bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The DNA methylation landscape of glioblastoma disease progression shows extensive heterogeneity in time and space
Authors: Klughammer Johanna , Kiesel Barbara , Roetzer Thomas , Fortelny Nikolaus , Kuchler Amelie , Sheffield Nathan C. , Datlinger Paul , Peter Nadine , Nenning Karl-Heinz , Furtner Julia , Nowosielski Martha , Augustin Marco , Mischkulnig Mario , Ströbel Thomas , Moser Patrizia , Freyschlag Christian F. , Kerschbaumer Johannes , Thomé Claudius , Grams Astrid E. , Stockhammer Günther , Kitzwoegerer Melitta , Oberndorfer Stefan , Marhold Franz , Weis Serge , Trenkler Johannes , Buchroithner Johanna , Pichler Josef , Haybaeck Johannes , Krassnig Stefanie , Ali Kariem Madhy , Campe Gord von , Payer Franz , Sherif Camillo , Preiser Julius , Hauser Thomas , Winkler Peter A. , Kleindienst Waltraud , Würtz Franz , Brandner-Kokalj Tanisa , Stultschnig Martin , Schweiger Stefan , Dieckmann Karin , Preusser Matthias , Langs Georg , Baumann Bernhard , Knosp Engelbert , Widhalm Georg , Marosi Christine , Hainfellner Johannes A. , Woehrer Adelheid , Bock Christoph
Published: August 2017

Glioblastoma is characterized by widespread genetic and transcriptional heterogeneity, yet little is known about the role of the epigenome in glioblastoma disease progression. Here, we present genome-scale maps of the DNA methylation dynamics in matched primary and recurring glioblastoma tumors, based on a national population registry and a comprehensively annotated clinical cohort. We demonstrate the feasibility of DNA methylation mapping in a large set of routinely collected formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples, and we validate bisulfite sequencing as a multi-purpose assay that allowed us to infer a range of different genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptional tumor characteristics. Based on these data, we identified characteristic differences between primary and recurring tumors, links between DNA methylation and the tumor microenvironment, and an association of epigenetic tumor heterogeneity with patient survival. In summary, this study provides a resource for dissecting DNA methylation heterogeneity in genetically diverse and heterogeneous tumors, and it demonstrates the feasibility of integrating epigenomics, radiology, and digital pathology in a representative national cohort, leveraging samples and data collected as part of routine clinical practice.
Context-Dependent Genetic Regulation
Authors: Kim Kyung Hyuk , Yerramilli Venkata Siddartha , Choi Kiri , Sauro Herbert M.
Published: August 2017

Cells process extra-cellular signals with multiple layers of complex biological networks. Due to the stochastic nature of the networks, the signals become significantly noisy within the cells and in addition, due to the nonlinear nature of the networks, the signals become distorted, shifted, and (de-)amplified. Such nonlinear signal processing can lead to non-trivial cellular phenotypes such as cell cycles, differentiation, cell-to-cell communication, and homeostasis. These nonlinear pheno-types, when observed at the cell population levels, can be quite different from the single-cell level observation. As one of the underlying mechanisms behind this difference, we report the interplay between nonlinearity and stochasticity in genetic regulation. Here we show that nonlinear genetic regulation, characterized at the cellular population level, can be affected by cell-to-cell variability in the regulatory factor concentrations. The observed genetic regulation at the cell population is shown to be significantly dependent on the upstream DNA sequences of the regulator, in particular, 5’ untranslated region. This indicates that genetic regulation observed at the cell population level can be significantly dependent on its genetic context, and that its characterization needs a careful attention on noise propagation.

One Sentence Summary

Genetic regulation observed at the cell population level can be significantly affected by cell-to-cell variability in the regulatory factor copy numbers, indicating that the observed regulation is dependent on 5’ UTR of the regulator coding gene.
Demogenetic simulations reveal fragmenting effects of climate change on insular lizard populations
Authors: Rice Stephen E. , Clark Rulon W.
Published: August 2017

The extinction risk of insular species with sessile life histories is expected to increase as they may be unable to track habitat in response to global climate change. Demogenetic simulations can couple population demography and niche modeling to produce spatially-explicit genetic and demographic information for all simulated individuals and provide insight into the effects of climate change at demographic and population genetic levels. We used CDMETAPOP to simulate a population of island night lizards (Xantusia riversiana) on Santa Barbara Island to evaluate its sensitivity to climate change to the year 2100 across 8 scenarios based on 2 climate models, 2 emissions pathways, and 2 connectivity models. We found that 1)X. riversianais sensitive to climate change with SDMs predicting a loss of suitable habitat of 93%-98% by 2038, 2) population genetic structure is expected to increase drastically to 0.209-0.673 from approximately 0.0346, and 3) estimated minimum abundance is expected to declined sharply over the 2007 to 2038 period and reached values of 0-1% of the 2007 population size in all scenarios by 2100. Climate change is expected to decrease census population size and result in extant habitat patches that are isolated from one another with very high levels of genetic divergence over short periods of time. These patterns may drive the Santa Barbara Island population to extinction under certain scenarios. Management plans should address methods to improve connectivity on the island and attempt to create refugial patches. Contingency plans, such as translocation, may be required to prevent population extirpation. This study highlights the utility of demogenetic simulations in evaluating population demographic and genetic patterns under climate change with suggestions on workflows for running simulations in a high-throughput manner.
A negative feedback mechanism in the insulin-regulated glucose homeostasis in Japanese flounderParalichthys olivaceusby two ways of glucose administration
Authors: Liu Dong , Han Dongdong , Guo Benyue , Deng Kangyu , Gu Zhixiang , Yang Mengxi , Xu Wei , Zhang Wenbing , Mai Kangsen
Published: August 2017

The present study comparatively analyzed the blood glucose and insulin concentration, the temporal and spatial expression of brain-gut peptides and the key enzymes of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis in Japanese flounder by intraperitoneal (IP) injection and oral (OR) administration of glucose. Samples were collected at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 24 and 48h after IP and OR, respectively. Results showed that the hyperglycemia lasted 5 hours and 21 hours in OR and IP group, respectively. The serum insulin concentration significantly decreased (1.58±0.21mIU/L) at 3h after IP glucose. However, it significantly increased at 3h (3.37±0.34mIU/L) after OR glucose. The gene expressions of prosomatostatin, neuropeptide Y, cholecystokinin precursor and orexin precursor in the brain showed different profiles between the OR and IP group. The OR not IP administration of glucose had significant effects on the gene expressions of preprovasoactive intestinal peptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide and gastrin in the intestine. When the blood glucose concentration peaked in both IP and OR group, the glucokinase expression in liver was stimulated, but the expression of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase was depressed. In conclusion, brain-gut peptides were confirmed in the present study. And the serum insulin and the brain-gut peptides have different responses between the IP and OR administration of glucose. A negative feedback mechanism in the insulin-regulated glucose homeostasis was suggested in Japanese flounder. Furthermore, this regulation could be conducted by activating PI3k-Akt, and then lead to the pathway downstream changes in glycolysis and gluconeogenesis.
Rapid responses of amygdala neurons discriminate facial expressions
Authors: Inagaki Mikio , Fujita Ichiro
Published: August 2017

The amygdala plays a critical role in detecting potential danger through sensory input [1, 2]. In the primate visual system, a subcortical pathway through the superior colliculus and the pulvinar is thought to provide the amygdala with rapid and coarse visual information about facial emotions [3–6]. A recent electrophysiological study in human patients supported this hypothesis by showing that intracranial event-related potentials discriminated fearful faces from other faces very quickly (within ∼74 ms) [7]. However, several aspects of the hypothesis remain debatable [8]. Critically, evidence for short-latency, emotion-selective responses from individual amygdala neurons is lacking [9–12], and even if this type of response existed, how it might contribute to stimulus detection is unclear. Here, we addressed these issues in the monkey amygdala and found that ensemble responses of single neurons carry robust information about emotional faces— especially threatening ones—within ∼50 ms after stimulus onset. Similar rapid response was not found in the temporal cortex from which the amygdala receives cortical inputs [13], suggesting a subcortical origin. Additionally, we found that the rapid amygdala response contained excitatory and suppressive components. The early excitatory component might be useful for quickly sending signals to downstream areas. In contrast, the rapid suppressive component sharpened the rising phase of later, sustained excitatory input (presumably from the temporal cortex) and might therefore improve processing of emotional faces over time. We thus propose that these two amygdala responses that originate from the subcortical pathway play dual roles in threat detection.
Inbred or Outbred? Genetic diversity in laboratory rodent colonies
Authors: Brekke Thomas D. , Steele Katherine A. , Mulley John F.
Published: August 2017

Non-model rodents are widely used as subjects for both basic and applied biological research, but the genetic diversity of the study individuals is rarely quantified. University-housed colonies tend to be small and subject to founder effects and genetic drift and so may be highly inbred or show substantial genetic divergence from other colonies, even those derived from the same source. Disregard for the levels of genetic diversity in an animal colony may result in a failure to replicate results if a different colony is used to repeat an experiment, as different colonies may have fixed alternative variants. Here we use high throughput sequencing to demonstrate genetic divergence in three isolated colonies of Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) even though they were all established recently from the same source. We also show that genetic diversity in allegedly ‘outbred’ colonies of non-model rodents (gerbils, hamsters, house mice, and deer mice) varies considerably from nearly no segregating diversity, to very high levels of polymorphism. We conclude that genetic divergence in isolated colonies may play an important role in the ‘replication crisis’. In a more positive light, divergent rodent colonies represent an opportunity to leverage genetically distinct individuals in genetic crossing experiments. In sum, awareness of the genetic diversity of an animal colony is paramount as it allows researchers to properly replicate experiments and also to capitalize on other, genetically distinct individuals to explore the genetic basis of a trait.
A population of adult satellite-like cells inDrosophilais maintained through a switch in RNA-isoforms
Authors: Boukhatmi Hadi , Bray Sarah
Published: August 2017

Adult stem cells are important for tissue maintenance and repair. One key question is how such cells are specified and then protected from differentiation for a prolonged period. Investigating the maintenance ofDrosophilamuscle progenitors (MPs) we demonstrate that it involves a switch inzfh1/ZEB1RNA-isoforms. Differentiation into functional muscles is accompanied by expression ofmiR-8/miR-200, which targets the majorzfh1-longRNA isoform and decreases Zfh1 protein. Through activity of the Notch pathway, a subset of MPs produce an alternatezfh1-shortisoform, which lacks themiR-8seed site. Zfh1 protein is thus maintained in these cells, enabling them to escape differentiation and persist as MPs in the adult. There, like mammalian satellite cells, they contribute to muscle homeostasis. Such preferential regulation of a specific RNA isoform, with differential sensitivity to miRs, is a powerful mechanism for maintaining a population of poised progenitors and may be of widespread significance.
Copy-number signatures and mutational processes in ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Macintyre Geoff , Goranova Teodora E. , De Silva Dilrini , Ennis Darren , Piskorz Anna M. , Eldridge Matthew , Sie Daoud , Lewsley Liz-Anne , Hanif Aishah , Wilson Cheryl , Dowson Suzanne , Glasspool Rosalind M. , Lockley Michelle , Brockbank Elly , Montes Ana , Walther Axel , Sundar Sudha , Edmondson Richard , Hall Geoff D. , Clamp Andrew , Gourley Charlie , Hall Marcia , Fotopoulou Christina , Gabra Hani , Paul James , Supernat Anna , Millan David , Hoyle Aoisha , Bryson Gareth , Nourse Craig , Mincarelli Laura , Sanchez Luis Navarro , Ylstra Bauke , Jimenez-Linan Mercedes , Moore Luiza , Hofmann Oliver , Markowetz Florian , McNeish Iain A. , Brenton James D.
Published: August 2017

Genomic complexity from profound copy-number aberration has prevented effective molecular stratification of ovarian and other cancers. Here we present a method for copy-number signature identification that decodes this complexity. We derived eight signatures using 117 shallow whole-genome sequenced high-grade serous ovarian cancer cases, which were validated on a further 497 cases. Mutational processes underlying the copy-number signatures were identified, including breakage-fusion-bridge cycles, homologous recombination deficiency and whole-genome duplication. We show that most tumours are heterogeneous and harbour multiple signature exposures. We also demonstrate that copy number signatures predict overall survival and changes in signature exposure observed in response to chemotherapy suggest potential treatment strategies.
MHCflurry: open-source class I MHC binding affinity prediction
Authors: O’Donnell Timothy , Rubinsteyn Alex , Bonsack Maria , Riemer Angelika , Hammerbacher Jeff
Published: August 2017

Machine learning prediction of the interaction between major histocompatibility complex I (MHC I) proteins and their small peptide ligands is important for vaccine design and other applications in adaptive immunity. We describe and benchmark a new open-source MHC I binding prediction package, MHCflurry. The software is a collection of allele-specific binding predictors incorporating a novel neural network architecture and adhering to software development best practices. MHCflurry outperformed the standard predictors NetMHC 4.0 and NetMHCpan 3.0 on a benchmark of mass spec-identified MHC ligands and showed competitive accuracy on a benchmark of affinity measurements. The accuracy improvement was due to substantially better prediction of non-9-mer peptide ligands, which offset a narrowly lower accuracy on 9-mers. MHCflurry was on average 8.6X faster than NetMHC and 44X faster than NetMHCpan; performance is further increased when a graphics processing unit (GPU) is available. MHCflurry is freely available to use, retrain, or extend, includes Python library and command line interfaces, and may be installed using standard package managers.
A catch-bond drives stator mechanosensitivity in the Bacterial Flagellar Motor
Authors: Nord AL , Gachon E , Perez-Carrasco R , Nirody JA , Barducci A , Berry RM , Pedaci F
Published: August 2017

The bacterial flagellar motor (BFM) is the rotary motor which powers the swimming and swarming of many motile bacteria. The torque is provided by stator units, ion motive force powered ion channels known to assemble and disassemble dynamically in the BFM. This turnover is mechano-sensitive, with the number of engaged units dependent upon the viscous load experienced by the motor through the flagellum. However, the molecular mechanism driving BFM mechano-sensitivity is unknown. Here we directly measure the kinetics of arrival and departure of the stator units in individual wild-type motors via analysis of high-resolution recordings of motor speed, while dynamically varying the load on the motor via external magnetic torque. Obtaining the real-time stator stoichiometry before and after periods of forced motor stall, we measure both the number of active stator units at steady-state as a function of the load and the kinetic association and dissociation rates, by fitting the data to a reversible random sequential adsorption model. Our measurements indicate that BFM mechano-sensing relies on the dissociation rate of the stator units, which decreases with increasing load, while their association rate remains constant. This implies that the lifetime of an active stator unit assembled within the BFM increases when a higher force is applied to its anchoring point in the cell wall, providing strong evidence that a catch-bond mechanism can explain the mechano-sensitivity of the BFM.
Sniff invariant odor coding
Authors: Shusterman Roman , Sirotin Yevgeniy B. , Smear Matthew C. , Ahmadian Yashar , Rinberg Dmitry
Published: August 2017

Sampling regulates stimulus intensity and temporal dynamics at the sense organ. Despite variations in sampling behavior, animals must make veridical perceptual judgments about external stimuli. In olfaction, odor sampling varies with respiration, which influences neural responses at the olfactory periphery. Nevertheless, rats were able to perform fine odor intensity judgments despite variations in sniff kinetics. To identify the features of neural activity supporting stable intensity perception, in awake mice we measured responses of Mitral/Tufted (MT) cells to different odors and concentrations across a range of sniff frequencies. Amplitude and latency of the MT cells’ responses vary with sniff duration. A fluid dynamics (FD) model based on odor concentration kinetics in the intranasal cavity can account for this variability. Eliminating sniff waveform dependence of MT cell responses using the FD model significantly improves concentration decoding. This suggests potential schemes for sniff waveform invariant odor concentration coding.

Highlights

Odor concentration discrimination does not depend on sniff frequency

Amplitude and latency of MT cell responses vary with sniff frequency

A fluid dynamic based model accounts for sniff dependent variability in the responses

Transforming MT cell responses with this model achieves sniff invariant coding
Mobile banking services adoption in Pakistan: are there gender differences?
Authors: Glavee-Geo Richard , Shaikh Aijaz Ahmed , Karjaluoto Heikki
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive insight into the deciding factors affecting an individual’s intention to adopt mobile banking (m-banking) services in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey approach was used with a sample of 189 responses from across Pakistan. Multi-group analysis was performed in order to detect gender differences among men and women in the process of adopting m-banking.

Findings

The paper found support for the positive effect of perceived behavioral control (PBC) and attitudes (ATT) toward m-banking adoption intentions. Significant differences between men and women were found to affect subjective norms (SN) on adoption intention, even though the combined sample of men and women was insignificant. The effect of SN on m-banking adoption is stronger for women than for men. Interestingly, the paper provides contradictory findings on the role of PBC on adoption intention. The effect of PBC on m-banking adoption intention was found to be significantly stronger for men than for women.

Practical implications

The results present implications of consumer behavior and marketing communication for bank marketing. Although men and women do not differ in their ATT toward m-banking service adoption in general, the succinct nuance between men and women in terms of the influence of SN and PBC with adoption intention calls for a strategic reorientation of how men and women as consumers of m-banking services should be appropriately segmented, targeted and communicated. The formulation of marketing strategies to target potential consumers and to reinforce the usefulness of m-banking to existing consumers should not be “one size fits all.” The marketing of m-banking services to segments of men and women should be approached strategically in order to increase adoption rates in developing/emerging economies.

Originality/value

This is the first study on m-banking services adoption in Pakistan to examine the role of gender in the innovation adoption process. The differences between the two genders and the insightful results that we found in our study help shed light on the uniqueness of the context. This study is also one of the first to test a combined technology acceptance model and theory of planned behavior model in the context of m-banking adoption in a developing country using a variance-based modeling technique.
The Performance Effect of Feedback Frequency and Detail: Evidence from a Field Experiment in Customer Satisfaction
Authors: CASAS‐ARCE PABLO , LOURENÇO SOFIA M. , MARTÍNEZ‐JEREZ F. ASÍS
Published: August 2017

This paper presents the results from a field experiment that examines the effects of nonfinancial performance feedback on the behavior of professionals working for an insurance repair company. We vary the frequency (weekly and monthly) and the level of detail of the feedback that the 800 professionals receive. Contrary to what we would expect if these professionals conformed to the model of the Bayesian decision maker, more (and more frequent) information does not always help improve performance. In fact, we find that professionals achieve the best outcomes when they receive detailed but infrequent (monthly) feedback. The treatment groups with frequent feedback, regardless of how detailed it is, perform no better than the control group (with monthly and aggregate information). The results are consistent with the information in the latest feedback report being most salient and professionals in the weekly treatments overweighting their most recent performance, hampering their ability to learn.
Relationship between alanine aminotransferase levels and type 2 diabetes mellitus in the general Chinese population
Authors: Liu Aihua , Chen Shuang , Guo Xiaofan , Li Zhao , Zheng Liqiang , Sun Yingxian
Published: August 2017

Highlights

The present large‐scale study of rural participants aged ≥35 years in the general Chinese population showed that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increased with increments in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations and that increased ALT concentrations were significantly associated with the risk of T2DM.

Concentrations of ALT >40 U/L were significantly associated with the increased prevalence of T2DM in addition to hypertriglyceridemia and hypertension.
‘Every body took notice of the scene of the drawing room’: Performing Emotions at the Early Georgian Court, 1714‐60
Authors: Holloway Sally , Worsley Lucy
Published: August 2017

This article interrogates the court's reputation as ‘the residence of dullness’ to reveal a multivalent emotional space with a practised grammar of emotional concealment and display. The performance of emotions by the royal family and courtiers in the State Apartments acted as a powerful draw to court events, as the display of joy or cheer acquired national significance. Under such scrutiny the king and his courtiers routinely limited displays of grief or pain to more restricted spaces such as the closet. The article analyses the court as a unique micro‐community in order to recreate the emotional character of London's palaces.
A sequential case series of 23 intubations in a rural emergency department in New Zealand
Authors: Powell Eleanor , Alkhouri Hatem , McCarthy Sally , Mackenzie John , Fogg Toby , Vassiliadis John , Cresswell Chris
Published: August 2017

Objective

To describe the practice and procedure of emergency intubation in Whanganui Emergency Department, New Zealand and determine whether intubation can be carried out effectively in the rural setting.

Method

A prospective observational study using the Australia and New Zealand Airway Registry proforma to collect data on the indication, lead intubator, first‐pass success rate and peri‐procedural complications. Data were also collected on whether a formal airway assessment was carried out and whether a checklist was used.

Results

Twenty‐three patients were intubated in the emergency department over a 12‐month period. Sixty‐two percent (14/23 cases) were medical encounters and the remaining 38% of indications due to a trauma. Head injury was the most common indication (23%). Ninety‐two percent of primary intubators were emergency department‐based Fellowship of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine or resident medical officers, while anaesthetic‐trained operators accounted for just 8%. Our first‐pass intubation success rate was 87% and 16% of cases had procedural complications. Sixty‐five percent (15/23) carried out a formal airway assessment and a checklist was only used in 23% of cases.

Conclusion

This sequential case series is the first study looking at airway management in rural New Zealand emergency department airway practice. Overall intubation success rates were comparable to larger tertiary centres across Australasia. We have demonstrated that with adequate resources and adherence to interventions, a rural emergency department can provide effective airway management.
From experience economy to experience landscape: The example of UK trail centres
Authors: Gibbs David , Holloway Lewis
Published: August 2017

This paper outlines a research agenda focused on the development of “experience landscapes” for outdoor leisure practices. It uses the example of trail centres for mountain biking to highlight the importance of examining embodied experience and human–technology hybridity in understanding participation in active outdoor pursuits. We propose that such experience landscapes are being created as part of a broader shift towards an experience economy, as particular spaces are carefully and deliberately imagined and built to host specific activities and attract users. In the case of trail centres, we argue that this landscape is a co‐production of actors involved in rural development, professional and volunteer “trail builders”, changing bike equipment technologies and mountain bike riders themselves. The embodied and hybrid “experience” of mountain biking is itself transformed by being practised in experience landscapes. We argue that research focusing on understanding the process of co‐producing experience landscapes will lead to valuable inputs to the continuing success of both trail centres and rural development strategies.
Redo coloanal anastomosis for anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection for rectal cancer: an analysis of 59 cases
Authors: Westerduin E. , Borstlap W. A. A. , Musters G. D. , Westerterp M. , van Geloven A. A. W. , Tanis P. J. , Wolthuis A. M. , Bemelman W. A. , D'Hoore A.
Published: August 2017

Aim

The construction of a new coloanal anastomosis (CAA) following anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection (LAR) is challenging. The available literature on this topic is scarce. The aim of this two‐centre study was to determine the clinical success and morbidity after redo CAA.

Method

This retrospective cohort study included all patients with anastomotic leakage after LAR for rectal cancer who underwent a redo CAA between 2010 and 2014 in two tertiary referral centres. Short‐ and long‐term morbidity were analysed, including both anastomotic leakage and permanent stoma rates on completion of follow‐up.

Results

A total of 59 patients were included, of whom 45 (76%) were men, with a mean age of 59 years (SD ± 9.4). The median interval between index and redo surgery was 14 months [interquartile range (IQR) 8–27]. The median duration of follow‐up was 27 months (IQR 17–36). The most frequent complication was anastomotic leakage of the redo CAA occurring in 24 patients (41%), resulting in a median of three reinterventions (IQR 2–4) per patient. At the end of follow‐up, bowel continuity was restored in 39/59 (66%) patients. Fourteen (24%) patients received a definitive colostomy and six (10%) still had a diverting ileostomy. In a multivariable model, leakage of the redo CAA was the only risk factor for permanent stoma (OR 0.022; 95% CI 0.004–0.122).

Conclusion

Redo CAA is a viable option in selected patients with persisting leakage after LAR for rectal cancer who want their bowel continuity restored. However, patients should be fully informed about the relatively high morbidity and reintervention rates.
A reassessment of the blood–brain barrier transport of large neutral amino acids during acute systemic inflammation in humans
Authors: Dahl Rasmus H. , Berg Ronan M. G. , Taudorf Sarah , Bailey Damian M. , Lundby Carsten , Larsen Fin S. , Møller Kirsten
Published: August 2017

We reassessed data from a previous study on the transcerebral net exchange of large neutral amino acids (LNAAs) using a novel mathematical model of blood–brain barrier (BBB) transport. The study included twelve healthy volunteers who received a 4‐h intravenous lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infusion (total dose: 0·3 ng/kg), a human experimental model of the systemic inflammatory response during the early stages of sepsis. Cerebral blood flow and arterial‐to‐jugular venous LNAA concentrations were measured prior to and after LPS, and the BBB transport and brain extracellular concentrations of LNAAs were calculated. The arterial concentration and unidirectional cerebral influx of phenylalanine increased after LPS. The BBB transport of tyrosine was unaffected, while its concentration in the brain extracellular fluid increased. These findings suggest that LPS infusion leads to an increased cerebral uptake of phenylalanine, which is then metabolized to tyrosine. This may reflect a neuroprotective mechanism that ‘detoxifies’ excess intracerebral phenylalanine in the clinical setting of sepsis.
REPUTATION TRANSMISSION WITHOUT BENEFIT TO THE REPORTER: A BEHAVIORAL UNDERPINNING OF MARKETS IN EXPERIMENTAL FOCUS
Authors: Kamei Kenju , Putterman Louis
Published: August 2017

Reputation is a commonly cited check on opportunism, but it is often unclear what motivates an agent to report another's behavior when it is easy for the aggrieved individual to move on. In a sharply focused laboratory experiment, we find that many cooperators pay to report a defecting partner without the possibility of pecuniary benefit when this has the potential to deprive the latter of future gains and to help his next partner. We illustrate how a social preference can explain such costly reporting, and also discuss evidence for a role of emotions. (JEL C91, D03, D63)
Predicting krill swarm characteristics important for marine predators foraging off East Antarctica
Authors: Bestley S. , Raymond B. , Gales N. J. , Harcourt R. G. , Hindell M. A. , Jonsen I. D. , Nicol S. , Péron C. , Sumner M. D. , Weimerskirch H. , Wotherspoon S. J. , Cox M. J.
Published: August 2017

Open ocean predator‐prey interactions are often difficult to interpret because of a lack of information on prey fields at scales relevant to predator behaviour. Hence, there is strong interest in identifying the biological and physical factors influencing the distribution and abundance of prey species, which may be of broad predictive use for conservation planning and evaluating effects of environmental change. This study focuses on a key Southern Ocean prey species, Antarctic krill Euphausia superba, using acoustic observations of individual swarms (aggregations) from a large‐scale survey off East Antarctica. We developed two sets of statistical models describing swarm characteristics, one set using underway survey data for the explanatory variables, and the other using their satellite remotely sensed analogues. While survey data are in situ and contemporaneous with the swarm data, remotely sensed data are all that is available for prediction and inference about prey distribution in other areas or at other times. The fitted models showed that the primary biophysical influences on krill swarm characteristics included daylight (solar elevation/radiation) and proximity to the Antarctic continental slope, but there were also complex relationships with current velocities and gradients. Overall model performance was similar regardless of whether underway or remotely sensed predictors were used. We applied the latter models to generate regional‐scale spatial predictions using a 10‐yr remotely‐sensed time series. This retrospective modelling identified areas off east Antarctica where relatively dense krill swarms were consistently predicted during austral mid‐summers, which may underpin key foraging areas for marine predators. Spatiotemporal predictions along Antarctic predator satellite tracks, from independent studies, illustrate the potential for uptake into further quantitative modelling of predator movements and foraging. The approach is widely applicable to other krill‐dependent ecosystems, and our findings are relevant to similar efforts examining biophysical linkages elsewhere in the Southern Ocean and beyond.
Measuring the end of the European financial crisis
Authors: Lin Ya‐Chi , Yeh Kuo‐Chun
Published: August 2017

In 2013 it was declared that ‘the eurozone crisis is over’. However, in fact, the series of financial crises since 2008 may have interrupted the process of EMU enlargement, which in turn triggered a continuing crisis of confidence in the euro. In this paper we extend the sigma‐convergence test to provide a more precise understanding of real interest rate parity (RIP) convergence. On the basis of this, we predict the timing for eliminating the cost of economic asymmetric shocks. Our estimation indicates the RIP among EMU members and accessions were still valid after the disruptions of the 2008 financial crisis. However, the situation has been even worse since the 2010 European sovereign debt crisis, and ceteris paribus, symmetry cannot be achieved without further policy actions. This implies that the EMU authority must do its best to strengthen symmetry and thereby solidify the EMU, at which point it will be better able to re‐start the process of enlargement.
Development and validation of a logic model for comprehensive medication management services
Authors: Sousa Samuel R A e , Shoemaker Sarah Joyce , do Nascimento Mariana M G , Costa Marianne S , Ramalho de Oliveira Djenane
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To develop and validate a theoretical logic model for comprehensive medication management (CMM) services.

Methods

The components of a logic model were constructed after a literature review and interviews with 4 CMM professionals. To validate the logic model, a panel of 17 CMM experts participated in three online Delphi method rounds to achieve consensus on the model. The consensus between the experts on each component of the logic model was evaluated using the Content Validity Index and Inter-rater Agreement in each of the rounds.

Key findings

A logic model for CMM services containing 51 items was constructed and validated. Both the items of each component of the model and the linkage between the main components were agreed upon among the experts.

Conclusions

A logic model for CMM services was developed and validated. It is an innovative tool that, if used as a theoretical framework for the implementation of CMM, can ensure greater reproducibility of CMM services in different scenarios of practice and levels of care.
States of Spiritual Awareness by Time, Activity, and Social Interaction
Authors: Kucinskas Jaime , Wright Bradley R. E. , Ray D. Matthew , Ortberg John
Published: August 2017

We explore how people experience the sacred in their everyday lives using a recently developed research technique—smartphone‐based experience sampling method (S‐ESM). The primary goal of our experience‐driven approach is to explore the contours and variations of spiritual awareness within people's day‐to‐day lives. We seek to better understand when and where spiritual awareness is likely to arise, and the contexts in which it is rare. Our smartphone‐based data allow us to track the many contexts in which an awareness of the sacred occurs, as reported in real time during people's normal daily activities. We parse out how immediate contextual factors and how people's more habitual behaviors are related to their spiritual experiences. This illuminates a wide range of factors that influence spiritual experiences that have not received much scholarly attention, and enables us to connect cutting‐edge quantitative methods with qualitative scholarship on spirituality. We hope this will open the door to the development of new theories of situated spiritual experience.
Religious Conflict and the Chain of Command in the American and French Militaries
Authors: Konieczny Mary Ellen , Bertossi Christophe
Published: August 2017

Analyzing characteristics of the organizational environment, the organization, and its actors recommended by the framework guiding this symposium on the cross‐cultural study of religion in public institutions, we identify common elements of military organization that shape local and national policies surrounding religion cross‐nationally. Comparison of cases from U.S. and French militaries—a secularist group at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and Muslim soldiers in France—demonstrates this framework's utility by directing attention to when, how, and by what logics constitutional protections are afforded to religious (and nonreligious) minorities. This analysis also reveals two additional arenas of investigation important to the study of religion in public institutions. Because religion today is often at the center of disputes over citizens’ conflicting rights, conflicts over religion in the military, and in other public institutions, demand special attention. In addition, our cases call attention to the importance of organizational structures and authority. Military settings make this point obvious, since the chain of command plays a fundamental and powerful role in the operation of militaries cross‐nationally—including in activities and policies surrounding religion and religious groups.
Does perianth colour affect the seed germination of two desert shrubs under different storage periods and conditions?
Authors: Bhatt Arvind , Santo Andrea
Published: August 2017

Haloxylon salicornicumandSalsola vermiculata(Amaranthaceae) are two perennial shrubs producing fruits with differently coloured perianths (yellow vs pink) on separate individuals. To test the impact of different storage periods (four, eight and twelve months) and temperature conditions (freezing, room temperature and natural field temperatures) on the seed germination of the two seed categories, germination tests were carried out on both species.

For both species, collected from wild plants in the Arabian desert (Qatar), seed germination was tested under two photoperiods (light 12/12; dark 24 hours) at 20/30°C for winged (intact) and de‐winged seeds. For each species, all the considered factors (perianth colour, wing presence, photoperiod, storage period and storage conditions) had significant effects on seed germination (p < 0.001), while the interactions among factors varied in their level of significance depending on the species.

In both species, yellow seeds germinated considerably better than the pink ones, the presence of wings slowed the germination, and both storage period and temperature conditions highly influenced their germination ability. Our results indicate that seeds from different perianth colours have different germination strategies to delay their germination and distribute the species through time by escaping germination time by imposing some kind of after‐ripening or seed dormancy. The variation in storage time and storage conditions might help in extending their germination period, where one set of seeds germinate immediately, and the other set of seeds becomes dormant and thus contributes to the formation of a soil seed bank for the long‐term recruitment of seedlings. This study highlights an ecological advantageous strategy for these two species growing in the unpredictable desert habitat.
Looking beyond the intervertebral disc: the need for behavioral assays in models of discogenic pain
Authors: Mosley Grace E. , Evashwick‐Rogler Thomas W. , Lai Alon , Iatridis James C.
Published: August 2017

Orthopedic research into chronic discogenic back pain has commonly focused on aging‐ and degeneration‐related changes in intervertebral disc structure, biomechanics, and biology. However, the primary spine‐related reason for physician office visits is pain. The ambiguous nature of the human condition of discogenic low back pain motivates the use of animal models to better understand the pathophysiology. Discogenic back pain models must consider both emergent behavioral changes following pain induction and changes in the nervous system that mediate such behavior. Looking beyond the intervertebral disc, we describe the different ways to classify pain in human patients and animal models. We describe several behavioral assays that can be used in rodent models to augment disc degeneration measurements and characterize different types of pain. We review rodent models of discogenic pain that employed behavioral pain assays and highlight a need to better integrate neuroscience and orthopedic science methods to extend current understanding of the complex and multifactorial pathophysiology of discogenic back pain.
Foreign workers and productivity in an emerging economy: The case of Malaysia
Authors: Jordaan Jacob A.
Published: August 2017

Many developed and developing countries are experiencing large and growing levels of international migration of labor. However, the large majority of research on the economic impact of inflows of migrant workers on host economies focuses exclusively on developed countries. In this paper, we address this gap in the literature by examining migrant‐induced productivity effects in the emerging economy of Malaysia. Importantly, the Malaysian case is typical for many Asian economies where, next to high skilled foreign workers, large numbers of migrants consist of low skilled workers that are employed in host economies on a temporary basis. Using detailed industry level data for the period 2005 to 2009, we find that both high skilled and low skilled foreign workers generate positive productivity effects in Malaysian manufacturing industries. Furthermore, our results identify a strong presence of industry heterogeneity, as the effects of foreign workers, in general, and low skilled foreign workers, in particular, are pronounced in labor and assembly intensive modern industries with a strong export focus. This indicates the importance of foreign workers for the contemporary international competitiveness of the Malaysian manufacturing sector. As such, our findings provide important new input to the debate on the role of low skilled foreign workers in processes of development of the Malaysian economy.
Reproductive Health and Bodily Integrity in Tanzania
Authors: Westeneng Judith , D'Exelle Ben
Published: August 2017

Several policy initiatives support the empowerment of women to improve their reproductive health. Little is known, however, about the inverse effect that reproductive health might have on women's empowerment. Women are pressured to conform to their reproductive role, and an inability to do so might affect their empowerment, including control over their own body. Using a panel dataset of 504 married women in Northern Tanzania, we find that women who experienced a pregnancy loss show more tolerant views of partner violence and that child mortality lowers their perceived control over the sexual relationship with their spouse. The number of living children did not affect bodily integrity. These results confirm that women's bodily integrity is partly dependent on the ability to fulfill their reproductive role. They strengthen the case for policies and programs that improve women's reproductive health and underline the importance of counselling after pregnancy or child loss.
Detection of a novel HLA‐DRB1*09 variant, HLA‐DRB1*09:31, in a College of American Pathologists HLA survey sample
Authors: Yang K.‐L. , Lin P. Y.
Published: August 2017

One nucleotide substitution at residue 25 of HLA‐DRB1*09:01:02:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐DRB1*09:31.
Muscle length effect on corticospinal excitability during maximal concentric, isometric and eccentric contractions of the knee extensors
Authors: Doguet Valentin , Nosaka Kazunori , Guével Arnaud , Thickbroom Gary , Ishimura Kazuhiro , Jubeau Marc
Published: August 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does sensory input from peripheral mechanoreceptors determine the specific neural control of eccentric contractions? How corticospinal excitability (i.e. muscle responses to motor cortex stimulation) is affected by muscle length has never been investigated during eccentric contractions.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Muscle length does not influence corticospinal excitability during concentric and isometric maximal contractions, but does during eccentric maximal contractions. This indicates that neural control in eccentric contractions differs from that in concentric and isometric contractions.

Neural control of eccentric contractions differs from that of concentric and isometric contractions, but no previous study has compared responses to motor cortex stimulations at long muscle lengths during such contraction types. In this study, we compared the effect of muscle length on corticospinal excitability between maximal concentric, isometric and eccentric contractions of the knee extensors. Twelve men performed 12 maximal concentric, isometric and eccentric voluntary contractions (36 contractions in total), separated by a 5 min rest between contraction types. The 12 contractions for the same contraction type were performed every 10 s, and transcranial magnetic stimulations (first eight contractions) and electrical femoral nerve stimulations (last four contractions) were superimposed alternately at 75 and 100 deg of knee flexion. Average motor evoked potential amplitude, normalized to the maximal M wave amplitude (MEP/M) and cortical silent period duration were calculated for each angle and compared among the contraction types. The MEP/M was lower (−23 and −28%, respectively) during eccentric than both concentric and isometric contractions at 75 deg, but similar between contraction types at 100 deg (P < 0.05). The cortical silent period duration was shorter (−12 and −10%, respectively) during eccentric than both concentric and isometric contractions at 75 deg, but longer (+11 and +9%, respectively) during eccentric contractions at 100 deg (P < 0.05). These results show that corticospinal excitability during eccentric contractions is angle dependent such that cortical inhibitory processes are greater with no alteration of corticospinal excitability at 100 deg, whereas this control is reversed at 75 deg.