bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinctive in vitro signal transduction profile of NLX-112, a potent and efficacious serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonist
Authors: Newman-Tancredi Adrian , Martel Jean-Claude , Cosi Cristina , Heusler Peter , Lestienne Fabrice , Varney Mark A , Cussac Didier
Published: June 2017

Objectives

NLX-112 (befiradol, F13640) is a selective serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonist. Although it has been tested in vivo, little has been reported on its in vitro signal transduction profile.

Methods

NLX-112 was tested on G-protein activation, inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, ERK1/2 phosphorylation (pERK) and receptor internalization in recombinant cell lines. NLX-112 was also tested on G-protein activation in rat hippocampal membranes. Gα subunit mRNA expression in cell lines and rat brain tissue was quantified by quantitative PCR.

Key findings

For all signalling measures, NLX-112 exhibited agonist efficacy greater than for reference compounds ((±)8-OH-DPAT or buspirone), but similar to the endogenous agonist, serotonin, and was more potent for pERK than other responses. In rat hippocampal membranes, NLX-112 stimulated ‘total G-proteins' but, unlike (±)8-OH-DPAT and buspirone, was more potent for Gαo activation. Cell lines predominantly expressed Gαi1 and Gαi2 mRNA, with low levels of Gαo, whereas in rat brain Gαo subunits showed highest mRNA expression.

Conclusions

Unlike reference compounds, NLX-112 was a highly efficacious agonist in vitro, preferentially activating pERK in cell lines and Gαo proteins in rat hippocampal membranes. However, Gα subunit mRNA levels differ markedly between rat brain and cell lines, warranting caution when extrapolating from recombinant systems to native tissues.
Effect of increasing taurine and methionine supplementation on urinary taurine excretion in a model insectivore, the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)
Authors: Nofs S. A. , Dierenfeld E. S. , Backus R. C.
Published: June 2017

The giant anteater (Mymercophaga tridactyla) is a highly specialized insectivore for which nutrient requirements are not clearly established, making diet formulation challenging for this species. Multiple clinical reports suggest anteaters have an obligate dietary taurine (TAU) requirement. Sulphur amino acid (SAA) metabolism in adult anteaters was evaluated using noninvasive methods to measure TAU synthesis potential from dietary methionine (MET) and a basal diet containing on a dry matter (DM) basis 1.7 mg TAU/kg DM and 6.9 g MET/kg DM. Urinary equilibrium times for TAU excretion were determined by feeding the basal diet with or without 1.5 g/kg DM supplemental TAU (crossover design; n = 4). Effects of supplemental dietary TAU (1.7, 2.0, 2.4, 2.7, 3.0, 3.3 g/kg DM) or MET (6.9, 9.0, 11.2 g/kg DM) on urinary TAU were evaluated (randomized block trials; n = 5 or 4 respectively). All urinary values (TAU, MET, unbound inorganic sulphate) were normalized to creatinine (CRT). Results indicate urinary TAU equilibrium in anteaters requires at least 2 weeks of feeding. Urinary ratio of TAU to CRT (TAU:CRT) increased as dietary TAU content increased from 1.7 to 3.0 g/kg DM, consistent with renal homoeostatic modulation of TAU excretion. Our data indicate that TAU needs were met by TAU in the basal diet or by de novo synthesis. Supplemental MET resulted in ~five‐ to eightfold increases in urinary TAU:CRT excretion, further supporting existence of mechanisms for TAU synthesis from dietary SAA in anteaters. Adult anteaters appear able to synthesize TAU when diets contain adequate SAA, but dietary TAU may be critical if protein intakes are low or of poor quality. This study may provide guidance on choice of domestic canids vs. felids as suitable physiologic models for improved nutrition in giant anteaters, and also outlines a noninvasive method for assessing TAU status/metabolism that may be useful across species.
Synergistic interactions between corrosion and wear at titanium‐based dental implant connections: A scoping review
Authors: Apaza‐Bedoya K. , Tarce M. , Benfatti C. A. M. , Henriques B. , Mathew M. T. , Teughels W. , Souza J. C. M.
Published: June 2017

Two‐piece implant systems are mainly used in oral implantology involving an osseointegrated implant connected to an abutment, which supports prosthetic structures. It is well documented that the presence of microgaps, biofilms and oral fluids at the implant‐abutment connection can cause mechanical and biological complications. The aim of this review paper was to report the degradation at the implant‐abutment connection by wear and corrosion processes taking place in the oral cavity. Most of the retrieved studies evaluated the wear and corrosion (tribocorrosion) of titanium‐based materials used for implants and abutments in artificial saliva. Electrochemical and wear tests together with microscopic techniques were applied to validate the tribocorrosion behavior of the surfaces. A few studies inspected the wear on the inner surfaces of the implant connection as a result of fatigue or removal of abutments. The studies reported increased microgaps after fatigue tests. In addition, data suggest that micromovements occurring at the contacting surfaces can increase the wear of the inner surfaces of the connection. Biofilms and/or glycoproteins act as lubricants, although they can also amplify the corrosion of the surfaces. Consequently, loosening of the implant‐abutment connection can take place during mastication. In addition, wear and corrosion debris such as ions and micro‐ and nanoparticles released into the surrounding tissues can stimulate peri‐implant inflammation that can lead to pathologic bone resorption.
The use of silver amalgam for treatment of shell ulcerations in turtles: 60 cases
Authors: Spadola F. , Morici M.
Published: June 2017

Shell ulcers were diagnosed based on clinical appearance in 60 turtles. Under general anaesthesia, surgical curettage was performed using a burr mounted on a micro‐grinder. A calcium hydroxide paste was applied to the debrided lesions before the application of restorative material. Lesions were completely filled with rapidly hardening silver amalgam. Treated terrapins were hospitalised in dry containers and later were housed in tanks with controlled temperature 24 hours. Fillings were found spontaneously expulsed at various periods after placement. No signs of mercury poisoning or tissue reaction to the prosthesis were apparent.
Breed, Coat Color, and Hair Length as Risk Factors for Hyperthyroidism in Cats
Authors: Crossley V.J. , Debnath A. , Chang Y.M. , Fowkes R.C. , Elliott J. , Syme H.M.
Published: June 2017

Background

Hyperthyroidism is very common in older cats, but the etiopathogenesis is poorly understood. Decreased risk of hyperthyroidism has been reported in certain colorpoint breeds, and this observation previously has been hypothesized to result from relatively greater tyrosine availability for thyroid hormone production because of limited ability to convert tyrosine to melanin pigment. However, studies investigating a potential link between coat pigmentation and risk of hyperthyroidism are limited.

Objective

To identify associations between coat phenotype and hyperthyroidism by investigation of breed, coat color, and hair length as risk factors for the disease.

Animals

Data were used from 4,705 cats aged ≥10 years, referred to a single veterinary teaching hospital (2006–2014) in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Retrospective, epidemiological, cross‐sectional study using Bayesian multivariable logistic regression to assess risk factors for hyperthyroidism.

Results

Burmese (odds ratio [OR], 0.01; 0.00–0.23; P = .004), Tonkinese (OR, 0.05; 0.00–0.95; P = .046), Persian (OR, 0.21; 0.10–0.44; P < .001), Siamese (OR, 0.27; 0.12–0.61; P = .002), Abyssinian (OR, 0.04; 0.00–0.74; P = .031), and British shorthair (OR, 0.47; 0.28–0.79; P = .004) breeds had decreased risk of hyperthyroidism compared to domestic shorthairs. Longhaired, nonpurebred cats (OR, 1.30; 1.03–1.64; P = .028) were at increased risk of hyperthyroidism. Coat color/pattern was not associated with hyperthyroidism in nonpurebred cats.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

We identified decreased risk of hyperthyroidism in the Tonkinese, Abyssinian, and British shorthair breeds, identified an association between risk of hyperthyroidism and hair length, and confirmed decreased risk in Burmese, Siamese, and Persian breeds. Additional studies are warranted to further investigate these findings.
Genome‐wide analysis of allele frequency change in sunflower crop–wild hybrid populations evolving under natural conditions
Authors: Corbi Jonathan , Baack Eric J. , Dechaine Jennifer M. , Seiler Gerald , Burke John M.
Published: June 2017

Crop‐wild hybridization occurs in numerous plant species and could alter the genetic structure and evolutionary dynamics of wild populations. Studying crop‐derived alleles in wild populations is also relevant to assessing/mitigating the risks associated with transgene escape. To date, crop‐wild hybridization has generally been examined via short‐term studies, typically within a single generation, focusing on few traits or genetic markers. Little is known about patterns of selection on crop‐derived alleles over multiple generations, particularly at a genome‐wide scale. Here, we documented patterns of natural selection in an experimental crop × wild sunflower population that was allowed to evolve under natural conditions for two generations at two locations. Allele frequencies at a genome‐wide collection of SNPs were tracked across generations, and a common garden experiment was conducted to compare trait means between generations. These data allowed us to identify instances of selection on crop‐derived alleles/traits and, in concert with QTL mapping results, test for congruence between our genotypic and phenotypic results. We found that natural selection overwhelmingly favours wild alleles and phenotypes. However, crop alleles in certain genomic regions can be favoured, and these changes often occurred in parallel across locations. We did not, however, consistently observe close agreement between our genotypic and phenotypic results. For example, when a trait evolved towards the wild phenotype, wild QTL alleles associated with that trait did not consistently increase in frequency. We discuss these results in the context of crop allele introgression into wild populations and implications for the management of GM crops.
Investigating the genomic basis of discrete phenotypes using a Pool‐Seq‐only approach: New insights into the genetics underlying colour variation in diverse taxa
Authors: Neethiraj Ramprasad , Hornett Emily A. , Hill Jason A. , Wheat Christopher W.
Published: June 2017

While large‐scale genomic approaches are increasingly revealing the genetic basis of polymorphic phenotypes such as colour morphs, such approaches are almost exclusively conducted in species with high‐quality genomes and annotations. Here, we use Pool‐Seq data for both genome assembly and SNP frequency estimation, followed by scanning for FST outliers to identify divergent genomic regions. Using paired‐end, short‐read sequencing data from two groups of individuals expressing divergent phenotypes, we generate a de novo rough‐draft genome, identify SNPs and calculate genomewide FST differences between phenotypic groups. As genomes generated by Pool‐Seq data are highly fragmented, we also present an approach for super‐scaffolding contigs using existing protein‐coding data sets. Using this approach, we reanalysed genomic data from two recent studies of birds and butterflies investigating colour pattern variation and replicated their core findings, demonstrating the accuracy and power of a Pool‐Seq‐only approach. Additionally, we discovered new regions of high divergence and new annotations that together suggest novel parallels between birds and butterflies in the origins of their colour pattern variation.
A new player in bacterial sulfide‐inducible transcriptional regulation
Authors: Giedroc David P.
Published: June 2017

Although hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is perhaps best known as a toxic gas, the electron‐rich H2S functions as an energy source and electron donor for chemolithotrophic and photosynthetic bacteria, via sulfide oxidation, and is a universal substrate for cysteine biosynthesis. These distinct harmful and beneficial roles of H2S suggest the need to ‘sense’ prevailing concentrations of sulfide and downstream reactive sulfur species (RSS) and regulate the expression of genes mediating sulfide homeostasis. The paper by Li et al. in this issue of Molecular Microbiology adds Cupriavidus FisR to an expanding repertoire of regulatory mechanisms that bacteria have evolved to sense cellular RSS and mitigate their deleterious effects.
A conserved coiled‐coil protein pair focuses the cytokinetic Z‐ring in Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Woldemeskel Selamawit Abi , McQuillen Ryan , Hessel Alex M. , Xiao Jie , Goley Erin D.
Published: June 2017

The cytoskeletal GTPase FtsZ assembles at midcell, recruits the division machinery and directs envelope invagination for bacterial cytokinesis. ZapA, a conserved FtsZ‐binding protein, promotes Z‐ring stability and efficient division through a mechanism that is not fully understood. Here, we investigated the function of ZapA in Caulobacter crescentus. We found that ZapA is encoded in an operon with a small coiled‐coil protein we named ZauP. ZapA and ZauP co‐localized at the division site and were each required for efficient division. ZapA interacted directly with both FtsZ and ZauP. Neither ZapA nor ZauP influenced FtsZ dynamics or bundling, in vitro, however. Z‐rings were diffuse in cells lacking zapA or zauP and, conversely, FtsZ was enriched at midcell in cells overproducing ZapA and ZauP. Additionally, FtsZ persisted at the poles longer when ZapA and ZauP were overproduced, and frequently colocalized with MipZ, a negative regulator of FtsZ polymerization. We propose that ZapA and ZauP promote efficient cytokinesis by stabilizing the midcell Z‐ring through a bundling‐independent mechanism. The zauPzapA operon is present in diverse Gram‐negative bacteria, indicating a common mechanism for Z‐ring assembly.
Becoming (more) Dutch as medical recommendations: how understandings of national identity enter the medical practice of hymenoplasty consultations
Authors: Ayuandini Sherria , Duyvendak Jan Willem
Published: June 2017

This article looks at how Dutch national identity enters the practical setting of a medical consultation. Extending the growing scholarships of everyday nationalism and engaging with the notion of multivocalism, this article shows how Dutchness is understood in the form of desirable personal characteristics. These characteristics are promoted by physicians to patients of migrant ancestry looking for a surgery called hymenoplasty. This article presents unique scholarly observations of a case where a particular understanding of national identity is recommended as part of medical advice. Furthermore, by closely examining exchanges between doctors and patients, this article argues that Dutchness is in a state of flux where a person of migrant ancestry can simultaneously be seen by others as Dutch and non‐Dutch.
Pain management in home hospice patients: A retrospective descriptive study
Authors: Campbell Cathy L. , Kelly Meghan , Rovnyak Virginia
Published: June 2017

The development and evaluation of evidence‐based, safe, and effective home‐based pain management models for caregivers implementation is receiving greater attention in the literature because of international initiatives intended to increase the number of people who receive end‐of‐life care in home‐based settings. The purpose of this “retrospective descriptive design” study was to describe pharmacological pain management and outcomes for 40 cancer and non‐cancer patients receiving hospice care at home. While the median pain score was higher at admission in the cancer group than in the hospice care at home group, the difference was not significant at or within 48 hour of admission. Overall, there was a significant decrease in pain from the first measurement to the second. Within the last seven days of life, the majority of participants were not able to provide a pain severity score when asked to evaluate the effectiveness of pain management, thus their caregiver provided a proxy evaluation. Pain management was effective in the home setting. More research is needed on the best methods to teach lay caregivers to assess pain and evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacological modalities to manage pain.
Effect of attention bias modification on brain function and anxiety in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A preliminary electroencephalogram and psycho‐behavioral study
Authors: Tayama J. , Saigo T. , Ogawa S. , Takeoka A. , Hamaguchi T. , Hayashida M. , Fukudo S. , Shirabe S.
Published: June 2017

Background

Gastrointestinal symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) show a reciprocal relationship with anxiety. In this intervention‐based study, we investigated the utility of attention bias modification (ABM) therapy in patients with IBS. We hypothesized that IBS‐related electroencephalographic abnormalities would be normalized after ABM therapy.

Methods

Seventeen patients with IBS and 13 healthy subjects completed five ABM intervention sessions over a 2‐month period. Each session included 128 ABM trials, resulting in a total of 640 trials across the intervention period. For each trial, subjects viewed a pair of facial expression images and were instructed to indicate the position of the neutral face as quickly and accurately as possible by pressing one of two buttons on a button box. Electroencephalography data (alpha and beta power percentages) were collected during the 1st and 5th sessions.

Key Results

Generalized estimating equations of relative alpha power revealed a significant effect of period was identified at O2 (P=.036). Paired t tests revealed that ABM significantly increased relative alpha power at O2 in patients with IBS. Generalized estimating equation of relative beta power revealed a significant effect of the group × period interaction was identified at Pz (P=.035). Paired t tests revealed that ABM significantly decreased relative beta power at Pz in patients with IBS.

Conclusions & Inferences

Attention bias modification may normalize brain function related to attention and anxiety in patients with IBS.
Ecological modeling and eutrophication—A review
Authors: Anagnostou Eleni , Gianni Areti , Zacharias Ierotheos
Published: June 2017

During the several last decades, environmental scientists use numerical modeling as a tool in their studies and investigations of aquatic systems. Ecological and hydrodynamic models are developed in parallel regarding their complexity, uncertainty, and computational power. Ecological models have been used to assess ecosystem processes and interactions, simulate future scenarios, evaluate remedial practices in response to eutrophication etc. This review paper deals with the progress in ecological modeling related to eutrophication processes, specifically in models that describe the trophic state dynamics of hypoxic/anoxic aquatic ecosystems. Nine dynamic ecological models coupled or noncoupled with hydrodynamic models have been discussed based upon their history, complexity, limitations, recent detailed modeling applications, and their important results. The advantages and disadvantages of these models are presented along with their application areas.
Interspecific cross‐hybrids of Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. (gla.) S ‘K326’ with Nicotiana alata
Authors: Liao Jugou , Dai Jinran , Yang Shiyi , Zhou Xiaoli , Ren Longhui , Chen Zhuangzhuang , He Haili , Chen Suiyun
Published: June 2017

In order to introduce the Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) resistance from Nicotiana alata into Nicotiana tabacum, a cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) line of N. tabacum (N. tabacum L. cv. (gla.) S ‘K326’), was successfully crossed with N. alata. Despite a high DNA content variability, F1 hybrids could be classified in two subgroups, a major one encompassing fertile hybrids morphologically similar to their tobacco maternal parent but TSWV sensitive, and a minor one displaying sterile hybrids showing an intermediate phenotype and TSWV resistant. In order to elucidate the unexpected fertility recovery of the fertile F1 plants, some N. alata fertility restoration ppr genes were cloned and were shown to be differentially expressed between parental lineages as well as between both F1 subgroups, suggesting that N. alata contains fertility restoring allele able to overcome the CMS of N. tabacum.
Genetic diversity of tropical maize inbred lines combining resistance to Striga hermonthica with drought tolerance using SNP markers
Authors: Mengesha Wende Abera , Menkir Abebe , Unakchukwu Nnanna , Meseka Silvestro , Farinola Adetutu , Girma Gezahegn , Gedil Melaku
Published: June 2017

Striga hermonthica and drought are the major stresses limiting maize yields in sub‐Saharan Africa. The search for diverse maize lines’ tolerance to drought and resistance to S. hermonthica (DTSTHR) is very crucial for yield improvement in areas affected by the two stresses. Understanding the genetic diversity among the lines is important to develop cultivars resistant to S. hermonthica and tolerant to drought. The lines were developed from biparental crosses of drought‐tolerant and Striga‐resistant lines. A total of 128 DTSTHR maize lines were characterized using single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Results of the cluster analysis based on 3297 SNP markers showed four distinct groups consistent with the pedigrees of the lines. Furthermore, model‐based analysis also formed the same groups of the DTSTHR lines. Integrating the pedigree information with combining ability and the SNP analyses may provide defined heterotic groups for maize improvement work in West and Central Africa. These results also help breeders to utilize DTSTHR lines present at IITA for developing biparental crosses without disrupting the heterotic groups they have established in their breeding programmes.
Comparing mating designs to restore seed production of interspecific hybrids betweenTrifolium repens(white clover) andTrifolium uniflorum
Authors: Naeem Muhammad , Verry Isabelle Marjorie , Kemp Peter D. , Millner James P. , Williams Warren Mervyn
Published: June 2017

Interspecific hybrids betweenTrifolium uniflorumand cultivated white clover (Trifolium repens) have highly useful characteristics for temperate pastoral systems derived from both parent species. However, the early hybrids (F1and BC1) also have unacceptably poor seed production for commerce. This study analysed the basis for the poor seed production and investigated breeding strategies for overcoming the problem. The BC1F1generation produced lower‐than‐expected numbers of heads per plant and seeds per floret. Backcrossing of selected hybrids to white clover corrected these deficiencies and created new variation. Seed numbers were also returned to near target levels by recurrent selection within the BC1generation. Thus, it was possible to retain a theoretical average of 25% ofT. uniflorumgenome and still achieve high seed production per plant. The BC1F2and BC2F1generations produced high seed numbers per plant, along with reasonable variation. Both of these second‐generation hybrid forms have high reproductive potential and should be the focus for the selection of the desired combinations of agronomic and seed production traits.
Genomewide association study reveals novel quantitative trait loci associated with resistance towards Septoria tritici blotch in North European winter wheat
Authors: Vagndorf Nana , Nielsen Nanna Hellum , Edriss Vahid , Andersen Jeppe Reitan , Orabi Jihad , Jørgensen Lise Nistrup , Jahoor Ahmed
Published: June 2017

Fungal diseases are a major constraint for wheat production. Effective disease resistance is essential for ensuring a high production quality and yield. One of the most severe fungal diseases of wheat is Septoria tritici blotch (STB), which influences wheat production across the world. In this study, genomewide association mapping was used to identify new chromosomal regions on the wheat genome conferring effective resistance towards STB. A winter wheat population of 164 North European varieties and breeding lines was genotyped with 15K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) wheat array. The varieties were evaluated for STB in field trials at three locations in Denmark and across 3 years. The association analysis revealed four quantitative trait loci, on chromosomes 1B, 2A, 5D and 7A, highly associated with STB resistance. By comparing varieties containing several quantitative trait loci (QTL) with varieties containing none of the found QTL, a significant difference was found in the mean disease score. This indicates that an effective resistance can be obtained by pyramiding several QTL.
Anagen Effluvium in Association With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Cotter Lisa , Cheng Kyle , Kirkorian Anna Yasmine
Published: June 2017

Anagen effluvium (AE) is a type of alopecia with hair loss during the growth phase of a hair follicle and is most often associated with cytotoxic chemotherapy. This report describes a case of AE in a critically ill 2‐year‐old boy who developed cardiorespiratory failure requiring extracorporeal membranous oxygenation. We postulate that the combination of hypotension and hypoxia with subsequent reperfusion triggered an apoptotic cascade in the hair matrix, resulting in AE.
Post‐traumatic stress disorder in mothers of children who have undergone cancer surgery
Authors: Karadeniz Cerit Kıvılcım , Cerit Cem , Nart Ömer , Eker Nurşah , Kıyan Gürsu , Dağlı Tolga , Ekingen Gülşen , Tokuç Gülnur , Karaca Ömer , Çorapçıoğlu Funda
Published: June 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and associated risk factors among mothers of children who underwent cancer surgery.

Method

This cross‐sectional, multi‐center study included a total of 60 mothers whose children underwent major thoraco‐abdominal surgery and were under follow up in the outpatient setting between February 2016 and May 2016. Clinical Data Form, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Clinician‐Administered PTSD scale were used.

Results

Of all participants, 13 (21.7%) were diagnosed with PTSD. These mothers had shorter duration of marriage, longer duration of hospital stay after surgery, and higher HADS scores, compared with the others without PTSD. Thoughts of guilt such as “I am being punished or tested” were more frequent in mothers with PTSD. Insomnia, irritability, concentration problems, and psychological reactivity were the most common symptoms.

Conclusion

Post‐traumatic stress disorder is a severe disorder that may worsen the daily functioning of mothers and may also have an unfavorable effect on child. It is therefore of utmost importance for clinicians to recognize PTSD and the associated risk factors in order to guide these parents.
A graphical method for identifying the six types of non‐deep physiological dormancy in seeds
Authors: Soltani E. , Baskin C. C. , Baskin J. M.
Published: June 2017

We present a new seed dormancy classification scheme for the non‐deep level of the class physiological dormancy (PD), which contains six types. Non‐deepPDis divided into two sublevels: one for seeds that exhibit a dormancy continuum (types 1, 2 and 3) and the other for those that do not exhibit a dormancy continuum (types 4, 5 and 6). Analysis of previous studies showed that different types of non‐deepPDalso can be identified using a graphical method. Seeds with a dormancy (D) ↔ conditional dormancy (CD) ↔ non‐dormancy (ND) cycle have a low germination percentage in the early stages ofCD, and during dormancy loss the germination capacity increases. However, seeds with aCD/ND(i.e. D→CD↔ND) cycle germinate to a high percentage at a narrow range of temperatures in the early stages ofCD. Cardinal temperatures for seeds with either a D/NDor aCD/NDcycle change during dormancy loss: the ceiling temperature increases in seeds with Type 1, the base temperature decreases in seeds with Type 2 and the base and ceiling temperatures decrease and increase, respectively, in seeds with Type 3. Criteria for distinguishing the six types of non‐deepPDand models of the temperature functions of seeds with types 1, 2 and 3 with both types of dormancy cycles are presented. The relevancy of our results to modelling the timing of weed seedling emergence is briefly discussed.
Emotional Responses to theCharlie HebdoAttacks: Addressing the Authoritarianism Puzzle
Authors: Vasilopoulos Pavlos , Marcus George E. , Foucault Martial
Published: June 2017

The finding that threat boosts the public's preferences for authoritarian policies has been well established in the research literature. Why this shift occurs remains open as the extant literature reports contradictory findings regarding the interaction of dispositions, such as conservatism and authoritarianism, with threat. One line of research argues that threat increases authoritarian preferences among those who are more prone to authoritarianism. Another argues that it is those with a nonauthoritarian ideology who switch in response to threat. By using a two‐wave panel study of the French population taken before and after the January 2015 twin attacks in Paris, we find that both trends occur simultaneously. Our results show that the factors that drive the impact of ideological dispositions on support for authoritarian policies are emotional reactions. On the one hand, anxiety led left‐wing respondents to move towards adopting authoritarian policy preferences following the attacks, yet produced no such change among right‐wing respondents. On the other hand, anger did not turn left‐wing voters more authoritarian but strengthened authoritarian policy preferences among right‐wing respondents.
Anionic peroxidase‐mediated oxidative burst requirement for jasmonic acid‐dependentSolanum tuberosumdefence againstPhytophthora infestans
Authors: Sorokan A. V. , Burhanova G. F. , Maksimov I. V.
Published: June 2017

Plants are subject to pervasive attack by a diversity of pathogens and herbivores. It is considered that salicylic (SA) and jasmonic (JA) acids induce systemic resistance to these antagonists. Different lines of evidence indicate that the interplay ofSAandJAwith reactive oxygen species (ROS), generated byNADPHoxidases or apoplastic peroxidases, has an important role in the plant defence response. It was previously shown that diminished expression of theSolanum tuberosumanionic peroxidase geneM21334, as a consequence of antisense expression (asAPOplants), results in high susceptibility toPhytophthora infestansand deficient lignin deposition in cell walls. Further research reported in this paper showed that asAPOantisense plants have a low level of H2O2and impairedJA‐associated responses, such as reduced transcription ofJA‐responsive andJA‐biosynthesis genes. The asAPOplants did not exhibit any apparent defect in their susceptibility toSA. Exogenous H2O2partially restoredJA‐dependent reactions in asAPOplants, together with an increase in lignin deposition around pathogen‐penetrated sites, resulting in increased resistance of asAPOtoP. infestans. These data demonstrate that the anionic peroxidase‐dependent oxidative burst plays an important role in the elicitation ofJA‐associated immunity.
Physical activity and asthma control level in children and adolescents
Authors: Matsunaga Natasha Y. , Oliveira Marina S. , Morcillo André M. , Ribeiro José D. , Ribeiro Maria A.G.O. , Toro Adyléia A.D.C.
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by a muscle contraction with increased energy expenditure. The aim of this study was to assess the physical activity, asthma control level, spirometric measurements and quality of life in children and adolescents with asthma.

Methods

We included all children and adolescents aged 7–17 years who had a diagnosis of atopic asthma and who attended the Pediatric Pulmonology Outpatient Clinic of the State University of Campinas, Brazil. Asthma control levels were evaluated by the Asthma Control Test (ACT). Physical activity was measured using the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and by other questions about daily activities at school and at home over the last week. Lung function was assessed by spirometry, both pre‐ and post‐bronchodilator (BD). Quality of life was evaluated using the Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ).

Results

Out of 100 patients, 60 were classified as presenting with controlled asthma (CA) and 40 as presenting with uncontrolled asthma (UA). In the IPAQ, 29% were classified as sedentary, 17% as active and 54% as very active. There was no significant association between physical activity and the level of asthma control. We found no differences between active and sedentary children and adolescents with asthma in spirometric variables or quality of life.

Conclusion

No associations were observed between physical activity and asthma control level, spirometric measurements and quality of life in children and adolescents with asthma.
Real‐time visual‐feedback mask‐fitting during non‐invasive ventilation: A ‘technological’ gain over ‘human’ sensing?
Authors: Nicolini Antonello , Scala Raffaele , Cavalleri Maurizio A.
Published: June 2017

See related Article
Telling the Right Story: Narrative as a Mechanism for Japanese American Ethnic Boundary Maintenance
Authors: Nakano Dana Y.
Published: June 2017

This study conceptualizes ethnic grand narrative, a comprehensive story of a people, as a mechanism for maintaining and policing ethnic community boundaries. Such symbolic boundaries are shaped through relational processes of negotiation and contestation: boundary work. Taking the case of Japanese Americans, I demonstrate that legitimate claim on community membership relies on more than common ancestry, as ethnicity usually implies. Through an examination of the newspaper discourse surrounding two Japanese American men, Scott Fujita and Lt. Ehren Watada, I find that the collective ethnic narrative serves to define ethnic community boundaries and is used as a reference point for individual narratives. Depending on the alignment between personal narratives and collective ethnic narratives, in terms of content and structure, determines an individual's legitimate claim on ethnic membership. Notwithstanding the continued value placed on perceived shared biological heritage, ethnic membership is better conceived of as a combination of both common ancestry and strong fit between personal and community narratives.
The phylogenetic relevance of thoracic musculature: a case study including a description of the thorax anatomy of Zygoptera (Insecta: Odonata) larvae
Authors: BÜSSE SEBASTIAN , HECKMANN SASKIA , HÖRNSCHEMEYER THOMAS , BYBEE SETH M.
Published: June 2017

New morphological techniques allow for the evaluation of novel character systems that are potentially important for phylogenetic analysis. Only a few studies so far have used character systems from the insect thorax for phylogenetics; the reasons for this might include a lack of common terminology or established homology for pterygote insect thorax musculature. Still, recent studies have proposed common terminology and hypotheses of homology, now allowing for an evaluation of thoracic morphological character systems among the groups of winged insects. Using X‐ray microtomography (μCT) we present a detailed study of the thorax musculature of Odonata as an important phylogenetic character system, with a matrix of 298 characters with 697 character states, including novel data from the thoracic anatomy of eight damselfly larvae. We also included additional Odonata, Ephemeroptera and Neoptera taxa from the literature and demonstrate the phylogenetic relevance of this character system by reproducing phylogenetic topologies of established relationships. We also compared high‐resolution data from Odonata larvae from our study and from recent literature with data from older literature in the adult Odonata. All major clades were successfully recovered, (e.g. Odonata, Epiprocta, Anisoptera and Zygoptera) with high node support, but obtained higher phylogenetic resolution with the larval data. The best phylogenetic resolution was achieved by combining the adult and larval characters. The taxon sampling and character matrix is the largest to date and underlines the potential relevance of the thorax musculature as an important phylogenetic character system.
The effect of different immunoprophylaxis regimens on post‐transplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in CMV‐seropositive liver transplant recipients
Authors: Low Chian Yong , Hosseini‐Moghaddam Seyed Mohammadmehdi , Rotstein Coleman , Renner Eberhard L. , Husain Shahid
Published: June 2017

Background

The effects of different immunoprophylaxis regimens on cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in liver transplant recipients (LTRs) have not been compared.

Methods

In a cohort, we studied 343 CMV‐seropositive recipient (R+) and 83 seronegative donor/recipient (D−/R−) consecutive LTRs from 2004 to 2007. Immunoprophylaxis regimens included steroid‐only, steroids plus rabbit anti‐thymocyte globulin (rATG), and steroids plus basiliximab. Logistic regression analysis, Cox proportional hazards regression model, and log‐rank test were performed for multivariate analysis as appropriate.

Results

In total, 164 (39%), 69 (16%), and 193 (45%) patients received steroid‐only, basiliximab, and rATG immunoprophylaxis, respectively. CMV infection rates were 15.7% (54/343) in CMV R+ LTRs and 2.4% (2/83) in CMV R− LTRs. Among CMV R+ LTRs who received rATG, the use of at least 6 weeks of CMV prophylaxis reduced the rate of CMV infection from 24.4% (19/78) to 11.7% (9/77). In multivariate analysis, CMV R+ vs D−/R− (odds ratio [OR]=13.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8‐97.2), rATG >3 mg/kg vs steroid‐only induction (OR=1.6, 95% CI: 1.1‐2.3), and CMV prophylaxis <6 weeks vs ≥6 weeks (OR=2.7, 95% CI: 1.2‐6.4) were independently associated with CMV infection. Subgroup analysis in CMV D−/R+ group who received rATG showed that ≥6 weeks of CMV prophylaxis significantly decreased the risk of CMV infection (OR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.1‐3.9; P=.03).

Conclusion

The use of rATG immunoprophylaxis increases the risk of CMV infection in CMV‐seropositive LTRs, specifically in the CMV D−/R+ group. Prophylaxis with valganciclovir in this group for at least 6 weeks decreases the risk of CMV infection.
A case of Q fever after liver transplantation
Authors: Petty Lindsay A. , Te Helen S. , Pursell Kenneth
Published: June 2017

Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, is a zoonosis that causes both acute and chronic disease in humans. Few cases have been reported in solid organ transplant recipients, and this case highlights the need to include Q fever in the differential diagnosis for fever of unknown origin in solid organ transplant hosts.
Prehospital parameters can help to predict coagulopathy and massive transfusion in trauma patients
Authors: David J.‐S. , Voiglio E.‐J. , Cesareo E. , Vassal O. , Decullier E. , Gueugniaud P.‐Y. , Peyrefitte S. , Tazarourte K.
Published: June 2017

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of prehospital parameters, including vital signs and resuscitation (fluids, vasopressor), to predict trauma‐induced coagulopathy (TIC, fibrinogen <1·5 g/l or PTratio > 1·5 or platelet count <100 × 109/l), and a massive transfusion (MT, ≥10 RBC units within the first 24 h).

Methods

From a trauma registry (2011–2015), in which patients are prospectively included, we retrospectively retrieved the heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), volume of prehospital fluids and administration of noradrenaline. We calculated the shock index (SI: HR/SBP), the MGAP prehospital triage score and the Injury Severity Score (ISS). We also identified patients who had positive criteria from the Resuscitation Outcome Consortium (ROC, SBP < 70 mmHg or SBP 70–90 and HR > 107 pulse/min). For these parameters, we drew a ROC curve and defined a cut‐off value to predict TIC or MT. The strength of association between prehospital parameters and TIC as well as MT was assessed using logistic regression, and cut‐off values were determined using ROC curves.

Results

Among the 485 patients included in the study, TIC was observed in 112 patients (23%) and MT in 22 patients (5%). For the prediction of TIC, ISS had good accuracy (AUC: 0·844, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0·799–0·879), as did the volume of fluids (>1000 ml) given during prehospital care (AUC: 0·801, 95% CI: 0·752–0·842). For the prediction of MT, ISS had excellent accuracy (AUC: 0·932, 95% CI: 0·866–0·966), whereas good accuracy was found for SI (> 0·9; AUC: 0·859, 95% CI: 0·705–0·936), vasopressor administration (AUC: 0·828, 95% CI: 0·736–0·890) and fluids (>1000 ml; AUC: 0·811, 95% CI: 0·737–0·867). Vasopressor administration, ISS and SI were independent predictors of TIC and MT, whereas fluid volume and ROC criteria were independent predictor of TIC but not MT. No independent relationship was found between MGAP and TIC or MT.

Conclusions

Prehospital parameters including the SI and resuscitation may help to better identify the severity of bleeding in trauma patients and the need for blood product administration at admission.
Predicting the Success of New Cable Series from their Pilot Episode Scripts: An Empirical Approach
Authors: Hunter Starling D. , Breen Yelitza Prada
Published: June 2017

In this study we develop an empirical model to explain failure rates of new television series. Specifically, we test the ability of three factors to predict the success of new dramatic series appearing on 31 cable networks over the last 10 years. Those factors are the originality of the story, the track record of its creator(s), and the cognitive complexity of its pilot episode script—all of which are known well in advance of a network’s decision to greenlight a new series. As predicted, we find that all three variables—both individually and in combination—strongly predict the success rate of new dramatic series in their first two seasons.
Sensory feedback from the urethra evokes state‐dependent lower urinary tract reflexes in rat
Authors: Danziger Zachary C. , Grill Warren M.
Published: June 2017

Key points

The lower urinary tract is regulated by reflexes responsible for maintaining continence and producing efficient voiding.

It is unclear how sensory information from the bladder and urethra engages differential, state‐dependent reflexes to either maintain continence or promote voiding.

Using a new in vivo experimental approach, we quantified how sensory information from the bladder and urethra are integrated to switch reflex responses to urethral sensory feedback from maintaining continence to producing voiding.

The results demonstrate how sensory information regulates state‐dependent reflexes in the lower urinary tract and contribute to our understanding of the pathophysiology of urinary retention and incontinence where sensory feedback may engage these reflexes inappropriately.

Lower urinary tract reflexes are mediated by peripheral afferents from the bladder (primarily in the pelvic nerve) and the urethra (in the pudendal and pelvic nerves) to maintain continence or initiate micturition. If fluid enters the urethra at low bladder volumes, reflexes relax the bladder and evoke external urethral sphincter (EUS) contraction (guarding reflex) to maintain continence. Conversely, urethral flow at high bladder volumes, excites the bladder (micturition reflex) and relaxes the EUS (augmenting reflex). We conducted measurements in a urethane‐anaesthetized in vivo rat preparation to characterize systematically the reflexes evoked by fluid flow through the urethra. We used a novel preparation to manipulate sensory feedback from the bladder and urethra independently by controlling bladder volume and urethral flow. We found a distinct bladder volume threshold (74% of bladder capacity) above which flow‐evoked bladder contractions were 252% larger and evoked phasic EUS activation 2.6 times as often as responses below threshold, clearly demonstrating a discrete transition between continence (guarding) and micturition (augmenting) reflexes. Below this threshold urethral flow evoked tonic EUS activity, indicative of the guarding reflex, that was proportional to the urethral flow rate. These results demonstrate the complementary roles of sensory feedback from the bladder and urethra in regulating reflexes in the lower urinary tract that depend on the state of the bladder. Understanding the neural control of functional reflexes and how they are mediated by sensory information in the bladder and urethra will open new opportunities, especially in neuromodulation, to treat pathologies of the lower urinary tract.
Method for Accurately Evaluating Flow Capacity of Individual Film-Cooling Rows of Engine Components
Authors: Kirollos Benjamin , Povey Thomas
Published: June 2017

A laboratory experimental method and an analysis technique are presented for evaluation of individual film-cooling row flow capacity characteristics. The method is particularly suited to complex systems such as hot section nozzle guide vanes (NGV) with lossy feed system characteristics. The method is believed to be both more accurate and more experimentally efficient than previous techniques. The new analysis technique uses an experimentally calibrated network model to represent the complex feed system and replaces the need for internal loss measurements, which are both demanding and inaccurate. Experiments are performed in the purpose-built University of Oxford Coolant Capacity Rig (CCR), a bench-top, blow-down type facility with atmospheric back-pressure. The design of the CCR is informed by the requirements to assess engine-scale film-cooled components rapidly, accurately, and precisely. Improvements in the experimental method include a differential mass flow rate measurement method (which eliminates the effect of leaks and minimizes the number of rows that must be blanked, ensuring that the internal coupling is as close as possible to the engine condition) and a variable bypass flow which ensures the mass flow measurement nozzle always operates within its calibrated range. We demonstrate the method using two high-pressure (HP) NGV designs: an engine part with relatively uncoupled (in terms of internal loss) cooling rows; and a laser-sintered part with highly coupled cooling rows. We show that the individual-row flow capacity of a high-pressure nozzle guide vane (HPNGV) can be evaluated in the CCR in a single day to a 2σ precision of approximately 0.5% and a 2σ accuracy (bias) of 0.6%. The importance of performing individual-row capacity measurements is demonstrated: failure to scale flow capacity on a row-by-row basis introduces an error of 30% in the engine situation.
An Improved Fourier–Ritz Method for Analyzing In-Plane Free Vibration of Sectorial Plates
Authors: Bao Siyuan , Wang Shuodao , Wang Bo
Published: June 2017

A modified Fourier–Ritz approach is developed in this study to analyze the free in-plane vibration of orthotropic annular sector plates with general boundary conditions. In this approach, two auxiliary sine functions are added to the standard Fourier cosine series to obtain a robust function set. The introduction of a logarithmic radial variable simplifies the expressions of total energy and the Lagrangian function. The improved Fourier expansion based on the new variable eliminates all the potential discontinuities of the original displacement function and its derivatives in the entire domain and effectively improves the convergence of the results. The radial and circumferential displacements are formulated with the modified Fourier series expansion, and the arbitrary boundary conditions are simulated by the artificial boundary spring technique. The number of terms in the truncated Fourier series and the appropriate value of the boundary spring retraining stiffness are discussed. The developed Ritz procedure is used to obtain accurate solution with adequately smooth displacement field in the entire solution domain. Numerical examples involving plates with various boundary conditions demonstrate the robustness, precision, and versatility of this method. The method developed here is found to be computationally economic compared with the previous method that does not adopt the logarithmic radial variable.