bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensory Profiles and Seasonal Variation of Black Walnut Cultivars
Authors: Lynch Catherine , Koppel Kadri , Reid William 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBlack walnut (Juglans nigra L.) is a North American hardwood tree valued for producing nuts and wood. Black walnut cultivars were evaluated by a trained panel over 2 growing seasons to determine the seasonal variation in the sensory profile. Results showed that cultivars were significantly different on 3 appearance (skin color, nutmeat color, and kernel roughness), 1 aroma (black walnut ID), 5 flavor (black walnut ID, banana‐like, piny, rancid, and overall nutty), and 2 texture attributes (surface roughness and hardness). These profiles were compared to results collected in 2011 to determine differences between growing seasons. Results showed 4 flavor attributes (black walnut ID, overall nutty, fruity‐dark and rancid) had an interaction effect of year and cultivar, while 6 attributes (brown, caramelized, floral/fruity, piny, musty/dusty, and oily) showed a main effect of year. In general, flavor attributes had higher intensities in 2011 than in 2013. These results suggest that seasonal variation may influence flavor profile more than cultivar. Thus, using samples from only 1 growing season when testing agricultural products may not provide adequate information for the long term.
De novo assembly and characterization of leaf and floral transcriptomes of the hybridizing bromeliad species (Pitcairnia spp.) adapted to Neotropical Inselbergs
Authors: Palma‐Silva C. , Ferro M. , Bacci M. , Turchetto‐Zolet A. C. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe present the leaf and floral transcriptomes of two hybridizing bromeliad species that differ in their major pollinator systems. Here we identified candidate genes responsible for pollinator attraction and reproductive isolation in these two species. We searched for candidate genes involved in floral traits, such as colour. Approximately 34 Gbp of cDNA sequence data were produced from both tissues and species, resulting in a total of 424 506 914 raw reads. The de novo‐assembled transcriptomes consisted of a total of 263 955 contigs, further clustered into 110 977 unigenes. Over 58% of the unigenes were functionally annotated and assigned to one or more Gene Ontology terms. The transcriptomes revealed 144 unique transcripts that encode key enzymes in the flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways. The domain/family annotation and phylogenetic analysis allowed us to infer, by homology, potential functions of the genes encoding MYB, HD‐ZIP and bZIP‐HY5 transcription factors, as well as WD40 protein, which may be involved in anthocyanin and flavonoid regulation in these species. These candidate genes are associated with natural regulation in flower colour in other plant species and will facilitate future studies aimed at elucidating the molecular basis of adaptive differentiation and the evolution of mechanisms of pollinator‐mediated reproductive isolation in these two bromeliads. In addition, we identified a total of 49 439 microsatellite loci. These resources will assist future research into adaptation and speciation events in bromeliad species, thus providing a starting point for investigation of the molecular mechanisms of the traits responsible for their reproductive isolation.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket: a cost‐effective and powerful method to optimize primer choice for rRNA environmental community analyses using the Fluidigm Access Array
Authors: Brown Shawn P. , Ferrer Astrid , Dalling James W. , Heath Katy D. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWith the increasing democratization of high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies, along with the concomitant increase in sequence yield per dollar, many researchers are exploring HTS for microbial community ecology. Many elements of experimental design can drastically affect the final observed community structure, notably the choice of primers for amplification prior to sequencing. Some targeted microbes can fail to amplify due to primer‐targeted sequence divergence and be omitted from obtained sequences, leading to differences among primer pairs in the sequenced organisms even when targeting the same community. This potential source of taxonomic bias in HTS makes it prudent to investigate how primer choice will affect the sequenced community prior to investing in a costly community‐wide sequencing effort. Here, we use Fluidigm's microfluidic Access Arrays (IFC) followed by Illumina® MiSeq Nano sequencing on a culture‐derived local mock community to demonstrate how this approach allows for a low‐cost combinatorial investigation of primer pairs and experimental samples (up to 48 primer pairs and 48 samples) to determine the most effective primers that maximize obtained communities whilst minimizing taxonomic biases.
Discussion of “Were Information Intermediaries Sensitive to the Financial Statement‐Based Leading Indicators of Bank Distress Prior to the Financial Crisis?”
Authors: Ryan Stephen G. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractI discuss Desai, Rajgopal, and Yu () with the goal of helping readers think carefully about which implications of the study are likely to generalize to future economic downturns and which are likely to be specific to the facts and circumstances of the recent financial crisis, given that the crisis was driven by the expectation and then the realization of a single market variable, national house price depreciation.
Dynamic Information Disclosure
Authors: Dierker Martin , Subrahmanyam Avanidhar 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe explore the optimal timing of voluntary disclosures when firms and outside investors have correlated but not identical signals. By delaying disclosure of their signal, firms encourage the acquisition of information by investors by reducing the latter's exposure to the long‐term risk of holding the asset. Immediate disclosure reduces rents from acquiring the correlated signal, and thus is sometimes suboptimal in a dynamic setting. We characterize conditions under which postponing disclosure is preferable, which allows us to develop predictions on the timing of voluntary information disclosures such as management guidance.
Unrealized earnings, dividends and reporting aggressiveness: an examination of firms’ behavior in the era of fair value accounting
Authors: Chen Ester , Gavious Ilanit 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis study explores changes in the dividend policy of companies following the adoption of fair value accounting rules. Using a sample of Israeli firms that adopted International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), we document a dramatic increase in the payout ratios of firms that distributed dividends based on revaluation gains from 32 percent of realized earnings in the pre‐IFRS period to 115 percent in the post‐IFRS period. Furthermore, we reveal that firms paying dividends from unrealized earnings are more aggressive both in their book and tax reporting behaviors. We demonstrate that this increased aggressiveness is associated with the payment of cash dividends from paper profits.
The Sertoli cell: one hundred fifty years of beauty and plasticity
Authors: França L. R. , Hess R. A. , Dufour J. M. , Hofmann M. C. , Griswold M. D. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryIt has been one and a half centuries since Enrico Sertoli published the seminal discovery of the testicular ‘nurse cell’, not only a key cell in the testis, but indeed one of the most amazing cells in the vertebrate body. In this review, we begin by examining the three phases of morphological research that have occurred in the study of Sertoli cells, because microscopic anatomy was essentially the only scientific discipline available for about the first 75 years after the discovery. Biochemistry and molecular biology then changed all of biological sciences, including our understanding of the functions of Sertoli cells. Immunology and stem cell biology were not even topics of science in 1865, but they have now become major issues in our appreciation of Sertoli cell's role in spermatogenesis. We end with the universal importance and plasticity of function by comparing Sertoli cells in fish, amphibians, and mammals. In these various classes of vertebrates, Sertoli cells have quite different modes of proliferation and epithelial maintenance, cystic vs. tubular formation, yet accomplish essentially the same function but in strikingly different ways.
Perioperative prophylaxis to prevent recurrence following cataract surgery in uveitic patients: a two‐centre, prospective, randomized trial
Authors: Mora Paolo , Gonzales Stefania , Ghirardini Stella , Rubino Pierangela , Orsoni Jelka G. , Gandolfi Stefano A. , Majo Francois , Guex‐Crosier Yan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPurposeTo compare the postoperative risk of inflammatory relapse in two groups of uveitic patients who underwent cataract surgery: one group had perioperative topical steroids alone and the other used topical and oral steroids.MethodsProspective, randomized, unmasked, duocentric clinical trial conducted at the University of Parma (Italy), and the Jules Gonin Eye Hospital of Lausanne (Switzerland). Patients with a history of non‐infectious uveitis requiring cataract surgery in 2009–2013 were assigned to two groups of perioperative prophylaxis: (A) intensive topical steroids alone; (B) the same topical regimen combined with oral steroids. Uveitis relapse over a period of 6 months was assessed.ResultsIn total, 52 eyes in 50 patients were randomized: 28 eyes were assigned to group A (topical) and 24 eyes to group B (topical + oral). Mean relapse‐free survival time was 131 ± 11 days in group A and 150 ± 13 days in group B. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.42). At the end of follow‐up, the groups were also comparable in terms of significant improvement in visual acuity (p < 0.01), mean central macular thickness (CMT) and IOP variation.ConclusionsAbsolute and long‐lasting control of ocular, and possibly systemic, inflammation predisposes uveitis patients to satisfactory results after cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation. Despite a lower rate of recurrences following oral steroid supplementation, the efficacy of an intensive perioperative topical steroid regimen alone in preventing postoperative uveitis relapse was statistically comparable. Secondary outcomes were also comparable between the two groups. Transient IOP elevation should be expected until treatment discontinuation.
Clostridium difficile associated risk of death score (CARDS): a novel severity score to predict mortality among hospitalised patients with C. difficile infection
Authors: Kassam Z. , Cribb Fabersunne C. , Smith M. B. , Alm E. J. , Kaplan G. G. , Nguyen G. C. , Ananthakrishnan A. N. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryBackgroundClostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a public health threat and associated with significant mortality. However, there is a paucity of objectively derived CDI severity scoring systems to predict mortality.AimTo develop a novel CDI risk score to predict mortality entitled: Clostridium difficile associated risk of death score (CARDS).MethodsWe obtained data from the United States 2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. All CDI‐associated hospitalisations were identified using discharge codes (ICD‐9‐CM, 008.45). Multivariate logistic regression was utilised to identify independent predictors of mortality. Clostridium difficile associated risk of death score was calculated by assigning a numeric weight to each parameter based on their odds ratio in the final logistic model. Predictive properties of model discrimination were assessed using the c‐statistic and validated in an independent sample using the 2010 NIS database.ResultsWe identified 77 776 hospitalisations, yielding an estimate of 374 747 cases with an associated diagnosis of CDI in the US, 8% of whom died in the hospital. The eight severity score predictors were identified on multivariate analysis: age, cardiopulmonary disease, malignancy, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, acute renal failure, liver disease and ICU admission, with weights ranging from −1 (for diabetes) to 5 (for ICU admission). The overall risk score in the cohort ranged from 0 to 18. Mortality increased significantly as CARDS increased. CDI‐associated mortality was 1.2% with a CARDS of 0 compared to 100% with CARDS of 18. The model performed equally well in our validation cohort.ConclusionClostridium difficile associated risk of death score is a promising simple severity score to predict mortality among those hospitalised with C. difficile infection.
Advances in understanding erythropoiesis: evolving perspectives
Authors: Nandakumar Satish K. , Ulirsch Jacob C. , Sankaran Vijay G. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryRed blood cells (RBCs) are generated from haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) through the step‐wise process of differentiation known as erythropoiesis. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of erythropoiesis and highlight recent advances in this field. During embryonic development, erythropoiesis occurs in three distinct waves comprising first, the yolk sac‐derived primitive RBCs, followed sequentially by the erythro‐myeloid progenitor (EMP) and HSPC‐derived definitive RBCs. Recent work has highlighted the complexity and variability that may exist in the hierarchical arrangement of progenitors responsible for erythropoiesis. Using recently defined cell surface markers, it is now possible to enrich for erythroid progenitors and precursors to a much greater extent than has been possible before. While a great deal of knowledge has been gained on erythropoiesis from model organisms, our understanding of this process is currently being refined through human genetic studies. Genes mutated in erythroid disorders can now be identified more rapidly by the use of next‐generation sequencing techniques. Genome‐wide association studies on erythroid traits in healthy populations have also revealed new modulators of erythropoiesis. All of these recent developments have significant promise not only for increasing our understanding of erythropoiesis, but also for improving our ability to intervene when RBC production is perturbed in disease.
No survival benefit associated with routine surveillance imaging for Hodgkin lymphoma in first remission: a Danish‐Swedish population‐based observational study
Authors: Jakobsen Lasse H. , Hutchings Martin , de Nully Brown Peter , Linderoth Johan , Mylam Karen J. , Molin Daniel , Johnsen Hans E. , Bøgsted Martin , Jerkeman Mats , El‐Galaly Tarec C. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThe use of routine imaging for patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in complete remission (CR) is controversial. In a population‐based study, we examined the post‐remission survival of Danish and Swedish HL patients for whom follow‐up practices were different. Follow‐up in Denmark included routine imaging, usually for a minimum of 2 years, whereas clinical follow‐up without routine imaging was standard in Sweden. A total of 317 Danish and 454 Swedish comparable HL patients aged 18–65 years, diagnosed in the period 2007–2012 and having achieved CR following ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine)/BEACOPP (bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone) therapy, were included in the study. The cumulative progression rates in the first 2 years were 4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1–7) for patients with stage I–II disease vs. 12% (95% CI 6–18) for patients with stage III–IV disease. An imaging‐based follow‐up practice was not associated with a better post‐remission survival in general (P = 0·2) or in stage‐specific subgroups (P = 0·5 for I–II and P = 0·4 for III–IV). Age ≥45 years was the only independent adverse prognostic factor for survival. In conclusion, relapse of HL patients with CR is infrequent and systematic use of routine imaging in these patients does not improve post‐remission survival. The present study supports clinical follow‐up without routine imaging, as encouraged by the recent Lugano classification.
Hoxa10 null animals exhibit reduced platelet biogenesis
Authors: Konieczna Iwona M. , DeLuca Teresa A. , Eklund Elizabeth A. , Miller William M. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThe transcription factor HOXA10 is an important regulator of myelopoiesis. Engineered over‐expression of Hoxa10 in mice results in a myeloproliferative disorder that progresses to acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) over time, and in humans over‐expression is associated with poor outcomes in AML. Here, we report that loss of Hoxa10 expression in mice results in reduced platelet count and platelet production, but does not affect clotting efficiency. About 40% fewer platelets were found in Hoxa10 null animals in comparison to wild type littermates. We found a nearly 50% reduction in the percentage of reticulated platelets in Hoxa10 null mice, suggesting deficient platelet production. Furthermore, Hoxa10 null animals recovered less efficiently from induced thrombocytopenia, supporting our hypothesis of defective platelet production. This also correlated with reduced colony formation potential of stem and progenitor cells seeded in megakaryocyte‐enhancing conditions in vitro. Together, our results indicate that HOXA10 is important for megakaryopoiesis and platelet biogenesis.
Short duration immunochemotherapy followed by radioimmunotherapy consolidation is effective and well tolerated in relapsed follicular lymphoma: 5‐year results from a UK National Cancer Research Institute Lymphoma Group study
Authors: Illidge Tim M. , McKenzie Hayley S. , Mayes Sam , Bates Andrew , Davies Andrew J. , Pettengell Ruth , Stanton Louise , Cozens Kelly , Hampson Grace , Dive Caroline , Zivanovic Maureen , Tipping Jill , Gallop‐Evans Eve , Radford John A. , Johnson Peter W.M. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryWe report a phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of abbreviated immunochemotherapy followed by 90Y Ibritumomab tiuxetan (90Y‐IT) in patients with recurrent follicular lymphoma. Of the 52 patients enrolled, 50 were treated with three cycles of R‐CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone) or R‐CVP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisolone), followed by 90Y‐IT regimen (15 MBq/kg, maximum 1200 MBq) preceded by two infusions of 250 mg/m2 rituximab. The overall response rate was 98% with complete response (CR) 30% and partial response (PR) 68%. 18 patients with a PR following chemotherapy improved to a CR following 90Y‐IT: a conversion rate of 40%. Seven patients with PR following 90Y‐IT subsequently improved to a CR 12–18 months later, leading to an overall CR rate of 44%. With a median follow‐up of 5 years, median progression‐free survival was 23·1 months and overall survival was 77·5% at 5 years. High trough serum rituximab levels (median 112 μg/ml; range 52–241) were attained after four doses of rituximab, prior to 90Y‐IT; this was not found to influence response rates. The treatment was well tolerated with few (13·5%) grade 3 or 4 infective episodes and manageable haematological toxicity. Abbreviated immunochemotherapy followed by 90Y‐IT is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment in recurrent follicular lymphoma patients previously exposed to rituximab. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00637832.
Country roads, take me home… to my friends: How intelligence, population density, and friendship affect modern happiness
Authors: Li Norman P. , Kanazawa Satoshi 
Published: February 2016

We propose the savanna theory of happiness, which suggests that it is not only the current consequences of a given situation but also its ancestral consequences that affect individuals’ life satisfaction and explains why such influences of ancestral consequences might interact with intelligence. We choose two varied factors that characterize basic differences between ancestral and modern life – population density and frequency of socialization with friends – as empirical test cases. As predicted by the theory, population density is negatively, and frequency of socialization with friends is positively, associated with life satisfaction. More importantly, the main associations of life satisfaction with population density and socialization with friends significantly interact with intelligence, and, in the latter case, the main association is reversed among the extremely intelligent. More intelligent individuals experience lower life satisfaction with more frequent socialization with friends. This study highlights the utility of incorporating evolutionary perspectives in the study of subjective well‐being.
Trimetazidine does not alter metabolic substrate oxidation in cardiac mitochondria of target patient population
Authors: Cavar M , Ljubkovic M , Bulat C , Bakovic D , Fabijanic D , Kraljevic J , Karanovic N , Dujic Z , Lavie CJ , Wisloff U , Marinovic J 
Published: February 2016

Background and PurposeTrimetazidine, known as a metabolic modulator, is an anti‐anginal drug used for treatment of stable coronary artery disease (CAD). It is proposed to act via modulation of cardiac metabolism, shifting the mitochondrial substrate utilization towards carbohydrates, thus increasing the efficiency of ATP production. This mechanism was recently challenged; however, these studies used indirect approaches and animal models, which made their conclusions questionable. The goal of the current study was to assess the effect of trimetazidine on mitochondrial substrate oxidation directly in left ventricular myocardium from CAD patients.Experimental ApproachMitochondrial fatty acid (palmitoylcarnitine) and carbohydrate (pyruvate) oxidation were measured in permeabilized left ventricular fibres obtained during coronary artery bypass grafting surgery from CAD patients, which either had trimetazidine included in their therapy (TMZ group) or not (Control).Key ResultsThere was no difference between the two groups in the oxidation of either palmitoylcarnitine or pyruvate, and in the ratio of carbohydrate to fatty acid oxidation. Activity and expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase, the key regulator of carbohydrate metabolism, were also not different. Lastly, acute in vitro exposure of myocardial tissue to different concentrations of trimetazidine did not affect myocardial oxidation of fatty acid.Conclusion and ImplicationsUsing myocardial tissue from CAD patients, we found that trimetazidine (applied chronically in vivo or acutely in vitro) had no effect on cardiac fatty acid and carbohydrate oxidation, suggesting that the clinical effects of trimetazidine are unlikely to be due to its metabolic effects, but rather to an as yet unidentified intracardiac mechanism.
Experimental Philosophy of Explanation Rising: The Case for a Plurality of Concepts of Explanation
Authors: Colombo Matteo 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis paper brings together results from the philosophy and the psychology of explanation to argue that there are multiple concepts of explanation in human psychology. Specifically, it is shown that pluralism about explanation coheres with the multiplicity of models of explanation available in the philosophy of science, and it is supported by evidence from the psychology of explanatory judgment. Focusing on the case of a norm of explanatory power, the paper concludes by responding to the worry that if there is a plurality of concepts of explanation, one will not be able to normatively evaluate what counts as good explanation.