bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redescription of Astyanax multidensEigenmann, 1908 (Characiformes: Characidae), a small characid of the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Marinho Manoela M. F. , Birindelli José L. O.
Published: October 2014

Astyanax multidensis redescribed based on syntypes and additional specimens from the rio Amazonas at Silves, Amazonas State and Óbidos, Pará State, and the rios Trombetas, Tapajós, Xingú, and Araguaia.Astyanax multidensis distinguished from congeners by the unique combination of five to seven maxillary teeth, 31 to 34 pored lateral-line scales, 20 to 23 branched anal-fin rays, and a dark triangular blotch restricted to the middle caudal-fin rays. Astyanax multidens was collected syntopically with Jupiaba paranatinga in the rio Tapajós basin and with Jupiabacf. essequibensis in the rio Xingu basin, which have paired anteriorly oriented pelvic-fin spines, a antipredatory mechanism. Based on the external morphological similarity betweenAstyanax multidens and the two species ofJupiaba, their sympatric occurrence, and their distinct phylogenetic position, we interpret this a case of Batesian mimicry.
Cryptic species of the genus Pimelodella (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) from the Miranda River, Paraguay River basin, Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul, Central Brazil
Authors: Souza-Shibatta Lenice , Pezenti Larissa Forim , Ferreira Dhiego Gomes , Almeida Fernanda Simões de , Sofia Silvia Helena , Shibatta Oscar Akio
Published: October 2014

Specimens of Pimelodellacaptured in the Miranda River, Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul State, present morphological features that could indicate at least four species. Therefore, karyotype analysis and molecular biology provided evidence that they were only two species, one showing 2n = 46, and the other, 2n = 52 chromosomes, with only 18% genetic similarity. The morphological analysis evidenced that the dorsal filament is a male characteristic and that the upper lobe of the caudal fin was variable and might or might not be elongated in both species. With respect to morphometric characters, the formation of two groups was evident, but with a small overlap of specimens between them. Among the species with filaments on the dorsal fin observed in the Pantanal, the one with the lesser length of adipose fin base is P. griffini, which corresponds to that with 2n = 46 chromosomes, whereas the species P. taenioptera has 2n = 52 chromosomes. Thus, the accurate detection of these cryptic taxonomic units was only possible with the use of various analysis techniques. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the identification of cryptic species is important for obtaining correct estimates of fish diversity in the Pantanal
Diversity and chromosomal evolution in the genus Ancistrus Kner, 1854 (Loricariidae: Ancistrini) from three hydrographic basins of Mato Grosso State, Brazil
Authors: Mariotto Sandra , Centofante Liano , Moreira-Filho Orlando
Published: October 2014

Cytogenetic analyses were carried out in 117 specimens of seven species of the genus Ancistrus from three hydrographic in Mato Grosso State: Paraguay, Araguaia-Tocantins and Amazon basins. Conventional cytogenetic techniques were used to obtain mitotic chromosomes. C-banding was performed to detect heterochromatic regions and silver nitrate staining was used to identify nucleolar organizer regions (Ag-NORs). The counted and paired chromosomes revealed diploid numbers ranging from 2n = 40 to 2n = 54 with karyotype formulae varying from FN = 80 to FN = 86. Single marks in distinct chromosomes identified the nucleolar organizer regions. The constitutive heterochromatin was scarce in the diploid number from 2n = 50 to 2n = 54 and conspicuous blocks were observed in a single species with 2n = 40 chromosomes. These data corroborate the hypotheses of reduction of diploid number in species with derived features such as presence of sex chromosomes and polymorphisms, besides allowing inferences about the evolutionary mechanisms and the ancestor karyotype that favored the diversification of this important genus in the tribe Ancistrini.
Gametogenesis and reproductive cycle of Melanorivulus aff. punctatus (Boulenger, 1895) (Cyprinodontiformes, Rivulidae) in Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: Cassel Monica , Mehanna Mahmoud , Mateus Lucia , Ferreira Adelina
Published: October 2014

The comprehension of the reproductive cycle allows to understand which are the morphological changes that develop in the gonad during this interval. Thus, many studies have been undertaken in order to describe and classify the stages of gonadal development and reproductive status of Neotropical fishes. For this purpose, specimens of Melanorivulus aff. punctatus were collected in a permanent dam in Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The gonads were prepared for analysis by light microscopy. The oogenesis and spermatogenesis have been described, characterizing the stages of gonadal development, together with assessments of the gonadosomatic ratio, germ cell count and verification of variation of mature oocytes in females. Throughout the year the male gonads presented themselves as capable of reproducing, characterized by the presence of undifferentiated and differentiated spermatogonia, spermatocytes organized into cysts, spermatids in cysts whose wall was thicker and the spermatozoa was free in the lumen and the duct. This can indicate a continuous reproductive cycle with split spermiation. The females had gonads in the development stage from May to September with undifferentiated and differentiated oogonias and early oocytes always facing the lumen, abundant pre-vitellogenic and vitellogenic oocytes and some atresias. In the phase capable of spawning, observed from October to March, the mature oocytes are abundant, there are many post-ovulatory complexes and some atresia in advanced stage. The regression, observed in some individuals from February to April, is characterized by ovaries with many atresias and post-ovulatory complexes. The same results were found in the quantitative assessments. Therefore, it may be characterized as discontinuous cycle with split spawning. Thus, the reproductive cycle of this species can be characterized as continuous for males and discontinuous for females, which have a most intense phase of reproduction from October to March. However, both have fractional release of gametes.
Assessment of sábalo (Prochilodus lineatus) fisheries in the lower Paraná River basin (Argentina) based on hydrological, biological, and fishery indicators
Authors: Baigún Claudio , Minotti Priscilla , Oldani Norberto
Published: October 2014

This study assesses the change in fish exploitation patterns of the sábalo fisheries of the lower Paraná River basin based on hydrological, biological, and fishery indicators. From historical catch records, we recorded a shift from a lightly and moderate exploited status before 2001 to a heavily exploited one, as a result of the development of sábalo exports from 2001 onwards. Channel and floodplain connectivity indices demonstrated that the Paraná exhibited highly favorable hydrological conditions between 1972 and 1999 but more adverse conditions from 1999 to 2009, as a consequence of flood pulses reduction coincident with a fishing mortality increment. A total catch of 15,000 tons, including local consumption, regional market, informal sales, and exportation volumes, was estimated as the maximum sustainable catch. That level was instead exceeded 3 fold in 2004, in parallel with a decrease in the mean fish length from 48 to 42 cm, along with a reduction in both the mesh size from 16 to 12 cm and megaspawner proportion, and an increase of fishing mortality. Although growth overfishing was not noted, an analysis of the spawning potential ratio trend indicated that recruitment overfishing took place during 2005, since the fishing mortality rate was 4 times greater than the natural mortality rate. These observations suggest that less favorable hydrological conditions after 1999 coupled with a coincident high fishing pressure could have impacted the sábalo population biomass. Management of sábalo fisheries requires to set aside a single economic vision of the resource use moving to an ecosystem-oriented approach that incorporate, among others components, the hydrological regime, species life history traits, fishing impacts on other species, and main stakeholders socioeconomic requirements as key elements for the preservation of fishery sustainability.
CXCR1/2 Inhibition Blocks and Reverses Type 1 Diabetes in Mice
Authors: Citro Antonio , Valle Andrea , Cantarelli Elisa , Mercalli Alessia , Pellegrini Silvia , Liberati Daniela , Daffonchio Luisa , Kastsiuchenka Olga , Ruffini Pier Adelchi , Battaglia Manuela , Allegretti Marcello , Piemonti Lorenzo
Published: October 2014

Chemokines and their receptors have been associated with or implicated in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D), but the identification of a single specific chemokine/receptor pathway that may constitute a suitable target for the development of therapeutic interventions is still lacking. Here, we used multiple low-dose (MLD) streptozotocin (STZ) injections and the NOD mouse model to investigate the potency of CXCR1/2 inhibition to prevent inflammation- and autoimmunity-mediated damage of pancreatic islets. Reparixin and ladarixin, noncompetitive allosteric inhibitors, were used to pharmacologically blockade CXCR1/2. Transient blockade of said receptors was effective in preventing inflammation-mediated damage in MLD-STZ and in preventing and reversing diabetes in NOD mice. Blockade of CXCR1/2 was associated with inhibition of insulitis and modification of leukocytes distribution in blood, spleen, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. Among leukocytes, CXCR2+ myeloid cells were the most decreased subpopulations. Together these results identify CXCR1/2 chemokine receptors as “master regulators” of diabetes pathogenesis. The demonstration that this strategy may be successful in preserving residual β-cells holds the potential to make a significant change in the approach to management of human T1D.
Role of Epac2A/Rap1 Signaling in Interplay Between Incretin and Sulfonylurea in Insulin Secretion
Authors: Takahashi Harumi , Shibasaki Tadao , Park Jae-Hyung , Hidaka Shihomi , Takahashi Toshimasa , Ono Aika , Song Dae-Kyu , Seino Susumu
Published: October 2014

Incretin-related drugs and sulfonylureas are currently used worldwide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. We recently found that Epac2A, a cAMP binding protein having guanine nucleotide exchange activity toward Rap, is a target of both incretin and sulfonylurea. This suggests the possibility of interplay between incretin and sulfonylurea through Epac2A/Rap1 signaling in insulin secretion. In this study, we examined the combinatorial effects of incretin and various sulfonylureas on insulin secretion and activation of Epac2A/Rap1 signaling. A strong augmentation of insulin secretion by combination of GLP-1 and glibenclamide or glimepiride, which was found in Epac2A+/+ mice, was markedly reduced in Epac2A−/− mice. In contrast, the combinatorial effect of GLP-1 and gliclazide was rather mild, and the effect was not altered by Epac2A ablation. Activation of Rap1 was enhanced by the combination of an Epac-selective cAMP analog with glibenclamide or glimepiride but not gliclazide. In diet-induced obese mice, ablation of Epac2A reduced the insulin secretory response to coadministration of the GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide and glimepiride. These findings clarify the critical role of Epac2A/Rap1 signaling in the augmenting effect of incretin and sulfonylurea on insulin secretion and provide the basis for the effects of combination therapies of incretin-related drugs and sulfonylureas.
Dietary Iron Controls Circadian Hepatic Glucose Metabolism Through Heme Synthesis
Authors: Simcox Judith A. , Mitchell Thomas Creighton , Gao Yan , Just Steven F. , Cooksey Robert , Cox James , Ajioka Richard , Jones Deborah , Lee Soh-hyun , King Daniel , Huang Jingyu , McClain Donald A.
Published: October 2014

The circadian rhythm of the liver maintains glucose homeostasis, and disruption of this rhythm is associated with type 2 diabetes. Feeding is one factor that sets the circadian clock in peripheral tissues, but relatively little is known about the role of specific dietary components in that regard. We assessed the effects of dietary iron on circadian gluconeogenesis. Dietary iron affects circadian glucose metabolism through heme-mediated regulation of the interaction of nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group d member 1 (Rev-Erbα) with its cosuppressor nuclear receptor corepressor 1 (NCOR). Loss of regulated heme synthesis was achieved by aminolevulinic acid (ALA) treatment of mice or cultured cells to bypass the rate-limiting enzyme in hepatic heme synthesis, ALA synthase 1 (ALAS1). ALA treatment abolishes differences in hepatic glucose production and in the expression of gluconeogenic enzymes seen with variation of dietary iron. The differences among diets are also lost with inhibition of heme synthesis with isonicotinylhydrazine. Dietary iron modulates levels of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), a transcriptional activator of ALAS1, to affect hepatic heme. Treatment of mice with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine diminishes PGC-1α variation observed among the iron diets, suggesting that iron is acting through reactive oxygen species signaling.
Treatment of Diabetic Rats With Insulin or a Synthetic Insulin Receptor Agonist Peptide Leads to Divergent Metabolic Responses
Authors: Frikke-Schmidt Henriette , Pedersen Thomas Å. , Fledelius Christian , Olsen Grith S. , Bouman Stephan D. , Fitch Mark , Hellerstein Marc
Published: October 2014

In addition to lowering of blood glucose, treatment with insulin also induces lipid synthesis and storage. Patients with type 2 diabetes often suffer from lipid-related comorbidities including dyslipidemia, obesity, and fatty liver disease. We examined here in two separate studies changes in lipid dynamics in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, in response to 7 days of treatment with either insulin or the insulin receptor agonist peptide S597. In concert with blood glucose normalization, the treated rats displayed large increases in hepatic de novo lipid synthesis and deposition of newly synthesized lipids in adipose tissue depots, accompanied by weight gain and expansion of adipose depots. In both treatment groups, heavy water labeling revealed that after 2 h (study A), de novo lipogenesis was responsible for 80% of newly stored hepatic triglyceride (TG)-palmitate, and after 5 days (study B), ∼60% of newly deposited TG-palmitate in adipose tissues originated from this pathway. Interestingly, in both studies, treatment with the insulin mimetic peptide resulted in significantly lower blood TG levels, plasma TG production rates, and hepatic de novo synthesized fatty acid in plasma TG compared with insulin. There were no differences in plasma TG turnover (clearance rate) in response to either treatment, consistent with differential actions on the liver. These results show that in ZDF rats, treatment with a synthetic insulin-receptor-activating peptide or with insulin to lower blood glucose is accompanied by different effects on hepatic lipid anabolism and blood TG profiles.
Characterization of Distinct Subpopulations of Hepatic Macrophages in HFD/Obese Mice
Authors: Morinaga Hidetaka , Mayoral Rafael , Heinrichsdorff Jan , Osborn Olivia , Franck Niclas , Hah Nasun , Walenta Evelyn , Bandyopadhyay Gautam , Pessentheiner Ariane R. , Chi Tyler J. , Chung Heekyung , Bogner-Strauss Juliane G. , Evans Ronald M. , Olefsky Jerrold M. , Oh Da Young
Published: October 2014

The current dogma is that obesity-associated hepatic inflammation is due to increased Kupffer cell (KC) activation. However, recruited hepatic macrophages (RHMs) were recently shown to represent a sizable liver macrophage population in the context of obesity. Therefore, we assessed whether KCs and RHMs, or both, represent the major liver inflammatory cell type in obesity. We used a combination of in vivo macrophage tracking methodologies and adoptive transfer techniques in which KCs and RHMs are differentially labeled with fluorescent markers. With these approaches, the inflammatory phenotype of these distinct macrophage populations was determined under lean and obese conditions. In vivo macrophage tracking revealed an approximately sixfold higher number of RHMs in obese mice than in lean mice, whereas the number of KCs was comparable. In addition, RHMs comprised smaller size and immature, monocyte-derived cells compared with KCs. Furthermore, RHMs from obese mice were more inflamed and expressed higher levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 than RHMs from lean mice. A comparison of the MCP-1/C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) chemokine system between the two cell types showed that the ligand (MCP-1) is more highly expressed in KCs than in RHMs, whereas CCR2 expression is approximately fivefold greater in RHMs. We conclude that KCs can participate in obesity-induced inflammation by causing the recruitment of RHMs, which are distinct from KCs and are not precursors to KCs. These RHMs then enhance the severity of obesity-induced inflammation and hepatic insulin resistance.
Contributory Factors to Unsteadiness During Walking Up and Down Stairs in Patients With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Handsaker Joseph C. , Brown Steven J. , Bowling Frank L. , Cooper Glen , Maganaris Constantinos N. , Boulton Andrew J.M. , Reeves Neil D.
Published: October 2014

OBJECTIVE

Although patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) are more likely to fall than age-matched controls, the underlying causative factors are not yet fully understood. This study examines the effects of diabetes and neuropathy on strength generation and muscle activation patterns during walking up and down stairs, with implications for fall risk.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Sixty-three participants (21 patients with DPN, 21 diabetic controls, and 21 healthy controls) were examined while walking up and down a custom-built staircase. The speed of strength generation at the ankle and knee and muscle activation patterns of the ankle and knee extensor muscles were analyzed.

RESULTS

Patients with neuropathy displayed significantly slower ankle and knee strength generation than healthy controls during stair ascent and descent (P < 0.05). During ascent, the ankle and knee extensor muscles were activated significantly later by patients with neuropathy and took longer to reach peak activation (P < 0.05). During descent, neuropathic patients activated the ankle extensors significantly earlier, and the ankle and knee extensors took significantly longer to reach peak activation (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with DPN are slower at generating strength at the ankle and knee than control participants during walking up and down stairs. These changes, which are likely caused by altered activations of the extensor muscles, increase the likelihood of instability and may be important contributory factors for the increased risk of falling. Resistance exercise training may be a potential clinical intervention for improving these aspects and thereby potentially reducing fall risk.
A Poisson-Boltzmann Equation Test Model for Protein in Spherical Solute Region and its Applications
Authors: Xie Dexuan , Jiang Yi , Ying Jinyong
Published: October 2014

The Poisson-Boltzmann equation (PBE) is one important implicit solvent continuum model for calculating electrostatics of protein in ionic solvent. Several numerical algorithms and program packages have been developed but verification and comparison between them remains an interesting topic. In this paper, a PBE test model is presented for a protein in a spherical solute region, along with its analytical solution. It is then used to verify a PBE finite element solver and applied to a numerical comparison study between a finite element solver and a finite difference solver. Such a study demonstrates the importance of retaining the interface conditions in the development of PBE solvers.
Properties of Topological Networks of Flexible Polygonal Chains
Authors: Arsuaga J. , Diao Y. , Klingbeil M. , Rodriguez V.
Published: October 2014

Trypanosomatida parasites, such as Trypanosoma and Leishmania, are the cause of deadly diseases in many third world countries. The three dimensional structure of their mitochondrial DNA, known as kinetoplast DNA (kDNA), is unique since it is organized into several thousands of minicircles that are topologically linked. How and why the minicircles form such a network have remained unanswered questions. In our previous work we have presented a model of network formation that hypothesizes that the network is solely driven by the confinement of minicircles. Our model shows that upon confinement a percolation network forms. This network grows into a space filling network, called saturation network, upon further confinement of minicircles. Our model also shows, in agreement with experimental data, that the mean valence of the network (that is, the average number of minicircles topologically linked to any minicircle in the network) grows linearly with minicircle density. In our previous studies however we disregarded DNA flexibility and used rigid minicircles to model DNA, here we address this limitation by allowing minicircles to be flexible. Our numerical results show that the topological characteristics that describe the growth and topology of the minicircle networks have similar values to those observed in the case of rigid minicircles suggesting that these properties are robust and therefore a potentially adequate description of the networks observed in Trypanosomatid parasites.
The Hahn-Exton q-Bessel function as the characteristic function of a Jacobi matrix
Authors: Štampach F. , Šťovíček P.
Published: October 2014

A family T(ν), ν ∈ ℝ, of semiinfinite positive Jacobi matrices is introduced with matrix entries takenfrom the Hahn-Exton q-difference equation. The corresponding matrix operators defined on the linear hullof the canonical basis in ℓ2(ℤ+) are essentially self-adjoint for |ν| ≥ 1 and have deficiency indices (1, 1) for|ν| < 1. A convenient description of all self-adjoint extensions is obtained and the spectral problem is analyzedin detail. The spectrum is discrete and the characteristic equation on eigenvalues is derived explicitlyin all cases. Particularly, the Hahn-Exton q-Bessel function Jν(z; q) serves as the characteristic function ofthe Friedrichs extension. As a direct application one can reproduce, in an alternative way, some basic resultsabout the q-Bessel function due to Koelink and Swarttouw.
Moving From a Continuum to a Community
Authors: Rix Jonathan , Sheehy Kieron , Fletcher-Campbell Felicity , Crisp Martin , Harper Amanda
Published: October 2014

The notion of the continuum is applied to special education in diverse contexts across many nations. This article explores its conceptual underpinnings, drawing on a systematic search of the literature to review recurring ideas associated with the notion and to explicate both its uses and shortcomings. Through a thematic analysis of the literature, the research team derived 29 continua, situated within six broad groupings (space, students, staffing, support, strategies, and systems). This provides a clear structure for reconsidering the issues that the notion of the continuum is supposed to describe and enables a reconceptualization of how the delivery of services is represented. We present the initial underpinnings for a community of provision in which settings and services work together to provide learning and support for all children and young people in their locality.
Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss in elderly patients
Authors: Lionello Marco , Tealdo Giulia , Breda Stefano , Giacomelli Luciano , Staffieri Alberto , Marioni Gino
Published: October 2014

Objective:

With an estimated incidence of 77 new cases per 100,000 population aged 65 years or above, idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is a common clinical finding in elderly patients. There is a shortage of information on the clinical factors capable of predicting hearing recovery and response to therapy. The aim of the present study was to retrospectively investigate the prognostic value of clinical variables in relation to hearing recovery in a cohort of consecutive elderly patients with ISSNHL.

Study design:

This investigation considered 49 consecutive elderly patients (≥ 65 years of age) treated for ISSNHL. Clinical parameters (signs, symptoms, comorbidities and treatments) and audiometric data were analysed using univariate and multivariate statistical approaches for prognostic purposes, i.e. to identify any correlation with hearing recovery, expressed according to Wilson's criteria.

Results/Conclusions:

No clinical signs and symptoms, and no specific therapeutic approaches correlated significantly with hearing recovery after ISSNHL in our multivariate model (p > 0.05). In the univariate analysis, vascular disease correlated significantly with hearing gain after treatment (p = 0.01). Further studies based on larger cohorts (especially in a prospective setting) are needed to further elucidate the prognostic role of clinical parameters in ISSNHL involving elderly patients.
BDNF and the maturation of posttranscriptional regulatory networks in human SH-SY5Y neuroblast differentiation
Authors: Goldie Belinda J. , Barnett Michelle M. , Cairns Murray J.
Published: October 2014

The SH-SY5Y culture system is a convenient neuronal model with the potential to elaborate human/primate-specific transcription networks and pathways related to human cognitive disorders. While this system allows for the exploration of specialized features in the human genome, there is still significant debate about how this model should be implemented, and its appropriateness for answering complex functional questions related to human neural architecture. In view of these questions we sought to characterize the posttranscriptional regulatory structure of the two-stage ATRA differentiation, BDNF maturation protocol proposed by Encinas et al. (2000) using integrative whole-genome gene and microRNA (miRNA) expression analysis. We report that ATRA-BDNF induced significant increases in expression of key synaptic genes, brain-specific miRNA and miRNA biogenesis machinery, and in AChE activity, compared with ATRA alone. Functional annotation clustering associated BDNF more significantly with neuronal terms, and with synaptic terms not found in ATRA-only clusters. While our results support use of SH-SY5Y as a neuronal model, we advocate considered selection of the differentiation agent/s relative to the system being modeled.
The Impact of the East Atlantic/Western Russia Pattern on the Hydroclimatology of Europe from Mid-Winter to Late Spring
Authors: Ionita Monica
Published: October 2014

In this study, the influence of the East Atlantic/Western Russia teleconnection pattern on the hydroclimatology of Europe, from mid-winter to late spring, is investigated. The influence of EAWR on the variability of precipitation (PP), temperature (TT) and standardized precipitation-evapotranspiration index (SPEI) is investigated on the base of correlation and stability maps. It is shown that EAWR has a strong impact on the coupling between the sub-tropical Atlantic Jet and the African Jet, which in turn affects the climate variability over Europe from mid-winter to late spring. The strongest impact of the mid-winter EAWR over the European precipitation is found to be in mid-winter and early spring over the northern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula and the central and eastern part of Europe; while the influence of the mid-winter EAWR on European temperature persists from mid-winter to late spring, giving the possibility of a potential predictability for spring temperature over extended European regions.
Invasion of Eastern Texas Forestlands by Chinese Privet: Efficacy of Alternative Management Strategies
Authors: Wang Hsiao-Hsuan , Grant William
Published: October 2014

Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) was the most prevalent invasive shrub in the forestlands of Eastern Texas in 2006. We analyzed extensive field data collected by the Forest Inventory and Analysis Program of the U.S. Forest Service to quantify the range expansion of Chinese privet from 2006 to 2011. Our results indicated the presence of Chinese privet on sampled plots increased during this period. Chinese privet spread extensively in the north. Results of logistic regression, which classified 73% of the field plots correctly with regard to species presence and absence, indicated probability of invasion was correlated positively with elevation, adjacency (within 300 m) to water bodies, and site productivity, and was correlated negatively with stand age, site preparation (including clearing, slash burning, chopping, disking, bedding, and other practices clearly intended to prepare a site for regeneration), artificial regeneration (which refers to planting or direct seeding that results in at least 50% of the stand being comprised of stocked trees), and distance to the nearest road. Habitats most at risk to further invasion (likelihood of invasion > 40%) under current conditions occurred primarily in Northeast Texas. Practicing site preparation and artificial regeneration reduced the estimated probabilities of further invasion.
Research and Development of a Chaotic Signal Synchronization Error Dynamics-Based Ball Bearing Fault Diagnostor
Authors: Kuo Ying-Che , Hsieh Chin-Tsung , Yau Her-Terng , Li Yu-Chung
Published: October 2014

This paper describes the fault diagnosis in the operation of industrial ball bearings. In order to cluster the very small differential signals of the four classic fault types of the ball bearing system, the chaos synchronization (CS) concept is used in this study as the chaos system is very sensitive to a system’s variation such as initial conditions or system parameters. In this study, the Chen-Lee chaotic system was used to load the normal and fault signals of the bearings into the chaos synchronization error dynamics system. The fractal theory was applied to determine the fractal dimension and lacunarity from the CS error dynamics. Extenics theory was then applied to distinguish the state of the bearing faults. This study also compared the proposed method with discrete Fourier transform and wavelet packet analysis. According to the results, it is shown that the proposed chaos synchronization method combined with extenics theory can separate the characteristics (fractal dimension vs. lacunarity) completely. Therefore, it has a better fault diagnosis rate than the two traditional signal processing methods, i.e., Fourier transform and wavelet packet analysis combined with extenics theory.
On Some Properties of Tsallis Hypoentropies and Hypodivergences
Authors: Furuichi Shigeru , Mitroi-Symeonidis Flavia-Corina , Symeonidis Eleutherius
Published: October 2014

Both the Kullback–Leibler and the Tsallis divergence have a strong limitation: if the value zero appears in probability distributions (p1, ··· , pn) and (q1, ··· , qn), it must appear in the same positions for the sake of significance. In order to avoid that limitation in the framework of Shannon statistics, Ferreri introduced in 1980 hypoentropy: “such conditions rarely occur in practice”. The aim of the present paper is to extend Ferreri’s hypoentropy to the Tsallis statistics. We introduce the Tsallis hypoentropy and the Tsallis hypodivergence and describe their mathematical behavior. Fundamental properties, like nonnegativity, monotonicity, the chain rule and subadditivity, are established.
Predictors of Healthcare Service Utilization for Mental Health Reasons
Authors: Fleury Marie-Josée , Ngui André , Bamvita Jean-Marie , Grenier Guy , Caron Jean
Published: October 2014

This study was designed to identify: (1) predictors of 12-month healthcare service utilization for mental health reasons, framed by the Andersen model, among a population cohort in an epidemiological catchment area; and (2) correlates associated with healthcare service utilization for mental health reasons among individuals with and without mental disorders respectively. Analyses comprised univariate, bivariate, and multiple regression analyses. Being male, having poor quality of life, possessing better self-perception of physical health, and suffering from major depressive episodes, panic disorder, social phobia, and emotional problems predicted healthcare service utilization for mental health reasons. Among individuals with mental disorders, needs factors (psychological distress, impulsiveness, emotional problems, victim of violence, and aggressive behavior) and visits to healthcare professionals were associated with healthcare service utilization for mental health reasons. Among individuals without mental disorders, healthcare service utilization for mental health reasons is strongly associated with enabling factors such as social support, income, environmental variables, and self-perception of the neighborhood. Interventions facilitating social cohesion and social solidarity in neighborhood settings may reduce the need to seek help among individuals without mental disorders. Furthermore, in their capacity as frontline professionals, general practitioners should be more sensitive in preventing, detecting, and treating mental disorders in routine primary care.
Potential Transferability of Economic Evaluations of Programs Encouraging Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents across Different Countries—A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Korber Katharina
Published: October 2014

Physical inactivity is an increasing problem. Owing to limited financial resources, one method of getting information on the cost-effectiveness of different types of prevention programs is to examine existing programs and their results. The aim of this paper is to give an overview of the transferability of cost-effectiveness results of physical activity programs for children and adolescents to other contexts. Based on a systematic review of the literature, the transferability of the studies found was assessed using a sub-checklist of the European Network of Health Economic Evaluation Databases (EURONHEED). Thirteen studies of different physical activity interventions were found and analyzed. The results for transferability ranged from “low” to “very high”. A number of different factors influence a program’s cost-effectiveness (i.e., discount rate, time horizon, etc.). Therefore, transparency with regard to these factors is one fundamental element in the transferability of the results. A major point of criticism is that transferability is often limited because of lack of transparency. This paper is the first to provide both an overview and an assessment of transferability of economic evaluations of existing programs encouraging physical activity in children and adolescents. This allows decision makers to gain an impression on whether the findings are transferable to their decision contexts, which may lead to time and cost savings.
Lifestyle Course as an Investment in Perceived Improved Health among Newly Arrived Women from Countries outside Europe
Authors: Ekblad Solvig , Persson-Valenzuela Ulla-Britt
Published: October 2014

Family reunification was the most common reason (34%) for resettlement in Sweden in 2013. About one-fifth of the population is foreign-born. This study used mixed methods to evaluate a culturally tailored clinical health-promotion intervention. The intervention was conducted by licensed clinicians and a local coordinator. Sessions were five-weeks long, two hours a week. The quantitative data cover results from 54 participants, mainly Arabic and Somali-speaking, who participated in 10 groups. The participants’ perceived health improved significantly over the three measures. They also shared that their health significantly improved according to moderate effect size. The qualitative data, analyzed using revised content analysis, reflected one general theme: “the intervention is an investment in perceived improved health”, and four categories: “perceived increased health literacy”, “strength, empowerment and security”, “finding a new lifestyle”, and “the key to entry into Swedish society is language”. An intervention focusing on the prevention of ill-health, on health as a human right, and on empowerment, and aimed at female newcomers, has practical implications.
Use of Natural Neural Scaffolds Consisting of Engineered Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Immobilized on Ordered Collagen Fibers Filled in a Collagen Tube for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration in Rats
Authors: Ma Fukai , Xiao Zhifeng , Meng Danqing , Hou Xianglin , Zhu Jianhong , Dai Jianwu , Xu Ruxiang
Published: October 2014

The search for effective strategies for peripheral nerve regeneration has attracted much attention in recent years. In this study, ordered collagen fibers were used as intraluminal fibers after nerve injury in rats. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in nerve regeneration, but its very fast initial burst of activity within a short time has largely limited its clinical use. For the stable binding of VEGF to ordered collagen fibers, we fused a collagen-binding domain (CBD) to VEGF through recombinant DNA technology. Then, we filled the ordered collagen fibers-CBD-VEGF targeting delivery system in a collagen tube to construct natural neural scaffolds, which were then used to bridge transected nerve stumps in a rat sciatic nerve transection model. After transplantation, the natural neural scaffolds showed minimal foreign body reactions and good integration into the host tissue. Oriented collagen fibers in the collagen tube could guide regenerating axons in an oriented manner to the distal, degenerating nerve segment, maximizing the chance of target reinnervation. Functional and histological analyses indicated that the recovery of nerve function in the natural neural scaffolds-treated group was superior to the other grafted groups. The guiding of oriented axonal regeneration and effective delivery systems surmounting the otherwise rapid and short-lived diffusion of growth factors in body fluids are two important strategies in promoting peripheral nerve regeneration. The natural neural scaffolds described take advantage of these two aspects and may produce synergistic effects. These properties qualified the artificial nerve conduits as a putative candidate system for the fabrication of peripheral nerve reconstruction devices.
Concurrent Expression of Oct4 and Nanog Maintains Mesenchymal Stem-Like Property of Human Dental Pulp Cells
Authors: Huang Chuan-En , Hu Fang-Wei , Yu Chuan-Hang , Tsai Lo-Lin , Lee Tzu-Hsin , Chou Ming-Yung , Yu Cheng-Chia
Published: October 2014

Human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), unique mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) type, exhibit the characteristics of self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation capacity. Oct4 and Nanog are pluripotent genes. The aim of this study was to determine the physiological functions of Oct4 and Nanog expression in DPSCs. Herein, we determined the critical role of an Oct4/Nanog axis modulating MSCs properties of DPSCs by lentiviral-mediated co-overexpression or co-knockdown of Oct4/Nanog in DPSCs. MSCs properties including osteogenic/chondrogenic/adipogenic induction differentiation was assayed for expression of osteogenic/chondrogenic/adipogenic markers by quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis. Initially, we observed that the expression profile of Oct4 and Nanog in dental pulp cells, which exerted properties of MSCs, was significantly up-regulated compared to that of STRO-1−CD146− dental pulp cells. Down-regulation of Oct4 and Nanog co-expression significantly reduced the cell proliferation, osteogenic differentiation capability, STRO-1, CD146, and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of DPSCs. In contrast, co-overexpression of Oct4 and Nanog enhanced the expression level of STRO-1 and CD146, proliferation rate and osteogenic/chondrogenic/adipogenic induction differentiation capability, and expression of osteogenic/chondrogenic/adipogenic induction differentiation markers. Our results suggest that Oct4-Nanog signaling is a regulatory switch to maintain properties in DPSCs.
Effect of the Drying Process on the Intensification of Phenolic Compounds Recovery from Grape Pomace Using Accelerated Solvent Extraction
Authors: Rajha Hiba , Ziegler Walter , Louka Nicolas , Hobaika Zeina , Vorobiev Eugene , Boechzelt Herbert , Maroun Richard
Published: October 2014

In light of their environmental and economic interests, food byproducts have been increasingly exploited and valorized for their richness in dietary fibers and antioxidants. Phenolic compounds are antioxidant bioactive molecules highly present in grape byproducts. Herein, the accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) of phenolic compounds from wet and dried grape pomace, at 45 °C, was conducted and the highest phenolic compounds yield (PCY) for wet (16.2 g GAE/100 g DM) and dry (7.28 g GAE/100 g DM) grape pomace extracts were obtained with 70% ethanol/water solvent at 140 °C. The PCY obtained from wet pomace was up to two times better compared to the dry byproduct and up to 15 times better compared to the same food matrices treated with conventional methods. With regard to Resveratrol, the corresponding dry pomace extract had a better free radical scavenging activity (49.12%) than the wet extract (39.8%). The drying pretreatment process seems to ameliorate the antiradical activity, especially when the extraction by ASE is performed at temperatures above 100 °C. HPLC-DAD analysis showed that the diversity of the flavonoid and the non-flavonoid compounds found in the extracts was seriously affected by the extraction temperature and the pretreatment of the raw material. This diversity seems to play a key role in the scavenging activity demonstrated by the extracts. Our results emphasize on ASE usage as a promising method for the preparation of highly concentrated and bioactive phenolic extracts that could be used in several industrial applications.
Calcium Signaling and Meiotic Exit at Fertilization in Xenopus Egg
Authors: Tokmakov Alexander , Stefanov Vasily , Iwasaki Tetsushi , Sato Ken-Ichi , Fukami Yasuo
Published: October 2014

Calcium is a universal messenger that mediates egg activation at fertilization in all sexually reproducing species studied. However, signaling pathways leading to calcium generation and the mechanisms of calcium-induced exit from meiotic arrest vary substantially among species. Here, we review the pathways of calcium signaling and the mechanisms of meiotic exit at fertilization in the eggs of the established developmental model, African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis. We also discuss calcium involvement in the early fertilization-induced events in Xenopus egg, such as membrane depolarization, the increase in intracellular pH, cortical granule exocytosis, cortical contraction, contraction wave, cortical rotation, reformation of the nuclear envelope, sperm chromatin decondensation and sister chromatid segregation.
Clinical Potentials of Cardiomyocytes Derived from Patient-Specific Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Ng Kwong-Man , Law Cheuk-Yiu , Tse Hung-Fat
Published: October 2014

The lack of appropriate human cardiomyocyte-based experimental platform has largely hindered the study of cardiac diseases and the development of therapeutic strategies. To date, somatic cells isolated from human subjects can be reprogramed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and subsequently differentiated into functional cardiomyocytes. This powerful reprogramming technology provides a novel in vitro human cell-based platform for the study of human hereditary cardiac disorders. The clinical potential of using iPSCs derived from patients with inherited cardiac disorders for therapeutic studies have been increasingly highlighted. In this review, the standard procedures for generating patient-specific iPSCs and the latest commonly used cardiac differentiation protocols will be outlined. Furthermore, the progress and limitations of current applications of iPSCs and iPSCs-derived cardiomyocytes in cell replacement therapy, disease modeling, drug-testing and toxicology studies will be discussed in detail.
Future Efforts in Flynn Effect Research: Balancing Reductionism with Holism
Authors: Mingroni Michael
Published: October 2014

After nearly thirty years of concerted effort by many investigators, the cause or causes of the secular gains in IQ test scores, known as the Flynn effect, remain elusive. In this target article, I offer six suggestions as to how we might proceed in our efforts to solve this intractable mystery. The suggestions are as follows: (1) compare parents to children; (2) consider other traits and conditions; (3) compare siblings; (4) conduct more and better intervention programs; (5) use subtest profile data in context; and (6) quantify the potential contribution of heterosis. This last section contains new simulations of the process of heterosis, which provide a plausible scenario whereby rapid secular changes in multiple genetically influenced traits are possible. If there is any theme to the present paper, it is that future study designs should be simpler and more highly focused, coordinating multiple studies on single populations.
The Role of Dietary Histone Deacetylases (HDACs) Inhibitors in Health and Disease
Authors: Bassett Shalome , Barnett Matthew
Published: October 2014

Modification of the histone proteins associated with DNA is an important process in the epigenetic regulation of DNA structure and function. There are several known modifications to histones, including methylation, acetylation, and phosphorylation, and a range of factors influence each of these. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) remove the acetyl group from lysine residues within a range of proteins, including transcription factors and histones. Whilst this means that their influence on cellular processes is more complex and far-reaching than histone modifications alone, their predominant function appears to relate to histones; through deacetylation of lysine residues they can influence expression of genes encoded by DNA linked to the histone molecule. HDAC inhibitors in turn regulate the activity of HDACs, and have been widely used as therapeutics in psychiatry and neurology, in which a number of adverse outcomes are associated with aberrant HDAC function. More recently, dietary HDAC inhibitors have been shown to have a regulatory effect similar to that of pharmacological HDAC inhibitors without the possible side-effects. Here, we discuss a number of dietary HDAC inhibitors, and how they may have therapeutic potential in the context of a whole food.
Plant Responses to Simultaneous Biotic and Abiotic Stress: Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Rejeb Ines , Pastor Victoria , Mauch-Mani Brigitte
Published: October 2014

Plants are constantly confronted to both abiotic and biotic stresses that seriously reduce their productivity. Plant responses to these stresses are complex and involve numerous physiological, molecular, and cellular adaptations. Recent evidence shows that a combination of abiotic and biotic stress can have a positive effect on plant performance by reducing the susceptibility to biotic stress. Such an interaction between both types of stress points to a crosstalk between their respective signaling pathways. This crosstalk may be synergistic and/or antagonistic and include among others the involvement of phytohormones, transcription factors, kinase cascades, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In certain cases, such crosstalk can lead to a cross-tolerance and enhancement of a plant’s resistance against pathogens. This review aims at giving an insight into cross-tolerance between abiotic and biotic stress, focusing on the molecular level and regulatory pathways.