bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tau deletion promotes brain insulin resistance
Authors: Marciniak Elodie , Leboucher Antoine , Caron Emilie , Ahmed Tariq , Tailleux Anne , Dumont Julie , Issad Tarik , Gerhardt Ellen , Pagesy Patrick , Vileno Margaux , Bournonville Clément , Hamdane Malika , Bantubungi Kadiombo , Lancel Steve , Demeyer Dominique , Eddarkaoui Sabiha , Vallez Emmanuelle , Vieau Didier , Humez Sandrine , Faivre Emilie , Grenier-Boley Benjamin , Outeiro Tiago F. , Staels Bart , Amouyel Philippe , Balschun Detlef , Buee Luc , Blum David
Published: June 2017

The molecular pathways underlying tau pathology–induced synaptic/cognitive deficits and neurodegeneration are poorly understood. One prevalent hypothesis is that hyperphosphorylation, misfolding, and fibrillization of tau impair synaptic plasticity and cause degeneration. However, tau pathology may also result in the loss of specific physiological tau functions, which are largely unknown but could contribute to neuronal dysfunction. In the present study, we uncovered a novel function of tau in its ability to regulate brain insulin signaling. We found that tau deletion leads to an impaired hippocampal response to insulin, caused by altered IRS-1 and PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue on chromosome 10) activities. Our data also demonstrate that tau knockout mice exhibit an impaired hypothalamic anorexigenic effect of insulin that is associated with energy metabolism alterations. Consistently, we found that tau haplotypes are associated with glycemic traits in humans. The present data have far-reaching clinical implications and raise the hypothesis that pathophysiological tau loss-of-function favors brain insulin resistance, which is instrumental for cognitive and metabolic impairments in Alzheimer’s disease patients.
Thymic progenitors of TCRαβ+ CD8αα intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes require RasGRP1 for development
Authors: Golec Dominic P. , Hoeppli Romy E. , Henao Caviedes Laura M. , McCann Jillian , Levings Megan K. , Baldwin Troy A.
Published: June 2017

Strong T cell receptor (TCR) signaling largely induces cell death during thymocyte development, whereas weak TCR signals induce positive selection. However, some T cell lineages require strong TCR signals for differentiation through a process termed agonist selection. The signaling relationships that underlie these three fates are unknown. RasGRP1 is a Ras activator required to transmit weak TCR signals leading to positive selection. Here, we report that, despite being dispensable for thymocyte clonal deletion, RasGRP1 is critical for agonist selection of TCRαβ+CD8αα intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) progenitors (IELps), even though both outcomes require strong TCR signaling. Bim deficiency rescued IELp development in RasGRP1−/− mice, suggesting that RasGRP1 functions to promote survival during IELp generation. Additionally, expression of CD122 and the adhesion molecules α4β7 and CD103 define distinct IELp subsets with differing abilities to generate TCRαβ+CD8αα IEL in vivo. These findings demonstrate that RasGRP1-dependent signaling underpins thymic selection processes induced by both weak and strong TCR signals and is differentially required for fate decisions derived from a strong TCR stimulus.
FALCON: a toolbox for the fast contextualization of logical networks
Authors: De Landtsheer Sébastien , Trairatphisan Panuwat , Lucarelli Philippe , Sauter Thomas
Published: June 2017

Motivation

Mathematical modelling of regulatory networks allows for the discovery of knowledge at the system level. However, existing modelling tools are often computation-heavy and do not offer intuitive ways to explore the model, to test hypotheses or to interpret the results biologically.

Results

We have developed a computational approach to contextualize logical models of regulatory networks with biological measurements based on a probabilistic description of rule-based interactions between the different molecules. Here, we propose a Matlab toolbox, FALCON, to automatically and efficiently build and contextualize networks, which includes a pipeline for conducting parameter analysis, knockouts and easy and fast model investigation. The contextualized models could then provide qualitative and quantitative information about the network and suggest hypotheses about biological processes.

Availability and implementation

FALCON is freely available for non-commercial users on GitHub under the GPLv3 licence. The toolbox, installation instructions, full documentation and test datasets are available at https://github.com/sysbiolux/FALCON. FALCON runs under Matlab (MathWorks) and requires the Optimization Toolbox.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
ClusterSignificance: a bioconductor package facilitating statistical analysis of class cluster separations in dimensionality reduced data
Authors: Serviss Jason T , Gådin Jesper R , Eriksson Per , Folkersen Lasse , Grandér Dan
Published: June 2017

Multi-dimensional data generated via high-throughput experiments is increasingly used in conjunction with dimensionality reduction methods to ascertain if resulting separations of the data correspond with known classes. This is particularly useful to determine if a subset of the variables, e.g. genes in a specific pathway, alone can separate samples into these established classes. Despite this, the evaluation of class separations is often subjective and performed via visualization. Here we present the ClusterSignificance package; a set of tools designed to assess the statistical significance of class separations downstream of dimensionality reduction algorithms. In addition, we demonstrate the design and utility of the ClusterSignificance package and utilize it to determine the importance of long non-coding RNA expression in the identity of multiple hematological malignancies.

Availability and implementation

ClusterSignificance is an R package available via Bioconductor (https://bioconductor.org/packages/ClusterSignificance) under GPL-3.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Impact of Substrate Volumetric Water on Pythium aphanidermatum Infection in Petunia ×hybrida: A Case Study on the Use of Automated Irrigation in Phytopathology Studies
Authors: Wheeler William D. , Williams-Woodward Jean , Thomas Paul A. , van Iersel Marc , Chappell Matthew R.
Published: June 2017

Real-time irrigation monitoring and control afforded by dielectric soil moisture sensors allows for precise substrate volumetric water content (VWC) to be maintained under dynamic experimental conditions. A case study was conducted with Petunia ×hybrida ‘Dreams Red’ grown using a sensor-based irrigation system with half of the plants infected with Pythium aphanidermatum. Four soilless substrate moisture profiles were maintained postinoculation, with VWCs set at 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 m3/m3, as well as a cyclic soil moisture profile that underwent a 0.25-m3/m3 change in VWC (0.18 to 0.43 m3/m3) between irrigation events. Once established, half of the plants in each trial were inoculated and grown out for one month under the defined irrigation regimes. The probability of root infection was lowered when VWC was maintained at 0.2 m3/m3 compared with 0.4 m3/m3 and cyclic (0.18 to 0.43 m3/m3) VWC. Mortality and biomass were unaffected by irrigation regime in both uninoculated and inoculated treatments. The soil moisture-sensor-based automated irrigation system was successfully able to maintain programmed irrigation profiles throughout the trial, under dynamic greenhouse conditions, increasing trust in the data and resulting conclusions of the study.
Disease Suppressive Soils: New Insights from the Soil Microbiome
Authors: Schlatter Daniel , Kinkel Linda , Thomashow Linda , Weller David , Paulitz Timothy
Published: June 2017

Soils suppressive to soilborne pathogens have been identified worldwide for almost 60 years and attributed mainly to suppressive or antagonistic microorganisms. Rather than identifying, testing and applying potential biocontrol agents in an inundative fashion, research into suppressive soils has attempted to understand how indigenous microbiomes can reduce disease, even in the presence of the pathogen, susceptible host, and favorable environment. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing of microbiomes have provided new tools to reexamine and further characterize the nature of these soils. Two general types of suppression have been described: specific and general suppression, and theories have been developed around these two models. In this review, we will present three examples of currently-studied model systems with features representative of specific and general suppressiveness: suppression to take-all (Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici), Rhizoctonia bare patch of wheat (Rhizoctonia solani AG-8), and Streptomyces. To compare and contrast the two models of general versus specific suppression, we propose a number of hypotheses about the nature and ecology of microbial populations and communities of suppressive soils. We outline the potential and limitations of new molecular techniques that can provide novel ways of testing these hypotheses. Finally, we consider how this greater understanding of the phytobiome can facilitate sustainable disease management in agriculture by harnessing the potential of indigenous soil microbes.
Genomic evidence of globally widespread admixture from polar bears into brown bears during the last ice age
Authors: Cahill James A. , Heintzman Peter D. , Harris Kelley , Teasdale Matthew , Kapp Joshua , E Rodrigues Soares André , Stirling Ian , Bradley Daniel , Edwards Ceiridwen J. , Kisleika Aliaksandr A. , Malev Alexander V. , Monaghan Nigel , Green Richard E. , Shapiro Beth
Published: June 2017

Recent genomic analyses have provided substantial evidence for past periods of gene flow from polar bears (Ursus maritimus) into Alaskan brown bears (Ursus arctos), with some analyses suggesting a link between climate change and genomic introgression. However, because it has only been possible to sample bears from the present day, the timing, frequency, and evolutionary significance of this admixture remains unknown. Here, we analyze genomic DNA from three additional and geographically distinct brown bear populations, including two that lived temporally close to the peak of the last ice age. We find evidence of admixture in all three populations, suggesting that admixture between these species has been common in their recent evolutionary history. In addition, analyses of ten fossil bears from the now-extinct Irish population indicate that admixture peaked during the last ice age, when brown bear and polar bear ranges overlapped. Following this peak, the proportion of polar bear ancestry in Irish brown bears declined rapidly until their extinction. Our results support a model in which ice age climate change created geographically widespread conditions conducive to admixture between polar bears and brown bears, as is again occurring today. We postulate that this model will be informative for many admixing species pairs impacted by climate change. Our results highlight the power of paleogenomes to reveal patterns of evolutionary change that are otherwise masked with only contemporary data.
Learning Edge Rewiring in EMT From Single Cell Data
Authors: Krishnaswamy Smita , Zivanovic Nevena , Sharma Roshan , Pe’er Dana , Bodenmiller Bernd
Published: June 2017

Cellular regulatory networks are not static, but continuously reconfigure in response to stimuli via alterations in gene expression and protein confirmations. However, typical computational approaches treat them as static interaction networks derived from a single experimental time point. Here, we provide a method for learning the dynamic modulation, orrewiringof pairwise relationships (edges) from a static single-cell data. We use the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in murine breast cancer cells as a model system, and measure mass cytometry data three days after induction of the transition by TGFβ. We take advantage of transitional rate variability between cells in the data by deriving a pseudo-time EMT trajectory. Then we propose methods for visualizing and quantifying time-varying edge behavior over the trajectory and use these methods: TIDES (Trajectory Imputed DREMI scores), and measure of edge dynamism (3DDREMI) to predict and validate the effect of drug perturbations on EMT.
Mapping the drivers of within-host pathogen evolution using massive data sets
Authors: Palmer Duncan S. , Turner Isaac , Fidler Sarah , Frater John , Goulder Philip , Goedhals Dominique , Huang Kuan-Hsiang Gary , Oxenius Annette , Phillips Rodney , Shapiro Roger , van Vuuren Cloete , McLean Angela R. , McVean Gil
Published: June 2017

Differences among hosts, resulting from genetic variation in the immune system or heterogeneity in drug treatment, can impact within-host pathogen evolution. Identifying such interactions can potentially be achieved through genetic association studies. However, extensive and correlated genetic population structure in hosts and pathogens presents a substantial risk of confounding analyses. Moreover, the multiple testing burden of interaction scanning can potentially limit power. To address these problems, we have developed a Bayesian approach for detecting host influences on pathogen evolution that makes use of vast existing data sets of pathogen diversity to improve power and control for stratification. The approach models key processes, including recombination and selection, and identifies regions of the pathogen genome affected by host factors. Using simulations and empirical analysis of drug-induced selection on the HIV-1 genome we demonstrate the power of the method to recover known associations and show greatly improved precision-recall characteristics compared to other approaches. We build a high-resolution map of HLA-induced selection in the HIV-1 genome, identifying novel epitope-allele combinations.
Distinct contributions of three GABAergic interneuron populations to a mouse model of Rett Syndrome
Authors: Mossner James M. , Batista-Brito Renata , Pant Rima , Cardin Jessica A.
Published: June 2017

Background

Rett Syndrome is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from mutations in the gene MeCP2. MeCP2 is a transcriptional regulator active in many cell types throughout the brain. However, mutations of MeCP2 restricted to GABAergic cell types largely replicate the behavioral phenotypes associated with mouse models of Rett Syndrome, suggesting a key role for inhibitory interneurons in the pathophysiology underlying this disorder.

Methods

We generated conditional deletions of MeCP2 from each of three major classes of GABAergic interneurons, the parvalbumin (PV), somatostatin (SOM), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-expressing cells, along with a pan-interneuron deletion from all three GABAergic populations. We examined seizure incidence, mortality, and performance on several key behavioral assays.

Results

We find that each interneuron class makes a contribution to the seizure phenotype associated with Rett Syndrome. PV, SOM, and VIP interneurons made partially overlapping contributions to deficits in motor behaviors. We find little evidence for elevated anxiety associated with any of the conditional deletions. However, MeCP2 deletion from VIP interneurons causes a unique deficit in marble burying. Furthermore, VIP interneurons make a distinct contribution to deficits in social behavior.

Conclusions

We find an unanticipated contribution of VIP interneuron dysfunction to the MeCP2 loss-of-function model of Rett Syndrome. Together, our findings suggest a complex interaction between GABAergic dysfunction and behavioral phenotypes in this neurodevelopmental disorder.
Epidermal stem cells self-renew upon neighboring differentiation
Authors: Mesa Kailin R. , Kawaguchi Kyogo , Gonzalez David G. , Cockburn Katie , Boucher Jonathan , Xin Tianchi , Klein Allon M. , Greco Valentina
Published: June 2017

Many adult tissues are dynamically sustained by the rapid turnover of stem cells. Yet, how cell fates such as self-renewal and differentiation are orchestrated to achieve long-term homeostasis remains elusive. Studies utilizing clonal tracing experiments in multiple tissues have argued that while stem cell fate is balanced at the population level, individual cell fate - to divide or differentiate – is determined intrinsically by each cell seemingly at random ( 1 2 3 4 5). These studies leave open the question of how cell fates are regulated to achieve fate balance across the tissue. Stem cell fate choices could be made autonomously by each cell throughout the tissue or be the result of cell coordination ( 6 7). Here we developed a novel live tracking strategy that allowed recording of every division and differentiation event within a region of epidermis for a week. These measurements reveal that stem cell fates are not autonomous. Rather, direct neighbors undergo coupled opposite fate decisions. We further found a clear ordering of events, with self-renewal triggered by neighbor differentiation, but not vice-versa. Typically, around 1-2 days after cell delamination, a neighboring cell entered S/G2 phase and divided. Functional blocking of this local feedback showed that differentiation continues to occur in the absence of cell division, resulting in a rapid depletion of the epidermal stem cell pool. We thus demonstrate that the epidermis is maintained by nearest neighbor coordination of cell fates, rather than by asymmetric divisions or fine-tuned cell-autonomous stochastic fate choices. These findings establish differentiation-dependent division as a core feature of homeostatic control, and define the relevant time and length scales over which homeostasis is enforced in epithelial tissues.
Positively Selected Enhancer Elements Endow Tumor Cells with Metastatic Competence
Authors: Morrow James J. , Bayles Ian , Funnell Alister PW , Miller Tyler E. , Saiakhova Alina , Lizardo Michael M. , Bartels Cynthia F. , Kapteijn Maaike Y. , Hung Stevephen , Mendoza Arnulfo , Chee Daniel R. , Myers Jay T. , Allen Frederick , Gambarotti Marco , Righi Alberto , DiFeo Analisa , Rubin Brian P. , Huang Alex Y. , Meltzer Paul S. , Helman Lee J. , Picci Piero , Versteeg Henri , Stamatoyannopoulos John , Khanna Chand , Scacheri Peter C.
Published: June 2017

Metastasis results from a complex set of traits acquired by tumor cells, distinct from those necessary for tumorigenesis. Here, we investigate the contribution of enhancer elements to the metastatic phenotype of osteosarcoma. Through epigenomic profiling, we identify substantial differences in enhancer activity between primary and metastatic tumors in human patients as well as nearisogenic pairs of high and low lung-metastatic osteosarcoma cells. We term these regions Metastatic Variant Enhancer Loci (Met-VELs). We demonstrate that these Met-VELs drive coordinated waves of gene expression during metastatic colonization of the lung. Met-VELs cluster non-randomly, indicating that activity of these enhancers and their associated gene targets are positively selected. As evidence of this causal association, osteosarcoma lung metastasis is inhibited by global interruptions of Met-VEL-associated gene expression via pharmacologic BET inhibition, by knockdown of AP-1 transcription factors that occupy Met-VELs, and by knockdown or functional inhibition of individual genes activated by Met-VELs, such as F3. We further show that genetic deletion of a single Met-VEL at theF3locus blocks metastatic cell outgrowth in the lung. These findings indicate that Met-VELs and the genes they regulate play a functional role in metastasis and may be suitable targets for anti-metastatic therapies.
Systematic identification of novel regulatory interactions controlling biofilm formation in the bacteriumEscherichia coli
Authors: Amores Gerardo Ruiz , Heras Aitor de las , Sanches-Medeiros Ananda , Elfick Alistair , Silva-Rocha Rafael
Published: June 2017

Here, we investigated novel interactions of three global regulators of the network that controls biofilm formation in the model bacteriumEscherichia coliusing computational network analysis, anin vivoreporter assay and physiological validation experiments. We were able to map critical nodes that govern planktonic to biofilm transition and identify 8 new regulatory interactions for CRP, IHF or Fis responsible for the control of the promoters ofrpoS,rpoE,flhD,fliA,csgDandyeaJ. Additionally, anin vivopromoter reporter assay and motility analysis revealed a key role for IHF as a repressor of cell motility through the control of FliA sigma factor expression. This investigation of first stage and mature biofilm formation indicates that biofilm structure is strongly affected by IHF and Fis, while CRP seems to provide a fine-tuning mechanism. Taken together, the analysis presented here shows the utility of combining computational and experimental approaches to generate a deeper understanding of the biofilm formation process in bacteria.
On some aspects of crystallization process energetics, logistic new phase nucleation kinetics, crystal size distribution and Ostwald ripening
Authors: Nanev Christo N.
Published: June 2017

Nucleation, nucleus number densities, and the respective supersaturation dependence, crystal growth and Ostwald ripening are reconsidered from the energetics perspective. Supersaturation-dependent critical nucleus sizes are calculated accordingly. It is argued that the logistic time-dependent nucleation resembles one period of a harmonic oscillation. The general conclusion is that a crystallizing system adapts to the distorting influence of the supersaturation imposed, and during crystal nucleation and growth, the system gradually consumes this supersaturation to reach a new equilibrium state at the end of Ostwald ripening (completely exhausted supersaturation). This is an indication that the system responds to the change in its energetic status according to the well known Le Châtelier–Braun principle. The extent to which the nucleation process affects the crystal size distribution (CSD) is also discussed. Slightly altered by the crystal growth, the CSD also preserves some trace of the nucleation stage shape during Ostwald ripening.
ATSAS 2.8: a comprehensive data analysis suite for small-angle scattering from macromolecular solutions
Authors: Franke D. , Petoukhov M. V. , Konarev P. V. , Panjkovich A. , Tuukkanen A. , Mertens H. D. T. , Kikhney A. G. , Hajizadeh N. R. , Franklin J. M. , Jeffries C. M. , Svergun D. I.
Published: June 2017

ATSASis a comprehensive software suite for the analysis of small-angle scattering data from dilute solutions of biological macromolecules or nanoparticles. It contains applications for primary data processing and assessment,ab initiobead modelling, and model validation, as well as methods for the analysis of flexibility and mixtures. In addition, approaches are supported that utilize information from X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy or atomistic homology modelling to construct hybrid models based on the scattering data. This article summarizes the progress made during the 2.5–2.8ATSASrelease series and highlights the latest developments. These includeAMBIMETER, an assessment of the reconstruction ambiguity of experimental data;DATCLASS, a multiclass shape classification based on experimental data;SASRES, for estimating the resolution ofab initiomodel reconstructions;CHROMIXS, a convenient interface to analyse in-line size exclusion chromatography data;SHANUM, to evaluate the useful angular range in measured data;SREFLEX, to refine available high-resolution models using normal mode analysis;SUPALMfor a rapid superposition of low- and high-resolution models; andSASPy, theATSASplugin for interactive modelling inPyMOL. All these features and other improvements are included in theATSASrelease 2.8, freely available for academic users from https://www.embl-hamburg.de/biosaxs/software.html.
Exploiting women’s aesthetic labour to fly high in the Chinese airline Industry
Authors: Ren Xiaoni
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Drawing upon the existing theoretical and empirical sourced knowledge of aesthetic labour and gender, this paper aims to explore the exploitation of women’s aesthetic labour in the Chinese airline industry and the underlying causes from a contextual point of view.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study has emerged from a broader research project which aimed to explore women’s experiences of work-family conflict and their career aspirations in the Chinese airline industry in which aesthetic labour was prevalent as a significant issue during semi-structured interviews with female employees and HR/line management. Thus, the study draws upon interview data focusing on recruitment and selection of flight attendants in three Chinese airlines. This is complemented by secondary sources of data from Chinese television programmes and job advertisements.

Findings

This study reveals that aesthetics is both gendered and context-bound. It exposes that aesthetic labour in Chinese airlines is demanded from women but not men. It highlights that gendered aesthetic labour is continuously shaped by four influential contextual issues – legislation, labour market practices, national culture and airline management practices.

Originality/value

By uncovering the dynamic interconnectedness of gender and aesthetics and illustrating the exploitation of women’s aesthetic labour for commercial gains in Chinese airlines, this paper contributes to the understanding of the gendered aesthetics in the airline industry. It also offers new insights into the theory of aesthetic labour by locating it in a context that differs significantly from other socio-cultural contexts.
Handling negative publicity
Authors: Chung Angie , Jiang Hua
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Based on the framing theory and the associative network theory, the purpose of this paper is to develop and test a model that examines the impact of employing corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication in apology statements after negative publicity. Specifically, this study examines the role of CSR fit and CSR history in reducing anger and negative word-of-mouth (NWOM). This study also examines whether perceived CSR motivation and skepticism toward the apology statement mediate the effect of CSR fit and CSR history on anger and NWOM.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was a 2×2 between-subject design manipulating CSR fit (high or low) and CSR history (long or short).

Findings

The findings of this study suggest that strategically employing CSR communication in an apology statement after negative publicity may reduce negative consumer reactions.

Originality/value

The effects of CSR history and CSR fit have been studied in different contexts, but the effects of mentioning the two components in terms of apology statements had been understudied. This paper fulfills an identified need to study how employing CSR communication in apology statements after negative publicity can mitigate negative audience reactions.
Compensatory dynamics maintain bird phylogenetic diversity in fragmented tropical landscapes
Authors: Morante‐Filho José Carlos , Arroyo‐Rodríguez Víctor , de Andrade Edyla R. , Santos Bráulio A. , Cazetta Eliana , Faria Deborah
Published: June 2017

Tropical forest loss can drive the extinction of forest‐dependent species. Yet, non‐forest species can proliferate in deforested landscapes, thus enabling community‐level attributes (e.g. total abundance and richness) to be maintained in the remaining forest patches. Such compensatory dynamics have been, however, poorly investigated regarding the phylogenetic dimension of species diversity. Here, we assessed whether compensatory dynamics can stabilize the phylogenetic richness, divergence and structure of bird communities in response to forest loss in two regions in the Brazilian Atlantic forest, each under with different levels of land use intensification.

We surveyed birds in 40 forest sites, and assessed the response of five phylogenetic metrics to forest cover measured in local (600‐m radius) landscapes. We separately assessed the entire community, forest‐dependent and non‐forest‐dependent species and used information‐theoretic criteria to assess the effect of forest cover on each response variable. In particular, we evaluated the plausibility of four models: a null model (no effect of forest cover), a linear model, a power law model (nonlinear effect) and an analysis of covariance model (to assess whether the effect of forest cover differed between regions).

Forest cover varied from 7% to 98%, and was positively related to the phylogenetic richness of forest‐dependent species, but negatively related to the phylogenetic richness and divergence of non‐forest birds, particularly in the more disturbed region. As consequence, the phylogenetic richness and divergence of the entire community were weakly related to forest cover.

Forest birds were less phylogenetically clustered in sites surrounded by lower forest cover, but the phylogenetic structure of non‐forest birds was independent of forest cover.

Synthesis and applications. The phylogenetic impoverishment of forest‐dependent birds is offset by the phylogenetic enrichment and divergence of non‐forest‐dependent birds in severely tropical deforested landscapes. These compensatory dynamics suggest that both bird groups are important for safeguarding bird evolutionary diversity in human‐modified landscapes. Although deforested landscapes are reservoirs of bird phylogenetic diversity, suggesting that ecosystem functioning may be maintained in these sites, preventing further deforestation is urgently needed to preserve forest birds and their key ecological roles in the ecosystem.
The use of antioxidant agents for chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy treatment in animal models
Authors: Carvalho Larissa F , Silva Ana Maria F , Carvalho Adriana A
Published: June 2017

Antineoplastic drugs such as cisplatin, oxaliplatin, paclitaxel and vincristin are widely used in the treatment of several solid and blood tumours. However, the severity of peripheral neuropathy caused by these agents can affect the patient's quality of life. The major symptoms of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) involve: sensory loss, paresthesia, dysesthaesia, numbness, tingling, temperature sensitivity, allodynia and hyperalgesia, in a “stocking and glove” distribution. Why many different chemotherapeutic agents result in similar neuropathy profiles is unclear. Many drug classes such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antispastic agents and others have been used in clinical practice, but there is no scientific evidence to prove their effectiveness. But drugs as the antioxidant have shown a protective effect against free radical damage. In order to find out a successful treatment for CIPN, animal studies (ie pharmacological and mechanical tests and histopathological immunohistochemical analyses) have been developed to try to determinate the action of the antioxidant agents. This review provides an overview of the major antioxidant agents recently investigated to treat CIPN and the animal models used for this purpose.
Latent Fingermark Development on Thermal Paper using 1,2‐Indanedione/Zinc and Polyvinylpyrrolidone,
Authors: Hong Sungwook , Kim Minseok , Yu Seoungho
Published: June 2017

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) has been used in combination with 1,2‐indanedione (1,2‐IND) and ZnCl2 (Zn) to develop latent fingermarks. The results show that the optimal ratio of 1,2‐IND/Zn:PVP is 1.0:0.4 (the concentration of PVP is 8%) for developing fingermark. The developed formulation was tested on the surfaces of 12 kinds of thermal papers. The variation in the fingermark development efficiency was observed within the same and among different kinds of thermal papers. The fingermark development efficiency was mostly better on the thermally sensitive surface compared to the thermally nonsensitive surface. However, similar or even better development was observed from a few thermally nonsensitive surfaces. The present method has shown better efficiency compared to the three other proposed methods on the thermally sensitive surface. In contrast, the present method was proven not the best for the thermally nonsensitive surface.
Auditors’ Joint Engagements and Audit Quality: Evidence from Italian Private Companies
Authors: Bianchi Pietro A.
Published: June 2017

This study examines the effect of auditors’ collaboration in joint audit engagements on knowledge transfer, auditor expertise, and audit outcomes. I employ a unique sample of Italian private companies whose financial statements are jointly audited by three individual auditors and use measures from the network literature to capture the intensity of interactions between these auditors. I find a positive association between several audit quality proxies and auditors’ collaboration in multiple joint engagements. My results suggest that auditors develop knowledge and contacts through collaboration which potentially leads to higher audit quality. Overall, my findings suggest that joint engagements facilitate knowledge transfer and increase auditor expertise.
Systemic Thrombolysis, Catheter‐Directed Thrombolysis, and Anticoagulation for Intermediate‐risk Pulmonary Embolism: A Simulation Modeling Analysis
Authors: Kabrhel Christopher , Ali Ayman , Choi Jin G. , Hur Chin
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Decision making around the use of thrombolysis for patients with intermediate‐risk (submassive) pulmonary embolism (PE) remains challenging. Studies indicate favorable clinical outcomes with systemic thrombolytics (intravenous tissue plasminogen activator [IV tPA]), but the risk of major bleeding and hemorrhagic stroke is a deterrent. Catheter‐directed thrombolysis (CDT) may be a preferable strategy, as it has been shown to have a lower risk of bleeding than systemic thrombolysis. However, a three‐arm randomized control study comparing IV tPA, CDT, and anticoagulation alone, with long‐term follow up, would be costly and is unlikely to be performed. The aim of this study was to use decision modeling to quantitatively estimate the differences between the three strategies.

Methods

We created an individual‐level state‐transition model to simulate long‐term outcomes of a hypothetical patient cohort treated with IV tPA, CDT, or anticoagulation alone. Our model incorporated clinical randomized controlled trial and longitudinal study data to inform patient characteristics and outcomes specific to each study arm. The base case was a 65‐year‐old patient. Additionally, we utilized preliminary data published by the Pulmonary Embolism Response Team at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Variance in model inputs was addressed with deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Our primary endpoint was quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs). Secondary endpoints included total cost and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs).

Results

Catheter‐directed thrombolysis (mean, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.388 [7.381–7.396] QALYs) resulted in the most long‐term utility for eligible patients compared to anticoagulation alone (7.352 [7.345–7.360] QALYs) or IV tPA (7.343 [7.336–7.351] QALYs). Patients receiving CDT had an elevated risk of hemorrhagic stroke in comparison to anticoagulation alone; however, patients treated with anticoagulation alone were more likely to experience recurrent PE associated adverse outcomes. Results were stable with sensitivity analyses varying age and sex. Our probabilistic sensitivity analysis assessing joint variance predicts CDT to be the most effective strategy, when measured by mean QALYs, in 98.4% of runs, while systemic thrombolysis was favored over anticoagulation alone 34.4% of the time. The ICER of CDT compared to anticoagulation was $317,042 per QALY gained.

Conclusion

In our model, for those eligible, CDT results in the largest number of QALYs for patients with intermediate‐risk PE, although it is relatively expensive and the absolute difference in QALYs between anticoagulation alone and CDT is small. Future studies that provide data on longitudinal quality‐of‐life outcomes of patients treated for PE and characteristics of CDT would be beneficial to augment model inputs, inform assumptions, and validate results.
Synthesis, structure, and biological evaluation of a platinum‐carbazole conjugate
Authors: Cheun Young , Koag Myong‐Chul , Naguib Youssef W. , Ouzon‐Shubeita Hala , Cui Zhengrong , Pakotiprapha Danaya , Lee Seongmin
Published: June 2017

Cisplatin resistance is caused, in part, by the efficient removal of the helix‐distorting cisplatin 1,2‐intrastrand cross‐links by nucleotide excision repair (NER) machinery. To make a platinum‐DNA adduct that causes less helical distortion than the cisplatin 1,2‐intrastrand adduct, we designed and synthesized a monofunctional platinum‐carbazole conjugate (carbazoplatin). The 2.5 Å crystal structure of carbazoplatin‐DNA adduct revealed both the monoplatination of the N7 of a guanine (G) base and the intercalation into two G:C base pairs, while causing a minor distortion of the DNA helix. A 50‐mer dsDNA containing a single carbazoplatin lesion was poorly processed by UvrABC endonuclease, the prokaryotic NER machinery that detects helical distortion and performs dual incision around the lesion. Our cell viability assay indicated that the cytotoxic pathways of carbazoplatin might be different from those of cisplatin; carbazoplatin was 5–8 times more cytotoxic than cisplatin against PANC‐1 and MDA‐MB‐231 cancer cell lines.
The usefulness of the H‐pouch configuration in salvage surgery for failed ileal pouches
Authors: Aydinli H. H. , Peirce C. , Aytac E. , Remzi F.
Published: June 2017

Aim

Abdominal salvage surgery for a failed ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (5) is safe and feasible in experienced hands. When salvaging an ileal pouch or creating a new J, S or W pouch may not be feasible, construction of an H‐pouch may be the final option. This study reports a single colorectal surgeon's experience on H‐pouch anal anastomosis in patients referred with a failed ileal pouch.

Method

Patients undergoing transabdominal salvage surgery with H‐pouch formation for a failed pouch from February 2012 to May 2016 were evaluated.

Results

Five patients were identified with a mean age of 46 (22–63) years. The pathological diagnosis was mucosal ulcerative colitis in all patients. Three patients had an initial traditional two‐stage J‐pouch creation and two patients had an initial three‐stage approach. The median time to redo pouch surgery after the index IPAA creation was 99 (11–158) months. One patient required excision of the pouch and two patients had a complication within 30 days of surgery.

Conclusion

The H‐pouch is a good alternative for a failed IPAA when another type of reservoir is not an option.
NExT: creating an interdisciplinary alliance to diminish informational barriers for public health nursing
Authors: Johnson Emily M. , Jones Krista , Eathington Patricia , Howard Carmen , Raszewski Rebecca , Twigg Naomi M.
Published: June 2017

Background

Public health nurses (PHNs) are challenged in obtaining opportunities to learn evidence‐based practice (EBP). An interdisciplinary alliance was created between health sciences librarians and nurse educators to create a continuing education (CE) opportunity.

Objective

To measure the effectiveness of CE training for PHNs on the knowledge gained about the EBP process and information resources.

Methods

Ten in‐person CE workshops were offered to 69 attendees in rural and urban areas. A pre‐test/post‐test survey was administered immediately before and after the training that asked participants to rate their perceived knowledge and comfort levels with EBP concepts and resources.

Results

Ninety‐seven per cent of participants reported the training was a good use of their time. Based on a 5‐point Likert scale self‐assessment, participants developed new skills (m = 4.06, SD = 0.968) and were able to find evidence‐based literature (m = 4.16, SD = 0.980). Participants reported increasing their understanding of EBP concepts and familiarity of information resources. All data were statistically significant at P < 0.001 (95% CI).

Discussion

With the interdisciplinary collaboration capitalising on the instructors' disciplinary skill sets, the team was able to create a new effective EBP education intervention for PHNs.

Conclusion

Public health nurses were able to increase knowledge of EBP concepts and information resources to utilise in practice or grant development.
Effect of extrusion cooking and simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on condensed tannins and radical scavenging activity of type II and type III whole grain sorghum
Authors: Adarkwah‐Yiadom Martin , Duodu Kwaku G.
Published: June 2017

The effect of extrusion cooking and simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on proanthocyanidins in type II and III tannin sorghums was studied. Extrusion cooking was performed at different feed moisture levels (2 L h−1, 3 L h−1, 5 L h−1 and 8 L h−1), with a barrel temperature of 150 °C followed by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Extrusion cooked samples had lower total phenols, tannin content and radical scavenging properties than unprocessed tannin sorghum flour. For extrudates, there was progressive increase in total phenols and tannin content with increase in feed moisture. Extrusion cooked samples had increased proportion of dimers and decreased oligomers in the two tannin sorghums. Gastric and duodenal digests of the extrudates contained high proportions of monomers and dimers and some oligomeric proanthocyanidin species. Undigested porridges, gastric and duodenal digests inhibited radical‐induced oxidative DNA damage. Extruded tannin sorghum may have health‐promoting potential in relation to combating chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress.
Structure of active cerium sites within bioactive glasses
Authors: Benedetti Francesco , Luches Paola , D'Addato Sergio , Valeri Sergio , Nicolini Valentina , Pedone Alfonso , Menziani Maria Cristina , Malavasi Gianluca
Published: June 2017

The inclusion of small amounts of cerium within the matrix of bioactive glasses, a class of materials used for bone tissue reparation and regeneration, adds a very important antioxidant property. In this work we investigate the local structure around cerium ions in cerium oxide doped bioactive phosphosilicate and silicate glasses, by X‐ray absorption fine structure at the Ce K‐edge, combined with classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The local structure of the active Ce sites results significantly different from the one in bulk cerium oxide phases. A contracted Ce–O first shell distance with respect to bulk oxides is detected, in full agreement with the results of MD simulations. The cerium environment in the glass matrix at different stages of the reaction with H2O2 does not show significant modifications, in spite of the very high catalytic activity. The accurate description of the active Ce sites within bioactive glasses reported in this work is an important step toward an atomic scale understanding of the material functionalities.
Pellet‐buffered film seed to grow single grain bulk YBCO
Authors: Yang Chia‐Ming , Liu Chia‐Hao , Chen Bo‐Xiani , Chang Chin‐Wei , Chen In‐Gann
Published: June 2017

Epitaxial thin film seeds, exhibit a higher peritectic temperature than the bulk, have been recognized as a possible way to obtain large‐sized single‐grain REBCO bulks. Recently, use of a pellet as a buffer layer inserted between the film‐seed and the main pellet has been reported. This approach can prevent Mg diffusion from the MgO substrate to the film seed, and enable the thin film to tolerate a higher maximum temperature in the TSMG (Top Seed Melt Growth) method. However, we found that the liquid phase decomposed from YBa2Cu3O7−x(YBCO) contacted the MgO substrate, due to surface tension, and caused undesirable grain nucleation. To resolve this problem, this study used a mini‐pellet, smaller than the seed, as a buffer layer. This new technique can avoid the liquid phase contacting the MgO substrate, thereby allowing the YBCO single‐grain bulk to be grown more easily. Moreover, the thin film seed can be re‐used by removing the buffer layer after the crystal growing process.
Effects of central administration of resistin on renal sympathetic nerve activity in rats fed a high‐fat diet: a comparison with leptin
Authors: Habeeballah H. , Alsuhaymi N. , Stebbing M. J. , Badoer E.
Published: June 2017

Similar to leptin, resistin acts centrally to increase renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). In high‐fat fed animals, the sympatho‐excitatory effects of leptin are retained, in contrast to the reduced actions of leptin on dietary intake. In the present study, we investigated whether the sympatho‐excitatory actions of resistin were influenced by a high‐fat diet. Further, because resistin and leptin combined can induce a greater sympatho‐excitatory response than each alone in rats fed a normal chow diet, we investigated whether a high‐fat diet (22%) could influence this centrally‐mediated interaction. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and RSNA were recorded before and for 3 hours after i.c.v. saline (control; n=5), leptin (7 μg; n=4), resistin (7 μg; n=5) and leptin and resistin combined (n=6). Leptin alone and resistin alone significantly increased RSNA (71±16%, 62±4%, respectively). When leptin and resistin were combined, there was a significantly greater increase in RSNA (195±41%) compared to either hormone alone. MAP and HR responses were not significantly different between hormones. When the responses in high‐fat fed rats were compared to normal chow fed rats, there were no significant differences in the maximum RSNA responses. The findings indicate that sympatho‐excitatory effects of resistin on RSNA are not altered by high‐fat feeding, including the greater increase in RSNA observed when resistin and leptin are combined. Our results suggest that diets rich in fat do not induce resistance to the increase in RSNA induced by resistin alone or in combination with leptin.
Efficient tax competition under the origin principle
Authors: Gauthier Stéphane
Published: June 2017

This paper studies fiscal competition under the origin principle. It identifies a pattern of consumers' taste heterogeneity under which the first‐best world social optimum arises as a noncooperative Nash equilibrium. Consumers' tastes are characterized by the strength of their preference for home and foreign goods. Nash implementation of the first‐best obtains when in every tax jurisdiction the number of consumers who display a home bias (those consumers who prefer purchasing the home good to shopping abroad at equal prices) equals, for every magnitude of the home bias, the number of consumers who display an “import bias” (those who instead prefer shopping abroad) equal in magnitude.