bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How much groundwater can we pump and protect environmental flows through time? Presumptive standards for conjunctive management of aquifers and rivers
Authors: Gleeson T. , Richter B.
Published: August 2017

Groundwater is a critically important source of water for river, wetland, lake, and terrestrial ecosystems, yet most frameworks for assessing environmental flows have ignored or not explicitly included the potential impacts of groundwater pumping on environmental flows. After assessing the processes and existing policies for protecting streamflow depletion from groundwater pumping, we argue that a new groundwater presumptive standard is critical as a placeholder to protect environmental flows in rivers lacking detailed assessments. We thus extend the previous presumptive standard to groundwater pumping, a different and important driver of changes to streamflow. We suggest that “high levels of ecological protection will be provided if groundwater pumping decreases monthly natural baseflow by less than 10% through time.” The presumptive standard is intended to be a critical placeholder only where detailed scientific assessments of environmental flow needs cannot be undertaken in the near term. We also suggest a new metric, the environmental flow response time, that allows water managers to quantify the timescales of the impacts of groundwater pumping on the loss or gain of environmental flows.
Turbulent flow field comparison and related suitability for fish passage of a standard and a simplified low‐gradient vertical slot fishway
Authors: Quaranta E. , Katopodis C. , Revelli R. , Comoglio C.
Published: August 2017

Fishways are hydraulic structures that allow passage of fish across obstructions in rivers. Vertical slot fishways—VSFs—are considered the most efficient and least selective type of technical fishway solutions, especially due to their ability to remain effective even when significant upstream and/or downstream water level fluctuations occur. The scope of the present study is to perform numerical simulations in order to investigate and compare the hydraulic turbulent flow field in a standard and a simplified version of the most common VSF design. Implications in relation to fish swimming behaviour and fish passage performance are discussed. Different water depths (as well as discharges) were investigated, using a bed slope of 5%, as a reference for low‐gradient VSFs with a very limited selectivity that can be used in multispecies rivers in grayling‐barbel regions. Results show that maximum values of velocity, turbulent kinetic energy, and Reynolds stresses are higher in the standard design. However, corresponding to slot geometry and orientation, the direction of the main jet in the simplified design is more inclined towards the left side of the pool. This causes the eddy to split into 2 smaller ones; the minimum eddy dimension is reduced from 0.4–0.5 to 0.2–0.3 m. These dimensions are detrimental for fish passage efficiency, being more comparable with fish length (0.15–0.40 m), thus affecting migrating fish stability and orientation. Furthermore, the standard design provides a more straightforward upstream path and wider areas of low flow velocities and turbulence, useful for fish resting. Therefore, it is recommended that the standard design should be preferred over its simplified version, even if its construction costs are around 10–15% higher than the simplified one.
Managing risk in high assurance systems by optimizing topological resources
Authors: Hyden Paul , McGrath Richard G. , Moskowitz Ira S. , Russell Stephen
Published: August 2017

We explore strategies for manipulating the topology of a network to promote increased and pragmatic high assurance systems. Topology matters to network threats and security, and the relative distance between nodes can impact the rate of dispersion of viruses, as well as access times in denial of service, probing, and insider threat attacks. We suggest methods to separate threatening and threatened nodes with enough hops to reduce and degrade risks. This work provides network analysts with an option to include other measures such as risk assessments to the construction and management of high assurance systems. We consider a scaled down model to demonstrate the proof of concept using artificial data. Specifically, we explore the efficacy of ring networks and the structure that occurs on k‐hop networks when there are a prime number of nodes. We introduce techniques for the randomization of network topologies to manage real‐time risk and provide a dynamic means to improve network security by increasing technical debt to a potential attacker.
KIND‐DAMA: A modular middleware for Kinect‐like device data management
Authors: Milazzo Fabrizio , Gentile Vito , Gentile Antonio , Sorce Salvatore
Published: August 2017

In the last decades, we have witnessed a growing interest toward touchless gestural user interfaces. Among other reasons, this is due to the large availability of different low‐cost gesture acquisition hardware (the so‐called “Kinect‐like devices”). As a consequence, there is a growing need for solutions that allow to easily integrate such devices within actual systems. In this paper, we present KIND‐DAMA, an open and modular middleware that helps in the development of interactive applications based on gestural input. We first review the existing middlewares for gestural data management. Then, we describe the proposed architecture and compare its features against the existing similar solutions we found in the literature. Finally, we present a set of studies and use cases that show the effectiveness of our proposal in some possible real‐world scenarios.
Chromatin‐associated noncoding RNAs in development and inheritance
Authors: Acharya Sreemukta , Hartmann Mark , Erhardt Sylvia
Published: August 2017

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as crucial players in chromatin regulation. Their diversity allows them to partake in the regulation of numerous cellular processes across species. During development, long and short ncRNAs act in conjunction with each other where long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) are best understood in establishing appropriate gene expression patterns, while short ncRNAs (sRNAs) are known to establish constitutive heterochromatin and suppress mobile elements. Additionally, increasing evidence demonstrates roles of sRNAs in several typically lncRNA‐mediated processes such as dosage compensation, indicating a complex regulatory network of noncoding RNAs. Together, various ncRNAs establish many mitotically heritable epigenetic marks during development. Additionally, they participate in mechanisms that regulate maintenance of these epigenetic marks during the lifespan of the organism. Interestingly, some epigenetic traits are transmitted to the next generation(s) via paramutations or transgenerational inheritance mediated by sRNAs. In this review, we give an overview of the various functions and regulations of ncRNAs and the mechanisms they employ in the establishment and maintenance of epigenetic marks and multi‐generational transmission of epigenetic traits. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1435. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1435

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
Strategies for International Travel with “High-Tech” Archaeological Field Equipment
Authors: Limp William F. , Williamson Malcolm D.
Published: August 2017

Conducting archaeological fieldwork increasingly relies on “high-tech” instruments. These include such technologies as portable X-ray diffraction; ground penetrating radar; high-precision global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers; laser scanners; multispectral, thermal, lidar, and hyperspectral instruments on Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs); and many others. Using these devices internationally can present complex issues with export regulations and the potential for duties and value-added taxes. In short, there are many regulations affecting the movement of these devices across international borders. In the past, archaeologists had interactions with customs personnel and faced the complexities of import and export laws at the end of a project, as they dealt with the issues of taking samples or artifacts out of a country for study. Today's archaeologists must be prepared before they even begin their travel to ensure that their equipment and software can travel overseas. This article provides a practical overview of the laws, regulations, and practices affecting international transport of the archaeological high-tech tool kit.
Investigation of the flowfield induced by simulated battle damage
Authors: Almond Mathew. T. , Render Peter M. , Walker A. Duncan , Howlett A.
Published: August 2017

Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) has been used to study the complex flowfield created by simulated battle damage to a two-dimensional wing. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) predictions have also been used for validation of internal cavity flow. Two damage cases were selected for the study; both cases were simulated using a single hole with diameters equal to 20% and 40% of the chord, located at the wing half-chord. Wind-tunnel tests were conducted at a Reynolds number of 500,000 over a range of incidences from 0 to 10° with two-component PIV measurements made on three chordwise and three spanwise planes. The PIV data were analysed and compared to CFD data of the same damage cases. The PIV data have shown lower velocity ratios and lower vorticity in the jet compared to past Jet in Cross-Flow experiments and CFD was used to describe the flow features inside the cavity of the wing. It was seen that the wing cavity has large effects on the external flow features, particularly for the 20% damage case. Finally, the flow field data have been related to force balance data. At higher incidence angles, the larger force coefficient increments in both lift and drag can be attributed to the larger wakes and higher jet strengths.
The relationship between exclusion from school and mental health: a secondary analysis of the British Child and Adolescent Mental Health Surveys 2004 and 2007
Authors: Ford T. , Parker C. , Salim J. , Goodman R. , Logan S. , Henley W.
Published: August 2017

Background

Children with poor mental health often struggle at school. The relationship between childhood psychiatric disorder and exclusion from school has not been frequently studied, but both are associated with poor adult outcomes. We undertook a secondary analysis of the British Child and Adolescent Mental Health Surveys from 2004 and its follow-up in 2007 to explore the relationship between exclusion from school and psychopathology. We predicted poorer mental health among those excluded.

Method

Psychopathology was measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, while psychiatric disorder was assessed using the Development and Well-Being Assessment and applying Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition (DSM IV) criteria. Exclusion from school and socio-demographic characteristics were reported by parents. Multi-variable regression models were used to examine the impact of individual factors on exclusion from school or psychological distress.

Results

Exclusion from school was commoner among boys, secondary school pupils and those living in socio-economically deprived circumstances. Poor general health and learning disability among children and poor parental mental health were also associated with exclusion. There were consistently high levels of psychological distress among those who had experienced exclusion at baseline and follow-up.

Conclusions

We detected a bi-directional association between psychological distress and exclusion. Efforts to identify and support children who struggle with school may therefore prevent both future exclusion and future psychiatric disorder.
GEORGE ELIOT'S EVANGELICAL INSIGHT: CLOSE CONTACT AND REALIZING VIEWS
Authors: Nerstad Erin
Published: August 2017

Readers have long notedthe pervasiveness of sympathy in George Eliot's work. But why always sympathy? One cannot fully answer this question without attending to a crucial and yet still understudied context for Eliot's work: evangelicalism. It is from evangelical thought and practice that she gleaned the concept of what I will call sympathetic “insight,” which evangelicals privileged for its ability to “see” the real and to move between the dichotomous barriers of the in/visible and in/external. I want to suggest that even after Eliot no longer found compelling its accompanying theology, sympathetic “insight” persisted in her imagination as a way to see into and within her realist fictional worlds.
LETTY GARTH'S LITTLE RED BOOK: “RUMPELSTILTSKIN,” REALISM, ANDMIDDLEMARCH
Authors: O'Brien Lee
Published: August 2017

Letty Garth's “favourite red volume”makes its appearance inMiddlemarchat the beginning of Book 7, at the Vincy's New Year's Day party that draws most of the Middlemarch town characters together. It is a small passage that can easily go unnoticed – or, if registered at all, glossed as simply part of the fabric of dense, inconsequential details that realist texts deploy to produce verisimilitude. Roland Barthes describes such details as potentially “scandalous” from the point of view of structure in that they seem to amount to “a kind of narrativeluxury,” likely to threaten structural coherence, recoverable at best as “filling” or as giving “some index of character or atmosphere” (141). Such details might be said to reinforce the vices of nineteenth-century realism, including closing the gap between words and things: “we are the real,” these details say, producing “thereferential illusion” (148). They amount to bad narrative housekeeping, “increasing the cost of narrative information” (141). Since the detail of Letty's book involves a young child it is doubly likely, in a novel so clearly dedicated to the adult world of compromise and doubtful success, to be set aside as mere local colour. The potentially trivializing function of the paradox of small instances of excess is reflected in Barthes’ descriptive phrases for them: “useless details,” “insignificant notation” (142).
ABNORMAL NARRATIVES: DISABILITY AND OMNISCIENCE IN THE VICTORIAN NOVEL
Authors: Tarr Clayton Carlyle
Published: August 2017

In Charlotte Brontë’sVillette(1853), Lucy Snowe is tasked to deliver a “little basket” to the mysterious shut-in Madame Walravens (396; ch. 34). After crossing an “inhospitable threshold” (398) that leads to an “inhospitable salon” (400), Lucy is told to wait for the lady of the house, who will serve as both grandmother and wolf in this Red Riding Hood revision. Caught in a dreamlike, “fairy tale” trance, Lucy focuses her attention on a curious picture, which “give[s] way” to expose an arched doorway and a winding staircase. The tapestry momentarily displaced, Lucy hears the taps of a walking-stick, and then spies a “substance” that eventually materializes into the distinct form of Madame Walravens: “She might be three feet high, but she had no shape. . .. Her face was large, set, not upon her shoulders, but before her breast; she seemed to have no neck.” Lucy proceeds to call her host “[h]unchbacked,” and “dwarfish” — a “barbarian queen,” an “uncouth thing,” and an “old witch of a grand-dame” (399–402; ch. 34), who is as “hideous as a Hindoo idol” (473; ch. 39). Most important, Lucy notes the “violence of a temper which deformity made sometimes demoniac” (403; ch. 34). Madame Walravens's physical abnormalities make her not just the villain of a fairy tale, but a supernatural terror. Lucy may only confront the reality of disability by transforming it into a “tale of magic” (399; ch. 34) — one that she escapes by re-crossing the “inhospitable threshold.”
Risk of venous thromboembolism following surgical treatment of superficial venous incompetence
Authors: Barker Tom , Evison Felicity , Benson Ruth , Tiwari Alok
Published: August 2017

Abstract. Background: The invasive management of varicose veins has a known risk of post-operative deep venous thrombosis and subsequent pulmonary embolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate absolute and relative risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following commonly used varicose vein procedures. Patients and methods: A retrospective analysis of secondary data using Hospital Episode Statistics database was performed for all varicose vein procedures performed between 2003 and 2013 and all readmissions for VTE in the same patients within 30 days, 90 days, and one year. Comparison of the incidence of VTEs between procedures was performed using a Pearson’s Chi-squared test. Results: In total, 261,169 varicose vein procedures were performed during the period studied. There were 686 VTEs recorded at 30 days (0.26 % incidence), 884 at 90 days (0.34 % incidence), and 1,246 at one year (0.48 % incidence). The VTE incidence for different procedures was between 0.15–0.35 % at 30 days, 0.26–0.50 % at 90 days, and 0.46–0.58 % at one year. At 30 days there was a significantly lower incidence of VTEs for foam sclerotherapy compared to other procedures (p = 0.01). There was no difference in VTE incidence between procedures at 90 days (p = 0.13) or one year (p = 0.16). Conclusions: Patients undergoing varicose vein procedures have a small but appreciable increased risk of VTE compared to the general population, with the effect persisting at one year. Foam sclerotherapy had a lower incidence of VTE compared to other procedures at 30 days, but this effect did not persist at 90 days or at one year. There was no other significant difference in the incidence of VTE between open, endovenous, and foam sclerotherapy treatments.
Position Statement on Geoengineering: Call for Comments
Authors: Landau Elizabeth
Published: August 2017

AGU last updated its position on this topic 5 years ago.
Inhibition of IL‐17A by secukinumab shows no evidence of increased Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections
Authors: Kammüller Michael , Tsai Tsen‐Fang , Griffiths Christopher EM , Kapoor Nidhi , Kolattukudy Pappachan E , Brees Dominique , Chibout Salah‐Dine , Safi Jorge , Fox Todd
Published: August 2017

Secukinumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively neutralizes interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A), has been shown to have significant efficacy in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Blocking critical mediators of immunity may carry a risk of increased opportunistic infections. Here we present clinical and in vitro findings examining the effect of secukinumab on Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. We re‐assessed the effect of secukinumab on the incidence of acute tuberculosis (TB) and reactivation of latent TB infection (LTBI) in pooled safety data from five randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 3 clinical trials in subjects with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. No cases of TB were observed after 1 year. Importantly, in subjects with a history of pulmonary TB (but negative for interferon‐γ release and receiving no anti‐TB medication) or positive for latent TB (screened by interferon‐γ release assay and receiving anti‐TB medication), no cases of active TB were reported. Moreover, an in vitro study examined the effect of the anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) antibody adalimumab and secukinumab on dormant M. tuberculosis H37Rv in a novel human three‐dimensional microgranuloma model. Auramine‐O, Nile red staining and rifampicin resistance of M. tuberculosis were measured. In vitro, anti‐TNFα treatment showed increased staining for Auramine‐O, decreased Nile red staining and decreased rifampicin resistance, indicative of mycobacterial reactivation. In contrast, secukinumab treatment was comparable to control indicating a lack of effect on M. tuberculosis dormancy. To date, clinical and preclinical investigations with secukinumab found no evidence of increased M. tuberculosis infections.
Understanding materials challenges for rechargeable ion batteries with in situ transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Yuan Yifei , Amine Khalil , Lu Jun , Shahbazian-Yassar Reza
Published: August 2017

An in-depth understanding of material behaviours under complex electrochemical environment is critical for the development of advanced materials for the next-generation rechargeable ion batteries. The dynamic conditions inside a working battery had not been intensively explored until the advent of various in situ characterization techniques. Real-time transmission electron microscopy of electrochemical reactions is one of the most significant breakthroughs poised to enable radical shift in our knowledge on how materials behave in the electrochemical environment. This review, therefore, summarizes the scientific discoveries enabled by in situ transmission electron microscopy, and specifically emphasizes the applicability of this technique to address the critical challenges in the rechargeable ion battery electrodes, electrolyte and their interfaces. New electrochemical systems such as lithium–oxygen, lithium–sulfur and sodium ion batteries are included, considering the rapidly increasing application of in situ transmission electron microscopy in these areas. A systematic comparison between lithium ion-based electrochemistry and sodium ion-based electrochemistry is also given in terms of their thermodynamic and kinetic differences. The effect of the electron beam on the validity of in situ observation is also covered. This review concludes by providing a renewed perspective for the future directions of in situ transmission electron microscopy in rechargeable ion batteries.
Age Related Differences in Responsiveness to Sildenafil and Tamsulosin are due to Myogenic Smooth Muscle Tone in the Human Prostate
Authors: Lee Sophie N. , Chakrabarty Basu , Wittmer Brad , Papargiris Melissa , Ryan Andrew , Frydenberg Mark , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Middendorff Ralf , Risbridger Gail P. , Ellem Stuart J. , Exintaris Betty
Published: August 2017

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) are highly prevalent in older men, having a profound impact on patient quality of life. Current therapeutics for BPH/LUTS target neurogenic smooth muscle tone, but response is unpredictable and many patients fail to respond. Spontaneous myogenic tone is another component of smooth muscle contractility that is uncharacterized in human prostate. To better understand and improve the predictability of patient response, we defined myogenic contractility using human prostate specimens and examined the effect of existing therapeutics. We show that myogenic activity is present in the human prostate with the frequency of contractions in transition zone (TZ) specimens from BPH diagnosed patients approximately 160% greater than matched controls. α1-adrenoreceptor antagonists (Tamsulosin) and PDE5 inhibitors (Sildenafil) both significantly reduced myogenic contractile parameters, including frequency, with notable interpatient variability. Tamsulosin was more effective in older patients (R2 = 0.36, p < 0.01) and men with larger prostate volumes (R2 = 0.41, p < 0.05), while Sildenafil was more effective in younger men (R2 = 0.45, p < 0.05). As myogenic tone is significantly increased in BPH, therapeutics targeting this mechanism used with reference to patient characteristics could improve clinical outcomes and better predict patient response.
Development and validation of a risk prediction model for end-stage renal disease in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lin Cheng-Chieh , Li Chia-Ing , Liu Chiu-Shong , Lin Wen-Yuan , Lin Chih-Hsueh , Yang Sing-Yu , Li Tsai-Chung
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study is to develop a prediction model for ESRD in patients with type 2 diabetes. A retrospective cohort study was conducted, consisting of 24,104 Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. We adopted the procedures proposed by the Framingham Heart Study to develop a prediction model for ESRD. Participants were randomly assigned to the derivation and validation sets at a 2:1 ratio. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used for model development. A total of 813 and 402 subjects (5.06% and 5.00%, respectively) developed ESRD in the derivation and validation sets over a mean follow-up period of 8.3 years. The risk-scoring systems included age, gender, age of diabetes onset, combined statuses of blood pressure and anti-hypertensive medication use, creatinine, variation in HbA1c, variation in systolic blood pressure, diabetes retinopathy, albuminuria, anti-diabetes medications, and combined statuses of hyperlipidemia and anti-hyperlipidemia medication use. The area under curves of 3-year, 5-year, and 8-year ESRD risks were 0.90, 0.86, and 0.81 in the derivation set, respectively. This risk score model can be used as screening for early prevention. The risk prediction for 3-year, 5-year, and 8-year period demonstrated good predictive accuracy and discriminatory ability.
Differences in characteristics of glucose intolerance between patients with NAFLD and chronic hepatitis C as determined by CGMS
Authors: Ochi Tsunehiro , Kawaguchi Takumi , Nakahara Takashi , Ono Masafumi , Noguchi Shuhei , Koshiyama Yuichi , Munekage Kensuke , Murakami Eisuke , Hiramatsu Akira , Ogasawara Mitsunari , Hirose Akira , Mizuta Hiroshi , Masuda Kosei , Okamoto Nobuto , Suganuma Narufumi , Chayama Kazuaki , Yamaguchi Masahiro , Torimura Takuji , Saibara Toshiji
Published: August 2017

Glucose intolerance frequently develops in accordance with the progression of chronic liver disease. However, differences in the characteristics of glucose intolerance between patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and those with chronic hepatitis C (C-CH) remain incompletely understood. To clarify these differences, patients with NAFLD (n = 37) and C-CH (n = 40) were evaluated with a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS). In the patients with NAFLD, Maximum blood glucose concentration and blood glucose swings were significantly correlated with hepatic fibrosis markers. In the patients with C-CH, however, those two CGMS parameters were negatively correlated with the serum albumin (ALB) concentration. Furthermore, in the patients with C-CH with an ALB concentration of ≤4.0 g/dl, those two CGMS parameters were negatively correlated with the ALB concentration with greater statistical significance. In conclusion, obvious differences in the characteristics of glucose intolerance between patients with NAFLD and those with C-CH were clarified. In patients with NAFLD, glucose intolerance gradually progressed in accordance with the progression of hepatic fibrosis. In those with C-CH, glucose intolerance suddenly developed upon the appearance of hypoalbuminaemia.
An oxytocin-dependent social interaction between larvae and adult C. elegans
Authors: Scott Euan , Hudson Adam , Feist Emily , Calahorro Fernando , Dillon James , de Freitas Raissa , Wand Matthew , Schoofs Liliane , O’Connor Vincent , Holden-Dye Lindy
Published: August 2017

Oxytocin has a conserved role in regulating animal social behaviour including parental-offspring interactions. Recently an oxytocin-like neuropeptide, nematocin, and its cognate receptors have been identified in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We provide evidence for a pheromone signal produced by C. elegans larvae that modifies the behaviour of adult animals in an oxytocin-dependent manner increasing their probability of leaving a food patch which the larvae are populating. This increase is positively correlated to the size of the larval population but cannot be explained by food depletion nor is it modulated by biogenic amines, which suggest it is not an aversive behaviour. Moreover, the food-leaving behaviour is conspecific and pheromone dependent: C. elegans adults respond more strongly to C. elegans larvae compared to other nematode species and this effect is absent in C. elegans daf-22 larvae which are pheromone deficient. Neurotransmitter receptors previously implicated in C. elegans foraging decisions NPR-1 and TYRA-3, for NPY-like neuropeptides and tyramine respectively, do not appear to be involved in oxytocin-dependent adult food-leaving. We conclude oxytocin signals within a novel neural circuit that regulates parental-offspring social behaviour in C. elegans and that this provides evidence for evolutionary conservation of molecular components of a parental decision making behaviour.
Evolutionary morphology of the lizard chemosensory system
Authors: Baeckens Simon , Herrel Anthony , Broeckhoven Chris , Vasilopoulou-Kampitsi Menelia , Huyghe Katleen , Goyens Jana , Van Damme Raoul
Published: August 2017

Foraging mode plays a pivotal role in traditional reconstructions of squamate evolution. Transitions between modes are said to spark concerted changes in the morphology, physiology, behaviour, and life history of lizards. With respect to their sensory systems, species that adopt a sit-and-wait strategy are thought to rely on visual cues primarily, while actively hunting species would predominantly use chemical information. The morphology of the tongue and the vomeronasal-organs is believed to mirror this dichotomy. Still, support for this idea of concerted evolution of the morphology of the lizard sensory system merely originates from studies comparing only a few, distantly related taxa that differ in many aspects of their biology besides foraging mode. Hence, we compared vomeronasal-lingual morphology among closely related lizard species (Lacertidae). Our findings show considerable interspecific variation indicating that the chemosensory system of lacertids has undergone substantial change over a short evolutionary time. Although our results imply independent evolution of tongue and vomeronasal-organ form, we find evidence for co-variation between sampler and sensor, hinting towards an ‘optimization’ for efficient chemoreception. Furthermore, our findings suggest species’ degree of investment in chemical signalling, and not foraging behaviour, as a leading factor driving the diversity in vomeronasal-lingual morphology among lacertid species.
Prognostic performance of three lymph node staging schemes for patients with Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction
Authors: Xu Jinming , Cao Jinlin , Wang Luming , Wang Zhitian , Wang Yiqing , Wu Yihua , Lv Wang , Hu Jian
Published: August 2017

The prognostic performance of different lymph node staging schemes for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG) remains controversial. The objective of the present study was to compare the prognostic efficacy of the number of lymph node metastases (LNMs), the positive lymph node ratio (LNR) and the log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS). Patients diagnosed with Siewert type II AEG were included from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Harrell’s C-index statistic, Schemper’s proportion of explained variation (PEV), the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and restricted cubic spine analyses were adopted to assess the predictive accuracy of LNM, LNR and LODDS. A total of 1302 patients with post-surgery Siewert type II AEG were included. LNM, LNR and LODDS all showed significant prognostic value in the multivariate Cox regression analyses. LODDS performed higher predictive accuracy than LNM and LNR, with relatively higher C-index, higher Schemper’s PEV value and lower AIC value. For patients with no nodes involved, LODDS still performed significantly discriminatory utility. LODDS showed more accurate prognostic performance than LNM and LNR for post-surgery Siewert type II AEG, and it could help to detect survival heterogeneity for patients with no positive lymph nodes involved.
Distinct clinical features between acute and chronic progressive parenchymal neuro-Behçet disease: meta-analysis
Authors: Ishido Mizuho , Horita Nobuyuki , Takeuchi Masaki , Shibuya Etsuko , Yamane Takahiro , Kawagoe Tatsukata , Ishido Takehito , Minegishi Kaoru , Yoshimi Ryusuke , Kirino Yohei , Hirohata Shunsei , Ishigatsubo Yoshiaki , Takeno Mitsuhiro , Kaneko Takeshi , Mizuki Nobuhisa
Published: August 2017

Neuro-Behçet’s disease (NBD) is subcategorized into parenchymal-NBD (P-NBD) and non-parenchymal-NBD types. Recently, P-NBD has been further subdivided into acute P-NBD (A-P-NBD) and chronic progressive P-NBD (CP-P-NBD). Although an increasing number of studies have reported the various clinical features of A-P-NBD and CP-P-NBD over the last two decades, there was a considerable inconsistency. Two investigators systematically searched four electrical databases to detect studies that provided sufficient data to assess the specific characteristics of A-P-NBD and CP-P-NBD. All meta-analysis was carried out by employing the random-model generic inverse variance method. We included 11 reports consisted of 184 A-P-NBD patients and 114 CP-P-NBD patients. While fever (42% for A-P-NBD, 5% for CP-P-NBD, p < 0.001, I2 = 93%) was more frequently observed in A-P-NBD cases; sphincter disturbances (9%, 34%, P = 0.005, I2 = 87%), ataxia (16%, 57%, P < 0.001, I2 = 92%), dementia (7%, 61%, P < 0.001, I2 = 97%), confusion (5%, 18%, P = 0.04, I2 = 76%), brain stem atrophy on MRI (4%, 75%, P < 0.001, I2 = 98%), and abnormal MRI findings in cerebellum (7%, 54%, P = 0.02, I2 = 81%) were more common in CP-P-NBD. Cerebrospinal fluid cell count (94/mm3, 11/mm3, P = 0.009, I2 = 85%) was higher in A-P-NBD cases. We demonstrated that A-P-NBD and CP-P-NBD had clearly different clinical features and believe that these data will help future studies investigating P-NBD.
Odorant-odorant metabolic interaction, a novel actor in olfactory perception and behavioral responsiveness
Authors: Hanser Hassan-Ismail , Faure Philippe , Robert-Hazotte Aline , Artur Yves , Duchamp-Viret Patricia , Coureaud Gérard , Heydel Jean-Marie
Published: August 2017

In the nasal olfactory epithelium, olfactory metabolic enzymes ensure odorant clearance from the olfactory receptor environment. This biotransformation of odorants into deactivated polar metabolites is critical to maintaining peripheral sensitivity and perception. Olfactory stimuli consist of complex mixtures of odorants, so binding interactions likely occur at the enzyme level and may impact odor processing. Here, we used the well-described model of mammary pheromone-induced sucking-related behavior in rabbit neonates. It allowed to demonstrate how the presence of different aldehydic odorants efficiently affects the olfactory metabolism of this pheromone (an aldehyde too: 2-methylbut-2-enal). Indeed, according to in vitro and ex vivo measures, this metabolic interaction enhances the pheromone availability in the epithelium. Furthermore, in vivo presentation of the mammary pheromone at subthreshold concentrations efficiently triggers behavioral responsiveness in neonates when the pheromone is in mixture with a metabolic challenger odorant. These findings reveal that the periphery of the olfactory system is the place of metabolic interaction between odorants that may lead, in the context of odor mixture processing, to pertinent signal detection and corresponding behavioral effect.
Genomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal differential regulation of diverse terpenoid and polyketides secondary metabolites in Hericium erinaceus
Authors: Chen Juan , Zeng Xu , Yang Yan Long , Xing Yong Mei , Zhang Qi , Li Jia Mei , Ma Ke , Liu Hong Wei , Guo Shun Xing
Published: August 2017

The lion’s mane mushroomHericium erinaceusis a famous traditional medicinal fungus credited with anti-dementia activity and a producer of cyathane diterpenoid natural products (erinacines) useful against nervous system diseases. To date, few studies have explored the biosynthesis of these compounds, although their chemical synthesis is known. Here, we report the first genome and tanscriptome sequence of the medicinal fungusH. erinaceus. The size of the genome is 39.35 Mb, containing 9895 gene models. The genome ofH.erinaceusreveals diverse enzymes and a large family of cytochrome P450 (CYP) proteins involved in the biosynthesis of terpenoid backbones, diterpenoids, sesquiterpenes and polyketides. Three gene clusters related to terpene biosynthesis and one gene cluster for polyketides biosynthesis (PKS) were predicted. Genes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis were generally upregulated in mycelia, while the PKS gene was upregulated in the fruiting body. Comparative genome analysis of 42 fungal species of Basidiomycota revealed that most edible and medicinal mushroom show many more gene clusters involved in terpenoid and polyketide biosynthesis compared to the pathogenic fungi. None of the gene clusters for terpenoid or polyketide biosynthesis were predicted in the poisonous mushroomAmanita muscaria. Our findings may facilitate future discovery and biosynthesis of bioactive secondary metabolites fromH. erinaceusand provide fundamental information for exploring the secondary metabolites in other Basidiomycetes.
Small molecule-based lineage switch of human adipose-derived stem cells into neural stem cells and functional GABAergic neurons
Authors: Park Jihye , Lee Nayeon , Lee Jaekwang , Choe Eun Kyung , Kim Min Kyung , Lee Jeonghoon , Byun Min Soo , Chon Myong-Wuk , Kim Seong Who , Lee C. Justin , Kim Ju Han , Kwon Jun Soo , Chang Mi-Sook
Published: August 2017

Cellular reprogramming using small molecules (SMs) without genetic modification provides a promising strategy for generating target cells for cell-based therapy. Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) are a desirable cell source for clinical application due to their self-renewal capacity, easy obtainability and the lack of safety concerns, such as tumor formation. However, methods to convert hADSCs into neural cells, such as neural stem cells (NSCs), are inefficient, and few if any studies have achieved efficient reprogramming of hADSCs into functional neurons. Here, we developed highly efficient induction protocols to generate NSC-like cells (iNSCs), neuron-like cells (iNs) and GABAergic neuron-like cells (iGNs) from hADSCs via SM-mediated inhibition of SMAD signaling without genetic manipulation. All induced cells adopted morphological, molecular and functional features of their bona fide counterparts. Electrophysiological data demonstrated that iNs and iGNs exhibited electrophysiological properties of neurons and formed neural networks in vitro. Microarray analysis further confirmed that iNSCs and iGNs underwent lineage switch toward a neural fate. Together, these studies provide rapid, reproducible and robust protocols for efficient generation of functional iNSCs, iNs and iGNs from hADSCs, which have utility for modeling disease pathophysiology and providing cell-therapy sources of neurological disorders.
Detecting PM2.5’s Correlations between Neighboring Cities Using a Time-Lagged Cross-Correlation Coefficient
Authors: Wang Fang , Wang Lin , Chen Yuming
Published: August 2017

In order to investigate the time-dependent cross-correlations of fine particulate (PM2.5) series among neighboring cities in Northern China, in this paper, we propose a new cross-correlation coefficient, the time-lagged q-L dependent height crosscorrelation coefficient (denoted by p
q
(τ, L)), which incorporates the time-lag factor and the fluctuation amplitude information into the analogous height cross-correlation analysis coefficient. Numerical tests are performed to illustrate that the newly proposed coefficient ρ
q
(τ, L) can be used to detect cross-correlations between two series with time lags and to identify different range of fluctuations at which two series possess cross-correlations. Applying the new coefficient to analyze the time-dependent cross-correlations of PM2.5 series between Beijing and the three neighboring cities of Tianjin, Zhangjiakou, and Baoding, we find that time lags between the PM2.5 series with larger fluctuations are longer than those between PM2.5 series withsmaller fluctuations. Our analysis also shows that cross-correlations between the PM2.5 series of two neighboring cities are significant and the time lags between two PM2.5 series of neighboring cities are significantly non-zero. These findings providenew scientific support on the view that air pollution in neighboring cities can affect one another not simultaneously but with a time lag.
Control of Early Flame Kernel Growth by Multi-Wavelength Laser Pulses for Enhanced Ignition
Authors: Dumitrache Ciprian , VanOsdol Rachel , Limbach Christopher M. , Yalin Azer P.
Published: August 2017

The present contribution examines the impact of plasma dynamics and plasma-driven fluid dynamics on the flame growth of laser ignited mixtures and shows that a new dual-pulse scheme can be used to control the kernel formation process in ways that extend the lean ignition limit. We perform a comparative study between (conventional) single-pulse laser ignition (λ = 1064 nm) and a novel dual-pulse method based on combining an ultraviolet (UV) pre-ionization pulse (λ = 266 nm) with an overlapped near-infrared (NIR) energy addition pulse (λ = 1064 nm). We employ OH* chemiluminescence to visualize the evolution of the early flame kernel. For single-pulse laser ignition at lean conditions, the flame kernel separates through third lobe detachment, corresponding to high strain rates that extinguish the flame. In this work, we investigate the capabilities of the dual-pulse to control the plasma-driven fluid dynamics by adjusting the axial offset of the two focal points. In particular, we find there exists a beam waist offset whereby the resulting vorticity suppresses formation of the third lobe, consequently reducing flame stretch. With this approach, we demonstrate that the dual-pulse method enables reduced flame speeds (at early times), an extended lean limit, increased combustion efficiency, and decreased laser energy requirements.
Impact of Immunosuppression on the Metagenomic Composition of the Intestinal Microbiome: a Systems Biology Approach to Post-Transplant Diabetes
Authors: Bhat M. , Pasini E. , Copeland J. , Angeli M. , Husain S. , Kumar D. , Renner E. , Teterina A. , Allard J. , Guttman D. S. , Humar A.
Published: August 2017

Solid organ transplantation (SOT) outcomes have continued to improve, although long-term use of immunosuppressants can lead to complications such as diabetes, compromising post-transplant outcomes. In this study, we have characterized the intestinal microbiome (IM) composition at the metagenomic level in the context of hyperglycemia induced by immunosuppressants. Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to doses of tacrolimus and sirolimus that reliably induce hyperglycemia and an insulin-resistant state. Subsequent exposure to probiotics resulted in reversal of hyperglycemia. 16S rRNA and metagenomic sequencing of stool were done to identify the bacterial genes and pathways enriched in immunosuppression. Bacterial diversity was significantly decreased in sirolimus-treated rats, with 9 taxa significantly less present in both immunosuppression groups: Roseburia, Oscillospira, Mollicutes, Rothia, Micrococcaceae, Actinomycetales and Staphylococcus. Following probiotics, these changes were reversed to baseline. At the metagenomic level, the balance of metabolism was shifted towards the catabolic side with an increase of genes involved in sucrose degradation, similar to diabetes. Conversely, the control rats had greater abundance of anabolic processes and genes involved in starch degradation. Immunosuppression leads to a more catabolic microbial profile, which may influence development of diabetes after SOT. Modulation of the microbiome with probiotics may help in minimizing adverse long-term effects of immunosuppression.
Relationship between fraction of exhaled nitric oxide and airway morphology assessed by three-dimensional CT analysis in asthma
Authors: Nishimoto Koji , Karayama Masato , Inui Naoki , Mori Kazutaka , Kono Masato , Hozumi Hironao , Suzuki Yuzo , Furuhashi Kazuki , Enomoto Noriyuki , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Nakamura Yutaro , Watanabe Hiroshi , Suda Takafumi
Published: August 2017

Fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) provides information about chronic inflammation in asthma. However, its relationship with structural changes in the airways is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the correlation between computer-based airway changes and FeNO in patients with asthma. The wall area (WA) and airway inner luminal area (Ai) of the third- to sixth-generation bronchi were measured using three-dimensional computed tomography in asthmatic patients. Each value was corrected by body surface area (BSA). Relationships between FeNO and WA/BSA and Ai/BSA were evaluated. Forty-one clinically stable patients with asthma were evaluated. FeNO was significantly correlated with WA/BSA of the third-, fourth-, fifth- and sixth-generation bronchi (Spearman correlation coefficient (ρ) = 0.326,p = 0.041;ρ = 0.356,p = 0.025;ρ = 0.496,p = 0.002; andρ = 0.529,p < 0.001, respectively). The correlation with sixth-generation bronchi was significantly greater than with the third-generation bronchi (p = 0.047). Partial rank correlation analysis indicated FeNO was significantly correlated with WA/BSA of the sixth-generation bronchi, independent from confounding factors of Ai/BSA, age, duration of asthma, dose of inhaled corticosteroid, blood eosinophil percentage, and blood IgE (ρ = 0.360,p = 0.034). In contrast, there was no correlation between FeNO and Ai/BSA. FeNO correlates with bronchial wall thickening in asthma patients. Measurement of FeNO may be useful to detect airway remodeling in asthma.
Optical absorbing origin of chiroptical activity in planar plasmonic metasurfaces
Authors: Najafabadi Atefeh Fazel , Pakizeh Tavakol
Published: August 2017

As a significant characteristic of many biomolecules, chemical substances, and artificial nanostructures, chirality conduce different types of optical interactions with the spin angular momentum of the impinging light field. Although, chiral arrangement and spatial phase retardation are the key factors for obtaining chirality in three-dimensional (3D) structures, the origin of chirality in the feasible planar structures has not been thoroughly addressed. Here using an intuitive and simple analytical approach, called cross-hybridization model, the essence and properties of the optical chirality of individual planar nanostructures are unveiled. In order to fundamentally address this chirality in terms of circular dichroism (CD), the chiroptical response of a simple dimer composed of the lossy nanoblocks in L-shape arrangement are investigated based on the provided optical interaction and loss effects. The theoretical findings, adequately supported by the numerical calculations, reveal that chiroptical activity occurs predominantly due to handedness-dependent absorption or heating loss in a nanostructured metasurface.
The global view of mRNA-related ceRNA cross-talks across cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Song Chao , Zhang Jian , Qi Hanping , Feng Chenchen , Chen Yunping , Cao Yonggang , Ba Lina , Ai Bo , Wang Qiuyu , Huang Wei , Li Chunquan , Sun Hongli
Published: August 2017

Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) have received wide attention because they are a novel way to regulate genes through sharing microRNAs (miRNAs) that are crucial for complex processes in many diseases. However, no systematic analysis of ceRNA mechanism in cardiovascular disease (CVD) is known. To gain insights into the global properties of ceRNAs in multi-CVDs, we constructed the global view of mRNA-related ceRNA cross-talk in eight major CVDs from ~2,800 samples. We found common features that could be used to uncover similarities among different CVDs and highlighted a common core ceRNA network across CVDs. Comparative analysis of hub ceRNAs in each network revealed three types of hubs, which might play key roles in diverse biological processes. Importantly, by combining CVD-related pathway genes with ceRNA-ceRNA interactions, common modules that might exert functions in specific mechanisms were identified. In addition, our study investigated a potential mechanistic linkage between pathway cross-talk and ceRNA cross-talk. In summary, this study uncovered and systematically characterized global properties of mRNA-related ceRNA cross-talks across CVDs, which may provide a new layer for exploring biological mechanisms and shed new light on cardiology.