bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cadence Tracking and Disturbance Rejection in Functional Electrical Stimulation Cycling for Paraplegic Subjects: A Case Study
Authors: Fonseca Lucas O. da , Bó Antônio P.L. , Guimarães Juliana A. , Gutierrez Miguel E. , Fachin‐Martins Emerson
Published: November 2017

Functional electrical stimulation cycling has been proposed as an assistive technology with numerous health and fitness benefits for people with spinal cord injury, such as improvement in cardiovascular function, increase in muscular mass, and reduction of bone mass loss. However, some limitations, for example, lack of optimal control strategies that would delay fatigue, may still prevent this technology from achieving its full potential. In this work, we performed experiments on a person with complete spinal cord injury using a stationary tadpole trike when both cadence tracking and disturbance rejection were evaluated. In addition, two sets of experiments were conducted 6 months apart and considering activation of different muscles. The results showed that reference tracking is achieved above the cadence of 25 rpm with mean absolute errors between 1.9 and 10% when only quadriceps are activated. The disturbance test revealed that interferences may drop the cadence but do not interrupt a continuous movement if the cadence does not drop below 25 rpm, again when only quadriceps are activated. When other muscle groups were added, strong spasticity caused larger errors on reference tracking, but not when a disturbance was applied. In addition, spasticity caused the last experiments to result in less smooth cycling.
Temporal and Spatial Variability of Surface Motor Activation Zones in Hemiplegic Patients During Functional Electrical Stimulation Therapy Sessions
Authors: Malešević Jovana , Štrbac Matija , Isaković Milica , Kojić Vladimir , Konstantinović Ljubica , Vidaković Aleksandra , Dedijer Dujović Suzana , Kostić Miloš , Keller Thierry
Published: November 2017

The goal of this study was to investigate surface motor activation zones and their temporal variability using an advanced multi‐pad functional electrical stimulation system. With this system motor responses are elicited through concurrent activation of electrode matrix pads collectively termed “virtual electrodes” (VEs) with appropriate stimulation parameters. We observed VEs used to produce selective wrist, finger, and thumb extension movements in 20 therapy sessions of 12 hemiplegic stroke patients. The VEs which produce these three selective movements were created manually on the ergonomic multi‐pad electrode by experienced clinicians based on visual inspection of the muscle responses. Individual results indicated that changes in VE configuration were required each session for all patients and that overlap in joint movements was evident between some VEs. However, by analyzing group data, we defined the probability distribution over the electrode surface for the three VEs of interest. Furthermore, through Bayesian logic we obtained preferred stimulation zones that are in accordance with our previously reported heuristically obtained results. We have also analyzed the number of active pads and stimulation amplitudes for these three VEs. Presented results provide a basis for an automated electrode calibration algorithm built on a priori knowledge or the starting point for manual selection of stimulation points.
Effect of adding different levels of rumen protected choline to the diet on productive and reproductive performance of female goats and growth of their kids from birthing to weaning
Authors: Habeeb Alsaied A. , Gad Ahmed E. , Atta Mostafa A. , Mustafa Mohammed M.
Published: November 2017

Forty female goats in the third parity were randomly divided into four similar groups. The experiment was started 20 days before mating and lasted until the end of the suckling period for 60 days and weaning their kids. The first group were fed diet without supplementation and kept as control while in the second, third and fourth groups, each doe was fed diets with rumen protected choline (RPC) at the rate of 10, 20 and 40 g/day, respectively. Results showed that number of doe kidding twins and triplets and litter weight of kids born per group increased with increasing the level of RPC in the diet of goats and viability rate of born kids during the suckling period improved due to RPC supplementation in the diets of their mothers. Duration of estrous, days from weaning to estrous, days from kidding to estrous and kidding interval decreased significantly, while conception rate increased due to adding RPC. Milk choline concentrations and total choline secretion though milk were progressively increased significantly with increasing the level of RPC supplementation. Live body weight and daily body gain of their suckling male and female kids at weaning increased significantly with increasing RPC levels in the diets of their mothers.
Influences of quorum‐quenching probiotic bacteria on the gut microbial community and immune function in weaning pigs
Authors: Kim Jonggun , Kim Jaepil , Kim Younghoon , Oh Sangnam , Song Minho , Choe Jee Hwan , Whang Kwang‐Youn , Kim Kwang Hyun , Oh Sejong
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study is to investigate the dynamic gut microbial diversity in weaning swine after administering feed supplemented with probiotic bacteria that specifically inhibit the activity of quorum molecules. Initially, the universal quorum molecule autoinducer‐2 (AI‐2) bioassay results indicated that AI‐2 activity was profoundly inhibited in enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 in the presence of Lactobacillus acidophilus strain 30SC cell extract, although the growth of EHEC was not affected. Based on plate counting results, bacterial community analysis revealed a specific reduction in coliforms compared to the control, whereas the population of lactobacilli increased in weaning swine in in vivo trials. Supplementation with L. acidophilus strain 30SC did not affect the counts of other communities, such as total aerobes and yeast/mold. In addition, PCR‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis showed a significant difference in the 16S rRNA gene products after administering L. acidophilus strain 30SC. Selected bands were sequenced, and most of them were identified as uncultured bacterium clones or a Lactobacillus‐ and Bifidobacterium‐specific community. Therefore, our results indicate that quorum‐quenching probiotic bacteria can significantly modulate the gut microbiota of swine and these beneficial effects can contribute to the improvement of performance and health in the gastrointestinal tract of weaning pigs.
Altered N170 and mood symptoms in bipolar disorder: An electrophysiological study of configural face processing
Authors: Tso Ivy F , Grove Tyler B , Mueller Savanna A , O'Donnell Lisa , Chun Jinsoo , McInnis Melvin G , Deldin Patricia J
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Altered social behavior during mood episodes in bipolar disorder often has detrimental and long‐lasting interpersonal consequences. Abnormal face processing may play a role in linking brain functions to clinical symptoms and behavior. This study aimed to understand configural face processing in bipolar disorder as a function of basic communicative attributes of the face and mood symptoms using event‐related brain potentials (ERPs).

Methods

Forty‐two participants with bipolar I disorder (BP) and 43 healthy controls (HC) viewed face stimuli varying in emotion (neutral or fearful), head orientation (forward or deviated), and gaze direction (direct or averted) while ERPs were recorded. Configural face processing was indexed by the N170 wave.

Results

BP participants had comparable overall N170 amplitude and peak latency to HC, although timing was more variable in the BP group. Abnormal N170 modulations by communicative face attributes were observed in BP: exaggerated sensitivity to emotion (fearful > neutral) in the left hemisphere, and reduced sensitivity to gaze‐head incongruency (where N170 is normally larger in response to faces with incongruent than congruent gaze and head direction) in the right hemisphere. The former was not associated with mood symptoms, suggesting a heightened trait‐like sensitivity to negative emotions. The latter was correlated with greater manic symptoms, indicating that an impaired perceptual sensitivity to faces with features signaling incongruent social attention may underlie social deficits observed during mania.

Conclusions

These findings suggest a pathophysiological role of altered configural face processing in the phenomenology of bipolar disorder, and call for further investigations to evaluate its potential as a biomarker and treatment target.
4‐Aminopyridine: a pan voltage‐gated potassium channel inhibitor that enhances Kv7.4 currents and inhibits noradrenaline‐mediated contraction of rat mesenteric small arteries
Authors: Khammy Makhala M , Kim Sukhan , Bentzen Bo H , Lee Soojung , Choi Inyeong , Aalkjær Christian , Jepps Thomas A
Published: November 2017

Background and Purpose

Kv7.4 and Kv7.5 channels are regulators of vascular tone. 4‐Aminopyridine (4‐AP) is considered a broad inhibitor of voltage‐gated potassium (KV) channels, with little inhibitory effect on Kv7 family members at mmol concentrations. However, the effect of 4‐AP on Kv7 channels has not been systematically studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacological activity of 4‐AP on Kv7.4 and Kv7.5 channels and characterize the effect of 4‐AP on rat resistance arteries.

Experimental Approach

Voltage clamp experiments were performed on Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with cRNA encoding KCNQ4 or KCNQ5, HEK cells expressing Kv7.4 channels and on rat, freshly isolated mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells. The effect of 4‐AP on tension, membrane potential, intracellular calcium and pH was assessed in rat mesenteric artery segments.

Key Results

4‐AP increased the Kv7.4‐mediated current in oocytes and HEK cells but did not affect Kv7.5 current. 4‐AP also enhanced native mesenteric artery myocyte K+ current at sub‐mmol concentrations. When applied to NA‐preconstricted mesenteric artery segments, 4‐AP hyperpolarized the membrane, decreased [Ca2+]i and caused concentration‐dependent relaxations that were independent of 4‐AP‐mediated changes in intracellular pH. Application of the Kv7 channel blocker XE991 and BKCa channel blocker iberiotoxin attenuated 4‐AP‐mediated relaxation. 4‐AP also inhibited the NA‐mediated signal transduction to elicit a relaxation.

Conclusions and Implications

These data show that 4‐AP is able to relax NA‐preconstricted rat mesenteric arteries by enhancing the activity of Kv7.4 and BKCa channels and attenuating NA‐mediated signalling.
Does model consistency in business model innovation matter? A contingency‐based approach
Authors: Kranich Pascal , Wald Andreas
Published: November 2017

Successful business model innovation requires managers to come up not only with new, but also with viable business models. To this end, it has been argued that business model consistency plays a vital role, as the internal fit of business model elements can generate reinforcing effects, thereby influencing performance and competitive advantage. Little research has been conducted to measure consistency and confirm these effects, especially within business model innovation. We tackle this issue by developing and testing a measurement of business model consistency, and investigate its relationship with business model innovation and its performance. We find evidence supporting the positive effect of consistency on innovation performance. We contribute to extant research by developing a concept and measurement for business model consistency based on contingency theory and empirically verifying it. Our findings underline that managers should pay close attention to the consistency of their business model designs during business model innovation.
“This is an Italian Church with a Large Hispanic Population”: Factors and Strategies in White Ethno–Religious Place Making
Authors: Martinez Juan R.
Published: November 2017

This paper examines how a group of white ethnic, mostly Italian American, Catholics participate in ethno–religious place making in a predominantly Latino church. In light of a growing number of Latino parishioners, white ethnic church members engage in place making activities to ascribe a white ethno–religious identity to place. Drawing on participant observations, interviews, and archival documents, I examine the impetus behind, and strategies used, in making ethno–religious place. I find that place attachment and group threat drive white ethnics to make place. They do so by employing strategies of place making, place marking, and place marketing. The findings point to the importance of using place as a focal point of social analysis and understanding how people make place.
Skin care products can aggravate epidermal function: studies in a murine model suggest a pathogenic role in sensitive skin
Authors: Li Zhengxiao , Hu Lizhi , Elias Peter M. , Man Mao‐Qiang
Published: November 2017

Background

Sensitive skin is defined as a spectrum of unpleasant sensations in response to a variety of stimuli. However, only some skin care products provoke cutaneous symptoms in individuals with sensitive skin. Hence, it would be useful to identify products that could provoke cutaneous symptoms in individuals with sensitive skin.

Objective

To assess whether vehicles, as well as certain branded skin care products, can alter epidermal function following topical applications to normal mouse skin.

Methods

Following topical applications of individual vehicle or skin care product to C57BL/6J mice twice daily for 4 days, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) rates, stratum corneum (SC) hydration and skin surface pH were measured on treated versus untreated mouse skin with an MPA5 device and pH 900 pH meter.

Results

Our results show that all tested products induced abnormalities in epidermal functions of varying severity, including elevations in TEWL and skin surface pH, and reduced SC hydration.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that mice can serve as a predictive model that could be used to evaluate the potential safety of skin care products in humans with sensitive skin.
Classification of consumer products under the EU CLP Regulation: what to consider when caring for contact dermatitis patients
Authors: Elsner Peter
Published: November 2017

Possibly hazardous chemical substances and mixtures need to be clearly and correctly classified and labelled, in order for their hazards to be properly identified and communicated. As dermatologists may encounter cases of harm to patients induced by chemicals, such as chemical burns, and irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, it is essential for them to be aware of the EU CLP Regulation and its potential pitfalls. Manufacturers are required by CLP to classify their products according to the rules given in the CLP Regulation. The enforcement duty lies with the Member States and their competent authorities. Dangerous non‐food consumer products have to be reported to the European Commission to be entered into the Rapid Alert System for Dangerous Non‐food Products (RAPEX) notifications. The sheer complexity of the CLP Regulation and lack of awareness of its ramifications by companies, competent authorities, consumer associations and the public at large may prevent efficient enforcement actions. When dermatologists become aware of inappropriately labelled chemicals, they should inform the competent authorities.
Improved infrared small target detection and tracking method based on new intelligence particle filter
Authors: Chen Zhimin , Tian Mengchu , Bo Yuming , Ling Xiaodong
Published: November 2017

Track‐before‐detect algorithm based on the particle filter algorithm has the problems of low tracking precision, poor particles, and requiring a large amount of particles to be calculated in a low signal‐to‐noise ratio, which is difficult to meet the accuracy and speed required by the modern infrared search and tracking system. In this paper, an improved infrared small target detection and tracking method based on a new particle filter is proposed. This is where particles are used to represent an individual bat to imitate the hunting process of bats. By adjusting loudness, frequency, and impulse emissivity of a particle swarm, the optimal particle at that time is followed to search in the solution space. In addition, the global search and the local search can also be dynamically switched to improve the quality and distribution of the particle swarm. The performance of the proposed algorithm is tested in a simulation scene and the real scene of the infrared small target detection and tracking. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm improves the performance of the infrared searching and tracking system.
Effect of graft size matching on pediatric living‐donor liver transplantation at a single center
Authors: Li Jun‐Jie , Zu Cai‐Hua , Li Shi‐Peng , Gao Wei , Shen Zhong‐Yang , Cai Jin‐Zhen
Published: November 2017

We retrospectively analyzed 252 patients with end‐stage liver disease who had undergone LDLT from January 2009 to September 2015. Of these, 25 had a GRWR of <2.0% (Group A), 204 had a GRWR of ≥2.0% or <4.0% (Group B), and 23 had a GRWR ≥4.0% (Group C). The three GRWR groups demonstrated similar characteristics, except for recipient age and recipient BMI. The overall 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year graft survival rates were 95.1%, 93.5%, and 93.5%, respectively. However, among the three groups, graft survival rates at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were significantly different (P = .0009). Hepatic artery stenosis/thrombosis was more frequently observed in Group C than in Groups A and B (P = .001). Wound infection was also more frequently observed in Group C than in Group A and B (P = .002). However, intestinal fistula/bile leakage/biliary‐enteric anastomotic fistula was more frequently observed in Group A than in Groups B and C (P = .001). In addition, reoperation more frequently occurred in Group A and C than in Group B (P = .001). Recipients with a GRWR between 2.0% and 4.0% had significantly better graft survival rates.
Intrathecal baclofen in dyskinetic cerebral palsy: effects on function and activity
Authors: Eek Meta N , Olsson Kristina , Lindh Karin , Askljung Berit , Påhlman Magnus , Corneliusson Olle , Himmelmann Kate
Published: November 2017

Aim

To investigate the effect of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) on function and activity in dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

A retrospective cohort study of records from 25 children (15 males, 10 females; mean age 10y 11mo, SD 4y 9mo). Five were classified in Gross Motor Function Classification level IV and 20 in level V. Parents were interviewed about activities in daily life, sitting, communication, pain, sleep, and gross and fine motor function. Differences before and 1 year after ITB were graded as positive, no change, or negative. Assessments of dystonia (using the Barry–Albright Dystonia Scale) and muscle tone (Ashworth Scale) were made. Joint range of motion (ROM) was measured.

Results

Both dystonia and increased muscle tone, present in all participants before ITB, decreased after (p<0.001). Passive ROM was restricted, with no difference after. Parents reported improvements in activities in daily life (p<0.001), sitting (p<0.001), communication (p<0.001), and fine motor function (p=0.013), but no change in gross motor function. Before ITB, pain and disturbed sleep were reported. There was a reduction in pain (p=0.002) and sleep improved (p=0.004) after ITB.

Interpretation

After ITB in individuals with dyskinetic CP, improvements were found in sitting, communication, and fine motor skills. There was a reduction in dystonia and muscle tone, and pain and sleep improved.

What this paper adds

Intrathecal baclofen can affect specific aspects of functioning in dyskinetic cerebral palsy.

Sitting, communication, and fine motor function improved.

Dystonia and spasticity were reduced.

Pain was reduced and sleep improved.
Homeobox protein MSX‐1 inhibits expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2, bone morphogenetic protein 4, and lymphoid enhancer‐binding factor 1 via Wnt/β‐catenin signaling to prevent differentiation of dental mesenchymal cells during the late bell stage
Authors: Feng Xiao‐Yu , Wu Xiao‐Shan , Wang Jin‐Song , Zhang Chun‐Mei , Wang Song‐Lin
Published: November 2017

Homeobox protein MSX‐1 (hereafter referred to as MSX‐1) is essential for early tooth‐germ development. Tooth‐germ development is arrested at bud stage in Msx1 knockout mice, which prompted us to study the functions of MSX‐1 beyond this stage. Here, we investigated the roles of MSX‐1 during late bell stage. Mesenchymal cells of the mandibular first molar were isolated from mice at embryonic day (E)17.5 and cultured in vitro. We determined the expression levels of β‐catenin, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Bmp2), Bmp4, and lymphoid enhancer‐binding factor 1 (Lef1) after knockdown or overexpression of Msx1. Our findings suggest that knockdown of Msx1 promoted expression of Bmp2, Bmp4, and Lef1, resulting in elevated differentiation of odontoblasts, which was rescued by blocking the expression of these genes. In contrast, overexpression of Msx1 decreased the expression of Bmp2, Bmp4, and Lef1, leading to a reduction in odontoblast differentiation. The regulation of Bmp2, Bmp4, and Lef1 by Msx1 was mediated by the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. Additionally, knockdown of Msx1 impaired cell proliferation and slowed S‐phase progression, while overexpression of Msx1 also impaired cell proliferation and prolonged G1‐phase progression. We therefore conclude that MSX‐1 maintains cell proliferation by regulating transition of cells from G1‐phase to S‐phase and prevents odontoblast differentiation by inhibiting expression of Bmp2, Bmp4, and Lef1 at the late bell stage via the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway.
Evolution and molecular mechanism of four‐electron reducing ferredoxin‐dependent bilin reductases from oceanic phages
Authors: Ledermann Benjamin , Schwan Meike , Sommerkamp Johannes A. , Hofmann Eckhard , Béjà Oded , Frankenberg‐Dinkel Nicole
Published: November 2017

Ferredoxin‐dependent bilin reductases (FDBRs) are a class of enzymes reducing the heme metabolite biliverdin IXα (BV) to form open‐chain tetrapyrroles used for light‐perception and light‐harvesting in photosynthetic organisms. Thus far, seven FDBR families have been identified, each catalysing a distinct reaction and either transferring two or four electrons from ferredoxin onto the substrate. The newest addition to the family is PcyX, originally identified from metagenomics data derived from phage. Phylogenetically, PcyA is the closest relative catalysing the reduction of BV to phycocyanobilin. PcyX, however, converts the same substrate to phycoerythrobilin, resembling the reaction catalysed by cyanophage PebS. Within this study, we aimed at understanding the evolution of catalytic activities within FDBRs using PcyX as an example. Additional members of the PcyX clade and a remote member of the PcyA family were investigated to gain insights into catalysis. Biochemical data in combination with the PcyX crystal structure revealed that a conserved aspartate‐histidine pair is critical for activity. Interestingly, the same residues are part of a catalytic Asp‐His‐Glu triad in PcyA, including an additional Glu. While this Glu residue is replaced by Asp in PcyX, it is not involved in catalysis. Substitution back to a Glu failed to convert PcyX to a PcyA. Therefore, the change in regiospecificity is not only caused by individual catalytic amino acid residues. Rather the combination of the architecture of the active site with the positioning of the substrate triggers specific proton transfer yielding the individual phycobilin products.

Enzymes

Suggested EC number for PcyX: 1.3.7.6

Databases

The PcyX X‐ray structure was deposited in the PDB with the accession code 5OWG.
Spatial scaling of extinction rates: Theory and data reveal nonlinearity and a major upscaling and downscaling challenge
Authors: Keil Petr , Pereira Henrique M. , Cabral Juliano S. , Chase Jonathan M. , May Felix , Martins Inês S. , Winter Marten
Published: November 2017

Aim

Biodiversity loss is a key component of biodiversity change and can impact ecosystem services. However, estimation of the loss has focused mostly on per‐species extinction rates measured over a limited number of spatial scales, with little theory linking small‐scale extirpations to global extinctions. Here, we provide such a link by introducing the relationship between area and the number of extinctions (number of extinctions–area relationship; NxAR) and between area and the proportion of extinct species (proportion of extinctions–area relationship; PxAR). Unlike static patterns, such as the species–area relationship, NxAR and PxAR represent spatial scaling of a dynamic process. We show theoretical and empirical forms of these relationships and we discuss their role in perception and estimation of the current extinction crisis.

Location

U.S.A., Europe, Czech Republic and Barro Colorado Island (Panama).

Time period

1500–2009.

Major taxa studied

Vascular plants, birds, butterflies and trees.

Methods

We derived the expected forms of NxAR and PxAR from several theoretical frameworks, including the theory of island biogeography, neutral models and species–area relationships. We constructed NxAR and PxAR from five empirical datasets collected over a range of spatial and temporal scales.

Results

Although increasing PxAR is theoretically possible, empirical data generally support a decreasing PxAR; the proportion of extinct species decreases with area. In contrast, both theory and data revealed complex relationships between numbers of extinctions and area (NxAR), including nonlinear, unimodal and U‐shaped relationships, depending on region, taxon and temporal scale.

Main conclusions

The wealth of forms of NxAR and PxAR explains why biodiversity change appears scale dependent. Furthermore, the complex scale dependence of NxAR and PxAR means that global extinctions indicate little about local extirpations, and vice versa. Hence, effort should be made to understand and report extinction rates as a scale‐dependent problem. In this effort, estimation of scaling relationships such as NxAR and PxAR should be central.
Adaptive migration: pluralising the debate on climate change and migration
Authors: Baldwin Andrew , Fornalé Elisa
Published: November 2017

The interaction between environmental change and human mobility is attracting global attention, both in policy circles and in the contemporary literature. This introductory essay proposes using the concept of pluralism to explore the multi‐dimensional relationship between climate change and migration and to advance new perspectives and concepts to interpret the emerging theory of adaptive migration. The papers included in this themed section cover diverse issues in this area of research by focusing on the contemporary debate about the ‘migration‐as‐adaptation strategy’. The papers address six key areas: the role of law in dealing with climate‐induced migration, the category of place related to the community of origin and destination, the theme of climate justice and rights, the contribution of international organisations in framing the migration‐as‐adaptation strategy, adaptive measures developed in the Maldives, and seasonal nomadism in the East Sudan. All are quite different, but all converge in their emphasis on the role of the individual, the migrant, and on whether and how state responses are adequate in the progressive concordance between adaptation and individual capability. This introduction raises a set of salient questions that might catalyse multiple new research trajectories over the coming years.
Exploiting genetic and physiological variation of the native forage grass Trichloris crinita for revegetation in arid and semi‐arid regions: An integrative review
Authors: Kozub P. C. , Cavagnaro J. B. , Cavagnaro P. F.
Published: November 2017

In arid, semi‐arid and dry subhumid regions, which represent ~ 41% of the Earth's land surface, desertification and soil degradation are very frequent, leading to low soil fertility and productivity. In these regions, revegetation with locally adapted native species may aid in ameliorating desertification processes. Trichloris crinita is a C4 perennial grass native to arid and semi‐arid regions of the American continent. Its good forage quality, drought tolerance, resistance to trampling and grazing, and rapid growth and competing aggressiveness among other native species warrant its use as forage and for revegetation purposes. In the last decades, many studies have revealed broad intraspecific genetic variation for ecophysiological, morphological, biomass production, nutritional quality (as forage) and adaptive stress response‐related traits. Also, results from field trials evaluating T. crinita genotypes as forage and for restoration of degraded areas suggest great potential for—and have encouraged—its utilization under different habitats and environmental conditions. In this integrative review, we compiled and discussed the most relevant research data regarding T. crinita, focusing on aspects and traits that influence its utilization both as forage and in rehabilitation of degraded lands. Challenges and prospects towards the improvement of this species in breeding programmes with specific goals are discussed.
Novel gene fusion of PRCC–MITF defines a new member of MiT family translocation renal cell carcinoma: clinicopathological analysis and detection of the gene fusion by RNA sequencing and FISH
Authors: Xia Qiu‐Yuan , Wang Xiao‐Tong , Ye Sheng‐Bing , Wang Xuan , Li Rui , Shi Shan‐Shan , Fang Ru , Zhang Ru‐Song , Ma Heng‐Hui , Lu Zhen‐Feng , Shen Qin , Bao Wei , Zhou Xiao‐Jun , Rao Qiu
Published: November 2017

Aims

MITF, TFE3, TFEB and TFEC belong to the same microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor family (MiT). Two transcription factors in this family have been identified in two unusual types of renal cell carcinoma (RCC): Xp11 translocation RCC harbouring TFE3 gene fusions and t(6;11) RCC harbouring a MALAT1–TFEB gene fusion. The 2016 World Health Organisation classification of renal neoplasia grouped these two neoplasms together under the category of MiT family translocation RCC. RCCs associated with the other two MiT family members, MITF and TFEC, have rarely been reported. Herein, we identify a case of MITF translocation RCC with the novel PRCC–MITF gene fusion by RNA sequencing.

Methods and results

Histological examination of the present tumour showed typical features of MiT family translocation RCCs, overlapping with Xp11 translocation RCC and t(6;11) RCC. However, this tumour showed negative results in TFE3 and TFEB immunochemistry and split fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation (FISH) assays. The other MiT family members, MITF and TFEC, were tested further immunochemically and also showed negative results. RNA sequencing and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of a PRCC–MITF gene fusion: a fusion of PRCC exon 5 to MITF exon 4. We then developed FISH assays covering MITF break‐apart probes and PRCC–MITF fusion probes to detect the MITF gene rearrangement.

Conclusions

This study both proves the recurring existence of MITF translocation RCC and expands the genotype spectrum of MiT family translocation RCCs.
Changes in habitat suitability influence non‐breeding distribution of waterbirds in central Europe
Authors: Musilová Zuzana , Musil Petr , Zouhar Jan , Adam Matyáš
Published: November 2017

Waterbird species have different requirements with respect to their non‐breeding areas, aiming to survive and gain condition during the non‐breeding period. Selection of non‐breeding areas could change over time and space driven by climate change and species habitat requirements. To help explain the mechanism shaping non‐breeding area selection, we provide site‐specific analyses of distributional changes in wintering waterbirds in central Europe, located at the centre of their flyways. We use wintering waterbirds as a highly dynamic model group monitored over a long‐time scale of 50 years (1966–2015). We identified species habitat requirements and changes in habitat use at the level of 733 individual non‐breeding (specifically wintering) sites for 12 waterbird species using citizen‐science monitoring data. We calculated site‐specific mean numbers and estimated site‐specific trends in numbers. The site‐specific approach revealed a general effect of mean winter temperature of site (seven of 12 species), wetland type (all species) and land cover (all species) on site‐specific numbers. We found increasing site‐specific trends in numbers in the northern and/or eastern part of the study area (Mute Swan Cygnus olor, Eurasian Teal Anas crecca, Common Pochard Aythya ferina, Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo and Eurasian Coot Fulica atra). Common Merganser Mergus merganser, Great Cormorant, Grey Heron Ardea cinerea, Common Pochard, Eurasian Coot and Common Moorhen Galinulla chloropus increased their site‐specific numbers on standing industrial waters with traditionally low fish stock. The site‐specific dynamics of bird numbers helped us to identify general preference for sites reducing winter harshness (warmer areas, running waters and more wetlands in the site vicinity), as well as indicating climate‐driven changes in spatial use of wintering sites (northern/north‐eastern range changes and changes in preference for industrial waters). This fine‐scale (site‐specific) approach can reveal large‐scale range and distribution shifts driven by climate and environmental changes regardless of the availability of large‐scale datasets.
Spying with spins on messy materials: 60 Years of glass structure elucidation byNMRspectroscopy
Authors: Eckert Hellmut
Published: November 2017

Glasses remain a focus of attraction to fundamental researchers and materials engineers alike. The desire of controlling physical property combinations by compositional design inspires the search for fundamental structural concepts describing the short‐ and medium‐range order of the glassy state. From its early beginnings more than 60 years ago, solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been making significant contributions toward this objective. Beingelement‐selective,inherentlyquantitativeas well asselective to the local environment,NMRin many ways presents an ideal experimental tool of structural investigation of glasses. Over the years, substantialNMRmethods development, along with advances in the theoretical interpretation ofNMRparameters, have significantly enhanced our fundamental knowledge of medium‐range order and of composition‐structure‐function relationships. As we are approaching the 60th anniversary of the publication of the first article dealing with this topic (A.H. Silver and P.J. Bray, The Journal of Chemical Physics 1958, 29, 984), it is time to look back at the amazing scientific trajectory this field of investigation has taken, from the early beginnings to the present state of the art. As such, this overview does not strive to be comprehensive, but adopts a personal perspective, highlighting what in the view of the author have been influential developments and important insights obtained during the various phases of scientific inquiry in this research field.
Big 4 audit fee premiums for national‐ and city‐specific industry leadership in the UK: Additional evidence
Authors: Mohd Kharuddin Khairul Ayuni , Basioudis Ilias G.
Published: November 2017

This study investigates the relationship between Big 4 auditor industry specialization and audit pricing in the UK in a period of many changes having taken place in the market for audit services. Using a large dataset between 2004 and 2011, our empirical results show a significantly higher fee premium for the Big 4 firms who are national industry leaders compared to city‐specific industry leaders, and that the fee premium for industry leadership is only earned by the city‐specific industry leaders if and when they are also the national leaders. Neither the national nor city level industry leadership alone is priced anymore in the UK audit market. These findings hold for the pre‐ and the post‐global‐financial‐crisis period only and for a number of additional analyses. The evidence suggests that the Big 4 industry leadership in the UK has moved away from the previously documented premium for the Big 4 city‐specific industry leadership alone, and is now driven solely by the joint Big 4 industry expertise at the national and city‐specific levels concurrently. The study's results indicate that there is a progression from city‐specific industry expertise to national‐specific industry expertise, and they imply that there has been an improvement in the sharing and transferability of industry knowledge and expertise among the city offices of the Big 4 firms in the UK in the period of investigation.
Regressed melanocytic nevi secondary to pembrolizumab therapy: an emerging melanocytic dermatologic effect from immune checkpoint antibody blockade
Authors: Mauzo Shakuntala H. , Tetzlaff Michael T. , Nelson Kelly , Amaria Rodabe , Patel Sapna , Aung Phyu P. , Nagarajan Priyadharsini , Torres‐Cabala Carlos A. , Diab Adi , Prieto Victor G. , Curry Jonathan L.
Published: November 2017

Background

Immune checkpoint antibody blockade is an emerging therapeutic option for treating certain cancers including melanoma. This therapy is associated with dermatologic and systemic toxicities, some of which are more severe than others and may require withholding therapy.

Case reports

We report two patients with melanocytic nevi that regressed with pembrolizumab therapy. The first patient had stage IV BRAF K601E/L584F mutant melanoma that developed a regressed melanocytic nevus while being treated with pembrolizumab. The second patient had stage III BRAF V600R mutant melanoma that was treated with pembrolizumab and dabrafenib, and also developed a regressed melanocytic nevus. Both patients had good response to therapy and stable disease at 8 and 12 months of treatment, respectively.

Results

Regressed melanocytic nevi were observed in both patients treated with pembrolizumab for advance‐stage melanoma. Immunohistochemical analysis of a regressed melanocytic nevus was associated with an inflammatory infiltrate rich in CD8+ T cells and CD163+, CD11c+ histiocytes.

Conclusion

Regressed melanocytic nevi are an emerging dermatologic effect from pembrolizumab therapy.
A Systematic Literature Review on Recent Lean Research: State‐of‐the‐art and Future Directions
Authors: Danese Pamela , Manfè Valeria , Romano Pietro
Published: November 2017

Lean management (LM) has attracted the interest of scientists and practitioners since 1990, when Womack et al. (Womack, J.P., Jones, D.T. and Roos, D. (1990). The Machine that Changed the World. New York, NY: Rawson Associates) popularized the Japanese manufacturing approach aimed at eliminating waste to improve operational performance and customer satisfaction. Over the years, the lean concept has evolved becoming a managerial paradigm applicable to different sectors and processes with impressive results. This heterogeneity of implementations and settings makes the recent LM literature diverse and fragmented, and an extensive analysis of the latest contributions on this field is lacking. To address this gap, the authors propose a systematic literature review (SLR) of 240 articles published in 25 peer‐reviewed academic journals from January 2003 to December 2015. The purpose is to analyse the recent trends in this area and to provide a framework that organizes lean researched issues into mature, intermediate and nascent, based on their position in the research life cycle. Starting from the gaps that the SLR highlights, the authors suggest conducting lean research in the following directions: (a) grounding lean studies on existing managerial theories; (b) addressing service settings such as banking/finance, public sector and education; (c) exploring the role of national culture through cross‐country comparisons; (d) defining and conceptualizing ‘lean‐x’ processes; (e) understanding the relationships between lean and safety/environmental issues, and (f) unveiling the effects on social outcomes. Finally, the proposed framework helps scholars find issues not sufficiently explored that require theory‐building research (to move from nascent to intermediate) or theory‐testing research (to move from intermediate to mature).
Harnessing the power of regulatory T‐cells to control autoimmune diabetes: overview and perspective
Authors: Yu Hua , Paiva Ricardo , Flavell Richard A.
Published: November 2017

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a T‐cell‐mediated autoimmune disease resulting in islet β‐cell destruction, hypoinsulinaemia and severely altered glucose homeostasis. Although the mechanisms that initiate T1D still remain elusive, a breakdown of immune tolerance between effector T‐cells (Teff) and regulatory T‐cells (Treg) is considered to be the crucial component leading to autoimmunity. As such, strategies have been developed to boost the number and/or function of Treg in the hope of specifically hampering the pathogenic Teff activity. In this review, we will summarize the current understanding of biomarkers and functions of both forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)+ Treg and type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells in health and in T1D, examine the outcome of experimental therapies in both animal models and humans via manipulation of Treg responses and also provide an outlook on the potential of Treg‐based immunotherapies in the prevention and treatment of this disease. Discussed immunotherapies include adoptive transfer of ex‐vivo expanded FoxP3+ Treg, manipulation of Treg cells via the interleukin (IL)‐2/IL‐2R pathway and induction of Treg by tolerogenic peptides, tolerogenic dendritic cells or altered gut microbiota.
Salutogenic Healthy Ageing Programme Embracement (SHAPE) for senior‐only households: A study protocol
Authors: Seah Betsy , Kowitlawakul Yanika , Chokkanathan Srinivasan , Fong Jeane Jin Yi , Espnes Geir Arild , Ang Emily , Wang Wenru
Published: November 2017

Aims

To evaluate the effectiveness of a multi‐dimensional community‐based health promotion and risk prevention programme, named Salutogenic Healthy Ageing Programme Embracement (SHAPE) for senior‐only households in Singapore.

Background

In view of ageing population and its significant impacts on economy, societal structure and policy‐making, healthy ageing emerges as an important concept in maintaining health through the engagement of health‐promoting behaviour and risk prevention actions in older people.

Design

A stratified randomized control trial with process evaluation is proposed.

Methodology

The salutogenic model, which focuses on positive well‐being and optimizing health outcomes, provides an underpinning theoretical framework for this study. SHAPE is a 12‐week intervention programme comprising of both weekly group‐based activity sessions and home visits. One hundred and fifty‐four eligible participants will be stratified and randomly allocated to either the SHAPE intervention or the control group. Both outcome and process evaluation will be conducted. Outcome measures include sense of coherence, quality of life, health‐promoting behaviours, self‐efficacy and other health‐related outcomes. These data will be collected at four time points: baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. Individual qualitative face‐to‐face interviews will be conducted for older people receiving SHAPE to explore their views on the programme.

Discussion

The use of salutogenic model breaks away from the negatively connoted conventional biomedical model and addresses optimization of positive health, providing an overall holistic approach to care of older people. The intervention SHAPE seeks to identify, equip and strengthen resources for senior‐only households, encouraging the adaption of health‐promoting and risk‐preventing actions to achieve better health outcomes and higher quality of life.
EP radiofrequency generators: Significant offsets between selected and delivered power?
Authors: Bourier Felix , Schwarz Bernhard , Brkic Amir , Wolff Lara , Semmler Verena , Kottmaier Marc , Risse Elena , Telishevska Marta , Brooks Stephanie , Lengauer Sarah , Kornmayer Marielouise , Koch‐Büttner Katharina , Berger Florian , Hessling Gabriele , Deisenhofer Isabel , Reents Tilko
Published: November 2017

Introduction

For radiofrequency (RF) ablation, the EP Shuttle® (Stockert GmbH, Freiburg, Germany), Ampere® (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA), and SmartAblate® (Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, CA, USA) generator models are most frequently used in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between selected and delivered RF power for different generators.

Methods and results

In an experimental setup, ablation catheters were connected to the EP Shuttle®, Ampere®, and SmartAblate® generators. The power delivered by the generators was measured using a current converter and an oscilloscope. The selected power displayed on the generator was compared to the actually delivered power measured by the experimental setup (n = 800 measurements). The offsets between selected and delivered power increased significantly with impedance (EP Shuttle®). For example, at a selected power of 30 W, the delivered power was 40.3 W (EP Shuttle®), 30.1 W (Ampere®), and 28.1 W (SmartAblate®) at an impedance of 200 Ω.

In addition, ablation lesions (n = 80) were created in ex vivo porcine cardiac muscle preparations. The resulting ablation lesion size was calculated in caliper measurements. When the EP Shuttle® generator was operated at 200 Ω, the resulting lesion size was significantly larger than at 100 Ω. There were no significant offsets between power delivery and lesion size when using the Ampere® or SmartAblate® generators.

Conclusions

The Ampere® and SmartAblate® generator models deliver accurate power as selected by the user. The power delivered by the EP Shuttle® generator exceeds the selected power by up to 40% depending on impedance. The findings were confirmed in ex vivo porcine heart experiments and should be considered in clinical practice.
The effect size of aphid‐tending ants in an agricultural tri‐trophic system
Authors: Canedo‐Júnior E. O. , Santiago G. S. , Ribas C. R. , Zurlo L. F. , Cuissi R. G. , Souza B. , Faria L. D. B. , Rabello A. M. , Braga D. de L. , Silva E.
Published: November 2017

Most studies regarding ant–aphid interactions focus only on the direct effects of ants on tended aphids and aphidophagous predators, or the indirect effects on the host plant. Studies evaluating the effects of aphid‐tending ants on more than one trophic level are rare and evaluate only the presence or absence of such effects. Here we assessed the effect sizes of ants in a tri‐trophic system (common bean plants, aphids and lacewing larvae). We tested if the presence of aphid‐tending ants has positive effects on aphid abundance and host‐plant production and negative effects on aphid predator abundance. We also hypothesized that aphid‐tending ants affect more intensely trophic levels that are more directly related to them (i.e., first aphids, then aphid predators and then host plants). We tested these hypotheses in field mesocosms experiments using the presence and absence of ants. We found that aphid‐tending ants have great positive effects on final aphid abundance. Ants also positively affected the number of seeds; however, it was not possible to measure the effect size for this trophic level. Furthermore, ants had negative effects on lacewing larvae only at first release. The effect size of ants was greater for aphids, followed by lacewing larvae, and with no effects on the number of seeds produced. Ants positively affect aphids and host‐plant production, probably by way of honeydew collection preventing the development of entomophagous/saprophytic fungi. On the other hand, ants negatively affect lacewing larvae by excluding them from the host plant. In natural systems, several ant species may attend aphids, differently affecting the organisms of the various trophic levels within the ant–aphid interaction, thereby obscuring the real effect size of ants. Assessing the effect size of aphid‐tending ants on the organisms involved in ant–aphid interactions provides more realistic information about the effects of this interaction on natural systems.