bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Upstream Determinants of Adult Obesity
Authors: Lakerveld Jeroen , Mackenbach Joreintje
Published: May 2017

Over-consumption of high-energy foods and a lack of physical activity are the main behavioural risk factors for people to develop obesity. These behaviours are influenced by a range of individual-level factors which are nested within contexts that contain influencing characteristics further upstream. In this paper, we define these upstream determinants. We also provide a historical background, summarise the current evidence base regarding these determinants across various types of environments and put them in perspective.
Synchronization of estrus in paca (Cuniculus paca L.): possible impacts on reproductive and productive parameters
Authors: Ribeiro Vânia Maria França , Satrapa Rodolpho , Diniz Jefferson Viana Alves , Fêo Haline Ballestero , Flórez Luis Mauricio Montoya , Satrapa Rafael Augusto , Oba Eunice
Published: May 2017

A sincronização é uma biotécnica reprodutiva que melhora a porcentagem de cobertura por meio da manipulação do ciclo estral. Empregar esta biotécnica em pacas de cativeiro (Cuniculus paca L.) é importante, pois cria-se a expectativa de que a demanda pela carne seja atendida e a caça ilegal diminua. O objetivo da pesquisa foi verificar o efeito de implantes de progestágenos associados a duas doses de gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG) na sincronização e indução de cios férteis de pacas. Foram utilizadas 18 fêmeas não prenhas e nove machos, divididos em três grupos. Fêmeas do G1 e G2 receberam implantes com 1,5mg de Norgestomet e, sete dias depois, 0,13mg de prostaglandina via intramuscular (IM). No dia 8 (D8), foram retirados os implantes e G1 e G2 receberam 25 UI e 50 UI de eCG, IM, respectivamente; G3 foi o controle. O pareamento nos três grupos aconteceu nos mesmos dias. As fêmeas do G3 apresentaram cio alguns dias após o dia zero (D0). Fêmeas que receberam tratamento apresentaram cio só após a retirada do implante no dia 8 (D8). As taxas de prenhez de G1, G2 e G3 atingiram 100%, 66% e 50%, respectivamente. Em relação a filhotes por parto, 100% do G1 e G3 produziram uma cria, enquanto 50% do G2 produziram duas crias. O progestágeno do implante foi eficaz em mimetizar a fase lútea do ciclo estral. Após a remoção, o tratamento hormonal favoreceu a ocorrência de cio fértil. Outros estudos devem ser realizados a fim de estabelecer uma possível associação entre 50 UI de eCG e a ocorrência de gestações gemelares.
Enterotoxin genes, multidrug resistance, and molecular typing of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from organic bovine milk
Authors: Siqueira Amanda Keller , Salerno Tatiana , Lara Gustavo Henrique Batista , Condas Larissa Anuska Zeni , Pereira Valéria Cataneli , Riboli Danilo Flávio Moraes , Listoni Fernando josé Paganini , Silva Aristeu Vieira da , Leite Domingos Da Silva , Cunha Maria de Lourdes Ribeiro de Souza da , Ribeiro Márcio Garcia
Published: May 2017

A emergência de estafilococos multirresistentes e resistentes à meticilina, isolados de animais, alimentos e humanos é uma preocupação em saúde pública. Esses micro-organismos produzem diferentes toxinas relacionadas à intoxicação alimentar em humanos. Este estudo caracterizou Staphylococcus spp. isolados em duas fazendas orgânicas no Brasil. Foram coletadas 259 amostras de leite em duas propriedades leiteiras orgânicas, nas quais 58 (22,4%) estirpes de Staphylococcus spp. foram isoladas. A maior sensibilidade dos isolados foi observada para ceftiofur e sulfametoxazol/trimetoprim em 96,6%. Em contraste, acima de 89% de resistência dos estafilicocos foi encontrada para penicilina G. O gene mecA foi identificado em 13,8% dos isolados. SEA e SEC foram as enterotoxinas mais comumente detectadas. PFGE revelou heterogeneidade genética entre S. intermedius e S. warneri, enquanto S. aureus demonstraram perfis semelhantes entre isolados dos dois rebanhos estudados. Relata-se pela primeira vez no Brasil a detecção de enterotoxinas, o gene mecA e diversidade genética em estafilococos isolados de vacas em produção orgânica.
Occurrence of antibodies against Leptospira spp in dogs from Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
Authors: Silva Elís Rosélia Dutra de Freitas Siqueira , Castro Vanessa , Prianti Maria das Graças , Gonçalves Larissa Maria Feitosa , Sobrinho Júnior Enoque Pereira Costa , Drumond Karina Oliveira , Mineiro Ana Lys Bezerra Barradas
Published: May 2017

A leptospirose é uma doença sistêmica causada por bactéria Leptospira spp. que afeta seres humanos, animais domésticos e selvagens. O presente trabalho investigou a presença de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. na população canina da cidade de Teresina-Piauí, e os respectivos sorovares predominantes. Amostras de sangue de 425 cães foram coletadas no Centro de Controle de Zoonoses de Teresina, no período de julho de 2010 a janeiro de 2012, e submetidas à prova de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM). Este estudo encontrou uma taxa de infecção média com 17,41% (IC 95%; 13,8 – 21,0) e 11 sorovares reagentes, sendo os prevalentes Canicola (18,9%), Autumnalis (16,2%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (12,1%) e Butembo (12,1%). As questões levantadas neste estudo indicam a ocorrência de infecção por Leptospira spp em cães da cidade de Teresina-Piauí, Brasil.
Antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Campylobacter spp. isolated from different animal species in Minas Gerais
Authors: Brito Cristiane Pinheiro Toscano de , Dorneles Elaine Maria Seles , Alves Telma Maria , Stynen Ana Paula Reinato , Lage Andrey Pereira
Published: May 2017

padrão de sensibilidade de 45 amostras de Campylobacter spp, incluindo 16 amostras de C. jejuni, 8 de C. coli e 21 C. fetus, isoladas de diferentes espécies de animais do Brasil, foi determinado para doze antimicrobianos. Todas as amostras de Campylobacter spp foram sensíveis à gentamicina, sulfadiazina e sulfametoxazol. C. jejuni e C. coli foram também sensíveis ao cloranfenicol, enquanto todas as amostras de C. fetus foram sensíveis à canamicina. Cefoperazona mostrou o maior percentual de resistência entre C. jejuni (68,75%), seguido pelo ácido nalidíxico (31,25%), ampicilina (37,50%), tetraciclina (37,50%), eritromicina (12,50%) e canamicina (6,25%). Similarmente, cefoperazona também exibiu o maior percentual de resistência entre as amostras de C. coli (75,00%), seguido pelo ácido nalidíxico (50,00%), tetraciclina (50,00%), eritromicina (37,50%), ampicilina (12,50%) e canamicina (12,50%). Entre os isolados de C. fetus, ácido nalidíxico apresentou maior taxa de resistência (85,71%), seguido de cefoperazona (71,43%), tetraciclina (42,86%), ampicilina (19,05%), cloranfenicol (9,52%) e eritromicina (4,76%). Assim, os nossos resultados mostraram que a maioria das amostras de Campylobacter spp isolados de animais foram sensíveis à gentamicina, cloranfenicol, canamicina e sulfonamidas. No entanto, uma proporção elevada das amostras apresentou susceptibilidade reduzida ao ácido nalidíxico, ampicilina, cefoperazona e tetraciclina. Além disso, C. coli e C. fetus mostraram uma alta porcentagem de amostras resistentes a múltiplas drogas.
Effects of topical application of pure and ozonized andiroba oil on experimentally induced wounds in horses
Authors: Araujo Anderson Luiz , Teixeira Fernanda Almeida , Lacerda Tracy Ferreira , Flecher Mayra Cunha , Souza Vinicius Ricardo Cuña , Coelho Clarisse Simões
Published: May 2017

Este trabalho realizou uma avaliação clínica e histopatológica da aplicação tópica do óleo de andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aublet), puro e ozonizado, no processo de cicatrização de feridas em cinco equinos saudáveis. Oito feridas de 6,25 cm2 foram induzidas cirurgicamente, quatro de cada lado da região lombar, craniais em relação à região sacral. Em três animais, o lado esquerdo foi destinado à avaliação macroscópica e mensuração de área, enquanto o lado direito foi destinado à análise histopatológica. Nos outros dois animais, as avaliações foram invertidas. O tratamento tópico foi iniciado 12 horas após a indução cirúrgica e foi mantido diariamente até a completa cicatrização das feridas. Foram usados, sequencialmente e bilateralmente, no sentido craniocaudal: solução salina (GC), solução salina ozonizada (GO), óleo de andiroba puro (GAP) e óleo de andiroba ozonizado (GAO). Aleatoriamente, a sequência de tratamentos foi modificada. As análises macroscópicas e microscópicas foram realizadas 3, 7, 14 e 21 dias após a cirurgia, e o tempo total para cicatrização registrado. A contração da ferida foi de 67,75% para GC, 65,26% para GO, 67,91% para GAP, e 69,84% para GAO. A avaliação histopatológica demonstrou que as feridas tratadas com GAO e GAP apresentaram uma avançada epitelização, proliferação fibroblástica e deposição de colágeno, moderada proliferação vascular e presença de infiltrados de células polimorfonucleares (PMN) e discreta proliferação de células mononucleares (MN). Foi possível concluir que todos os tratamentos usados foram benéficos perante o grupo de controle, mostrando que as versões pura e ozonizada do óleo de andiroba representam alternativas terapêuticas ao tratamento de feridas em equinos.
Cyclic Nucleotides Differentially Regulate Cx43 Gap Junction Function in Uterine Artery Endothelial Cells From Pregnant Ewes
Authors: Ampey Bryan C. , Ampey Amanda C. , Lopez Gladys E. , Bird Ian M. , Magness Ronald R.
Published: May 2017

Cell–cell communication is dependent on GJ (gap junction) proteins such as Cx43 (connexin 43). We previously demonstrated the importance of Cx43 function in establishing the enhanced pregnancy vasodilatory phenotype during pregnancy in uterine artery endothelial cells from pregnant (P-UAEC) ewes. Cx43 is regulated by elevating cAMP and PKA (protein kinase A)–dependent Cx43 S365 phosphorylation–associated trafficking and GJ open gating, which is opposed by PKC (protein kinase C)–dependent S368 phosphorylation-mediated GJ turnover and closed gating. However, the role of cyclic nucleotide-mediated signaling mechanisms that control Cx43 and GJ function in P-UAECs is unknown. We hypothesize that cAMP will mediate increases in S365 phosphorylation, thereby, enhancing GJ trafficking and open gating, while cGMP will stimulate S368, but not S365, phosphorylation to enhance GJ turnover and closed gating in P-UAECs. Treatment with 8-Bromo (8-Br)-cAMP signal significantly (
P
<0.05) increased nonphosphorylated S365 signal and total Cx43 phosphorylation, but not S368 phosphorylation, while 8-Br-cGMP significantly (
P
<0.05) increased Cx43 C-terminus-S365 signal, S368, and total Cx43 phosphorylation. Inhibition of PKA, but not PKG (protein kinase G), abrogated the 8-Br-cAMP–stimulated increase in nonphosphorylated S365 and total Cx43 phosphorylation and inhibited S368 below basal levels, whereas inhibition of PKG blocked (
P
<0.05) the 8-bromo-cGMP-stimulated rises in nonphosphorylated S365, total Cx43, and S368 phosphorylation levels in P-UAECs. Functional studies showed that 8-Br-cAMP increased dye transfer and sustained calcium bursts, while 8-Br-cGMP decreased both. Thus, in P-UAECs, only 8-Br-cAMP and not 8-Br-cGMP effectively enhances nonphosphorylated S365 and total Cx43 expression that correspondingly reduces S368 phosphorylation, allowing increased GJ communication. This provides new insights into the regulatory mechanisms behind Cx43 function and GJ communication.
Heterogeneity in Early Responses in ALLHAT (Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial)
Authors: Dhruva Sanket S. , Huang Chenxi , Spatz Erica S. , Coppi Andreas C. , Warner Frederick , Li Shu-Xia , Lin Haiqun , Xu Xiao , Furberg Curt D. , Davis Barry R. , Pressel Sara L. , Coifman Ronald R. , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: May 2017

Randomized trials of hypertension have seldom examined heterogeneity in response to treatments over time and the implications for cardiovascular outcomes. Understanding this heterogeneity, however, is a necessary step toward personalizing antihypertensive therapy. We applied trajectory-based modeling to data on 39 763 study participants of the ALLHAT (Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial) to identify distinct patterns of systolic blood pressure (SBP) response to randomized medications during the first 6 months of the trial. Two trajectory patterns were identified: immediate responders (85.5%), on average, had a decreasing SBP, whereas nonimmediate responders (14.5%), on average, had an initially increasing SBP followed by a decrease. Compared with those randomized to chlorthalidone, participants randomized to amlodipine (odds ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–1.31), lisinopril (odds ratio, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.73–2.03), and doxazosin (odds ratio, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.52–1.78) had higher adjusted odds ratios associated with being a nonimmediate responder (versus immediate responder). After multivariable adjustment, nonimmediate responders had a higher hazard ratio of stroke (hazard ratio, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.21–1.84), combined cardiovascular disease (hazard ratio, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.11–1.31), and heart failure (hazard ratio, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.24–1.78) during follow-up between 6 months and 2 years. The SBP response trajectories provided superior discrimination for predicting downstream adverse cardiovascular events than classification based on difference in SBP between the first 2 measurements, SBP at 6 months, and average SBP during the first 6 months. Our findings demonstrate heterogeneity in response to antihypertensive therapies and show that chlorthalidone is associated with more favorable initial response than the other medications.
Transforming Growth Factor‐β Receptor III is a Potential Regulator of Ischemia‐Induced Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis
Authors: Sun Fei , Li Xin , Duan Wen‐Qi , Tian Wei , Gao Ming , Yang Jia , Wu Xia‐Yang , Huang Di , Xia Wei , Han Yan‐Na , Wang Jia‐Xin , Liu Yan‐Xin , Dong Chang‐Jiang , Zhao Dan , Ban Tao , Chu Wen‐Feng
Published: May 2017

Background

Myocardial infarction (
MI
) is often accompanied by cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which decreases heart function and leads to an increased risk of heart failure. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of transforming growth factor‐β receptor
III
(
TGF
βR3) on cardiomyocyte apoptosis during
MI
.

Methods and Results

An
MI
mouse model was established by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. Cell viability, apoptosis,
TGF
βR3, and mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling were assessed by methylthiazolyldiphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, and Western blotting. Our results demonstrated that
TGF
βR3 expression in the border region of the heart was dynamically changed during
MI
. After stimulation with H
2
O
2
,
TGF
βR3 overexpression in cardiomyocytes led to increased cell apoptosis and activation of p38 signaling, whereas
TGF
βR3 knockdown had the opposite effect.
ERK
1/2 and
JNK
1/2 signaling was not altered by
TGF
βR3 modulation, and p38 inhibitor (
SB
203580) reduced the effect of
TGF
βR3 on apoptosis, suggesting that p38 has a nonredundant function in activating apoptosis. Consistent with the in vitro observations, cardiac
TGF
βR3 transgenic mice showed augmented cardiomyocyte apoptosis, enlarged infarct size, increased injury, and enhanced p38 signaling upon
MI
. Conversely, cardiac loss of function of
TGF
βR3 by adeno‐associated viral vector serotype 9–TGFβR3 short hairpin RNA attenuated the effects of
MI
in mice.

Conclusions

TGF
βR3 promotes apoptosis of cardiomyocytes via a p38 pathway–associated mechanism, and loss of
TGF
βR3 reduces
MI
injury, which suggests that
TGF
βR3 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for
MI
.
Globalization and School–Work Choices in an Emerging Economy: Vietnam
Authors: Coxhead Ian , Shrestha Rashesh
Published: May 2017

We examine the effect of increased industrial jobs on educational attainment in Vietnam, where WTO accession stimulated a massive increase in foreign direct investment. District-level intensity of jobs in foreign-invested firms is negatively associated with propensity to be in school for all urban teenagers and for rural females. High dropout rates are due in part to access to labor markets offering almost no premium for high school learning. The decision to join the workforce before completing high school will likely have long-term implications for individuals and for aggregate growth because global competitiveness depends on sustained increases in labor productivity.
Financial Conditions Indexes and Monetary Policy in Asia
Authors: Debuque-Gonzales Margarita , Gochoco-Bautista Maria Socorro
Published: May 2017

This paper constructs quarterly financial conditions indexes (FCIs) for eight Asian economies—namely, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand—using a common factor methodology based on Hatzius et al. ( 2010 ). A wide array of financial data is included in the indexes based on identified monetary transmission channels in the literature. Bank-related indicators, various measures of financial stress and risk, and credit surveys, where available, are incorporated to fully reflect the state of the financing environment. The FCIs for Asia successfully capture important episodes in each economy's financial history, but only the indexes of financially advanced economies Japan and Singapore have sufficient forecasting power to predict output growth and inflation. High co-movement of Asian FCIs suggests highly similar monetary policies in the region that are strongly linked with monetary policy in the United States.
Cross-border Vertical Integration and Intra-firm Trade: New Evidence from Korean and Japanese Firm-level Data
Authors: Chun Hyunbae , Hur Jung , Kim Young Gak , Kwon Hyeog Ug
Published: May 2017

This paper establishes two facts about cross-border vertical integration and intra-firm trade of firms in Korean and Japanese manufacturing industries. First, the intra-firm trade between a parent firm and its affiliates is highly concentrated in a small number of large multinational corporations. Second, the input–output coefficient between the parent firm's industry and the affiliate's industry is weakly related to the presence and magnitude of intra-firm trade between the parent firm and its affiliates. Furthermore, these two characteristics are also found in domestic vertically integrated firms. In particular, the second point identifies a need for further research on the motivation of cross-border vertical integration between two manufacturers, the final good producers at home and the input suppliers abroad.
Earnings Premium in State Jobs Across Urban China
Authors: Ma Yuanyuan , Walsh Patrick Paul , Wang Liming
Published: May 2017

Using the Chinese Household Income Project (CHIP) data, we find a 30 percent raw differential in earnings in favor of state workers in 2002. We examine the degree to which this differential is a pure premium by using a Heckman two-step selection model, where we instrument workers’ preference for state jobs with family political connections, among other factors. We find that 22 percent of the observed earnings differential is a pure premium to a worker in a state job in urban China. In the absence of a political transition in China, state jobs remained the privileged constituency in a dual-track transition that attracted the best politically connected workers in urban China and offered them a pure earnings premium.
Health on the Nineteenth-Century U.S. Great Plains: Opportunity or Displacement?
Authors: Carson Scott Alan
Published: May 2017

A population’s average stature reflects its cumulative net nutrition and provides important insight when more traditional measures for economic well-being are scarce or unreliable. Heights on the U.S. Central Plains did not exhibit the antebellum paradox instantiated in the eastern urban areas; they increased markedly during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, becoming the tallest in the world. Whites were taller than blacks on the Central Plains where slavery was not the primary source of labor, but whites were also taller than blacks in the American South where it was. Immigrants from industrialized Europe were shorter than black and white Americans but taller than Latin Americans and Asians.
The Life of the Dead: Karl Marx in Context
Authors: Caldwell Peter C.
Published: May 2017

In Karl Marx: Greatness and Illusion, Gareth Stedman Jones draws a distinction between Marx’s nineteenth-century views and those of twentieth-century Marxism, which abandoned ideas of Marx that seemed outdated. Stedman Jones’ careful reconstruction of Marx’s philosophical, political, and economic thought in the context of the new social thought of the early nineteenth century, however, reveals aspects of Marx that returned to challenge official Marxism. In this respect, Stedman Jones’ conception of intellectual history as the careful placement of ideas in their historical context conflicts with his actual practice of intellectual history, which discovers challenges to the present in past debates.
Social and Nonsocial Relational Reasoning in Adolescence and Adulthood
Authors: Magis-Weinberg Lucía , Blakemore Sarah-Jayne , Dumontheil Iroise
Published: May 2017

Reasoning during social interactions requires the individual manipulation of mental representations of one's own traits and those of other people as well as their joint consideration (relational integration). Research using nonsocial paradigms has linked relational integration to activity in the rostrolateral PFC. Here, we investigated whether social reasoning is supported by the same general system or whether it additionally relies on regions of the social brain network, such as the medial PFC. We further assessed the development of social reasoning. In the social task, participants evaluated themselves or a friend, or compared themselves with their friend, on a series of traits. In the nonsocial task, participants evaluated their hometown or another town or compared the two. In a behavioral study involving 325 participants (11–39 years old), we found that integrating relations, compared with performing single relational judgments, improves during adolescence, both for social and nonsocial information. Thirty-nine female participants (10–31 years old) took part in a neuroimaging study using a similar task. Activation of the relational integration network, including the rostrolateral PFC, was observed in the comparison condition of both the social and nonsocial tasks, whereas the medial PFC showed greater activation when participants processed social as opposed to nonsocial information across conditions. Developmentally, the right anterior insula showed greater activity in adolescents compared with adults during the comparison of nonsocial versus social information. This study shows parallel recruitment of the social brain and the relational reasoning network during the relational integration of social information in adolescence and adulthood.
The Phenomenal Contents and Neural Correlates of Spontaneous Thoughts across Wakefulness, NREM Sleep, and REM Sleep
Authors: Perogamvros Lampros , Baird Benjamin , Seibold Mitja , Riedner Brady , Boly Melanie , Tononi Giulio
Published: May 2017

Thoughts occur during wake as well as during dreaming sleep. Using experience sampling combined with high-density EEG, we investigated the phenomenal qualities and neural correlates of spontaneously occurring thoughts across wakefulness, non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, and REM sleep. Across all states, thoughts were associated with activation of a region of the midcingulate cortex. Thoughts during wakefulness additionally involved a medial prefrontal region, which was associated with metacognitive thoughts during wake. Phenomenologically, waking thoughts had more metacognitive content than thoughts during both NREM and REM sleep, whereas thoughts during REM sleep had a more social content. Together, these results point to a core neural substrate for thoughts, regardless of behavioral state, within the midcingulate cortex, and suggest that medial prefrontal regions may contribute to metacognitive content in waking thoughts.
LQG Online Learning
Authors: Gnecco Giorgio , Bemporad Alberto , Gori Marco , Sanguineti Marcello
Published: May 2017

Optimal control theory and machine learning techniques are combined to formulate and solve in closed form an optimal control formulation of online learning from supervised examples with regularization of the updates. The connections with the classical linear quadratic gaussian (LQG) optimal control problem, of which the proposed learning paradigm is a nontrivial variation as it involves random matrices, are investigated. The obtained optimal solutions are compared with the Kalman filter estimate of the parameter vector to be learned. It is shown that the proposed algorithm is less sensitive to outliers with respect to the Kalman estimate (thanks to the presence of the regularization term), thus providing smoother estimates with respect to time. The basic formulation of the proposed online learning framework refers to a discrete-time setting with a finite learning horizon and a linear model. Various extensions are investigated, including the infinite learning horizon and, via the so-called kernel trick, the case of nonlinear models.
Analytical Derivation of Nonlinear Spectral Effects and 1/f Scaling Artifact in Signal Processing of Real-World Data
Authors: Lainscsek Claudia , Muller Lyle E. , Sampson Aaron L. , Sejnowski Terrence J.
Published: May 2017

In estimating the frequency spectrum of real-world time series data, we must violate the assumption of infinite-length, orthogonal components in the Fourier basis. While it is widely known that care must be taken with discretely sampled data to avoid aliasing of high frequencies, less attention is given to the influence of low frequencies with period below the sampling time window. Here, we derive an analytic expression for the side-lobe attenuation of signal components in the frequency domain representation. This expression allows us to detail the influence of individual frequency components throughout the spectrum. The first consequence is that the presence of low-frequency components introduces a 1/f[Formula: see text] component across the power spectrum, with a scaling exponent of [Formula: see text]. This scaling artifact could be composed of diffuse low-frequency components, which can render it difficult to detect a priori. Further, treatment of the signal with standard digital signal processing techniques cannot easily remove this scaling component. While several theoretical models have been introduced to explain the ubiquitous 1/f[Formula: see text] scaling component in neuroscientific data, we conjecture here that some experimental observations could be the result of such data analysis procedures.
Predicting the Existence and Stability of Phase-Locked Mode in Neural Networks Using Generalized Phase-Resetting Curve
Authors: Oprisan Sorinel A.
Published: May 2017

We used the phase-resetting method to study a biologically relevant three-neuron network in which one neuron receives multiple inputs per cycle. For this purpose, we first generalized the concept of phase resetting to accommodate multiple inputs per cycle. We explicitly showed how analytical conditions for the existence and the stability of phase-locked modes are derived. In particular, we solved newly derived recursive maps using as an example a biologically relevant driving-driven neural network with a dynamic feedback loop. We applied the generalized phase-resetting definition to predict the relative-phase and the stability of a phase-locked mode in open loop setup. We also compared the predicted phase-locked mode against numerical simulations of the fully connected network.
Tracing a toad invasion: lack of mitochondrial DNA variation, haplotype origins, and potential distribution of introduced Duttaphrynus melanostictus in Madagascar
Authors: Vences Miguel , Brown Jason L. , Lathrop Amy , Rosa Gonçalo M. , Cameron Alison , Crottini Angelica , Dolch Rainer , Edmonds Devin , Freeman Karen L.M. , Glaw Frank , Grismer L. Lee , Litvinchuk Spartak , Milne Margaret G. , Moore Maya , Solofo Jean François  , Noël Jean , Nguyen Truong Quang , Ohler Annemarie , Randrianantoandro Christian , Raselimanana Achille P. , van Leeuwen Pauline , Wogan Guinevere O.U. , Ziegler Thomas , Andreone Franco , Murphy Robert W.
Published: May 2017

The black-spined toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus, is widespread in South and South-East (SE) Asia, although recent molecular analyses have revealed that it represents a species complex (here called the D. melanostictus complex). Invasive populations of this toad have been detected in Madagascar since, at least, 2014. We here trace the origin of this introduction based on mitochondrial DNA sequences of 340 samples. All 102 specimens from Madagascar have identical sequences pointing to a single introduction event. Their haplotype corresponds to a lineage occurring in Cambodia, China, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and some locations of eastern Myanmar and northern Malaysia, here named the SE Asian lineage. Within this lineage, specimens from one location in Cambodia and three locations in Vietnam have the same haplotype as found in Madagascar. This includes Ho Chi Minh City, which has a major seaport and might have been the source for the introduction. Species distribution models suggest that the current range of the Madagascan invasive population is within the bioclimatic space occupied by the SE Asian lineage in its native range. The potential invasion zone in Madagascar is narrower than suggested by models from localities representing the full range of the D. melanostictus complex. Thus, an accurate taxonomy is essential for such inferences, but it remains uncertain if the toad might be able to spread beyond the potential suitable range because (1) knowledge on species-delimitation of the complex is insufficient, and (2) the native range in SE Asia might be influenced by historical biogeography or competition.
Nonstationarity in Southern Hemisphere Climate Variability Associated with the Seasonal Breakdown of the Stratospheric Polar Vortex
Authors: Byrne Nicholas J. , Shepherd Theodore G. , Woollings Tim , Plumb R. Alan
Published: May 2017

Statistical models of climate generally regard climate variability as anomalies about a climatological seasonal cycle, which are treated as a stationary stochastic process plus a long-term seasonally dependent trend. However, the climate system has deterministic aspects apart from the climatological seasonal cycle and long-term trends, and the assumption of stationary statistics is only an approximation. The variability of the Southern Hemisphere zonal-mean circulation in the period encompassing late spring and summer is an important climate phenomenon and has been the subject of numerous studies. It is shown here, using reanalysis data, that this variability is rendered highly nonstationary by the organizing influence of the seasonal breakdown of the stratospheric polar vortex, which breaks time symmetry. It is argued that the zonal-mean tropospheric circulation variability during this period is best viewed as interannual variability in the transition between the springtime and summertime regimes induced by variability in the vortex breakdown. In particular, the apparent long-term poleward jet shift during the early-summer season can be more simply understood as a delay in the equatorward shift associated with this regime transition. The implications of such a perspective for various open questions are discussed.
Sequence Analysis and Phylogenetic Studies of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α
Authors: Poyya Jagadeesha , Joshi Chandrashekhar G , Kumar D Jagadeesha , Nagendra HG
Published: May 2017

Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) belong to the basic helix loop helix–PER ARNT SIM (bHLH-PAS) family of transcription factors that induce metabolic reprogramming under hypoxic condition. The phylogenetic studies of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) sequences across different organisms/species may leave a clue on the evolutionary relationships and its probable correlation to tumorigenesis and adaptation to low oxygen environments. In this study, we have aimed at the evolutionary investigation of the protein HIF-1α across different species to decipher their sequence variations/mutations and look into the probable causes and abnormal behaviour of this molecule under exotic conditions. In total, 16 homologous sequences for HIF-1α were retrieved from the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Sequence identity was performed using the Needle program. Multiple aligned sequences were used to construct the phylogeny using the neighbour-joining method. Most of the changes were observed in oxygen-dependent degradation domain and inhibitory domain. Sixteen sequences were clustered into 5 groups. The phylogenetic analysis clearly highlighted the variations that were observed at the sequence level. Comparisons of the HIF-1α sequence among cancer-prone and cancer-resistant animals enable us to find out the probable clues towards potential risk factors in the development of cancer.
Ethically Minded Marketing
Authors: Foreman Susan
Published: May 2017

How can reputation impact customer behaviour? And what can a company do to improve its reputation? Is corporate responsibility a costly addition to the marketing process, or can it be a source of competitive advantage? In this Manager Update, Susan Foreman answers these questions and suggests that strategies that put customers at the centre of these processes are more likely to be successful.
Developing Organisational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB)
Authors: Mcbain Richard
Published: May 2017

What makes employees go the extra mile? To work longer hours if their organisation needs them to? To behave ethically even when there are real opportunities and benefits from taking advantage of their company? And what makes them take care of their fellow workers? In this Manager Update, Richard McBain explores the concept of these Organisational Citizenship Behaviours (OCB) and outlines what organisations can do to encourage them.
Marketing and Non-Profit Organisations
Authors: Foreman Susan
Published: May 2017

Many companies make charitable donations or have decided to implement CSR programmes. Companies that have already gone this route need to know how they can add most value. In those companies without such practices in place, managers must decide whether to encourage them. Susan Foreman explores how marketing can be used to derive significant benefits from such activities.
The Effectiveness of Teamworking
Authors: Mcbain Richard
Published: May 2017

The importance of positive team working to organisational success has been long established. But how can organisations gain the most from existing teams and how can they build the best new teams? Richard McBain reviews the latest literature to suggest that the answer lies both in the psychological and the organisational factors that managers can influence.
Leadership – Influences and Outcomes
Authors: Mcbain Richard
Published: May 2017

How does the broader context of a leader's job demands affect performance? Recent studies have located the chief influences on leadership in the environment. Successful leaders are those who best understand and adapt to this environment, who possess ‘contextual intelligence’. But most scholars agree that the current executive environment has changed significantly from the euphoria of the early 1990s. The increasing pressures on executive performance within the broader context of global uncertainty demands a new concept to describe the strains on leaders – that of ‘executive job demands’.
Leadership - Influences and Outcomes
Authors: Mcbain Richard
Published: May 2017

How does the broader context of a leader's job demands affect performance? Recent studies have located the chief influences on leadership in the environment. Successful leaders are those who best understand and adapt to this environment, who possess ‘contextual intelligence’. But most scholars agree that the current executive environment has changed significantly from the euphoria of the early 1990s. The increasing pressures on executive performance within the broader context of global uncertainty demands a new concept to describe the strains on leaders — that of ‘executive job demands’.
Scenario Planning: Current State of the Art
Authors: Weinstein Bill
Published: May 2017

There has been a torrent of publications in the field of scenario planning in the past three years. What is the range of diverse applications to which scenario planning has been applied? How far are managers aware of its potential and eager to implement scenario planning?
Brand and Reputation: Equals or Opposites?
Authors: Da Camara Nuno
Published: May 2017

Organisations create their own brands and can manage them directly, usually with a focus on customers. Reputation, though, resides in the minds of all stakeholder groups and can only be indirectly managed by an organisation. What, then, is the relationship between brand and reputation? How far does a brand affect a company's reputation and vice versa?
Immediate Postoperative Pain Scores Predict Neck Pain Profile up to 1 Year Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Adogwa Owoicho , Elsamadicy Aladine A. , Vuong Victoria D. , Mehta Ankit I. , Vasquez Raul A. , Cheng Joseph , Bagley Carlos A. , Karikari Isaac O.
Published: May 2017

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort review.

Objective:

To assess whether immediate postoperative neck pain scores accurately predict 12-month visual analog scale–neck pain (VAS-NP) outcomes following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion surgery (ACDF).

Methods:

This was a retrospective study of 82 patients undergoing elective ACDF surgery at a major academic medical center. Patient reported outcomes measures VAS-NP scores were recorded on the first postoperative day, then at 6-weeks, 3, 6, and 12-months after surgery. Multivariate correlation and logistic regression methods were utilized to determine whether immediate postoperative VAS-NP score accurately predicted 1-year patient reported VAS-NP Scores.

Results:

Overall, 46.3% male, 25.6% were smokers, and the mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 53.7 years and 28.28 kg/m2, respectively. There were significant correlations between immediate postoperative pain scores and neck pain scores at 6 weeks VAS-NP ( P = .0015), 6 months VAS-NP ( P = .0333), and 12 months VAS-NP ( P = .0247) after surgery. Furthermore, immediate postoperative pain score is an independent predictor of 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year VAS-NP scores.

Conclusion:

Our study suggests that immediate postoperative patient reported neck pain scores accurately predicts and correlates with 12-month VAS-NP scores after an ACDF procedure. Patients with high neck pain scores after surgery are more likely to report persistent neck pain 12 months after index surgery.
Neuromonitoring in Spinal Deformity Surgery: A Multimodality Approach
Authors: Laratta Joseph L. , Ha Alex , Shillingford Jamal N. , Makhni Melvin C. , Lombardi Joseph M. , Thuet Earl , Lehman Ronald A. , Lenke Lawrence G.
Published: May 2017

Study Design:

Literature review.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the available intraoperative monitoring techniques and the evidence around their efficacy in vertebral column resection.

Methods:

The history of neuromonitoring and evolution of the modalities are reviewed and discussed. The authors’ specific surgical techniques and preferred methods are outlined in detail. In addition, the authors’ experience and the literature regarding vertebral column resection and surgical mitigation of neurologic alarms are discussed at length.

Results:

Risk factors for signal changes have been identified, including preoperative neurologic deficit, severe kyphosis, increased curve magnitude, and significant cord shortening. Even though no evidence-based treatment algorithm exist for signal changes, strategies are discussed that can help prevent alarms and address them appropriately.

Conclusion:

Through implementation of multimodal intraoperative monitoring techniques, potential neurologic injuries are localized and managed in real time. Intraoperative monitoring is a valuable tool for improving the safety and outcome of spinal deformity surgery.
Effects of altered sagittal trunk orientation on kinetic pattern in able-bodied walking on uneven ground
Authors: Aminiaghdam Soran , Rode Christian
Published: May 2017

Studies of disturbed human locomotion often focus on the dynamics of the gait when either posture, movement or surface is perturbed. Yet, the interaction effects of variation of trunk posture and ground level on kinetic behaviour of able-bodied gait have not been explored. For twelve participants we investigated the kinetic behaviour as well as velocity and contact time across four steps including an unperturbed step on level ground, pre-perturbation, perturbation (10 cm drop) and post-perturbation steps while walking with normal speed with four postures: regular erect, with 30°, 50° and maximal sagittal trunk flexion (70°). Two-way repeated measures ANOVAs detected significant interactions posture×step for the second peak of the vertical ground reaction force (GRF), propulsive impulse, contact time and velocity. An increased trunk flexion was associated with a systematic decrease of the second GRF peak during all steps and with a decreased contact time and an increased velocity across steps, except for the perturbation step. Pre-adaptations were more pronounced in the approach step to the drop in regular erect gait. With increased trunk flexion, walking on uneven ground exhibited reduced changes in GRF kinetic parameters relative to upright walking. It seems that in trunk-flexed gaits the trunk is used in a compensatory way during the step-down to accommodate changes in ground level by adjusting its angle leading to lower variations in centre of mass height. Exploitation of this mechanism resembles the ability of small birds in adjusting their zig-zag-like configured legs to cope with changes in ground level.
Mechanisms underlying the control of responses to predator odours in aquatic prey
Authors: Mitchell Matthew D. , Bairos-Novak Kevin R. , Ferrari Maud C. O.
Published: May 2017

In aquatic systems, chemical cues are a major source of information through which animals are able to assess the current state of their environment to gain information about local predation risk. Prey use chemicals released by predators (including cues from a predator's diet) and other prey (such as alarm cues and disturbance cues) to mediate a range of behavioural, morphological and life-history antipredator defences. Despite the wealth of knowledge on the ecology of antipredator defences, we know surprisingly little about the physiological mechanisms that control the expression of these defensive traits. Here, we summarise the current literature on the mechanisms known to specifically mediate responses to predator odours, including dietary cues. Interestingly, these studies suggest that independent pathways may control predator-specific responses, highlighting the need for greater focus on predator-derived cues when looking at the mechanistic control of responses. Thus, we urge researchers to tease apart the effects of predator-specific cues (i.e. chemicals representing a predator's identity) from those of diet-mediated cues (i.e. chemicals released from a predator's diet), which are known to mediate different ecological endpoints. Finally, we suggest some key areas of research that would greatly benefit from a more mechanistic approach.
Sex reversal induces size and performance differences among females of the African pygmy mouse, Mus minutoides
Authors: Ginot Samuel , Claude Julien , Perez Julie , Veyrunes Frederic
Published: May 2017

Differences in biological performance, at both intra- and inter-specific levels, have often been linked to morphology but seldom to behavioural or genotypic effects. We tested performance at the intraspecific level by measuring bite force in the African pygmy mouse, Mus minutoides. This species displays an unusual sex determination system, with sex-reversed, X*Y females carrying a feminizing X* chromosome. X*Y females cannot be differentiated from XX females based on external or gonadal morphology; however, they are known to be more aggressive. We found that bite force was higher in X*Y females than in other females and males. We then performed geometric morphometric analyses on their skulls and mandibles and found that the higher performance of X*Y females was mainly explained by a greater overall skull size. The effects of the X* chromosome thus go beyond feminization, and extend to whole-organism performance and morphology. Our results also suggest limited effects of behaviour on bite force.
Recent advances in the management of Wilms' tumor
Authors: Lopes Roberto I. , Lorenzo Armando
Published: May 2017

The objective of this article is to present an overview of recent trends in the management of Wilms’ tumor. With improved survival rates in the past few decades, critical long-term adverse therapy effects (such as renal insufficiency, secondary malignancies, and heart failure) and prevention measures (i.e. nephron-sparing surgery and minimizing the use of radiotherapy) have gained worldwide attention. Specific disease biomarkers that could help stratify high-risk from low-risk patients, and therefore fine-tune management, are in great demand. Ultimately, we aim to enhance clinical outcomes and maintain or improve current survival rates while avoiding undesirable treatment side effects and minimizing the exposure and intensity of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Effects of physical activity on the link between PGC-1a and FNDC5 in muscle, circulating Ιrisin and UCP1 of white adipocytes in humans: A systematic review
Authors: Dinas Petros C. , Lahart Ian M. , Timmons James A. , Svensson Per-Arne , Koutedakis Yiannis , Flouris Andreas D. , Metsios George S.
Published: May 2017

Background:Exercise may activate a brown adipose-like phenotype in white adipose tissue. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the effects of physical activity on the link between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1a) and fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5) in muscle, circulating Irisin and uncoupling protein one (UCP1) of white adipocytes in humans.Methods:Two databases (PubMed 1966 to 08/2016 and EMBASE 1974 to 08/2016) were searched using an appropriate algorithm. We included articles that examined physical activity and/or exercise in humans that met the following criteria: a) PGC-1a in conjunction with FNDC5 measurements, and b) FNDC5 and/or circulating Irisin and/or UCP1 levels in white adipocytes.Results:We included 51 studies (12 randomised controlled trials) with 2474 participants. Out of the 51 studies, 16 examined PGC-1a and FNDC5 in response to exercise, and only four found increases in both PGC-1a and FNDC5 mRNA and one showed increased FNDC5 mRNA. In total, 22 out of 45 studies that examined circulating Irisin in response to exercise showed increased concentrations when ELISA techniques were used; two studies also revealed increased Irisin levels measured via mass spectrometry. Three studies showed a positive association of circulating Irisin with physical activity levels. One study found no exercise effects on UCP1 mRNA in white adipocytes.Conclusions:The effects of physical activity on the link between PGC-1a, FNDC5 mRNA in muscle and UCP1 in white human adipocytes has attracted little scientific attention. Current methods for Irisin identification lack precision and, therefore, the existing evidence does not allow for conclusions to be made regarding Irisin responses to physical activity. We found a contrast between standardised review methods and accuracy of the measurements used. This should be considered in future systematic reviews.