bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FISER: A Feature‐Based Detection System for Person Interactions
Authors: Chang Yung‐Chun , Chuang Pi‐Hua , Chen Chien Chin , Hsu Wen‐Lian
Published: February 2017

Discovering the interactions between the persons mentioned in a set of topic documents can help readers construct the background of the topic and facilitate document comprehension. To discover person interactions, we need a detection method that can identify text segments containing information about the interactions. Information extraction algorithms then analyze the segments to extract interaction tuples and construct a network of person interaction. In this article, we define interaction detection as a classification problem. The proposed interaction detection method, called feature‐based interactive segment recognizer (FISER), exploits 19 features covering syntactic, context‐dependent, and semantic information in text to detect intra‐clausal and inter‐clausal interactive segments in topic documents. Empirical evaluations demonstrate that FISER outperformed many well‐known relation extraction and protein–protein interaction detection methods on identifying interactive segments in topic documents. In addition, the precision, recall, and F1‐score of the best feature combination are 72.9%, 55.8%, and 63.2%, respectively.
Environmental DNA genetic monitoring of the nuisance freshwater diatom, Didymosphenia geminata, in eastern North American streams
Authors: Keller Stephen R. , Hilderbrand Robert H. , Shank Matthew K. , Potapova Marina
Published: February 2017

Aim

Establishing the distribution and diversity of populations in the early stages of invasion when populations are at low abundance is a core challenge for conservation biologists. Recently, genetic monitoring for environmental DNA (eDNA) has become an effective approach for the early detection of invaders, especially for microscopic organisms where visual detection is challenging. Didymosphenia geminata is a globally distributed freshwater diatom that shows a recent emergence of nuisance blooms, but whose native versus exotic status in different areas has been debated. We address the hypothesis that the distribution and genetic diversity of D. geminata in eastern North America is related to the recent introduction of non‐native lineages, and contrast that with the alternative hypothesis that D. geminata is cryptically native to the region (i.e. at low abundance) and only forms nuisance blooms when triggered by a change in environment.

Location

The Mid‐Atlantic region of North America.

Methods

We analysed 118 stream samples for D. geminata eDNA, validated our results for a subset of sites using direct visual enumeration by microscopy and used molecular cloning to sequence D. geminata from two sites where eDNA was detected.

Results

(1) D. geminata eDNA was detected at seven spatially unique sites, six of which were previously documented to contain recent D. geminata blooms. (2) Sites where D. geminata eDNA was detected exhibited no difference in environmental conditions compared to sites with no‐detected D. geminata eDNA. (3) Sequencing of D. geminata eDNA showed that blooms were composed of multiple genetic lineages, closely related to those sampled elsewhere across the globe.

Main conclusions

We interpret these results as most consistent with the hypothesis that D. geminata is an exotic invader in the Mid‐Atlantic region, still in its early stages of invasion; thus, genetic monitoring and management efforts may still be effective at controlling its spread.
Older but not younger infants associate own‐race faces with happy music and other‐race faces with sad music
Authors: Xiao Naiqi G. , Quinn Paul C. , Liu Shaoying , Ge Liezhong , Pascalis Olivier , Lee Kang
Published: February 2017

We used a novel intermodal association task to examine whether infants associate own‐ and other‐race faces with music of different emotional valences. Three‐ to 9‐month‐olds saw a series of neutral own‐ or other‐race faces paired with happy or sad musical excerpts. Three‐ to 6‐month‐olds did not show any specific association between face race and music. At 9 months, however, infants looked longer at own‐race faces paired with happy music than at own‐race faces paired with sad music. Nine‐month‐olds also looked longer at other‐race faces paired with sad music than at other‐race faces paired with happy music. These results indicate that infants with nearly exclusive own‐race face experience develop associations between face race and music emotional valence in the first year of life. The potential implications of such associations for developing racial biases in early childhood are discussed.
Molecular diagnosis of α‐thalassemia in a multiethnic population
Authors: Gilad Oded , Shemer Orna Steinberg , Dgany Orly , Krasnov Tanya , Nevo Michal , Noy‐Lotan Sharon , Rabinowicz Ron , Amitai Nofar , Ben‐Dor Shifra , Yaniv Isaac , Yacobovich Joanne , Tamary Hannah
Published: February 2017

Objective

α‐Thalassemia, one of the most common genetic diseases, is caused by deletions or point mutations affecting one to four α‐globin genes. Molecular diagnosis is important to prevent the most severe forms of the disease. However, the diagnosis of α‐thalassemia is complex due to a high variability of the genetic defects involved, with over 250 described mutations. We summarize herein the findings of genetic analyses of DNA samples referred to our laboratory for the molecular diagnosis of α‐thalassemia, along with a detailed clinical description.

Methods

We utilized a diagnostic algorithm including Gap‐PCR, to detect known deletions, followed by sequencing of the α‐globin gene, to identify known and novel point mutations, and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for the diagnosis of rare or novel deletions.

Results

α‐Thalassemia was diagnosed in 662 of 975 samples referred to our laboratory. Most commonly found were deletions (75.3%, including two novel deletions previously described by us); point mutations comprised 25.4% of the cases, including five novel mutations. Our population included mostly Jews (of Ashkenazi and Sephardic origin) and Muslim Arabs, who presented with a higher rate of point mutations and hemoglobin H disease. Overall, we detected 53 different genotype combinations causing a spectrum of clinical phenotypes, from asymptomatic to severe anemia.

Conclusion

Our work constitutes the largest group of patients with α‐thalassemia originating in the Mediterranean whose clinical characteristics and molecular basis have been determined. We suggest a diagnostic algorithm that leads to an accurate molecular diagnosis in multiethnic populations.
Forced expression of human macrophage colony‐stimulating factor in CD34+ cells promotes monocyte differentiation in vitro and in vivo but blunts osteoclastogenesis in vitro
Authors: Montano Almendras Carmen P. , Thudium Christian S. , Löfvall Henrik , Moscatelli Ilana , Schambach Axel , Henriksen Kim , Richter Johan
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Here, we tested the hypothesis that human M‐CSF (hM‐CSF) overexpressed in cord blood (CB) CD34+ cells would induce differentiation and survival of monocytes and osteoclasts in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Human M‐CSF was overexpressed in cord blood CD34+ cells using a lentiviral vector.

Results

We show that LV‐hM‐CSF‐transduced CB CD34+ cells expand 3.6‐ and 8.5‐fold more with one or two exposures to the hM‐CSF‐expressing vector, respectively, when compared to control cells. Likewise, LV‐hM‐CSF‐transduced CB CD34+ cells show significantly higher levels of monocytes. In addition, these cells produced high levels of hM‐CSF. Furthermore, they are able to differentiate into functional bone‐resorbing osteoclasts in vitro. However, osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption were blunted compared to control CD34+ cells receiving exogenous hM‐CSF. NSG mice engrafted with LV‐hM‐CSF‐transduced CB CD34+ cells have physiological levels of hM‐CSF production that result in an increase in the percentage of human monocytes in peripheral blood and bone marrow as well as in the spleen, lung and liver.

Conclusion

In summary, ectopic production of human M‐CSF in CD34+ cells promotes cellular expansion and monocyte differentiation in vitro and in vivo and allows for the formation of functional osteoclasts, albeit at reduced levels, without an exogenous source of M‐CSF, in vitro.
The Moral Insignificance of Self‐consciousness
Authors: Shepherd Joshua
Published: February 2017

In this paper, I examine the claim that self‐consciousness is highly morally significant, such that the fact that an entity is self‐conscious generates strong moral reasons against harming or killing that entity. This claim is apparently very intuitive, but I argue it is false. I consider two ways to defend this claim: one indirect, the other direct. The best‐known arguments relevant to self‐consciousness's significance take the indirect route. I examine them and argue that (a) in various ways they depend on unwarranted assumptions about self‐consciousness's functional significance, and (b) once these assumptions are undermined, motivation for these arguments dissipates. I then consider the direct route to self‐consciousness's significance, which depends on claims that self‐consciousness has intrinsic value or final value. I argue what intrinsic or final value self‐consciousness possesses is not enough to generate strong moral reasons against harming or killing.
Medication Overuse Headache: Pathophysiological Insights from Structural and Functional Brain MRI Research
Authors: Schwedt Todd J. , Chong Catherine D.
Published: February 2017

Background

Research imaging of brain structure and function has helped to elucidate the pathophysiology of medication overuse headache (MOH).

Methods

This is a narrative review of imaging research studies that have investigated brain structural and functional alterations associated with MOH. Studies included in this review have investigated abnormal structure and function of pain processing regions in people with MOH, functional patterns that might predispose individuals to development of MOH, similarity of brain functional patterns in patients with MOH to those found in people with addiction, brain structure that could predict headache improvement following discontinuation of the overused medication, and changes in brain structure and function after discontinuation of medication overuse.

Results and Conclusions

MOH is associated with atypical structure and function of brain regions responsible for pain processing as well as brain regions that are commonly implicated in addiction. Several studies have shown “normalization” of structure and function in pain processing regions following discontinuation of the overused medication and resolution of MOH. However, some of the abnormalities in regions also implicated in addiction tend to persist following discontinuation of the overused medication, suggesting that they are a brain trait that predisposes certain individuals to medication overuse and MOH.
Global Gleason grade groups in prostate cancer: concordance of biopsy and radical prostatectomy grades and predictors of upgrade and downgrade
Authors: Athanazio Daniel , Gotto Geoffrey , Shea‐Budgell Melissa , Yilmaz Asli , Trpkov Kiril
Published: February 2017

Aims

To evaluate concordance, upgrades and downgrades from biopsy to prostatectomy, and associated clincopathological parameters, using the recently proposed Gleason grade groups/International Society of Urologic Pathology (ISUP) grades.

Methods and results

We evaluated 2529 patients who underwent biopsy and prostatectomy in our institution from 2005 to 2014. A global grade group (GR)/Gleason score (GS) was used. Factors associated with GR1/GS ≤6 upgrades and GR2/GS3 + 4 downgrades were analysed by multivariable logistic regression. The final GR/GS was identical with the biopsy GR/GS in 59.3% of cases, with the highest concordance for GR2 and GR5 and lowest for GR4. In GR1–5, identical grades were found in GR: (i) 47.6%, (ii) 73.6%, (iii) 52.8%, (iv) 21.4% and (v) 68.3%, respectively. Final GR was upgraded in 32.3% cases; in GR1–4: (i) 52.4%, (ii) 19.0%, (iii) 16.4% and (iv) 32.9%. Most frequent upgrades occurred from biopsy GR1 to prostatectomy GR2. A final GR downgrade was found in 8.3% cases. For individual GR2–5 the downgrades were found in GR: (i) 7.4%, (ii) 30.8%, (iii) 45.7% and (iv) 31.7%. Upgrades of biopsy GR1 were associated with: age ≥60 years, PSA density ≥0.2, ≥2 positive cores, ≥5% core tissue involvement and perineural invasion [area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve 0.699]. Downgrades of biopsy GR2 correlated inversely with: age ≥60 years, PSA >10 ng/ml and ≥2 positive core (area under ROC curve 0.623).

Conclusions

We found highest concordance for GR2 and GR5 and lowest for GR4. The baseline clinical variables associated with GR1 upgrades and GR2 downgrades may play a role in clinical decision‐making.
Coextinction dilemma in the Galápagos Islands: Can Darwin's finches and their native ectoparasites survive the control of the introduced fly Philornis downsi?
Authors: Bulgarella Mariana , Palma Ricardo L.
Published: February 2017

The survival of parasites is threatened directly by environmental alteration and indirectly by all the threats acting upon their hosts, facing coextinction.

The fate of Darwin's finches and their native ectoparasites in the Galápagos Islands is uncertain because of an introduced avian parasitic fly, Philornis downsi, which could potentially drive them to extinction.

We documented all known native ectoparasites of Darwin's finches. Thirteen species have been found: nine feather mites, three feather lice and one nest mite. No ticks or fleas have been recorded from them yet.

Management options being considered to control P. downsi include the use of the insecticide permethrin in bird nests which would not only kill the invasive fly larvae but the birds’ native ectoparasites too.

Parasites should be targeted for conservation in a manner equal to that of their hosts. We recommend steps to consider if permethrin‐treated cotton stations are to be deployed in the Galápagos archipelago to manage P. downsi.
Compound heterozygous POMT1 mutations in a Chinese family with autosomal recessive muscular dystrophy‐dystroglycanopathy C1
Authors: Hu Pengzhi , Wu Song , Yuan Lamei , Lin Qiongfen , Zheng Wen , Xia Hong , Xu Hongbo , Guan Liping , Deng Hao
Published: February 2017

Muscular dystrophy‐dystroglycanopathy (MDDG) is a genetically and clinically heterogeneous group of muscular disorders, characterized by congenital muscular dystrophy or later‐onset limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy accompanied by brain and ocular abnormalities, resulting from aberrant alpha‐dystroglycan glycosylation. Exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed on a six‐generation consanguineous Han Chinese family, members of which had autosomal recessive MDDG. Compound heterozygous mutations, c.1338+1G>A (p.H415Kfs*3) and c.1457G>C (p.W486S, rs746849558), in the protein O‐mannosyltransferase 1 gene (POMT1), were identified as the genetic cause. Patients that exhibited milder MDDG manifested as later‐onset progressive proximal pelvic, shoulder girdle and limb muscle weakness, joint contractures, mental retardation and elevated creatine kinase, without structural brain or ocular abnormalities, were further genetically diagnosed as MDDGC1. The POMT1 gene splice‐site mutation (c.1338+1G>A) which leads to exon 13 skipping and results in a truncated protein may contribute to a severe phenotype, while the allelic missense mutation (p.W486S) may reduce MDDG severity. These findings may expand phenotype and mutation spectrum of the POMT1 gene. Clinical diagnosis supplemented with molecular screening may result in more accurate diagnoses of, prognoses for, and improved genetic counselling for this disease.
Institutional Path‐Dependencies in Europe's Networked Modes of Governance
Authors: Boeger Nina , Corkin Joseph
Published: February 2017

We consider whether transnational networks that softly discipline Member States (such as the OMC or regulatory networks that oversee national discretion in implementing broad EU frameworks) mark a significant turn in European integration or merely a transitional step towards centralization (agencification) and formalization (subjecting to law). We suggest this requires a closer reading of the institutional changes necessary to bring about centralization/formalization, and ask particularly whether change might be partially attributable to the very institutional‐agents operating inside Europe's networked modes of governance. Supplementing functional‐political explanations, we propose an endogenous model of institutional change that incorporates the independent role transnational networks play in shaping their own institutionalization, which may make this mode of governance more resilient and even self‐reinforcing. We test the plausibility of this model with a case‐study detailing the institutional entrepreneurship of transnational networks in the telecoms sector.
Early adversity and learning: implications for typical and atypical behavioral development
Authors: Hanson Jamie L. , van den Bos Wouter , Roeber Barbara J. , Rudolph Karen D. , Davidson Richard J. , Pollak Seth D.
Published: February 2017

Background

Children who experience early adversity often develop emotion regulatory problems, but little is known about the mechanisms that mediate this relation. We tested whether general associative learning processes contribute to associations between adversity, in the form of child maltreatment, and negative behavioral outcomes.

Methods

Eighty‐one participants between 12 and 17 years of age were recruited for this study and completed a probabilistic learning Task. Forty‐one of these participants had been exposed to physical abuse, a form of early adversity. Forty additional participants without any known history of maltreatment served as a comparison group. All participants (and their parents) also completed portions of the Youth Life Stress Interview to understand adolescent's behavior. We calculated measures of associative learning, and also constructed mathematical models of learning.

Results

We found that adolescents exposed to high levels of adversity early in their lives had lower levels of associative learning than comparison adolescents. In addition, we found that impaired associative learning partially explained the higher levels of behavioral problems among youth who suffered early adversity. Using mathematical models, we also found that two components of learning were specifically affected in children exposed to adversity: choice variability and biases in their beliefs about the likelihood of rewards in the environment.

Conclusions

Participants who had been exposed to early adversity were less able than their peers to correctly learn which stimuli were likely to result in reward, even after repeated feedback. These individuals also used information about known rewards in their environments less often. In addition, individuals exposed to adversity made decisions early in the learning process as if rewards were less consistent and occurred more at random. These data suggest one mechanism through which early life experience shapes behavioral development.
Evaluation of effects of urinary incontinence subtypes on women's sexual function using the Golombok–Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction
Authors: Doğan Keziban , Vural Meltem , Akyüz Fatma
Published: February 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of urinary incontinence (UI) and subtypes, including urinary stress incontinence (USI), urinary urge incontinence (UUI), and urinary mixed incontinence (UMI), on sexual function and quality of life (QoL) of women.

Methods

Sexually active premenopausal consecutive women (n = 153) with UI were enrolled in this study. Sexual function was assessed with the Golombok–Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS), and QoL was assessed with the Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form.

Results

The patient population (n = 153) was composed of women with USI (n = 20), UUI (n = 21), UMI (n = 40), and a control group (n = 72) assessed for only routine gynecological evaluation. Infrequency, dissatisfaction, avoidance, and anorgasmia were significantly higher in the UI group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). When we compared the USI, UUI, and UMI groups in terms of the subscales of the GRISS, dissatisfaction was significantly higher in the UMI group (P = 0.001). Scores for the Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form were significantly higher in the UMI group compared with the UUI group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

UI has an adverse affect on sexual function and QoL of women. UMI has the greatest impact on sexual function in terms of dissatisfaction compared with USI and UUI. We suggest routine assessment of sexually active women with UI using specific questionnaires to diagnose and treat sexual dysfunction.
Retrospective review of consecutive cases of paediatric complex pain in a New South Wales tertiary children's hospital
Authors: Kepreotes Elizabeth A , Lord Susan M
Published: February 2017

Aim

Prior to July 2013, a solo medical specialist provided a pain management service 1.5–2 days/week to children and young people aged 0–19 years, and their families at John Hunter Children's Hospital, Newcastle, NSW. A new multidisciplinary children's complex pain team now continues that service. This study aimed to identify the demographic and clinical characteristics of children, young people and their families referred to a paediatric pain specialist in the 5.5 years prior to the establishment of a multidisciplinary service and to quantify anecdotal observations, determine service priorities and identify clinical improvement opportunities.

Methods

A retrospective review of the medical records of all new patients seen between January 2008 and June 2013 was conducted. Data sets for patient demographics, clinical characteristics, service outputs and disposition at discharge were determined prior to data extraction.

Results

A total of 114 children and young people aged between 7 days and 18 years (mean ± SD = 12.54 ± 3.6 years) were consecutively referred to the service. Many demographics are consistent with those previously reported; however, the number of children who identified as being of Aboriginal origin (11%), with rare diseases (28%), new diagnoses made (47%), child protection reports submitted (14%) and psychological morbidity in children (58%) and caregivers (38%) are new findings in the context of pain management and serve as indicators of the complex service needs of these patients and their families.

Conclusion

The complexities encountered in this small cohort provide an indication of the time investment needed to understand and manage complex paediatric pain, especially in the contexts of complex families, time‐poor general practitioners and under‐resourced communities.
Anti-apoptotic effects of Curcuma longa L. extract and its curcuminoids against blue light-induced cytotoxicity in A2E-laden human retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Park Sang-il , Lee Eun Hye , Kim So Ra , Jang Young Pyo
Published: February 2017

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to investigate the protective effect of the Curcuma longa L. extract (CLE) and its curcuminoids against blue light-induced cytotoxicity in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells laded with A2E. A2E has been concerned in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods

To perform this study, A2E-accumulated ARPE-19 cells were exposed to blue light to induce cytotoxicity. The cytotoxicity and apoptotic gene expression levels were evaluated using a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay and real-time PCR analysis, respectively.

Key findings

Curcuma longa L. extract was found to exert a protective effect in a dose-dependent manner. At a concentration of 15 μm, curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin exerted significant protective effects against blue light-induced cytotoxicity. Treatment with CLE and curcuminoids meaningfully reduced the mRNA levels of c-Abl and p53, which was known to be augmented in apoptotic RPE cells. Demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin were found to inhibit p38 expression, which is increased in blue light-irradiated A2E-accumulated RPE cells.

Conclusions

Curcuma longa L. extract and its curcuminoids provided significant protection against photooxidative damage and apoptosis in the RPE cells. Our results suggest that curcuminoids may show potential in the treatment of AMD.
Efficacy of Low‐dose (2 millicurie) versus Standard‐dose (4 millicurie) Radioiodine Treatment for Cats with Mild‐to‐Moderate Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Lucy J.M. , Peterson M.E. , Randolph J.F. , Scrivani P.V. , Rishniw M. , Davignon D.L. , Thompson M.S. , Scarlett J.M.
Published: February 2017

Background

Radioiodine (131I) is effective treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats, but optimal dose to restore euthyroidism without inducing hypothyroidism is unclear. Treatment‐induced hypothyroidism can lead to azotemia and reduced duration of survival.

Objective

To compare efficacy and short‐term outcomes of low‐dose131I versus higher, standard‐dose131I as treatment for hyperthyroidism.

Animals

A total of 189 client‐owned cats undergoing131I treatment for mild‐to‐moderate hyperthyroidism (serum T4≥ 4.0 μg/dLand <13.0 μg/dL).

Methods

Prospective, nonrandomized, cohort study comparing treatment with either low‐dose (2mCi, n = 150) or standard‐dose (4mCi, n = 39)131I. Serum T4, thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), and creatinine concentrations were measured after 1, 3, and 6 months to determine persistent hyperthyroidism, overt hypothyroidism (low T4, highTSH), subclinical hypothyroidism (normal T4, highTSH), and azotemia.

Results

There was no significant difference in prevalence of cats with persistent hyperthyroidism between standard‐ and low‐dose treatment groups at 3 (0% versus 5.3%;P= .34) and 6 (0% versus 3.3%;P= .51) months. Overt (18% versus 1%;P= .0005) or subclinical (46% versus 21%;P= .004) hypothyroidism was more common in cats at 6 months after standard‐dose131I. No difference in incidence of azotemia existed between groups, but cats treated with standard‐dose131I had higher creatinine concentrations (P< .05) and higher percent rises in creatinine (P< .0001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Low‐dose131I is safe and effective for cats with mild‐to‐moderate hyperthyroidism, as evidenced by a cure rate of >95% with reduced frequency of iatrogenic hypothyroidism and azotemia.
Angiotensin II type II receptors and colonic dysmotility in 2,4‐dinitrofluorobenzenesulfonic acid‐induced colitis in rats
Authors: Zizzo M. G. , Auteri M. , Amato A. , Caldara G. , Nuzzo D. , Di Carlo M. , Serio R.
Published: February 2017

Background

Angiotensin II (Ang II), the main peptide of the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS), has been suggested to be involved in inflammatory bowel diseases. Since RAS has emerged as gut motility regulator, and dysmotility is associated with intestinal inflammation, our objective was to investigate in rat 2,4‐dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS)‐induced colitis the functionality of RAS and its contribution to colonic motor alterations.

Methods

The effects of Ang II on the longitudinal colonic muscular contractility of control and DNBS‐treated rats were characterized in vitro. Transcripts encoding for Ang II receptors were investigated by RT‐PCR.

Key Results

Inflamed preparations showed a longitudinal muscle marked hypocontractility. Angiotensin II caused contractile effects in both preparations, but the responses in DNBS preparations were reduced compared to controls. In both preparations, Losartan, AT1 receptor antagonist, reduced Ang II effects. PD123319, AT2 receptor antagonist, enhanced Ang II responses only in DNBS rats, as well as Nω‐Nitro‐L‐arginine (L‐NNA), nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, or tetrodotoxin (TTX), neural toxin. The co‐administration of PD123319 and TTX or L‐NNA produced no additive effects. PD123319 per se improved colonic contractility in inflamed tissues. The effect was reduced in the presence of L‐NNA or TTX. All Ang II receptor subtypes were expressed in both preparations.

Conclusions & Inferences

AT1 receptors mediate Ang II contractile responses in rat colon. During inflammation a recruitment of Ang II AT2 receptors would counteract AT1‐contractile activity. A tonic activation of AT2 receptors would contribute to the general reduction in muscle contractility during experimental inflammation. A role for enteric neurons and NO is also suggested.
Sinus Node Dysfunction and Atrial Fibrillation: A Reversible Phenomenon?
Authors: JACKSON LARRY R. , RATHAKRISHNAN BHARATH , CAMPBELL KRISTEN , THOMAS KEVIN L. , PICCINI JONATHAN P. , BAHNSON TRISTRAM , STIBER JONATHAN A. , DAUBERT JAMES P.
Published: February 2017

Background

Symptomatic sinus node dysfunction (SND) consists of a variety of manifestations, including tachycardia‐bradycardia syndrome. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is commonly associated with SND, which complicates the management of both conditions. This paper reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical trial data investigating therapeutic approaches for treatment of patients with both SND and AF.

Methods

The authors reviewed articles published in English describing the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and therapeutic approaches for patients with SND and AF. The search was conducted using PubMed. Keywords included: sick sinus syndrome, sinus node dysfunction, atrial fibrillation, pacing, and pulmonary vein isolation.

Results

SND affects up to one in five patients with AF. AF can lead to anatomical and electrophysiological remodeling in both atria, including the region of sinoatrial node. Changes including atrial fibrosis, altered calcium channel metabolism, and transformed gene expression have been demonstrated in patients with AF and SND. Nonrandomized clinical trial data have failed to demonstrate whether any pacing strategy can reduce the risk of AF. Pulmonary vein isolation appears to decrease episodes of tachybrady syndrome and sinus pauses.

Conclusions

SND affects up to one in five patients with AF. The pathophysiological derangements in gene expression, ion channel metabolism, and alterations in myocardial architecture associated with AF may lead to anatomic and electrical changes in the region of the sinoatrial node. Ablation may improve symptoms associated with SND in patients with AF. Future randomized trials are needed to clarify the epidemiology and optimal management of patients with SND and AF.
Spearmint R2R3‐MYB transcription factor MsMYB negatively regulates monoterpene production and suppresses the expression of geranyl diphosphate synthase large subunit (MsGPPS.LSU)
Authors: Reddy Vaishnavi Amarr , Wang Qian , Dhar Niha , Kumar Nadimuthu , Venkatesh Prasanna Nori , Rajan Chakravarthy , Panicker Deepa , Sridhar Vishweshwaran , Mao Hui‐Zhu , Sarojam Rajani
Published: February 2017

Many aromatic plants, such as spearmint, produce valuable essential oils in specialized structures called peltate glandular trichomes (PGTs). Understanding the regulatory mechanisms behind the production of these important secondary metabolites will help design new approaches to engineer them. Here, we identified a PGT‐specific R2R3‐MYB gene, MsMYB, from comparative RNA‐Seq data of spearmint and functionally characterized it. Analysis of MsMYB‐RNAi transgenic lines showed increased levels of monoterpenes, and MsMYB‐overexpressing lines exhibited decreased levels of monoterpenes. These results suggest that MsMYB is a novel negative regulator of monoterpene biosynthesis. Ectopic expression of MsMYB, in sweet basil and tobacco, perturbed sesquiterpene‐ and diterpene‐derived metabolite production. In addition, we found that MsMYB binds to cis‐elements of MsGPPS.LSU and suppresses its expression. Phylogenetic analysis placed MsMYB in subgroup 7 of R2R3‐MYBs whose members govern phenylpropanoid pathway and are regulated by miR858. Analysis of transgenic lines showed that MsMYB is more specific to terpene biosynthesis as it did not affect metabolites derived from phenylpropanoid pathway. Further, our results indicate that MsMYB is probably not regulated by miR858, like other members of subgroup 7.
HOP3, a member of the HOP family in Arabidopsis, interacts with BiP and plays a major role in the ER stress response
Authors: Fernández‐Bautista Nuria , Fernández‐Calvino Lourdes , Muñoz Alfonso , Castellano M. Mar
Published: February 2017

HSP70‐HSP90 organizing protein (HOP) is a well‐studied family of cytosolic cochaperones. However, the possible role of HOP during the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response and the identity of its interactors within the ER were not previously addressed in any eukaryote. We have demonstrated that Arabidopsis HOP3, whose function was not studied before, interacts in vivo with cytosolic HSP90 and HSP70, and, unexpectedly, with binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP), a HSP70 ER‐resident protein. Although BiP lacks the domain described in other eukaryotes for HOP‐HSP70 binding, it interacts with HOP3 through a non‐canonical association to its nucleotide binding domain. Consistent with this interaction with BiP, HOP3 is partially localized at the ER. Moreover, HOP3 is induced both at transcript and protein levels by unfolded protein response (UPR) inducer agents by a mechanism dependent on inositol‐requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1). Importantly, hop3 loss‐of‐function mutants show a reduction in pollen germination and a hypersensitive phenotype in the presence of ER stress inducer agents, a phenotype that is reverted by the addition of the chemical chaperone tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). All these data demonstrate, for the first time in any eukaryote, a main role of HOP as an important regulator of the ER stress response, a process intimately linked in plants to important specific developmental programs and to environmental stress sensing and response.
The quality of information received by parents of children with chronic ill health attending hospitals as indicated by measures of illness uncertainty
Authors: Al‐Yateem Nabeel , Docherty Charles , Altawil Hanan , Al‐Tamimi Muna , Ahmad Alaa
Published: February 2017

Background

The effectiveness of communication can be defined in terms of one of its outcomes: the uncertainty that it eliminates. Clear unambiguous communication is important for the parents of children to help them understand problems, explore alternative solutions and help make decisions. Persistent uncertainty is known to produce anxiety, unpredictable responses, emotional distress and poor quality of life. The uncertainty experienced by parents is one indicator of quality in the healthcare system which could have diagnostic and predictive value.

Aim

To assess the uncertainty experienced by parents of children with chronic conditions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design

An exploratory descriptive, cross‐sectional design was chosen across different sites in the UAE.

Methods

Data were collected from parents accompanying children receiving treatment either as an inpatient or outpatient, using the previously validated, culturally adapted ‘Parent Perception of Uncertainty Scale’ (PPUS).

Results

Most study participants experienced moderate or high levels of uncertainty. Parents who did not speak the local language, whose child was less than 1 year old or who was acutely ill had significantly more uncertainty than others, as did those parents whose child was approaching adolescence and puberty.

Conclusions

As only 5% of all participants reported low levels of uncertainty this should be of major concern as both an indicator of the quality of communication between health professionals and parents, and of the adverse health effects and poor quality of life experienced by parents of patients with chronic illness.
Diathesis stress or differential susceptibility? testing longitudinal associations between parenting, temperament, and children's problem behavior
Authors: Stoltz Sabine , Beijers Roseriet , Smeekens Sanny , Deković Maja
Published: February 2017

In this study we investigated longitudinal associations among parenting, children's temperamental negative affectivity, and internalizing and externalizing behavior. Second, we tested whether findings confirmed the diathesis‐stress model or differential susceptibility theory when conducting stringent interaction tests. The sample included 129 children and their families. Parenting quality (age 5) was measured by parent–child interaction observations. Parents evaluated child negative affectivity (age 7) and teachers reported on problem behavior (age 12). Multiple regression analyses revealed an interaction effect of negative affectivity and parenting on externalizing behavior. Visual inspection suggested ‘for better and for worse’ effects of parenting for children with negative affectivity. However, more stringent tests failed to show convincing evidence for differential susceptibility theory. For internalizing behavior, negative affectivity may render children vulnerable regardless of parenting. Our results point at the importance of further testing interaction effects to distinguish between differential susceptibility theory and the diathesis‐stress model.
The Politics of ‘Minimum Wage’ Welfare States: The Changing Significance of the Minimum Wage in the Liberal Welfare Regime
Authors: Wilson Shaun
Published: February 2017

It is an indisputable reality that the English‐speaking welfare states have retreated from their distinct postwar welfare state compromises in ways that prompt many to wonder what is still liberal about the liberal welfare states. Considering developments in minimum wage institutions and politics in five liberal welfare states, this article argues that the apparent renewed politicization of the minimum wage – driven by legislative action and activist campaigns from below – is an inevitable consequence of the twin policies of labour market deregulation and workfare‐centred social policies. A larger electorate of low‐paid workers, including those in full‐time work, combined with rising concerns from the public about the extent and injustice of poverty wages are important factors drawing renewed attention to the politics and policy of minimum wages. However, I also show that policymakers have additional incentives to embrace higher minimum wages: the economic orthodoxy in favour of low minimum wages has steadily lost credibility, and legislating for wage increases enables a predistributive strategy with the potential to shift the burden of addressing inequalities from fiscally‐strained governments to employers. Drawing on policy and political developments from across Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA, I make the claim that the politicization of minimum wages offers genuine insight into the future battles over what is ‘liberal’ about the liberal welfare states.
Lone Parent Activation in Ireland: Putting the Cart before the Horses?
Authors: Millar Michelle , Crosse Rosemary
Published: February 2017

Lone parents and their children are the biggest group at risk of living in poverty in Ireland, and activation is regarded as the solution to this problem by policymakers. While workfare requirements are now placed on lone parents whose youngest child is aged 14 or over, we question the capacity of the current activation policy to deliver an adequate income for these families. Drawing on evidence from other countries and the current Irish context, we argue that the absence of tailored support for lone parents, low levels of educational attainment, difficulties with childcare, the efficacy of financial supports to provide income adequacy and the failure to take into consideration their parenting responsibility mean that the implementation of the policy is fraught with difficulty.
Identification of a novel HLA‐B allele, HLA‐B*55:81
Authors: Ko S.‐Y. , Im J. , Lee C. K. , Cho Y.
Published: February 2017

The new allele, B*55:81, differs from B*55:02:01:02 by 2 nucleotide substitutions in codon 116 (TTA → TAC).
RAD54 forms DNA repair foci in response to DNA damage in living plant cells
Authors: Hirakawa Takeshi , Hasegawa Junko , White Charles I. , Matsunaga Sachihiro
Published: February 2017

Plants have various defense mechanisms against environmental stresses that induce DNA damage. Genetic and biochemical analyses have revealed the sensing and signaling of DNA damage, but little is known about subnuclear dynamics in response to DNA damage in living plant cells. Here, we observed that the chromatin remodeling factor RAD54, which is involved in DNA repair via the homologous recombination pathway, formed subnuclear foci (termed RAD54 foci) in Arabidopsis thaliana after induction of DNA double‐strand breaks. The appearance of RAD54 foci was dependent on the ATAXIA‐TELANGIECTASIA MUTATED–SUPPRESSOR OF GAMMA RESPONSE 1 pathway, and RAD54 foci were co‐localized with γH2AX signals. Laser irradiation of a subnuclear area demonstrated that in living cells RAD54 was specifically accumulated at the damaged site. In addition, the formation of RAD54 foci showed specificity for cell type and region. We conclude that RAD54 foci correspond to DNA repair foci in A. thaliana.
Comparison of 3 suture closure techniques for pelvic flexure enterotomy in equine cadaveric large colon
Authors: Aldrich Ellison D. , Earnest Jennifer , Moorman Valerie J.
Published: February 2017

Objective

To compare a 2‐layer closure with suture line reversal for a pelvic flexure enterotomy to 1‐layer and traditional 2‐layer hand sewn closures.

Study design

Ex vivo, simple randomized study.

Sample population

Large colon segments from adult horses (n = 18).

Methods

Pelvic flexures were harvested from 18 horses and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 closure techniques (n = 6 per technique). A 10‐cm enterotomy was made in each pelvic flexure and closed with the assigned technique. Closure time, luminal diameter via contrast radiographs, and bursting pressure were recorded for each specimen and compared between techniques using 1‐way ANOVA with Duncan post hoc test at P < .05.

Results

There was a significant difference in closure time (P = .034) with 1‐layer closure faster than both the traditional 2‐layer closure (P=.024) and the 2‐layer closure with suture line reversal (P = .030). There was no significant difference in luminal diameter or bursting pressure between the 3 closure techniques.

Conclusions

Two‐layer closure with suture line reversal may be an alternative to traditional 2‐layer closure for closure of the pelvic flexure based on ex vivo bursting pressure testing and closure time. A 1‐layer simple continuous closure resisted bursting pressure not different to both 2‐layer closure techniques. Further in vivo evaluation may be indicated.
Germination behaviour of Cenchrus pauciflorus seeds across a range of salinities
Authors: Zhang Z X , Tian X , Sun L
Published: February 2017

Cenchrus pauciflorus (field sandbur) is an annual weed native to South America and Africa that has become an invasive plant in farmland and pastures around the globe. It forms two types of seeds that are different in shape and mass, defined as big seeds (M) and small seeds (P). This study examined effects of salinity and seed type on germination efficiency of C. pauciflorus. Increased concentration of salinity solutions (NaCl, Na2SO4 and Na2CO3) reduced germination rate and final germination percentage (FGP) of both seed types, while prolonging the mean final germination time (TFG). M seeds tolerated salinity levels below 400 mmol (NaCl), 350 mmol (Na2SO4) and 300 mmol (Na2CO3), while P seeds tolerated salinity levels below 350 mmol (NaCl), 250 mmol (Na2SO4) and 150 mmol (Na2CO3). Furthermore, M seeds were less sensitive than P seeds, confirmed via increased germination rate (61%, 42% and 40%), FGP (36%, 29% and 26%), and shorter TFG (37%, 19% and 16%) in NaCl, Na2SO4 and Na2CO3 solutions respectively. Moreover, the germination threshold values of M and P seeds were 426 and 365 mmol for NaCl, 354 and 264 mmol for Na2SO4 and 308 and 149 mmol for Na2CO3 respectively. These results add to our understanding of the germination strategy of different seed types of C. pauciflorus. This information on germination ecology may indicate a potential to invade regions with little or no salt stress.
Artificial Neural Network Prediction of Diesel Engine Performance and Emission Fueled With Diesel–Kerosene–Ethanol Blends: A Fuzzy-Based Optimization
Authors: Bhowmik Subrata , Panua Rajsekhar , Debroy Durbadal , Paul Abhishek
Published: February 2017

The present study explores the impact of ethanol on the performance and emission characteristics of a single cylinder indirect injection (IDI) Diesel engine fueled with Diesel–kerosene blends. Five percent ethanol is added to Diesel–kerosene blends in volumetric proportion. Ethanol addition to Diesel–kerosene blends significantly improved the brake thermal efficiency (BTE), brake specific energy consumption (BSEC), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), total hydrocarbon (THC), and carbon monoxide (CO) emission of the engine. Based on engine experimental data, an artificial neural network (ANN) model is formulated to accurately map the input (load, kerosene volume percentage, ethanol volume percentage) and output (BTE, BSEC, NOx, THC, CO) relationships. A (3-6-5) topology with Levenberg–Marquardt feed-forward back propagation (trainlm) is found to be optimal network than other training algorithms for predicting input and output relationship with acceptable error. The mean square error (MSE) of 0.000225, mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 2.88%, and regression coefficient (R) of 0.99893 are obtained from the developed model. The study also attempts to make clear the application of fuzzy-based analysis to optimize the network topology of ANN model.
Bayesian Calibration and Uncertainty Quantification for a Physics-Based Precipitation Model of Nickel–Titanium Shape-Memory Alloys
Authors: Tapia Gustavo , Johnson Luke , Franco Brian , Karayagiz Kubra , Ma Ji , Arroyave Raymundo , Karaman Ibrahim , Elwany Alaa
Published: February 2017

Uncertainty quantification (UQ) is an emerging field that focuses on characterizing, quantifying, and potentially reducing, the uncertainties associated with computer simulation models used in a wide range of applications. Although it has been successfully applied to computer simulation models in areas such as structural engineering, climate forecasting, and medical sciences, this powerful research area is still lagging behind in materials simulation models. These are broadly defined as physics-based predictive models developed to predict material behavior, i.e., processing-microstructure-property relations and have recently received considerable interest with the advent of emerging concepts such as Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME). The need of effective tools for quantifying the uncertainties associated with materials simulation models has been identified as a high priority research area in most recent roadmapping efforts in the field. In this paper, we present one of the first efforts in conducting systematic UQ of a physics-based materials simulation model used for predicting the evolution of precipitates in advanced nickel–titanium shape-memory alloys (SMAs) subject to heat treatment. Specifically, a Bayesian calibration approach is used to conduct calibration of the precipitation model using a synthesis of experimental and computer simulation data. We focus on constructing a Gaussian process-based surrogate modeling approach for achieving this task, and then benchmark the predictive accuracy of the calibrated model with that of the model calibrated using traditional Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods.