bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Projected changes in prevailing winds for transatlantic migratory birds under global warming
Authors: La Sorte Frank A. , Fink Daniel
Published: December 2016

A number of terrestrial bird species that breed in North America cross the Atlantic Ocean during autumn migration when travelling to their non‐breeding grounds in the Caribbean or South America. When conducting oceanic crossings, migratory birds tend to associate with mild or supportive winds, whose speed and direction may change under global warming. The implications of these changes for transoceanic migratory bird populations have not been addressed.

We used occurrence information from eBird (1950–2015) to estimate the geographical location of population centres at a daily temporal resolution across the annual cycle for 10 transatlantic migratory bird species. We used this information to estimate the location and timing of autumn migration within the transatlantic flyway. We estimated how prevailing winds are projected to change within the transatlantic flyway during this time using daily wind speed anomalies (1996–2005 and 2091–2100) from 29 Atmosphere‐Ocean General Circulation Models implemented under CMIP5.

Autumn transatlantic migrants have the potential to encounter strong westerly crosswinds early in their transatlantic journey at intermediate and especially high migration altitudes, strong headwinds at low and intermediate migration altitudes within the Caribbean that increase in strength as the season progresses, and weak tailwinds at intermediate and high migration altitudes east of the Caribbean. The CMIP5 simulations suggest that, during this century, the likelihood of autumn transatlantic migrants encountering strong westerly crosswinds will diminish.

As global warming progresses, the need for species to compensate or drift under the influence of strong westerly crosswinds during the initial phase of their autumn transatlantic journey may be diminished. Existing strategies that promote headwind avoidance and tailwind assistance will likely remain valid. Thus, climate change may reduce time and energy requirements and the chance of mortality or vagrancy during a specific but likely critical portion of these species' autumn migration journey.
Alleviative effect of ciliary neurotrophic factor analogue on high fat‐induced hepatic steatosis is partially independent of the central regulation
Authors: Cui Ming‐Xia , Yang Li‐Ning , Wang Xiao‐Xia , Wang Lei , Li Rui‐Lian , Han Wei , Wu Yong‐Jie
Published: December 2016

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) analogues were reported to ameliorate fatty liver in db/db or high‐fat diet‐fed mice. It is generally thought that CNTF exerts its actions centrally. The aim of this study was to investigate whether peripheral effects of CNTF analogues are involved in the therapeutic effect on high fat‐induced hepatic steatosis. The rat model of fatty liver was induced by a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. In the next 2 weeks, rats were fed the HFD along with subcutaneous injection of vehicle or mutant recombinant human CNTF (rhmCNTF 0.05‐0.2 mg/kg per day). Steatotic HepG2 cells were induced by 50% fetal bovine serum (FBS) for 48 hours, and then treated with rhmCNTF for 24 hours. The results showed that after rhmCNTF treatment, hepatic triglyceride (TG) accumulation was attenuated both in vivo and in vitro. RhmCNTF increased protein expression of CPT‐1 and PPARα, and decreased SREBP‐1c, FAS and SCD‐1 in steatotic HepG2 cells. But the production of nitric oxide and 8‐isoPGF2α in steatotic HepG2 cells was not affected by rhmCNTF. These results suggest that rhmCNTF has a peripheral effect that alleviates fat‐induced hepatic steatosis.
When Basic Income Meets Professor Pangloss: Ignoring Public Administration and Its Perils
Authors: De Wispelaere Jurgen , Stirton Lindsay
Published: December 2016

Basic income advocates propose a model that they believe will dramatically improve on current welfare programmes by alleviating poverty, reducing involuntary unemployment and social exclusion, redistributing care work, achieving a better work–life balance, and so on. Whether these expected social effects materialise in practice critically depends on how the model is implemented, but on this topic the basic income debate remains largely silent. Few advocates explicitly consider questions of implementation, and those that do are typically dismissive of the administrative challenges of implementing a basic income and critical (even overtly hostile) towards bureaucracy. In this contribution we briefly examine (and rebut) several reasons that have led basic income advocates to ignore administration. The main peril of such neglect, we argue, is that it misleads basic income advocates into a form of Panglossian optimism that risks causing basic income advocacy to become self‐defeating.
Obsolescence and Innovation in Economic Statistics on Agriculture
Authors: Hill Berkeley
Published: December 2016

A re‐engineering of the systems for producing economic statistics for EU agriculture is advocated to make them more appropriate to the issues that are presently faced. In particular, the basic unit of the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) should be shifted from the fictional ‘holding’ to the complete business, which in most cases is the farm household‐firm. This should allow a much sounder explanation of investment, farm viability and many aspects of business behaviour. Balance sheets will be complete and more meaningful. A wider range of policies could be serviced. This implies that FADN's coverage needs to be expanded to collect additional data on, for example, household income and environmental items. Many national farm accounts surveys already gather some of this material for national policy purposes. At the EU level, the legal status of the FADN Farm Return is an impediment to this expansion, and ways to achieve greater flexibility need to be explored. But even within present constraints there are several likely innovations within data handling systems that would enhance the usefulness of FADN, such as an improved ability to trace single businesses over time. Improved knowledge exchange among FADN providers and users is a likely way forward.
The Effects of Egg and Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Monoglycerides Addition on Storage Stability, Texture, and Sensory Properties of Gluten‐Free Sorghum Bread
Authors: Bize Magali , Smith Brennan M. , Aramouni Fadi M. , Bean Scott R.
Published: December 2016

The impact of whole egg addition (as is) at 20%, 25%, or 30% (flour basis) on sorghum bread quality was evaluated. The use of the antistaling agent diacetyl tartaric acid esters of monoglycerides (DATEM) at 0.5% (flour basis) at each of the egg addition levels was also studied. Evaluated quality factors included color, specific volume, and crumb structure. Texture analysis was performed to evaluate the rate of quality loss based on changes in crumb hardness values over time. A trained sensory panel evaluated bread quality attributes by descriptive analysis. Sorghum breads with egg had larger specific volumes than the control, while DATEM had a negative effect on the volume of sorghum gluten‐free bread. Inclusion of egg in the bread formula improved cell structure and produced darker crust (P < 0.05). The addition of egg reduced bread hardness and slowed the rate of quality loss over a 12‐d storage period. Descriptive analysis confirmed the findings of texture analysis. Control breads were significantly harder (P < 0.05) than egg‐containing bread at days 0 and 4. This research demonstrates that addition of eggs to a gluten‐free sorghum bread formulation results in improved storage stability and better overall quality and acceptability of the product.
Estimated Time to Complete Direct Nursing Interventions Using the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) at Eight Hospitals in South Korea
Authors: Lee Eunjoo , Park Hyejin
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

Without data on the average time for performing nursing interventions, it is not possible to identify the cost‐effective nursing practices, nurse staffing levels, and skill mix that are associated with improved patient outcomes, nor can reimbursement rates be accurately determined.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to estimate the time needed to perform direct nursing interventions in Korea using the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) system, and then compare the findings with time estimates made by U.S. nurses.

METHODS

Data were collected from 721 registered nurses working in eight hospitals in South Korea. Each nurse was asked to choose the 30 most frequently used direct nursing interventions from a list of 433 from the Korean version of the NIC and to estimate the time needed to perform their selections. The U.S. data from the second edition of NIC were used for comparative purposes.

RESULTS

Among the 92 nursing interventions studied, the majority were in the physiological domain, with 46 (50%) in Physiological: Basic and 25 (27%) in Physiological: Complex. In Korea, the intervention reported as taking the shortest time was Tube Care: Umbilical Line, while the intervention reported as taking the longest time was Bowel Irrigation. Comparisons of the time to perform interventions in the two countries indicated that only 38 (41.3%) interventions are performed in 15 min or less in both countries. Of the remainder, six interventions showed considerable variation in time to perform between the two countries.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION

Findings from the study will provide fundamental data for calculating the cost of nursing interventions, which is critical for the establishment of reimbursement rates for interventions provided.
Open Market Share Repurchases in Germany: A Conditional Event Study Approach
Authors: Andres Christian , Betzer André , Doumet Markus , Theissen Erik
Published: December 2016

We analyze the decision to announce an open market share repurchase and the share price reaction to the announcement. We use a conditional estimation approach, which takes into account that the repurchase decision is made rationally and that, consequently, there is a potential selection bias. This approach requires a ‘non‐event sample’ of firms that could reasonably be expected to announce a repurchase but did not. The specific institutional rules for share repurchases in Germany allow us to construct such a sample. We find that a conditional approach yields results that are qualitatively comparable but differ in detail from those obtained using a non‐conditional approach. We confirm earlier findings of negative share price performance prior to the repurchase announcement and positive and significant announcement day abnormal returns. The results of our probit models are consistent with the free cash flow hypothesis and provide at least partial support for the rent extraction, signalling, and capital structure hypothesis. The results of the cross‐sectional regressions provide support for the signalling hypothesis once we control for selection bias.
Clinical vs. DSM diagnosis of bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and their co‐occurrence
Authors: Bayes A. J. , Parker G. B.
Published: December 2016

Objective

To investigate the extent and reasons contributing to discrepancies between those receiving a DSM as against a clinical diagnosis of a bipolar disorder (BP) and/or a borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Method

We interviewed participants previously receiving a BP or BPD diagnosis, studying those who met DSM or clinical criteria for one or both conditions. We compared the numbers of participants allocated to the three diagnostic categories according to rater strategy to calculate concordance rates and determine reasons for discordance.

Results

Rates of assignment to BP, BPD and comorbid BP/BPD varied according to the diagnostic strategy. Concordance rates were reduced as BP disorder duration criteria were relaxed, with discordance mainly arising from clinical allocation of a BP disorder for those DSM assigned as unipolar depression. Rates of BPD allocation varied marginally, with discordance mostly arising from so clinically diagnosed receiving a comorbid BP/BPD DSM diagnosis. Finally, DSM overestimated comorbidity compared with clinician diagnoses. Of central importance, not imposing the DSM duration criteria for BP did not increase the prevalence of misdiagnosing BPD, a finding at variance with the literature.

Conclusion

Rates and reasons for discordance between clinical and DSM diagnosis are detailed, which should assist clinical decision‐making.
Zika virus infection of Hofbauer cells
Authors: Simoni Michael K. , Jurado Kellie Ann , Abrahams Vikki M. , Fikrig Erol , Guller Seth
Published: December 2016

Recent studies have linked antenatal infection with Zika virus (ZIKV) with major adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes, including microcephaly. There is a growing consensus for the existence of a congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Previous studies have indicated that non‐placental macrophages play a key role in the replication of dengue virus (DENV), a closely related flavivirus. As the placenta provides the conduit for vertical transmission of certain viruses, and placental Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are fetal—placental macrophages located adjacent to fetal capillaries, it is not surprising that several recent studies have examined infection of HBCs by ZIKV. In this review, we describe congenital abnormalities associated with ZIKV infection, the role of HBCs in the placental response to infection, and evidence for the susceptibility of HBCs to ZIKV infection. We conclude that HBCs may contribute to the spread of ZIKV in placenta and promote vertical transmission of ZIKV, ultimately compromising fetal and neonatal development and function. Current evidence strongly suggests that further studies are warranted to dissect the specific molecular mechanism through which ZIKV infects HBCs and its potential impact on the development of CZS.
Zika virus: A new threat to human reproduction
Authors: Baud David , Musso Didier , Vouga Manon , Alves Marco P. , Vulliemoz Nicolas
Published: December 2016

Zika virus (ZIKV) was first isolated in 1947 in a rhesus monkey from the Zika forest of Uganda. Until 2007, only 14 human cases were reported. The first large human outbreak occurred in 2007 (Yap Island, Federated States of Micronesia, Pacific) followed by French Polynesia in 2013 and Brazil in 2015. The virus is mainly transmitted through Aedes mosquito bites, but sexual and post‐transfusion transmissions have been reported. Symptoms include low‐grade fever, maculopapular rash, conjunctivitis, myalgia, arthralgia, and asthenia. During the recent outbreaks in French Polynesia and Brazil, ZIKV infection has been associated with two major complications: microcephaly and Guillain–Barré syndrome. Since fetal infection includes other birth defects, congenital Zika syndrome has been used to define in utero infection. The majority of sexual transmission occurred from a symptomatic male to a female, but female‐to‐male and male‐to‐male transmission have been reported. Asymptomatic male‐to‐female transmission has also been described. Importantly, ZIKV RNA can persist at least 6 months in semen. The male urogenital tract may therefore act as a reservoir for the virus. ZIKV RNA was detected in a cervical swab of a patient 3 days after presenting the classic symptoms suggesting a potential tropism for the female genital tract. Long‐lasting presence of ZIKV RNA might not indicate that the individual is infectious but makes recommendation for couples potentially exposed to the virus and willing to conceive difficult. It will also be important to determine whether genital ZIKV infection might have a deleterious effect on male and female fertility.
Zika virus: Future reproductive concerns
Authors: Novak Christopher M. , Sheffield Jeanne S. , Burd Irina
Published: December 2016

The pandemic spread of Zika virus (ZIKV), a member of the flavivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family, has become a major public health concern. Reproductive specialists are particularly concerned over the spread of ZIKV as it is now known to have both sexual and transplacental routes of transmission resulting in fetal congenital abnormalities. Other members of the Flaviviridae family, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) (which primarily affects cattle), are well known to reproductive specialists as both sexually transmitted illnesses that are capable of vertical transmission. Congenital infection with BVDV also has a predilection for neuro‐teratogenicity as has been seen with ZIKV. HCV and BVDV are also known to be capable of persistent infection in offspring. Could this be the case with ZIKV? Examining what we know about HCV and BVDV, in addition to what we have already learned about ZIKV, may answer some of the questions that remain about ZIKV. Herein, we review the current literature as it pertains to ZIKV vertical transmission and neuro‐teratogenicity and compare it to what is known about HCV and BVDV.
Urothelium update: how the bladder mucosa measures bladder filling
Authors: Janssen D. A. W. , Schalken J. A. , Heesakkers J. P. F. A.
Published: December 2016

Aim

This review critically evaluates the evidence on mechanoreceptors and pathways in the bladder urothelium that are involved in normal bladder filling signalling.

Methods

Evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies on (i) signalling pathways like the adenosine triphosphate pathway, cholinergic pathway and nitric oxide and adrenergic pathway, and (ii) different urothelial receptors that are involved in bladder filling signalling like purinergic receptors, sodium channels and TRP channels will be evaluated. Other potential pathways and receptors will also be discussed.

Results

Bladder filling results in continuous changes in bladder wall stretch and exposure to urine. Both barrier and afferent signalling functions in the urothelium are constantly adapting to cope with these dynamics. Current evidence shows that the bladder mucosa hosts essential pathways and receptors that mediate bladder filling signalling. Intracellular calcium ion increase is a dominant factor in this signalling process. However, there is still no complete understanding how interacting receptors and pathways create a bladder filling signal. Currently, there are still novel receptors investigated that could also be participating in bladder filling signalling.

Conclusions

Normal bladder filling sensation is dependent on multiple interacting mechanoreceptors and signalling pathways. Research efforts need to focus on how these pathways and receptors interact to fully understand normal bladder filling signalling.
Country‐level governance quality, ownership concentration, and debt maturity: A comparative study of Brazil and Chile
Authors: Martins Henrique Castro , Schiehll Eduardo , Terra Paulo Renato Soares
Published: December 2016

Manuscript type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

This study investigates the interplay between country‐level governance quality and the capital structure choice at the firm level in Brazil and Chile. We examine the association between a firm's ownership concentration and its debt maturity structure and whether country‐level governance quality influences this association.

Research Findings/Insights

Using a large firm‐level dataset from Brazil and Chile for the period 2008–2013, we find a positive association between low ownership concentration and debt maturity. However, this association becomes negative when the largest shareholder has high ownership concentration. This result suggests that long‐term debt and ownership concentration act as substitute monitoring mechanisms. Moreover, debt maturity is inversely related to our aggregated index of country‐level governance quality, suggesting that in countries with governance systems that effectively protect debt holders, firms with high benefits of control (high ownership concentration) will use debt with shorter repayment periods in order to benefit from frequent monitoring by debt holders. Overall, our results support the view that financial markets tend to pressure firms with high benefits of control or greater agency conflict to make a tradeoff between the benefits of control and the cost and maturity structure of debt financing.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

This study contributes to the research on comparative corporate governance and capital structure. We also respond to recent calls to bridge the gap between under‐ and over‐socialized views of corporate governance by examining the interplay between firm‐ and country‐level governance variables. Our findings suggest a substitution effect between monitoring by equity holders and by debt holders, and that country‐level governance quality exerts a disciplinary influence over a firm's choice of debt maturity structure.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Investors seeking to enter emerging markets such as Brazil and Chile can benefit from considering national governance factors that enhance debt holders’ external monitoring effectiveness. Because our findings show the importance of considering and improving the quality of country‐level governance, they are also useful for policy makers aiming to reform corporate governance practices in emerging markets.
Inhibition of adipose tissue PPARγ prevents increased adipocyte expansion after lipectomy and exacerbates a glucose‐intolerant phenotype
Authors: Booth A. D. , Magnuson A. M. , Cox‐York K. A. , Wei Y. , Wang D. , Pagliassotti M. J. , Foster M. T.
Published: December 2016

Objectives

Adipose tissue plays a fundamental role in glucose homeostasis. For example, fat removal (lipectomy, LipX) in lean mice, resulting in a compensatory 50% increase in total fat mass, is associated with significant improvement in glucose tolerance. This study was designed to further examine the link between fat removal, adipose tissue compensation and glucose homeostasis using a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPAR γ; activator of adipogenesis) knockout mouse.

Material and methods

The study involved PPARγ knockout (FKOγ) or control mice (CON), subdivided into groups that received LipX or Sham surgery. We reasoned that as the ability of adipose tissue to expand in response to LipX would be compromised in FKOγ mice, so would improvements in glucose homeostasis.

Results

In CON mice, LipX increased total adipose depot mass (~60%), adipocyte number (~45%) and changed adipocyte distribution to smaller cells. Glucose tolerance was improved (~30%) in LipX CON mice compared to Shams. In FKOγ mice, LipX did not result in any significant changes in adipose depot mass, adipocyte number or distribution. LipX FKOγ mice were also characterized by reduction of glucose tolerance (~30%) compared to shams.

Conclusions

Inhibition of adipose tissue PPARγ prevented LipX‐induced increases in adipocyte expansion and produced a glucose‐intolerant phenotype. These data support the notion that adipose tissue expansion is critical to maintain and/or improvement in glucose homeostasis.
Paediatric parenting stress in fathers and mothers of young children with Type 1 diabetes: a longitudinal study
Authors: Nieuwesteeg A. , Hartman E. , Emons W. , van Bakel H. , Aanstoot H.‐J. , van Mil E. , Pouwer F.
Published: December 2016

Aim

To compare levels of paediatric parenting stress in the fathers and mothers of young children with Type 1 diabetes and study the variation in this stress over time.

Methods

One hundred and twelve parents (56 mothers and 56 fathers) of young children (0–7 years) with Type 1 diabetes participated in this study. They completed the Pediatric Inventory for Parents to assess paediatric parenting stress (frequency and difficulty scores on the Communication, Emotional Distress, Medical Care and Role Functioning subscales and Total Score); 44 mothers (79%) and 31 fathers (55%) completed the questionnaire again, 1 year later. Independent and paired sample t‐tests were used to examine the differences between fathers and mothers and the changes over time. Cohen's d effect sizes were also calculated.

Results

Mothers scored significantly higher than fathers on the stress subscales for Communication frequency and difficulty, Emotional Distress frequency and difficulty, Medical Care frequency and Total Score frequency and difficulty (d ranged from −0.44 to −0.56). Furthermore, fathers reported a decrease in Medical Care frequency (d = 0.10) and an increase in Emotional Distress difficulty (d = −0.32) and Total Score difficulty (d = −0.29), whereas mothers reported a decrease in Emotional Distress frequency, Medical Care frequency and Total Score frequency (d ranged from 0.31 to 0.66) over a 1‐year period.

Conclusions

These results show that within families with a young child with Type 1 diabetes, the burden of care increases in fathers and decreases in mothers, suggesting that fathers assume more responsibility for care of their child with Type 1 diabetes as the child grows.
Different output properties of perisomatic region‐targeting interneurons in the basal amygdala
Authors: Barsy Boglárka , Szabó Gergely G. , Andrási Tibor , Vikór Attila , Hájos Norbert
Published: December 2016

The perisomatic region of principal neurons in cortical regions is innervated by three types of GABAergic interneuron, including parvalbumin‐containing basket cells (PVBCs) and axo‐axonic cells (AACs), as well as cholecystokinin and type 1 cannabinoid receptor‐expressing basket cells (CCK/CB1BCs). These perisomatic inhibitory cell types can also be found in the basal nucleus of the amygdala, however, their output properties are largely unknown. Here, we performed whole‐cell recordings in morphologically identified interneurons in slices prepared from transgenic mice, in which the GABAergic cells could be selectively targeted. Investigating the passive and active membrane properties of interneurons located within the basal amygdala revealed that the three interneuron types have distinct single‐cell properties. For instance, the input resistance, spike rate, accommodation in discharge rate, or after‐hyperpolarization width at the half maximal amplitude separated the three interneuron types. Furthermore, we performed paired recordings from interneurons and principal neurons to uncover the basic features of unitary inhibitory postsynaptic currents (uIPSCs). Although we found no difference in the magnitude of responses measured in the principal neurons, the uIPSCs originating from the distinct interneuron types differed in rise time, failure rate, latency, and short‐term dynamics. Moreover, the asynchronous transmitter release induced by a train of action potentials was typical for the output synapses of CCK/CB1BCs. Our results suggest that, despite the similar uIPSC magnitudes originating from the three perisomatic inhibitory cell types, their distinct release properties together with the marked differences in their spiking characteristics may contribute to accomplish specific functions in amygdala network operation.
New insights into the evolutionary origins of the recombination‐activating gene proteins and V(D)J recombination
Authors: Carmona Lina Marcela , Schatz David G.
Published: December 2016

The adaptive immune system of jawed vertebrates relies on V(D)J recombination as one of the main processes to generate the diverse array of receptors necessary for the recognition of a wide range of pathogens. The DNA cleavage reaction necessary for the assembly of the antigen receptor genes from an array of potential gene segments is mediated by the recombination‐activating gene proteins RAG1 and RAG2. The RAG proteins have been proposed to originate from a transposable element (TE) as they share mechanistic and structural similarities with several families of transposases and are themselves capable of mediating transposition. A number of RAG‐like proteins and TEs with sequence similarity to RAG1 and RAG2 have been identified, but only recently has their function begun to be characterized, revealing mechanistic links to the vertebrate RAGs. Of particular significance is the discovery of ProtoRAG, a transposon superfamily found in the genome of the basal chordate amphioxus. ProtoRAG has many of the sequence and mechanistic features predicted for the ancestral RAG transposon and is likely to be an evolutionary relative of RAG1 and RAG2. In addition, early observations suggesting that RAG1 is able to mediate V(D)J recombination in the absence of RAG2 have been confirmed, implying independent evolutionary origins for the two RAG genes. Here, recent progress in identifying and characterizing RAG‐like proteins and the TEs that encode them is summarized and a refined model for the evolution of V(D)J recombination and the RAG proteins is presented.
FGF2 antagonizes aberrant TGFβ regulation of tropomyosin: role for posterior capsule opacity
Authors: Kubo Eri , Shibata Shinsuke , Shibata Teppei , Kiyokawa Etsuko , Sasaki Hiroshi , Singh Dhirendra P.
Published: December 2016

Transforming growth factor (TGF) β2 and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2 are involved in regulation of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and other processes of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) such as cancer progression, wound healing and tissue fibrosis as well as normal embryonic development. We previously used an in vivo rodent PCO model to show the expression of tropomyosin (Tpm) 1/2 was aberrantly up‐regulated in remodelling the actin cytoskeleton during EMT. In this in vitro study, we show the Tpms family of cytoskeleton proteins are involved in regulating and stabilizing actin microfilaments (F‐actin) and are induced by TGFβ2 during EMT in lens epithelial cells (LECs). Importantly, we found TGFβ2 and FGF2 played contrasting roles. Stress fibre formation and up‐regulation of α‐smooth muscle actin (αSMA) induced by TGFβ2 could be reversed by Tpm1/2 knock‐down by siRNA. Expression of Tpm1/2 and stress fibre formation induced by TGFβ2 could be reversed by FGF2. Furthermore, FGF2 delivery to TGFβ‐treated LECs perturbed EMT by reactivating the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathway and subsequently enhanced EMT. Conversely, MEK inhibitor (PD98059) abated the FGF2‐mediated Tpm1/2 and αSMA suppression. However, we found that normal LECs which underwent EMT showed enhanced migration in response to combined TGFβ and FGF2 stimulation. These findings may help clarify the mechanism reprogramming the actin cytoskeleton during morphogenetic EMT cell proliferation and fibre regeneration in PCO. We propose that understanding the physiological link between levels of FGF2, Tpm1/2 expression and TGFβs‐driven EMT orchestration may provide clue(s) to develop therapeutic strategies to treat PCO based on Tpm1/2.
Early glycolipid (POA) in pro‐oligodendroblasts revealed to be sulfatide
Authors: Boggs Joan M.
Published: December 2016

Read the highlighted article ‘Sulfatide species with various fatty acid chains in oligodendrocytes at different developmental stages determined by imaging mass spectrometry’ on page 435.
The role of p38alpha in Schwann cells in regulating peripheral nerve myelination and repair
Authors: Roberts Sheridan L. , Dun Xin‐peng , Dee Gemma , Gray Bethany , Mindos Thomas , Parkinson David B.
Published: December 2016

Myelination in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is controlled by both positive and negative regulators within Schwann cells to ensure timely onset and correct myelin thickness for saltatory conduction by neurons. Transcription factors such as Sox10, octamer‐binding transcription factor 6 (Oct6) and Krox20 form a positive regulatory network, whereas negative regulators such as cJun and Sox2 oppose myelination in Schwann cells. The role of the p38 MAPK pathway has been studied in PNS myelination, but its precise function remains unclear, with both positive and negative effects of p38 activity reported upon both myelination and processes of nerve repair. To clarify the role of p38 MAPK in the PNS, we have analysed mice with a Schwann cell‐specific ablation of the major p38 isoform, p38alpha. In line with previous findings of an inhibitory role for p38 MAPK, we observe acceleration of post‐natal myelination in p38alpha null nerves, a delay in myelin down‐regulation following injury, together with a small increase in levels of re‐myelination following injury. Finally we explored roles for p38alpha in controlling axonal regeneration and functional repair following PNS injury and observe that loss of p38alpha function in Schwann cells does not appear to affect these processes as previously reported. These studies therefore provide further proof for a role of p38 MAPK signalling in the control of myelination by Schwann cells in the PNS, but do not show an apparent role for signalling by this MAP kinase in Schwann cells controlling other elements of Wallerian degeneration and functional repair following injury.

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Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.13793.
Role of Isotocin in the Regulation of the Hypophysiotropic Dopamine Neurones in the Preoptic Area of the Catfish, Clarias batrachus
Authors: Singh O. , Kumar S. , Singh U. , Bhute Y. , Singru P. S.
Published: December 2016

Dopamine (DA) has emerged as a potent inhibitory neuromodulator of luteinsing hormone (LH) secretion and reproduction in teleosts. The DA neurones located in the anterior subdivision of nucleus preopticus periventricularis (NPPa) in the preoptic area (POA) innervate the pituitary gland and regulate LH cells. Although a reduction in the inhibitory DAergic tone is crucial for stimulatory action of gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) on LH cells, the role of other hypothalamic factors is suggested but not fully understood. Nonapeptide, isotocin (IST) has emerged as a likely candidate that may also influence the LH cell function. IST neurones reside in the nucleus preopticus and innervate LH cells. While IST treatment dramatically elevated LH secretion, the IST levels in brain peaked during spawning. In a pilot study on the catfish, Clarias batrachus, we observed a dense network of IST‐immunoreactive (IST‐IR) fibres in the NPPa, the region known to harbour hypophysiotropic DA neurones. Application of the double immunofluorescence method showed a dense IST‐IR fibre network around the tyrosine hydroxylase‐immunoreactive (TH‐IR) neurones in the NPPa region. A great majority of the TH‐IR neurones in the NPPa were contacted by IST‐IR fibres during the spawning phase. The NPPa therefore appears to be a site for the intense interaction of DA and IST. IST‐IR fibre innervation in NPPa showed reproduction phase‐dependent changes. The percent fluorescent area of IST‐IR fibres showed a gradual increase from the resting through prespawning phases (resting: 7.5 ± 1.04; preparatory: 8.6 ± 0.8; prespawning: 15.5 ± 1.4), reaching a peak in the spawning phase (28 ± 2.3; P < 0.001). Compared to the spawning phase, a drastic reduction in IST‐IR fibres in the NPPa was observed during the postspawning phase (8.4 ± 0.9; P < 0.001). Superfused slices of the POA of C. batrachus treated with IST peptide resulted in a significant reduction in TH immunoreactivity in the NPPa (Control: 45.3 ± 4.2; IST peptide, 5 μm: 29.4 ± 4.7; P < 0.05). We suggest that the intense interaction between IST and DA in the NPPa, most probably of an inhibitory nature, may be critical for the regulation of LH cells and reproduction in teleosts.
Subjects with temporomandibular joint disc displacement do not feature any peculiar changes in body posture
Authors: Rocha T. , Castro M. A. , Guarda‐Nardini L. , Manfredini D.
Published: December 2016

The presence of body posture changes among patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) has been a controversial topic in dentistry. Based on that, the aim of this study was to assess postural features of pain‐free subjects with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), viz. disc displacement, when compared to subjects with normal disc position. A total of 21 subjects with unilateral, pain‐free TMJ disc displacement (DD) and 21 subjects without any TMD signs of symptoms were assessed for body posture changes by means of posturographic evaluation of several body segments and postural balance reactions through the centre of mass during jaw movements using a balance platform. Posturographic measurements showed the absence of any significant differences between the two groups in any of the outcome parameters. Similarly, all balance platform responses to mandibular movements were not different between groups. There are no significant differences in body posture between subjects with and without unilateral disc displacement in the temporomandibular joint. Such observations, indicating a well‐preserved postural balance in the presence of TMJ internal derangement, put into serious question the potential influence of TMJ disorders on whole body posture and viceversa.
Single mandibular implant study – denture satisfaction in the elderly
Authors: Passia N. , Att W. , Freitag‐Wolf S. , Heydecke G. , von Königsmark V. , Freifrau von Maltzahn N. , Mundt T. , Rädel M. , Schwindling F. S. , Wolfart S. , Kern M.
Published: December 2016

To investigate whether there are differences in patients’ denture satisfaction when an implant placed in the midline of the edentulous mandible is loaded either immediately or three months later, after second‐stage surgery. One hundred and fifty‐eight edentulous patients received a single implant in the midline of the mandible. After randomisation, it was loaded either immediately after implant placement (N = 81, group A) or three months later, after a submerged healing phase and a second‐stage surgery (N = 77, group B). Patients’ denture satisfaction aspects were assessed, using visual analogue scales (VAS), before treatment, one month after implant placement during the submerged healing phase (only group B) and one and four months after implant loading. The statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank and rank‐sum tests. One month after loading, a significant improvement in comfort, function and stability of the mandibular denture could be observed in both groups (P ≤ 0·05). A slight but not significant improvement was found between one and four months after loading. Patients with second‐stage surgery and delayed loading rated the stability and fit of the mandibular denture as significantly better than patients who had immediate loading. A single implant in the edentulous mandible significantly increased patients’ denture satisfaction. After four months, stability and fit of the mandibular denture were considered better when a delayed loading protocol had been followed. A single mandibular implant in the edentulous mandible significantly increases patients’ denture satisfaction, regardless of the loading protocol.
The Black dentist workforce in the United States
Authors: Mertz Elizabeth , Calvo Jean , Wides Cynthia , Gates Paul
Published: December 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this paper is to describe the Black dentist workforce, the practice patterns of providers, and their contributions to oral health care for minority and underserved patients.

Methods

A national sample survey of underrepresented minority dentists was conducted in 2012 and received a 32.6 percent response rate for self‐reported Black dentists. Data were weighted for selection and response bias to be nationally representative. Descriptive and multivariable statistics were computed to provide a workforce profile of Black dentists. National comparisons are provided from published data.

Results

Among all Black dentists (weighted n = 6,254), 76.6 percent self‐identify as African‐American, 13.2 percent as African, and 10.3 percent as Afro‐Caribbean. The largest share of Black dentists are male, married, heterosexual, born in the United States and raised in a medium to large city. One third of Black dentists were the first in their family to graduate from college. Black dentists report higher average educational debt than all dental students, with graduates from International Dentist Programs having the greatest debt. Traditional practices (i.e., private practices) dominate, with 67.1 percent of Black dentists starting out in this setting and 73.5 percent currently in the setting. Black dentists care for a disproportionate share of Black patients, with an average patient mix that is 44.9 percent Black. Two in five Black dentists reported their patient pool is made up of more than 50 percent Black patients.

Conclusions

The underrepresentation for Black dentists is extraordinary, and the Black dentists that are in practice are shouldering a disproportionate share of dental care for minority and underserved communities.
Attentional Capture by Emotional Stimuli: Manipulation of Emotional Valence by the Sample Pre‐rating Method
Authors: Ono Yohei , Taniguchi Yasutomi
Published: December 2016

Eye movements directed at emotional and neutral pictures were investigated. Participants were instructed to fixate on a target and avoid looking at a non‐target. Results of trials consisting of emotional and neutral pictures were analyzed based on participants’ evaluations of the stimuli before the experiment. Results indicated that the number and duration of fixations were larger and longer for targets than for non‐targets. Further, the probability of first fixation was less for neutral targets than for emotional targets. This suggests that unpleasant pictures capture visual attention and that the attentional orienting is subject to automatic response. The possibility that top‐down processes of visual attention may be involved in attentional capture was also discussed.
Effectiveness and safety of ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir ± dasabuvir ± ribavirin: An early access programme for Spanish patients with genotype 1/4 chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Perelló C. , Carrión J. A. , Ruiz‐Antorán B. , Crespo J. , Turnes J. , Llaneras J. , Lens S. , Delgado M. , García‐Samaniego J. , García‐Paredes F. , Fernández I. , Morillas R. M. , Rincón D. , Porres J. C. , Prieto M. , Lázaro Ríos M. , Fernández‐Rodríguez C. , Hermo J. A. , Rodríguez M. , Herrero J. I. , Ruiz P. , Fernández J. R. , Macías M. , Pascasio J. M. , Moreno J. M. , Serra M. Á. , Arenas J. , Real Y. , Jorquera F. , Calleja J. L. ,   the Spanish Collaborative Group for the Study of the Use of Hepatitis C Direct‐Acting Drugs
Published: December 2016

Over the last 5 years, therapies for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have improved significantly, achieving sustained virologic response (SVR) rates of up to 100% in clinical trials in patients with HCV genotype 1. We investigated the effectiveness and safety of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir±dasabuvir in an early access programme. This was a retrospective, multicentre, national study that included 291 treatment‐naïve and treatment‐experienced patients with genotype 1 or 4 HCV infection. Most patients (65.3%) were male, and the mean age was 57.5 years. The mean baseline viral load was 6.1 log, 69.8% had HCV 1b genotype, 72.9% had cirrhosis and 34.7% were treatment‐naïve. SVR at 12 weeks posttreatment was 96.2%. Four patients had virological failure (1.4%), one leading to discontinuation. There were no statistical differences in virological response according to genotype or liver fibrosis. Thirty patients experienced serious adverse events (SAEs) (10.3%), leading to discontinuation in six cases. Hepatic decompensation was observed in five patients. Four patients died during treatment or follow‐up, three of them directly related to liver failure. Multivariate analyses showed a decreased probability of achieving SVR associated with baseline albumin, bilirubin and Child‐Pugh score B, and a greater probability of developing SAEs related to age and albumin. This combined therapy was highly effective in clinical practice with an acceptable safety profile and low rates of treatment discontinuation.
Safety and efficacy of direct‐acting antivirals for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in a real‐world population aged 65 years and older
Authors: Conti F. , Brillanti S. , Buonfiglioli F. , Vukotic R. , Morelli M. C. , Lalanne C. , Massari M. , Foschi F. G. , Bernabucci V. , Serio I. , Prati G. M. , Negri E. , Badia L. , Caraceni P. , Muratori P. , Vitale G. , Porro A. , Morotti M. , Mazzella G. , Andreone P.
Published: December 2016

The availability of direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAA) regimens has expanded the pool of patients eligible for treatment. However, data on the virologic response and tolerability of DAAs in elderly patients are lacking. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of DAAs in patients with advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis in real‐life practice with the focus on those aged ≥65 years. Between January and December 2015, all consecutive patients with HCV‐related advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis treated with DAA at eleven tertiary referral centres in Emilia Romagna (Italy) were enrolled. Regimen choice was based on viral genotype and stage of disease, according to guidelines. The primary end point was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12). Overall, 282 of 556 (50.7%) patients evaluated were elderly, most of them with cirrhosis. Antiviral therapy was stopped prematurely in four (1.4%) patients. Two patients, both with cirrhosis, died during treatment due to worsening of liver/renal function. SVR12 was achieved by 94.7% and was comparable to that obtained in patients aged <65 (P=.074). Similar data were also reported in subgroup of patients aged ≥75 years. All patients with advanced fibrosis achieved virologic response. SVR12 was 80.8% in Child‐Pugh‐Turcotte (CTP)‐B cirrhosis and 95.4% in CTP‐A (P=.013). According to genotype, the SVR12 was achieved in 172 of 181 (95%) with genotype 1b cirrhosis and in 44 of 48 (91.7%) with genotype 2 cirrhosis. In conclusions, in a real‐world setting, DAAs are safe and effective in elderly patients with HCV‐related advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis, but SVR12 is lower with worsening CTP class.
Cognition, Corpora, and Computing: Triangulating Research in Usage‐Based Language Learning
Authors: Ellis Nick C.
Published: December 2016

Usage‐based approaches explore how we learn language from our experience of language. Related research thus involves the analysis of the usage from which learners learn and of learner usage as it develops. This program involves considerable data recording, transcription, and analysis, using a variety of corpus and computational techniques, many of them specially devised for learner language. This article surveys relevant developments across the psychology of learning, first and second language acquisition, psycholinguistics, corpus linguistics, and computational linguistics and identifies challenges and future priorities relating to the following issues: (1) analyzing the distributional characteristics of linguistic constructions and their meanings in large collections of language that are representative of the language that learners experience, (2) the longitudinal analysis of learner language, and (3) Natural Language Processing analyses of the dimensions of language complexity.