bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relativistic thermal electron scale instabilities in sheared flow plasma
Authors: Miller Evan D. , Rogers Barrett N.
Published: March 2016

The linear dispersion relation obeyed by finite-temperature, non-magnetized, relativistic two-fluid plasmas is presented, in the special case of a discontinuous bulk velocity profile and parallel wave vectors. It is found that such flows become universally unstable at the collisionless electron skin-depth scale. Further analyses are performed in the limits of either free-streaming ions or ultra-hot plasmas. In these limits, the system is highly unstable in the parameter regimes associated with either the electron scale Kelvin–Helmholtz instability (ESKHI) or the relativistic electron scale sheared flow instability (RESI) recently highlighted by Gruzinov. Coupling between these modes provides further instability throughout the remaining parameter space, provided both shear flow and temperature are finite. An explicit parameter space bound on the highly unstable region is found.
Understanding habitat selection of the Vulnerable wild yak Bos mutus on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liang Xuchang , Kang Aili , Pettorelli Nathalie
Published: March 2016

We tested a series of hypotheses on drivers of habitat selection by the Vulnerable wild yak Bos mutus, combining distribution-wide sighting data with species distribution modelling approaches. The results indicate that climatic conditions are of paramount importance in shaping the wild yak's distribution on the Tibetan Plateau. Habitat selection patterns were seasonal, with yaks appearing to select areas closer to villages during the vegetation-growing season. Unexpectedly, our index of forage quantity had a limited effect in determining the distribution of the species. Overall, our results suggest that expected changes in climate for this region could have a significant impact on habitat availability for wild yaks, and we call for more attention to be focused on the unique wildlife in this ecosystem.
The influence of risk factors associated with captive rearing on post-release survival in translocated cirl buntings Emberiza cirlus in the UK
Authors: Fountain K. , Jeffs C. , Croft S. , Gregson J. , Lister J. , Evans A. , Carter I. , Chang Y. M. , Sainsbury A. W.
Published: March 2016

Population decline resulting from agricultural intensification led to contraction of the range of the cirl bunting Emberiza cirlus in the UK to a small area of south Devon. As part of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan for the species, a project to re-establish a population in suitable habitat in Cornwall was undertaken during 2006–2011, in which chicks were removed from the nest in Devon, hand-reared and then delayed-released. The survival of the birds to four time points in the year after release was analysed in relation to the effect of rearing factors, using a multivariable logistic regression model. Individuals with higher body weight at capture were more likely to survive to 1 January and 1 May in the year following release, and individuals released in June and July were more likely to survive than those released in August. Individuals released in 2006 and 2011 had a higher survival rate than those released during 2007–2010. Timing of capture, time spent at each stage in captivity, medication and the detection of parasites in the brood had no significant effect. Immunosuppressive disease, weather factors and predator activity may have led to some of the observed differences in survival. This analysis provides evidence with which to plan future translocation projects for cirl buntings and other passerine birds.
Crystal structure of rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate Form I (Exelon®), C14H23N2O2(C4H5O6)
Authors: Kaduk James A. , Zhong Kai , Gindhart Amy M. , Blanton Thomas N.
Published: March 2016

The crystal structure of rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate has been solved and refined using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data, and optimized using density functional techniques. Rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate crystallizes in space group P21 (#4) with a = 17.538 34(5), b = 8.326 89(2), c = 7.261 11(2) Å, β = 98.7999(2)°, V = 1047.929(4) Å3, and Z = 2. The un-ionized end of the hydrogen tartrate anions forms a very strong hydrogen bond with the ionized end of another anion to form a chain. The ammonium group of the rivastigmine cation forms a strong discrete hydrogen bond with the carbonyl oxygen atom of the un-ionized end of the tartrate anion. These hydrogen bonds form a corrugated network in the bc-plane. Both hydroxyl groups of the tartrate anion form intramolecular O–H⋯O hydrogen bonds. Several C–H⋯O hydrogen bonds appear to contribute to the crystal energy. The powder pattern is included in the Powder Diffraction File™ as entry 00-064-1501.
Nilpotent centres via inverse integrating factors
Authors: ALGABA ANTONIO , GARCÍA CRISTÓBAL , GINÉ JAUME
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we are interested in the nilpotent centre problem of planar analytic monodromic vector fields. It is known that the formal integrability is not enough to characterize such centres. More general objects are considered as the formal inverse integrating factors. However, the existence of a formal inverse integrating factor is not sufficient to describe all the nilpotent centres. For the family studied in this paper, it is enough.
Hybrid intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) technique versus three-dimensional (3D) conformal radiotherapy with SIB for breast radiotherapy: a planning comparison
Authors: Smith Shayne K. , Estoesta Reuben P. , Kader Jaraad A. , Martin Darren , Claridge-Mackonis Elizabeth R. , Toohey Joanne M. , Carroll Susan L.
Published: March 2016

Aim

This study aims to compare conventional simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) planning technique with a hybrid SIB intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) technique with varying open tangent to IMRT field dose ratios. Furthermore, we investigated which of the dose ratios proves the most favourable as a class solution across a sample.

Methods

In total, 15 patients with conventional SIB treatment plans were re-planned with hybrid SIB IMRT technique using three differing open field:IMRT dose ratios, that is, 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40. Plans were compared using dosimetric comparison of organs at risk (OARs) and homogeneity and conformity indexes across target structures.

Results

All hybrid plans reduced dose maximums and showed a reduction of high doses to both lungs but increased lower doses, that is, V5, with similar results discovered for the heart. Contralateral breast dose was shown to decrease V5 and V1 measures by hybrid arms, whereas increasing the V2. Left anterior descending artery dose and non-irradiated structures were reduced by all hybrid arms. The homogeneity and conformity increased across all hybrid arms. Qualitative assessment of all plans also favoured hybrid plans.

Findings

Hybrid plans produced superior dose conformity, homogeneity, reduced dose maximums and showed an improvement in most OAR parameters. The 70:30 hybrid technique exhibited greater benefits as a class solution to the sample than conventional plans due to superior dose conformity and homogeneity to target volumes.
“Network not Paperwork”: Political Parties, the Malkin, and Political Matronage in Western India
Authors: Bedi Tarini
Published: March 2016

I heard Durva, a fearless leader in the Indian political party, Shiv Sena (Shivaji's Army) repeat this poetic refrain in many of her public speeches. She invariably received rousing applause and breathless admiration from the audiences she addressed. Many junior party workers and female constituents who listened in awe at the large women's rallies she organized around the elections began to repeat this in their own lives and in their political campaigns; and Durva's leadership style and the words uttered by her sharp but poetic and charismatic tongue traveled across the district helping the political careers and the self-confidence of many junior political hopefuls. It also brought hordes of new political constituents into the party's fold. Many of her constituents at these events, admitted me that “[Durva] is the malkin [landlady)] of us all.”
The Growing Influence of Gender Attitudes on Public Support for Hillary Clinton, 2008–2012
Authors: McThomas Mary , Tesler Michael
Published: March 2016

Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential run brought with it an unwelcome reminder of the added obstacles women candidates often encounter. From “Iron my Shirt” banners to debates regarding whether Clinton was overly emotional or an ice princess, we were faced with gender stereotypes that have often plagued women in leadership roles. Her campaign strategy attempted to counteract preconceived notions of female candidates by accentuating Clinton's toughness and strength, even to the point of trying to “outmale” her opponents (e.g., see Lawrence and Rose 2010). The result was a prime example of the double bind in which women who appear strong are then seen as unlikeable (Jamieson 1995). However, Clinton reached new levels of popularity from 2008 to 2012 as secretary of state and a presumed presidential contender in 2016. This leads us to question whether she was able to successfully navigate the double bind—perhaps through additional offsetting information or her ability to competently handle the masculine position of secretary of state—or if public attitudes have evolved to a point where gender no longer matters in the assessment of political candidates.
Women's Political Parties in Europe
Authors: Cowell-Meyers Kimberly
Published: March 2016

In representative democracies, political parties organize the public will, giving expression to political differences in society (see Katz and Mair 1995; Klingemann, Hofferbert, and Budge 1994; Sartori 1967). Parties can also deepen democracy by broadening the connections between representatives and constituents, helping to hold political institutions accountable and increasing the participation of previously marginalized groups (see Costain 2005; Kitschelt 1993; Shugart 1994; Kittilson and Tate 2005; Young 2000).
Women and Political Leadership in an Authoritarian Context: A Case Study of the Sixth Parliament in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Authors: Moghadam Valentine M. , Haghighatjoo Fatemeh
Published: March 2016

When Iran's new president, Hassan Rouhani, presented his proposed Cabinet to the Majles (parliament) in August 2013, one issue brought up in social media was the strange silence of the women members throughout the intensive four-day sessions to assess the ministerial nominees' programs before the vote of confidence. None of the nine women parliamentary members (MPs) used the podium to object that the president had not nominated any woman as minister. Only on social media and Persian language television was there criticism for the absence of women ministers. Eventually, Rouhani promised to include a woman in his Cabinet and to promote women in middle managerial positions. Not only was this tokenism evidence of gender-blindness, but it also evinced historical amnesia, as it overlooked the intense campaigning for women's greater participation and rights on the part of the 13 women members of Iran's Sixth Majles during the reform era coinciding with President Mohammad Khatami's two terms (1997–2005). That parliament is notable for its commitment to political and cultural reform and for the caucus that agitated for women's greater presence. Among its accomplishments were passage of the UN's Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW); raising the minimum age of marriage for girls from puberty to 13; and removing the ban on single young women traveling abroad on state scholarships.
Ending Violence against Women in Latin America: Feminist Norm Setting in a Multilevel Context
Authors: Roggeband Conny
Published: March 2016

Latin American feminists brought up the issue of violence in the 1970s under military rule or situations of armed conflict. These contexts made feminists specifically concerned with state violence against women. Women's organizations pointed to torture and rape of political prisoners and the use of rape as a weapon of war and connected these forms of violence to deeper societal patterns of subordination and violence against women in both the private and public spheres. Processes of democratization in the region brought new opportunities to institutionalize norms to end violence against women (VAW), and in many countries feminists managed to get the issue on the political agenda. In the mid 1990s, the region pioneered international legislation on VAW that uniquely included state-sponsored violence. The Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence against Women (1994) established an international obligation for states to prevent, investigate, and punish VAW regardless of whether it takes place in the home, the community, or in the public sphere. While Latin American governments massively ratified this convention, national legislation was not brought in line with the broad scope of the international convention. This points to the complex and often contradictory dynamics of institutionalizing norms to oppose VAW in multilevel settings.
Mind the Gender Gap: An Experiment on the Influence of Self-Efficacy on Political Interest
Authors: Preece Jessica Robinson
Published: March 2016

In a healthy democracy, one would expect to see roughly equal levels of political participation among men and women. Yet—aside from voting—women are significantly less politically engaged than men at both the mass and elite levels (Atkeson 2003; Bennett and Bennett 1989; Burns, Schlozman, and Verba 2001; Lawless and Fox 2010; Verba, Burns, and Schlozman 1997). The political engagement gender gap suggests that some form of “adverse selection” is at play in the system (Mansbridge 1999, 632). This takes many forms: women have traditionally had less access to resources, more burdensome family obligations, and fewer relevant role models. However, emerging research demonstrates that even when accounting for many of these factors, women remain less engaged with politics than similarly situated men. This suggests that changing these structural factors is not enough to close the gender gap in political engagement—we must address the “gendered psyche” that prevents many women from fully participating in civic life (Lawless and Fox 2010, 12).
Women's Movements and Constitution Making after Civil Unrest and Conflict in Africa: The Cases of Kenya and Somalia
Authors: Tripp Aili Mari
Published: March 2016

As numerous conflicts have come to an end in Africa over the past two decades, women's movements have sought to advance a women's rights agenda through peace accords; through constitutional, legislative, and electoral reforms; as well as through the introduction of gender quotas. This article focuses the impact women's movements have had in shaping constitutions after periods of turmoil, particularly in areas of equality, customary law, antidiscrimination, violence against women, quotas, and citizenship rights. It demonstrates how countries that have come out of major civil conflict and violent upheaval in Africa after the mid-1990s—but especially after 2000—have made more constitutional changes with respect to women's rights than other African countries. The second part of the article provides two examples of how women's movements influenced constitutional changes pertaining to gender equality as well as the difficulties they encountered, particularly with respect to the international community.
Radiologische Diagnostik der Kristallarthropathien
Authors: Hirschmann Anna , Studler Ueli
Published: March 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die wichtigsten und häufigsten Vertreter der Kristallarthropathien sind die Gicht, die Tendinitis calcarea und die Calciumpyrophosphatdihydrat-Erkrankung. Das Röntgenbild kann aufgrund der Morphologie der Verkalkungen und der Lokalisation auf die zugrunde liegende Grunderkrankung schliessen und ist ein essentielles und kostengünstiges diagnostisches Instrument. Ergänzende Untersuchungen wie Sonographie, Dualenergy-Computertomographie oder Magnetresonanztomographie können in der Differenzierung unklarer Befunde helfen.
Ursachen, Mechanismen und mögliche therapeutische Ziele der Gicht
Authors: Manigold Tobias
Published: March 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die Gicht ist die häufigste Arthritis weltweit mit zunehmender Prävalenz in den entwickelten Ländern und mit enormen sozioökonomischen Konsequenzen. Das Wissen über die Pathomechanismen, welche zur Arthritis führen und diese einschränken, hat in den letzten Jahren stark zugenommen. Entsprechend zeichnen sich auch neue Therapieansätze und Therapeutika ab. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit werden neben einigen Aspekten der Klinik, Diagnose und Therapie der Gicht, detailliert die intrazellulären Mechanismen, welche zur NLRP3 Inflammasom Aktivierung und IL-1beta Sekretion führen, behandelt. Sie gibt auch einen Ausblick auf ausgewählte, neue therapeutische Ansätze.
Das atypische hämolytisch-urämische Syndrom (aHUS): neue Erkenntnisse zur Pathogenese mit Implikationen für die Therapie
Authors: D. Kistler Andreas
Published: March 2016

Zusammenfassung. Das atypische hämolytisch-urämische Syndrom (aHUS) gehört zur Gruppe der thrombotischen Mikroangiopathien (TMA). Diese wurden früher rein klinisch je nach primärem Organbefall in die thrombotisch-thrombozytopenische Purpura (TTP) und das hämolytisch-urämische Syndrom (HUS) unterteilt und ein HUS, dem keine Durchfallerkrankung voranging, als atypisch klassifiziert. Grosse wissenschaftliche Fortschritte der letzten zwei Jahrzehnte haben nun gezeigt, dass diesen klinisch sich überlappenden Erkrankungen unterschiedliche molekulare Mechanismen zugrundeliegen. Anstelle der syndromalen Unterteilung der TMA tritt heute eine molekular-mechanistische Klassifikation, die eine kausale Therapie ermöglicht. Das aHUS wird durch eine unkontrollierte Aktivierung des alternativen Komplementweges verursacht, die meist auf einem genetischen Defekt beruht. Diese molekularen Einsichten und vor allem die Entwicklung eines spezifischen Hemmers des terminalen Komplementweges haben die Therapie des aHUS revolutioniert und dessen Prognose wesentlich verbessert.
Krampfartige Bauchschmerzen, Obstipation und Anämie
Authors: Barresi Fabio , Kunz Caflish Isabel , Bayly-Schinzel Leena , Dressel Holger
Published: March 2016

Zusammenfassung. Wir stellen den Fall eines 42-jährigen Mannes vor, der wegen kolikartigen abdominellen Schmerzen die Notfallstation aufsuchte. Das Abdomen zeigte sich weich. Eine Gastro- sowie eine Koloskopie waren unauffällig. Laborchemisch zeigte sich eine Anämie. Im Differenzialblutbild zeigte sich eine basophile Tüpfelung der Erythrozyten, und eine Blutuntersuchung ergab einen deutlich erhöhten Bleiwert im Blut, weshalb die Diagnose einer Bleivergiftung gestellt wurde. Als Ursache kam die monatelange Einnahme einer ayurvedischen Paste aus Bangladesch zur Behandlung seiner Vitiligo infrage.
Application of Transcranial Electric Stimulation (tDCS, tACS,	tRNS)
Authors: Paulus Walter , Nitsche Michael A. , Antal Andrea
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Low-intensity transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) techniques are a group of noninvasive brain stimulation approaches, where currents are applied with intensities ranging between 0.4 and 2 mA through the human scalp. The most frequently used tES methods are transcranial direct current (tDCS), alternating current (tACS), and random noise stimulation (tRNS). These methods have been shown to induce changes in cortical excitability and activity during and after the stimulation in a reversible manner. It was observed that while anodal and cathodal tDCS acts on the membrane potentials by depolarizing or hyperpolarizing them, tACS probably modifies cortical oscillations. tRNS, that is a special form of tACS, might act through affecting the signal-to-noise ratio in the brain. Currently, an exponentially increasing number of studies have been published regarding the effects of tES on physiological processes and cognition. The aim of this review is to summarize the basic aspects of tES methods.
U.S. Methane Emissions on the Rise
Authors: Kelleher Shannon
Published: March 2016

Data suggest that the United States may be responsible for half of global methane increase in the past decade.
Science of Tying Some Extreme Weather to Climate Change Advances
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: March 2016

A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine says attribution of some classes of extreme events can provide policy makers with better information about future risks.
Water electrolysis on La1−xSrxCoO3−δ perovskite electrocatalysts
Authors: Mefford J. Tyler , Rong Xi , Abakumov Artem M. , Hardin William G. , Dai Sheng , Kolpak Alexie M. , Johnston Keith P. , Stevenson Keith J.
Published: March 2016

Perovskite oxides are attractive candidates as catalysts for the electrolysis of water in alkaline energy storage and conversion systems. However, the rational design of active catalysts has been hampered by the lack of understanding of the mechanism of water electrolysis on perovskite surfaces. Key parameters that have been overlooked include the role of oxygen vacancies, B–O bond covalency, and redox activity of lattice oxygen species. Here we present a series of cobaltite perovskites where the covalency of the Co–O bond and the concentration of oxygen vacancies are controlled through Sr2+ substitution into La1−xSrxCoO3−δ. We attempt to rationalize the high activities of La1−xSrxCoO3−δ through the electronic structure and participation of lattice oxygen in the mechanism of water electrolysis as revealed through ab initio modelling. Using this approach, we report a material, SrCoO2.7, with a high, room temperature-specific activity and mass activity towards alkaline water electrolysis.
Rotational manipulation of single cells and organisms using acoustic waves
Authors: Ahmed Daniel , Ozcelik Adem , Bojanala Nagagireesh , Nama Nitesh , Upadhyay Awani , Chen Yuchao , Hanna-Rose Wendy , Huang Tony Jun
Published: March 2016

The precise rotational manipulation of single cells or organisms is invaluable to many applications in biology, chemistry, physics and medicine. In this article, we describe an acoustic-based, on-chip manipulation method that can rotate single microparticles, cells and organisms. To achieve this, we trapped microbubbles within predefined sidewall microcavities inside a microchannel. In an acoustic field, trapped microbubbles were driven into oscillatory motion generating steady microvortices which were utilized to precisely rotate colloids, cells and entire organisms (that is, C. elegans). We have tested the capabilities of our method by analysing reproductive system pathologies and nervous system morphology in C. elegans. Using our device, we revealed the underlying abnormal cell fusion causing defective vulval morphology in mutant worms. Our acoustofluidic rotational manipulation (ARM) technique is an easy-to-use, compact, and biocompatible method, permitting rotation regardless of optical, magnetic or electrical properties of the sample under investigation.
Imaging multicellular specimens with real-time optimized tiling light-sheet selective plane illumination microscopy
Authors: Fu Qinyi , Martin Benjamin L. , Matus David Q. , Gao Liang
Published: March 2016

Despite the progress made in selective plane illumination microscopy, high-resolution 3D live imaging of multicellular specimens remains challenging. Tiling light-sheet selective plane illumination microscopy (TLS-SPIM) with real-time light-sheet optimization was developed to respond to the challenge. It improves the 3D imaging ability of SPIM in resolving complex structures and optimizes SPIM live imaging performance by using a real-time adjustable tiling light sheet and creating a flexible compromise between spatial and temporal resolution. We demonstrate the 3D live imaging ability of TLS-SPIM by imaging cellular and subcellular behaviours in live C. elegans and zebrafish embryos, and show how TLS-SPIM can facilitate cell biology research in multicellular specimens by studying left-right symmetry breaking behaviour of C. elegans embryos.
Individual heritable differences result in unique cell lymphocyte receptor repertoires of naïve and antigen-experienced cells
Authors: Rubelt Florian , Bolen Christopher R. , McGuire Helen M. , Heiden Jason A. Vander , Gadala-Maria Daniel , Levin Mikhail , M. Euskirchen Ghia , Mamedov Murad R. , Swan Gary E. , Dekker Cornelia L. , Cowell Lindsay G. , Kleinstein Steven H. , Davis Mark M.
Published: March 2016

The adaptive immune system’s capability to protect the body requires a highly diverse lymphocyte antigen receptor repertoire. However, the influence of individual genetic and epigenetic differences on these repertoires is not typically measured. By leveraging the unique characteristics of B, CD4+ T and CD8+ T-lymphocyte subsets from monozygotic twins, we quantify the impact of heritable factors on both the V(D)J recombination process and on thymic selection. We show that the resulting biases in both V(D)J usage and N/P addition lengths, which are found in naïve and antigen experienced cells, contribute to significant variation in the CDR3 region. Moreover, we show that the relative usage of V and J gene segments is chromosomally biased, with ∼1.5 times as many rearrangements originating from a single chromosome. These data refine our understanding of the heritable mechanisms affecting the repertoire, and show that biases are evident on a chromosome-wide level.
Rapid expulsion of microswimmers by a vortical flow
Authors: Sokolov Andrey , Aranson Igor S.
Published: March 2016

Interactions of microswimmers with their fluid environment are exceptionally complex. Macroscopic shear flow alters swimming trajectories in a highly nontrivial way and results in dramatic reduction of viscosity and heterogeneous bacterial distributions. Here we report on experimental and theoretical studies of rapid expulsion of microswimmers, such as motile bacteria, by a vortical flow created by a rotating microparticle. We observe a formation of a macroscopic depletion area in a high-shear region, in the vicinity of a microparticle. The rapid migration of bacteria from the shear-rich area is caused by a vortical structure of the flow rather than intrinsic random fluctuations of bacteria orientations, in stark contrast to planar shear flow. Our mathematical model reveals that expulsion is a combined effect of motility and alignment by a vortical flow. Our findings offer a novel approach for manipulation of motile microorganisms and shed light on bacteria–flow interactions.
Immunogenicity of a Trivalent Recombinant Vaccine Against Clostridium perfringens Alpha, Beta, and Epsilon Toxins in Farm Ruminants
Authors: Moreira Gustavo Marçal Schmidt Garcia , Salvarani Felipe Masiero , da Cunha Carlos Eduardo Pouey , Mendonça Marcelo , Moreira Ângela Nunes , Gonçalves Luciana Aramuni , Pires Prhiscylla Sadanã , Lobato Francisco Carlos Faria , Conceição Fabricio Rochedo
Published: March 2016

Clostridium perfringens is an anaerobic bacterium that produces several toxins. Of these, the alpha, beta, and epsilon toxins are responsible for causing the most severe C. perfringens-related diseases in farm animals. The best way to control these diseases is through vaccination. However, commercially available vaccines are based on inactivated toxins and have many production drawbacks, which can be overcome through the use of recombinant antigens. In this study, we produced recombinant alpha, beta, and epsilon toxins in Escherichia coli to formulate a trivalent vaccine. Its effectiveness was evaluated through a potency test in rabbits, in which the vaccine generated 9.6, 24.4, and 25.0 IU/mL of neutralizing antibodies against the respective toxins. Following this, cattle, sheep, and goats received the same formulation, generating, respectively, 5.19 ± 0.48, 4.34 ± 0.43, and 4.70 ± 0.58 IU/mL against alpha toxin, 13.71 ± 1.17 IU/mL (for all three species) against beta toxin, and 12.74 ± 1.70, 7.66 ± 1.69, and 8.91 ± 2.14 IU/mL against epsilon toxin. These levels were above the minimum recommended by international protocols. As such, our vaccine was effective in generating protective antibodies and, thus, may represent an interesting alternative for the prevention of C. perfringens-related intoxications in farm animals.
New Findings in eNOS gene and Thalidomide Embryopathy Suggest pre-transcriptional effect variants as susceptibility factors
Authors: Kowalski Thayne Woycinck , Fraga Lucas Rosa , Tovo-Rodrigues Luciana , Sanseverino Maria Teresa Vieira , Hutz Mara Helena , Schuler-Faccini Lavínia , Vianna Fernanda Sales Luiz
Published: March 2016

Antiangiogenic properties of thalidomide have created an interest in the use of the drug in treatment of cancer. However, thalidomide is responsible for thalidomide embryopathy (TE). A lack of knowledge regarding the mechanisms of thalidomide teratogenesis acts as a barrier in the aim to synthesize a safer analogue of thalidomide. Recently, our group detected a higher frequency of alleles that impair the pro-angiogenic mechanisms of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), coded by the NOS3 gene. In this study we evaluated variable number tandem repeats (VNTR) functional polymorphism in intron 4 of NOS3 in individuals with TE (38) and Brazilians without congenital anomalies (136). Haplotypes were estimated for this VNTR with previously analyzed polymorphisms, rs2070744 (−786C > T) and rs1799983 (894T > G), in promoter region and exon 7, respectively. Haplotypic distribution was different between the groups (p = 0.007). Alleles −786C (rs2070744) and 4b (VNTR), associated with decreased NOS3 expression, presented in higher frequency in TE individuals (p = 0.018; OR = 2.57; IC = 1.2–5.8). This association was not identified with polymorphism 894T > G (p = 0.079), which influences eNOS enzymatic activity. These results suggest variants in NOS3, with pre-transcriptional effects as susceptibility factors, influencing the risk TE development. This finding generates insight for a new approach to research that pursues a safer analogue.
Suppression of spin-exciton state in hole overdoped iron-based superconductors
Authors: Lee C. H. , Kihou K. , Park J. T. , Horigane K. , Fujita K. , Waßer F. , Qureshi N. , Sidis Y. , Akimitsu J. , Braden M.
Published: March 2016

The mechanism of Cooper pair formation in iron-based superconductors remains a controversial topic. The main question is whether spin or orbital fluctuations are responsible for the pairing mechanism. To solve this problem, a crucial clue can be obtained by examining the remarkable enhancement of magnetic neutron scattering signals appearing in a superconducting phase. The enhancement is called spin resonance for a spin fluctuation model, in which their energy is restricted below twice the superconducting gap value (2Δs), whereas larger energies are possible in other models such as an orbital fluctuation model. Here we report the doping dependence of low-energy magnetic excitation spectra in Ba1−xKxFe2As2 for 0.5 < x < 0.84 studied by inelastic neutron scattering. We find that the behavior of the spin resonance dramatically changes from optimum to overdoped regions. Strong resonance peaks are observed clearly below 2Δs in the optimum doping region, while they are absent in the overdoped region. Instead, there is a transfer of spectral weight from energies below 2Δs to higher energies, peaking at values of 3Δs for x = 0.84. These results suggest a reduced impact of magnetism on Cooper pair formation in the overdoped region.
The Efficacy and Safety of Knotless Barbed Sutures in the Surgical Field: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Lin Yifei , Lai Sike , Huang Jin , Du Liang
Published: March 2016

The knotless barbed suture is an innovative type of suture that can accelerate the placement of sutures and eliminate knot tying. However, the outcomes of previous studies are still confounding. This study reviewed the application of different types of barbed sutures in different surgeries. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) addressing the application of barbed sutures up to Feb. 2015. Two reviewers independently screened the literature and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Then meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis was performed. Seventeen RCTs (low to moderate risk of bias) involving 1992 patients were included. Compared with conventional sutures, the barbed suture could reduce suture time (SMD=−0.95, 95%CI −1.43 to −0.46, P = 0.0001) and the operative time (SMD=−0.28, 95%CI −0.46 to −0.10, P = 0.003), not significantly increase the estimated blood loss (SMD=−0.09, 95%CI −0.52 to 0.35, P = 0.70), but could lead to more postoperative complications (OR = 1.43, 95%CI 1.05 to 1.96, P = 0.03), These results varied in subgroups. Thus, barbed sutures are effective in reducing the suture and operative time, but the safety evidences are still not sufficient. It need be evaluated based on special surgeries and suture types before put into clinical practice.
Nuquantus: Machine learning software for the characterization and quantification of cell nuclei in complex immunofluorescent tissue images
Authors: Gross Polina , Honnorat Nicolas , Varol Erdem , Wallner Markus , Trappanese Danielle M. , Sharp Thomas E. , Starosta Timothy , Duran Jason M. , Koller Sarah , Davatzikos Christos , Houser Steven R.
Published: March 2016

Determination of fundamental mechanisms of disease often hinges on histopathology visualization and quantitative image analysis. Currently, the analysis of multi-channel fluorescence tissue images is primarily achieved by manual measurements of tissue cellular content and sub-cellular compartments. Since the current manual methodology for image analysis is a tedious and subjective approach, there is clearly a need for an automated analytical technique to process large-scale image datasets. Here, we introduce Nuquantus (Nuclei quantification utility software) - a novel machine learning-based analytical method, which identifies, quantifies and classifies nuclei based on cells of interest in composite fluorescent tissue images, in which cell borders are not visible. Nuquantus is an adaptive framework that learns the morphological attributes of intact tissue in the presence of anatomical variability and pathological processes. Nuquantus allowed us to robustly perform quantitative image analysis on remodeling cardiac tissue after myocardial infarction. Nuquantus reliably classifies cardiomyocyte versus non-cardiomyocyte nuclei and detects cell proliferation, as well as cell death in different cell classes. Broadly, Nuquantus provides innovative computerized methodology to analyze complex tissue images that significantly facilitates image analysis and minimizes human bias.
Chronic unpredictive mild stress leads to altered hepatic metabolic profile and gene expression
Authors: Jia Hong-mei , Li Qi , Zhou Chao , Yu Meng , Yang Yong , Zhang Hong-wu , Ding Gang , Shang Hai , Zou Zhong-mei
Published: March 2016

Depression is a complex disease characterized by a series of pathological changes. Research on depression is mainly focused on the changes in brain, but not on liver. Therefore, we initially explored the metabolic profiles of hepatic extracts from rats treated with chronic unpredictive mild stress (CUMS) by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Using multivariate statistical analysis, a total of 26 altered metabolites distinguishing CUMS-induced depression from normal control were identified. Using two-stage receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, 18 metabolites were recognized as potential biomarkers related to CUMS-induced depression via 12 metabolic pathways. Subsequently, we detected the mRNA expressions levels of apoptosis-associated genes such as Bax and Bcl-2 and four key enzymes including Pla2g15, Pnpla6, Baat and Gad1 involved in phospholipid and primary bile acid biosynthesis in liver tissues of CUMS rats by real-time qRT-PCR assay. The expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, Pla2g15, Pnpla6 and Gad1 mRNA were 1.43,1.68, 1.74, 1.67 and 1.42-fold higher and those of Baat, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio mRNA were 0.83, 0.85-fold lower in CUMS rats compared with normal control. Results of liver-targeted metabonomics and mRNA expression demonstrated that CUMS-induced depression leads to variations in hepatic metabolic profile and gene expression and ultimately results in liver injury.
Ca2+ monitoring in Plasmodium falciparum using the yellow cameleon-Nano biosensor
Authors: Pandey Kishor , Ferreira Pedro E. , Ishikawa Takeshi , Nagai Takeharu , Kaneko Osamu , Yahata Kazuhide
Published: March 2016

Calcium (Ca2+)-mediated signaling is a conserved mechanism in eukaryotes, including the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Due to its small size (<10 μm) measurement of intracellular Ca2+ in Plasmodium is technically challenging and thus Ca2+ regulation in this human pathogen is not well understood. Here we analyze Ca2+ homeostasis via a new approach using transgenic P. falciparum expressing the Ca2+ sensor yellow cameleon (YC)-Nano. We found that cytosolic Ca2+ concentration is maintained at low levels only during the intraerythrocytic trophozoite stage (30 nM) and is increased in the other blood stages (>300 nM). We determined that the mammalian SERCA inhibitor thapsigargin and antimalarial dihydroartemisinin did not perturb SERCA activity. The change of the cytosolic Ca2+ level in P. falciparum was additionally detectable by flow cytometry. Thus, we propose that the developed YC-Nano-based system is useful to study Ca2+ signaling in P. falciparum and is applicable for drug screening.
Structural revisions of small molecules reported to cross-link G-quadruplex DNA in vivo reveal a repetitive assignment error in the literature
Authors: Reyes-Gutiérrez Paul E. , Kapal Tomáš , Klepetářová Blanka , Šaman David , Pohl Radek , Zawada Zbigniew , Kužmová Erika , Hájek Miroslav , Teplý Filip
Published: March 2016

Two molecules of mistaken identity are addressed. Uncovering these assignment errors led us to formulate more general guidelines about additional misassignments in cases of published bis-imines derived from 1,2-phenylenediamine and hydroxybenzaldehydes having no substituent in ortho-positions. The main purpose of this article is to highlight this repetitive assignment error in the literature and thus increase the likelihood of correct assignments in future papers.
Modelling of the frictional behaviour of the snake skin covered by anisotropic surface nanostructures
Authors: Filippov Alexander E. , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: March 2016

Previous experimental data clearly revealed anisotropic friction on the ventral scale surface of snakes. However, it is known that frictional properties of the ventral surface of the snake skin range in a very broad range and the degree of anisotropy ranges as well to a quite strong extent. This might be due to the variety of species studied, diversity of approaches used for the friction characterization, and/or due to the variety of substrates used as a counterpart in the experiments. In order to understand the interactions between the nanostructure arrays of the ventral surface of the snake skin, this study was undertaken, which is aimed at numerical modeling of frictional properties of the structurally anisotropic surfaces in contact with various size of asperities. The model shows that frictional anisotropy appears on the snake skin only on the substrates with a characteristic range of roughness, which is less or comparable with dimensions of the skin microstructure. In other words, scale of the skin relief should reflect an adaptation to the particular range of surfaces asperities of the substrate.
TFIIS.h, a new target of p53, regulates transcription efficiency of pro-apoptotic bax gene
Authors: Liao Jun-Ming , Cao Bo , Deng Jun , Zhou Xiang , Strong Michael , Zeng Shelya , Xiong Jianping , Flemington Erik , Lu Hua
Published: March 2016

Tumor suppressor p53 transcriptionally regulates hundreds of genes involved in various cellular functions. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying the selection of p53 targets in response to different stresses are still elusive. Here, we identify TFIIS.h, a transcription elongation factor, as a new transcriptional target of p53, and also show that it can enhance the efficiency of transcription elongation of apoptosis-associated bax gene, but not cell cycle-associated p21 (CDKN1A) gene. TFIIS.h is revealed as a p53 target through microarray analysis of RNAs extracted from cells treated with or without inauhzin (INZ), a p53 activator, and further confirmed by RT-q-PCR, western blot, luciferase reporter, and ChIP assays. Interestingly, knocking down TFIIS.h impairs, but overexpressing TFIIS.h promotes, induction of bax, but not other p53 targets including p21, by p53 activation. In addition, overexpression of TFIIS.h induces cell death in a bax- dependent fashion. These findings reveal a mechanism by which p53 utilizes TFIIS.h to selectively promote the transcriptional elongation of the bax gene, upsurging cell death in response to severe DNA damage.
Tilt aftereffect following adaptation to translational Glass patterns
Authors: Pavan Andrea , Hocketstaller Johanna , Contillo Adriano , Greenlee Mark W.
Published: March 2016

Glass patterns (GPs) consist of randomly distributed dot pairs (dipoles) whose orientations are determined by specific geometric transforms. We assessed whether adaptation to stationary oriented translational GPs suppresses the activity of orientation selective detectors producing a tilt aftereffect (TAE). The results showed that adaptation to GPs produces a TAE similar to that reported in previous studies, though reduced in amplitude. This suggests the involvement of orientation selective mechanisms. We also measured the interocular transfer (IOT) of the GP-induced TAE and found an almost complete IOT, indicating the involvement of orientation selective and binocularly driven units. In additional experiments, we assessed the role of attention in TAE from GPs. The results showed that distraction during adaptation similarly modulates the TAE after adapting to both GPs and gratings. Moreover, in the case of GPs, distraction is likely to interfere with the adaptation process rather than with the spatial summation of local dipoles. We conclude that TAE from GPs possibly relies on visual processing levels in which the global orientation of GPs has been encoded by neurons that are mostly binocularly driven, orientation selective and whose adaptation-related neural activity is strongly modulated by attention.
Quantification of ethanol in plasma by electrochemical detection with an unmodified screen printed carbon electrode
Authors: Tian Gang , Zhang Xiao-Qing , Zhu Ming-Song , Zhang Zhong , Shi Zheng-Hu , Ding Min
Published: March 2016

Simple, rapid and accurate detection of ethanol concentration in blood is very crucial in the diagnosis and management of potential acute ethanol intoxication patients. A novel electrochemical detection method was developed for the quantification of ethanol in human plasma with disposable unmodified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) without sample preparation procedure. Ethanol was detected indirectly by the reaction product of ethanol dehydrogenase (ADH) and cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Method validation indicated good quantitation precisions with intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations of ≤9.4% and 8.0%, respectively. Ethanol concentration in plasma is linear ranging from 0.10 to 3.20 mg/mL, and the detection limit is 40.0 μg/mL (S/N > 3). The method shows satisfactory correlation with the reference method of headspace gas chromatography in twenty human plasma samples (correlation coefficient 0.9311). The proposed method could be applied to diagnose acute ethanol toxicity or ethanol-related death.
Salusin-β induces foam cell formation and monocyte adhesion in human vascular smooth muscle cells via miR155/NOX2/NFκB pathway
Authors: Sun Hai-Jian , Zhao Ming-Xia , Liu Tong-Yan , Ren Xing-Sheng , Chen Qi , Li Yue-Hua , Kang Yu-Ming , Zhu Guo-Qing
Published: March 2016

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are indispensible components in foam cell formation. Salusin-β is a stimulator in the progression of atherosclerosis. Here, we showed that salusin-β increased foam cell formation evidenced by accumulation of lipid droplets and intracellular cholesterol content and promoted monocyte adhesion in human VSMCs. Salusin-β increased the expressions and activity of acyl coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase-1 (ACAT-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in VSMCs. Silencing of ACAT-1 abolished the salusin-β-induced lipid accumulation and silencing of VCAM-1 prevented the salusin-β-induced monocyte adhesion in VSMCs. Salusin-β caused p65-NFκB nuclear translocation and increased p65 occupancy at the ACAT-1 and VCAM-1 promoter. Inhibition of NFκB with Bay 11-7082 prevented the salusin-β-induced ACAT-1 and VCAM-1 upregulation, foam cell formation and monocyte adhesion in VSMCs. Scavenging ROS, inhibiting NADPH oxidase or knockdown of NOX2 abolished the effects of salusin-β on ACAT-1 and VCAM-1 expressions, p65-NFκB nuclear translocation, lipid accumulation and monocyte adhesion in VSMCs. Salusin-β increased miR155 expression and knockdown of miR155 prevented the effects of salusin-β on ACAT-1 and VCAM-1 expressions, p65-NFκB nuclear translocation, lipid accumulation, monocyte adhesion and ROS production in VSMCs. These results indicate that salusin-β induces foam formation and monocyte adhesion via miR155/NOX2/NFκB-mediated ACAT-1 and VCAM-1 expressions in VSMCs.
Effects of Berries Consumption on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Meta-analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Huang Haohai , Chen Guangzhao , Liao Dan , Zhu Yongkun , Xue Xiaoyan
Published: March 2016

The effects of berries consumption on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors have not been systematically examined. Here, we aimed to conduct a meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis to estimate the effect of berries consumption on CVD risk factors. PubMed, Embase and CENTRAL were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that regarding the effects of berries consumption in either healthy participants or patients with CVD. Twenty-two eligible RCTs representing 1,251 subjects were enrolled. The pooled result showed that berries consumption significantly lowered the low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol [weighted mean difference (WMD), −0.21 mmol/L; 95% confidence interval (CI), −0.34 to −0.07; P = 0.003], systolic blood pressure (SBP) (WMD, −2.72 mmHg; 95% CI, −5.32 to −0.12; P = 0.04), fasting glucose (WMD, −0.10 mmol/L; 95% CI, −0.17 to −0.03; P = 0.004), body mass index (BMI) (WMD, −0.36 kg/m2; 95% CI, −0.54 to −0.18, P < 0.00001), Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (WMD, −0.20%; 95% CI, −0.39 to −0.01; P = 0.04) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (WMD, −0.99 ρg/mL; 95% CI, −1.96 to −0.02; P = 0.04). However, no significant changes were seen in other markers. The current evidence suggests that berries consumption might be utilized as a possible new effective and safe supplementary option to better prevent and control CVD in humans.