bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual function of the pectoral girdle for feeding and locomotion in white-spotted bamboo sharks
Authors: Camp Ariel L. , Scott Bradley , Brainerd Elizabeth L. , Wilga Cheryl D.
Published: July 2017

Positioned at the intersection of the head, body and forelimb, the pectoral girdle has the potential to function in both feeding and locomotor behaviours—although the latter has been studied far more. In ray-finned fishes, the pectoral girdle attaches directly to the skull and is retracted during suction feeding, enabling the ventral body muscles to power rapid mouth expansion. However, in sharks, the pectoral girdle is displaced caudally and entirely separate from the skull (as in tetrapods), raising the question of whether it is mobile during suction feeding and contributing to suction expansion. We measured three-dimensional kinematics of the pectoral girdle in white-spotted bamboo sharks during suction feeding with X-ray reconstruction of moving morphology, and found the pectoral girdle consistently retracted about 11° by rotating caudoventrally about the dorsal scapular processes. This motion occurred mostly after peak gape, so it likely contributed more to accelerating captured prey through the oral cavity and pharynx, than to prey capture as in ray-finned fishes. Our results emphasize the multiple roles of the pectoral girdle in feeding and locomotion, both of which should be considered in studying the functional and evolutionary morphology of this structure.
Stress hormones predict a host superspreader phenotype in the West Nile virus system
Authors: Gervasi Stephanie S. , Burgan Sarah C. , Hofmeister Erik , Unnasch Thomas R. , Martin Lynn B.
Published: July 2017

Glucocorticoid stress hormones, such as corticosterone (CORT), have profound effects on the behaviour and physiology of organisms, and thus have the potential to alter host competence and the contributions of individuals to population- and community-level pathogen dynamics. For example, CORT could alter the rate of contacts among hosts, pathogens and vectors through its widespread effects on host metabolism and activity levels. CORT could also affect the intensity and duration of pathogen shedding and risk of host mortality during infection. We experimentally manipulated songbird CORT, asking how CORT affected behavioural and physiological responses to a standardized West Nile virus (WNV) challenge. Although all birds became infected after exposure to the virus, only birds with elevated CORT had viral loads at or above the infectious threshold. Moreover, though the rate of mortality was faster in birds with elevated CORT compared with controls, most hosts with elevated CORT survived past the day of peak infectiousness. CORT concentrations just prior to inoculation with WNV and anti-inflammatory cytokine concentrations following viral exposure were predictive of individual duration of infectiousness and the ability to maintain physical performance during infection (i.e. tolerance), revealing putative biomarkers of competence. Collectively, our results suggest that glucocorticoid stress hormones could directly and indirectly mediate the spread of pathogens.
Cell-nonautonomously tunable actomyosin flows orient distinct cell division axes
Authors: Sugioka Kenji , Bowerman Bruce
Published: July 2017

Cell division axes during animal development are arranged in diverse orientations, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this diversity remain unclear. By focusing on oriented divisions that are independent of known microtubule/dynein pathways, we show here that the non-muscle myosin II motor is an extrinsically tunable force generator that orients cell division axes through cortical actomyosin flows. We identified three extracellular cues that generate different actomyosin flows. A single contact site locally inhibited myosin activity in a mechanosensitive manner to generate local flow asymmetry, while size asymmetry of two contact sites and Wnt signaling both polarized myosin activity and actomyosin flow, with the latter overriding mechanosensitive effects. These intracellular actomyosin flow anisotropies specify distinct division axes to establish the geometries of not onlyCaenorhabditis elegans4-, 6-, and 7-cell stage but also mouse 4-cell stage embryos. Tunable actomyosin flows together with microtubule/dynein pathways may specify diverse division axes across species.
Model-based analysis of experimental hut data elucidates multifaceted effects of a volatile chemical onAedes aegyptimosquitoes
Authors: ten Bosch Quirine A. , Castro-Llanos Fanny , Manda Hortance , Morrison Amy C. , Grieco John P. , Achee Nicole L. , Perkins T.Alex
Published: July 2017

Background

Insecticides used againstAedes aegyptiand other disease vectors can elicit a multitude of dose-dependent effects on behavioral and bionomic traits. Estimating the potential epidemiological impact of a product requires thorough understanding of these effects and their interplay at different dosages. Volatile spatial repellent (SR) products come with an additional layer of complexity due to the potential for movement of affected mosquitoes or volatile particles of the product beyond the treated house. Here, we propose a statistical inference framework for estimating these nuanced effects of volatile SRs.

Methods

We fitted a continuous-time Markov chain model in a Bayesian framework to mark-release-recapture (MRR) data from an experimental hut study conducted in Iquitos, Peru. We estimated the effects of two dosages of transfluthrin onAe. aegyptibehaviors associated with human-vector contact: repellency, exiting, and knockdown in the treated space and in “downstream” adjacent huts. We validated the framework using simulated data.

Results

The odds of a femaleAe. aegyptibeing repelled from a treated hut (HT) increased at both dosages (low dosage: odds = 1.64, 95% highest density interval (HDI) = 1.30-2.09; high dosage: odds = 1.35, HDI = 1.04-1.67). The relative risk of exiting from the treated hut was reduced (low: RR = 0.70, HDI = 0.62-1.09; high: RR = 0.70, HDI = 0.40-1.06), with this effect carrying over to untreated spaces as far as two huts away from the treated hut (H2) (low: RR = 0.79, HDI = 0.59-1.01; high: RR = 0.66, HDI = 0.50-0.87). Knockdown rates were increased in both treated and downstream huts, particularly under high dosage (HT: RR = 8.37, HDI = 2.11-17.35;H1: RR = 1.39, HDI = 0.52-2.69;H2: RR = 2.22, HDI = 0.96-3.86).

Conclusions

Our statistical inference framework is effective at elucidating multiple effects of volatile chemicals used in SR products, as well as their downstream effects. This framework provides a powerful tool for early selection of candidate SR product formulations worth advancing to costlier epidemiological trials, which are ultimately necessary for proof of concept of public health value and subsequent formal endorsement by health authorities.
Genomics of Mesolithic Scandinavia reveal colonization routes and high-latitude adaptation
Authors: Günther Torsten , Malmström Helena , Svensson Emma M. , Omrak Ayça , Sánchez-Quinto Federico , Kılınç Gülşah M. , Krzewińska Maja , Eriksson Gunilla , Fraser Magdalena , Edlund Hanna , Munters Arielle R. , Coutinho Alexandra , Simões Luciana G. , Vicente Mário , Sjölander Anders , Sellevold Berit Jansen , Jørgensen Roger , Claes Peter , Shriver Mark D. , Valdiosera Cristina , Netea Mihai G. , Apel Jan , Lidén Kerstin , Skar Birgitte , Storå Jan , Götherström Anders , Jakobsson Mattias
Published: July 2017

Scandinavia was one of the last geographic areas in Europe to become habitable for humans after the last glaciation. However, the origin(s) of the first colonizers and their migration routes remain unclear. We sequenced the genomes, up to 57x coverage, of seven hunter-gatherers excavated across Scandinavia and dated to 9,500-6,000 years before present. Surprisingly, among the Scandinavian Mesolithic individuals, the genetic data display an east-west genetic gradient that opposes the pattern seen in other parts of Mesolithic Europe. This result suggests that Scandinavia was initially colonized following two different routes: one from the south, the other from the northeast. The latter followed the ice-free Norwegian north Atlantic coast, along which novel and advanced pressure-blade stone-tool techniques may have spread. These two groups met and mixed in Scandinavia, creating a genetically diverse population, which shows patterns of genetic adaptation to high latitude environments. These adaptations include high frequencies of low pigmentation variants and a gene-region associated with physical performance, which shows strong continuity into modern-day northern Europeans.
PIK3CAH1047R-induced paradoxical ERK activation results in resistance to BRAFV600Especific inhibitors in BRAFV600EPIK3CAH1047Rdouble mutant thyroid tumors
Authors: Roelli Matthias A. , Ruffieux-Daidié Dorothée , Stooss Amandine , ElMokh Oussama , Phillips Wayne A. , Dettmer Matthias S. , Charles Roch-Philippe
Published: July 2017

Thyroid carcinomas are the most prevalent endocrine cancers. The BRAFV600Emutation is found in 40% of the papillary type and 25% of the anaplastic type. BRAFV600Einhibitors have shown great success in melanoma but, they have been, to date, less successful in thyroid cancer. About 50% of anaplastic thyroid carcinomas present mutations/amplification of the phosphatidylinositol 3’ kinase. Here we propose to investigate if the hyper activation of that pathway could influence the response to BRAFV600Especific inhibitors.

To test this, we used two mouse models of thyroid cancer. Single mutant (BRAFV600E) mice responded to BRAFV600E-specific inhibition (PLX-4720), while double mutant mice (BRAFV600E; PIK3CAH1047R) showed resistance and even signs of aggravation. This resistance was abrogated by combination with a phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor. At the molecular level, we could show that this resistance was concomitant to a paradoxical activation of the MAP-Kinase pathway, which could be overturned by phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitionin vivoin our mouse model andin vitroin human double mutant cell lines.

In conclusion, we reveal a phosphoinositide 3-kinase driven, paradoxical MAP-Kinase pathway activation as mechanism for resistance to BRAFV600Especific inhibitors in a clinically relevant mouse model of thyroid cancer.
Evolution within the fungal genusVerticilliumis characterized by chromosomal rearrangement and gene loss
Authors: Shi-Kunne Xiaoqian , Faino Luigi , van den Berg Grardy C.M. , Thomma Bart P.H.J. , Seidl Michael F.
Published: July 2017

The fungal genusVerticilliumcontains ten species, some of which are notorious plant pathogens causing vascular wilt diseases in host plants, while others are known as saprophytes and opportunistic plant pathogens. Whereas the genome ofV. dahliae, the most notorious plan pathogen of the genus, has been well characterized, evolution and speciation of other members of the genus received little attention thus far. Here, we sequenced the genomes of the nine haploidVerticilliumspp. to study evolutionary trajectories of their divergence from a last common ancestor. Frequent occurrence of chromosomal rearrangement and gene family loss was identified. In addition to ~11,000 core genes that are shared among all species, only 200-600 species-specific genes occur. Intriguingly, these species-specific genes show different features than core genes.
DNA barcoding BritishEuphrasiareveals deeply divergent polyploids but lack of species-level resolution
Authors: Wang Xumei , Gussarova Galina , Ruhsam Markus , de Vere Natasha , Metherell Chris , Hollingsworth Peter M. , Twyford Alex D.
Published: July 2017

Background and aims

DNA barcoding is emerging as a useful tool not only for species identification but for studying evolutionary and ecological processes. Although plant DNA barcodes do not always provide species-level resolution, the generation of large DNA barcode datasets can provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the generation of species diversity. Here, we use DNA barcoding to study evolutionary processes in taxonomically complex BritishEuphrasia, a group with multiple ploidy levels, frequent self- fertilization, young species divergence and widespread hybridisation.

Methods

We sequenced the core plant barcoding loci, supplemented with additional nuclear and plastid loci, in representatives of all 19 BritishEuphrasiaspecies. We analyse these data in a population genetic and phylogenetic framework. We then date the divergence of haplotypes in a globalEuphrasiadataset using a time-calibrated Bayesian approach implemented in BEAST.

Key results

NoEuphrasiaspecies has a consistent diagnostic haplotype. Instead, haplotypes are either widespread across species, or are population specific. Nuclear genetic variation is strongly partitioned by ploidy levels, with diploid and tetraploid BritishEuphrasiapossessing deeply divergent ITS haplotypes (DXY= 5.1%), with haplotype divergence corresponding to the late Miocene. In contrast, plastid data show no clear division by ploidy, and instead reveal weakly supported geographic patterns.

Conclusions

Using standard DNA barcoding loci for species identification inEuphrasiawill be unsuccessful. However, these loci provide key insights into the maintenance of genetic variation, with divergence of diploids and tetraploids suggesting that ploidy differences act as a barrier to gene exchange in BritishEuphrasia, with rampant hybridisation within ploidy levels. The scarcity of shared diploid-tetraploid ITS haplotypes supports the polyploids being allotetraploid in origin. Overall, these results show that even when lacking species-level resolution, DNA barcoding can reveal insightful evolutionary patterns in taxonomically complex genera.
The influence of higher-order epistasis on biological fitness landscape topography
Authors: Weinreich Daniel M. , Lan Yinghong , Jaffe Jacob , Heckendorn Robert B.
Published: July 2017

The effect of a mutation on the organism often depends on what other mutations are already present in its genome. Geneticists refer to such mutational interactions as epistasis. Pairwise epistatic effects have been recognized for over a century, and their evolutionary implications have received theoretical attention for nearly as long. However, pairwise epistatic interactions themselves can vary with genomic background. This is called higher-order epistasis, and its consequences for evolution are much less well understood. Here, we assess the influence that higher-order epistasis has on the topography of 16 published, biological fitness landscapes. We find that on average, their effects on fitness landscape declines with order, and suggest that notable exceptions to this trend may deserve experimental scrutiny. We explore whether natural selection may have contributed to this finding, and conclude by highlight opportunities for further work dissecting the influence that epistasis of all orders has on the efficiency of natural selection.
Drones count wildlife more accurately and precisely than humans
Authors: Hodgson Jarrod C. , Mott Rowan , Baylis Shane M. , Pham Trung T. , Wotherspoon Simon , Kilpatrick Adam D. , Segaran Ramesh Raja , Reid Ian , Terauds Aleks , Koh Lian Pin
Published: July 2017

Ecologists are increasingly using technology to improve the quality of data collected on wildlife, particularly for assessing the environmental impacts of human activities. Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS; commonly known as ‘drones’) are widely touted as a cost-effective way to collect high quality wildlife population data, however, the validity of these claims is unclear. Using life-sized seabird colonies containing a known number of replica birds, we show that RPAS-derived data are, on average, between 43% and 96% more accurate than data from the traditional ground-based collection method. We also demonstrate that counts from this remotely sensed imagery can be semi-automated with a high degree of accuracy. The increased accuracy and precision of RPAS-derived wildlife monitoring data provides greater statistical power to detect fine-scale population fluctuations allowing for more informed and proactive ecological management.
Dynamic cortical representations of perceptual filling-in for missing acoustic rhythm
Authors: Constantino Francisco Cervantes , Simon Jonathan Z.
Published: July 2017

In the phenomenon of perceptual filling-in, missing sensory information can be reconstructed via interpolation from adjacent contextual cues by what is necessarily an endogenous, not yet well understood, neural process. In this investigation, sound stimuli were chosen to allow observation of fixed cortical oscillations driven by contextual (but missing) sensory input, thus entirely reflecting endogenous neural activity. The stimulus employed was a 5 Hz frequency-modulated tone, with brief masker probes (noise bursts) occasionally added. For half the probes, the rhythmic frequency modulation was moreover removed. Listeners reported whether the tone masked by each probe was perceived as being rhythmic or not. Time-frequency analysis of neural responses obtained by magnetoencephalography (MEG) shows that for maskers without the underlying acoustic rhythm, trials where rhythm was nonetheless perceived show higher evoked sustained rhythmic power than trials for which no rhythm was reported. The results support a model in which perceptual filling-in is aided by differential co-modulations of cortical activity at rates directly relevant to human speech communication. We propose that the presence of rhythmically-modulated neural dynamics predicts the subjective experience of a rhythmically modulated sound in real time, even when the perceptual experience is not supported by corresponding sensory data.
Comparison of whole-genome bisulfite sequencing library preparation strategies identifies sources of biases affecting DNA methylation data
Authors: Olova Nelly , Krueger Felix , Andrews Simon , Oxley David , Berrens Rebecca V. , Branco Miguel R. , Reik Wolf
Published: July 2017

Background

Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) is becoming an increasingly accessible technique, used widely for both fundamental and disease-oriented research. Library preparation methods benefit from a variety of available kits, polymerases and bisulfite conversion protocols. Although some steps in the procedure, such as PCR amplification, are known to introduce biases, a systematic evaluation of biases in WGBS strategies is missing.

Results

We perform a comparative analysis of several commonly used pre-and post-bisulfite WGBS library preparation protocols for their performance and quality of sequencing outputs. Our results show that bisulfite conversion per se is the main trigger of pronounced sequencing biases, and PCR amplification builds on these underlying artefacts. The majority of standard library preparation methods yield a significantly biased sequence output and overestimate global methylation. Importantly, both absolute and relative methylation levels at specific genomic regions vary substantially between methods, with clear implications for DNA methylation studies.

Conclusions

We show that amplification-free library preparation is the least biased approach for WGBS. In protocols with amplification, the choice of BS conversion protocol or polymerase can significantly minimize artefacts. To aid with the quality assessment of existing WGBS datasets, we have integrated a bias diagnostic tool in the Bismark package and offer several approaches for consideration during the preparation and analysis of WGBS datasets.
Widespread sampling biases in herbaria revealed from large-scale digitization
Authors: Daru Barnabas H. , Park Daniel S. , Primack Richard B. , Willis Charles G. , Barrington David S. , Whitfeld Timothy J. S. , Seidler Tristram G. , Sweeney Patrick W. , Foster David R. , Ellison Aaron M. , Davis Charles C.
Published: July 2017

Non-random collecting practices may bias conclusions drawn from analyses of herbarium records. Recent efforts to fully digitize and mobilize regional floras offer a timely opportunity to assess commonalities and differences in herbarium sampling biases.

We determined spatial, temporal, trait, phylogenetic, and collector biases in ∼5 million herbarium records, representing three of the most complete digitized floras of the world: Australia (AU), South Africa (SA), and New England (NE).

We identified numerous shared and unique biases among these regions. Shared biases included specimens i) collected close to roads and herbaria; ii) collected more frequently during spring; iii) of threatened species collected less frequently; and iv) of close relatives collected in similar numbers. Regional differences included i) over-representation of graminoids in SA and AU and of annuals in AU; and ii) peak collection during the 1910s in NE, 1980s in SA, and 1990s in AU. Finally, in all regions, a disproportionately large percentage of specimens were collected by a few individuals. These mega-collectors, and their associated preferences and idiosyncrasies, may have shaped patterns of collection bias via ‘founder effects’.

Studies using herbarium collections should account for sampling biases and future collecting efforts should avoid compounding these biases.
Resources and capabilities’ effects on firm performance: what are they?
Authors: Ferreira João , Fernandes Cristina
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the moderating effect of competitive advantage on the resource value and rareness combination and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted a quantitative research method to achieve the aims of this study. The data collected came from a sample of footwear firms and the hypotheses assessed by multivariate analysis.

Findings

The findings provide insights into previously inconsistent findings regarding the exploitation of resources and capabilities and contribute to resolving these issues by considering the conditions under which the resource value and rareness combination contributes to firm performance levels and the effects of competitive advantage on this relationship. Interestingly, the authors find that it cannot be inferred that the rarer the resources and capabilities combination, the greater the probability of attaining competitive advantage.

Research limitations/implications

As limitations, the authors would highlight the fact that the results are specific to one particular industrial sector, and thus not susceptible to the drawing of generalisations as well as the fact that the study does not make recourse to triangulating its methodology (for example, through interviews), which would generate more precise, detailed and objective information. The findings have important managerial implications and the authors close by presenting future research directions.

Originality/value

This study offers an explanation for previous mixed findings on the relationship between the resource value and rareness combination and firm performance and makes a contribution regarding how such combinations are of great relevance to the organisation and business strategy to turn in better performance levels.
Creating an interface
Authors: Prieto Leon C. , Phipps Simone T.A. , Osiri John K. , LeCounte John F.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper, via the use of management and entrepreneurial philosophies from Charles Clinton Spaulding, aims to advocate the integration of African-American Entrepreneurship and Management History into the business curriculum at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) as well as predominantly white institutions (PWIs). Along with this curriculum update, the use of critical pedagogy as a form of critical thinking is also recommended to complement the learning process.

Design/methodology/approach

Articles from early and recent newspapers, magazines, journals and books were examined and synthesised to clarify how curriculum modification and critical pedagogy could aid in increased entrepreneurial success.

Findings

The paper concludes with a framework that demonstrates the curriculum interface, including Spaulding’s insights and critical pedagogy, to connect black students to entrepreneurial success.

Originality/value

Although African-Americans surpass Caucasian-Americans in entrepreneurial attempts, blacks lag behind whites in entrepreneurial success. A reason for their higher failure rate is a lack of exposure to positive images who are also black. Integrating African-American Entrepreneurship and Management History into the business curriculum will help ensure that these positive images are sufficiently introduced and explored as a source of learning. Critical pedagogy is also endorsed as a complementary strategy to aid learning, as it is associated with processes that deviate from traditional instruction that often ignores student diversity, to facilitate the expansion of the mind as well as social transformation.
The changing relation between CEOs and shareholders
Authors: de Jong Abe , van der Poel Marieke , Wolfswinkel Michiel
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present case study evidence on the changes in the relations between chief executive officers (CEOs) of large firms and shareholders in the past three decades of the twentieth century. In line with insights from agency theory, the CEOs have experienced increased scrutiny from their principals, the shareholders. This development has affected financial communication and investor relations as well as stock market prices.

Design/methodology/approach

The Dutch electronics firm Royal Philips NV in the transition period of 1971-2001 has been studied using publicly available disclosures and stock market prices. A descriptive case study approach is combined with event study methodology.

Findings

It was observed that the increased emphasis on shareholder interests has affected the interactions between Philips’ respective CEOs and the shareholders’ reactions to strategic decisions as measured by stock price changes. Around the beginning of the twenty-first century, clarity and openness in CEO communication was the norm and deviations were punished with volatile stock prices.

Research limitations/implications

The study relies on publicly available data.

Originality/value

The case study of Philips can be extrapolated to other exchange-listed firms in the late twentieth century, which faced changed expectations about the role of the CEO, investor relations and the CEO’s accountability toward shareholders. This transition is relevant not only as a historical observation, but also as a background to studies in finance and management about top management and financial markets.
Failure processes of exporting firms: evidence from France
Authors: Lukason Oliver , Vissak Tiia
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to detect failure processes of French exporting firms and study their contingency with export processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of 131 bankrupted exporting firms from Bureau van Dijk’s Amadeus database. Factor and cluster analyses of six financial variables from Laitinen’s (1991) model were used to detect failure processes. Export processes were detected with cluster analysis of export share in total turnover. Contingency between failure and export processes was studied with a statistical test.

Findings

Three different failure processes existed for exporting firms. Two of these processes, which accounted for 79 per cent of firms, were classified as gradual failure: a step-by-step worsening of financial performance before the bankruptcy was declared. One was a symbiotic process reflecting varying pre-bankruptcy behaviours of different financial variables. Two different types of exporters existed. Most firms (77 per cent) were occasional exporters, while 23 per cent were constantly and more strongly involved in international markets before their bankruptcy was declared. There was no contingency between failure and export processes.

Originality/value

This study is the first one to detect failure processes specifically for exporting firms based on financial variables. In line with previous literature about non-exporting firms, gradual failure processes were most characteristic to exporting firms. The study shows that different types of exporters were not characterized by any unique behaviour of financial variables before their bankruptcy was declared.
Evaluation of intralesional injection of hyaluronic acid compared with verapamil in Peyronie's disease: preliminary results from a prospective, double‐blinded, randomized study
Authors: Favilla V. , Russo G. I. , Zucchi A. , Siracusa G. , Privitera S. , Cimino S. , Madonia M. , Cai T. , Cavallini G. , Liguori G. , D'Achille G. , Silvani M. , Franco G. , Verze P. , Palmieri A. , Torrisi B. , Mirone V. , Morgia G.
Published: July 2017

Several intralesional therapeutic protocols have been proposed for the treatment of Peyronie's disease. Among all, hyaluronic acid (HA) and verapamil have been differently tested. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intralesional verapamil (ILVI) compared with intralesional HA in patients with early onset of Peyronie's disease (PD). This is a multi‐centre prospective double‐arm, randomized, double‐blinded study comparing ILVI vs. intralesional HA after 12‐weeks. Sexually active men, older than 18 years and affected by the acute phase of PD were eligible for this study. Patients have been double‐blinded randomly divided into two groups (1 : 1 ratio): Group A received intralesional treatment with Verapamil (10 mg in 5 mL of normal saline water) weekly for 12 weeks, while group B received intralesional treatment with HA (0.8% highly purified sodium salt HA 16 mg/2 mL) weekly for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy outcome was the change from the baseline to the endpoint (12 weeks after therapy) for the penile curvature (degree). The secondary outcome was the change in the plaque size and in the International Index of erectile Function (IIEF‐5) score. The difference between post‐ and pre‐treatment plaque size was −1.36 mm (SD ± 1.27) for Group A and −1.80 mm (SD ± 2.47) for Group B (p‐value = NS). IIEF‐5 increased of 1.46 points (SD ± 2.18) in Group A and 1.78 (SD ± 2.48) in Group B (p‐value ± NS). No difference in penile curvature was observed in Group A, while in Group B the penile curvature decreased of 4.60° (SD ± 5.63) from the baseline (p < 0.001) and vs. Group A. According to PGI‐I results, we found significant difference as concerning patient global impression of improvement (PGI‐I) (4.0 vs. 2.0; p < 0.05). This prospective, double‐arm, randomized, double‐blinded study comparing ILVI vs. HA as intralesional therapy showed greater efficacy of HA in terms of penile curvature and PGI‐I.
Next‐generation sequencing for patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia: implications for significant roles of monogenic/oligogenic mutations
Authors: Nakamura S. , Miyado M. , Saito K. , Katsumi M. , Nakamura A. , Kobori Y. , Tanaka Y. , Ishikawa H. , Yoshida A. , Okada H. , Hata K. , Nakabayashi K. , Okamura K. , Ogata H. , Matsubara Y. , Ogata T. , Nakai H. , Fukami M.
Published: July 2017

Azoospermia affects up to 1% of adult men. Non‐obstructive azoospermia is a multifactorial disorder whose molecular basis remains largely unknown. To date, mutations in several genes and multiple submicroscopic copy‐number variations (CNVs) have been identified in patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia. The aim of this study was to clarify the contribution of nucleotide substitutions in known causative genes and submicroscopic CNVs in the genome to the development of non‐obstructive azoospermia. To this end, we conducted sequence analysis of 25 known disease‐associated genes using next‐generation sequencing and genome‐wide copy‐number analysis using array‐based comparative genomic hybridization. We studied 40 Japanese patients with idiopathic non‐obstructive azoospermia. Functional significance of molecular alterations was assessed by in silico analyses. As a result, we identified four putative pathogenic mutations, four rare polymorphisms possibly associated with disease risk, and four probable neutral variants in 10 patients. These sequence alterations included a heterozygous splice site mutation in SOHLH1 and a hemizygous missense substitution in TEX11, which have been reported as causes of non‐obstructive azoospermia. Copy‐number analysis detected five X chromosomal or autosomal CNVs of unknown clinical significance, in addition to one known pathogenic Y chromosomal microduplication. Five patients carried multiple molecular alterations. The results indicate that monogenic and oligogenic mutations, including those in SOHLH1 and TEX11, account for more than 10% of cases of idiopathic non‐obstructive azoospermia. Furthermore, this study suggests possible contributions of substitutions in various genes as well as submicroscopic CNVs on the X chromosome and autosomes to non‐obstructive azoospermia, which require further validation.
Impairment of sperm DNA methylation in male infertility: a meta‐analytic study
Authors: Santi D. , De Vincentis S. , Magnani E. , Spaggiari G.
Published: July 2017

Considering the widespread use of assisted reproductive techniques (ART), DNA methylation of specific genes involved in spermatogenesis achieves increasingly clinical relevance, representing a possible explanation of increased incidence of syndromes related to genomic imprinting in medically assisted pregnancies. Several trials suggested a relationship between male sub‐fertility and sperm DNA methylation, although its weight on seminal parameters alteration is still a matter of debate. To evaluate whether aberrant sperm DNA methylation of imprinted genes is associated with impaired sperm parameters. Meta‐analysis of controlled clinical trials evaluating imprinted genes sperm DNA methylation comparing men with idiopathic infertility to fertile controls. Twenty‐four studies were included, allowing a meta‐analytic evaluation for H19, MEST, SNRPN, and LINE‐1. When a high heterogeneity of the results was demonstrated, the random effect model was used. H19 methylation levels resulted significantly lower in 879 infertile compared with 562 fertile men (7.53%, 95% CI: 5.14–9.93%, p < 0.001), suggesting a 9.91‐fold higher risk ratio to show aberrant sperm DNA methylation (95% CI: 5.55–17.70, p < 0.001, I2 = 19%) in infertile men. The mean MEST methylation level was significantly higher in 846 infertile compared with 353 fertile men (3.35%, 95% CI: 1.41–5.29%, p < 0.001), as well as for SNRPN comparing 301 infertile men with 124 controls (3.23%, 95% CI: 0.75–5.72%, p < 0.001). LINE‐1 methylation levels did not differ between 291 infertile men and 198 controls (0.44%, 95% CI: −2.04–1.16%, p = 0.63). The meta‐analytic approach demonstrated that male infertility is associated with altered sperm methylation at H19, MEST, and SNRPN. Although its role in infertility remains unclear, sperm DNA methylation could be associated with the epigenetic risk in ART. In this setting, before proposing this analysis in clinical practice, an accurate identification of the most representative genes and a cost‐effectiveness evaluation should be assessed in ad hoc prospective studies.
Development of Public Housing in Post‐reform China
Authors: Chen Jie , Yao Lingzhen , Wang Hongwei
Published: July 2017

This paper explores the dynamic nature of the transformation of public housing regimes in urban China since the abolishment of the urban welfare housing system in the late 1990s. We summarize the latest progress in the development of public housing in post‐reform China and investigate the driving forces behind these developments. A close examination of the public rental housing program in Shanghai helps to show that the recent revival of public housing in Chinese cities is mostly driven by the desire for economic growth. We conclude that the state provision of housing could be a short‐run state remedy to alleviate economic imbalance and social inequality. However, in the long run China needs to seek more effective solutions to solve the low‐income population's housing affordability problems.
Egg mimicry by the Pacific koel: mimicry of one host facilitates exploitation of other hosts with similar egg types
Authors: Abernathy Virginia E. , Troscianko Jolyon , Langmore Naomi E.
Published: July 2017

When brood parasites exploit multiple host species, egg rejection by hosts may select for the evolution of host‐specific races, where each race mimics a particular host's egg type. However, some brood parasites that exploit multiple hosts with the ability to reject foreign eggs appear to have only a single egg type. In these cases, it is unclear how the parasite egg escapes detection by its hosts. Three possible explanations are: 1) host‐specific races are present, but differences in egg morphology are difficult for the human eye to detect; 2) the brood parasite evolves a single egg type that is intermediate in appearance between the eggs of its hosts; 3) or the parasite evolves mimicry of one of its hosts, which subsequently allows it to exploit other species with similar egg morphology. Here we test these possibilities by quantifying parameters of egg appearance of the brood‐parasitic Pacific koel Eudynamys orientalis and seven of its hosts. Koel eggs laid in the nests of different hosts did not show significant differences in colour or pattern, suggesting that koels have not evolved host‐specific races. Koel eggs were similar in colour, luminance and pattern to the majority of hosts, but were significantly more similar in colour and luminance to one of the major hosts than to two other major hosts, supporting hypothesis 3. Our findings suggest that mimicry of one host can allow a brood parasite to exploit new hosts with similar egg morphologies, which could inhibit the evolution of host defences in naïve hosts.
Digital Subtraction Angiography‐Dynavision in Pretreatment Planning for Embolization of Dural Arterio‐Venous Fistulas
Authors: Botsford Alex , Shankar Jai Jai Shiva
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We have found DSA‐Dynavision with multiplanar reconstruction very helpful in understanding the complex anatomy and planning of treatment of carotico‐cavernous fistulas. The purpose of our study was to examine whether using DSA‐Dynavision in pretreatment planning results in better outcome after endovascular treatment of dural arterio‐venous fistulas (dAVFs).

METHODS

Patients with dAVF treated with endovascular embolization were retrospectively identified from our interventional neuroradiology database. Patients were assessed and divided into those with DSA‐Dynavision and those without. They were compared for procedural time, angiographic evidence of cure, rates of resolution of cortical venous reflux (CVR), complications, and need for postembolization surgery.

RESULTS

Eighty‐six percent of 28 patients (mean age 57 years, range 1.67‐84 years) had Borden type 3 DAVF; 7% had Borden type 2; and 7% had Borden type 1. DSA‐Dynavision was used in 14 of 28 (50%) patients. Fewer patients with DSA‐Dynavision required postendovascular embolization surgery (7% vs. 50%, P = .01) and fewer DSA‐Dynavision patients had CVR postprocedure (29% vs. 71%, P = .023). Mean procedural time (207 vs. 249 minutes; P = .40); permanent neurological complication rates (7% vs. 7%, P = 1.0); rate of immediate angiographic occlusion (64% vs. 29%, P = .061), and reported resolution of symptoms (79% vs. 53%, P = .18) were not significantly different. There was no significant difference in follow‐up (mean: 75 vs 120 weeks, P = .47).

CONCLUSION

The use of DSA‐Dynavision in planning of endovascular treatment of dAVF is associated with higher rates of elimination of CVR and less need for postembolization surgery.
An MRI Hyperintense Acute Reperfusion Marker Is Related to Elevated Peripheral Monocyte Count in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Nadareishvili Zurab , Luby Marie , Leigh Richard , Shah Jignesh , Lynch John K. , Hsia Amie W. , Benson Richard T. , Latour Lawrence L.
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in acute ischemic stroke as a hyperintense acute reperfusion marker (HARM) is associated with upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9). Although activated leukocytes, including monocytes, are the main source of MMPs, limited data exist to support relationship between leukocyte activation and BBB disruption in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The goal of this study is to investigate the relationship between neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes with BBB disruption detected as HARM (+) in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in patients who did not receive any reperfusion therapy with acute (<12 hours) ischemic stroke. MRI scans were obtained at baseline, 24 hours, and 5 days. HARM was evaluated on the 24‐hour follow‐up scan.

RESULTS

Thirty‐three patients were studied. HARM was detected in 27% of patients. Median volumes of baseline perfusion (mean transit time [MTT]) deficit (219.4 mL vs. 158.4 mL, P = .029) and DWI infarct growth at 24 hours (18.50 mL vs. .14 mL, P = .017), as well as the median absolute numbers (1 × 103/mm3) of monocytes, were significantly higher in HARM (+) versus HARM (−) patients (0.9 vs. 0.6, p = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

Increased monocyte count associated with HARM supports importance of systemic inflammation in BBB disruption in acute ischemic stroke.
Relationships between leaf shape and climate in Rhododendron mucronulatum
Authors: Koksheeva Inna , Kislov Dimitri , Tvorogov Sergey , Doudkin Roman
Published: July 2017

We studied the relationships between morphometric parameters of leaves of Rhododendron mucronulatum and climate features at the northern limit of its distribution. A great morphological diversity in leaf shapes, including strong deviations from the typical lanceolate and acute leaf shape was revealed. We found that the frequency of an elliptic shape with obtuse apex is the result of morphological adaptation to particular climatic conditions and that the diversity of leaf morphological features were strongly correlated with temperature and annual precipitation. The climatic parameters of the winter period were found to be more important for determining the leaf shape than the climate during the growing season.
Polls and Elections: Socioemotional Selectivity Theory and Vote Choice
Authors: Panagopoulos Costas , Prysby Charles
Published: July 2017

Socioemotional selectivity theory posits that individuals invest more selectively in goals and activities that are emotionally meaningful as they age and time horizons gradually shrink. We extend socioemotional selectivity theory to the domain of voting in elections. We use data from the 2012 American National Election Study to test the hypothesis that older voters would place greater emphasis on emotional reactions to the candidates in their presidential voting, relative to younger voters. The empirical evidence suggests support for this contention, implying socioemotional selectivity extends to voting.
Decolonialism
Authors: Legg Stephen
Published: July 2017

This piece opens with some reflections on the geographies of postcolonial scholarship and encourages us to trace out colonial durations in our lives and in the provocations we face. Two examples are given, from the International Conference of Critical Geographers and the Nottingham Citizens' Hate Crime Commission, before reflecting on what ‘decolonialism’ might mean for geography.
Loss Analysis in the Trackside RF Chain of a Radio-Based CBTC System
Authors: Aziminejad Arash , Epelbaum Gabriel
Published: July 2017

A key assumption in the process of optimized design of RF systems is the efficient transfer of power from the transmitter source to the load (i.e., the end antenna). Unless the transmitter is located directly next to the load, a transmission circuit comprised of multiple cascaded or forked segments connects one to the other. An example of such transmission network is the RF transmission chain of the Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) trackside antenna system. The system design requirement and validation process necessitates development of means for realistic evaluation and analysis of the reflection and insertion loss values offered by the trackside RF chains of a radio-based CBTC system. The aim of this research is to present a comparative study of three different models developed to quantitatively assess reflection and insertion losses in a general multi-stage RF transmission network. To provide a more realistic and credible assessment, the comparison has been further substantiated with measurement data.
Vibration Performance in Frequency Domain of CRTS I Double-Block Ballastless Track
Authors: Dai Feng , Zhu Ying , Liu Xueyi
Published: July 2017

According to the structural characteristics of the double-block track, using the Green’s function and superposition principle, the analytical model of the vertical vibration of the double-block track in frequency domain was established to analyze the responses of the double-block track in frequency domain and the influences of fastener stiffness, bedplate thickness and subgrade supporting stiffness on it. The results show that there are three obvious peaks for the rail mobility which are caused by bedplate resonance (35 Hz), rail resonance (200 Hz) and pinned-pinned resonance (1 kHz). Within the frequency range of less than 35 Hz, the bedplate mobility is determined by the bedplate supporting stiffness. Also the bedplate vibration decay rate increases with the increasing frequency. The bedplate resonance and wheel-rail coupling resonance have the most significant effect on the bedplate displacement. The frequency range where the rail high vibration decay rate lies gets wider with the larger fastener stiffness. Increasing the bedplate mass cannot attenuate its vibration in the mid-high frequency range.
Train Circulation Planning: Quantitative Approaches
Authors: Vilela Plínio , Cachoni Mônica , Vieira Anderson , Christofoletti Luciano
Published: July 2017

The railway traffic system is an important player in passenger and freight transportation. This paper aims to present a survey of optimization models for the most commonly studied rail transportation problems related to train scheduling. We propose a classification of models and describe their characteristics by focusing on model structure and algorithmic aspects. Most reviewed papers have been proposed during the last decades. Apart from a few exceptions, the survey concentrates on published and easily accessible material. We have also elected to limit ourselves to contributions dealing specifically with rail transportation planning in single and double tracks. Each model has different goals, such as, to minimize service delays, to reduce the unscheduled train stops or to minimize the total time a train has to remain motionless, specially to allow crossings. For each group of problems, we propose a classification of models and describe their important characteristics by focusing on model structure and algorithmic aspects. The literature review involve papers published since the 1970s, but recent publications suggest that the problem is still heavily investigated. The main approaches considered are those that focus on Mathematical Optimization and Simulation. The review also considers the approach used to generate the solution, the type of railroad (real or hypothetical), and the infrastructure characteristics used to represent the railroad model. Our analysis focuses on showing an overview of those planning models.