bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuronal correlates of auditory streaming in the auditory cortex of behaving monkeys
Authors: Selezneva Elena , Gorkin Alexander , Budinger Eike , Brosch Michael
Published: August 2018

This study tested the hypothesis that spiking activity in the primary auditory cortex of monkeys is related to auditory stream formation. Evidence for this hypothesis was previously obtained in animals that were passively exposed to stimuli and in which differences in the streaming percept were confounded with differences between the stimuli. In this study, monkeys performed an operant task on sequences that were composed of light flashes and tones. The tones alternated between a high and a low frequency and could be perceived either as one auditory stream or two auditory streams. The flashes promoted either a one‐stream percept or a two‐stream percept. Comparison of different types of sequences revealed that the neuronal responses to the alternating tones were more similar when the flashes promoted auditory stream integration, and were more dissimilar when the flashes promoted auditory stream segregation. Thus our findings show that the spiking activity in the monkey primary auditory cortex is related to auditory stream formation.
Sharp wave‐associated activity patterns of cortical neurons in the mouse piriform cortex
Authors: Katori Kazuki , Manabe Hiroyuki , Nakashima Ai , Dunfu Eer , Sasaki Takuya , Ikegaya Yuji , Takeuchi Haruki
Published: August 2018

The olfactory piriform cortex (PC) is thought to participate in olfactory associative memory. Like the hippocampus, which is essential for episodic memory, it belongs to an evolutionally conserved paleocortex and comprises a three‐layered cortical structure. During slow‐wave sleep, the olfactory PC becomes less responsive to external odor stimuli and instead displays sharp wave (SPW) activity similar to that observed in the hippocampus. Neural activity patterns during hippocampal SPW have been intensively studied in terms of memory consolidation; however, little is known about the activity patterns of olfactory cortical neurons during olfactory cortex sharp waves (OC‐SPWs). In this study, we recorded multi‐unit neural activities in the anterior PC in urethane‐anesthetized mice. We found that the activity patterns of olfactory cortical neurons during OC‐SPWs were non‐randomly organized. Individual olfactory cortical neurons varied in the timings of their peak firing rates during OC‐SPW events. Moreover, specific pairs of olfactory cortical neurons were more frequently activated together than expected by chance. On the basis of these observations, we speculate that coordinated activation of specific subsets of olfactory cortical neurons repeats during OC‐SPWs, thereby facilitating synaptic plasticity underlying the consolidation of olfactory associative memories.
Measuring horizontal pore gas velocity profiles in porous media in response to near‐surface wind speed and gustiness
Authors: Poulsen T. G.
Published: August 2018

A simple method for experimental determination of horizontal wind‐induced, near‐surface pore gas velocities in porous media is presented. This method uses traditional tracer gas tracking methodology, but is designed for applications where mass loss of tracer gas from the experimental domain occurs at an unknown rate (as is the case in near‐surface, wind‐exposed porous media), making traditional inverse transport modelling inapplicable. The method was applied to a dry, granular porous medium consisting of crushed basalt (2–4 mm grain size), using CO2 as the tracer gas. Experiments were conducted under controlled (wind tunnel) conditions, at average near‐surface wind speeds ranging from 0 to 5.6 ms−1, for both gusty and non‐gusty winds. Velocity profiles of near‐surface horizontal pore gas in the top 15 cm of the porous medium were determined for 10 different combinations of average wind speed and wind gust frequency. Pore gas velocities of up to 0.5 cms−1 were observed that depended on depth and near‐surface wind conditions. Results indicate that horizontal gas flow can occur in wind‐exposed porous media under both non‐gusty and gusty wind conditions, and that wind gustiness has a significant effect on the velocity profiles of horizontal pore gas inside porous media. Results show further that pore gas velocities were almost linearly proportional to near‐surface average wind speed, regardless of porous medium depth.

Highlights

Developed a novel method for measuring wind‐induced pore gas velocity in porous media.

Near‐surface wind action induced horizontal pore gas velocities.

Pore gas velocity profiles depended strongly on wind gustiness (gust frequency).

Pore gas velocities were directly proportional to average near‐surface wind speed.
The specificity and role of microglia in epileptogenesis in mouse models of tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zou Jia , Han Lirong , Beeler Brennan , Friedman Joseph L. , Griffin Elizabeth , Piao Yue‐Shan , Rensing Nicholas R. , Wong Michael
Published: August 2018

Objective

Microglial abnormalities have been reported in pathologic specimens from patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a genetic disorder characterized by epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autism. However, the pathogenic role of microglia in epilepsy in TSC is poorly understood, particularly whether microglia defects may be a primary contributor to epileptogenesis or are secondary to seizures or simply epiphenomena. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that Tsc1 gene inactivation in microglia is sufficient to cause epilepsy in mouse models of TSC.

Methods

Using a chemokine receptor, Cx3cr1, to target microglia, conventional Tsc1Cx3cr1‐CreCKO (conditional knockout) mice and postnatal‐inducible Tsc1Cx3cr1‐CreERCKO mice were generated and assessed for molecular and histopathologic evidence of microglial abnormalities, mechanistic target of rapamycin 1 (mTORC1) pathway activation, and epilepsy.

Results

Tsc1Cx3cr1‐CreCKO mice exhibited a high efficiency of microglia Tsc1 inactivation, mTORC1 activation, increased microglial size and number, and robust epilepsy, which were rapamycin‐dependent. However, Cre reporter studies demonstrated that constitutive Cx3cr1 expression affected not only microglia, but also a large percentage of cortical neurons, confounding the role of microglia in epileptogenesis in Tsc1 Cx3cr1‐CreCKO mice. In contrast, postnatal inactivation of Tsc1 utilizing a tamoxifen‐inducible Cx3cr1‐CreER resulted in a more‐selective microglia Tsc1 inactivation with high efficiency, mTORC1 activation, and increased microglial size and number, but no documented epilepsy.

Significance

Microglia abnormalities may contribute to epileptogenesis in the context of neuronal involvement in TSC mouse models, but selective Tsc1 gene inactivation in microglia alone may not be sufficient to cause epilepsy, suggesting that microglia have more supportive roles in the pathogenesis of seizures in TSC.
Chemosensory enrichment as a simple and effective way to improve the welfare of captive lizards
Authors: Londoño Claudia , Bartolomé Alicia , Carazo Pau , Font Enrique
Published: August 2018

Environmental enrichment has proven to be a useful and effective welfare tool in order to evaluate and enhance the well‐being of captive animals, but only when it is based on detailed knowledge of each species' natural behaviour. Chemoreception is fundamental to many aspects of reptilian biology; however, sensory enrichment with chemical stimuli has rarely been applied to reptiles. In this study, we evaluate the use of chemosensory enrichment as a method to enhance the welfare of Podarcis liolepis. For seven weeks, we exposed field‐caught males to scents from donor conspecific males collected on pieces of filter paper (i.e., “enriched” group, n = 18), and compared their behaviour to that of control males provided with unscented pieces of filter paper (n = 18). We measured the occurrence of normal (e.g., locomotion) and abnormal (escape attempts) behaviours each day for three weeks. In addition, we conducted two exploration tests and a visual barrier test. Compared to controls, enriched lizards showed a consistent long‐term decrease (29%–38%) in the occurrence of escape attempts. During exploration tests, enriched lizards spent less time performing escape attempts and devoted more time to perching than controls. As expected, both control and enriched lizards showed a reduction of time in locomotion and an increase in the time spent perching between the first and second exploration test, but these changes were significantly more pronounced for enriched animals. Taken together, our results suggest improved welfare of enriched animals, as they spent less time engaging in abnormal behaviours, more time in normal behaviours, and showed signs of faster habituation to a novel environment. Chemosensory enrichment is a relatively simple enrichment strategy that could potentially be applied to improve the welfare of a wide range of captive lizards, and reptiles at large.
Information‐gathering as a response to manipulated signals in the eastern fence lizard, Sceloporus undulatus
Authors: Ossip‐Drahos Alison G. , Berry Nicolas J. , King Christian M. , Martins Emília P.
Published: August 2018

Colorful visual signals are used across taxa to convey information during agonistic male‐male encounters, which are important for sexual selection. Although much is known about the information content of color signals, less is known about how receivers interpret this information. Here, using territorial Sceloporus undulatus lizards in a natural setting, we examined receiver response to intruders with different color patch sizes to determine (a) if patch size conveys information assessed during male‐male interactions and (b) if/how receivers modulate their behavioral responses to different types of behavioral signals. We found that larger lizards had longer and wider patches, indicating that the size of the patches may be one of the many characteristics of these patches that is used by males to convey information. Free‐ranging subject males also produced more headbob displays in response to intruders with small patches and took marginally longer to react to intruders with large patches. However, we found no differences in the aggressiveness of the response (i.e., fullshows). This indicates that patch size conveys information that is employed during territorial disputes, but that the response is primarily in terms of timing, allowing lizards to gather more information about intruders, instead of aggressive behavior (i.e., fullshows).
Nail abnormalities identified in an ageing study of 30 inbred mouse strains
Authors: Linn Sarah C. , Mustonen Allison M. , Silva Kathleen A. , Kennedy Victoria E. , Sundberg Beth A. , Bechtold Lesley S. , Alghamdi Sarah , Hoehndorf Robert , Schofield Paul N. , Sundberg John P.
Published: August 2018

In a large‐scale ageing study, 30 inbred mouse strains were systematically screened for histologic evidence of lesions in all organ systems. Ten strains were diagnosed with similar nail abnormalities. The highest frequency was noted in NON/ShiLtJ mice. Lesions identified fell into two main categories: acute to chronic penetration of the third phalangeal bone through the hyponychium with associated inflammation and bone remodelling or metaplasia of the nail matrix and nail bed associated with severe orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis replacing the nail plate. Penetration of the distal phalanx through the hyponychium appeared to be the initiating feature resulting in nail abnormalities. The accompanying acute to subacute inflammatory response was associated with osteolysis of the distal phalanx. Evaluation of young NON/ShiLtJ mice revealed that these lesions were not often found, or affected only one digit. The only other nail unit abnormality identified was sporadic subungual epidermoid inclusion cysts which closely resembled similar lesions in human patients. These abnormalities, being age‐related developments, may have contributed to weight loss due to impacts upon feeding and should be a consideration for future research due to the potential to interact with other experimental factors in ageing studies using the affected strains of mice.
Measuring environmental sustainability performance of freight transportation seaports in China: A data envelopment analysis approach based on the closest targets
Authors: Li Xingchen , Li Feng , Zhao Nenggui , Zhu Qingyuan
Published: August 2018

Because of China's rapid economic development, its freight transportation system has grown to become one of China's high‐pollution‐emission sectors. However, there are few studies that pay close attention to measuring and improving the environmental performance of China's freight transportation system, especially in regard to seaports. In this paper, data envelopment analysis (DEA) is applied to measure the environmental performance of freight transportation seaports. In addition, we also provide benchmarking information to point the way to improving environmental performance effectively. Our proposed DEA model is based on the closest targets, which satisfies the strong monotonicity and can yield the most relevant solution for the inefficient seaports. An empirical study of 21 of China's primary freight transportation seaports shows that most of them have relatively good environmental performance. Among the five coastal port groups, the Bohai‐rim port group had the best environmental performance, whereas the Pearl River port group had the worst. Our data show significant differences between the best and worst performances, indicating that more measures should be taken to balance and coordinate the development between the five coastal port groups.
DegP functions as a critical protease for bacterial acid resistance
Authors: Fu Xinmiao , Wang Yan , Shao Heqi , Ma Jing , Song Xinwen , Zhang Meng , Chang Zengyi
Published: August 2018

To counteract the lethal acid stress, bacteria explore such strategies as cytoplasmic decarboxylase‐catalyzed proton consumption and periplasmic chaperone‐assisted protein refolding. Here, we report a periplasmic protease‐mediated acid resistance mechanism in Escherichia coli. Deletion of the protease gene degP dramatically decreases the viability of late log or early stationary phase cells against the extreme acid stress (pH 2.3), which can only be minimally rescued by complementary expression of the protease‐deficient DegP(S210A) mutant protein. Similarly, DegQ, a homolog of DegP, also contributes to the bacterial acid resistance, but SurA as an important periplasmic chaperone hardly exhibits protection effect. In vitro studies reveal that DegP completely loses its protease activity under acidic condition but is able to partially reactivate upon neutralization. Importantly, we demonstrate the interaction of DegP with typical cellular substrate proteins in cells during acid stress and/or recovery stages by using unnatural amino acid‐mediated in vivo photo‐crosslinking, as well as the degradation of periplasmic proteins by DegP during recovery after acidic denaturation. These data illustrate the role of DegP in bacterial acid resistance conceivably via degrading those acid‐induced misfolded proteins. Our findings, together with earlier reports, suggest a comprehensive acid resistance strategy adopted by bacteria such that in the ATP‐deficient extra‐cytoplasm, the inevitable misfolded proteins induced by acid stress are refolded by a chaperone (e.g., HdeA/HdeB) and/or cleaved by a protease (e.g., DegP/DegQ) while in the cytoplasm excessive protons are directly consumed or exported.
Urban shrinkage with Chinese characteristics
Authors: Li He , Mykhnenko Vlad
Published: August 2018

This study exposes and maps a hitherto little‐known dimension of China's urban geography – that of shrinkage, directly affecting one in 10 of its cities. Urban shrinkage is revealed to be a growing concern for the most populous country on earth, with the absolute number of shrinking cities rising by 71% from 164 in the 1990s to 281 in the 2000s. By developing its own definition of the city as an urban area (UA) in the Chinese political‐administrative context, this paper builds a morphologic taxonomy of China's shrinking cities. This reveals the overall net population loss across Chinese shrinking cities more than doubling since 1990, reaching 7.3 million inhabitants in 2010. Sixty‐eight ChineseUAs, mostly in north‐eastern China, are found to have been shrinking continuously since 1990. Despite the multifaceted and entangled make‐up of urban shrinkage, the paper identifies four distinct causes of this geographical phenomenon in China: (1) state‐incubated reindustrialisation and economic restructuring, impacting upon 63% of all shrinkingUAs; (2) the country's new economic geography, with the underlying centripetal forces of agglomeration pushing around 34% of all shrinking cities towards marginalisation; (3) state‐propelled demographic change, leading to natural population decline in 26% of Chinese shrinking cities; and (4) state‐sponsored mega‐shrinkage, responsible for urban population loss in almost 20% of all the cases. This study further provides a theoretically informed reflection on the peculiarity of shrinkage in China and its public policy implications.
Attitudes towards lung cancer screening in a population sample
Authors: Smits Stephanie E. , McCutchan Grace M. , Hanson Jane A. , Brain Kate E.
Published: August 2018

Background

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Routine UK lung cancer screening is not yet available, thus understanding barriers to participation in lung screening could help maximize effectiveness if introduced.

Methods

Population‐based survey of 1007 adults aged 16 and over in Wales using random quota sampling. Computer‐assisted face‐to‐face interviews included demographic variables (age, gender, smoking, social group), four lung cancer belief statements and three lung screening attitudinal items. Determinants of lung screening attitudes were examined using multivariable regression adjusted for age, gender, social group and previous exposure to lung campaign messages.

Results

Avoidance of lung screening due to fear of what might be found was statistically significantly associated with negative lung cancer beliefs including fatalism (aOR = 8.8, 95% CI = 5.6‐13.9, P ≤ 0.001), low perceived value of symptomatic presentation (aOR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.5‐3.9, P ≤ 0.001) and low treatment efficacy (aOR = 0.3, CI = 0.2‐0.7, P ≤ 0.01).

Low perceived effectiveness of lung screening was significantly associated with fatalism (aOR = 6.4, 95% CI = 3.5‐11.7, P ≤ 0.001), low perceived value of symptom presentation (aOR = 4.9, 95% CI = 2.7‐8.9, P ≤ 0.001) and low treatment efficacy (aOR = 0.1, 95% CI = 0.1‐0.3, P ≤ 0.001). In contrast, respondents who thought lung screening could reduce cancer deaths had positive beliefs about lung cancer (aOR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.2‐0.7, P ≤ 0.001) and its treatment (aOR = 6.1, 95% CI = 3.0‐12.6, P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

People with negative beliefs about lung cancer may be more likely to avoid lung screening. Alongside the introduction of effective early detection strategies, interventions are needed to modify public perceptions of lung cancer, particularly for fatalism.
Use of LC‐MS analysis to elucidate by‐products of niacinamide transformation following in vitro skin permeation studies
Authors: Sil B. C. , Moore D. J. , Lane M. E.
Published: August 2018

Objective

To explore and elucidate the formation of niacinamide (NIA) by‐products during in vitro skin permeation studies using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) analysis.

Methods

Porcine skin permeation studies of various NIA formulations were conducted using Franz diffusion cells for a period of 24 hours. NIA by‐products were identified by LC, extracted and further qualitatively analysed by LC‐MS.

Results

Analysis and characterisation of NIA by‐products using LC‐MS resulted in the identification of different molecular entities with similar structures to NIA. The most prevalent molecular specie in this study was 1,4,5,6‐tetrahydropyridine‐3‐carboxamide with the highest ion abundance. Other structural NIA analogues were also identified and reported, namely piperidine‐3‐carboxamide and 1,4‐dihydropyridine‐3‐carboxamide. None of these NIA derivatives were detected in stability studies of NIA in the medium used as the receptor phase, phosphate buffered saline (PBS), that had not been in contact with skin.

Conclusion

The comparatively low recovery of NIA following in vitro mass‐balance and permeation studies for pseudo‐finite and finite dosing of the active compared with infinite dosing is attributed to chemical derivatisation of the molecule during skin penetration. These findings reported here will allow the development of more sensitive methods to ensure full mass balance recovery of NIA following topical application of NIA preparations.
Production of trans‐free margarine fat by enzymatic interesterification of soy bean oil, palm stearin and coconut stearin blend
Authors: Lakum Ruttiya , Sonwai Sopark
Published: August 2018

Trans‐free structure lipids (SLs) were prepared from enzymatic interesterification (EI) of soybean oil (SBO), palm stearin (PS) and coconut stearin (CNS) blends in different ratios (0:70:30, 10:60:30, 20:50:30, 30:40:30 and 40:30:30% wt.) using Lipozyme RM IM at 65 °C for 8 h. After EI, the fatty acid composition of the SLs exhibited no change from the physical blends (PBs). Medium‐chain fatty acid was incorporated into the triacylglycerol of the SLs. The melting completion temperature decreased from 50–54 °C of PBs to 32–44 °C of SLs with a reduction in solid fat content. The small needle‐shaped crystals were observed in the SL samples. SL obtained from EI of 20:50:30 (SBO:PS:CNO) blend exhibited the highest potential to be used as a trans‐free margarine fat as it showed a similar SFC curve to the commercial margarine fat and crystallised into β′ polymorphic form.
Improving antioxidant activity of black bean protein by hydrolysis with protease combinations
Authors: Aguilar Jessika Gonçalves dos Santos , Granato Cason Victor , de Castro Ruann Janser Soares
Published: August 2018

This study explored the use of a simplex centroid design to produce protein hydrolysates with antioxidant properties using Alcalase® 2.4L, Flavourzyme® 500L and Neutrase® 0.8L. Proteases kinetic parameters and the ultrafiltration of protein hydrolysates were also investigated. The highest antioxidant activity, in the studied conditions, was reached when the mixture of Alcalase® 2.4L and Flavourzyme® 500L was used in the hydrolysates production. The antioxidant power of the black bean proteins, measured by the total antioxidant capacity and reducing power assay, increased after hydrolysis by 31% and 70%, respectively. The black bean proteins hydrolysates fractions (3–30 kDa) showed an antioxidant activity decrease along with a reduction in molecular weight, demonstrating that a set of varied molecular weight peptides was responsible for the antioxidant characteristics of black bean protein hydrolysates.
Effect of a nurse‐led intervention programme on professional quality of life and post‐traumatic growth in oncology nurses
Authors: Yılmaz Gülay , Üstün Besti , Günüşen Neslihan Partlak
Published: August 2018

Aim

To evaluate the effects of a nurse‐led intervention programme on compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, and burnout, which are indicators of the professional quality of life and post‐traumatic growth of oncology nurses.

Method

The study was designed in a single group with pre‐test and post‐test comparisons. The nurse‐led intervention programme was carried out in two face‐to‐face sessions and two counselling follow‐up sessions by phone with 43 nurses who care for oncology patients at a university hospital. The nurse‐led intervention sessions consisted of a lecture on a relevant topic, background reading, baksi dance and mandala painting; motivational text messages and counselling. The Professional Quality of Life‐IV Scale and the Post‐Traumatic Growth Inventory were used, and data were evaluated using the “paired groups t test” analysis. Data for the study were acquired between March and April 2016.

Results

The evaluation carried out before and 5 weeks after the intervention showed that compassion fatigue and burnout decreased, while compassion satisfaction and all subscales scores of post‐traumatic growth inventory increased.

Conclusion

This nurse‐led intervention programme was effective in improving the professional quality of life and post‐traumatic growth of oncology nurses.
Remission of obesity among a nationally representative sample of US children
Authors: Luan D. , Mezuk B. , Bauer K. W.
Published: August 2018

Background

Little is known about the incidence and natural history of obesity remission among children outside of weight loss programmes.

Objectives

The objectives are to characterize and identify sociodemographic and early life predictors of obesity remission between kindergarten and eighth grade among a nationally representative sample of US children.

Methods

The sample included children with obesity [age‐specific and gender‐specific body mass index percentile (BMI) ≥95] at the spring kindergarten assessment of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998–99. Weight categories across 8 years of follow‐up were used to identify three transition patterns: persistent obesity remission, non‐persistent obesity remission and non‐remission. Weight, height and BMI changes between remission categories were examined and predictors of persistent remission were identified.

Results

One‐third of children with obesity in kindergarten experienced remission during follow‐up and 21.6% of children experienced persistent remission through eighth grade. Female gender and high socio‐economic status predicted persistent remission; these associations were attenuated after accounting for baseline BMI. Children experiencing persistent remission gained less weight across waves than those experiencing non‐remission.

Conclusions

A meaningful proportion of young children with obesity experience remission by eighth grade. Further study is needed to identify factors that support obesity remission among children outside of treatment contexts.
Impact of dynamic physical exercise on high‐risk definite arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ruiz Salas Amalio , Barrera Cordero Alberto , Navarro‐Arce Isabel , Jiménez Navarro Manuel , García Pinilla José Manuel , Cabrera Bueno Fernando , Abdeselam‐Mohamed Nasiba , Morcillo‐Hidalgo Luis , Gómez Doblas Juan José , de Teresa Eduardo , Alzueta Javier
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D) is an inherited cardiomyopathy characterized by ventricular arrhythmias and heart failure. The variable phenotype suggesting that determined environmental factors may have an influence. The aim of our study was to discover the impact of the dynamic physical activity on patients with high‐risk definite ARVC/D.

Methods and Results

Collection of data on physical activity at the time of diagnosis was conducted at an in‐person clinical interview. The intensity of the activity was classified in accordance with the mean frequency of weekly physical exercise sessions in the 10 years before diagnosis and into the following three groups of dynamic activity: high/competitive (>3 h/wk), moderate (1 to 3 h) and minimal/inactive (<1 h). Seventeen patients practiced high dynamic physical activities. The intensity of dynamic activity was classified into three groups: 8 of high intensity, 9 moderate, and 19 inactive. The first major arrhythmic event and occurrence of severe right ventricular dysfunction were earlier in the high‐intensity exercise group, followed by the moderate intensity group and at a later age in the low‐intensity/inactive group.

Conclusions

Dynamic exercise could be directly associated with the severity of the phenotype in relation to the precocity of major ventricular arrhythmic events and right ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with high‐risk definite ARVC/D.
Clinical and microbiological effects of scaling and root planing, metronidazole and amoxicillin in the treatment of diabetic and non‐diabetic subjects with periodontitis: A cohort study
Authors: Duarte Poliana Mendes , Feres Magda , Yassine Lina Lameh Smeili , Soares Geisla Mary Silva , Miranda Tamires Szeremeske , Faveri Marcelo , Retamal‐Valdes Belen , Figueiredo Luciene Cristina
Published: August 2018

Aim

To evaluate if non‐diabetic subjects with periodontitis respond better than subjects with type 2 diabetes to the treatment protocol of scaling and root planing (SRP), metronidazole (MTZ) and amoxicillin (AMX).

Material and Methods

Diabetic and nondiabetic subjects with severe periodontitis received SRP + MTZ (400 mg/thrice a day [TID]) + AMX (500 mg/TID) for 14 days. Subgingival biofilm samples were analyzed by checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization for 40 bacterial species. Subjects were monitored at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months post‐therapy.

Results

Twenty‐nine type 2 diabetics and 29 non‐diabetic subjects participated of this study. Of the non‐diabetics and diabetics, 68.9% and 75.9%, respectively, reached the clinical endpoint for treatment (≤4 sites with probing depth [PD] ≥5 mm) at 1 year post‐therapy (p > 0.05). The diabetic group presented lower mean clinical attachment gain from baseline to 1 year post‐therapy and higher mean proportions of the red and orange complexes than the non‐diabetic group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Non‐diabetic subjects with severe periodontitis did not respond better than type 2 diabetic subjects to the treatment protocol of SRP + MTZ + AMX, both in terms of achieving the clinical endpoint for treatment and of PD improvement. Diabetic subjects exhibited a slightly worse microbiological response and showed a healing process more associated with gingival recession than the non‐diabetics.
Genetic signatures of lipid metabolism evolution in Cetacea since the divergence from terrestrial ancestor
Authors: Endo Yoshinori , Kamei Ken‐ichiro , Inoue‐Murayama Miho
Published: August 2018

In mammalian evolutionary history, Cetacea (whales, dolphins and porpoises) achieved astonishing success by adapting to an aquatic environment. One unique characteristic of cetaceans, contributing to this adaptive success, is efficient lipid utilization. Here, we report a comparative genetic analysis of five aquatic and five terrestrial Cetartiodactyla species using 144 genes associated with lipid metabolism. Mutation ratio (dN/dS), amino acid substitution in functional domains and metabolic pathways were evaluated using branch‐site model in PAML, Pfam and KEGG, respectively. Our tests detected 20 positively selected genes in Cetacea compared to 11 in Bovidae with little overlap between the lineages. We identified lineage‐specific patterns of amino acid substitutions and functional domains that were mutually exclusive between cetaceans and bovids, supporting divergent evolution of lipid metabolism since the divergence of these taxa from a common ancestor. Moreover, a pathway analysis showed that the identified genes in cetaceans were associated with lipid digestion, lipid storage and energy‐producing pathways. This study emphasizes the evolutionary context of lipid metabolism modification of cetaceans and provides a foundation for future studies of elucidating the adapted biological mechanisms of cetacean lipid metabolism and a framework for incorporating ecological context into studies aimed at investigating adaptive evolution.
Learning‐induced host preference in male parasitoid wasps as a potential driver of ecological speciation
Authors: Sasakawa Kôji , Kon Yûsuke
Published: August 2018

Ecological speciation via a host shift plays an important role in the diversification of phytophagous and parasitic insects. However, it is not clear how separation is maintained among initial populations in which genetic separation mechanisms are not fully established. Learning‐induced host preference in females can contribute to host fidelity and result in a barrier to gene flow in the initial populations. However, the role of males, which also affects gene flow, has been largely unexplored. We examined host preference through induced learning in males, which can contribute to initial population divergence, in the parasitoid wasp, Anisopteromalus calandrae, and two host species, Callosobruchus chinensis and C. maculatus. Behavioural experiments were performed using a four‐chamber olfactometer. When wasps were conditioned during the preimaginal and early adult stage without mating experience, no preference was induced regardless of the host species. However, when wasps were conditioned at the early adult stage using the odour of the rearing host and mate reward, preference was induced in both host species. These results demonstrate mate reward learning‐induced host preference in males. Interestingly, when the rearing host species and the mating conditioning host species were interchanged, preference was induced only in males conditioned to C. maculatus at mating. Thus, depending on the host species, preimaginal and early adult learning is vital to preference induction. Our results suggest that behavioural change via learning in males plays a more important role in the ecological speciation of phytophagous and parasitic insects than previously recognized.
Virulence of Flavobacterium psychrophilum isolates in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)
Authors: Jarau Maureen , Di Natale Adrian , Huber Paul E. , MacInnes Janet I. , Lumsden John S.
Published: August 2018

Flavobacterium psychrophilum, the causative agent of bacterial cold‐water disease (BCWD) in freshwater‐reared salmonids, is also a common commensal organism of healthy fish. The virulence potential of F. psychrophilum isolates obtained from BCWD cases in Ontario between 1994 and 2009 was evaluated. In preliminary infection trials of rainbow trout juveniles, significant differences (0% to 63% mortality) in the virulence of the 22 isolates tested were noted following intraperitoneal injection with 108 cfu/fish. A highly virulent strain, FPG 101, was selected for further study. When fish were injected intraperitoneally with a 106, 107 or 108 cfu/fish of F. psychrophilum FPG 101, the 108 cfu/fish dose produced significantly greater mortality (p < 0.05). The bacterial load in spleen samples collected from fish every 3 days after infection was determined using rpoC quantitative polymerase chain reaction amplification and by plate counting. Bacterial culture and rpoC qPCR were highly correlated (R2 = 0.92); however, culture was more sensitive than the qPCR assay for the detection of F. psychrophilum in spleen tissue. Ninety‐seven per cent of the asymptomatic and the morbid fish had splenic bacterial loads of <2.8 log10 gene/copies and >3.0 log10 gene copies/reaction, respectively, following infection with 108 cfu/fish.
Closing the TIMES Integrated Assessment Model (TIAM‐FR) Raw Materials Gap with Life Cycle Inventories
Authors: Boubault Antoine , Kang Seungwoo , Maïzi Nadia
Published: August 2018

Integrated assessment models are in general not constrained by mineral resource supply. In this paper, we introduce a material accounting method as a first step toward addressing the raw materials gap in the TIMES integrated assessment model (TIAM‐FR version). The method consists of attributing process‐based life cycle inventories (LCIs) taken from the ecoinvent 3.3 database to the TIAM‐FR technology processes constituting the global energy system. We demonstrate the method performing a prospective exercise on the electricity‐generating sector in a second shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP2) baseline scenario on the 2010–2100 time horizon. We start by disaggregating the LCIs into three separate life phases (construction, operation, and decommissioning) and coupling them to their respective TIAM‐FR electric outputs (new capacities, electricity production, and end‐of‐life capacities) in order to estimate the annual mineral resource requirements. Prospective uses of fossil fuels and metallic and nonmetallic mineral resources are quantified dynamically at the life phase and regional levels (15 world regions). The construction of hydropower, solar power, and wind power plants generate increasing use of metallic and nonmetallic mineral resources in successive peak and valley periods. However, the use of fossil fuels is much higher than the use of mineral resources all along the horizon. Finally, we evaluate how sensitive the global material use is to the allocation of a share of infrastructure activities to the decommissioning phase. This approach could be extended to other integrated assessment models and possibly other energy sectors.
The Interaction of Monetary and Macroprudential Policies
Authors: SILVO AINO
Published: August 2018

I analyze a New Keynesian dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model where the financing of productive investment is affected by a moral hazard problem. I solve for jointly Ramsey‐optimal monetary and macroprudential policies. I find that when a financial friction is present in addition to the standard nominal friction, the optimal policy can replicate the first‐best allocation if the social planner can conduct both monetary and macroprudential policy. Using monetary policy alone is not enough: a policy trade‐off between stabilizing inflation and output gap emerges. When policy follows simple rules, the source of fluctuations is relevant for the choice of the appropriate policy mix.
Withdrawal from repeated morphine administration augments expression of the RhoA network in the nucleus accumbens to control synaptic structure
Authors: Cahill Michael E. , Browne Caleb J. , Wang Junshi , Hamilton Peter J. , Dong Yan , Nestler Eric J.
Published: August 2018

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a critical brain reward region that mediates the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse, including those of morphine and other opiates. Drugs of abuse induce widespread alterations in gene transcription and dendritic spine morphology in medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the NAc that ultimately influence NAc excitability and hence reward‐related behavioral responses. Growing evidence indicates that within the NAc small GTPases are common intracellular targets of drugs of abuse where these molecules regulate drug‐mediated transcriptional and spine morphogenic effects. The RhoA small GTPase is among the most well‐characterized members of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases, and recent work highlights an important role for hippocampal RhoA in morphine‐facilitated reward behavior. Despite this, it remains unclear how RhoA pathway signaling in the NAc is affected by withdrawal from morphine. To investigate this question, using subcellular fractionation and subsequent protein profiling we examined the expression of key components of the RhoA pathway in NAc nuclear, cytoplasmic, and synaptosomal compartments during multiple withdrawal periods from repeated morphine administration. Furthermore, using in vivo viral‐mediated gene transfer, we determined the consequences of revealed RhoA pathway alterations on NAc MSN dendritic spine morphology. Our findings reveal an important role for RhoA signaling cascades in mediating the effects of long‐term morphine withdrawal on NAc MSN dendritic spine elimination.

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Prostaglandin E2 depresses GABA release onto parvocellular neuroendocrine neurones in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus via presynaptic receptors
Authors: Khazaeipool Zahra , Wiederman Meagan , Inoue Wataru
Published: August 2018

Inflammation‐induced activation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis and the ensuing release of anti‐inflammatory glucocorticoids are critical for the fine‐tuning of the inflammatory response. This immune‐induced neuroendocrine response is in large part mediated by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), the central actions of which ultimately translate into the excitation of parvocellular neuroendocrine cells (PNCs) in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. However, the neuronal mechanisms by which PGE2 excites PNCs remain incompletely understood. In the present study, we report that PGE2 potently depresses GABAergic inhibitory synaptic transmission onto PNCs. Using whole‐cell patch clamp recordings obtained from PNCs in ex vivo hypothalamic slices from rats, we found that bath application of PGE2 (0.01‐100 μmol L‐1) concentration‐dependently decreased the amplitude of evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (eIPSCs) with maximum effects at 10 μmol L‐1. The PGE2‐mediated depression of eIPSCs had a rapid onset and was long‐lasting, and also was accompanied by an increase in paired pulse ratio. In addition, PGE2 decreased the frequency but not the amplitude of both spontaneous IPSCs and miniature IPSCs. These results collectively indicate that PGE2 acts at a presynaptic locus to decrease the probability of GABA release. Using pharmacological approaches, we also demonstrated that the EP3 subtype of the PGE2 receptor mediated the actions of PGE2 on GABA synapses. Taken together, our results show that PGE2, via actions of presynaptic EP3 receptors, potently depresses GABA release onto PNCs, providing a plausible mechanism for the disinhibition of HPA axis output during inflammation.
A morphoanatomical approach to the adaptive features of the epidermis and proboscis of a marine Polychaeta: Eulalia viridis (Phyllodocida: Phyllodocidae)
Authors: Rodrigo A. P. , Martins C. , Costa M. H. , Alves de Matos A. P. , Costa P. M.
Published: August 2018

Eulalia viridis is a marine Polychaeta of the rocky intertidal that, despite its simple anatomy, is an active predator of much larger invertebrates, from which it extracts pieces of soft tissue through suction. This uncanny feeding strategy triggered the pursuit for the morphological mechanisms that enable adaptation to its environment. The evaluation of the worm anatomy and microanatomy, combining electron and optical microscopy, revealed a series of particular adaptations in the epidermis and in the proboscis (the heavily muscled eversible pharynx). Besides its function in feeding, the proboscis is the main sensory organ, being equipped with numerous sensorial papillae holding chemoreceptors. Additionally, the proboscis possesses tentacles that become exposed when the organ is everted. These provide fast release of mucus and toxins, from mucocytes and special serous cells, respectively (the latter involving both merocrine and apocrine processes), whenever contact with a prey occurs. In its turn, the epidermis provides protection by cuticle and mucus secretion and has a sensorial function that may be associated to the worm's uncommon green pigment cells. Eulalia viridis presents a series of elegant adaptive tools to cope with its environment that are evolutionarily designed to counterbalance its relatively simple body plan.
The axial anatomy of monitor lizards (Varanidae)
Authors: Cieri Robert L.
Published: August 2018

Because the musculoskeletal anatomy of the trunk is the framework for the behaviors of locomotion, ventilation, and body support in lepidosaurs, comparative study of trunk anatomy in this group is critical for unraveling the selective pressures leading to extant diversity in axial form and function among vertebrates. This work uses gross dissection and computed tomography to describe the muscular and skeletal anatomy of the trunk of varanid lizards (Varanidae, Anguimorpha). Gross muscle dissections were conducted to investigate the axial muscular anatomy of Varanus exanthematicus, Varanus giganteus, Varanus rosenbergi, and Varanus panoptes. Computed tomography scans of these and additional varanid lizards from the Varanus and Odatria subgenera were conducted to investigate rib and vertebral number and gross morphology. The number of vertebrae differs between species, with 27–35 presacral and 47–137 postsacral vertebrae. Although the number of floating and abdominal ribs in varanids is variable, most species examined have three to four cervical ribs and three true ribs. Attachment and insertion points of the epaxial and hypaxial musculature are detailed. The body wall has four main hypaxial layers, from superficial to deep: oliquus externus, intercostalis externi, intercostalis internii, and transversus. Varanids differ from other investigated lepidosaurs in having supracostalis dorsus brevis (epaxial) and levator costae (hypaxial), which independently connect each rib to the vertebral column. Although more basic muscle descriptions of the body wall in reptiles are needed, comparisons with the condition in the green iguana (Iguana iguana) can be made.
Consumers' Needs for Public Education and Corporate Participation Regarding Child Internet Addiction: Based on the Risk Perception Attitude Framework
Authors: Nam Su‐Jung , Hwang Hyesun
Published: August 2018

Internet addiction, which causes physical, behavioral, and psychological problems, especially in children, is becoming an increasingly common disorder in contemporary society. This study investigated the needs of consumers for public education and corporate participation in South Korea to prevent or reduce the risk to young children becoming addicted to the Internet, and classified consumers into four groups according to their risk perception and efficacy beliefs using the Risk Perception Attitude framework. The expressed consumer need for public education was higher for groups with low efficacy beliefs, whereas the expressed need for corporate participation was higher for groups with high efficacy beliefs. These results indicate that consumers who perceive the risk as out of their control feel a higher need for a public approach, while those with high efficacy beliefs feel a higher need for corporate efforts.
Permanent pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in bicuspid aortic valve patients
Authors: Xiong Tian‐Yuan , Liao Yan‐Biao , Li Yi‐Jian , Zhao Zhen‐Gang , Wei Xin , Tsauo Jiay‐yu , Xu Yuan‐Ning , Feng Yuan , Chen Mao
Published: August 2018

Background

Studies of permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) specifically for bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients are lacking. We aim to delineate possible aspects that might affect the incidence of PPI in a retrospective cohort of BAV patients treated with early‐generation self‐expanding devices.

Methods

A total of 80 patients with bicuspid morphology who successfully underwent TAVR by self‐expanding devices without prior PPI were included. Baseline clinical, echocardiographic, and angiographic characteristics, procedural and post‐procedural details were collected.

Results

The incidence of PPI after early‐generation self‐expanding valves in this BAV cohort was 26.3%. Baseline characteristics were comparable between patients requiring PPI post‐TAVR or not. Perimeter oversizing greater than 20% significantly increased the risk of PPI compared with an oversizing of 10‐20% (OR 5.08 [1.22, 21.07], P = 0.03). The proportion of patients with a depth of implantation greater than 6 mm was significantly higher in those who required PPI (82.4% vs 54.3%, P = 0.04). When testing the impact of depth of implantation >6 mm and oversizing in different morphologies, only in type 1 bicuspid patients and by oversizing>20% increased the risk of PPI (OR 12.00 [1.25, 115.36], P = 0.03) compared with an oversizing of 10‐20%.

Conclusions

Excessive perimeter oversizing in relation to aortic annulus and depth of implantation greater than 6 mm should be avoided to improve PPI post‐TAVR for BAV patients receiving self‐expanding devices, especially for type 1 BAV.