bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing evolutionary rates between trees, clades and traits
Authors: Revell Liam J. , González‐Valenzuela Laura E. , Alfonso Alejandro , Castellanos‐García Luisa A. , Guarnizo Carlos E. , Crawford Andrew J.
Published: January 2018

The tempo of evolutionary change through time is among the most heavily studied dimensions of macroevolution using phylogenies.

Here, we present a simple, likelihood‐based method for comparing the rate of phenotypic evolution for continuous characters between trees. Our method is derived from a previous approach published by Brian O'Meara and colleagues in 2006.

We examine the statistical performance of the method and find that it suffers from the typical downward bias expected for maximum likelihood estimates of the variance, but only for very small trees. We find that evolutionary rates are estimated with minimal bias for trees of even relatively modest size.

We also find that type I error rates based on a likelihood‐ratio test are minimally elevated above the nominal level, even for small phylogenies. The type I error rate can be reduced to a level at or below its nominal value by substituting a test‐statistic distribution obtained via simulation under the null hypothesis of no difference in evolutionary rate among trees.

We discuss the consequences of failing to account for uncertainty in the estimation of species means or in the phylogeny, and describe strategies for taking this uncertainty into consideration during estimation. We also identify how our approach is related to previous methods for comparing the rate of evolution among different clades of a single tree or between different phenotypic traits. Finally, we describe how the method can be applied to different evolutionary models and to discrete characters—options that are already implemented in software.

Evolutionary biologists continue to be intrigued by changes in the tempo of phenotypic evolution across the tree of life. The method described herein should be useful for contexts in which changes in the evolutionary rate or process between two or more clades of distant or unknown relationship are of interest.
Decoding diagnosis and lifetime consumption in alcohol dependence from grey‐matter pattern information
Authors: Guggenmos M. , Scheel M. , Sekutowicz M. , Garbusow M. , Sebold M. , Sommer C. , Charlet K. , Beck A. , Wittchen H.‐U. , Zimmermann U. S. , Smolka M. N. , Heinz A. , Sterzer P. , Schmack K.
Published: January 2018

Objective

We investigated the potential of computer‐based models to decode diagnosis and lifetime consumption in alcohol dependence (AD) from grey‐matter pattern information. As machine‐learning approaches to psychiatric neuroimaging have recently come under scrutiny due to unclear generalization and the opacity of algorithms, our investigation aimed to address a number of methodological criticisms.

Method

Participants were adult individuals diagnosed with AD (N = 119) and substance‐naïve controls (N = 97) ages 20‐65 who underwent structural MRI. Machine‐learning models were applied to predict diagnosis and lifetime alcohol consumption.

Results

A classification scheme based on regional grey matter attained 74% diagnostic accuracy and predicted lifetime consumption with high accuracy (r = 0.56, P < 10−10). A key advantage of the classification scheme was its algorithmic transparency, revealing cingulate, insular and inferior frontal cortices as important brain areas underlying classification. Validation of the classification scheme on data of an independent trial was successful with nearly identical accuracy, addressing the concern of generalization. Finally, compared to a blinded radiologist, computer‐based classification showed higher accuracy and sensitivity, reduced age and gender biases, but lower specificity.

Conclusion

Computer‐based models applied to whole‐brain grey‐matter predicted diagnosis and lifetime consumption in AD with good accuracy. Computer‐based classification may be particularly suited as a screening tool with high sensitivity.
Immature stages of two Australian mydas flies (Diptera: Mydidae) of the genera Diochlistus and Miltinus
Authors: Ferguson David J , Yeates David K
Published: January 2018

The Mydidae are a small family (~470 described species) of medium to large‐bodied flies belonging to the Asiloidea and are closely related to the Asilidae and Apioceridae. The biology of mydas flies, as they are commonly known, is poorly known globally, with the larva and pupa of only one American species described a century ago. Field work over the past few years in south‐eastern Australia has uncovered the life histories of two Australian species belonging to different subfamilies: Diochlistus gracilis (Macquart 1847) (Diochlistinae) and Miltinus viduatus (Westwood 1835) (Apiophorinae). Here, we present detailed descriptions and illustration of the larvae and pupae of these species and compare them with Mydas clavatus Drury (Mydinae) from North America. We also present some observations on the mating behaviour of D. gracilis. The relationships of the 10 Mydidae subfamilies, based exclusively on characters of the adult stage, are poorly resolved. The differences between the larvae and pupae of these two Australian genera provides evidence that there may be phylogenetically informative variation in the immature stages that could be used in future comprehensive studies on the relationships of mydas flies. These descriptions of mature larvae represent the second and third species to be published worldwide.
Do trade agreements increase Vietnam's exports to RCEP markets?
Authors: Nguyen Tien Dzung
Published: January 2018

The paper reviews recent developments in trade relations between Vietnam and members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, and analyses the impacts on Vietnam's exports of tariff reductions in RCEP trading partners. The margin of tariff preferences is adopted as a proxy for the degree of trade liberalisation and a gravity model is used to assess the impacts of the tariff preferences under the AFTA and ASEAN+1 FTAs on Vietnam's major exports. The results show that the effects of tariff preferences differ between the types of preferences and products. The FTA tariff preferences do not exert a stimulating effect on the export of agricultural products but they have positive effects on several manufacturing exports such as garments and footwear.
Native aortic endocarditis due to an unusual pathogen: Actinotignum schaalii
Authors: Loïez Caroline , Pilato Rosario , Mambie Adeline , Hendricx Sylvie , Faure Karine , Wallet Frédéric
Published: January 2018

We report a case of aortic native valve endocarditis due to Actinotignum schaalii in an 89‐year‐old man with prostatism history but no signs of urinary infection. Actinotignum schaalii was isolated not only from positive blood culture but also from cardiac valve culture using mass spectrometry and 16S rDNA sequencing. Actinotignum schaalii is recognized as commensal of genitourinary tract, but it was underdiagnosed. The advances in bacterial identification such as MALDI‐TOF MS probably explain the increasing described cases of infections due to A. schaalii these last years.
The Archaeometry and Archaeology of Ancient Chinese Glass: a Review
Authors: Henderson J. , An J. , Ma H.
Published: January 2018

This paper provides a new review of archaeometric research carried out on glass found in China, set in an archaeological context, from its earliest occurrence to the Song dynasty. It is set within a broad geographical context taking the terrestrial and maritime Silk Road contacts into account. We discuss chemical and isotopic compositional contrasts in glasses from different periods found in different parts of China, the glasses that were almost certainly made in China and those that were imported. A theme that runs through the paper is the problem of provenancing glass found in China, along with a lack of evidence for primary glass‐making sites and minimal evidence for secondary glass production. We discuss the glass artefacts that are of typical Chinese types and contrast these with imports; the structure reflects this contrast. We discuss potential new scientific and archaeological approaches to Chinese glass.
Are the health needs of young people with cerebral palsy met during transition from child to adult health care?
Authors: Solanke F. , Colver A. , McConachie H. ,   On behalf of the Transition collaborative group
Published: January 2018

Background

The transition from child to adult health care is a particular challenge for young people with cerebral palsy, who have a range of needs. The measurement of reported needs, and in particular unmet needs, is one means to assess the effectiveness of services.

Methods

We recruited 106 young people with cerebral palsy, before transfer from child services, along with their parents to a 3‐year longitudinal study. Reported needs were measured with an 11‐item questionnaire covering speech, mobility, positioning, equipment, pain, epilepsy, weight, control of movement, bone or joint problems, curvature of the back, and eyesight. Categorical principal component analysis was used to create factor scores for bivariate and regression analyses.

Results

A high level of reported needs was identified particularly for control of movement, mobility, and equipment, but these areas were generally being addressed by services. The highest areas of unmet needs were for management of pain, bone or joint problems, and speech. Analysis of unmet needs yielded two factor scores, daily living health care and medical care. Unmet needs in daily living health care were related to severity of motor impairment and to attending nonspecialist education. Unmet needs tended to increase over time but were not significantly (p > .05) related to whether the young person had transferred from child services.

Conclusions

Reporting of unmet needs can indicate where service development is required, and we have shown that the approach to measurement can be improved. As the number of unmet health needs at the start of transition is considerable, unmet health needs after transition cannot all be attributed to poor transitional health care. The range and continuation of needs of young people with cerebral palsy argue for close liaison between adult services and child services and creation of models of practice to improve coordination.
Component‐resolved diagnostics demonstrates that most peanut‐allergic individuals could potentially introduce tree nuts to their diet
Authors: Uotila R. , Kukkonen A. K. , Blom W. M. , Remington B. , Westerhout J. , Pelkonen A. S. , Mäkelä M. J.
Published: January 2018

Background

Nut allergy varies from pollen cross‐allergy, to primary severe allergy with life‐threatening symptoms. The screening of IgE antibodies to a wide spectrum of allergens, including species‐specific and cross‐reactive allergens, is made possible via microarray analysis.

Objective

We sought to study the association of variable IgE sensitization profiles to clinical response in peanut‐challenged children and adolescents in a birch‐endemic region. In addition, we studied the avoidance of tree nuts and species‐specific sensitizations.

Methods

We studied 102 peanut‐sensitized patients who underwent a double‐blind placebo‐controlled challenge to peanut. We analysed ISAC ImmunoCAP microarray to 112 allergens, singleplex ImmunoCAPs for hazelnut Cor a 14 and cashew Ana o 3, and performed skin prick tests to peanut, tree nuts and sesame seed. We surveyed avoidance diets with a questionnaire.

Results

Sensitization to PR‐10 proteins was frequent (Bet v 1 90%), but equally high in the challenge negatives and positives. IgE to Ara h 2 and Ara h 6 discriminated peanut allergic (n = 69) and tolerant (n = 33) the best. Avoidance of tree nuts was common (52% to 96%), but only 6% to 44% presented species‐specific sensitizations to tree nuts, so a great number could potentially introduce these species into their diet.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

PR‐10‐sensitizations were frequent and strong regardless of peanut allergy status. Component‐resolved diagnostics can be employed to demonstrate to patients that sensitization to seed storage proteins of tree nuts is uncommon. Several tree nuts could potentially be reintroduced to the diet.
The absence of serum IgE antibodies indicates non‐type 2 disease in young asthmatics
Authors: Tsolakis N. , Malinovschi A. , Nordvall L. , Janson C. , Borres M. P. , Alving K.
Published: January 2018

Background

Atopic asthma is associated with elevated type‐2 biomarkers such as fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and blood eosinophil (B‐Eos) count. However, increased type 2 markers have also been reported in traditionally defined non‐atopic asthma.

Objective

To determine a clinically useful level of IgE sensitization for ruling out type 2 asthma.

Methods

Asthmatics (N = 408; age 10‐35 years) were analysed using the multi‐allergen tests Phadiatop and fx5 (ImmunoCAP). Subjects were grouped based on IgE‐antibody concentrations: ≥0.35 kUA/L for at least one test (n = 326) or <0.35 kUA/L for both tests (n = 82). Τhe latter group was subsequently divided into 2 groups: IgE 0.10‐0.34 kUA/L (n = 34) and IgE < 0.10 kUA/L (n = 48). The relationships between type 2 biomarkers, and inadequate asthma control (ACT < 20), reduced lung function (FEV1 < 80%), recent asthma attacks and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to methacholine were determined.

Results

In univariate analyses, at least one type 2 marker related to each asthma outcome in subjects with IgE ≥0.35 kUA/L. In subjects with IgE 0.10‐0.34 kUA/L, elevated FeNO related to reduced lung function (P = .008) and B‐Eos to AHR (P = .03). No associations were found in subjects with IgE < 0.10 kUA/L. In multivariate analysis, a relationship between FeNO and reduced lung function remained in subjects with IgE < 0.35 kUA/L (P = .03).

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Clinically relevant elevation of type 2 biomarkers was seen in young asthmatics with IgE antibodies <0.35 kUA/L, but not those with IgE < 0.10 kUA/L. It seems possible to define non‐type 2 asthma through sensitive IgE‐antibody measurement.
Preservation and augmentation of molar extraction sites affected by severe bone defect due to advanced periodontitis: A prospective clinical trial
Authors: Zhao Liping , Xu Tao , Hu Wenjie , Chung Kwok‐Hung
Published: January 2018

Background

Studies of the extracted infected‐molar ridge preservation are limited.

Purpose

To compare alterations of hard and soft tissue in infected‐molar sockets receiving ridge preservation compared with natural healing.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐five infected‐molar extraction sites either preserving with Bio‐Gide membrane covered the Bio‐Oss material or receiving natural healing procedure as controls. The soft tissue profile was evaluated before tooth extraction and after 6‐month healing. Cone‐beam computed tomography scans were taken immediately and 6 months after extraction. Vertical and horizontal bone changes were assessed radiographically. Data were analyzed with Mann‐Whitney U test and α = 0.05.

Results

No significant differences in soft tissue and vertical bone changes in the medium region of the sockets were found (P > .05). Buccal bone changes in the mesial and distal sites in the test group were significantly lower than the control group (P < .05). Ridge width increased from 0.21mm to 5.30mm at 1mm apical from the crest in the test and reduced from 0.12 mm to 1.00 mm in the control groups.

Conclusion

Ridge preservation at periodontally compromised molar extraction sites might compensate for ridge width and buccal bone resorption that occurs with natural healing alone.
Three‐year analysis of zirconia implants used for single‐tooth replacement and three‐unit fixed dental prostheses: A prospective multicenter study
Authors: Balmer Marc , Spies Benedikt C. , Vach Kirstin , Kohal Ralf‐Joachim , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Jung Ronald E.
Published: January 2018

Aim

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate clinically and radiographically the outcome of zirconia oral implants after 3 years in function.

Materials and methods

In 60 patients in need of either a single‐tooth replacement or a three‐unit fixed dental prosthesis (FDP), a total of 71 one‐piece zirconia implants were placed and immediately restored with temporary fixed prostheses. After a period of at least 2 months in the mandible and at least 4 months in the maxilla, zirconia‐based reconstructions were cemented. The implants were clinically and radiologically examined at implant insertion, prosthetic delivery, at 6 months and then yearly up to 3 years. A linear mixed model was used to analyze statistically the influence of prognostic factors on changes in the marginal bone level.

Results

Seventy‐one implants (48 in the mandible, 23 in the maxilla) inserted in 60 patients were restored with 49 crowns and 11 FDP. One patient lost his implant after 5 weeks. Five patients with one implant each could not be evaluated after 3 years. Based on 55 patients with a total of 66 implants, the mean survival rate was 98.5% after 3 years in function. A statistically significant mean marginal bone loss (0.70 mm ± 0.72 mm) has been detected from implant insertion to the 3‐year follow‐up. The largest marginal bone loss occurred between implantation and prosthetic delivery (0.67 mm ± 0.56 mm). After delivery, no statistically significant bone level change was observed (0.02 mm ± 0.59 mm). None of the investigated prognostic factors had a significant influence on changes in the marginal bone level.

Conclusions

After 3 years in function, the investigated one‐piece zirconia implant showed a high survival rate and a low marginal bone loss. The implant system was successful for single‐tooth replacement and three‐unit FDPs. Further investigations with long‐term data are needed to confirm these findings.
Elevated donor plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 levels and the risk of primary graft dysfunction
Authors: Hamilton Barbara C. S. , Dincheva Gabriela R. , Zhuo Hanjing , Golden Jeffrey A. , Brzezinski Marek , Singer Jonathan P. , Matthay Michael A. , Kukreja Jasleen
Published: January 2018

Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) following lung transplantation is associated with elevated recipient plasma levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). However, the significance of these biomarkers in the donor plasma is uncertain. We hypothesized that elevated donor plasma levels of PAI‐1 and RAGE would be associated with recipient PGD. We carried out a prospective unmatched case‐control study of double‐lung transplant recipients between May 2014 and September 2015. We compared donor plasma levels of PAI‐1 and RAGE using rank‐sum tests and t tests, in 12 recipients who developed PGD grade 2 or 3 within 72 hours postoperatively with 13 recipients who did not. Recipients who developed PGD had higher donor plasma levels of PAI‐1 than recipients who did not (median 2.7 ng/mL vs 1.4; P = .03). Recipients with PGD also had numerically higher donor plasma levels of RAGE than recipients without PGD, although this difference did not achieve statistical significance (median 1061 pg/mL vs 679; P = .12). Systemic inflammatory responses in the donor, as reflected by elevated plasma levels of PAI‐1, may contribute to the risk of developing PGD. Rapid biomarker assessment of easily available plasma samples may assist in donor lung selection and risk stratification.
A quantitative comparison between SOX10 and MART‐1 immunostaining to detect melanocytic hyperplasia in chronically sun‐damaged skin
Authors: Muzumdar Sonal , Argraves Melissa , Kristjansson Arni , Ferenczi Katalin , Dadras Soheil S.
Published: January 2018

Histologic differentiation of melanoma in situ (MIS) from solar keratosis on chronically sun‐damaged skin is challenging. The first‐line immunostain is usually MART‐1/Melan‐A, which can exaggerate the epidermal melanocytes, causing a diagnostic pitfall for MIS. By comparing MART‐1 and SOX10 immunostaining, we scored the percentage of epidermal melanocytes per 2‐mm diameter fields in pigmented actinic keratosis (n = 16), lichenoid keratosis (n = 7), junctional melanocytic nevus (n = 6), keratosis with atypical melanocytic proliferation (n = 17) and MIS (n = 10). These cases represented an older population (68 years median age) and the head and neck (50%) was the most common anatomic site. MART‐1 score was significantly higher than SOX10 (P value <.05) in solar keratoses, but showed no difference in detecting melanocytic proliferations, demonstrating their equal detection rate of melanocytes. The sensitivity of both MART‐1 and SOX10 was 100%, while their specificities were 17% and 96%, respectively. These results show that SOX10 is more specific than MART‐1 in distinguishing epidermal melanocytes on sun‐damaged skin by avoiding overdiagnosis of melanoma.
The Elephant and the Sky: Ivory in Astronomical Instruments
Authors: Raposo Pedro M. P.
Published: January 2018

In this short essay, the author presents studies on ivory in astronomical instruments through examples of ivory instruments from the collections of the Adler Planetarium in order to suggest that the use of such artifacts in museum exhibitions may serve a twofold purpose: to emphasize that historical scientific instruments embody social and cultural meanings that go beyond the pursuits more commonly associated with scientific activity, while fostering the public engagement with the history of ivory trade and the issues surrounding this material.
Alien honeybees increase pollination risks for range‐restricted plants
Authors: Norfolk Olivia , Gilbert Francis , Eichhorn Markus P.
Published: January 2018

Aim

Range‐restricted species are of high conservation concern, and the way in which they interact with more widespread species has implications for their persistence. Here, we determine how the specialization of mutualistic interactions varies with respect to the geographic range size of plants and pollinators and assess how they respond to the introduction of the alien honeybee. We also compare network characteristics (connectance, specialization and nestedness) between an invaded low mountain and non‐invaded high mountain network.

Location

St Katherine Protectorate, South Sinai, Egypt.

Methods

We quantified bee–plant interactions in 42 plots between April and July 2013 and created visitation networks for the low mountains (beehives present) and the high mountains (beehives absent). We then compared visitation network metrics between range‐restricted, regionally distributed and widespread plants and pollinators and assessed topological differences between the low and high mountain networks.

Results

Range‐restricted bees were involved in a significantly higher number of total interactions than regional and widespread native bees, but showed no evidence of increased generalization. In contrast, range‐restricted plants were involved in fewer interactions and exhibited significantly higher specialization and a high dependency on range‐restricted pollinators. The introduced honeybee acted as a super‐generalist and was associated with an increase in network‐level generalization and nestedness. Honeybees exhibited high levels of resource overlap with range‐restricted bees and made few visits to range‐restricted plant species.

Main conclusions

Range‐restricted plants are more specialized in their interactions than range‐restricted pollinators, suggesting that the forces shaping the structure of interaction network can vary between partners. Alien honeybees made few visits to range‐restricted plants, but exhibited disproportionately high levels of floral competition with range‐restricted bees. If high levels of competition lead to population declines then specialized range‐restricted plants will be at higher risk of pollen deficits than more widespread species.
Transfer from paediatric to adult care for young adults with Type 2 diabetes: the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study
Authors: Agarwal S. , Raymond J. K. , Isom S. , Lawrence J. M. , Klingensmith G. , Pihoker C. , Corathers S. , Saydah S. , D'Agostino R. B. , Dabelea D.
Published: January 2018

Aim

To describe factors associated with transfer from paediatric to adult care and poor glycaemic control among young adults with Type 2 diabetes, using the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth study.

Methods

Young adults with Type 2 diabetes were included if they had a baseline SEARCH visit while in paediatric care at < 18 years and ≥ 1 follow‐up SEARCH visit thereafter at 18–25 years. At each visit, HbA1c, BMI, self‐reported demographic and healthcare provider data were collected. Associations of demographic factors with transfer of care and poor glycaemic control (HbA1c ≥ 75 mmol/mol; 9.0%) were explored with multivariable logistic regression.

Results

182 young adults with Type 2 diabetes (36% male, 75% minority, 87% with obesity) were included. Most (n = 102, 56%) reported transfer to adult care at follow‐up; a substantial proportion (n = 28, 15%) reported no care and 29% did not transfer. Duration of diabetes [odds ratio (OR) 1.4, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.1, 1.8] and age at diagnosis (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4, 2.4) predicted leaving paediatric care. Transfer to adult or no care was associated with a higher likelihood of poor glycaemic control at follow‐up (adult: OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.8, 11.2; none: OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.4, 14.6), independent of sex, age, race/ethnicity or baseline HbA1c level.

Conclusions

Young adults with Type 2 diabetes exhibit worsening glycaemic control and loss to follow‐up during the transfer from paediatric to adult care. Our study highlights the need for development of tailored clinical programmes and healthcare system policies to support the growing population of young adults with youth‐onset Type 2 diabetes.
Network spandrels reflect ecological assembly
Authors: Maynard Daniel S. , Serván Carlos A. , Allesina Stefano
Published: January 2018

Ecological networks that exhibit stable dynamics should theoretically persist longer than those that fluctuate wildly. Thus, network structures which are over‐represented in natural systems are often hypothesised to be either a cause or consequence of ecological stability. Rarely considered, however, is that these network structures can also be by‐products of the processes that determine how new species attempt to join the community. Using a simulation approach in tandem with key results from random matrix theory, we illustrate how historical assembly mechanisms alter the structure of ecological networks. We demonstrate that different community assembly scenarios can lead to the emergence of structures that are often interpreted as evidence of ‘selection for stability’. However, by controlling for the underlying selection pressures, we show that these assembly artefacts—or spandrels—are completely unrelated to stability or selection, and are instead by‐products of how new species are introduced into the system. We propose that these network‐assembly spandrels are critically overlooked aspects of network theory and stability analysis, and we illustrate how a failure to adequately account for historical assembly can lead to incorrect inference about the causes and consequences of ecological stability.
Spatial epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Piedmont and Aosta Valley, Italy: a population‐based cluster analysis
Authors: Vasta R. , Calvo A. , Moglia C. , Cammarosano S. , Manera U. , Canosa A. , D'Ovidio F. , Mazzini L. , Chiò A.
Published: January 2018

Background and purpose

The analysis of the spatial distribution of cases could give important cues on putative environmental causes of a disease. Our aim was to perform a spatial analysis of an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cohort from the Piedmont and Aosta Valley ALS register (PARALS) over a 20‐year period.

Methods

The address at the moment of diagnosis was considered for each ALS case. Municipalities’ and census divisions’ resident populations during the 1995–2014 period were obtained. A cluster analysis was performed adopting both Moran's index and the Kulldorff spatial scan statistic.

Results

A total of 2702 ALS patients were identified. An address was retrieved for 2671 (99%) patients. Moran's index was −0.01 (P value 0.83), thus revealing no clusters. SaTScan identified no statistically significant clusters. When census divisions were considered, Moran's index was 0.13 (P value 0.45); SaTScan revealed one statistically significant small cluster in the province of Alessandria. Here, 0.0099 cases were expected and three cases were observed (relative risk 304.60; 95% confidence interval 109.83–845.88, P value 0.03).

Discussion

Our study showed a substantial homogeneous distribution of ALS cases in Piedmont and Aosta Valley. The population‐based setting and the adoption of proper statistical analyses strengthen the validity of our results. Such a finding further suggests the involvement of multiple environmental and genetic factors in ALS pathogenesis.
PCDH19‐related epilepsy is associated with a broad neurodevelopmental spectrum
Authors: Smith Lacey , Singhal Nilika , El Achkar Christelle M. , Truglio Gessica , Rosen Sheidley Beth , Sullivan Joseph , Poduri Annapurna
Published: January 2018

Objective

To characterize the features associated with PCDH19‐related epilepsy, also known as “female‐limited epilepsy.”

Methods

We analyzed data from participants enrolled in the PCDH19 Registry, focusing on the seizure‐related, developmental, neurobehavioral, and sleep‐related features. We evaluated variants for pathogenicity based on previous reports, population databases, and in silico predictions, and included individuals with pathogenic or potentially pathogenic variants. We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records and administered a targeted questionnaire to characterize current or past features in probands and genotype‐positive family members.

Results

We included 38 individuals with pathogenic or potentially pathogenic variants in PCDH19: 21 de novo, 5 maternally inherited, 7 paternally inherited, and 5 unknown. All 38 had epilepsy; seizure burden varied, but typical features of clustering of seizures and association with fever were present. Thirty individuals had intellectual disability (ID), with a wide range of severity reported; notably, 8/38 (22%) had average intellect. Behavioral and sleep dysregulation were prominent, in 29/38 (76%) and 20/38 (53%), respectively. Autistic features were present in 22/38 (58%), of whom 12 had a formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. We had additional data from 5 genotype‐positive mothers, all with average intellect and 3 with epilepsy, and from 1 genotype‐positive father.

Significance

Our series represents a robust cohort with carefully curated PCDH19 variants. We observed seizures as a core feature with a range of seizure types and severity. Whereas the majority of individuals had ID, we highlight the possibility of average intellect in the setting of PCDH19‐related epilepsy. We also note the high prevalence and severity of neurobehavioral phenotypes associated with likely pathogenic variants in PCDH19. Sleep dysregulation was also a major area of concern. Our data emphasize the importance of appropriate referrals for formal neuropsychological evaluations as well as the need for formal prospective studies to characterize the PCDH19‐related neurodevelopmental syndrome in children and their genotype‐positive parents.
When do investment banks use IPO price support?
Authors: Fjesme Sturla Lyngnes
Published: January 2018

Practitioners, regulators, and the financial media argue that underwriters tie initial public offering (IPO) allocations to investor post‐listing buying of the issuer shares in a process labelled price support. Arguably, this excess demand boosts post‐listing returns which underwriters trade quid pro quo with investor stock‐trading commission payments. In this paper, I investigate unique data from the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE) including investor stock‐trading commissions, IPO allocations, and post‐listing trading. I document that investors who provide high returns to underwriters before IPOs benefit from price support through increased returns in IPOs. I conclude that price support is used when investors share boosted returns with underwriters.
Suspected case of hypersplenism as a cause of anaemia, thrombocytopenia and leucopenia in a Miniature Horse gelding
Authors: Ruby R. E. , Wong D. M. , Sponseller B. A. , Yaeger M.
Published: January 2018

A 23‐year‐old Miniature Horse gelding was presented to the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center with a 3‐week history of decreased appetite, lethargy and mild intermittent colic. A complete blood count revealed leucopenia, characterised by neutropenia and lymphopenia, as well as anaemia, thrombocytopenia and hyperproteinaemia whereas hypertriglyceridaemia was noted on serum biochemistry profile. Bone marrow evaluation was nondiagnostic and the horse was negative for antiplatelet antibody testing, Coombs test, equine infectious anaemia virus andAnaplasma phagocytophilum. The horse was hospitalised for 36 days and received supportive care, antibiotics, corticosteroids, dextrose‐containing fluids and a whole blood transfusion. Following initial improvement and stabilisation, the horse became severely anaemic and acutely recumbent on Day 36 and was subjected to euthanasia. Post‐mortem examination provided a diagnosis of hypersplenism with a markedly enlarged spleen along with histiocytic phagocytosis of erythrocytes and platelets. Examination of bone marrow showed appropriate erythroid hyperplasia and no evidence of myelopthisis or neoplasia. This report describes the first presumptive case of primary hypersplenism in an equid as a cause of pancytopenia.
Comprehensive circRNA expression profile and construction of circRNA‐associated ceRNA network in fur skin
Authors: Zhu Zhiwei , Li Yuan , Liu Wenyan , He Junping , Zhang Lihuan , Li Huifeng , Li Pengfei , Lv Lihua
Published: January 2018

Circular RNA (circRNA), a class of non‐coding RNAs, is a new group of RNAs that are related to tumorigenesis. The role of circRNAs in various diseases has been already highlighted. However, the expression levels and functions of circRNAs related to the melanocytes in the skin are poorly understood. RNA sequence was performed to analyse the expression profiles of circRNAs in black fur skin and white fur skin during different differentiation stages and investigate the relevant metabolism mechanisms. Differentially expressed circRNAs were detected using empirical Bayes sequencing (EBSeq) and then verified through the quantitative real‐time PCR method. The EQSeq analysis of circRNAs identified 11 downregulated and 32 upregulated circRNAs in the embryo of black fur skin and white fur skin, as well as 21 downregulated and 17 upregulated circRNA in the postnatal stage. A circRNA–microRNA (miRNA)–messenger RNA (mRNA) network was established to predict the circRNA targets. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were applied to enrich the mRNA data further. Results showed that the specific mRNAs mainly involved in the transcription‐related GOs, especially GO:0042802, GO:0005080 and GO:0032403, demonstrate their specific actions in transcriptional regulation. In the circRNA–miRNA–mRNA network, the most enriched GO terms of the mRNAs were pigmentation, protein autophosphorylation and protein complex. Therefore, the circRNA–miRNA–mRNA pathway may reveal novel mechanisms for pigmentation, and circRNAs may serve as candidates in pigmentation.
Higher precipitation strengthens the microbial interactions in semi‐arid grassland soils
Authors: Wang Shang , Wang Xiaobo , Han Xingguo , Deng Ye
Published: January 2018

Aim

Growing attention has been focused on the changes in the structure and diversity of microbial communities under altered precipitation pattern, but little is known about how this factor impacts microbial interactions. Our aim was to elucidate the variations of microbial interactions in semi‐arid grassland soils and determine the key factor in regulating microbial assemblies in water‐limited areas.

Location

A c. 3,700 km transect across three habitats (desert, desert grassland and typical grassland) in Northern China.

Time period

July and August 2012.

Major taxa studied

Total bacteria and archaea.

Method

The random matrix theory (RMT)‐based network inference approach was used to construct species interaction networks. The relationships between microbial network topology and environmental variables were examined by Mantel and partial Mantel tests.

Results

At the regional scale (across habitats), mean annual precipitation was the most important factor constraining the network structure, whereas at the local scale (within a habitat), soil conditions and plant parameters became more important, but their relative effects differed among habitats. In particular, no correlation was detected between the desert network and any environmental factors. The number of central species increased substantially in desert grassland and typical grassland networks in comparison to those in the desert network. Inter‐ and intra‐module connections, particularly negative connections, also increased in the two grassland habitats.

Main conclusions

Microbial networks become more complex as precipitation increases. A simple network structure (no connectors between modules, more sparsely distributed species and lower competitive links) and less association with environmental factors in the desert network indicate that microbial communities in extremely dry ecosystems are unstable and vulnerable; that is, future climate change will greatly influence microbial interactions in these extremely dry areas. Overall, our findings provide new insight into the way in which microbes respond to changing precipitation patterns by regulating their interactions in water‐limited ecosystems.
Internet medievalism and the White Middle Ages
Authors: Elliott Andrew B.R.
Published: January 2018

The Middle Ages, and ideas about modern culture drawn from or rooted in the medieval period, have found themselves recurring with alarming frequency within recent political discourse. From President Bush's crusade rhetoric surrounding the War on Terror to the Far Right's location of White nationalism within an ongoing framework of medieval nation‐founding, the past has increasingly been used in the service of the present. In their more egregious forms—such as the rise of White supremacist movements in Europe, the USA, and Australia and their amalgamation into mainstream political discourse—the use of medieval national and cultural memories has led to a whitewashing of the medieval past. This article argues that these instances of medievalism are not simply inaccuracies but come about through a recirculation of vague ideas about the Middle Ages through online in‐groups. Consequently, such political uses of the medieval past are often what have been termed “banal” medievalisms in the sense that they are not always intended as deliberate references to history by useful appropriations in the service of the present.
Effect of root canal irrigation protocols on the dislocation resistance of mineral trioxide aggregate‐based materials: A systematic review of laboratory studies
Authors: Neelakantan P. , Ahmed H. M. A. , Wong M. C. M. , Matinlinna J. P. , Cheung G. S. P.
Published: January 2018

The aim of this systematic review was to address the question: Do different irrigating protocols have an impact on the dislocation resistance of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)‐based materials? The review was performed using a well‐defined search strategy in three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) to include laboratory studies performed between January 1995 and May 2017, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Two reviewers analysed the papers, assessed the risk of bias and extracted data on teeth used, sample size, size of root canal preparation, type of MTA‐based material, irrigants, canal filling method, storage method and duration, region of roots and the parameters of push‐out testing (slice thickness, plunger dimensions and plunger loading direction), the main results and dislocation resistance values (in MPa). From 255 studies, 27 were included for full‐text analysis. Eight papers that met the inclusion criteria were included in this review. There was a wide variation in dislocation resistance due to differences in irrigation sequence, time and concentration of irrigants, storage method and duration, and the parameters of push‐out bond strength testing. A meta‐analysis was not done but qualitative synthesis of the included studies was performed. No definitive conclusion could be drawn to evaluate the effect of irrigation protocols on dislocation resistance of MTA‐based materials. Recommendations have been provided for standardized testing methods and reporting of future studies, so as to obtain clinically relevant information and to understand the effects of irrigating protocols on root canal sealers and their interactions with the dentine walls of root canals.
Genotypic diversity of bacteria and yeasts isolated from Tibetan kefir
Authors: Gao Wei , Zhang Lanwei
Published: January 2018

In this study, we have investigated the intraspecies genotypic diversity of bacteria and yeasts isolated from Tibetan kefir via the (GTG)5‐REP‐PCR technology. According to the cluster analysis of generated fingerprints, forty‐nine bacterial isolates were grouped into nine clusters and formed thirteen genotypes, and twenty‐two yeast isolates were grouped into two clusters and formed two genotypes. It's worth noting that isolates of Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus kefiri and Lactobacillus paracasei exhibited the intraspecies genotypic diversity, whereas isolates of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kazachstania unispora did not exhibit. These results confirmed that bacterial isolates possessed higher level of intraspecies genotypic diversity than yeast isolates studied in this research. These findings revealed that (GTG)5‐REP‐PCR was an efficient and sensitive molecular typing tool for revealing the intraspecies genotypic diversity among the bacterial isolates originated from Tibetan kefir.
‘To be treated as a human’: Using co‐production to explore experts by experience involvement in mental health nursing education – The COMMUNE project
Authors: Horgan Aine , Manning Fionnuala , Bocking Julia , Happell Brenda , Lahti Mari , Doody Rory , Griffin Martha , Bradley Stephen K. , Russell Siobhan , Bjornsson Einar , O'Donovan Moira , MacGabhann Liam , Savage Eileen , Pulli Jarmo , Goodwin John , van der Vaart Kornelis Jan , O'Sullivan Hazel , Dorrity Claire , Ellila Heikki , Allon Jerry , Hals Elisabeth , Sitvast Jan , Granerud Arild , Biering Pall
Published: January 2018

Increasingly, experts as deemed by personal experience or mental health service use, are involved in the education of nurses; however, accompanying research is limited and focuses primarily on opinions of nurse educators and students. The aim of this study was to develop an understanding of the potential contribution to mental health nursing education by those with experience of mental health service use. The research was part of the international COMMUNE (Co‐production of Mental Health Nursing Education) project, established to develop and evaluate co‐produced mental health content for undergraduate nursing students. A qualitative descriptive design was adopted with data collected through focus group interviews in seven sites across Europe and Australia. Experts by experience (people with experience of distress, service use, and recovery) co‐produced the project in partnership with nursing academics. Co‐production enriched the process of data collection and facilitated the analysis of data from multiple perspectives. Two themes are presented in this paper. The first focuses on how experts by experience can enhance students’ understanding of recovery by seeing the strengths inherent in the ‘human’ behind the diagnostic label. The second highlights the importance of communication and self‐reflection on personal values, where students can explore their own thoughts and feelings about mental distress alongside those with lived experience. Interacting with experts by experience in the classroom can assist in challenging stigmatizing attitudes prior to nursing placements. These findings can be used to inform international nursing curricula by increasing the focus on nursing skills valued by those who use the services.
Life on the line: exploring high‐performance practices from an employee perspective
Authors: Pass Sarah
Published: January 2018

Through a case‐based approach, this study addresses the call for employee‐focused research to help us understand whether the high‐performance causal chain is the result of discretionary effort or management control and work intensification. Findings highlight the role of the manager and workplace relationships and emphasise the need for ‘good practice’.
Conceptualising the link between information systems and resilience: A developing country field study
Authors: Heeks Richard , Ospina Angelica V.
Published: January 2018

Resilience—the ability of systems to cope with external shocks and trends—is a topic of increasing interest to research and practice. That growing interest is reflected within information systems (IS), but a structured review of IS literature shows a number of knowledge gaps around the conceptual and empirical application of resilience. This paper investigates what the subdiscipline of information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) can contribute; finding that it offers the IS discipline fresh insights that can be built into a new framework of resilience, and an arena within which this new framework can appropriately be field tested. Application of the resilience framework was undertaken through interviews and a survey in an urban community in Costa Rica; benchmarking both community resilience and “e‐resilience” (understood here as the contribution of ICTs to community resilience), and developing from these a set of action priorities. The paper reflects on what can be learned generally from this conceptualisation and operationalisation of resilience. It also reflects on what ICTs contribute to resilience in developing countries and on what this ICT4D‐based research specifically contributes to the identified IS knowledge gaps. This includes identification of a future research agenda on information systems and resilience.
Impact of information incongruity and authors group membership on assimilation and accommodation
Authors: Moskaliuk J. , Matschke C.
Published: January 2018

Learning is a complex process that can be differentiated into assimilation and accommodation. The Internet enables both types of learning through collaboration. There is, however, little research investigating the specific impact of social and information incongruity on assimilation and accommodation. The current research investigates how the information incongruity between prior knowledge and new information on the one hand and the social incongruity caused by the group membership of an information source on the other hand stimulates assimilation and accommodation specifically. It is predicted that medium incongruity stimulates assimilation and accommodation more strongly than low incongruity. Moreover, concerning social incongruity, ingroup information should specifically increase assimilation more strongly than outgroup information. A laboratory study with a 2 × 2 design using between‐subject factors information incongruity (low vs. medium) and social incongruity (ingroup vs. outgroup information) was conducted wherein participants worked on an ostensibly collaborative wiki. It was found that medium information incongruity stimulated stronger structuring of knowledge (i.e., internal accommodation) and stronger integration of new information into a wiki text (i.e., external accommodation) than low incongruity. As expected, ingroup information increased the acquisition of factual knowledge (i.e., assimilation) more strongly than outgroup information.