the supply chain
Authors: Ruiz-Benitez Rocio , López Cristina , Real Juan C.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

In the present work, lean and resilient practices applied to supply chains are studied in order to evaluate their impact on the three dimensions of sustainability. Additionally, the mutual impact of lean and resilient supply chain practices is investigated. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The aerospace sector and its supply chain are chosen, since lean and resilient practices have been proven relevant in the sector. A methodology based on Interpretive Structural Modeling approach is applied in order to identify the existing relationships between lean and resilient supply chain practices and their impact on the three different dimensions of sustainability.

Findings

The results reveal synergetic effects between lean and resilient practices. The former practices act as drivers of the latter practices. Hence, lean practices lead to direct and indirect effects in achieving supply chain sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

The relationship between lean and resilient practices has been studied for the aerospace sector. Different sectors may lead to different results as the practices considered important in each sector may differ as well as the way in which each practice is implemented.

Originality/value

This study highlights the relationship existing between lean and resilient supply chain practices and their impact on sustainability. Additionally, several managerial implications are drawn out to help managers make better decisions.
Adjustment mode decision based on support vector data description and evidence theory for assembly lines
Authors: Lv Youlong , Qin Wei , Yang Jungang , Zhang Jie
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Three adjustment modes are alternatives for mixed-model assembly lines (MMALs) to improve their production plans according to constantly changing customer requirements. The purpose of this paper is to deal with the decision-making problem between these modes by proposing a novel multi-classification method. This method recommends appropriate adjustment modes for the assembly lines faced with different customer orders through machine learning from historical data.

Design/methodology/approach

The decision-making method uses the classification model composed of an input layer, two intermediate layers and an output layer. The input layer describes the assembly line in a knowledge-intensive manner by presenting the impact degrees of production parameters on line performances. The first intermediate layer provides the support vector data description (SVDD) of each adjustment mode through historical data training. The second intermediate layer employs the Dempster–Shafer (D–S) theory to combine the posterior classification possibilities generated from different SVDDs. The output layer gives the adjustment mode with the maximum posterior possibility as the classification result according to Bayesian decision theory.

Findings

The proposed method achieves higher classification accuracies than the support vector machine methods and the traditional SVDD method in the numerical test consisting of data sets from the machine-learning repository and the case study of a diesel engine assembly line.

Practical implications

This research recommends appropriate adjustment modes for MMALs in response to customer demand changes. According to the suggested adjustment mode, the managers can improve the line performance more effectively by using the well-designed optimization methods for a specific scope.

Originality/value

The adjustment mode decision belongs to the multi-classification problem featured with limited historical data. Although traditional SVDD methods can solve these problems by providing the posterior possibility of each classification result, they might have poor classification accuracies owing to the conflicts and uncertainties of these possibilities. This paper develops a novel classification model that integrates the SVDD method with the D–S theory. By handling the conflicts and uncertainties appropriately, this model achieves higher classification accuracies than traditional methods.
Extended DEA model under type-2 fuzzy environment
Authors: Chen Xiaoqing , Liu Xinwang , Gong Zaiwu
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to combine the uncertain methods of type-2 fuzzy sets and data envelopment analysis (DEA) evaluation model together. A new type-2 fuzzy DEA efficiency assessment method is established. Then the proposed procedure is applied to the poverty alleviation problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method is the DEA model, which is an effective method for efficiency assessment of social–economic systems. Considering the existence of the same efficiency values that cannot be ranked in the proposed DEA model, the balance index is introduced to solve the ranking problem of decision-making units effectively.

Findings

The results show that the proposed method can not only measure the efficiency of the existence of uncertain information but also deal with the ranking of multiple efficient decision-making units.

Originality/value

This paper selects type-2 fuzzy DEA model to express a lot of uncertain information in efficiency evaluation problems. We use the parameter decomposition method of type-2 fuzzy programming or the type-2 expectation values indirectly. The balance index is proposed to further distinguish the multiple effective decision-making units. Furthermore, this paper selects rural poverty alleviation in Hainan Province as a case study to verify the feasibility of the method. The relative efficiency values in different years are calculated and analyzed.
UV-B irradiation effects on pigments and cytological behaviour of callus in sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.)
Authors: Mohajer Sadegh , Mat Taha Rosna , Mohajer Minoo , Anuar Nordiyanah
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This study aims to determine the appropriate irradiation dose for induction of somaclonal variation in mass of unorganized parenchyma cells derived from sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) tissues.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the feasibility of UV-B irradiation (312 nm), seeds and callus of sainfoin were exposed to five different intensities (20-100 per cent) for evaluating the effectiveness of phytochemical constituents and cellular behaviour.

Findings

Although percentage of seed viability reduced in 20 per cent intensity of UV-B irradiation compared with control seeds, the germination speed significantly enhanced from 3.58 to 5.42. The spectrophotometer analysis confirmed that concentrations of chlorophyll (a and b) decreased after UV-B exposure as compared with control callus. Also, carotenoid content showed significant differences among treated calli. Flavonoid and phenolic contents were observed to gradually increase when the non-irradiated callus subjected to 40 and 60 per cent intensities of UV-B irradiation, respectively. Observation on cellular behaviour such as determination of nuclear and cell areas, mitotic index and chromosomal aberrations were also detected to change in different intensities of UV-B irradiation. Fragmented and aneuploidy aberrations were only observed in exposed cells with more than 40 per cent intensity of UV-B irradiation.

Originality/value

In reality, radiocytological evaluation was proven to be essential in deducing the effectiveness of UV-B irradiation to induce somaclonal variation in callus tissue of sainfoin.
Purification of flavonoids from glycyrrhiza by MAR mixed-bed
Authors: Wang XuDong , Chen Zhenbin , Long Jiapeng , Duan Chenglong , Du Xueyan
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to separate and purify flavonoids from glycyrrhiza by macroporous adsorption resin (MAR) mixed-bed technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The adsorption performance of MAR and MAR mixed bed for flavonoids was studied using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry.

Findings

The research shows that the MAR mixed bed of LZ-50+LZ-59 with a mass ratio of LZ-50:LZ-59(m:m) = 1:1 was the optimized combination with the optimal conditions of adsorption (pH = 6, T = 45°C) and desorption (liquid ratio R = 70%, T = 50°C, pH = 8) obtained, relatively.

Originality/value

This paper provides a novel way to separate flavonoids from glycyrrhiza. Under the optimal conditions, the adsorption rate (F) of MAR mixed-bed LZ-50+LZ-59 to the flavonoids was 62.5 per cent/g, the desorption rate (D) was 89.23 per cent and the purity was achieved at 80 per cent.
Increases and fluctuations in nutrient availability do not promote dominance of alien plants in synthetic communities of common natives
Authors: Liu Yanjie , Zhang Xiaoqi , van Kleunen Mark
Published: August 2018

It is frequently thought that global environmental changes, and especially the concomitant changes in environmental variability, could further increase the success of invasive species in native resident communities. However, very few studies explicitly tested this, and it remains unknown whether invasive and noninvasive alien species respond differently to resource fluctuations in resident communities.

We grew 10 invasive and 10 noninvasive species as target species in pot‐mesocosms with four different synthetic native resident communities under six nutrient treatments differing in overall nutrient availability and temporal fluctuations in nutrient supply (constant low, constant high, gradual increasing, gradual decreasing, single large pulse, multiple smaller pulses). With the exception of plants in the constant low treatment, the plants were supplied the same total amount of nutrients during the experiment. We tested whether high‐nutrient availability and fluctuations in nutrient supply increased performance of both invasive and noninvasive alien plants within native resident communities, and whether invasive ones benefited more than noninvasive ones.

We found that the increase in biomass in response to nutrient addition was stronger for invasive than for noninvasive alien species. However, as the native competitors benefited even more from nutrient addition, the relative biomass of the alien target‐plant species, particularly the noninvasive ones, decreased. When the nutrient supply gradually increased, biomass of alien targets as well as native competitors decreased compared to the plants in the constant nutrient‐supply treatment. Surprisingly, when nutrients were supplied as a single large pulse, the absolute and relative biomass of the alien target plants decreased. The reduction in relative biomass was even stronger for invasive than for noninvasive alien species, and a similar pattern was found when nutrients were supplied as multiple smaller pulses.

Our results confirm previous findings that invasive alien species benefit more from nutrient addition than noninvasive alien species. However, in contrast to previous findings, our results suggest that nutrient fluctuations can suppress biomass of alien plants relative to that of natives, at least when the natives are themselves very successful, common species.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Ecological and genomic features of two widespread freshwater picocyanobacteria
Authors: Cabello‐Yeves Pedro J. , Picazo Antonio , Camacho Antonio , Callieri Cristiana , Rosselli Riccardo , Roda‐Garcia Juan J. , Coutinho Felipe H. , Rodriguez‐Valera Francisco
Published: August 2018

We present two genomes of widespread freshwater picocyanobacteria isolated by extinction dilution from a Spanish oligotrophic reservoir. Based on microscopy and genomic properties, both picocyanobacteria were tentatively designated Synechococcus lacustris Tous, formerly described as a metagenome assembled genome (MAG) from the same habitat, and Cyanobium usitatum Tous, described here for the first time. Both strains were purified in unicyanobacterial cultures, and their genomes were sequenced. They are broadly distributed in freshwater systems; the first seems to be a specialist on temperate reservoirs (Tous, Amadorio, Dexter, Lake Lanier, Sparkling), and the second appears to also be abundant in cold environments including ice‐covered lakes such as Lake Baikal, Lake Erie or the brackish Baltic Sea. Having complete genomes provided access to the flexible genome that does not assemble in MAGs. We found several genomic islands in both genomes, within which there were genes for nitrogen acquisition, transporters for a wide set of compounds and biosynthesis of phycobilisomes in both strains. Some of these regions of low coverage in metagenomes also included antimicrobial compounds, transposases and phage defence systems, including a novel type III CRISPR‐Cas phage defence system that was only detected in Synechococcus lacustris Tous.
Metabolic specialization of denitrifiers in permeable sediments controls N2O emissions
Authors: Marchant Hannah K. , Tegetmeyer Halina E. , Ahmerkamp Soeren , Holtappels Moritz , Lavik Gaute , Graf Jon , Schreiber Frank , Mussmann Marc , Strous Marc , Kuypers Marcel M. M.
Published: August 2018

Coastal oceans receive large amounts of anthropogenic fixed nitrogen (N), most of which is denitrified in the sediment before reaching the open ocean. Sandy sediments, which are common in coastal regions, seem to play an important role in catalysing this N‐loss. Permeable sediments are characterized by advective porewater transport, which supplies high fluxes of organic matter into the sediment, but also leads to fluctuations in oxygen and nitrate concentrations. Little is known about how the denitrifying communities in these sediments are adapted to such fluctuations. Our combined results indicate that denitrification in eutrophied sandy sediments from the world's largest tidal flat system, the Wadden Sea, is carried out by different groups of microorganisms. This segregation leads to the formation of N2O which is advectively transported to the overlying waters and thereby emitted to the atmosphere. At the same time, the production of N2O within the sediment supports a subset of Flavobacteriia which appear to be specialized on N2O reduction. If the mechanisms shown here are active in other coastal zones, then denitrification in eutrophied sandy sediments may substantially contribute to current marine N2O emissions.
Optimisation of the microencapsulation conditions and physicochemical properties of enteric‐coated lactase microcapsules
Authors: Ahn Sung‐Il , Kim Augustine Yonghwi , Kwak Hae‐Soo
Published: August 2018

Enteric double‐coated lactase microcapsules were developed, and the encapsulation conditions were optimised using response surface methodology. The optimum concentration of the enteric coating material was 4.85 g/100 mL, and the amount of core material was 1.85 mL. The particle size of the zein‐coated microcapsules was 2.868 μm, which was smaller than that of the other microcapsules. All microcapsules showed high zeta‐potential values between pH 6 and 8. The in vitro release rates of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose phthalate (HPMCP)‐ and shellac‐coated microcapsules were superior to that of the zein‐coated microcapsules. Finally, the microcapsules were barely hydrolysed in simulated gastric fluid; however, almost all the microcapsules coated with HPMCP or shellac released their contents in simulated intestinal fluid within 2 h (93.23 and 97.27%, respectively).
Phyllophaga nitididorsis (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae), the first biennial melolonthid recorded in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: de Oliveira Charles Martins , Frizzas Marina Regina , Morón Miguel Angel
Published: August 2018

Phyllophaga nitididorsis Frey, a species native to Brazil, has recently been recorded as a soil pest in soybean Glycine max (L.) Merr. fields in the north‐west region of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. Our study aimed to evaluate the phenology of P. nitididorsis in the Cerrado of Central Brazil. The study was conducted in a field (≈300 ha) in Buritis/MG where soybean is sown in October (spring) annually. Monthly (December 2012–November 2014) samples were collected by opening trenches (50 cm × 50 cm and 30 cm in depth), recording the developmental phases of all P. nitididorsis found. Specimens collected from the field were maintained in the laboratory at 25 (±2 °C), and their development was recorded at weekly intervals. Light traps were installed in the states of Minas Gerais, Goiás (GO), and the Federal District (DF) to verify species distribution. P. nitididorsis exhibited a biennial life cycle that lasted approximately 22 months, from egg to inactive adult, and 24 months from egg until the emergence of active adults. Eggs were found in the soil in November. The larval stage lasted about 20 months (≈607 days). Second‐instar and third‐instar larvae constructed chambers in the soil to overwinter during the dry season (March to September) during the first and second years of development, respectively. Pre‐pupae were observed between July and August and pupae between July and September. Inactive adults occurred in August and September, and the swarming period was between October and November. Adult P. nitididorsis were caught in all of the States where light traps were operated. The active phases of the insect (larvae and adults) were synchronised with soybean cultivation and the rainy season (October and March) in the Cerrado. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to report P. nitididorsis in the states of Goiás and the Federal District. Further, this species is the first biennial melolonthid observed in the Brazilian Cerrado.
Detecting tumour response and predicting resectability after neoadjuvant therapy for borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Barreto Savio G. , Loveday Benjamin , Windsor John A. , Pandanaboyana Sanjay
Published: August 2018

Background

This systematic review aimed to determine the accuracy of imaging modalities to predict resectability and R0 resection for borderline resectable (BRPC) or locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) after neoadjuvant therapy (NAT).

Methods

A systematic search of major databases was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines.

Results

Fifteen studies identified 995 patients of which 683 had BRPC and 312 LAPC. Computed tomography (CT) scan was the most common modality for re‐staging (n = 14), followed by positron emission tomography (PET)‐CT (n = 3) and endosonography (EUS) (n = 2). Stable disease on RECIST criteria was found in 67% of patients (range 53–80%) with 20% demonstrating reduction in tumour size. A total of 60% of patients underwent surgery post‐NAT (range 31–85%) with a R0 rate of 88% (range 57–100%). Accuracy for predicting R0 resectability and T‐stage on CT scan was 71 and 49%. A reduction in SUVmax on PET‐CT and reduction of tumour stiffness on EUS elastography positively correlated with resectability.

Conclusions

More than half the patients undergo resection post‐NAT for LAPC and BRPC. Stable, or reduction of, tumour disease may predict resectability. Reduction in tumour SUVmax on PET‐CT and decreased tumour stiffness on EUS elastography may be potential markers of NAT response and resectability.
Anatomical variations in the first extensor compartment: a cadaver study
Authors: Xu Hao , Wu Ji‐Xia , Wang Qiang , Gao Zheng‐Yu
Published: August 2018

Background

Anatomical variations in the first extensor compartment are associated with the pathogenesis of de Quervain's disease. Here, we report two novel anatomical variations of the first extensor compartment.

Methods

The wrists of two adult cadavers were dissected to reveal the anatomical variations in the first extensor compartment.

Results

In one of the cadavers, no septum was present in the first extensor compartment. However, the extensor pollicis brevis tendon and its proximal muscle belly were absent. The abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendon had multiple slips, and one of them inserted on the dorsal base of the proximal thumb phalanx. In another cadaver, a septum was present in the first extensor compartment. One of the multiple APL tendon slips ran into the septum alongside the extensor pollicis brevis tendon for 4 mm, which then exited the septum and inserted into the base of the first phalanx together with the APL tendon.

Conclusion

Our findings may help to improve the awareness of the anatomical variations in the first extensor compartment.
Juvenile xanthogranuloma: A herald to the diagnosis of Erdheim‐Chester disease in an adult with acute leukemia
Authors: Sanchez‐Petitto Gabriela , Duke Taylor C. , Swaby Michael , Aisenberg Gabriel M.
Published: August 2018

A 21‐year‐old man with B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia developed an eruption of multiple flesh‐colored nodules and persistent fevers. A lesional biopsy showed diffuse dermal infiltrates of histiocytes, foam cells, and Touton giant cells consistent with juvenile xanthogranulomatosis. Upon further investigation, the patient's constellation of findings fit criteria for Erdheim‐Chester disease.
A test of the cumulative effect of river weirs on downstream migration success, speed and mortality of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts: An empirical study
Authors: Newton Matthew , Barry James , Dodd Jennifer A. , Lucas Martyn C. , Boylan Patrick , Adams Colin E.
Published: August 2018

This study investigated the cumulative impact of weirs on the downstream migration of wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts in the River Foyle, Northern Ireland. In spring of 2013 fish were released in two tributaries of similar length; one tributary (impacted) had seven low‐head weirs along the migration pathway and the other was devoid of such structures (un‐impacted). Salmon smolts fitted with acoustic transmitters were monitored via a passive acoustic telemetry array during downstream migration. In 2014 the study was repeated only in the impacted tributary. Overall freshwater survival rates were high (>94%). There was no significant difference in mortality, movement pattern, delay or travel speeds between rivers or between years at any phase of migration. Escapement of salmon smolts through Lough Foyle (a marine sea lough) to the open ocean was low, approximately 18% in each year. Escapement did not differ between impacted and un‐impacted rivers. This study showed no postpassage effects of weirs on mortality, migration speed or escapement of downstream migrating smolts. This suggests that the elevated mortality at low‐head obstacles described in other studies is not inevitable in all river systems. Migration through rivers with natural riffle‐pool migration may result in similar effects as those from low‐head weirs. Causes of apparent high mortality in the early part of marine migration in this study, are unknown; however similar studies have highlighted the impact of fish predators on smolts.
Cocaine self‐administration is increased after frontal traumatic brain injury and associated with neuroinflammation
Authors: Vonder Haar Cole , Ferland Jacqueline‐Marie N. , Kaur Sukhbir , Riparip Lara‐Kirstie , Rosi Susanna , Winstanley Catharine A.
Published: August 2018

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been linked to the development of numerous psychiatric diseases, including substance use disorder. However, it can be difficult to ascertain from clinical data whether the TBI is cause or consequence of increased addiction vulnerability. Surprisingly few studies have taken advantage of animal models to investigate the causal nature of this relationship. In terms of a plausible neurobiological mechanism through which TBI could magnify the risk of substance dependence, numerous studies indicate that TBI can cause widespread disruption to monoaminergic signaling in striatal regions, and also increases neuroinflammation. In the current study, male Long‐Evans rats received either a mild or severe TBI centered over the frontal cortex via controlled cortical impact, and were subsequently trained to self‐administer cocaine over 10 6‐hour sessions. At the end of the study, markers of striatal dopaminergic function, and levels of inflammatory cytokine levels in the frontal lobes, were assessed via western blot and multiplex ELISA, respectively. There was significantly higher cocaine intake in a subset of animals with either mild or severe TBI. However, many animals within both TBI groups failed to acquire self‐administration. Principal components analysis suggested that both dopaminergic and neuroinflammatory proteins were associated with overall cocaine intake, yet only an inflammatory component was associated with acquisition of self‐administration, suggesting neuroinflammation may make a more substantial contribution to the likelihood of drug‐taking. Should neuroinflammation play a causal role in mediating TBI‐induced addiction risk, anti‐inflammatory therapy may reduce the likelihood of substance abuse in TBI populations.
Improvement of medical judgments by numerical training in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zamarian L. , Delazer M. , Ehling R. , Pertl M.‐T. , Bsteh G. , Wenter J. , Glatzl S. , Brenneis C. , Benke T. , Berger T.
Published: August 2018

Background and purpose

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) have to face important decisions with regard to their medical treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a targeted cognitive training reduces framing effects and thus improves medical judgments.

Methods

This was a randomized, double‐blind, cross‐over study enrolling patients with relapsing‐remitting MS and healthy controls (HCs). Participants were randomly assigned to training order A (first week, numerical training; second week, control training) or B (reverse order). The primary endpoint was changed in a framing task score (framing effect). In the framing task, participants evaluated the success of fictive medications on a 7‐point scale. Medications were described in either positive or negative terms.

Results

A total of 37 patients and 73 HCs performed either training order A (n = 56) or B (n = 54). The framing effect decreased after the numerical training regardless of training order. No such decrease was found after the control training. Mean change in framing effect was −0.3 ± 0.8 after the numerical training and 0.03 ± 0.6 after the control training. This specific effect of training type was comparable between groups.

Conclusion

Judgments of medical information improve in both patients with relapsing‐remitting MS and HCs after a targeted numerical training. Thus, a specific cognitive intervention may help patients making informed decisions.
A demented world: Politics without politics, state without state
Authors: La Torre Massimo
Published: August 2018

Johann Huizinga, the great Dutch historian, wrote: ‘We are living in a demented world. And we know it’, pointing to the Schmittian nationalist irrationalism. Nevertheless, this expression might be accommodated to stress a contemporary form of dementia: the dementia of marketing. We are obsessed, made demented, by consumption, and we know it because we go and hunt for it. Classical economics in its neoliberal shift becomes, now, bio‐economics. The institutional venue where this kind of bio‐political commitment has been strongest is that provided by the European Union. The European Union has failed to halt the process of depoliticisation underway in the government of public affairs, contributing, on the contrary, to its encouragement and acceleration. The picture that emerges seems to have thrown us back 100 years, overrunning the defences of the Welfare State against the excesses of the free market and financial capitalism.
Microvascular invasion predicts a poor prognosis of solitary hepatocellular carcinoma up to 2 cm based on propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Wang Han , Wu Meng‐Chao , Cong Wen‐Ming
Published: August 2018

Aim

Microvascular invasion (MVI) is not discussed for solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) up to 2 cm in the 8th Edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Manual. The present study aimed to reappraise the influence of MVI on solitary HCC up to 2 cm in diameter.

Methods

Between January 2010 and December 2012, a retrospective cohort of 496 HCC patients from the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital was analyzed. Propensity score matching was carried out to balance the baseline characteristics. Survival analysis was carried out using the Kaplan–Meier method. Risk factors were evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards model. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors associated with MVI.

Results

All patients were classified into either an MVI‐negative group (n = 332) or an MVI‐positive group (n = 164). The MVI‐positive group had poorer recurrence‐free survival and overall survival before and after propensity score matching. The multivariate analysis showed that MVI; being male; increased total bilirubin levels, alanine transaminase levels and γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase levels; decreased albumin levels; and HBV DNA load >103 IU/mL were risk factors for recurrence‐free survival. MVI, older age, lower albumin levels, and cirrhosis were risk factors for overall survival. Age <50 years, alpha‐fetoprotein >20 ng/mL, and lack of or an incomplete capsule were significantly independent predictors for MVI.

Conclusions

MVI had a negative impact on the prognosis of solitary HCC up to 2 cm after curative hepatectomy. The 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system could be improved by subdividing solitary HCC up to 2 cm according to MVI.
Performance of Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 and Trialeurodes vaporariorum on Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) infected plants
Authors: Watanabe Luís Fernando Maranho , Bello Vinicius Henrique , De Marchi Bruno Rossitto , Sartori Maria Márcia Pereira , Pavan Marcelo Agenor , Krause‐Sakate Renate
Published: August 2018

Whiteflies are important agricultural pests of several crops and cause great economic losses, mainly by the transmission of plant viruses. Among the different species of whiteflies, Trialeurodes vaporariorum and Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 (B biotype) transmit the crinivirus Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV). Previous studies report that virus‐infected plants can influence the attractiveness and the behaviour of different species of whiteflies. In this study, we evaluated the number of eggs, egg hatching rate and emergence of adults of both T. vaporariorum and B. tabaci MEAM1 on ToCV‐infected and healthy tomatoes. In addition, ToCV transmission assays were conducted with both whitefly species. ToCV infection did not influence the number of eggs or egg hatching rate of T. vaporariorum; whereas the emergence of adults was reduced by 37.3% on ToCV‐infected tomatoes. By contrast, ToCV‐infected tomatoes strongly affected the B. tabaci MEAM1 egg hatching rate and emergence of adults with reductions of 41.8% and 92.4%, respectively. Regarding virus transmission, T. vaporariorum transmitted ToCV with lower efficiency (35.7%) than B. tabaci MEAM1 (78.6%). Our data suggest that the performance of T. vaporariorum is less affected than that of B. tabaci MEAM1 when feeding on ToCV‐infected tomato plants.
Nocardia seriolae infection in the cultured eel Anguilla japonica in Korea
Authors: Kim Jin Do , Lee Nam‐Sil , Do Jeung Wan , Kim Myoung Sug , Seo Han Gill , Cho Miyoung , Jung Sung Hee , Han Hyun‐Ja
Published: August 2018

Mass mortality occurred at an Anguilla japonica eel farm equipped with a recirculating aquaculture system in Gimcheon, Korea, from late spring to early summer 2015. The cumulative 3‐month mortality was 16% (approximately 24,300–150,000 fish). The majority of affected fish displayed ulcerative lesions that progressed to petechial haemorrhages and small white granulomas in the major organs. A Gram‐positive, acid‐fast, nonmotile bacterium was isolated from internal organ lesions. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA identified the species as Nocardia seriolae and the strain was designated EM150506. Afterwards, naïve eels were injected with 1.8 × 107 colony‐forming units per fish to confirm the strain's pathogenicity, which resulted in a 20% mortality rate within 4 weeks. However, surviving fish still exhibited white N. seriolae colonies in internal organs. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a N. seriolae infection in cultured eel.
Determinants of attitudes and beliefs toward human papillomavirus infection, cervical cancer and human papillomavirus vaccine among parents of adolescent girls in Mysore, India
Authors: Degarege Abraham , Krupp Karl , Srinivas Vijaya , Ibrahimou Boubakari , Marlow Laura A. V. , Arun Anjali , Madhivanan Purnima
Published: August 2018

Aim

This study examined the determinants of attitudes and beliefs about human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, cervical cancer and HPV vaccine among parents of adolescent girls in Mysore, India.

Methods

A random sample of 800 parents who had at least one adolescent‐aged daughter attending school were recruited for a survey.

Results

Most parents (n = 778; 97.3%) completed the survey. Compared to Hindus, Muslims were more likely to perceive that their daughters are susceptible to HPV infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 4.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.87, 8.49) or cervical cancer (aOR: 2.73; 95% CI: 1.55, 4.80). However, the likelihood of perceiving that daughters are susceptible to HPV infection (aOR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.90, 0.98) or cervical cancer (aOR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.92, 0.99) decreased with an increase in the age of the parents. Perceived severity of HPV infection (aOR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.97) and cervical cancer (aOR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.74) was lower among Muslims than Hindus. Muslims had lower odds of believing that HPV vaccine is safe (aOR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.25, 0.89) or could protect against cervical cancer (aOR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.48), but were more likely to feel that HPV vaccination may cause girls to become more sexually active (aOR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.09, 3.39). The odds of believing that HPV vaccine is effective increased with an increase in the age of the parents (aOR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.003, 1.06).

Conclusion

Among Indian parents, age and religion of parents are associated with parental attitudes and beliefs about the threat of HPV and cervical cancer as well as the risks and benefits of HPV vaccine.