bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An inhibitory gate for state transition in cortex
Authors: Zucca Stefano , D’Urso Giulia , Pasquale Valentina , Vecchia Dania , Pica Giuseppe , Bovetti Serena , Moretti Claudio , Varani Stefano , Molano-Mazón Manuel , Chiappalone Michela , Panzeri Stefano , Fellin Tommaso
Published: May 2017

Large scale transitions between active (up) and silent (down) states during quiet wakefulness or NREM sleep regulate fundamental cortical functions and are known to involve both excitatory and inhibitory cells. However, if and how inhibition regulates these activity transitions is unclear. Using fluorescence-targeted electrophysiological recording and cell-specific optogenetic manipulation in both anesthetized and non-anesthetized mice, we found that two major classes of interneurons, the parvalbumin and the somatostatin positive cells, tightly control both up-to-down and down-to-up state transitions. Inhibitory regulation of state transition was observed under both natural and optogenetically-evoked conditions. Moreover, perturbative optogenetic experiments revealed that the inhibitory control of state transition was interneuron-type specific. Finally, local manipulation of small ensembles of interneurons affected cortical populations millimetres away from the modulated region. Together, these results demonstrate that inhibition potently gates transitions between cortical activity states, and reveal the cellular mechanisms by which local inhibitory microcircuits regulate state transitions at the mesoscale.
Are invasive populations characterized by a broader diet than native populations?
Authors: Courant Julien , Vogt Solveig , Marques Raquel , Measey John , Secondi Jean , Rebelo Rui , De Villiers André , Ihlow Flora , De Busschere Charlotte , Backeljau Thierry , Rödder Dennis , Herrel Anthony
Published: May 2017

Background

Invasive species are among the most significant threats to biodiversity. The diet of invasive animal populations is a crucial factor that must be considered in the context of biological invasions. A broad dietary spectrum is a frequently cited characteristic of invasive species, allowing them to thrive in a wide range of environments. Therefore, empirical studies comparing diet in invasive and native populations are necessary to understand dietary requirements, dietary flexibility, and the associated impacts of invasive species.

Methods

In this study, we compared the diet of populations of the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis in its native range, with several areas where it has become invasive. Each prey category detected in stomach contents was assigned to an ecological category, allowing a comparison of the diversity of ecological traits among the prey items in the diet of native and introduced populations. The comparison of diets was also performed using evenness as a niche breadth index on all sampled populations, and electivity as a prey selection index for three out of the six sampled populations.

Results

Our results showed that diet breadth could be either narrow or broad in invasive populations. According to diet and prey availability, zooplankton was strongly preferred in most cases. In lotic environments, zooplankton was replaced by benthic preys, such as ephemeropteran larvae.

Discussion

The relative proportions of prey with different ecological traits, and dietary variability within and between areas of occurrence, suggest that X. laevis is a generalist predator in both native and invasive populations. Shifts in the realized trophic niche are observed, and appear related to resource availability. Xenopus laevis may strongly impact aquatic ecosystems because of its near complete aquatic lifestyle and its significant consumption of key taxa for the trophic relationships in ponds.
PLD2 regulates microtubule stability and spindle migration in mouse oocytes during meiotic division
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Liu Xiaoyun , Chen Dandan , Jiang Xiuying , Ma Wei
Published: May 2017

Phospholipase D2 (PLD2) is involved in cytoskeletal reorganization, cell migration, cell cycle progression, transcriptional control and vesicle trafficking. There is no evidence about PLD2 function in oocytes during meiosis. Herein, we analyzed PLD2 expression and its relationship with spindle formation and positioning in mouse oocyte meiosis. High protein level of PLD2 was revealed in oocytes by Western blot, which remained consistently stable from prophase I with intact germinal vesicle (GV) up to metaphase II (MII) stage. Immunofluorescence showed that PLD2 appeared and gathered around the condensed chromosomesafter germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), and co-localized with spindle from pro-metaphase I (pro-MI) to metaphase I (MI) and at MII stage. During anaphase I (Ana I) to telophase I (Tel I) transition, PLD2 was concentrated in the spindle polar area but absent from the midbody. In oocytes incubated with NFOT, an allosteric and catalytic inhibitor to PLD2, the spindle was enlarged and center-positioned, microtubules were resistant to cold-induced depolymerization and, additionally, the meiotic progression was arrested at MI stage. However, spindle migration could not be totally prevented by PLD2 catalytic specific inhibitors, FIPI and 1-butanol, implying at least partially, that PLD2 effect on spindle migration needs non-catalytic domain participation. NFOT-induced defects also resulted in actin-related molecules’ distribution alteration, such as RhoA, phosphatidylinosital 4, 5- biphosphate (PIP2), phosphorylated Colifin and, consequently, unordered F-actin dynamics. Taken together, these data indicate PLD2 is required for the regulation of microtubule dynamics and spindle migration toward the cortex in mammalian oocytes during meiotic progression.
Phylogenetic climatic niche conservatism and evolution of climatic suitability in Neotropical Angraecinae (Vandeae, Orchidaceae) and their closest African relatives
Authors: Kolanowska Marta , Grochocka Elżbieta , Konowalik Kamil
Published: May 2017

In the present study we investigate the concept of phylogenetic niche conservatism (PNC) within the American species of angraecoid orchids (CampylocentrumandDendrophylax) and their closest relatives in the Old World (Angraecum) using ecological niche modelling (ENM). The predicted niche occupancy profiles were matched with the outcomes of previous phylogenetic studies to reconstruct the evolution of climatic suitability within the orchid group studied and evaluate the role of niche differentiation in the speciation of Angraecinae. No correlation between preferred niches and taxonomic relationships within the orchid group studied was revealed. The climatic suitability of the majority of the species overlapped each other, either fully or partially. This pattern is also present in the species of other orchid genera. Our research confirms a significant level of PNC in Orchidaceae, even within taxa exhibiting a transatlantic disjunction. The analysis of the evolution of climatic suitability indicated that the adaptation to various climatic conditions is not a factor that has driven speciation within orchids studied.
Conserved queen pheromones in bumblebees: a reply to Amsalem et al.
Authors: Holman Luke , van Zweden Jelle S. , Oliveira Ricardo C. , van Oystaeyen Annette , Wenseleers Tom
Published: May 2017

In a recent study, Amsalem, Orlova & Grozinger (2015) performed experiments withBombus impatiensbumblebees to test the hypothesis that saturated cuticular hydrocarbons are evolutionarily conserved signals used to regulate reproductive division of labor in many Hymenopteran social insects. They concluded that the cuticular hydrocarbon pentacosane (C25), previously identified as a queen pheromone in a congeneric bumblebee, does not affect worker reproduction inB. impatiens. Here we discuss some shortcomings of Amsalem et al.’s study that make its conclusions unreliable. In particular, several confounding effects may have affected the results of both experimental manipulations in the study. Additionally, the study’s low sample sizes (mean n per treatment = 13.6, range: 4–23) give it low power, not 96–99% power as claimed, such that its conclusions may be false negatives. Inappropriate statistical tests were also used, and our reanalysis found that C25substantially reduced and delayed worker egg laying inB. impatiens. We review the evidence that cuticular hydrocarbons act as queen pheromones, and offer some recommendations for future queen pheromone experiments.
INCLUSÃO DA PESSOA COM DEFICIÊNCIA NO ENSINO SUPERIOR: UM ESTUDO DA PRODUÇÃO ACADÊMICA NA ÁREA DA EDUCAÇÃO
Authors: Mendes Cleberson De Lima , Ribeiro Sonia Maria
Published: May 2017

Este artigo visa apresentar um mapeamento das dissertações e teses nos Programas de Pós-Graduação em Educação (PPGE) do período de 2007 a 2015 no âmbito da inclusão de estudantes com deficiência no ensino superior, visando colaborar, dando continuidade, com os resultados apresentados no balanço de produções realizado por Bueno (2013) entre 1987 e 2006. Para tal, fez-se uma investigação nas bases de dados da Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações (BDTD) e no Banco de Teses da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Capes). Na análise das publicações foram catalogadas as seguintes informações: título, instituição, titulação, ano de defesa, objetivo, metodologia, instrumento de coleta de dados e abordagem metodológica para análise dos dados. Os resultados obtidos apontaram um aumento significativo no número de publicações e uma ampliação dos temas abordados nas dissertações e teses. As pesquisas baseiam-se na abordagem qualitativa, e a maioria caracterizou-se pelo estudo de caso. Em relação à metodologia, prevaleceram as entrevistas na coleta de dados e a análise de conteúdo como instrumento para o tratamento dessas informações.
OS SISTEMAS RESPIRATÓRIO E CIRCULATÓRIO HUMANOS EM LIVROS DIDÁTICOS DO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL
Authors: Dal-Farra Rossano André , Lopes Paulo Tadeu Campos , Farias Maria Eloisa , Oliveira Carlos Alberto Damasceno
Published: May 2017

O presente estudo tem como objetivo abordar questões importantes de Educação em Saúde relacionadas aos sistemas respiratório e circulatório humanos buscando subsídios para a construção de estratégias pedagógicas para o Ensino Fundamental. Foram analisadas seis obras didáticas destinadas a alunos da sétima série em edições de 2005 a 2009, centrando as análises nas estratégias empregadas pelos autores no âmbito didático, assim como nas referências aos aspectos conceituais, atitudinais e procedimentais.  Os textos foram estudados com base em abordagem qualitativa por meio da Análise de Conteúdo e inspirada na Teoria Fundamentada em Dados. Os resultados demonstraram que os livros realizam a transposição didática das temáticas com estratégias diversificadas. Entretanto, foi verificado que aspectos como: a simplificação excessiva, a indicação de fontes de pesquisa, as tecnologias de informação e a sugestão de experimentos práticos devem ser problematizadas com os professores, considerando as múltiplas condições encontradas nos processos educacionais brasileiros.
Functions of tryptophan residues in EWGWS insert of Plasmodium falciparum enolase
Authors: Dutta Sneha , Moitra Anasuya , Mukherjee Debanjan , Jarori Gotam K.
Published: May 2017

Plasmodium falciparum enolase (Pfeno) is a dimeric enzyme with multiple moonlighting functions. This enzyme is thus a potential target for anti‐malarial treatments. A unique feature of Pfeno is the presence of a pentapeptide insert 104EWGWS108. The functional role of tryptophan residues in this insert was investigated using site‐directed mutagenesis. Replacement of these two Trp residues with alanines (or lysines) resulted in a near complete loss of enolase activity and dissociation of the normal dimeric form into monomers. Molecular modeling indicated that 340R forms π‐cation bonds with the aromatic rings of 105W and 46Y. Mutation induced changes in the interactions among these three residues were presumably relayed to the inter‐subunit interface via a coil formed by 46Y : 59Y, resulting in the disruption of a salt bridge between 11R : 425E and a π‐cation interaction between 11R : 59Y. This led to a drop of ~ 4 kcal·mole−1 in the inter‐subunit docking energy in the mutant, causing a ~ 103 fold decrease in affinity. Partial restoration of the inter‐subunit interactions led to reformation of dimers and also restored a significant fraction of the lost enzyme activity. These results suggested that the perturbations in the conformation of the surface loop containing the insert sequence were relayed to the interface region, causing dimer dissociation that, in turn, disrupted the enzyme's active site. Since Plasmodium enolase is a moonlighting protein with multiple parasite‐specific functions, it is likely that these functions may map on to the highly conserved unique insert region of this protein.

Enzymes

Enolase(EC4.2.1.11).
Phenolic Composition, Anti‐Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities of Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm.
Authors: Şeker Karatoprak Gökçe , İlgün Selen , Koşar Müberra
Published: May 2017

The current study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm. (Rosaceae) aerial parts extracts. Chemical composition was analyzed by spectrophotometric and chromatographic (HPLC) techniques. The antioxidant properties assessed included DPPH· and ABTS·+ radical scavenging, β‐carotene‐linoleic acid co‐oxidation assay. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated with disc diffusion and micro dilution method. In order to evaluate toxicity of the extracts, with the sulforhodamine B colorimetric assay L929 cell line (mouse fibroblast) was used. The anti‐inflammatory activities of the potent antioxidant extracts (methanol, 70% methanol, and water extracts) were determined by measuring the inhibitory effects on NO production and pro‐inflammatory cytokine TNF‐α levels in lipopolysaccharide stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. 70% methanol and water extracts which were found to be rich in phenolic compounds (184.79 and 172.60 mg GAE/g extract) showed higher antioxidant activity. Luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside was the main compound in the extracts. Ethyl acetate and 70% methanol extracts showed higher antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enteritidis with MIC value of 125 μg/ml. 70% methanol extract potentially inhibited the NO and TNF‐α production (18.43 μm and 1556.22 pg/ml, respectively, 6 h).
Season‐modulated responses of Neotropical bats to forest fragmentation
Authors: Ferreira Diogo F. , Rocha Ricardo , López‐Baucells Adrià , Farneda Fábio Z. , Carreiras João M. B. , Palmeirim Jorge M. , Meyer Christoph F. J.
Published: May 2017

Seasonality causes fluctuations in resource availability, affecting the presence and abundance of animal species. The impacts of these oscillations on wildlife populations can be exacerbated by habitat fragmentation. We assessed differences in bat species abundance between the wet and dry season in a fragmented landscape in the Central Amazon characterized by primary forest fragments embedded in a secondary forest matrix. We also evaluated whether the relative importance of local vegetation structure versus landscape characteristics (composition and configuration) in shaping bat abundance patterns varied between seasons. Our working hypotheses were that abundance responses are species as well as season specific, and that in the wet season, local vegetation structure is a stronger determinant of bat abundance than landscape‐scale attributes. Generalized linear mixed‐effects models in combination with hierarchical partitioning revealed that relationships between species abundances and local vegetation structure and landscape characteristics were both season specific and scale dependent. Overall, landscape characteristics were more important than local vegetation characteristics, suggesting that landscape structure is likely to play an even more important role in landscapes with higher fragment‐matrix contrast. Responses varied between frugivores and animalivores. In the dry season, frugivores responded more to compositional metrics, whereas during the wet season, local and configurational metrics were more important. Animalivores showed similar patterns in both seasons, responding to the same group of metrics in both seasons. Differences in responses likely reflect seasonal differences in the phenology of flowering and fruiting between primary and secondary forests, which affected the foraging behavior and habitat use of bats. Management actions should encompass multiscale approaches to account for the idiosyncratic responses of species to seasonal variation in resource abundance and consequently to local and landscape scale attributes.
Use of the 10‐Group Classification System to analyze how the population control policy change in China has affected cesarean delivery
Authors: Zhang Yihui , Gu Ning , Wang Zhiqun , Zheng Mingming , Hu Yali , Dai Yimin
Published: May 2017

Objective

To analyze the initial effect following the relaxation of China's population control policy on the cesarean delivery (CD) rate using the 10‐Group Classification System (TGCS).

Methods

A retrospective study included all deliveries at a center in Nanjing, China, during 2014–2015. The deliveries were classified using the TGCS. The obstetric populations and the CD rates in each group were compared between 2014 and 2015.

Results

Overall, 11 006 deliveries were analyzed. The overall CD rate increased from 28.3% (1623/5737) in 2014 to 33.8% (1782/5269) in 2015 (P<0.001). The largest contributor to the overall CD rate—accounting for approximately one‐third of all CDs—were nulliparous women with a single cephalic term pregnancy and induced labor or prelabor CD (group 2); the CD rate in this group increased from 27.2% to 31.4%. Moreover, the proportion of women with a single cephalic term pregnancy with previous CD (group 5) steeply increased from 6.4% to 10.4% of all deliveries; the CD rate in this group during 2014–2015 was 76.6%.

Conclusion

With China ending its one‐child policy, the characteristics of the obstetric population changed. Women with a single cephalic term pregnancy with previous CD were the largest contributor to the CD rate increase.
A hybrid contextual compression technique using wavelet and contourlet transforms with PSO optimized prediction
Authors: Sophia P. Eben , Anitha J.
Published: May 2017

Contextual compression is an essential part of any medical image compression since it facilitates no loss of diagnostic information. Although there are many techniques available for contextual image compression still there is a need for developing an efficient and optimized technique which would produce good quality images at lower bit rates. This article presents an efficient contextual compression algorithm using wavelet and contourlet transforms to capture the fine details of the image, along with directional information to produce good quality at high Compression Ratio (CR). The 2D discrete wavelet transform, which uses the simplest Daubechies wavelets, db1, or haar wavelet, is chosen and used to get the subband coefficients. The approximate coefficients of the higher subbands undergo contourlet transform employing length N ladder filters for capturing the directional information of the subbands at different scale and orientations. An optimized approach is used for predicting the quantized and the normalized subband coefficients resulting in improved compression performance. The proposed contextual compression approach was evaluated for its performance in terms of CR, Peak Signal to Noise Ratio, Feature SIMilarity index, Structure SIMilarity Index, and Universal quality (Q) after reconstruction. The results clarify the efficiency of the proposed method over other compression techniques.
AQUATIC ADAPTATIONS AND THE ADOPTION OF ARCTIC POTTERY TECHNOLOGY: RESULTS OF RESIDUE ANALYSIS
Authors: Anderson Shelby L. , Tushingham Shannon , Buonasera Tammy Y.
Published: May 2017

The late adoption of pottery technology in the North American Arctic between 2,500 and 2,800 years ago coincides with the development of a specialized maritime economy. Arctic pottery technologies present an excellent case study for examining possible correlations between hunter-gatherer pottery and aquatic resource use. Review of the timing and distribution of early pottery in Alaska shows that early pottery is rare and dates at the earliest to 2,500 years ago; the earliest pottery is found in small numbers and primarily in coastal areas. Despite expectations that pottery use would be strongly linked to marine lipids, biomarkers and compound-specific δ13C values of 20 sherds from the Cape Krusenstern site complex, dating from 2700 to 200 cal B.P. years ago, are most consistent with freshwater aquatic resources; mixtures of freshwater aquatic, marine aquatic, and terrestrial resources are also possible. While additional analysis of a larger sample and zooarchaeological reference specimens is necessary, our study suggests that the development of pottery production by Arctic peoples is more complex than previously appreciated. This research is the first synthesis in over 30 years of early pottery in Alaska and is the first to include residue analysis of a small sample of pre-1500 B.P. pottery.
Blogging in Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology: Assessment of ‘Blogosphere’ Content
Authors: Birgand Gabriel , Troughton Rachael , Moore Luke S. P. , Charani Esmita , Rawson Timothy M. , Castro-Sánchez Enrique , Holmes Alison H.
Published: May 2017

OBJECTIVE

To analyze influential infectious diseases, antimicrobial stewardship, infection control, or medical microbiology blogs and bloggers

SETTING

World wide web

DESIGN

We conducted a systematic search for blogs in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines in September 2015.

METHODS

A snowball sampling approach was applied to identify blogs using various search engines. Blogs were eligible if they (1) focused on infectious diseases, antimicrobial stewardship, infection control, or medical microbiology; (2) were intended for health professionals; and (3) were written in English and (4) were updated regularly. We mapped blog and blogger characteristics and used an innovative tool to assess the architecture and content of the included blogs. The motivations and perceptions of bloggers and readers were also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 88 blogs were identified. Moreover, 28 blogs (32%) focused on infectious diseases, 46 (52%) focused on medical microbiology, and 14 (16%) focused on infection control or antimicrobial stewardship. Bloggers were mainly male with medical doctorates and/or PhDs; 32 bloggers (36%) posted at least weekly; and 51 (58%) had a research purpose. The aims were considered clear for 23 blogs (26%), and the field covered was considered broad for 25 blogs (28%). Presentation was considered good for 22 blogs (25%), 51 blogs (58%) were easy to read, and 46 blogs (52%) included expert interpretation. Among the top 10 blogs, 3 focused on infectious diseases, 6 focused on medical microbiology, and 2 focused on infection control (2 were equally ranked). The bloggers we questioned were motivated to share their independent expertise and opinions. Readers appreciated the concise messages on scientific topics and practical updates.

CONCLUSIONS

This study describes high-level blogs in the fields of infectious diseases, infection control, and medical microbiology. Our findings suggest ways in which bloggers should build/orientate blogs for readers, and we have highlighted current gaps in blog topics such as antimicrobial stewardship.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol2017;38:832–839
Newly formulated, protein quality-enhanced, extruded sorghum-, cowpea-, corn-, soya-, sugar- and oil-containing fortified-blended foods lead to adequate vitamin A and iron outcomes and improved growth compared with non-extruded CSB+ in rats
Authors: Delimont Nicole M. , Fiorentino Nicole M. , Opoku-Acheampong Alexander B. , Joseph Michael V. , Guo Qingbin , Alavi Sajid , Lindshield Brian L.
Published: May 2017

Corn and soyabean micronutrient-fortified-blended foods (FBF) are commonly used for food aid. Sorghum and cowpeas have been suggested as alternative commodities because they are drought tolerant, can be grown in many localities, and are not genetically modified. Change in formulation of blends may improve protein quality, vitamin A and Fe availability of FBF. The primary objective of this study was to compare protein efficiency, Fe and vitamin A availability of newly formulated extruded sorghum-, cowpea-, soya- and corn-based FBF, along with a current, non-extruded United States Agency for International Development (USAID) corn and soya blend FBF (CSB+). A second objective was to compare protein efficiency of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and soya protein isolate (SPI) containing FBF to determine whether WPC inclusion improved outcomes. Eight groups of growing rats (n 10) consumed two white and one red sorghum–cowpea (WSC1 + WPC, WSC2 + WPC, RSC + WPC), white sorghum–soya (WSS + WPC) and corn–soya (CSB14 + WPC) extruded WPC-containing FBF, an extruded white sorghum–cowpea with SPI (WSC1 + SPI), non-extruded CSB+, and American Institute of Nutrition (AIN)-93G, a weanling rat diet, for 4 weeks. There were no significant differences in protein efficiency, Fe or vitamin A outcomes between WPC FBF groups. The CSB+ group consumed significantly less food, gained significantly less weight, and had significantly lower energy efficiency, protein efficiency and length, compared with all other groups. Compared with WSC1 + WPC, the WSC1 + SPI FBF group had significantly lower energy efficiency, protein efficiency and weight gain. These results suggest that a variety of commodities can be used in the formulation of FBF, and that newly formulated extruded FBF are of better nutritional quality than non-extruded CSB+.
Physical activity level of female and male adult cats before and after running wheel habituation
Authors: Detweiler Katelyn B. , Rawal Samona , Swanson Kelly S. , de Godoy Maria R. C.
Published: May 2017

The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether access to a running wheel increases voluntary physical activity in adult female and male domestic cats. Eight neutered domestic shorthair male cats (mean age 8·6 (sd 0·05) years) and eleven intact domestic shorthair female cats (mean age 3·3 (sd 0·14) years) were group housed for 22 h daily and individually housed during the feeding period. Voluntary physical activity was measured using accelerometers. Experimental design consisted of 1 week of baseline physical activity measurement, followed by 3 weeks of wheel habituation, and 1 week of physical activity measurement post-wheel habituation. Female cat voluntary physical activity levels increased (P < 0·05) post-habituation during the dark period, resulting in an altered (P < 0·05) light:dark activity ratio, whereas male cat voluntary physical activity levels remained unchanged post-habituation. Food anticipatory activity did not differ pre- and post-habituation. However, it corresponded to a numerically greater proportion of daily physical activity for males (17·5 %) v. females (12 %). In general, female cats were more active than male cats. Habituation to a running wheel appears to be an effective method to increase voluntary physical activity of younger female cats. Thus, running wheels might be a potential strategy in the prevention or management of feline obesity.
Effects of goldfish (Carassius auratus) population size and body condition on the transmission of Gyrodactylus kobayashii (Monogenea)
Authors: ZHOU SHUN , ZOU HONG , WU SHAN G. , WANG GUI T. , MARCOGLIESE DAVID J. , LI WEN X.
Published: May 2017

Field surveys indicate that host population size, rather than density, is the most important determinant of monogenean infection dynamics. To verify this prediction, epidemic parameters were monitored for 70 days at five host population sizes held at constant density using a goldfish – Gyrodactylus kobayashii laboratory model. During the first 20 days, the rate of increase of prevalence and mean abundance was faster in small host populations. Total mean prevalence and total mean abundance throughout the experiment were not significantly affected by host population sizes. Higher transmission rates were detected in larger host populations. However, there were no significant differences in effective contact rates among the five host populations on each sampling day during the first 20 days, implying that contact rates may be saturated at a sufficiently high host density. These results demonstrate that the epidemic occurs more quickly in smaller host populations at the beginning of the experiment. However, the epidemic is independent of the host population size due to the similar effective contact rates in the five population sizes. Significant negative influence of the initial body condition (Kn) of uninfected goldfish on total mean abundance of parasites suggests that susceptibility of hosts is also a determinant of parasite transmission.
QUALITY OF SAMPLE SIZE ESTIMATION IN TRIALS OF MEDICAL DEVICES: HIGH-RISK DEVICES FOR NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS AS EXAMPLE
Authors: Olberg Britta , Perleth Matthias , Felgentraeger Katja , Schulz Sandra , Busse Reinhard
Published: May 2017

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the quality of reporting sample size calculation and underlying design assumptions in pivotal trials of high-risk medical devices (MDs) for neurological conditions.

Methods: Systematic review of research protocols for publicly registered randomized controlled trials (RCTs). In the absence of a published protocol, principal investigators were contacted for additional data. To be included, trials had to investigate a high-risk MD, registered between 2005 and 2015, with indications stroke, headache disorders, and epilepsy as case samples within central nervous system diseases. Extraction of key methodological parameters for sample size calculation was performed independently and peer-reviewed.

Results: In a final sample of seventy-one eligible trials, we collected data from thirty-one trials. Eighteen protocols were obtained from the public domain or principal investigators. Data availability decreased during the extraction process, with almost all data available for stroke-related trials. Of the thirty-one trials with sample size information available, twenty-six reported a predefined calculation and underlying assumptions. Justification was given in twenty and evidence for parameter estimation in sixteen trials. Estimates were most often based on previous research, including RCTs and observational data. Observational data were predominantly represented by retrospective designs. Other references for parameter estimation indicated a lower level of evidence.

Conclusions: Our systematic review of trials on high-risk MDs confirms previous research, which has documented deficiencies regarding data availability and a lack of reporting on sample size calculation. More effort is needed to ensure both relevant sources, that is, original research protocols, to be publicly available and reporting requirements to be standardized.
Children's Second Language Acquisition of English Complex Syntax: The Role of Age, Input, and Cognitive Factors
Authors: Paradis Johanne , Rusk Brian , Duncan Tamara Sorenson , Govindarajan Krithika
Published: May 2017

The goal of this study was to determine (a) the similarities and dissimilarities between child L2 and L1 acquisition of complex sentences and (b) the individual difference factors predicting L2 children's acquisition of complex sentences. We analyzed language samples from 187 English L2 children with diverse L1s (Agemean = 5;10 [years;months]; English exposuremean = 17 months). Children used various types of complex sentences at all levels of L2 exposure, including sentences with relative clauses, which are late-acquired by L1 learners. Mixed logistic regression modeling revealed that longer exposure to English in school, richer English environments outside school, larger L2 vocabulary, superior verbal memory and visual analytic reasoning contributed to greater use of complex sentences. L1 typology did not impact complex sentence use in the L2. Overall, L2 children used more complex sentences within a few months of English L2 exposure than what is reported for L1 children aged 2;0–4;0, revealing an advantage for an older age of acquisition. The predictive role of input and cognitive factors, as well as vocabulary, in children's use of complex sentences is more consistent with constructivist than generativist accounts of L2 syntactic acquisition.
Temporal features of word-initial /s/+stop clusters in bilingual Mandarin–English children and monolingual English children and adults
Authors: YANG JING
Published: May 2017

This study investigated the durational features of English word-initial /s/+stop clusters produced by bilingual Mandarin (L1)–English (L2) children and monolingual English children and adults. The participants included two groups of five- to six-year-old bilingual children: low proficiency in the L2 (Bi-low) and high proficiency in the L2 (Bi-high), one group of age-matched English children, and one group of English adults. Each participant produced a list of English words containing /sp, st, sk/ at the word-initial position followed by /a, i, u/, respectively. The absolute durations of the clusters and cluster elements and the durational proportions of elements to the overall cluster were measured. The results revealed that Bi-high children behaved similarly to the English monolinguals whereas Bi-low children used a different strategy of temporal organization to coordinate the cluster components in comparison to the English monolinguals and Bi-high children. The influence of language experience and continuing development of temporal features in children were discussed.
DELAYED STATE FEEDBACK CONTROL FOR PERIODIC-REVIEW INVENTORY SYSTEMS
Authors: ZHANG B.-L. , YANG C.
Published: May 2017

We investigate delayed state feedback control of a periodic-review inventory management system with perishable goods. The stock under consideration is replenished from multiple supply sources. By using delayed states as well as current states of the inventory system, a delayed feedback $H_{\infty }$ control strategy is developed to mitigate bullwhip effects of the system. Some conditions on the existence of the delayed feedback $H_{\infty }$ controller are derived. It is found through simulation results that the proposed delayed $H_{\infty }$ control scheme is capable of improving the performance of the inventory management significantly. In addition, the delayed controller is better than the traditional delay-free $H_{\infty }$ controller.
CHARACTERIZATIONS OF THE BOREL -FIELDS OF THE FUZZY NUMBER SPACE
Authors: FAN TAI-HE , BIAN MENG-KE
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we characterize Borel $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}$-fields of the set of all fuzzy numbers endowed with different metrics. The main result is that the Borel $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}$-fields with respect to all known separable metrics are identical. This Borel field is the Borel $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}$-field making all level cut functions of fuzzy mappings from any measurable space to the fuzzy number space measurable with respect to the Hausdorff metric on the cut sets. The relation between the Borel $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}$-field with respect to the supremum metric $d_{\infty }$ is also demonstrated. We prove that the Borel field is induced by a separable and complete metric. A global characterization of measurability of fuzzy-valued functions is given via the main result. Applications to fuzzy-valued integrals are given, and an approximation method is presented for integrals of fuzzy-valued functions. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the applications of these results in economics. This example shows that the results in this paper are basic to the theory of fuzzy-valued functions, such as the fuzzy version of Lebesgue-like integrals of fuzzy-valued functions, and are useful in applied fields.
A NOTE ON MARKOVIAN QUANTUM DYNAMICS
Authors: CHEN L. , MENG H. X. , CAO H. X. , HUANG Y. F. , YANG Y.
Published: May 2017

Based on the definition of divisibility of Markovian quantum dynamics, we discuss the Markovianity of tensor products, multiplications and some convex combinations of Markovian quantum dynamics. We prove that the tensor product of two Markovian dynamics is also a Markovian dynamics and propose a new witness of non-Markovianity.
Distrusting doctors’ evidence: a qualitative study of disability income support policy makers
Authors: McAllister Ashley , Leeder Stephen R.
Published: May 2017

Objective The aim of the present study was to describe how policy makers (bureaucrats and politicians) in Australia and Ontario (Canada) perceive evidence provided by doctors to substantiate applications for disability income support (DIS) by their patients with mental illnesses. Because many mental illnesses (e.g. depression) lack diagnostic tests, their existence and effects are more difficult to demonstrate than most somatic illnesses. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 45 informants, all influential in the design of the assessment of DIS programs. The informants were subcategorised into advocates, legal representatives, doctors (general practitioners (GPs) and specialists (e.g. psychiatrists)), policy insiders and researchers. Informants were found through snowball sampling. Following the principles of grounded theory, data collection and analysis occurred in tandem. Results Informants expressed some scepticism about doctors’ evidence. Informants perceived that doctors could, due to lack of diagnostic certainty, ‘write these things [evidence] however [they] want to’. Psychiatrists, perceived as having more time and skills, were considered as providing more trustworthy evidence than GPs. Conclusion Doctors, providing evidence to support applications, play an important role in determining disability. However, policy makers perceive doctors’ evidence about mental illnesses as less trustworthy than evidence about somatic illnesses. This affects decisions by government adjudicators. What is known about the topic? Doctors (GPs and psychiatrists) are often asked to provide evidence to substantiate a DIS application for those with mental illnesses. We know little about the perception of this evidence by the policy makers who consider these applications. What does this paper add? Policy makers distrust doctors’ evidence in relation to mental illnesses. This is partly because many mental illnesses lack diagnostic proof, in contrast with evidence for somatic conditions, where the disability is often visible and proven through diagnostic tests. Furthermore, GPs’ evidence is considered less trustworthy than that of psychiatrists. What are the implications for practitioners? Although doctors’ evidence is often required, the utility of their evidence is limited by policy makers’ perceptions.
Systematic review of evidence underpinning non-pharmacological therapies in dementia
Authors: Olley Richard , Morales Andrea
Published: May 2017

Objective Dementia is one of the most common illnesses worldwide, and is one of the most important causes of disability in older people. Currently, dementia affects over 35 million people around the globe. It is expected that this number will increase to 65.7 million by 2030. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment to control the principal behaviour symptoms may help reduce these numbers and delay the progression to more advanced and dangerous stages of this disorder with resultant increase quality of life for those affected. The main goal of the present systematic literature review was to examine contemporary evidence relating to non-pharmacological therapy in the treatment of dementia. Methods To achieve the study goal, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was used. Results This study identified the five most common behaviours in patients with dementia as aggression, wandering, agitation, apathy and sleep disturbances. Two non-pharmacological therapies were the most studied treatment: music therapy and aromatherapy. Ten other non-pharmacological therapies were also identified, but these lack a sufficient evidence-base. Conclusion Although all the therapies identified could be used as part of the treatment of behavioural symptoms, there is insufficient evidence relating to the indications, appropriate use and effectiveness of these therapies to apply in each behavioural treatment. Thus, the present study has demonstrated a significant research gap. What is known about the topic? Despite the widespread use of many different types of therapies, there is limited evidence regarding the efficacy of non-pharmaceutical therapies deployed in the management of behaviours of concern manifested by some people who suffer with dementia in all its forms. What does this paper add? This systematic review examines contemporary evidence from the literature to determine whether there is an evidence base available that would underpin the use of these therapies. This report on a PRISMA systematic review of the available literature demonstrates that only two therapies have some evidence to underpin the use of these non-pharmaceutical therapies and that a significant research gap is exists. What are the implications for practitioners? The implications for practitioners is that significant research effort is required to determine the efficacy of many of the therapies that are currently deployed, and thus many of the therapies used lack an evidence base at this time.
Do patients discharged from advanced practice physiotherapy-led clinics re-present to specialist medical services?
Authors: Chang Angela T. , Gavaghan Belinda , O'Leary Shaun , McBride Liza-Jane , Raymer Maree
Published: May 2017

Objective The aim of the present study was to determine the rates of re-referral to specialist out-patient clinics for patients previously managed and discharged from an advanced practice physiotherapy-led service in three metropolitan hospitals. Methods A retrospective audit was undertaken of 462 patient cases with non-urgent musculoskeletal conditions discharged between 1 April 2014 and 30 March 2015 from three metropolitan hospitals. These patients had been discharged from the physiotherapy-led service without requiring specialist medical review. Rates and patterns of re-referral to specialist orthopaedic, neurosurgical, chronic pain, or rheumatology services within 12 months of discharge were investigated. Results Forty-six of the 462 patients (10.0%) who were managed by the physiotherapy-led service were re-referred to specialist medical orthopaedic, neurosurgical, chronic pain or rheumatology departments within 12 months of discharge. Only 22 of these patients (4.8%) were re-referred for the same condition as managed previously and discharged. Conclusions Ninety-five per cent of patients with non-urgent musculoskeletal conditions managed by an advanced practice physiotherapy-led service at three metropolitan hospitals did not re-present to access public specialist medical services for the same condition within 12 months of discharge. This is the first time that re-presentation rates have been reported for patients managed in advanced practice physiotherapy services and the findings support the effectiveness of these models of care in managing demand for speciality out-patient services. What is known about the topic? Advanced practice physiotherapy-led services have been implemented to address the needs of patients referred with non-urgent musculoskeletal conditions to hospital specialist out-patient services. Although this model is widely used in Australia, there has been very little information about whether patients managed in these services subsequently re-present for further specialist medical care. What does this paper add? This paper identifies that the majority (95%) of patients managed by an advanced practice physiotherapy-led service did not re-present for further medical care for the same condition within 12 months of discharge. What are the implications for practitioners? This paper supports the use of advanced practice physiotherapy-led services in the management of overburdened neurosurgical and orthopaedic specialist out-patient waiting lists.
Realising the potential of health needs assessments
Authors: Anstey Matthew , Burgess Paul , Angus Lisa
Published: May 2017

Population-level assessment and planning has traditionally been the role of public health departments but in establishing Primary Health Networks (PHNs), the Australian Government has instituted a new mechanism for identifying community needs and commissioning services to meet those needs. If PHNs are to achieve the vision of nimble organisations capable of identifying and addressing local health needs via integrated health and social services, several things need to occur. First, PHN funding schedules must become more flexible. Second, the Federal health department must maintain an open dialogue with PHNs, permit waivers in funding schedules to suit local conditions and be prepared to back innovations with seed investment. Third, health data exchange and linkage must be accelerated to better inform community needs assessments and commissioning. Finally, PHNs must be encouraged and supported to develop collaborations both within and outside the health sector in order to identify and address a broad set of health issues and determinants. By following these principles, PHNs may become leading change agents in the Australian healthcare system.
HTSvis: a web app for exploratory data analysis and visualization of arrayed high-throughput screens
Authors: Scheeder Christian , Heigwer Florian , Boutros Michael
Published: May 2017

Arrayed high-throughput screens (HTS) cover a broad range of applications using RNAi or small molecules as perturbations and specialized software packages for statistical analysis have become available. However, exploratory data analysis and integration of screening results has remained challenging due to the size of the data sets and the lack of user-friendly tools for interpretation and visualization of screening results. Here we present HTSvis, a web application to interactively visualize raw data, perform quality control and assess screening results from single to multi-channel measurements such as image-based screens. Per well aggregated raw and analyzed data of various assay types and scales can be loaded in a generic tabular format.

Availability and implementation

HTSvis is distributed as an open-source R package, downloadable from https://github.com/boutroslab/HTSvis and can also be accessed at http://htsvis.dkfz.de.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.