bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in human Voltage-Gated Ion Channels
Authors: Nastou Katerina C. , Batskinis Michail A. , Litou Zoi I. , Hamodrakas Stavros J. , Iconomidou Vassiliki A.
Published: November 2018

Voltage-Gated Ion Channels (VGICs) are one of the largest groups of transmembrane proteins. Due to their major role in the generation and propagation of electrical signals, VGICs are considered important from a medical viewpoint and their dysfunction is often associated with a group of diseases known as “Channelopathies”. We identified disease associated mutations and polymorphisms in these proteins through mapping missense Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) from the UniProt and ClinVar databases on their amino acid sequence, taking into consideration their special topological and functional characteristics. Statistical analysis revealed that disease associated SNPs are mostly found in the Voltage Sensor Domain – and especially at its fourth transmembrane segment (S4) – and in the Pore Loop. Both these regions are extremely important for the activation and ion conductivity of VGICs. Moreover, amongst the most frequently observed mutations are those of arginine to glutamine, to histidine or to cysteine, which can probably be attributed to the extremely important role of arginine residues in the regulation of membrane potential in these proteins. We suggest that topological information in combination with genetic variation data can contribute towards a better evaluation of the effect of currently unclassified mutations in VGICs. It is hoped that potential associations with certain disease phenotypes will be revealed in the future, with the use of similar approaches.
Genotyping-by-sequencing and SNP-arrays are complementary for detecting quantitative trait loci by tagging different haplotypes in association studies
Authors: Negro Sandra Silvia , Millet Emilie , Madur Delphine , Bauland Cyril , Combes Valérie , Welcker Claude , Tardieu François , Charcosset Alain , Nicolas Stéphane Dimitri
Published: November 2018

Background

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) array and re-sequencing technologies have different properties (e.g.calling rate, minor allele frequency profile) and drawbacks (e.g.ascertainment bias). This lead us to study their complementarity and the consequences of using them separately or combined in diversity analyses and Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS). We performed GWAS on three traits (grain yield, plant height and male flowering time) measured in 22 environments on a panel of 247 F1 hybrids obtained by crossing 247 diverse dent maize inbred lines with a same flint line. The 247 lines were genotyped using three genotyping technologies (Genotyping-By-Sequencing, Illumina Infinium 50K and Affymetrix Axiom 600K arrays).

Results

The effects of ascertainment bias of the 50K and 600K arrays were negligible for deciphering global genetic trends of diversity and for estimating relatedness in this panel. We developed an original approach based on linkage disequilibrium (LD) extent in order to determine whether SNPs significantly associated with a trait and that are physically linked should be considered as a single Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) or several independent QTLs. Using this approach, we showed that the combination of the three technologies, which have different SNP distributions and densities, allowed us to detect more QTLs (gain in power) and potentially refine the localization of the causal polymorphisms (gain in resolution).

Conclusions

Conceptually different technologies are complementary for detecting QTLs by tagging different haplotypes in association studies. Considering LD, marker density and the combination of different technologies (SNP-arrays and re-sequencing), the genotypic data available were most likely enough to well represent polymorphisms in the centromeric regions, whereas using more markers would be beneficial for telomeric regions.
Comparative assessment of long-read error-correction software applied to RNA-sequencing data
Authors: Lima Leandro , Marchet Camille , Caboche Ségolène , Da Silva Corinne , Istace Benjamin , Aury Jean-Marc , Touzet Hélène , Chikhi Rayan
Published: November 2018

Motivation

Long-read sequencing technologies offer promising alternatives to high-throughput short read sequencing, especially in the context of RNA-sequencing. However these technologies are currently hindered by high error rates in the output data that affect analyses such as the identification of isoforms, exon boundaries, open reading frames, and the creation of gene catalogues. Due to the novelty of such data, computational methods are still actively being developed and options for the error-correction of RNA-sequencing long reads remain limited.

Results

In this article, we evaluate the extent to which existing long-read DNA error correction methods are capable of correcting cDNA Nanopore reads. We provide an automatic and extensive benchmark tool that not only reports classical error-correction metrics but also the effect of correction on gene families, isoform diversity, bias towards the major isoform, and splice site detection. We find that long read error-correction tools that were originally developed for DNA are also suitable for the correction of RNA-sequencing data, especially in terms of increasing base-pair accuracy. Yet investigators should be warned that the correction process perturbs gene family sizes and isoform diversity. This work provides guidelines on which (or whether) error-correction tools should be used, depending on the application type.

Benchmarking software

https://gitlab.com/leoisl/LR_EC_analyser
The autism and schizophrenia-associated protein CYFIP1 regulates bilateral brain connectivity
Authors: Domínguez-Iturza Nuria , Shah Disha , Vannelli Anna , Lo Adrian C. , Armendáriz Marcelo , Li Ka Wan , Mercaldo Valentina , Trusel Massimo , Gastaldo Denise , Mameli Manuel , Linden Annemie Van der , Smit August B. , Achsel Tilmann , Bagni Claudia
Published: November 2018

Copy-number variants of theCYFIP1gene in humans have been linked to Autism and Schizophrenia, two neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by defects in brain connectivity. CYFIP1 regulates molecular events underlying post-synaptic functions. Here, we show that CYFIP1 plays an important role in brain functional connectivity and callosal functions. In particular, we find thatCyfip1heterozygous mice have reduced brain functional connectivity and defects in white matter architecture, typically relating to phenotypes found in patients with Autism, Schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition,Cyfip1deficient mice present deficits in the callosal axons, namely reduced myelination, altered pre-synaptic function, and impaired bilateral-connectivity related behavior. Altogether, our results show thatCyfip1haploinsufficiency compromises brain connectivity and function, which might explain its genetic association to neuropsychiatric disorders.
Does a meaningful relationship exist between copper prices and economic growth in Zambia?
Authors: Chikalipah Sydney
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the causal relationship between the copper price dynamics and economic growth in Zambia over the period from 1995 to 2015.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a data set assembled from five difference sources: the heritage foundation; the London metal exchange index; the Penn World Tables version 9.0; the total economy database; and the World Bank Development Indicators. The paper employs the Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) approach as the estimation technique.

Findings

The estimates demonstrate that there exists a positive and significant relationship between movements in copper prices and economic growth in Zambia. The study draws policy implications from these findings.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to the period from 1995 to 2015, this is due to lack of data on the country’s institutional indicators, trade openness and the real exchange rate.

Practical implications

There have been calls to diversify the economy of Zambia due to the recurring chaotic events, which are often induced by over-dependence on copper exports. Thus, the study findings will be useful to academia, policy makers and stakeholders with vested interest in the economy of Zambia.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first empirical study to investigate the causal relationship that exists between copper prices and economic growth in Zambia. The existing empirical studies in the domain have devoted their attention on establishing the relationship between commodity price movements and exchange rates in Zambia.
Discrete differential operators for periodic and two-periodic time functions
Authors: Sobczyk Tadeusz , Radzik Michał , Radwan-Pragłowska Natalia
Published: November 2018

Purpose

To identify the properties of novel discrete differential operators of the first- and the second-order for periodic and two-periodic time functions.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of relations between the values of first and second derivatives of periodic and two-periodic functions, as well as the values of the functions themselves for a set of time instants. Numerical tests of discrete operators for selected periodic and two-periodic functions.

Findings

Novel discrete differential operators for periodic and two-periodic time functions determining their first and the second derivatives at very high accuracy basing on relatively low number of points per highest harmonic.

Research limitations/implications

Reduce the complexity of creation difference equations for ordinary non-linear differential equations used to find periodic or two-periodic solutions, when they exist.

Practical implications

Application to steady-state analysis of non-linear dynamic systems for solutions predicted as periodic or two-periodic in time.

Originality/value

Identify novel discrete differential operators for periodic and two-periodic time functions engaging a large set of time instants that determine the first and second derivatives with very high accuracy.
The effects of goodwill and competence trust on strategic information sharing in buyer–supplier relationships
Authors: Newell William James , Ellegaard Chris , Esbjerg Lars
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the choice of buying managers to share or limit the sharing of strategic information with their suppliers relates to the presence or absence of goodwill and competence trust in the buyer–supplier relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

An interpretive single case study of a mid-sized retailer was used. In total, 17 semi-structured interviews examining information sharing events were conducted with buying managers, along with the analysis of company documents.

Findings

Goodwill and competence trust have a positive effect on strategic information sharing, yet this study reveals several tactics used by buying managers in the presence of competence trust only. With a lack of established trust, or earlier trust breaches, little to no information sharing occurs.

Research limitations/implications

This study featured cross-sectional data of a single case from the buyer’s perspective. This limits its generalizability, yet provides opportunities to test the findings through longitudinal studies, potentially gathering data from both buyers and suppliers.

Practical implications

Relating which types of information being shared for different forms of trust guides managers’ expectations on which type of trust they wish to build for each of their buyer–supplier relationships.

Originality/value

This study examines the trust and information sharing relationship in more detail, linking different types of trust to categories of strategic information. It also distinguishes between the different concepts of encouraging information sharing and deliberately limiting strategic information sharing.
Collaboration in a distributed research program
Authors: Haman Magdalena , Hertzum Morten
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Researchers need to collaborate to address grand challenges such as climate change, poverty and sustainable food production. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the researchers in a globally distributed research program interact to move their research forward.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors interviewed 14 participants in the research program.

Findings

In spite of the spatial distribution of the researchers the output from the research program is predominantly collaborative; as much as 79 percent of the publications are co-authored by researchers from multiple countries. However, the researchers mostly work alone on their contributions to their joint work and spend minimal time interacting. This strategy of minimal interaction is punctuated by islands of intense interaction when they occasionally meet in person. Interaction feels natural, productive and satisfying to them when they are co-located but less so when they are distributed, probably because they experience technology-mediated interaction over a distance as somewhat impoverished. The interviewees mention that the minimal-interaction strategy incurs the risks of cracks in common ground and of misconstruing minimal interaction as lack of commitment. But the strategy is generally well-liked.

Research limitations/implications

The experience of technology-mediated interaction as impoverished points to an explanation for the finding of less interaction in distributed than co-located research. It should be noted that the study is restricted to one research program.

Originality/value

By questioning widely touted recommendations for ongoing, regular and sustained interaction this study provides a fresh look at scientific collaboration.
When do women reach the top spot? A multilevel study of female CEOs in emerging markets
Authors: Elango B.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to link country factors which impact the selection of women as CEOs of firms in emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a multilevel model, this study investigates the factors driving the selection of a woman as CEO using a sample of 30,015 firms from 20 emerging markets during the years 2008 to 2016.

Findings

Based on analysis of nested multilevel logistic models, study findings indicate that country wealth, gender egalitarianism and humane orientation increase the likelihood that a firm would be led by a female CEO. Findings also indicate a greater opportunity for women to secure the top role in service industries relative to manufacturing industries.

Originality/value

In spite of the magnitude of emerging markets and their varied social, economic and cultural contexts, there is scant research focusing on female CEOs in these countries. This topic is of considerable importance to gender empowerment, equity, fairness and social welfare and this paper contributes to the knowledge in this area by incorporating a multilevel model focusing on the factors driving the choice of female CEOs. Study findings serve as an important starting point on the opportunity for managerial women from emerging nations.
Hydrothermal investigation of a stratified system in enclosure with jagged surface for application in lead-acid batteries
Authors: Salari Mahmoud , Malekshah Emad Hasani , Sarlak Mohammad Reza , Hasani Malekshah Masoud , Pilfoush Mohammad
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the three-dimensional natural convection and entropy generation in a cuboid enclosure filled with two immiscible fluids of nanofluid and air.

Design/methodology/approach

One surface of the enclosure is jagged and another one is smooth. The finite volume approach is applied for computation. There are two partially side heaters. Furthermore, the Navier–Stokes equations and entropy generation formulation are solved in the 3D form.

Findings

The effects of different governing parameters, such as the jagged surface (JR=0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.08, 0.12 and 0.16), Rayleigh number (103⩽Ra⩽106) and solid volume fraction of nanofluid (φ=1, 1.5, 2 vol%), on the fluid flow, temperature field, Nusselt number, volumetric entropy generation and Bejan number are presented, comprehensively. The results indicate that the average Nusselt number increases with the increase in the Rayleigh number and solid volume fraction of nanofluid. Moreover, the flow structure is significantly affected by the jagged surface.

Originality/value

The originality of this work is to analyze the natural-convection fluid flow and heat transfer under the influence of jagged surfaces of electrodes in high-current lead–acid batteries.
Inclined magnetic field effects on unsteady nanofluid flow and heat transfer in a finite thin film with non-uniform heat source/sink
Authors: Giri Shib Sankar , Das Kalidas , Kundu Prabir Kumar
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the flow and heat transference of unsteady nanofluid thin film flow due to linear stretching velocity over a horizontally placed stretching sheet in corporation of aligned magnetic field and non-uniform heat source/sink.

Design/methodology/approach

Leading equations of the course have been normalized via similarity approach and unraveled the resulting non-linear equations numerically by consuming RK-4 shooting practice to execute flow analysis.

Findings

A close agreement of two sets (for two different base fluids – polyvinyl alcohol and water) of result is perceived. The authors find that inclined magnetic field and nanoparticles concentration curbed velocity distribution which, in turn, causes enrichment of system of temperature distribution.

Originality/value

The paper acquires realistic numerical explanations in form of rapidly convergent series. The influence of emergent flow parameters on specific flow are made appropriately via graphs and charts. An unbiased result scrutiny of the existing section with formerly conveyed result is provided.
Effects of thermal radiation and magnetohydrodynamics on Ree-Eyring fluid flows through porous medium with slip boundary conditions
Authors: Ramesh K. , Eytoo Sartaj Ahmad
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the three fundamental flows (namely, both the plates moving in opposite directions, the lower plate is moving and other is at rest, and both the plates moving in the direction of flow) of the Ree-Eyring fluid between infinitely parallel plates with the effects of magnetic field, porous medium, heat transfer, radiation and slip boundary conditions. Moreover, the intention of the study is to examine the effect of different physical parameters on the fluid flow.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical modeling is performed on the basis of law of conservation of mass, momentum and energy equation. The modeling of the present problem is considered in Cartesian coordinate system. The governing equations are non-dimensionalized using appropriate dimensionless quantities in all the mentioned cases. The closed-form solutions are presented for the velocity and temperature profiles.

Findings

The graphical results are presented for the velocity and temperature distributions with the pertinent parameters of interest. It is observed from the present results that the velocity is a decreasing function of Hartmann number. Temperature increases with the increase of Ree-Eyring fluid parameter, radiation parameter and temperature slip parameter.

Originality/value

First time in the literature, the authors obtained closed-form solutions for the fundamental flows of Ree-Erying fluid between infinitely parallel plates with the effects of magnetic field, porous medium, heat transfer, radiation and slip boundary conditions. Moreover, the results of this paper are new and original.
Using predicted Spanish preference to target bilingual mailings in a mail survey with telephone follow‐up
Authors: Elliott Marc N. , Klein David J. , Kallaur Paul , Brown Julie A. , Hays Ron D. , Orr Nate , Zaslavsky Alan M. , Beckett Megan K. , Gaillot Sarah , Edwards Carol A. , Haviland Amelia M.
Published: November 2018

Objective

Spanish‐preferring Medicare beneficiaries are underrepresented in national patient experience surveys. We test a method for improving their representation via higher response rates.

Data Sources/Study Setting

2009‐2010 Medicare CAHPS surveys; Medicare population.

Study Design

We used surname and address to predict Spanish‐language preference for a national sample of 177 139 beneficiaries. We randomized half of the 10 000 non‐Puerto Rico beneficiaries with the highest predicted probabilities of Spanish preference (>10 percent) to bilingual mailings (intervention) and half to standard English‐only mailings (control).

Data Collection

Medicare CAHPS Survey data were collected through mail surveys with telephone follow‐up of nonrespondents.

Principal Findings

Mail response rate was higher for intervention (28.7 percent) than control (23.9 percent) (P < 0.0001); phone response rates among mail nonrespondents were similar in intervention and control arms (15.8 percent vs 15.7 percent, P = 0.90). Targeted bilingual mailings induced 6.5 percent of those who would not have responded to respond by mail and 54.0 percent of those who would have responded in English to respond in Spanish. Beneficiaries with greater Spanish probabilities showed greater increases in response rates, a higher proportion of responses in Spanish, and lower control response rates among.

Conclusions

Targeted bilingual mailing of mixed‐mode surveys using commonly available surname and address information can efficiently increase representation of this underrepresented group.
Geographic context of black‐white disparities in Medicare CAHPS patient experience measures
Authors: Fenton Anny T. , Burkhart Q , Weech‐Maldonado Robert , Haviland Amelia M. , Dembosky Jacob W. , Shih Regina , Wilson‐Frederick Shondelle M. , Gaillot Sarah , Elliott Marc N.
Published: November 2018

Objective

To examine whether black‐white patient experience disparities vary by geography and within‐county contextual factors.

Data Sources

321 300 Medicare beneficiaries responding to the 2015‐2016 Medicare Consumer Assessment of Health care Providers and Systems (MCAHPS) Surveys; 2010 Census data for several within‐county contextual factors.

Study Design

Mixed‐effects regression models predicted three MCAHPS patient experience measures for black and white beneficiaries from geographic random effects, contextual fixed effects, and beneficiary‐level case‐mix adjustors.

Principal Findings

Black‐white disparities in patient experiences were smaller in counties with higher average patient experiences. Black‐white disparities in patient experiences were not associated with county‐level poverty or racial segregation. However, county racial segregation and some measures of poverty were significantly associated with all beneficiaries’ level of health care access. Getting Needed Care scores were higher with greater racial segregation, while Getting Care Quickly scores were lower with higher poverty and racial segregation.

Conclusions

Efforts to reduce black‐white disparities in patient experiences should focus on areas with low average patient experiences. Attempts to reduce disparities in timely access to health care should target primarily black, low‐income, and racially and economically segregated areas. Positive associations of racial segregation with accessing needed care were unexpected.
Neighborhood disadvantage and chronic disease management
Authors: Durfey Shayla N. M. , Kind Amy J. H. , Buckingham William R. , DuGoff Eva H. , Trivedi Amal N.
Published: November 2018

Objective

To assess the relationship between a composite measure of neighborhood disadvantage, the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), and control of blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol in the Medicare Advantage (MA) population.

Data Sources

Secondary analysis of 2013 Medicare Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set, Medicare enrollment data, and a neighborhood disadvantage indicator.

Study Design

We tested the association of neighborhood disadvantage with intermediate health outcomes. Generalized estimating equations were used to adjust for geographic and individual factors including region, sex, race/ethnicity, dual eligibility, disability, and rurality.

Data Collection

Data were linked by ZIP+4, representing compact geographic areas that can be linked to Census block groups.

Principal Findings

Compared with enrollees residing in the least disadvantaged neighborhoods, enrollees in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods were 5 percentage points (P < 0.05) less likely to have controlled blood pressure, 6.9 percentage points (P < 0.05) less likely to have controlled diabetes, and 9.9 percentage points (P < 0.05) less likely to have controlled cholesterol. Adjustment attenuated this relationship, but the association remained.

Conclusions

The ADI is a strong, independent predictor of diabetes and cholesterol control, a moderate predictor of blood pressure control, and could be used to track neighborhood‐level disparities and to target disparities‐focused interventions in the MA population.
Impact of stratification on the effectiveness of a comprehensive patient‐centered strategy for multimorbid patients
Authors: Soto‐Gordoa Myriam , de Manuel Esteban , Fullaondo Ane , Merino Marisa , Arrospide Arantzazu , Igartua Juan Ignacio , Mar Javier ,   the CareWell Group
Published: November 2018

Objective

The objective of this work was to assess the effectiveness of a population‐level patient‐centered intervention for multimorbid patients based on risk stratification for case finding in 2014 compared with the baseline scenario in 2012.

Data Source

Clinical and administrative databases.

Study Design

This was an observational cohort study with an intervention group and a historical control group. A propensity score by a genetic matching approach was used to minimize bias. Generalized linear models were used to analyze relationships among variables.

Data Collection

We included all eligible patients at the beginning of the year and followed them until death or until the follow‐up period concluded (end of the year). The control group (2012) totaled 3558 patients, and 4225 patients were in the intervention group (2014).

Principal Finding

A patient‐centered strategy based on risk stratification for case finding and the implementation of an integrated program based on new professional roles and an extensive infrastructure of information and communication technologies avoided 9 percent (OR: 0.91, CI: 0.86‐0.96) of hospitalizations. However, this effect was not found in nonprioritized groups whose probability of hospitalization increased (OR: 1.19, CI = 1.09‐1.30).

Conclusions

In a before‐and‐after analysis using propensity score matching, a comprehensive, patient‐centered, integrated care intervention was associated with a lower risk of hospital admission among prioritized patients, but not among patients who were not prioritized to receive the intervention.
A New Measure of Real Estate Uncertainty Shocks
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Binh , Strobel Johannes , Lee Gabriel
Published: November 2018

The objective of this article is twofold: first, we construct a new uncertainty measure that is specific to the real estate sector; second, we compare our uncertainty measure to other well‐established measures in the literature, such as the Macro Uncertainty (MU) by Jurado, Ludvigson and Ng. We show that our Real Estate Uncertainty (REU) measure accounts for twice as much of variation in housing prices—and starts compared to the MU. Furthermore, vector autoregressions and Granger‐causality analysis show that our uncertainty measure affects housing starts—and prices—in contrast to the other uncertainty measures that affect only housing starts.
Foodborne Bacterial, Viral, and Protozoan Pathogens in Field and Market Strawberries and Environment of Strawberry Farms
Authors: Dziedzinska Radka , Vasickova Petra , Hrdy Jakub , Slany Michal , Babak Vladimir , Moravkova Monika
Published: November 2018

Field‐grown strawberries, the environment of strawberry farms and fresh strawberries from marketplaces were examined for bacterial, viral, and protozoan pathogens. The presence of bacteria was determined using culture and real‐time PCR (qPCR), presence of protozoa and viruses using qPCR and reverse transcription qPCR, respectively. The highest proportion of positivity was observed for Escherichia coli both in field and purchased strawberries (up to 48.6%). Finding of Cronobacter ranged from 0.6% to 9% both for field and market strawberries. The prevalence of other pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes, Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium sp., and Norovirus) in strawberries was below 4.5%; HAV was not detected at all. Positivity of the environment was determined to be lower than 2.1% for all microorganisms, except for E. coli. The concentration of pathogens in most samples did not exceed 100 CFU/g using culture and 1.8 × 102 GE/g of strawberries or swabbing area 6.1 × 102 GE/mL or swabbing area of environmental samples using qPCR. All studied farms applied preventive measures such as drip irrigation, avoidance of organic fertilizers, and use of mulch foils or gloves for workers to decrease contamination of strawberries. Despite this, certain pathogens were found in fresh strawberries. Even at low concentrations, these pathogens can be a source of infection for consumers. Thus, their presence in strawberries is of particular significance as these are mostly consumed fresh and without any thermal processing.

Practical Application

Nonlegislatively monitored pathogens of bacterial, viral and parasitic origin were found in strawberries. Monitoring the presence of these pathogens in ready‐to‐eat food is therefore meaningful and important in terms of food safety, especially in relation to pathogens with low infectious dose (for example, viruses, parasites).
Spontaneous middle lobe torsion in a patient with multicentric Castleman disease: A case report
Authors: Gamble Erin Lee , Karunarathne Solokara MTL , Krishnan Ramya
Published: November 2018

We describe a rare case of middle lobe lung torsion in a patient with a tension hydrothorax secondary to multicentric Castleman disease. The case demonstrates the difficulty of diagnosing torsion prospectively, and the possible sequelae of delayed detection. Although imaging features can be confusing, an awareness of this condition and careful image interpretation by radiologists could facilitate early recognition and management of a torted lobe.
Sex‐dependent differences in ethanol inhibition of mouse lateral orbitofrontal cortex neurons
Authors: Nimitvilai Sudarat , Lopez Marcelo F. , Woodward John J.
Published: November 2018

Biological differences between males and females likely influence responses to alcohol and the propensity to engage in excessive drinking. In both humans and rodents, females escalate alcohol use and develop addiction‐like behaviors faster than males, while males exhibit more severe withdrawal symptoms during abstinence. The mechanisms underlying these differences are not yet known but may reflect fundamental differences in the ethanol sensitivity of neurons in reward and control areas of the brain. To address this question, we recorded current‐evoked spiking of lateral orbitofrontal cortex (lOFC) neurons in male and female C57BL/6J mice following acute and chronic exposure to ethanol. Ethanol (11‐66 mM) reduced firing of lOFC neurons but produced less inhibition in neurons from female mice. As previously reported for male mice, the glycine receptor blocker strychnine blocked ethanol inhibition of spiking of lOFC neurons from female mice and prevented the ethanol‐induced increase in tonic current. Following chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure, current‐evoked spiking of lOFC neurons was significantly enhanced with a greater effect observed in males. After CIE treatment, acute ethanol had no effect on spiking in neurons from male mice, while it produced a slight but significant decrease in firing in females. Finally, like male mice, the inhibitory effect of the glycine transport inhibitor sarcosine was blunted in CIE‐exposed female mice. Together, these results suggest that while lOFC neurons in male and female mice are similarly affected by ethanol, there are significant differences in sensitivity that may contribute to differences in alcohol actions between males and females.
The Role of Affect on Physical Health Over Time: A Cross‐Lagged Panel Analysis Over 20 Years
Authors: Wiese Christopher W. , Chen Zhuo Job , Tay Louis , Friedman Elliot M. , Rector Jerrald L.
Published: November 2018

Background

While previous studies have investigated the interplay between affect and health (1) over an extended period of time, (2) in a representative population, and (3) while modelling positive and negative affect simultaneously, no single study has done all three at once.

Methods

The present study accomplishes this by sampling adults from the Midlife Development in the US study who completed affect (Mroczek & Kolarz, 1998) and health measures (chronic conditions, Charlson, Szatrowski, Peterson, & Gold, 1994; functional limitations, McHorney, Ware, Lu, & Sherbourne, 1994; self‐reported health) measured three times over 20 years. We ran three (one per health metric) random‐intercept cross‐lagged panel models, where positive and negative affect were modelled simultaneously.

Results

Results indicated that positive and negative affect significantly predicted future heath (functional limitations/self‐reported health) and that this relationship was reciprocal (i.e. health measures predicted future affect). However, there were no significant cross‐lagged relations between affect and chronic conditions.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that both positive and negative affect play an equal role in predicting future health for functional limitations and self‐reported health as well as highlight the bi‐directionality of this relationship. Additionally, the degree to which affect predicts future health may be moderated by the type of health outcome.
An Experimental Test of the Effects of a Target Person's Body Weight and Engagement with Health Behaviours on Perceptions of Overall Health
Authors: Black Clancy , Vartanian Lenny R. , Faasse Kate
Published: November 2018

Background

Public health campaigns commonly emphasise the association between excess weight and poor health. The present study aimed to examine the effect of information about weight and engagement with health behaviours on judgements of a person's health.

Method

In two experimental studies, participants were asked to evaluate a target person's health and to make recommendations about that person's health‐related behaviours. In Study 1 (n = 306), we manipulated the target's behaviours (healthy, unhealthy) and body weight (normal, overweight, obese); in Study 2 (n = 192), we manipulated the behaviour of an overweight target (healthy, unhealthy).

Results

Study 1 found that the obese target was consistently rated as less healthy than the normal‐weight target, whereas the overweight target was only rated as less healthy when her behaviours were unhealthy. Study 2 found that the overweight target's weight was viewed as being more harmful to her health when she engaged in unhealthy behaviours. Recommendations to lose weight were most common for the obese targets (with healthy or unhealthy behaviours), and for the overweight target with unhealthy behaviours.

Conclusions

Whereas obesity appears to be viewed as harmful to health independent of health behaviours, the extent to which overweight is perceived as harmful depends on the overweight individual's diet and exercise behaviours.
Morphological and genetic diversity of Pura Raza Español horse with regard to the coat colour
Authors: Sánchez‐Guerrero María J. , Negro‐Rama Sara , Demyda‐Peyras Sebastián , Solé‐Berga Marina , Azor‐Ortiz Pedro J. , Valera‐Córdoba Mercedes
Published: November 2018

Gene mutations influencing melanocytes also impact on physiological and behavioural functions. In this study, we investigated their association with four different coat colours in the Pura Raza Español (PRE) horse using morphological traits and molecular datasets. Four different subpopulations were identified according to individual coat colour: grey, bay, chestnut and black. Coat colour significantly associated with morphological measurements. Observed and expected heterozygosity values were low in grey compared with the other three subpopulations, suggesting the presence of unique ancestral alleles probably arisen by genetic drift and selection mechanism effects. Nei's distance demonstrated a clear division among subpopulations, the grey being the most divergent group. Gene flow estimates were similar, showing the lowest values in grey. Divergence times among subpopulations assessed with the average square distance suggested that grey was the original PRE population which diverged from bay, chestnut and black. Our results also demonstrated a clear morphological differentiation according to coat colour. The close genetic structure of bay and chestnut PRE subpopulations and the clear differences in most morphological traits of grey and chestnut PRE mares would suggest the pleiotropic effect of genomic regions determining coat colour in horses. However, further analysis including genomic information would be necessary to elucidate the mechanisms involved.
Effects of brown rice particle size on energy and nutrient digestibility in diets for young pigs and adult sows
Authors: Li Enkai , Zhu Tao , Dong Wenxuan , Huang Chengfei
Published: November 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of brown rice particle size on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy and nutrients in diets fed to pigs at four different stages and determine the optimal particle size (OPS) of brown rice for young pigs and adult sows. Eighteen weanling piglets (initial body weight (BW): 10.2 ± 0.4 kg), 18 growing barrows (initial BW: 35.6 ± 1.5 kg), 24 gestating sows (initial BW: 220 ± 2.8 kg), and 24 lactating sows (initial BW: 208 ± 3.8 kg) were allotted to 1 of 3 or 4 diets based on completely randomized design with six replicates per diet. Within each stage, brown rice‐soybean meal diets were formulated, and the only difference among diets was the brown rice used was ground to the specified particle size. Each stage lasted 19 days, including 7 days for cage adaptation, 7 days for diet adaptation, and 5 days for total feces and urine collection. For weanling and growing pigs, the results showed that pigs fed brown rice milled to 600 μm had a greater ATTD of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), and crude protein (CP) than pigs fed brown rice ground to 800 μm. However, there was no improvement in the ATTD of energy and nutrients for pigs fed brown rice milled to 600 μm versus 400 μm. The concentration of nitrogen (N) in feces significantly reduced (p < 0.01) as brown rice particle size decreased from 800 to 400 μm. However, there were no differences in phosphorus (P) output and absorbed P among diets. For gestating and lactating sows, a reduction in particle size from 1,000 to 800 μm significantly improved (p < 0.01) the ATTD of DM, GE, and CP in diets. However, there was also no improvement in the ATTD of energy and nutrients for pigs fed brown rice milled from 800 to 400 μm. In conclusion, considering the energy required for milling and nutrient digestibility, milling brown rice to 600 and 800 μm are recommended in diets for young pigs and adult sows, respectively. The OPS of brown rice for pigs at different physiological stages should be considered to economically and accurately formulate diets.
Prevalence and associated phenotypes of PLXNA1 variants in normosmic and anosmic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
Authors: Kotan Leman D. , Isik Emregul , Turan Ihsan , Mengen Eda , Akkus Gamze , Tastan Mehmet , Gurbuz Fatih , Yuksel Bilgin , Topaloglu A. Kemal
Published: November 2018

Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) can be divided into two major forms, normosmic IHH and Kallmann syndrome (KS). Genetic mutations are responsible for the majority of IHH. PLXNA1 has recently been implicated in the GnRH neuron migration and the etiology of KS. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated phenotypes of PLXNA1 variants in a large cohort of IHH patients. We screened the whole exome data of 215 IHH patients in a single center for causative PLXNA1 variants. Our studies showed eight novel (p.Arg836His, p.Lys1451Arg, p.Val287Met, p.Val536Ile, p.Ser1850Arg, p.Ile1701Val, p.Arg319Trp, and p.Pro485Leu) and two previously described (p.Arg528Trp and p.Gly720Glu) heterozygous PLXNA1 variants in nine affected individuals from seven unrelated families. Only three of nine patients were anosmic (KS) while the remaining patients showed normal olfactory function (nIHH). Seven of nine patients (77.7%) harbored additional one or two variants in other nIHH/KS‐associated genes, including PROKR2, IGSF10, HS6ST1, SEMA3E, CCDC141, FGFR1, NRP1, POLR3A, and SRA1. Our findings indicate that PLXNA1 variants cause not only anosmic but also normosmic IHH with a relatively high prevalence (3.9%). Heterozygous missense PLXNA1 variants appear to be involved together with other IHH gene variants in bringing about the IHH disease phenotype.
Psychological and Genetic Predictors of Pain Tolerance
Authors: Patanwala Asad E. , Norwood Charles , Steiner Heidi , Morrison Daniel , Li May , Walsh Keith , Martinez Marina , Baker Sarah E. , Snyder Eric M. , Karnes Jason H.
Published: November 2018

Previous studies have shown associations between genetic polymorphisms and pain tolerance, but psychological evaluations are seldom measured. The objective of this study was to determine the independent effects of demographic, psychological, and genetic predictors of cold noxious pain tolerance. Healthy subjects (n = 89) completed the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and Fear of Pain Questionnaire (FPQ‐III), underwent genotyping for candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and completed a cold‐pressor test in a 1–2°C water bath for a maximum of 3 minutes. The primary outcome measure was pain tolerance, defined as the maximum duration of time subjects left their nondominant hand in the cold‐water bath. Cox proportional hazards regression indicated that female sex, Asian race, and increasing PCS and FPQ‐III scores were associated with lower pain tolerance. No candidate SNP was significantly associated with pain tolerance. Future genetic studies should include demographic and psychological variables as confounders in experimental pain models.
Comparison between cytospin and liquid‐based cytology in cerebrospinal fluid diagnosis of neoplastic diseases: A single institution experience
Authors: Straccia Patrizia , Fadda Guido , Pierconti Francesco
Published: November 2018

Objective

The current tools available for detecting malignant neoplasms in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are neurological examination, followed by neuroimaging, cytology and molecular techniques. To highlight the role of cytology the diagnosis of metastatic tumours in CSF samples, we present our experience using cytospin and ThinPrep liquid‐based cytology.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted using the pathological records of 8181 cytological specimens of CSF, which were diagnosed over a 17‐year period. Between 2000 and 2014, a total of 6994 CSF samples were processed using cytospin method and 1187 specimens were examined using ThinPrep method in the period between 2015 and 2017.

Results

The most frequent metastatic neoplasm of the first period was non‐Hodgkin lymphoma; in the second period the commonest malignancy found was brain tumour (glioblastoma and medulloblastoma). The samples processed by cytospin revealed cytolysis and haemorrhage, while the cases processed by ThinPrep had a clear background. Ten false‐positive cases belonging to the suspicious category were processed by cytospin, while there was only one false positive case in the group processed by ThinPrep. The positive predictive value was 95% in cytospin and 100% in Thin Prep with comparable sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy and negative predictive values.

Conclusions

CSF cytology is a reliable technique for identifying malignancy in CSF. ThinPrep technology can be applied with good results in terms of clear background, cell enrichment, better nuclear details and high cellularity per slide.
Single‐operator peroral cholangioscope in treating difficult biliary stones: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jin Zheng , Wei Yaping , Tang Xiaowei , Shen Sisi , Yang Jing , Jin Hangbin , Zhang Xiaofeng
Published: November 2018

Background and Aim

Current evidence supporting the utility of single‐operator peroral cholangioscope (SOPOC) in the management of difficult bile duct stones is limited. We conducted the present systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SOPOC in treating difficult bile duct stones.

Methods

We searched studies up to April 2018, using MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Quality assessment of the studies was completed with the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Main outcomes were complete stone clearance rate, single‐session stone clearance rate, number of endoscopic sessions needed for stone clearance, and adverse events. We calculated the pooled estimates with random‐effects models. Potential publication bias was assessed.

Results

Twenty‐four studies involving 2786 patients met the inclusion criteria. Pooled proportion of patients with complete stone clearance was 94.3% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 90.2–97.5%). Single‐session stone clearance was achieved in 71.1% (95% CI: 62.1–79.5%) of the pooled patients. Pooled number of sessions needed for stone clearance was 1.26 (95% CI: 1.17–1.34%). Pooled adverse event rate was 6.1% (95% CI: 3.8–8.7%). Potential publication bias was detected but had no significant influence on the results.

Conclusions

Single‐operator peroral cholangioscope is an effective and safe treatment for difficult bile duct stones when conventional methods have failed. More randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm the results.
Incomplete integration and contagion of debt distress in economic unions
Authors: Karayalcin Cem , Onder Harun
Published: November 2018

This paper compares different fiscal integration schemes on the basis of their ability to finance public investments and resilience to debt distress and contagion. Complete integration schemes, where a central authority chooses the level of public investments with productivity‐enhancing externalities across different jurisdictions, are shown to be superior to incomplete integration schemes, where member governments choose public investments unilaterally. As a result, equilibrium income is greater for citizens of both member states under a complete integration scheme. Moreover, complete integration schemes are shown to be more resilient to idiosyncratic shocks and more effective in limiting contagion of debt distress. This is mainly because the central authority can credibly borrow more without risking default than member states taken together can and it can “transfer resilience” across them if needed. These findings inform discussions on structural aspects of secular stagnation in Europe by emphasizing a potential challenge in the institutional design of fiscal responsibilities.