bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First spike latency of ON/OFF neurons in the optic tectum of pigeons
Authors: WANG Songwei , WANG Mengke , WANG Zhizhong , SHI Li 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSome shallow and middle optic tectum (OT) neurons have stable, asymmetric full‐screen ON and OFF stimulus response properties, which makes them candidates for delay encoding. In this paper, we investigated the delay encoding mechanism for the neuronal clusters in the OT region of pigeons and determined the mechanism of delay coding in the OT region. By analyzing the responses of the neuron cluster under full‐screen switch‐on and switch‐off stimulation, we found that the delay coding was widespread in the OT region where the ON/OFF stimulation time difference was 4–6 ms. Information theory analysis under grating stimulation and experiments based on single‐neuron character reconstruction of neurons showed that OT neuron clusters use the first spike latency (FSL) for the rapid transfer of spatial structure information. Furthermore, 4 models were used to predict the first spike latency of these OT neurons. The best simulation results were obtained using an architecture where the ON and OFF paths of multiple retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were integrated and summed, respectively.
From a sequential pattern, temporal adjustments emerge in hummingbird traplining
Authors: TELLO‐RAMOS Maria C. , HURLY Andrew T. , HEALY Susan D. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAnimals that feed from resources that are constant in space and that refill may benefit from repeating the order in which they visit locations. This is a behavior known as traplining, a spatial phenomenon. Hummingbirds, like other central‐place foragers, use short traplines when moving between several rewarding sites. Here we investigated whether traplining hummingbirds also use relevant temporal information when choosing which flowers to visit. Wild rufous hummingbirds that were allowed to visit 3 artificial flower patches in which flowers were refilled 20 min after they had been depleted repeated the order in which they visited the 3 patches. Although they tended to visit the first 2 patches sooner than 20 min, they visited the third patch at approximately 20‐min intervals. The time between visits to the patches increased across the experiment, suggesting that the birds learned to wait longer before visiting a patch. The birds appeared to couple the sequential pattern of a trapline with temporal regularity, to some degree. This suggests that there is a temporal component to the repeated spatial movements flown by foraging wild hummingbirds.
Male Burmese pythons follow female scent trails and show sex‐specific behaviors
Authors: RICHARD Shannon A. , TILLMAN Eric A. , HUMPHREY John S. , AVERY Michael L. , PARKER M. Rockwell 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAnimals communicate with potential mates using species‐specific signals, and pheromones are powerful sexual signals that modify conspecific behavior to facilitate mate location. Among the vertebrates, snakes are especially adept in mate searching via chemical trailing, which is particularly relevant given that many snake species are invasive outside their native ranges. Chemical signals used in mate choice are, thus, potentially valuable tools for management of invasive snake species. The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is an invasive snake in the Florida Everglades where it is negatively impacting native fauna. In this study, we sought to: (i) determine if males can follow conspecific chemical trails in a Y‐maze; and (ii) describe the mate searching behaviors exhibited by males while trailing. All males consistently followed a single female scent trail in the maze, but when only a male scent trail was present they did not discriminate between the male and blank arms. Rate of tongue‐flicking, a proxy for chemosensory sampling, was also marginally higher when males were following female versus male scent trails. However, when both female and male scent trails were simultaneously present in the Y‐maze, males did not show a preference for the female arm, although the tongue‐flick rate was higher in the female‐only trial compared to female versus male. Analyses of multiple male behaviors individually and using an ethogram revealed that behaviors were more frequent and complex in the female‐only trials compared to male‐only trials. Additional behavioral trials are needed to determine if an effective pheromonal approach to Burmese python management is possible.
Proton beam therapy is a safe and feasible treatment for patients with second primary lung cancer after lung resection
Authors: Ono Takashi , Nakamura Tatsuya , Azami Yusuke , Suzuki Motohisa , Wada Hitoshi , Kikuchi Yasuhiro , Murakami Masao , Nemoto Kenji 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundThe purpose of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of proton beam therapy (PBT) in patients with second primary lung cancer after lung resection.MethodsPatients who were diagnosed with second primary lung cancer after lung resection and underwent PBT between January 2009 and February 2015 were retrospectively recruited. Toxicities were evaluated using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0.ResultsNineteen patients were eligible for inclusion in this study. All of the patients completed the treatment. The median age was 75 (range: 63–82) years, and the median follow‐up time of living patients was 60 months. The median dose of PBT was 76.8 Gy relative biological effectiveness (range: 66.0–80.0 Gy). The three‐year overall survival rate was 63.2% and the three‐year local control rate was 84.2%. No grade 4 or 5 toxicities were observed after PBT.ConclusionsOur results suggest that PBT is a safe and feasible treatment for second primary lung cancer compared to surgery or X‐ray radiotherapy. PBT may become a treatment choice for patients with second primary lung cancer after lung resection.
Inulin Ameliorates Alcoholic Liver Disease via Suppressing LPS‐TLR4‐Mψ Axis and Modulating Gut Microbiota in Mice
Authors: Yang Xiaoli , He Fang , Zhang Yanting , Xue Jing , Li Ke , Zhang Xiaoxia , Zhu Lili , Wang Zhen , Wang Hao , Yang Shaoqi 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundAlcoholic liver disease (ALD) represents a chronic liver disorder caused by alcohol abuse. Numerous studies have demonstrated that gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a critical role in ALD pathogenesis. Application of prebiotic, probiotic, and dietary supplementation to the modulation of gut microbiota contributes to a novel approach to the management of ALD. Inulin, a natural prebiotic found in plants, can restore gut dysbiosis in ALD. However, the exact mechanism of dietary inulin in ALD remains largely unknown.MethodsSixty female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: pair‐fed (PF) group (PF/CON); alcohol‐fed (AF) group (AF/CON); PF with inulin (INU) group (PF/INU); and AF with INU group (AF/INU). All mice were fed with isocaloric modified Lieber‐DeCarli liquid diets with or without alcohol.ResultsAfter 6 weeks of feeding, mice were euthanized and associated indications were investigated. The results showed that chronic ethanol (EtOH) intake led to the loss of body weights, abnormal levels of transaminases, and inflammatory indicators (lipopolysaccharide [LPS], interleukin [IL]‐6, IL‐10, tumor necrosis factor‐α, IL‐17A), while inulin administration ameliorated these effects. To further understand the underlying mechanism, we investigated macrophages (Mψs) and gut microbiota in diverse groups. The number of Mψs was reduced after dietary inulin treatment in chronic EtOH exposure. Hepatic Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4+) Mψs in AF/INU group were lower than AF/CON group. 16S rRNA sequencing and analysis of gut microbiota indicated the reduction of Allobaculum, Lactobacillus, and Lactococcus, as well as the increase of Parasutterella in AF group compared with PF control. Increased Allobaculum, Lactobacillus, and Lactococcus but reduced Parasutterella in AF/INU group were confirmed that dietary inulin rectified gut dysbiosis to attenuate ALD.ConclusionsDietary inulin ameliorates ALD via suppressing LPS‐TLR4‐Mψ axis and modulating gut microbiota in mice, thus potentially provides theoretical foundation for inulin intervention in the prevention and treatment of ALD.
Strategising in the midst of management controls: a case study on the relationship between management controls and promises on strategies
Authors: Tekathen Matthäus , Bui Binh , Wang Zhichao (Alex) 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBy understanding strategies as promises, this study investigates how management controls are implicated in organisations’ strategising practice under continuous changes of external forces. Based on a historical case study of a New Zealand electricity firm, the study shows how multiple management controls facilitate a strategising practice that focuses on repromising new futures for the firm by enabling senior managers, board members and operational staff to memorise, forget and forgive promises made. The study suggests that organisations seeking to move from one promised future to another use management controls to help develop, solidify and bridge promises.
Oxytocin inhibits methamphetamine‐associated learning and memory alterations by regulating DNA methylation at the Synaptophysin promoter
Authors: Fan Xin‐Yu , Yang Jing‐Yu , Dong Ying‐Xu , Hou Ying , Liu Shuai , Wu Chun‐Fu 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMethamphetamine (METH) causes memory changes, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, can potentially cause synaptic changes in the brain. Oxytocin (OT) plays a central role in learning and memory, but little is known of the impact of OT on METH‐associated memory changes. Here, we explored the role of OT in METH‐induced epigenetic alterations that underlie spatial and cognitive memory changes. METH (2.0 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered to male C57BL/6 mice once every other day for 8 days. OT (2.5 μg, i.c.v.) or aCSF was given prior to METH. Spatial and cognitive memory were assessed. In Hip and PFC, synaptic structures and proteins were examined, levels of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) were determined, and the DNA methylation status at the Synaptophysin (Syn) promoter was assessed. METH enhanced spatial memory, decreased synapse length, downregulated DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, and MECP2, and induced DNA hypomethylation at the Syn promoter in Hip. In contrast, METH reduced cognitive memory, increased synapse thickness, upregulated DNMT1, DNMT3A, and MECP2, and induced DNA hypermethylation at the Syn promoter in PFC. OT pretreatment specifically ameliorated METH‐induced learning and memory alterations, normalized synapse structures, and regulated DNMTs and MECP2 to reverse the DNA methylation status changes at the Syn promoter in Hip and PFC. DNA methylation is an important gene regulatory mechanism underlying METH‐induced learning and memory alterations. OT can potentially be used to specifically manipulate METH‐related memory changes.
Perinatal free‐choice of a high‐calorie low‐protein diet affects leptin signaling through IRS1 and AMPK dephosphorylation in the hypothalami of female rat offspring in adulthood
Authors: Rivera Patricia , Ramírez‐López María T. , Vargas Antonio , Decara Juan , Vázquez Mariam , Arco Rocío , Gómez de Heras Raquel , Argente Jesús , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando , Chowen Julie A. , Suárez Juan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimWe aimed to investigate whether a dysregulated maternal diet during gestation and lactation induces long‐lasting changes in the hypothalamic control of feeding behavior in the offspring and whether this effect is sex specific.MethodsThe study included an analysis of appetite‐regulating metabolic hormones and hypothalamic signaling in male and female offspring in adulthood after exposure to a free‐choice high‐calorie palatable low‐protein (P) diet or standard chow (C) during (pre)gestation/lactation (maternal) and/or postweaning (offspring).ResultsMaternal exposure to the P diet resulted in decreased protein intake and body weight gain in dams and decreased body weight gain in offspring during lactation. The maternal P diet (PC) specifically increased feed efficacy and decreased body weight and cholesterol levels in the female offspring in adulthood, but no changes in adiposity or leptin levels were found. In contrast, P diet exposure after weaning (CP and PP) increased caloric intake, adiposity and circulating levels of leptin in the male and female offspring in adulthood. The hypothalami of the female offspring exposed to the maternal P diet (PC and PP) expressed high levels of the phospho‐leptin receptor and low levels of SOCS3, phospho‐IRS1 and phospho‐AMPK, regardless of the postweaning diet. The hypothalami of the female rats in the PC group also showed increased levels of STAT3 and the orexigenic neuropeptide Agrp.ConclusionsMaternal exposure to a free‐choice high‐calorie low‐protein diet induces a long‐term feed efficacy associated with changes in leptin signaling through IRS‐1 and AMPK dephosphorylation in the hypothalami of female offspring in adulthood.
Comparison of the effect of beclometasone/formoterol in asthma patients after methacholine‐induced bronchoconstriction: A noninferiority study using metered dose vs. dry powder inhaler
Authors: Singh Dave , van den Berg Frans , Leaker Brian , Corradi Massimo , Jabbal Sunny , Collarini Sara , Mongelli Valentina , Santoro Luigi , Piccinno Annalisa , Biondaro Sonia , Lipworth Brian 
Published: December 2018

AimsTo demonstrate the noninferiority of extrafine beclomethasone/formoterol fumarate (BDP/FF) dry powder inhaler (DPI) vs. extrafine BDP/FF pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI; Foster® 100/6 μg NEXThaler and pMDI, respectively) in the onset of reliever effect after methacholine induced bronchospasm in asthmatic patients, evaluated in terms of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) at 5 min postdose. The DPI provides an alternative device option for patients who cannot use a pMDI properly during an acute asthma attack.MethodsSixty‐five patients received one inhalation of BDP/FF DPI, BDP/FF pMDI or placebo after methacholine challenge, according to a double‐blind, double‐dummy, cross‐over design. Lung function and Borg dyspnoea score were assessed up to 30 min postdose.ResultsFEV1 adjusted mean difference between BDP/FF DPI and BDP/FF pMDI at 5 min postdose was 2 ml (95% confidence interval: –0.060; 0.065). A similar result was observed at the other time points. Median time to 85% recovery in FEV1 was 8 min for BDP/FF DPI, 7.5 min for BDP/FF pMDI and 28 min for placebo (P = 0.554 DPI vs. pMDI). The Borg score improved after treatment with both BDP/FF DPI and pMDI and the effect was greater than after placebo. Median time to reach 50% recovery was 4.2 min for BDP/FF DPI, 4.0 min for BDP/FF pMDI and 10.0 min for placebo (P = 0.609 DPI vs. pMDI).ConclusionsExtrafine Foster® NEXThaler, a flow‐independent DPI, is comparable to extrafine Foster® pMDI when administered as reliever therapy after methacholine challenge, thus supporting the maintenance and reliever therapy approach also with Foster® NEXThaler.
Revisiting five decades of educational technology research: A content and authorship analysis of the British Journal of Educational Technology
Authors: Bond Melissa , Zawacki‐Richter Olaf , Nichols Mark 
Published: December 2018

AbstractReflecting on 50 years of educational technology research, a content and authorship analysis was conducted of 1777 research article titles and abstracts, published in the British Journal of Educational Technology (BJET) from 1970 to Issue 3, 2018. A text‐mining tool (Leximancer) was used to identify key concepts and themes emerging throughout each of the five decades, which were then compared to those found in a previous analysis of Computers & Education, as well as the most cited BJET publications in each decade. The framework of West and Rich (2012) was then used to provide guidance on BJET’s rigour, impact and prestige. Common themes in BJET throughout the past 50 years have included the evolution of teaching and learning in distance education, the emergence of instructional design, misunderstanding between practitioners and learning designers, issues of pre and in‐service teacher education and technology uptake by educators and students, including the confidence to do so, the technology skills of educators and students, as well as a lack of institutional support to provide space and time for training and integration to occur. The authorship analysis revealed an encouraging increase in international identity over time, with 60% of articles in BJET published by an author outside of the UK over the past 50 years, and 79% in the past decade. Despite this, contributions from South America, the Middle East and Africa are vastly underrepresented, and authors from these regions need further support from the field. Suggested future research areas include finding alternative models of educator professional development, further exploration of the role of theory and policy, as well as the rise of co‐authorship and collaborative research.
Shwachman‐Diamond syndrome with clonal interstitial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 20 in bone marrow: haematological features, prognosis and genomic instability
Authors: Valli Roberto , Minelli Antonella , Galbiati Marta , D'Amico Giovanna , Frattini Annalisa , Montalbano Giuseppe , Khan Abdul W. , Porta Giovanni , Millefanti Giorgia , Olivieri Carla , Cipolli Marco , Cesaro Simone , Pasquali Francesco , Danesino Cesare , Cazzaniga Gianni , Maserati Emanuela 
Published: December 2018

SummaryIn Shwachman‐Diamond syndrome (SDS), deletion of the long arm of chromosome 20, del(20)(q), often acquired in bone marrow (BM), may imply a lower risk of developing myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukaemia (MDS/AML), due to the loss of the EIF6 gene. The genes L3MBTL1 and SGK2, also on chromosome 20, are in a cluster of imprinted genes, and their loss implies dysregulation of BM function. We report here the results of array comparative genomic hybridization (a‐CGH) performed on BM DNA of six patients which confirmed the consistent loss of EIF6 gene. Interestingly, array single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) showed copy neutral loss of heterozygosity for EIF6 region in cases without del(20)(q). No preferential parental origin of the deleted chromosome 20 was detected by microsatellite analysis in six SDS patients. Our patients showed a very mild haematological condition, and none evolved into BM aplasia or MDS/AML. We extend the benign prognostic significance of del(20)(q) and loss of EIF6 to the haematological features of these patients, consistently characterized by mild hypoplastic BM, no or mild neutropenia, anaemia and thrombocytopenia. Some odd results obtained in microsatellite and SNP‐array analysis demonstrate a peculiar genomic instability, in an attempt to improve BM function through the acquisition of the del(20)(q).
Argon plasma coagulation is an effective treatment for chronic radiation proctitis in gynaecological malignancy: an observational study
Authors: Sultania S. , Sarkar R. , Das K. , Dhali G. K. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimChronic radiation proctitis (CRP) develops in 5–15% of patients after pelvic radiation therapy, with rectal bleeding being the main symptom. Reports suggest that argon plasma coagulation (APC) can be an effective therapy for CRP following radiotherapy for prostate cancer, but there is less information about how useful it is after radiotherapy for gynaecological malignancy. The aim of this work therefore was to study the efficacy of APC for CRP after radiotherapy for gynaecological malignancy.MethodThis was a prospective study of consecutive patients with CRP following radiotherapy for gynaecological malignancy at IPGME&R, SDLD, Kolkata, India; symptoms included rectal bleeding grade (RBG) ≥ 2. APC was performed at monthly intervals to a maximum of four treatment sessions. Severity of disease at baseline was graded (endoscopically) by the total colonoscopic severity score (TCSS) and treatment response was assessed by reduction in RBG from ≥ 2 to ≤ 1 measured at > 6 months after cessation of APC.ResultsSeventy patients [90% with cervical cancer, 10% with endometrial cancer; mean age 51.93 ± 9.15 years; median RBG 3 (range 2–4)] received APC. Seven patients died due to underlying malignancy and seven patients were lost to follow‐up. Fifty‐six (85.7%) patients responded to therapy after a median of 2 (range 1–4) treatment sessions. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a lower haemoglobin at the start of treatment predicted failure of therapy (P < 0.05).ConclusionAPC is an effective management option for CRP in female patients with gynaecological malignancy. However, the more anaemic the patient the less likely it is to be successful.
Histological findings and pathologic diagnosis of spiradenocarcinoma: A case series and review of the literature
Authors: Huang Amy , Vyas Nikki S. , Mercer Stephen E. , Phelps Robert G. 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundAtypical spiradenoma and spiradenocarcinoma present a diagnostic challenge. We aim to assess the significance of certain histologic features, which may facilitate diagnosis of these tumors.MethodsA natural language search for cases of “atypical spiradenoma” and “spiradenocarcinoma” diagnosed between 2009 and 2018 was performed. Original slides were retrieved and a subset of cases (n = 5) were stained for Ki‐67, p53, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and S100. All cases (n = 7) were assessed for overall architecture, atypical mitotic figures, abnormal cytology, necrosis, ductal proliferation, dilated vessels, and loss of dual cell population.ResultsAll our cases showed an abrupt transition from benign to malignant morphology, nuclear atypia, atypical mitotic figures, and a monomorphic loss of the dual cell population (7/7; 100%). The majority also had dilated vessels (6/7; 85.7%), and ductal dilation or proliferation (5/7; 71.4%). Fewer cases showed tumor encapsulation (3/7; 43%), massive necrosis (3/7; 43%), and focal cellular necrosis (1/7; 14%). All cases showed a relatively increased Ki‐67 proliferation index at the transitional interface (5/5; 100%). Almost all cases stained positively for p53 (4/5; 80%). Malignant areas of tumor or at the transitional interface showed more intense S100 staining (3/5; 60%). All cases were negative for CEA.ConclusionHistologic features that strongly favor atypical spiradenoma or spiradenocarcinoma include abrupt transition to malignant foci, atypical mitotic figures, and monomorphic loss of the dual cell population. Ki‐67, p53, and S100 may help delineate areas of atypical or malignant transformation in spiradenomas.