bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic virulence-related regions of the fungal plant pathogen Verticillium dahliae display remarkably enhanced sequence conservation
Authors: Depotter Jasper R.L. , Shi-Kunne Xiaoqian , Missonnier Hélène , Liu Tingli , Faino Luigi , van den Berg Grardy C.M. , Wood Thomas A. , Zhang Baolong , Jacques Alban , Seidl Michael F. , Thomma Bart P.H.J.
Published: March 2018

Selection pressure impacts genomes unevenly, as different genes adapt with differential speed to establish an organism’s optimal fitness. Plant pathogens co-evolve with their hosts, which implies continuously adaption to evade host immunity. Effectors are secreted proteins that mediate immunity evasion, but may also typically become recognized by host immune receptors. To facilitate effector repertoire alterations, in many pathogens, effector genes reside in dynamic genomic regions that are thought to display accelerated evolution, a phenomenon that is captured by the two-speed genome hypothesis. The genome of the vascular wilt pathogen Verticillium dahliae has been proposed to obey to a similar two-speed regime with dynamic, lineage-specific regions that are characterized by genomic rearrangements, increased transposable element activity and enrichment in in planta-induced effector genes. However, little is known of the origin of, and sequence diversification within, these lineage-specific regions. Based on comparative genomics among Verticillium spp. we now show differential sequence divergence between core and lineage-specific genomic regions of V. dahliae. Surprisingly, we observed that lineage-specific regions display markedly increased sequence conservation. Since single nucleotide diversity is reduced in these regions, host adaptation seems to be merely achieved through presence/absence polymorphisms. Increased sequence conservation of genomic regions important for pathogenicity is an unprecedented finding for filamentous plant pathogens and signifies the diversity of genomic dynamics in host-pathogen co-evolution.
Comprehensive peptide quantification for data independent acquisition mass spectrometry using chromatogram libraries
Authors: Searle Brian C. , Pino Lindsay K. , Egertson Jarrett D. , Ting Ying S. , Lawrence Robert T. , Villén Judit , MacCoss Michael J.
Published: March 2018

Data independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry is a powerful technique that is improving the reproducibility and throughput of proteomics studies. We introduce a new experimental workflow that uses this technique to construct chromatogram libraries that capture fragment ion chromatographic peak shape and retention time for every detectable peptide in an experiment. These coordinates calibrate information in spectrum libraries or protein databases to a specific mass spectrometer and chromatography setup, and enable sensitive peptide detection in quantitative experiments. We also present EncyclopeDIA, a software tool for generating and searching chromatogram libraries, and demonstrate the performance of our workflow by quantifying proteins in human and yeast cells. We find that by exploiting calibrated retention time and fragmentation specificity in chromatogram libraries, EncyclopeDIA can detect and quantify >50% more peptides from DIA experiments than with DDA-based spectrum libraries alone.
Avoiding sedentary behaviors requires more cortical resources than avoiding physical activity: An EEG study
Authors: Cheval Boris , Tipura Eda , Burra Nicolas , Frossard Jaromil , Chanal Julien , Orsholits Dan , Radel Remi , Boisgontier Matthieu P.
Published: March 2018

Why do individuals fail to exercise regularly despite knowledge of the risks associated with physical inactivity? Automatic processes regulating exercise behaviors may partly explain this paradox. Yet, these processes have only been investigated with behavioral paradigms based on reaction times. Here, using electroencephalography, we investigated the cortical activity underlying automatic approach and avoidance tendencies toward stimuli depicting physical activity and sedentary behaviors in 29 young adults who were physically active (n=14) or physically inactive but with the intention of becoming physically active (n=15). Behavioral results showed faster reactions when approaching physical activity compared to sedentary behaviors and when avoiding sedentary behaviors compared to physical activity. These faster reactions were more pronounced in physically active individuals and were associated with changes during sensory integration (earlier onset latency and larger positive deflection of the stimulus-locked lateralized readiness potentials) but not during motor preparation (no effect on the response-locked lateralized readiness potentials). Faster reactions when avoiding sedentary behaviors compared to physical activity were also associated with higher conflict monitoring (larger early and late N1 event-related potentials) and higher inhibition (larger N2 event-related potentials), irrespective of the usual level of physical activity. These results suggest that additional cortical resources were required to counteract an attraction to sedentary behaviors. Data and Materials [https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1169140].
Genetic and environmental influence on the human functional connectome
Authors: Reineberg Andrew E. , Hatoum Alexander S. , Hewitt John K. , Banich Marie T. , Friedman Naomi P.
Published: March 2018

Detailed mapping of genetic and environmental influences on the functional connectome is a crucial step toward developing intermediate phenotypes between genes and clinical diagnoses or cognitive abilities. We analyze resting-state data from two, adult twin samples - 390 twins from the Colorado Longitudinal Twin Sample and 422 twins from the Human Connectome Project - to examine genetic and environmental influence on all pairwise functional connections between 264 brain regions (~35,000 functional connections). Non-shared environmental influence was high, genetic influence was moderate, and shared environmental influence was weak-to-moderate across the connectome. The brain’s genetic organization is diverse and not as one would expect based solely on structure evident in non-genetically informative data or lower-resolution data. As follow-up, we make novel classifications of functional connections and examine highly-localized connections with particularly strong genetic influence. This high-resolution genetic taxonomy of brain connectivity will be useful in understanding genetic influences on brain disorders.
Spatial and Temporal Changes in Habitat Heterogeneity Promote Partition of Resources of Small Mammals in a Midlatitude Temperate Forest
Authors: De la Cruz-Arguello Ivan M. , Castro-Campillo Alondra , Zavala-Hurtado Alejandro , Salame-Méndez Arturo , Ramírez-Pulido José
Published: March 2018

One of the basics and fundamentals problems in ecology is understand the factors that shape the spatial patterns in the distribution of the species and the coexistence of close relatives species. Among the most important factors governing the distributions and the coexistence of species are the spatiotemporal changes occurring in the microhabitat heterogeneity. Here, we assessed the heterogeneity of microhabitats and how they have an effect in the spatial segregation of two species of small mammals (i. e.,Peromyscus difficilisandP. melanotis), which coexist in a temperate, mixed forest. We evaluated the microhabitat heterogeneity through multivariate statistics, using onto 23 habitat variables for vertical-horizontal habitat structure along pluvial seasons. To detect specific microdistribution changes and habitat preferences by two species of small mammals, we used second order spatial statistics and general linear models. According to their respective morphology and locomotive adaptations, the middle sized, midscansorialP. difficiliswas resident all year long and preferred microhabitats with a high log ground cover, while the opportunistic, small sized, cursorialP. melanotischanged its occupancy area, depending on density of herbaceous and woody plants cover. Under the more benign microhabitat conditions of rainy season (denser plant coverage, milder temperature), both species showed closer microdistribution patterns; while these became repulsive at the less benign conditions of dry season (scarcer plant cover, colder temperature). Thus, we could confirm that seasonal changes of microhabitat heterogeneity promotedPeromyscuscoexistence, through dispersion patterns reflecting partition of microhabitat resources.
Influence of microbial adherence on corrosion of UNS 1008 carbon steel and hybrid nano-structured coatings
Authors: Diaz De Rienzo Mayri Alejandra , Aguirre Ramirez Marisela , Martin Peter J. , Galicia Garcia Monica
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Microbes that are able to grow on different surfaces can cause the deterioration of the underlying layers because of their metabolic activity. The purpose of this study is report the ability of fungi-bacteria consortium (FBC) in anaerobic media, and marine strain bacteria, to attach onto UNS 1008 carbon steel and zinc epoxy coats.

Design/methodology/approach

Impedance analysis, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to evaluate the adherence, biofilm formation and corrosion effect of FBC and marine bacteria onto UNS1008 carbon steel in anaerobic and aired conditions, respectively. In a similar way, the anticorrosive performance of hybrid coats on UNS 1008 carbon steel against marine bacteria.

Findings

In aerobic conditions, the outer layer shows a micro-crack appearance and several semi-sphere products that could be because of spore formation. In anaerobic conditions, evidence of iron sulfide surrounded by a mixture of sulfur-containing extracellular polymer substance was observed by SEM images and EDS analysis. The presence of hybrid coats (zinc epoxy with carbon nanotubes CNT content) affected the level of microbial adherence and the concentration of corrosion products (Fe2O3, Fe(OH)2 and FeS); the cell attachment was lower when the steel surface was coated with Zn/CNTs.

Originality/value

This study opens a window for further evaluations of CNTs associated with metals as active materials to assess the corrosion on extreme corrosive environments, like in oil and gas industries the microorganisms play an important role either to increase or reduce the corrosion processes.
Is there discrimination against the agricultural sector in the credit rationing behavior of commercial banks in Ghana?
Authors: Sackey Frank Gyimah
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine if credit rationing persists even in the era of financial liberalization, the extent to which individual, firm and loan characteristics influence the rationing behavior of commercial banks and whether the agricultural sector is discriminated against in the commercial bank credit market.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a probit model with marginal effects and a generalized Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition estimation on a randomly selected data of 1,239 entrepreneurs from eight commercial banks’ credit records about their individual, firm and loan characteristics.

Findings

The study revealed that credit rationing persists and that applying for a relatively longer payment period, providing collateral and guarantor, being illiterate, being relatively older and being in the agricultural sector increases the likelihood of being credit rationed, while having some relationship with the bank, having non-mandatory savings and applying from a bank with relatively high interest rates reduce the likelihood of being credit rationed. The study also revealed a credit gap of 17.77 percent and a positive discrimination against borrowers in the agricultural sector as the gap was largely being influenced by unexplained factors.

Research limitations/implications

The research was intended to cover a large number of commercial banks in Ghana. However, most of the banks were unwilling to provide such information about their borrowers; hence, the research was limited to only eight commercial banks who provided the author with the information needed for the study.

Practical implications

The study concludes that policies that enhance human capital, women, and older access to credit and agricultural-oriented financial services and others, will go a long way to reduce rationing and increase access to credit, especially to the agricultural sector.

Social implications

The research proposes the use of group lending as a form of collateral and monitoring to ease risks and default, and hence supports sustainable funding to increase access and outreach.

Originality/value

The paper looks at the comprehensive way about the various factors determining credit rationing in that it considers not only the individual, economic/firm and loan characteristics but also the extent to which discrimination toward the agricultural sector exists in the commercial banks credit market.
Managing dramaturgical dilemmas: youth drinking and multiple identities
Authors: Cocker Hayley , Piacentini Maria , Banister Emma
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to understand how young people manage the dramaturgical dilemmas related to drinking alcohol and performing multiple identities.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on qualitative data collected with 16-18-year olds, the authors adopt Goffman’s dramaturgical perspective to examine youth alcohol consumption in relation to multiple identities.

Findings

Young people continuously and skilfully juggle multiple identities across multiple contexts, where identities overflow and audiences and interactions overlap. Techniques of audience segregation, mystification and misrepresentation and justification are used to perform and manage multiple identities in a risky health behaviour context.

Research limitations/implications

The approach may facilitate some over- and under-claiming. Future studies could observe young people’s performances of self across multiple contexts, paying particular attention to how alcohol features in these performances.

Practical implications

Social marketing campaigns should demonstrate an understanding of how alcohol relates to the contexts of youth lives beyond the “night out” and engage more directly with young peoples’ navigation between different identities, contexts and audiences. Campaigns could tap into the secretive nature of youth alcohol consumption and discourage youth from prioritising audience segregation and mystification above their own safety.

Originality/value

Extant work has argued that consumers find multiplicity unmanageable or manage multiple identities through internal dialogue. Instead, this paper demonstrates how young people manage multiple identities through interaction and performance. This study challenges the neat compartmentalisation of identities identified in prior literature and Goffman’s clear-cut division of performances into front and back stage.
In search of the causes of disasters
Authors: Sawalha Ihab Hanna
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The term “causes” of disasters is used interchangeably very often with other terms, such as “types” of disasters. Also, causes of disasters are usually explained in the literature in an individualistic fashion relating every single disaster with its own causes only. This limits the ability to identify the real causes of disasters. Second, it reduces the ability to create any kind of grouping for the causes of disasters. The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss causes of disasters in a more categorical manner.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive review of the existing literature has been made in order to identify, introduce and discuss theories related to the causes of disasters. Overall, the approach taken is based on theoretical reasoning informed by the literature.

Findings

Disasters, even those which seem to be composite and complex, are not mysterious incidents that cannot be explained or analyzed. Literally, almost all disasters can be diagnosed and the causes of disasters can be identified in a systematic and reasonable manner.

Practical implications

This study provides a better conceptualization and understanding of the causes of disasters. It is believed that this study will improve the decision-making process accompanied with the disaster risk reduction processes by understanding the exact causes of disasters. The study also clarifies the differences between the causes, sources and types of disasters which is extremely significant in disaster lifecycle modeling.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge, very few attempts have been made in the literature to capture causes of disasters in a categorical and systematic manner. Almost all disaster occurrences have been discussed in the literature in an individualistic fashion relating every single disaster with its own causes only.
Conditions for workplace learning in professional work
Authors: Parding Karolina , Berg-Jansson Anna
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine and discuss learning conditions for teachers, in the context of choice and decentralisation reforms.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is based on analyses of 30 interviews with Swedish upper secondary teachers focusing on their experiences of their conditions for learning.

Findings

This paper shows how teachers at upper secondary level identify their subjects as the most important to learn more within. Secondly, we also show that spatial and temporal aspects of organisation of work seem to influence the conditions for subject learning, where the interviewees in many ways contrast their own view to how they describe their work being organised.

Research limitations/implications

Our findings may have currency for other professional groups with similar governance-contexts, and teachers in other similar governance-contexts.

Practical implications

These findings indicate the need to further develop workplace learning strategies founded upon the understanding of schools as workplaces, taking occupational values into account. Furthermore, these strategies should be seen as a core Human Resource Management issue, as they can potentially enhance the work environment, thus increasing the profession’s attractiveness.

Originality/value

We show that spatial and temporal aspects of organisation of work seem to influence the conditions for the sought after subject learning, and that the teachers and the school management seem to identify with different and clashing ideals in terms of what, when, how and with whom to learn.
Homicide in a Horse Barn?
Authors: Prahlow Samuel P. , Prahlow Joseph A.
Published: March 2018

As forensic scientists and physicians, forensic pathologists are duty‐bound to perform their examinations with integrity and professionalism. The practice of medicine requires knowledge regarding the history and presentation of the patient. In forensic pathology, the history includes scene and other investigative information, and the decedent's medical and social history. Such information is important for the correct certification of the cause and manner of death. Herein, the authors present a case originally thought by police and death investigators to represent a sexual‐assault‐related homicide, as an elderly female's body was found partially nude, and apparently beaten, on the muddy floor of her horse barn. At autopsy, some of the injuries were determined to be postmortem and caused by horses. Additionally, gastric Wishnewsky spots indicated hypothermia as a probable mechanism of death. Finally, an acute hip fracture was identified, which explained why she was incapable of moving from her potentially dangerous environment.
Properties of the vastus lateralis muscle in relation to age and physiological function in master cyclists aged 55–79 years
Authors: Pollock Ross D. , O'Brien Katie A. , Daniels Lorna J. , Nielsen Kathrine B. , Rowlerson Anthea , Duggal Niharika A. , Lazarus Norman R. , Lord Janet M. , Philp Andrew , Harridge Stephen D. R.
Published: March 2018

In this study, results are reported from the analyses of vastus lateralis muscle biopsy samples obtained from a subset (n = 90) of 125 previously phenotyped, highly active male and female cyclists aged 55–79 years in regard to age. We then subsequently attempted to uncover associations between the findings in muscle and in vivo physiological functions. Muscle fibre type and composition (ATPase histochemistry), size (morphometry), capillary density (immunohistochemistry) and mitochondrial protein content (Western blot) in relation to age were determined in the biopsy specimens. Aside from an age‐related change in capillary density in males (r = −.299; p = .02), no other parameter measured in the muscle samples showed an association with age. However, in males type I fibres and capillarity (p < .05) were significantly associated with training volume, maximal oxygen uptake, oxygen uptake kinetics and ventilatory threshold. In females, the only association observed was between capillarity and training volume (p < .05). In males, both type II fibre proportion and area (p < .05) were associated with peak power during sprint cycling and with maximal rate of torque development during a maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Mitochondrial protein content was not associated with any cardiorespiratory parameter in either males or females (p > .05). We conclude in this highly active cohort, selected to mitigate most of the effects of inactivity, that there is little evidence of age‐related changes in the properties of VL muscle across the age range studied. By contrast, some of these muscle characteristics were correlated with in vivo physiological indices.
Major features of immunesenescence, including reduced thymic output, are ameliorated by high levels of physical activity in adulthood
Authors: Duggal Niharika Arora , Pollock Ross D. , Lazarus Norman R. , Harridge Stephen , Lord Janet M.
Published: March 2018

It is widely accepted that aging is accompanied by remodelling of the immune system including thymic atrophy and increased frequency of senescent T cells, leading to immune compromise. However, physical activity, which influences immunity but declines dramatically with age, is not considered in this literature. We assessed immune profiles in 125 adults (55–79 years) who had maintained a high level of physical activity (cycling) for much of their adult lives, 75 age‐matched older adults and 55 young adults not involved in regular exercise. The frequency of naïve T cells and recent thymic emigrants (RTE) were both higher in cyclists compared with inactive elders, and RTE frequency in cyclists was no different to young adults. Compared with their less active counterparts, the cyclists had significantly higher serum levels of the thymoprotective cytokine IL‐7 and lower IL‐6, which promotes thymic atrophy. Cyclists also showed additional evidence of reduced immunesenescence, namely lower Th17 polarization and higher B regulatory cell frequency than inactive elders. Physical activity did not protect against all aspects of immunesenescence: CD28−veCD57+ve senescent CD8 T‐cell frequency did not differ between cyclists and inactive elders. We conclude that many features of immunesenescence may be driven by reduced physical activity with age.
Prospective Validation of Clinical Criteria to Identify Emergency Department Patients at High Risk for Adverse Drug Events
Authors: Hohl Corinne M. , Badke Katherin , Zhao Amy , Wickham Maeve E. , Woo Stephanie A. , Sivilotti Marco L.A. , Perry Jeffrey J.
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Adverse drug events (ADEs) cause or contribute to one in nine emergency department (ED) presentations in North America and are often misdiagnosed. EDs have insufficient clinical pharmacists to complete medication reviews in all incoming patients, even though pharmacist‐led medications reviews have been associated with improved health outcomes. Our objective was to validate clinical decision rules to identify patients presenting with ADEs so they could be prioritized for pharmacist‐led medication review.

Methods

This multicenter, prospective study was conducted in two tertiary and one community hospital in Canada. We enrolled 1,529 adults presenting to EDs over 12 months. We applied two clinical decision rules and collected baseline variables prior to assessments by clinical pharmacists and physicians. We compared the physician and pharmacist diagnoses with the decision rule results. The primary outcome was a moderate or severe ADE, defined as an unintended and harmful event related to medication use or misuse, which required a change in medical therapy, diagnostic testing, consultation, or admission. An independent committee adjudicated uncertain and discordant cases. We calculated the diagnostic accuracy of both rules.

Results

Among 1,529 patients, 184 (12.0%) were diagnosed with an ADE. Rule 1 contained the variables 1) having a preexisting medical condition or having taken antibiotics within 1 week and 2) age > 80 years or having a medication change within 28 days. They had a sensitivity of 91.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 86.3%–95.0%) and a specificity of 37.9% (95% CI = 35.3%–40.6%) for ADEs.

Conclusions

Our study validated clinical decision rules that can be applied by clinical pharmacists to limit the number of patients requiring medication review, while identifying the majority of patients presenting with clinically significant ADEs.
Methamphetamine psychosis: insights from the past
Authors: McKetin Rebecca
Published: March 2018

Background and aims

To review early case reports and experimental inductions of amphetamine and methamphetamine psychosis, prior to the prohibition of these drugs, to gain a better understanding of the nature and aetiology of methamphetamine psychosis.

Methods

Papers considered were historical case reports and case series of psychosis relating to the use and misuse of prescription amphetamine, focusing upon papers by Young & Scoville (1938), Connell (1958), and three subsequent experimental studies published in the early 1970s (Griffith 1972, Angrist & Gershon 1970 and Bell 1973), where psychosis was induced in volunteers using high‐dose amphetamine and methamphetamine.

Results

High‐dose methamphetamine and amphetamine can result in a paranoid psychosis which remits rapidly (within days) of discontinuing use. The central feature is paranoia occurring in a clear state of consciousness. This may be accompanied by other psychotic symptoms (e.g. hallucinations). Pre‐existing schizophrenia is not necessary, and the syndrome is not due to sleep deprivation.

Conclusions

Research findings from the 1930s to the 1970s suggest that paranoid psychosis should be considered a probable consequence of high‐dose methamphetamine use. Individuals who experience psychotic symptoms for any substantive period after intoxication has ended should be suspected of having a functional non‐organic psychosis, or a latent vulnerability thereto.
Silencing of dedicator of cytokinesis (DOCK180) obliterates pregnancy by interfering with decidualization due to blockage of nuclear entry of autoimmune regulator (AIRE)
Authors: Mohan Jasna Jagan , Narayan Prashanth , Padmanabhan Renjini Ambika , Joseph Selin , Kumar Pradeep G. , Laloraya Malini
Published: March 2018

Problem

Dedicator of cytokinesis (DOCK 180) involved in cytoskeletal reorganization is primarily a cytosolic molecule. It is recently shown to be nuclear in HeLa cells but its nuclear function is not known.

Method of study

The spatiotemporal distribution of DOCK180 in uterus was studied in uterine cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments during the “window of implantation.” The functional significance of nuclear DOCK180 was explored by homology modeling, co‐immunoprecipitation assays, and mass spectrometric analysis. Dock180's role in early pregnancy was ascertained by Dock 180 silencing and subsequent quantitative real‐time PCR and Western blotting analysis.

Results

Our study shows a nuclear DOCK180 in the uterus during “window of implantation.” Estrogen and progesterone mediate expression and nuclear translocation of DOCK180. The nuclear function of DOCK180 is attributed to its ability to import autoimmune regulator (AIRE) into the nucleus. Silencing of Dock180 inhibited AIRE nuclear shuttling which influenced its downstream targets, thereby affecting decidualization with AIRE and HOXA‐10 as the major players as well as lack of implantation site formation due to impact on angiogenesis‐associated genes.

Conclusion

DOCK180 has an indispensable role in pregnancy establishment as knocking down Dock180 abrogates pregnancy by a consolidated impact on decidualization and angiogenesis by regulating AIRE nuclear entry.
Ulnar Nerve Conduction Block Using Surface Kilohertz Frequency Alternating Current: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Springer Shmuel , Kozol Zvi , Reznic Zvi
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to test the effects of kilohertz frequency alternating current (KHFAC) surface stimulation applied to the ulnar nerve on force and myoelectrical activity of the abductor digiti minimi (ADM) muscle. Eighteen healthy volunteers (age: 27.6 ± 7.9 years; 10 males, 8 females) were included in the study. Each subject participated in one session during which a biphasic 7 kHz rectangular pulse was delivered above the medial epicondyle of the humerus to induce ulnar nerve blocking. ADM electromyographic (EMG) activity and contraction force were measured before (Pre), immediately after, and following 5 and 10 min post stimulation (post 1, post 2). The results showed that EMG activity decreased immediately after stimulation compared to prestimulation, it returned to the level of prestimulation at 5 min (post 1), and decreased again at 10 min (post 2). Furthermore, analysis of compound adjusted z‐score indicated significant decrease of force and myoelectrical activity immediately, and 10 min post stimulation. The findings, which demonstrate that KHFAC surface stimulation of the ulnar nerve may decrease the motor activity of intrinsic hand muscle, can help to develop future methods of neuromodulation to treat hand spasticity.
Artificial Organs 2017: A Year in Review
Authors: Malchesky Paul S.
Published: March 2018

In this Editor's Review, articles published in 2017 are organized by category and summarized. We provide a brief reflection of the research and progress in artificial organs intended to advance and better human life while providing insight for continued application of these technologies and methods. Artificial Organs continues in the original mission of its founders “to foster communications in the field of artificial organs on an international level.” Artificial Organs continues to publish developments and clinical applications of artificial organ technologies in this broad and expanding field of organ Replacement, Recovery, and Regeneration from all over the world. Peer‐reviewed Special Issues this year included contributions from the 12th International Conference on Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support Systems and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Perfusion edited by Dr. Akif Undar, Artificial Oxygen Carriers edited by Drs. Akira Kawaguchi and Jan Simoni, the 24th Congress of the International Society for Mechanical Circulatory Support edited by Dr. Toru Masuzawa, Challenges in the Field of Biomedical Devices: A Multidisciplinary Perspective edited by Dr. Vincenzo Piemonte and colleagues and Functional Electrical Stimulation edited by Dr. Winfried Mayr and colleagues. We take this time also to express our gratitude to our authors for offering their work to this journal. We offer our very special thanks to our reviewers who give so generously of time and expertise to review, critique, and especially provide meaningful suggestions to the author's work whether eventually accepted or rejected. Without these excellent and dedicated reviewers the quality expected from such a journal could not be possible. We also express our special thanks to our Publisher, John Wiley & Sons for their expert attention and support in the production and marketing of Artificial Organs. We look forward to reporting further advances in the coming years.
Human Stakeholders and the Use of Animals in Drug Development
Authors: Kramer Lisa A. , Greek Ray
Published: March 2018

Pharmaceutical firms seek to fulfill their responsibilities to stakeholders by developing drugs that treat diseases. We evaluate the social and financial costs of developing new drugs relative to the realized benefits and find the industry falls short of its potential. This is primarily due to legislation‐mandated reliance on animal test results in early stages of the drug development process, leading to a mere 10 percent success rate for new drugs entering human clinical trials. We cite hundreds of biomedical studies from journals includingNature,Science, and theJournal of the American Medical Associationto show animal modeling is ineffective, misleading to scientists, unable to prevent the development of dangerous drugs, and prone to prevent the development of useful drugs. Legislation still requires animal testing prior to human testing even though the pharmaceutical sector has better options that were unavailable when animal modeling was first mandated. We propose that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Congress should work together to abolish regulations and policies that require animal use. Doing so will benefit pharmaceutical industry stakeholders, including patients whose health depends on drugs and the many people who rely on the financial well‐being of pharmaceutical firms.
The Diamond Model of Authentic Green Marketing: Evidence from the Sustainable Architecture Industry
Authors: Parkman Ian D. , Krause Alan J.
Published: March 2018

While “green marketing” has emerged as powerful competitive force, many markets lack clear institutional standards or knowledgeable customers to allow firms committed to sustainable practices to differentiate themselves from opportunistic, green‐washing competitors. Within these contexts we propose a firm‐level lens based on authentic firm reputation as an important, yet poorly understood, competitive force. Drawing on interview data from the architectural design services context we identify the elements that firms use to communicate their own authenticity, as well as discourage green‐washing behavior of peers, and present these elements as the “Diamond” model of authentic green marketing, consisting of: (1) The ability to appear above commercial considerations; (2) The ability to frame production methods as craft; (3) The use of corporate visual identity; and (4) An organization's social network of stakeholders. We conclude by discussing the generalizability and implications of our framework for practitioners as well as opportunities for future research.
Institutional Determinants of Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility: Are Multinational Entities Taking Advantage of Weak Environmental Enforcement in Lower‐Income Nations?
Authors: Luxmore Stephen R. , Hull Clyde Eirikur , Tang Zhi
Published: March 2018

Multinational enterprises (MNEs) are often accused of taking advantage of lax environmental regulations in developing countries. However, no quantitative analysis of the impact of doing business in nations of different income levels on environmental corporate social responsibility (ECSR) has been done prior to this study. Incorporating institutional factors in our approach, we argue that endoisomorphic and exoisomorphic pressures relating to ECSR impact MNEs differently according to the MNEs' level of activity in low‐, lower‐middle‐, upper‐middle‐, and high‐income nations. We predict and, using data from 113 companies, find that selling in poorer nations is positively associated with increased levels of ECSR. Our research suggests that MNEs may not be participating in a “race to the bottom” but may instead be responding to global institutional pressure by exceeding local norms for environmental stewardship. Alternative interpretations of our findings are discussed.
A note on monotonicity of item response functions for ordered polytomous item response theory models
Authors: Kang Hyeon‐Ah , Su Ya‐Hui , Chang Hua‐Hua
Published: March 2018

A monotone relationship between a true score (τ) and a latent trait level (θ) has been a key assumption for many psychometric applications. The monotonicity property in dichotomous response models is evident as a result of a transformation via a test characteristic curve. Monotonicity in polytomous models, in contrast, is not immediately obvious because item response functions are determined by a set of response category curves, which are conceivably non‐monotonic in θ. The purpose of the present note is to demonstrate strict monotonicity in ordered polytomous item response models. Five models that are widely used in operational assessments are considered for proof: the generalized partial credit model (Muraki, 1992, Applied Psychological Measurement, 16, 159), the nominal model (Bock, 1972, Psychometrika, 37, 29), the partial credit model (Masters, 1982, Psychometrika, 47, 147), the rating scale model (Andrich, 1978, Psychometrika, 43, 561), and the graded response model (Samejima, 1972, A general model for free‐response data (Psychometric Monograph no. 18). Psychometric Society, Richmond). The study asserts that the item response functions in these models strictly increase in θ and thus there exists strict monotonicity between τ and θ under certain specified conditions. This conclusion validates the practice of customarily using τ in place of θ in applied settings and provides theoretical grounds for one‐to‐one transformations between the two scales.
Pim1 supports human colorectal cancer growth during glucose deprivation by enhancing the Warburg effect
Authors: Zhang Meng , Liu Tingting , Sun Hui , Weng Weiwei , Zhang Qiongyan , Liu Chenchen , Han Yang , Sheng Weiqi
Published: March 2018

Cancer cells metabolize glucose mainly by glycolysis and are well adapted to metabolic stress. Pim1 is an oncogene that promotes colorectal cancer (CRC) growth and metastasis, and its expression is positively correlated with CRC progression. However, the mechanism underlying Pim1 overexpression during CRC progression and the role of Pim1 in CRC metabolism remains unclear. In the present study, we discovered that Pim1 expression was significantly upregulated in response to glucose deprivation‐induced metabolic stress by AMP‐activated protein kinase signaling. Pim1 promoted CRC cell proliferation in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. Clinical observations showed that Pim1 expression was higher in CRC tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. Pim1 overexpression in CRC tissues not only predicted CRC prognosis in patients but also showed a positive relationship with 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose uptake. Further in vitro experiments showed that Pim1 promoted the Warburg effect and that Pim1 expression was positively correlated with hexokinase 2 and lactate dehydrogenase A expression. Pim1‐silenced cells were more vulnerable to glucose starvation, and Pim1‐induced tumor proliferation or tolerance to glucose starvation was attenuated by blocking the Warburg effect. In conclusion, glucose deprivation is one of the mechanisms that leads to elevated Pim1 expression in CRC, and Pim1 upregulation ensures CRC growth in response to glucose deprivation by facilitating the Warburg effect in a compensatory way.
Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of 2,3‐diphenyl acrylonitriles‐bearing halogen as selective anticancer agents
Authors: Li Jia‐Jun , Ma Jun , Xin Ya‐Bing , Quan Zhe‐Shan , Tian Yu‐Shun
Published: March 2018

Eighteen novel 2,3‐diphenyl acrylonitrile derivatives bearing halogens were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for biological activity. Preliminary in vitro results indicated that the majority of the compounds with apara‐substituted halogen had considerable antiproliferative activity against five human cancer cell lines, includingMGC‐803,AGS, andBEL‐7402, withIC50values in the range of 0.46–100 μm. No significant toxic effects on the non‐cancerous human liver cell line L‐02 were observed. The selective inhibitory activities against cancer cells were significantly better than that of the control lead compoundCA‐4 andCA‐4P. Particularly, potent activities were found for the derivatives of 3‐(4‐halogen phenyl)‐2‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)acrylonitrile, such as5c(4‐fluoro),5f(4‐bromo),5h(4‐chloro), and5k(4‐trifluoro‐ methyl), forAGSwithIC50values of 0.75 ± 0.24, 0.68 ± 0.21, 0.41 ± 0.05, and 1.49 ± 0.92 μm, respectively. The antiproliferative effects of5fwere attributed to cell‐cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, induction of cellular apoptosis, suppression of cell migration, and inhibition of cell colony formation inAGScells.
Diffuse lesions in the limbic system with short‐term memory loss in a patient with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Takai Yasuyuki , Warabi Yoko , Norioka Ryohei , Tojima Maya , Ikezawa Jun , Okiyama Ryoichi , Isozaki Eiji
Published: March 2018

Background

The role of B cells in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is a subject of much research. We report a case of a MS patient who presented with subacute diffuse lesions in the limbic system and short‐term memory loss.

Case presentation

A male patient had experienced numbness in the left upper extremity at the age of 17 years, but this disappeared without treatment. At 19 years‐of‐age, he developed subacute short‐term memory loss followed by paralysis and sensory disturbance in the left upper and lower extremities. Magnetic resonance brain fluid‐attenuated/T2‐weighted imaging showed diffuse high‐intensity lesions in the medial parts of both temporal lobes, and spotty multiple lesions in the periventricular and subcortical white matter. Twenty days later, a new lesion was observed around the right putamen, and the temporal lesions had disappeared. A symptomatic cervical lesion with gadolinium enhancement was observed at C3. This lesion involved just one vertebral segment. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed no pleocytosis or elevated protein levels, but did show oligoclonal immunoglobulin G bands. No antibodies against aquaporin‐4 or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein were detected in the serum, and anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor was not detected in the cerebrospinal fluid. We diagnosed the patient with MS despite the atypical diffuse lesions in the limbic system and the short‐term memory loss. Corticosteroid medication effectively treated the symptoms in his extremities and his impaired memory.

Conclusions

The present case shows that cortical lesions can occur in MS patients and might be induced by B cell‐mediated mechanisms.
Minimizing opportunity costs to aquatic connectivity restoration while controlling an invasive species
Authors: Milt Austin W. , Diebel Matthew W. , Doran Patrick J. , Ferris Michael C. , Herbert Matthew , Khoury Mary L. , Moody Allison T. , Neeson Thomas M. , Ross Jared , Treska Ted , O'Hanley Jesse R. , Walter Lisa , Wangen Steven R. , Yacobson Eugene , McIntyre Peter B.
Published: March 2018

Controlling invasive species is critical for conservation but can have unintended consequences for native species and divert resources away from other efforts. This dilemma occurs on a grand scale in the North American Great Lakes, where dams and culverts block tributary access to habitat of desirable fish species and are a lynchpin of long‐standing efforts to limit ecological damage inflicted by the invasive, parasitic sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). Habitat restoration and sea‐lamprey control create conflicting goals for managing aging infrastructure. We used optimization to minimize opportunity costs of habitat gains for 37 desirable migratory fishes that arose from restricting sea lamprey access (0–25% increase) when selecting barriers for removal under a limited budget (US$1–105 million). Imposing limits on sea lamprey habitat reduced gains in tributary access for desirable species by 15–50% relative to an unconstrained scenario. Additional investment to offset the effect of limiting sea‐lamprey access resulted in high opportunity costs for 30 of 37 species (e.g., an additional US$20–80 million for lake sturgeon [Acipenser fulvescens]) and often required ≥5% increase in sea‐lamprey access to identify barrier‐removal solutions adhering to the budget and limiting access. Narrowly distributed species exhibited the highest opportunity costs but benefited more at less cost when small increases in sea‐lamprey access were allowed. Our results illustrate the value of optimization in limiting opportunity costs when balancing invasion control against restoration benefits for diverse desirable species. Such trade‐off analyses are essential to the restoration of connectivity within fragmented rivers without unleashing invaders.
Use and effectiveness of dapagliflozin in routine clinical practice: An Italian multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Fadini Gian Paolo , Zatti Giancarlo , Baldi Ileana , Bottigliengo Daniele , Consoli Agostino , Giaccari Andrea , Sesti Giorgio , Avogaro Angelo ,   for the DARWIN‐T2D network
Published: March 2018

In randomized controlled trials (RCTs), sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been shown to confer glycaemic and extra‐glycaemic benefits. The DARWIN‐T2D (DApagliflozin Real World evIdeNce in Type 2 Diabetes) study was a multicentre retrospective study designed to evaluate the baseline characteristics of patients receiving dapagliflozin vs those receiving selected comparators (dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors, gliclazide, or glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists), and drug effectiveness in routine clinical practice. From a population of 281 217, the analysis included 17 285 patients initiating dapagliflozin or comparator glucose‐lowering medications (GLMs), 6751 of whom had a follow‐up examination. At baseline, participants starting dapagliflozin were younger, had a longer disease duration, higher glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration, and a more complex history of previous GLM use, but the clinical profile of patients receiving dapagliflozin changed during the study period. Dapagliflozin reduced HbA1c by 0.7%, body weight by 2.7 kg, and systolic blood pressure by 3.0 mm Hg. Effects of comparator GLMs were also within the expected range, based on RCTs. This real‐world study shows an initial channelling of dapagliflozin to difficult‐to‐treat patients. Nonetheless, dapagliflozin provided significant benefits with regard to glucose control, body weight and blood pressure that were in line with findings from RCTs.