bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Study of Leukocyte DNA Methylation and Biomarkers for Cancer Risk in Older Adults
Authors: Bartlett Alexandra H. , Liang Jane W , Sandoval-Sierra Jose Vladimir , Fowke Jay H , Simonsick Eleanor M , Johnson Karen C , Mozhui Khyobeni
Published: April 2019

Background

Changes in DNA methylation over the course of life may provide an indicator of risk for cancer. We explored longitudinal changes in CpG methylation from blood leukocytes, and likelihood of a future cancer diagnosis.

Methods

Peripheral blood samples were obtained at baseline and at follow-up visit from 20 participants in the Health, Aging and Body Composition prospective cohort study. Genome-wide CpG methylation was assayed using the Illumina Infinium Human MethylationEPIC (HM850K) microarray.

Results

Global patterns in DNA methylation from CpG-based analyses showed extensive changes in cell composition over time in participants who developed cancer. By visit year 6, the proportion of CD8+ T-cells decreased (p-value = 0.02), while granulocytes cell levels increased (p-value = 0.04) among participants diagnosed with cancer compared to those who remained cancer-free (cancer-free vs. cancer-present: 0.03 ± 0.02 vs. 0.003 ± 0.005 for CD8+ T-cells; 0.52 ± 0.14 vs. 0.66 ± 0.09 for granulocytes). Epigenome-wide analysis identified three CpGs with suggestive p-values ≤ 10−5for differential methylation between cancer-free and cancer-present groups, including a CpG located inMTA3, a gene linked with metastasis. At a lenient statistical threshold (p-value ≤ 3 × 10−5), the top 10 cancer-associated CpGs included a site nearRPTORthat is involved in the mTOR pathway, and the candidate tumor suppressor genesREC8, KCNQ1, andZSWIM5. However, only the CpG inRPTOR(cg08129331) was replicated in an independent data set. Analysis of within-individual change from baseline to Year 6 found significant correlations between the rates of change in methylation inRPTOR,REC8andZSWIM5, and time to cancer diagnosis.

Conclusion

The results show that changes in cellular composition explains much of the cross-sectional and longitudinal variation in CpG methylation. Additionally, differential methylation and longitudinal dynamics at specific CpGs could provide powerful indicators of cancer development and/or progression. In particular, we highlight CpG methylation in theRPTORgene as a potential biomarker of cancer that awaits further validation.
Cell signaling coordinates global Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 recruitment and gene expression in murine embryonic stem cells
Authors: Aljazi Mohammad B. , Gao Yuen , Wu Yan , Mias George I. , He Jin
Published: April 2019

The recruitment of Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) to gene promoters is critical for its function in repressing gene expression in murine embryonic stem cells (mESCs). However, previous studies have demonstrated although the expression of early lineage-specific genes is largely repressed, the genome-wide PRC2 occupancy is unexpectedly reduced in naïve mESCs. In this study, we provide evidence to show the FGF/ERK signaling determines the global PRC2 occupancy through regulating the expression of PRC2-recruting factor JARID2 in naïve mESCs. At the transcriptional level, the de-repression of bivalent genes is predominantly determined by the presence of cell signaling-associated transcription factors but not the status of PRC2 occupancy at gene promoters. Hence, this study not only reveals a key molecular mechanism by which the FGF/ERK signaling in regulating the PRC2 occupancy in mESCs, but also elucidates a fundamental question regarding the functional roles of transcription factors and Polycomb-mediated epigenetic mechanisms in transcriptional regulation.
A novel high-throughput molecular counting method with single base-pair resolution enables accurate single-gene NIPT
Authors: Tsao David S. , Silas Sukrit , Landry Brian P. , Itzep Nelda , Nguyen Amy B. , Kanne Celeste K. , Sheehan Vivien A. , Sharma Rani , Shukla Rahul , Arora Prem N. , Atay Oguzhan
Published: April 2019

Next-generation DNA sequencing is currently limited by an inability to count the number of input DNA molecules. Molecular counting is particularly needed when accurate quantification is required for diagnostic purposes, such as in single-gene non-invasive prenatal testing (sgNIPT) and liquid biopsy. We developed Quantitative Counting Template (QCT) molecular counting for reconstructing the number of input DNA molecules using sequencing data. We then used QCT molecular counting to develop sgNIPT of sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, alpha-thalassemia, and beta-thalassemia. Incorporating molecular count information into a statistical model of disease likelihood led to analytical sensitivity and specificity of >98% and >99%, respectively. Validation of sgNIPT was further performed with maternal blood samples collected during pregnancy, and sgNIPT was 100% concordant with newborn follow-up.
Suppression of unwanted CRISPR/Cas9 editing by co-administration of catalytically inactivating truncated guide RNAs
Authors: Rose John C. , Popp Nicholas A. , Richardson Christopher D. , Stephany Jason J. , Mathieu Julie , Wei Cindy T. , Corn Jacob E. , Maly Dustin J. , Fowler Douglas M.
Published: April 2019

CRISPR/Cas9 nucleases are powerful genome engineering tools, but unwanted cleavage at off-target and previously edited sites remains a major concern. Numerous strategies to reduce unwanted cleavage have been devised, but all are imperfect. Here, we report off-target sites can be shielded from the active Cas9•single guide RNA (sgRNA) complex through the co-administration of dead-RNAs (dRNAs), truncated guide RNAs that direct Cas9 binding but not cleavage. dRNAs can effectively suppress a wide-range of off-targets with minimal optimization while preserving on-target editing, and they can be multiplexed to suppress several off-targets simultaneously. dRNAs can be combined with high-specificity Cas9 variants, which often do not eliminate all unwanted editing. Moreover, dRNAs can prevent cleavage of homology-directed repair (HDR)-corrected sites, facilitating “scarless” editing by eliminating the need for blocking mutations. Thus, we enable precise genome editing by establishing a novel and flexible approach for suppressing unwanted editing of both off-targets and HDR-corrected sites.
Gut microbiome features associated withClostridium difficilecolonization in puppies
Authors: Berry Alexander S. , Barnhart Denise , Kelly Brendan J. , Kelly Donna J. , Beiting Daniel P. , Baldassano Robert N. , Redding Laurel E.
Published: April 2019

In people, colonization withClostridium difficile, the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, has been shown to be associated with distinct gut microbial features, including reduced bacterial community diversity and depletion of key taxa. In dogs, the gut microbiome features that defineC. difficilecolonization are less well understood. We sought to define the gut microbiome features associated withC. difficilecolonization in puppies, a population where the prevalence ofC. difficilehas been shown to be elevated, and to define the effect of puppy age and litter upon these features andC. difficilerisk. We collected fecal samples from weaned (n=27) and unweaned (n=74) puppies from 13 litters and analyzed the effects of colonization status, age and litter on microbial diversity using linear mixed effects models.

Colonization withC. difficilewas significantly associated with younger age, and colonized puppies had significantly decreased bacterial community diversity and differentially abundant taxa compared to non-colonized puppies, even when adjusting for age.C. difficilecolonization remained associated with decreased bacterial community diversity, but the association did not reach statistical significance in a mixed effects model incorporating litter as a random effect.

Even though litter explained a greater proportion (67%) of the variability in microbial diversity than colonization status, we nevertheless observed heterogeneity in gut microbial community diversity and colonization status within more than half of the litters, suggesting that the gut microbiome contributes to colonization resistance againstC. difficile. The colonization of puppies withC. difficilehas important implications for the potential zoonotic transfer of this organism to people. The identified associations point to mechanisms by whichC. difficilecolonization may be reduced.
Action Potential Propagation and Synchronisation in Myelinated Axons
Authors: Schmidt Helmut , Knösche Thomas R.
Published: April 2019

With the advent of advanced MRI techniques it has become possible to study axonal white matter non-invasively and in great detail. Measuring the various parameters of the long-range connections of the brain opens up the possibility to build and refine detailed models of large-scale neuronal activity. One particular challenge is to find a mathematical description of action potential propagation that is sufficiently simple, yet still biologically plausible to model signal transmission across entire axonal fibre bundles. We develop a mathematical framework in which we replace the Hodgkin-Huxley dynamics by a spike-diffuse-spike model with passive sub-threshold dynamics and explicit, threshold-activated ion channel currents. This allows us to study in detail the influence of the various model parameters on the action potential velocity and on the entrainment of action potentials between ephaptically coupled fibres without having to recur to numerical simulations. Specifically, we recover known results regarding the influence of axon diameter, node of Ranvier length and internode length on the velocity of action potentials. Additionally, we find that the velocity depends more strongly on the thickness of the myelin sheath than was suggested by previous theoretical studies. We further explain the slowing down and synchronisation of action potentials in ephaptically coupled fibres by their dynamic interaction. In summary, this study presents a solution to incorporate detailed axonal parameters into a whole-brain modelling framework.

Author summary

With more and more data becoming available on white-matter tracts, the need arises to develop modelling frameworks that incorporate these data at the whole-brain level. This requires the development of efficient mathematical schemes to study parameter dependencies that can then be matched with data, in particular the speed of action potentials that cause delays between brain regions. Here, we develop a method that describes the formation of action potentials by threshold activated currents, often referred to as spike-diffuse-spike modelling. A particular focus of our study is the dependence of the speed of action potentials on structural parameters. We find that the diameter of axons and the thickness of the myelin sheath have a strong influence on the speed, whereas the length of myelinated segments and node of Ranvier length have a lesser effect. In addition to examining single axons, we demonstrate that action potentials between nearby axons can synchronise and slow down their propagation speed.
Employees’ burnout and emotional intelligence as mediator and moderator in the negative spiral of incivility
Authors: Kim Haemi , Qu Hailin
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to study how the negative spiral of incivility from customers to employees happens by measuring the mediating effect of employees’ burnout. Moreover, it investigates how to mitigate the detrimental influences of customer incivility by assessing the moderating effect of employees’ emotional intelligence.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey using MTurk was conducted, targeting full-service restaurant employees. Descriptive statistic, confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modeling and hierarchical multiple regression analysis were applied.

Findings

The results presented that there is a direct relationship between customer incivility and employee incivility toward customers and coworkers. Additionally, employees’ burnout significantly mediates the relationship between customer incivility and employee incivility. Moreover, it presented the significant moderating effect of employees’ emotional intelligence on the relationship between customer incivility and employee incivility.

Research limitations/implications

Experiences of customer incivility during a service encounter directly trigger employee incivility. Moreover, customer incivility indirectly leads to employee incivility by increasing employees’ burnout. In addition, employees’ emotional intelligence mitigates a negative spiral of incivility from customers to employees. However, this study has limitations that provide suggestions for future research.

Originality/value

This research shows how customer incivility causes employee incivility in the workplace. It also shows a significant moderating role of employees’ emotional intelligence to mitigate the influence of customer incivility on employee incivility.
Witness of Things
Authors: Ayvaz Serkan , Cetin Salih Cemil
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model for autonomous cars to establish trusted parties by combining distributed ledgers and self-driving cars in the traffic to provide single version of the truth and thus build public trust.

Design/methodology/approach

The model, which the authors call Witness of Things, is based on keeping decision logs of autonomous vehicles in distributed ledgers through the use of vehicular networks and vehicle-to-vehicle/vehicle-to-infrastructure (or vice versa) communications. The model provides a single version of the truth and thus helps enable the autonomous vehicle industry, related organizations and governmental institutions to discover the true causes of road accidents and their consequences in investigations.

Findings

In this paper, the authors explored one of the potential effects of blockchain protocol on autonomous vehicles. The framework provides a solution for operating autonomous cars in an untrusted environment without needing a central authority. The model can also be generalized and applied to other intelligent unmanned systems.

Originality/value

This study proposes a blockchain protocol-based record-keeping model for autonomous cars to establish trusted parties in the traffic and protect single version of the truth.
Switching from hotels to peer-to-peer accommodation: an empirical study
Authors: Yan Ruihe , Zhang Kem Z.K. , Yu Yugang
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation has become increasingly popular in recent years, and hotels are facing unprecedented impacts. Attracting new consumers and retaining existing ones are critical to the success of P2P accommodation and hotels. The purpose of this paper is to examine three categories of antecedents for hotels consumers’ switching intention: push (i.e. satiation), pull (i.e. perceived value) and mooring (i.e. optimal stimulation level) factors using push–pull–mooring (PPM) model.

Design/methodology/approach

Airbnb was chosen as the research context. An online survey was conducted to examine the proposed research model and hypotheses. A total of 292 valid data were collected from Airbnb users through a survey.

Findings

The findings show that the three categories of factors have positive and significant effects on switching intention. Additionally, the mooring factor has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between pull factors and switching intention. Furthermore, the mooring factor affects both pull and push factors.

Originality/value

First, this is one of the early studies to pay attention to switching intention from hotels to P2P accommodation. Second, to provide a comprehensive understanding of consumers’ switching intention, the authors use PPM model to establish the research framework. This research improves the understanding of consumer’s switching intention by identifying the push and pull factors based on the differences between hotels and P2P accommodation in accordance with optimal stimulation level theory and consumer value theory.
Contribution of policy change on maize varietal development and yields in Kenya
Authors: Nagarajan Latha , Naseem Anwar , Pray Carl
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Since the start of seed and other market reforms in the 1990s, the annual number of improved varietal releases for maize in Kenya has increased substantially. Prior to the reforms, private firms were restricted in introducing new varieties, could not protect their intellectual property and farmers had to rely exclusively on improved seeds developed and marketed by the public sector. Reforms have resulted in not only private firms entering the market and releasing improved varieties, but also an increase in varietal releases by the public sector. The purpose of this paper is to review some of the key policy reforms related to maize in Kenya, and their impacts on varietal development and yields.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors estimate a yield model that relates national maize yields to a number of input policy variables. The authors employ a two-stage least square regression, as one of the explanatory variables – the number of varietal releases – is likely endogenous with yield. The authors use policy variables such as public R&D, the number of plant breeder’s rights issued, and the years since private varieties have been introduced as instrument variables to estimate their influence new varietal releases directly, and then new varieties, inputs and other policies to measure their impact on yields.

Findings

The results show that policy changes such as the introduction of intellectual property rights had an important impact on the number of improved maize varieties released. However, the outcomes of the policy change such as the number of varieties and the share of area under improved varieties has no impact on increasing maize yields. The authors argue that this is because farmers continue to use older improved varieties because of the dominance of a parastatal in the maize, seed market and that newer improved varieties may not have the assumed yield advantage. Future policy and programs should be directed toward increasing the adoption of improved varieties rather than simply releasing them.

Originality/value

This paper provides evidence that while policy change may lead to new varietal development and release, its aggregate productivity impacts may be limited without additional reforms and intervention.
Puritan peers or egoistic entrepreneurs? Moral decay in lateral exchange markets
Authors: Perren Rebeca , Stewart Kristin , Satornino Cinthia B.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of LEM participation on moral identity. Lateral exchange markets (LEMs) enable ordinary people to monetize idle personal resources such as cars, homes, gadgets and skills. Despite its champions portraying actors in these exchange as moral citizens of society, recent findings suggest that egoistic motives drive participation. A salient moral identity motivates behaviors that show social sensitivity to others and enable cooperative actions. Given that platform-providing firms rely on users’ cooperative behaviors to facilitate lateral exchange, understanding factors that affect moral identity can have important implications for the success of such business models.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, the authors move away from the ideological discourse behind actors’ motivations, to provide a pragmatic explanation of how participation erodes moral identity. The authors apply a social cognitive framework to examine how the environment in LEMs impacts behaviors and personal factors in a recursive fashion.

Findings

Across two studies, findings reveal that prolonged participation in lateral exchange diminishes the centrality of moral identity to the working self-concept. Moreover, the results show that keeping puritan peers moral has positive business outcomes. This research also discerns a boundary condition that determines when peers remain consistent with their moral compasses. Specifically, when engagement is perceived as effortful, the behavior becomes an informative input in the inference of one’s moral disposition reinforcing moral identity.

Originality/value

Marketers can use this research to design business models in ways that mitigate the decay of moral identity.
Sanofi settles FCPA charges with SEC for $25.2 million
Authors: Park Jennifer Kennedy , Mainoo Abena
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To explain a recent enforcement action by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) highlighting risk factors for Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations.

Design/methodology/approach

Summarizes the basis of the SEC’s enforcement action against Sanofi for violating the FCPA’s books and records and internal controls provisions, reviews the terms of the SEC’s resolution with Sanofi, explains Sanofi’s remedial efforts and cooperation with the SEC’s investigation, and discusses factors contributing to corruption risks in the healthcare industry.

Findings

The SEC’s enforcement action against Sanofi, and other recent enforcement actions, underscore the importance of comprehensive anti-corruption compliance programs and strong internal controls across large multinationals and their subsidiaries.

Practical implications

Companies operating in high-risk industries and markets should regularly assess and address corruption risks.

Originality/value

Practical guidance from experienced enforcement lawyers.
The interplay between zinc and iron homeostasis in Aspergillus fumigatus under zinc‐replete conditions relies on the iron‐mediated regulation of alternative transcription units of zafA and the basal amount of the ZafA zinc‐responsiveness transcription factor
Authors: Vicentefranqueira Rocío , Leal Fernando , Marín Laura , Sánchez Clara Inés , Calera José Antonio
Published: April 2019

Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprophyte fungus that typically grows on organic decaying matter but can also parasitize immunosuppressed hosts. This is explained, in part, by its great ability to take up Zn2+ ions from living tissues, which is induced by the ZafA transcription factor. This study shows that the ZafA‐mediated regulation of fungal growth is also influenced by iron availability and that A. fumigatus is well adapted to grow in zinc‐limiting and zinc‐replete media with Zn:Fe ratios lower in the former than in the latter. Accordingly, this indicates that iron availability appears to be more critical for fungal growth in zinc‐replete than in zinc‐limiting environments. Interestingly, the cross‐regulation of zinc/iron homeostasis under zinc‐replete conditions relies on an unprecedented iron‐mediated regulation of different zafA transcription units that, along with a limited transcript translation, allows synthesizing the right basal amount of ZafA dependent on iron availability. We posit that this regulatory strategy has evolved in fungi as a mechanism to adjust zinc intake to iron availability under zinc‐replete conditions. Thus, fungal growth is enhanced in zinc‐ and iron‐replete media but restricted by reducing zinc intake under iron starvation to prevent the noxious side effects of an intracellular zinc excess during iron deficiency.
Relationship between climate and growth of two North African varieties ofPinus pinasterArn.
Authors: Fkiri Sondes , Guibal Frédéric , El Khorchani Ali , Khouja M. Larbi , Khaldi Abdelhamid , Nasr Zouhair
Published: April 2019

Planting tree species that are well adapted to local ecological conditions guarantees the success and sustainability of forest restoration. The aim of this study was to investigate the acclimation of two varieties ofPinus pinaster(var.renouifrom Tunisia and var.maghrebianafrom Morocco), to the ecological conditions of the Kroumirie Mountains in northwest of Tunisia. Tree growth performance (diameter at 1.30 m [DBH], ring widths and total height) and climate–growth responses over the period 1970–2013 were evaluated for two varieties. The trees used in this study were from pine variety and provenance trials growing in common garden in Souiniet (21 trees per variety). Significant difference in height growth rate, DBH and ring widths was found between the two varieties. The Maghrebiana variety had the highest survival and mean radial growth rates. The mean sensitivity to climate was the same in two varieties. A significant negative correlation between May precipitation and radial growth was found for var.maghrebiana. Both varieties showed a significant negative correlation between May and June temperatures and radial growth. January–February temperatures had a positive influence on ring width. The Maghrebiana variety appears well acclimatised so it is expected to ensure more successful restoration of Kroumirie Mountains.
A rare case of pelvic bronchogenic cyst treated by laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Tokuyama Shinji , Takahashi Hidekazu , Miyoshi Norikatsu , Haraguchi Naotsugu , Hata Taishi , Matsuda Chu , Yamamoto Hirofumi , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro
Published: April 2019

A 31‐year‐old man with pain in his thigh was diagnosed with a benign presacral cystic mass. We performed laparoscopic subtotal resection of the cyst utilizing mobilization of a total mesorectal excision procedure used in low anterior resection for rectal cancer. Histopathological findings showed that the cystic lumen of the specimen was lined with pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium and had glandular structures and smooth muscle in its wall, leading to a diagnosis of bronchogenic cyst. The postoperative course was uneventful, and as of 6 months after surgery, the patient was doing well with no evidence of recurrence.
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: the role of T cells in a B cell disease
Authors: Man Stephen , Henley Peter
Published: April 2019

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) has long been thought to be an immunosuppressive disease and abnormalities in T‐cell subset distribution and function have been observed in many studies. However, the role of T cells (if any) in disease progression remains unclear and has not been directly studied. This has changed with the advent of new therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor‐T cells, which actively use retargeted patient‐derived T cells as “living drugs” for CLL. However complete responses are relatively low (~26%) and recent studies have suggested the differentiation status of patient T cells before therapy may influence efficacy. Non‐chemotherapeutic drugs, such as idelalisib and ibrutinib, also have an impact on T cell populations in CLL patients. This review will highlight what is known about T cells in CLL during disease progression and after treatment, and discuss the prospects of using T cells as predictive biomarkers for immune status and response to therapy.
The right heart of the elite senior rugby football league athlete
Authors: Forsythe Lynsey , Somauroo John , George Keith , Papadakis Michael , Brown Benjamin , Qasem Mohammad , Oxborough David
Published: April 2019

Background

Right heart enlargement is common in the athletes' heart phenotype; however, few data exist regarding interpretation of normal athletic adaptation during Preparticipation Cardiac Screening (PCS) of Rugby Football League (RFL) athletes. Echocardiography is utilized during PCS and thus the primary aim of this study was to establish the normal right ventricular (RV) phenotype in elite RFL athletes using standard 2‐D echocardiography and myocardial mechanics. The secondary aim was to describe right atrial (RA) structure and function using 2‐D echocardiography.

Methods

139 male RFL athletes underwent echocardiographic evaluation of the right heart including RV strain (ɛ) and strain rate (SR) imaging using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). Nonathletic males were used for comparison and allometric scaling was applied for conventional echocardiographic parameters.

Results

Scaled RV dimensions were larger in athletes (P < 0.05) with the exception of the mid‐cavity. No differences (P > 0.05) in RV fractional area change (FAC) and RV longitudinal ɛ were observed between groups. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI)‐indexed parameters and global strain rate (SR) were lower (P < 0.05) in athletes with HR and weight found to have co‐variance with SR. The RA was larger in athletes (P < 0.001) with no functional difference (P > 0.05) observed by volume assessment.

Conclusions

Reduction in SR and indexed TDI are partly associated with lower HR and increased body mass and are likely to represent normal physiological adaptation in RFL athletes. RA enlargement appears proportional to RV enlargement. These data may aid interpretation of normal athletic adaptation during PCS of RFL athletes.
Trophic interactions and abiotic factors drive functional and phylogenetic structure of vertebrate herbivore communities across the Arctic tundra biome
Authors: Speed James D. M. , Skjelbred Ina Åsnes , Barrio Isabel C. , Martin Michael D. , Berteaux Dominique , Bueno C. Guillermo , Christie Katie S. , Forbes Bruce C. , Forbey Jennifer , Fortin Daniel , Grytnes John‐Arvid , Hoset Katrine S. , Lecomte Nicolas , Marteinsdóttir Bryndís , Mosbacher Jesper Bruun , Pedersen Åshild Ønvik , Ravolainen Virve , Rees Eileen C. , Skarin Anna , Sokolova Natalya , Thornhill Andrew H. , Tombre Ingunn , Soininen Eeva M.
Published: April 2019

Communities are assembled from species that evolve or colonise a given geographic region, and persist in the face of abiotic conditions and interactions with other species. The evolutionary and colonisation histories of communities are characterised by phylogenetic diversity, while functional diversity is indicative of abiotic and biotic conditions. The relationship between functional and phylogenetic diversity infers whether species functional traits are divergent (differing between related species) or convergent (similar among distantly related species). Biotic interactions and abiotic conditions are known to influence macroecological patterns in species richness, but how functional and phylogenetic diversity of guilds vary with biotic factors, and the relative importance of biotic drivers in relation to geographic and abiotic drivers is unknown. In this study, we test whether geographic, abiotic or biotic factors drive biome‐scale spatial patterns of functional and phylogenetic diversity and functional convergence in vertebrate herbivores across the Arctic tundra biome. We found that functional and phylogenetic diversity both peaked in the western North American Arctic, and that spatial patterns in both were best predicted by trophic interactions, namely vegetation productivity and predator diversity, as well as climatic severity. Our results show that both bottom–up and top–down trophic interactions, as well as winter temperatures, drive the functional and phylogenetic structure of Arctic vertebrate herbivore assemblages. This has implications for changing Arctic ecosystems; under future warming and northward movement of predators potential increases in phylogenetic and functional diversity in vertebrate herbivores may occur. Our study thus demonstrates that trophic interactions can determine large‐scale functional and phylogenetic diversity just as strongly as abiotic conditions.
Adults of the cerambycid beetleMegacyllene caryaeuse both olfactory and visual information to locate mates
Authors: Johnson Todd D. , Hanson Elizabeth , Yu Allen
Published: April 2019

Many species of beetles in the family Cerambycidae use volatile pheromones to facilitate the location of mates. Visual cues may also influence the location of mates, as the adults of many species of cerambycids are often brightly patterned and diurnal. Theory predicts that combining signals or cues of different modalities (e.g., chemical, visual) to transmit information will increase the likelihood of an organism responding to this information, compared to when the signal or cue is presented alone. Here, we test the hypothesis that attraction of adults of the cerambycid beetleMegacyllene caryae(Gahan) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae, Clytini) to their pheromones will be increased when visual cues are present. Consistent with that hypothesis, the number of beetles caught by traps baited with pheromones was increased 3.4‐fold when a dead adult beetle of that species was attached to the trap, relative to those with just pheromone alone. Capture ofM. caryaein our study was also influenced by the position of traps within forest stands, with traps at 100 m within stands catching 2.5× as many beetles as traps at the forest edge. These findings suggest that vision and visual cues play an important role in the location of mates by cerambycid beetles and warrant further research. Also, the inclusion of visual cues on traps may enhance the efficacy of trapping cerambycid beetles, such as the detection of species that are non‐native and potentially invasive, or when monitoring species that are native and of conservation concern.
Role of elastin peptides and elastin receptor complex in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Wahart Amandine , Hocine Thinhinane , Albrecht Camille , Henry Auberi , Sarazin Thomas , Martiny Laurent , El Btaouri Hassan , Maurice Pascal , Bennasroune Amar , Romier‐Crouzet Beatrice , Blaise Sébastien , Duca Laurent
Published: April 2019

The Cardiovascular Continuum describes a sequence of events from cardiovascular risk factors to end‐stage heart disease. It includes conventional pathologies affecting cardiovascular functions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis or thrombosis and was traditionally considered from the metabolic point of view. This Cardiovascular Continuum, originally described by Dzau and Braunwald, was extended by O'Rourke to consider also the crucial role played by degradation of elastic fibers, occurring during aging, in the appearance of vascular stiffness, another deleterious risk factor of the continuum. However, the involvement of the elastin degradation products, named elastin‐derived peptides, to the Cardiovascular Continuum progression has not been considered before. Data from our laboratory and others clearly showed that these bioactive peptides are central regulators of this continuum, thereby amplifying appearance and evolution of cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes or hypertension, of vascular alterations such as atherothrombosis and calcification, but also nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The Elastin Receptor Complex has been shown to be a crucial actor in these processes. We propose here the participation of these elastin‐derived peptides and of the Elastin Receptor Complex in these events, and introduce a revisited Cardiovascular Continuum based on their involvement, for which elastin‐based pharmacological strategies could have a strong impact in the future.
Multifield modelling and failure prediction of cellular cores produced by selective laser melting
Authors: Lampeas George , Diamantakos Ioannis , Ptochos Evaggelos
Published: April 2019

A multifield simulation approach of cellular cores produced by additive manufacturing is presented. The analysis is aiming to derive the relation between the manufacturing process parameters and the resulting material failure behaviour. To this purpose, the selective laser melting manufacturing process is initially thermo‐mechanically simulated, followed by the mechanical analysis of the nonlinear core behaviour. The methodology is demonstrated in the case of open‐lattice body‐centred‐cubic (BCC) cellular cores.
Simulation of cracking behaviours in interlayered rocks with flaws subjected to tension using a phase‐field method
Authors: Zhou Xiaoping , Jia Zhiming , Berto Filippo
Published: April 2019

A phase‐field method (PFM) is used to investigate cracking behaviours, including crack initiation and propagation, in interlayered rocks with preexisting flaws subjected to tension. An example with a bi‐material plate with a centre flaw is used to validate the PFM. Then, numerical simulations of cracking behaviours in interlayered rocks with a single flaw and a cross‐flaw are carried out using PFM. Moreover, the load‐displacement responses are numerically investigated. The PFM numerical results show that the crack propagation trajectories and peak loads of rock specimens depend on the preexisting flaw configuration and the mechanical properties of the interlayers.
The combined effect of individually tailored xerostomia and nutritional interventions on dry mouth among nutritionally compromised old home care clients
Authors: Nihtilä Annamari , Tuuliainen Eveliina , Komulainen Kaija , Nykänen Irma , Hartikainen Sirpa , Tiihonen Miia , Suominen Anna Liisa
Published: April 2019

Objective

To examine the effectiveness of tailored xerostomia and nutritional 6‐month interventions on xerostomia among home care clients aged 75 years or over who were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.

Background

A subjective feeling of dry mouth (xerostomia) is common among older adults and affects their quality of life, nutrition and oral health. Medical conditions, polypharmacy, dehydration and malnutrition are often underlying causes of xerostomia.

Materials and Methods

The data are based on the NutOrMed study with a dietary intervention group of 119 patients and control group of 97 patients. In‐home interviews were carried out by home care nurses, nutritionists, dental hygienists and pharmacists and tailored interventions by nutritionist and dental hygienists. Xerostomia intervention included individual counselling on dry mouth care and was applied to all those suffering occasionally or continuously from xerostomia (57%, n = 66) in the intervention group. Nutritional intervention was applied to all participants in the intervention group, and it included instructions on increasing the number of meals, energy, protein intake and liquid intake.

Results

Among participants who received both interventions, xerostomia decreased by 30% and malnutrition or risk of malnutrition decreased by 61%. The interventions were highly significant (OR 0.1, 95% CI: 0.06; 0.2) in reducing xerostomia.

Conclusions

Home care clients suffering from xerostomia profited significantly from tailored xerostomia and dietary interventions. Evaluation and treatment of xerostomia are important among older persons who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition as a part of a comprehensive health intervention to improve their nutrition and oral health.
Exploring South African consumers’ attitudes towards game meat—Utilizing a multi‐attribute attitude model
Authors: Wassenaar Anjolize , Kempen Elizabeth , van Eeden Tertia
Published: April 2019

The study explored the use of a multi‐attribute approach, Fishbein’s attitude‐towards‐the‐object model, in finding the differences between the attitudes of consumers and nonconsumers of game meat among South African respondents towards the following attributes of game meat: sensory characteristics; health benefits; game meat production ethics; animal welfare; safety for human consumption; availability; and price. This quantitative study determined the attitudes of 1,096 consumers and 310 nonconsumers of game meat with an online survey. Based on attitudes towards individual attributes, as determined by Fishbein’s attitude‐towards‐the‐object model, respondents classified some product attributes as important in their decision to consume, or not to consume, game meat. Respondents indicated that the availability, sensory characteristics, game meat production ethics and health benefits are considered to be important in their decision to consume game meat.
Perceptual Disconnect: An Ethnographic Account of Immigrant Political Incorporation
Authors: Fittante Daniel
Published: April 2019

Scholarship often assumes that there is a correlation between successful immigrant political incorporation and newcomers’ ability to make sustained claims and reallocate city or state resources. By influencing or nominating legislators, scholars assume immigrants become civically engaged and politically empowered. However, these assumptions have not been tested. This article explores the personal experiences and perceptions of Armenian immigrants in Glendale, California, where nearly 40 per cent of the city's 200,000+ population is of Armenian descent, 70 per cent of whom are first‐generation immigrants. Furthermore, over 70 per cent of Glendale's elected officials claim Armenian ancestry. Nonetheless, many of Glendale's Armenian residents do not perceive the benefits of their electoral achievements. That is, there exists aperceptual disconnectbetween the city's ethnic‐leaning reallocations and the residents’ recognition thereof. This article argues, therefore, that electoral incorporation may not, after all, prove the final step in the achievement and perception of inclusion.
It is about timing: Network prestige in asynchronous online discussions
Authors: Chen Bodong , Huang Tianhui
Published: April 2019

Asynchronous online discussions are broadly used to support social learning. This paper reports on an undergraduate class's online discussion activities over one semester. Applying social network analysis, this study revealed a participation gap among students reflected by their varied levels of network prestige. The low‐prestige group initiated equivalent volumes of interactions but were less reciprocated. In‐depth analysis found the high‐prestige group also advantageous in other network measures such as closeness centrality and eigenvector centrality, as well as the strength, persistence, and reciprocity of their ties. To probe potential explanations of the revealed gap, we further contrasted post content and posting behaviours between two groups. Results did not identify any significant differences in post content but found low‐prestige students' participation less timely and more temporally compressed. This paper calls for attention to the participation gap in online discussions, microlevel temporal patterns of student activities, and practical means to scaffold student participation in asynchronous online discussions.
Effectiveness of single‐ vs dual‐coil implantable defibrillator leads: An observational analysis from the SIMPLE study
Authors: Neuzner Jörg , Hohnloser Stefan H. , Kutyifa Valentina , Glikson Michael , Dietze Thomas , Mabo Philippe , Vinolas Xavier , Kautzner Josef , O'Hara Gilles , Lawo Thomas , Brachmann Johannes , VanErven Liselot , Gadler Fredrik , Appl Ursula , Wang Jia , Connolly Stuart J. , Healey Jeff S.
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Dual‐coil leads (DC‐leads) were the standard of choice since the first nonthoracotomy implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD). We used contemporary data to determine if DC‐leads offer any advantage over single‐coil leads (SC‐leads), in terms of defibrillation efficacy, safety, clinical outcome, and complication rates.

Methods and Results

In the Shockless IMPLant Evaluation study, 2500 patients received a first implanted ICD and were randomized to implantation with or without defibrillation testing. Two thousand and four hundred seventy‐five patients received SC‐coil or DC‐coil leads (SC‐leads in 1025/2475 patients; 41.4%). In patients who underwent defibrillation testing (n = 1204), patients with both lead types were equally likely to achieve an adequate defibrillation safety margin (88.8% vs 91.2%; P = 0.16). There was no overall effect of lead type on the primary study endpoint of “failed appropriate shock or arrhythmic death” (adjusted HR 1.18; 95% CI, 0.86‐1.62; P = 0.300), and on all‐cause mortality (SC‐leads: 5.34%/year; DC‐leads: 5.48%/year; adjusted HR 1.16; 95% CI, 0.94‐1.43; P = 0.168). However, among patients without prior heart failure (HF), and SC‐leads had a significantly higher risk of failed appropriate shock or arrhythmic death (adjusted HR 7.02; 95% CI, 2.41‐20.5). There were no differences in complication rates.

Conclusion

In this nonrandomized evaluation, there was no overall difference in defibrillation efficacy, safety, outcome, and complication rates between SC‐leads and DC‐leads. However, DC‐leads were associated with a reduction in the composite of failed appropriate shock or arrhythmic death in the subgroup of non‐HF patients. Considering riskier future lead extraction with DC‐leads, SC‐leads appears to be preferable in the majority of patients.
Position statement: LEPROSY: Diagnosis, treatment and follow‐up
Authors: Alemu Belachew W. , Naafs B.
Published: April 2019

Background

Leprosy or Hansen's disease is a chronic infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) or Mycobacterium lepromatosis (M. lepromatosis). In Europe, most of the leprosy cases are imported. However, occasionally a case is diagnosed in one of the old endemic foci. Leprosy is often not suspected because it is no longer emphasized in the medical curricula. Attention shifted from leprosy to tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus infections in the late 20th century, whereby the WHO leprosy programme was toned down in the conviction that leprosy was all but eliminated. The result of unawareness is a harmful doctor's delay.

Material and methods

This paper focusses on clinical diagnosis, complications and treatment based on literature and experience.

Results

It mentions the value of laboratory tests in classification, follow‐up and detection of relapses. It discusses the etiopathology.

Conclusion

This is a position statement.
Sheep's milk concentration by ultrafiltration and cheese elaboration
Authors: Faion Andréia M. , Becker Jenefher , Fernandes Ilizandra A. , Steffens Juliana , Valduga Eunice
Published: April 2019

This study aimed at concentrating sheep milk using ultrafiltration as well as Pecorino cheese elaboration and characterization. Sheep milk ultrafiltration at 22°C, for 30 min and 2 bar, provided an approximately fourfold increase in the protein and fat concentrations, consequently increased cheese yield by 17%. The cheese stored for 30 days was classified as high moisture (52%), semi‐fat (29%) with 37% protein content. High positive correlations were observed (>0.80) for depth index in relation to extension index, serine, glutamic acid, proline, methionine, valine, and phenylalanine. Arginine, threonine, aspartic acid, leucine, and lysinepresented negative (p < .05) correlations for protein. The use of concentrated sheep milk enables obtaining differential products with added‐value asan alternative technology.

Practical applications

Sheep milk is used in fine cheese production, mainly in Europe. The southern state of Rio Grande do Sul is the main sheep milk producer in Brazil with approximately 158,000 L per year, a market lacking further prospecting for products with different characteristics. Sheep milk concentration by ultrafiltration increases its protein contents that consequently enhancing the cheese yield as well as offering a flavor differential. In the present work, it was possible to verify that the milk concentration at 22°C, for 30 min and 2 bar, using 10 kDa membrane provided a fourfold increase in protein and fat concentrations, consequently increasing cheese yield by 17%, which provided a cheese with distinctive nutritional characteristics when compared to those made with nonconcentrated milk.