bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive isolation among three sympatricAchimenesspecies: pre‐ and post‐pollination components
Authors: Ramírez‐Aguirre Erandi , Martén‐Rodríguez Silvana , Quesada‐Avila Gabriela , Quesada Mauricio , Martínez‐Díaz Yesenia , Oyama Ken , Espinosa‐García Francisco J.
Published: July 2019

Premise

Closely related species occurring in sympatry may experience the negative consequences of interspecific pollen transfer if reproductive isolation (RI) barriers are not in place. We evaluated the importance of pre‐ and post‐pollinationRIbarriers in three sympatric species ofAchimenes(Gesneriaceae), including ecogeographic, phenological, floral isolation, self‐pollination, and hybrid viability (fruit and seed set).

Methods

We recorded geographic distribution throughout species ranges and assessed flowering phenology and pollinator visitation at one site in central Mexico. In the greenhouse, we measured floral traits involved inRIand quantified fruit and seed set for from self, intraspecific, and interspecific crosses.

Results

Ecogeographic barriers were important inRI, but under sympatry, phenological and floral barriers contributed more to totalRI. PhenologicalRIvaried between species and years, while floralRIwas 100% effective at preventing interspecific visitation. Species showed differences in floral morphology, color, and scents associated with specialized pollination systems (A. antirrhina–hummingbirds, A. flava–bees,A. patens–butterflies); heterospecific visitation events were restricted to rare secondary pollinators. Hybrid crosses consistently yielded progeny in lower numbers than intraspecific crosses.

Conclusions

This study indicated that neither autogamy nor early post‐pollination barriers prevent interspecific pollen flow betweenAchimenesspecies. However, floral isolation, acting through a combination of attraction and reward traits, consistently ensures specificity of the pollination system. These results suggest that selection on floral traits to reduce the costs of hybrid progeny production may have played a role in evolution or maintenance of specialized pollination systems inAchimenes.
HLA‐II genes are associated with outcomes of specific immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis
Authors: Zhao Yanming , Zhao Yali , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Luo
Published: July 2019

Background

Although the precise mechanisms underlying the efficacy of allergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT) are not clear, some evidence suggests that this may be linked to polymorphisms in HLA‐II gene. We aimed to investigate the correlation between HLA‐II gene polymorphisms and house dust mite (HDM)‐specific immunotherapy efficacy, and evaluate specific polymorphisms as potential biomarkers in allergic rhinitis (AR) patients who would benefit most from AIT.

Methods

Fifty‐one Han Chinese patients with AR receiving HDM AIT were recruited. Genomic DNA was extracted from venous blood samples and genotyped for HLA‐DRB1 and HAL‐DQB1 alleles using the polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based genotyping method. Nasal and eye symptoms were investigated based on visual analogue scale and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life.

Results

Allele DRB1*04:06; DRB1*14:05 showed a positive correlation with improvements in nasal blockage, nasal itching, eye itching, and activities. Similarly, DQB1*03:02:01; DQB1*05:03: 01 was positively correlated with improvements in nose blocking, nasal itching, eye itching, behavioral problems, and nasal symptoms scores; and DRB1*03:01; DRB1*04:06 positively correlated with nasal symptoms scores. In contrast, DRB1*07:01:01; DRB1*11:01 was negatively correlated with non‐pollen symptoms, behavioral problems, and nasal symptoms.

Conclusion

HLA‐DRB1 and HLA‐DQB1 gene polymorphism are associated with AIT efficacy in HDM‐sensitive Chinese patients with AR, of which DRB1*03:01; DRB1*04:06 and DQB1*03:02:01; DQB1*05:03:01 may be useful biomarkers of AR patient candidacy for effective AIT.
Two‐dimensional mullite nanostructure: Synthesis and reinforcement effect on polypropylene/maleic anhydride graft ethylene vinyl acetate matrix
Authors: Varghese Anish Mathai , Singh Swati , Muthukumaraswamy Rangaraj Vengatesan , Mittal Vikas
Published: July 2019

In the present work, we studied the reinforcement effect of mullite nanosheets (MNs) on the properties of polypropylene (PP)/maleic anhydride graft ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA‐g‐MA) blend matrix. MNs have been prepared in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as the macromolecular surfactant through the sol–gel process followed by a thermal annealing method. The sheet‐like morphology of mullite was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy analysis. The surface of the MNs was modified using 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane. One weight percent of amine‐functionalized MNs (AMNs) improved the impact strength of PP/EVA‐g‐MA blend matrix, which is about 52%. Melt rheology analysis resulted that the nanocomposite exhibited a viscous behavior up to 2.5 wt % of AMNs and above the content ensued a viscoelastic solid‐like behavior. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed a complete dispersion of AMNs in the PP/EVA‐g‐MA blend matrix. TEM analysis confirmed that the MNs sheets are residing mostly in EVA‐g‐MA phase and the interface of PP/EVA‐g‐MA blend. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48233.
One‐Electron Reduction of Acenaphthene‐1,2‐Diimine Nickel(II) Complexes
Authors: Khrizanforova Vera V. , Fayzullin Robert R. , Morozov Vladimir I. , Gilmutdinov Ildar F. , Lukoyanov Anton N. , Kataeva Olga N. , Gerasimova Tatiana P. , Katsyuba Sergey A. , Fedushkin Igor L. , Lyssenko Konstantin A. , Budnikova Yulia H.
Published: July 2019

New nickel‐based complexes of 1,2‐bis[(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imino]acenaphthene (dpp‐bian) with BF4− counterion or halide co‐ligands were synthesized in THF and MeCN. The nickel(I) complexes were obtained by using two approaches: 1) electrochemical reduction of the corresponding nickel(II) precursors; and 2) a chemical comproportionation reaction. The structural features and redox properties of these complexes were investigated by using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The influence of temperature and solvent on the structure of the nickel(I) complexes was studied in detail, and an uncommon reversible solvent‐induced monomer/dimer transformation was observed. In the case of the fluoride complex, the unpaired electron was found to be localized on the dpp‐bian ligand, whereas all of the other nickel complexes contained neutral dpp‐bian moieties.
The purification and identification of human blood serum proteins with affinity to the antitumor active RL2 lactaptin using magnetic microparticles
Authors: Manko Nazar , Starykovych Marina , Bobak Yaroslav , Stoika Rostyslav , Richter Vladimir , Koval Olga , Lavrik Inna , Horák Daniel , Souchelnytskyi Serhiy , Kit Yuriy
Published: July 2019

The cytopoxic effect of RL2 lactaptin (the recombinant analog of proteolytic fragment of human kappa‐casein) toward tumor cells in vitro and in vivo presents it as a novel promising antitumor drug. The binding of any drug with serum proteins can affect their activity, distribution, rate of excretion and toxicity in the human body. Here, we studied the ability of RL2 to bind to various blood serum proteins. Using magnetic microparticles bearing by RL2 as an affinity matrix, in combination with mass spectrometry and western blot analysis, we found a number of blood serum proteins possessing affinity for RL2. Among them IgA, IgM and IgG subclasses of immunoglobulins, apolipoprotein A1 and various cortactin isoforms were identified. This data suggests that in the bloodstream RL2 lactaptin takes part in complicate protein–protein interactions, which can affect its activity.
Problems in the neighbourhood: Formulating noise complaints across dispute resolution services
Authors: Alexander Marc , Stokoe Elizabeth
Published: July 2019

When people are in dispute with their neighbours, there are multiple routes to resolution, and different services have a range of remits to support it. This article explores how noise complaints are reported to dispute resolution mediation and local council environmental services in the United Kingdom. A collection of 315 recorded telephone calls were transcribed and analysed using discursive psychology, underpinned by conversation analytic methods. Analysis focused on how the same kinds of noise complaint were formulated for the remit and provision of the service called. In mediation calls, callers directly attributed the source of the noise to the agent of its production (e.g., “it's about the neighbour”). However, reference to “the neighbour” was typically omitted (at least initially) in calls to environmental health services (e.g., “I need to speak to someone about disturbance”). This comparative analysis of different settings reveals the significance of service remit for the design of complaints and the relevance of attributing cause in making a case for aid. Comparing two settings provides a propitious opportunity to demonstrate that noise is not a physically objective phenomenon or neutral category but institutionally formulated social conduct.
Antichemotactic and Antifungal Action of the Essential Oils from Cryptocarya aschersoniana, Schinus terebinthifolia, and Cinnamomum amoenum
Authors: Maciel Ana J. , Lacerda Caroline P. , Danielli Letícia J. , Bordignon Sérgio A. L. , Fuentefria Alexandre M. , Apel Miriam A.
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this work was to determine the chemical composition and evaluate the antichemotactic, antioxidant, and antifungal activities of the essential oil obtained from the species Cryptocarya aschersoniana Mez, Cinnamomum amoenum (Ness & Mart.) Kosterm., and Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi, as well as the combination of C. aschersoniana essential oil and terbinafine against isolates of dermatophytes. Allo‐aromadendrene, bicyclogermacrene, and germacrene B were identified as major compounds in essential oils. The essential oil of C. aschersoniana shown 100 % inhibitory effect on leukocyte migration at the concentration of 10 μg/mL while S. terebinthifolia oil presented 80.1 % inhibitory effect at the same concentration. Only S. terebinthifolia oil possessed free‐radical‐scavenging activity which indicates its antioxidant capacity. The essential oils were also tested against fungal isolates of dermatophyte species (Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis and Microsporum gypseum), resulting in MIC ranging from 125 μg/mL to over 500 μg/mL. C. aschersoniana oil combined with terbinafine resulted in an additive interaction effect. In this case, the essential oil may act as a complement to conventional therapy for the topical treatment of superficial fungal infections, mainly because it is associated with an anti‐inflammatory effect.
Optimizing cystectomy outcomes
Authors: Porten Sima P. , Master Viraj A.
Published: July 2019

Both data analytics and patient‐centered approaches will be required to optimize outcomes after cystectomy and make meaningful changes. Advances in technology with mobile health may provide a platform for learning for patients and clinical utility for data‐driven feedback.
Pax6 expression highlights regional organization in the adult brain of lungfishes, the closest living relatives of land vertebrates
Authors: López Jesús M. , Morona Ruth , Moreno Nerea , Lozano Daniel , Jiménez Sara , González Agustín
Published: July 2019

The Pax6 gene encodes a regulatory transcription factor that is key in brain development. The molecular structure of Pax6, the roles it plays and its patterns of expression in the brain have been highly conserved during vertebrate evolution. As neurodevelopment proceeds, the Pax6 expression changes from the mitotic germinal zone in the ventricular zone to become distributed in cell groups in the adult brain. Studies in various vertebrates, from fish to mammals, found that the Pax6 expression is maintained in adults in most regions that express it during development. Specifically, in amphibians, Pax6 is widely expressed in the adult brain and its distribution pattern serves to highlight regional organization of the brain. In the present study, we analyzed the detailed distribution of Pax6 cells in the adult central nervous system of lungfishes, the closest living relatives of all tetrapods. Immunohistochemistry performed using double labeling techniques with several neuronal markers of known distribution patterns served to evaluate the actual location of Pax6 cells. Our results show that the Pax6 expression is maintained in the adult brain of lungfishes, in distinct regions of the telencephalon (pallium and subpallium), diencephalon, mesencephalon, hindbrain, spinal cord, and retina. The pattern of Pax6 expression is largely shared with amphibians and helps to understand the primitive condition that would have characterized the common ancestors to all sarcopterygians (lobe‐finned fishes and tetrapods), in which Pax6 would be needed to maintain specific entities of subpopulations of neurons.
Corporate social responsibility embeddedness through a social network analysis: The case of an Italian multiutility company
Authors: Gusmerotti Natalia Marzia , Testa Francesco , Macellari Margherita , Frey Marco
Published: July 2019

To gain substantial benefits, corporate social responsibility (CSR) needs to be embedded within an organization. Through a social network analysis, this study analyzes to what extent an Italian multiutility company, strategically committed to sustainability, integrates social and environmental issues in its strategy, operations, and routines. The paper aims to answer the following two questions: (a) How can an investigation of the level of information exchange help in identifying whether CSR is embedded or peripheral in a company?; (b) how can an investigation of the role of the CSR department help in identifying whether CSR is embedded or peripheral in a company? The study reveals the frequency and density of information exchange regarding social and environmental issues among 67 business units as well as highlighting the real role played by the CSR department. This research contributes to the current debate on CSR embeddedness by showing how an exploration of internal social networks reveals the extent to which CSR is integrated within strategy, operations, and routines. It also provides useful suggestions for managers on ways to improve the level of integration.
Data replication mechanisms in the peer‐to‐peer networks
Authors: Mohammadi Behnaz , Navimipour Nima Jafari
Published: July 2019

Peer‐to‐peer (P2P) network is a distributed network in which nodes with similar capabilities exchange information with each other. Due to the nature of the P2P network distribution, numerous network message transformation is required to exchange the data between nodes over the network, which may increase access latency. Because of the high amount of the stored data in the P2P networks, the replication of data is very important. A large amount of data is handled using data replication to increase data access, reduce access latency, and increase data availability. This issue has an important role in the P2P networks, but there is no complete and systematic research in this field. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive study of data replication mechanisms in the P2P networks. The 1027 papers have been identified and have been reduced to 213 main studies using the paper selection process. Moreover, in this paper, the major advances are reviewed in four main groups (structured, unstructured, super‐peer, and hybrid networks), and the new challenges are also highlighted. Moreover, the open issues and guidelines for future studies are presented.
Behavioral response to tactile stimuli relates to brain response to affective touch in 12‐month‐old infants
Authors: Miguel Helga O. , Gonçalves Óscar F. , Sampaio Adriana
Published: July 2019

Affective touch activates a brain network responsible for processing social–emotional stimuli in infants, children, and adults, with a core node in the superior temporal sulcus (STS). STS is known to be a region highly susceptible to individual variability, including for tactile stimuli processing. However, little is known about how this region is recruited to process affective touch in infancy. The aim of this study was to examine brain activity to affective touch in the temporal region (STS) and understand if it relates to behavioral patterns of sensory‐over responsivity (SOR) to touch. Twelve‐month‐old infants (n = 24) were given affective and discriminative stimuli to the forearm while they were watching a silent movie. Brain activation was recorded in the STS for measures of oxy‐hemoglobin (HbO2) and deoxy‐hemoglobin (Hbb) using functional near infra‐red spectroscopy (fNIRS). Aversive responses to tactile stimuli were measured using the Infant‐Toddler Sensory Profile. A significant hemodynamic response increase in HbO2 to affective touch was observed in the STS for infants with less aversive behavioral responses to tactile stimuli. The findings suggest that brain activity in the STS for affective touch might be related to individual differences in the affective reaction toward touch.
Altered association between executive functions and reading and math fluency tasks in children with reading difficulties compared with typical readers
Authors: Meiri Raya , Levinson Ophir , Horowitz‐Kraus Tzipi
Published: July 2019

Fluent reading in children relies on executive functions (EF). Recent research suggests that EF skills also affect arithmetic abilities. Children with reading difficulties (RD) experience deficits in EF. It is still unknown to what extent these EF deficits are the basis for both reading and arithmetic skills in children with RD compared with typical readers. To define the role of EF in reading and arithmetic in children with RD and typical readers, EF measures and reading and arithmetic fluency and non‐fluency measures were assessed in 8 to 12‐year‐old children with RD and age‐matched typical readers. Comparison and correlation analyses were performed within and between the two groups. Children with RD scored lower on reading and arithmetic fluency and non‐fluency tasks compared with typical readers. For both groups, fluency measures were lower than non‐fluency measures. Strong correlations were found within the entire study population between fluency measures and EF, as well as between non‐fluency measures and EF compared with mixed correlations observed for the groups separately. Fluency was related to subcomponents of EF expressed in both reading and arithmetic domains for the two groups. The role of each domain and comparison with non‐fluency results for each group are discussed.
How (co)evolution alters predator responses to increased mortality: extinction thresholds and hydra effects
Authors: Cortez Michael H. , Yamamichi Masato
Published: July 2019

Population responses to environmental change depend on both the ecological interactions between species and the evolutionary responses of all species. In this study, we explore how evolution in prey, predators, or both species affect the responses of predator populations to a sustained increase in mortality. We use an eco‐evolutionary predator–prey model to explore how evolution alters the predator extinction threshold (defined as the minimum mortality rate that prevents population growth at low predator densities) and predator hydra effects (increased predator abundance in response to increased mortality). Our analysis identifies how evolutionary responses of prey and predators individually affect the predator extinction threshold and hydra effects, and how those effects are altered by interactions between the evolutionary responses. Based on our theoretical results, we predict that it is common in natural systems for evolutionary responses in one or both species to allow predators to persist at higher mortality rates than would be possible in the absence of evolution (i.e., evolution increases the predator mortality extinction threshold). We also predict that evolution‐driven hydra effects occur in a minority of natural systems, but are not rare. We revisited published eco‐evolutionary models and found that evolution causes hydra effects and increases the predator extinction threshold in many studies, but those effects have been overlooked. We discuss the implications of these results for species conservation, predicting population responses to environmental change, and the possibility of evolutionary rescue.
Heart failure from cancer therapy: can we prevent it?
Authors: Totzeck Matthias , Mincu Raluca I. , Heusch Gerd , Rassaf Tienush
Published: July 2019

Aims

Conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy is still among the most effective treatment options for many types of cancer. However, cardiotoxicity, notably the decrease in left ventricular function under these regimens, can impair prognosis. Thus, prevention and treatment of cardiotoxicity are crucial. The present meta‐analysis aims to assess the efficacy of beta‐blockers or angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) for prevention of cardiotoxicity.

Methods and results

We systematically searched Pubmed, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases for randomized controlled trials published until February 2019. The analysis included randomized studies that reported on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after 6 months of chemotherapy in cancer patients who received beta‐blockers or ACE inhibitors/ARBs for prevention of cardiotoxicity compared with controls. Studies on combination cardioprotective therapies were excluded from the analysis. The primary endpoint was prevention of a decrease in LVEF as defined by the individual study and as assessed by either transthoracic echocardiography or magnetic resonance imaging. We here show that patients under anthracycline‐based chemotherapy have a moderate yet significant benefit in LVEF from beta‐blockers or ACEs/ARBs. The beta‐blocker analysis included 769 cancer patients, and the ACE inhibitors/ARBs analysis included a total of 581 cancer patients. The mean LVEF difference between the beta‐blocker group and the control group was 2.57% (95% confidence interval 0.63–4.51, P = 0.009). The mean difference for ACE inhibitors/ARBs was 4.71% (95% confidence interval 0.38–9.03, P = 0.03). However, the beneficial effects throughout the studies were variable as documented by significant heterogeneity between the studies.

Conclusions

Systematic evidence is needed to solidly found recommendations for cardioprotective prevention during chemotherapy. Likewise, trials on other neurohumoral drugs (spironolactone) and lipid‐lowering approaches are required to improve protection for cardio‐oncology patients.
Mathematical Modelling of the Influence of Ultra‐micro Electrode Geometry on Approach Curves Registered by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy
Authors: Astrauskas Rokas , Ivanauskas Feliksas , Morkvenaite‐Vilkonciene Inga , Ramanavicius Arunas
Published: July 2019

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is an emerging electroanalytical sensing technique, used to investigate the electrochemical properties of the sample by ultra‐micro‐electrode(UME) scanning probe. UME signal usually is the current, which depends not only on the properties of the evaluated system but also on UME characteristics such as geometry. Variations of UME geometry can decrease accuracy of the measurement, and then correct analysis of the SECM data becomes almost impossible. In the present work, we studied the precision of measurements with three different the most frequent types of defected UME's ((i) recessed‐UME, (ii) outwarded‐UME, (iii) cone‐UME). Measurement results were compared with that obtained with not defected standard‐plane‐UME. Computational experiment was performed with SECM model using diffusion equations with non‐rectangular border conditions to calculate estimated currents for these three types of defected UMEs and to compare them with that for standard‐plane‐UME. In order to test the correctness of the model, computations for recessed‐UME model were compared with data of real‐recessed‐UME experiment.
Therapist adherence to family‐based treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa: A multi‐site exploratory study
Authors: Dimitropoulos Gina , Lock James D. , Agras William Stewart , Brandt Harry , Halmi Katherine A. , Jo Booil , Kaye Walter H. , Pinhas Leora , Wilfley Denise E. , Woodside D. Blake
Published: July 2019

Objective

This exploratory study is the first to examine family‐based treatment (FBT) adherence and association to treatment outcome in the context of a large‐scale, multi‐centre study for the treatment of adolescents with anorexia nervosa.

Method

One hundred and ninety recorded FBT sessions from 68 adolescents with anorexia nervosa and their families were recruited across multiple sites (N = 6). Each site provided 1–4 tapes per family over four treatment time points, and each was independently rated for therapist adherence.

Results

There were differences in adherence scores within and between sites. ANOVA produced a main effect for site, F(5, 46) = 8.6, p < .001, and phase, F(3, 42) = 12.7, p < .001, with adherence decreasing in later phases. Adherence was not associated to end of treatment percent ideal body weight after controlling for baseline percent ideal body weight (r = .088, p = .48).

Conclusions

Results suggest that FBT can be delivered with adherence in phase one of treatment. Adherence was not associated with treatment outcome as determined using percent ideal body weight.
Shifting brain circuits in pain chronicity
Authors: Youssef Andrew M. , Azqueta‐Gavaldon Monica , Silva Katie E. , Barakat Nadia , Lopez Natalia , Mahmud Farah , Lebel Alyssa , Sethna Navil F. , Zurakowski David , Simons Laura E. , Kraft Eduard , Borsook David
Published: July 2019

The evaluation of brain changes to a specific pain condition in pediatric and adult patients allows for insights into potential mechanisms of pain chronicity and possibly long‐term brain changes. Here we focused on the primary somatosensory system (SS) involved in pain processing, namely the ventroposterolateral thalamus (VPL) and the primary somatosensory cortex (SI). We evaluated, using MRI, three specific processes: (a) somatotopy of changes in the SS for different pain origins (viz., foot vs. arm); (b) differences in acute (ankle sprain versus complex regional pain syndrome‐CRPS); and (c) differences of the effects of CRPS on SS in pediatric versus adult patients. In all cases, age‐ and sex‐matched individuals were used as controls. Our results suggest a shift in concurrent gray matter density (GMD) and resting functional connectivity strengths (rFC) across pediatric and adult CRPS with (a) differential patterns of GMD (VPL) and rFC (SI) on SS in pediatric vs. adult patterns that are consistent with upper and lower limb somatotopical organization; and (b) widespread GMD alterations in pediatric CRPS from sensory, emotional and descending modulatory processes to more confined sensory‐emotional changes in adult CRPS and rFC patterns from sensory‐sensory alterations in pediatric populations to a sensory‐emotional change in adult populations. These results support the idea that pediatric and adult CRPS are differentially represented and may reflect underlying differences in pain chronification across age groups that may contribute to the well‐known differences between child and adult pain vulnerability and resilience.
Comparative analysis of different design of rotary dehumidifier
Authors: Prasad Amarjeet Kumar , Yadav Laxmikant , Yadav Avadhesh
Published: July 2019

A one‐dimensional mathematical model has been developed to do the comparative analysis of four design of the desiccant wheel. The mathematical model has been validated with experimental results and shows good agreements with experimental results. In this study, a two‐sector desiccant wheel is modified into a three‐sector wheel by introducing a purge section in the desiccant wheel. Similarly, a four‐sector desiccant wheel is reformed into a six‐sector wheel by installing two purge section in the desiccant wheel and comparative study of these designs have been carried for given ranges of operating conditions. The effect of purge conditions has been also investigated and found that in all operating conditions six‐sector design is a better choice for optimum MRC and ∆T.
GENERAL STAGE–DISCHARGE RELATIONSHIP FOR SHARP‐CRESTED POWER‐LAW WEIRS: ANALYTICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Authors: Vatankhah Ali R. , Khamisabadi M.
Published: July 2019

The efficient use of water for irrigation and agriculture projects depends mainly on measurement of water. Weirs are widely used in irrigation networks to measure flow discharge. Flow estimation through weirs of different shapes is very important in irrigation engineering. Weirs are characterized by a relation between the water head and discharge, which mainly depends on the shape and dimensions of the weir. A power‐law weir is very versatile and allows modelling of weirs with different shapes. The generic results of the power‐law weir can also be applied to its special forms such as triangular, semi‐cubic, parabolic, cubic and rectangular weirs. Up to now, the hydraulic behaviour of a general power‐law weir has not been studied. In this study, sharp‐crested power‐law weirs were studied experimentally and theoretically. For this, weir (Model I) and critical flow (Model II) theories along with Buckingham's theorem of dimensional analysis were used to deduce the stage–discharge relationship of power‐law weirs. A series of laboratory experiments (502 runs) were performed to calibrate the deduced theoretical stage–discharge relationships under free‐flow conditions. The proposed general stage–discharge relationships have an average error less than 1.7%; thus, actual discharge through the channel can be simply and reliably estimated. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perilipin 5 deficiency promotes atherosclerosis progression through accelerating inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress
Authors: Zhou Peng‐Li , Li Min , Han Xin‐Wei , Bi Yong‐Hua , Zhang Wen‐Guang , Wu Zheng‐Yang , Wu Gang
Published: July 2019

Excessive plasma triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol levels promote the progression of several prevalent cardiovascular risk factors, including atherosclerosis, which is a leading death cause. Perilipin 5 (Plin5), an important perilipin protein, is abundant in tissues with very active lipid catabolism and is involved in the regulation of oxidative stress. Although inﬂammation and oxidative stress play a critical role in atherosclerosis development, the underlying mechanisms are complex and not completely understood. In the present study, we demonstrated the role of Plin5 in high‐fat‐diet‐induced atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E null (ApoE−/−) mice. Our results suggested that Plin5 expressions increased in the artery tissues of ApoE−/−mice. ApoE/Plin5 double knockout (ApoE−/−Plin5−/−) exacerbated severer atherogenesis, accompanied with significantly disturbed plasma metabolic profiles, such as elevated TG, total cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and reduced high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol contents. ApoE−/−Plin5−/−exhibited a higher number of inflammatory monocytes and neutrophils, as well as overexpression of cytokines and chemokines linked with an inflammatory response. Consistently, the IκBα/nuclear factor kappa B pathway was strongly activated in ApoE−/−Plin5−/−. Notably, apoptosis was dramatically induced by ApoE−/−Plin5−/−, as evidenced by increased cleavage of Caspase‐3 and Poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐2. In addition, ApoE−/−Plin5−/−contributed to oxidative stress generation in the aortic tissues, which was linked with the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/protein kinase B and mitogen‐activated protein kinases pathways. In vitro, oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) increased Plin5 expression in RAW264.7 cells. Its knockdown enhanced inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and lipid accumulation, while promotion of Plin5 markedly reduced all the effects induced by ox‐LDL in cells. These studies strongly supported that Plin5 could be a new regulator against atherosclerosis, providing new insights on therapeutic solutions.
Prolonged pulmonary pulse transit time is associated with symptoms in patients with significant mitral stenosis and sinus rhythm
Authors: Gurbuz Ahmet S. , Ozturk Semi , Alsancak Yakup , Saklı Beyza , Duzenli Mehmet A.
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Pulmonary pulse transit time (pPTT) is a novel noninvasive echocardiographic measure to assess pulmonary arterial hemodynamics. It has been shown to be shorter in precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PHT). Mitral stenosis (MS) is one of the causes of postcapillary PHT. We aimed to investigate pPTT in patients with MS and its relationship with symptoms.

Methods

We included 51 patients with MS (25 were asymptomatic, NYHA I, and 26 were symptomatic, NHYA II or III), and 50 controls, and evaluated their demographic characteristics and echocardiographic variables, including pPTT.

Results

Baseline characteristics, including age, sex, body mass index, and cardiovascular risk factors, were similar between the MS and the control group. The pPTT was longer in the MS group than in the control group (0.21 ± 0.08 vs 0.15 ± 0.05, P < .001). Patients with symptomatic MS had longer pPTT than asymptomatic patients (P = .005). The pPTT was positively correlated with left atrial volume index and systolic pulmonary artery pressure, and negatively with tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (r = .432; P < .001, r = .319; P = .001, r = −.293; and P = .003, respectively).

Conclusion

The measurement of pPTT appears clinically relevant in patients with PHT. Further studies evaluating whether it is useful in distinguishing precapillary from postcapillary PHT are required.
Optimizing responses to drug safety signals in pregnancy: the example of dolutegravir and neural tube defects
Authors: Mofenson Lynne M , Pozniak Anton L , Wambui Jacque , Raizes Elliot , Ciaranello Andrea , Clayden Polly , Ehrenkranz Peter , Fakoya Ade , Hill Andrew , Khoo Saye , Mahaka Imelda , Modi Surbhi , Moore Cynthia , Phillips Andrew , Siberry George , Sikwese Kenly , Thorne Claire , Watts Heather D , Doherty Meg , Ford Nathan P
Published: July 2019

Introduction

The unexpected identification of a neural tube defect (NTD) safety signal with preconception dolutegravir (DTG) exposure in the Botswana Tsepamo birth outcomes study brought into sharp focus the need for reliable data on use of new antiretrovirals in pregnancy, improved pharmacovigilance systems to evaluate safety of new drugs being introduced into populations including women of reproductive potential, and balanced risk‐benefit messaging when a safety signal is identified.

Discussion

The Tsepamo study NTD safety signal and accompanying regulatory responses led to uncertainty about the most appropriate approach to DTG use among women of reproductive potential, affecting global DTG roll‐out plans, and limiting DTG use in adolescent girls and women. It also revealed a tension between a public health approach to antiretroviral treatment (ART) and individual choice, and highlighted difficulties interpreting and messaging an unexpected safety signal with uncertainty about risk. This difficulty was compounded by the lack of high‐quality data on pregnancy outcomes from women receiving ART outside the Tsepamo surveillance sites and countries other than Botswana, resulting in a prolonged period of uncertainty while data on additional exposures are evaluated to refute or confirm the initial safety signal. We discuss principles for evaluating and introducing new drugs in the general population that would ensure collection of appropriate data to inform drug safety in adolescent girls and women of reproductive potential and minimize confusion about drug use in this population when a safety signal is identified.

Conclusions

The response to a signal suggesting a possible safety risk for a drug used in pregnancy or among women who may become pregnant needs to be rapid and comprehensive. It requires the existence of appropriately designed surveillance systems with broad population coverage; data analyses that examine risk‐benefit trade‐offs in a variety of contexts; guidance to transform this risk‐benefit balance into effective and agreed‐upon policy; involvement of the affected community and other key stakeholders; and a communication plan for all levels of knowledge and complexity. Implementation of this proposed framework for responding to safety signals is needed to ensure that any drug used in pregnancy can be rapidly and appropriately evaluated should a serious safety alert arise.
Functional cytology of the hepatopancreas of decapod crustaceans
Authors: Vogt Günter
Published: July 2019

This article reviews the morphogenesis, morphology, histology, ultrastructure, and structural–functional relationships of the hepatopancreas, the main metabolic organ of the Decapoda. The hepatopancreas develops in early larval stages from a pair of lateral lobes of the midgut anlage. In adults, it consists of hundreds of blindly ending tubules that are enveloped by a muscle net consisting of longitudinal and circular fibers. Stem cells at the distal ends of the tubules give rise to three ultrastructurally different epithelial cell types, the R‐, F‐, and B‐cells. Histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and monitoring of ultrastructural changes under different experimental conditions allowed the attribution of functions to these cell types. R‐cells serve for the absorption and metabolization of nutrients, storage of energy reserves and minerals, synthesis of lipoproteins for export to other organs, detoxification of heavy metals, and excretion of uric acid. F‐cells synthesize digestive enzymes and blood proteins involved in oxygen transport and immune defense. They also detoxify some heavy metals and probably organic xenobiotics. B‐cells are assumed to produce and recycle fat emulsifiers. The hepatopancreas tubules lack nerves. The presence of scattered M‐cells with putative endocrine function in the epithelium suggests that the hepatopancreas is mainly hormonally controlled. M‐cells probably represent a self‐perpetuating cell lineage independent from E‐cells. The interstitium between the tubules contains connective tissue, arterioles, hemolymph with circulating hemocytes, and fixed phagocytes that eliminate pathogens. The hepatopancreas is histologically and ultrastructurally uniform throughout the Decapoda, despite their broad variety in body size, morphology, life style, and ecology. However, in a few cavernicolous and deep‐sea shrimps parts of the hepatopancreas are transformed into large oil storing and bioluminescent compartments. Within the malacostracan crustaceans, the hepatopancreas of the Decapoda is most similar to the digestive gland of the Euphausiacea, supporting close taxonomic relationship of these two taxa.
Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Classifying Individuals Who Will Develop Accelerated Radiographic Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Price Lori Lyn , Harkey Matthew S. , Ward Robert J. , MacKay James W. , Zhang Ming , Pang Jincheng , Davis Julie E. , McAlindon Timothy E. , Lo Grace H. , Amin Mamta , Eaton Charles B. , Lu Bing , Duryea Jeffrey , Barbe Mary F. , Driban Jeffrey B.
Published: July 2019

We assessed whether adding magnetic resonance (MR)‐based features to a base model of clinically accessible participant characteristics (i.e., serological, radiographic, demographic, symptoms, and physical function) improved classification of adults who developed accelerated radiographic knee osteoarthritis (AKOA) or not over the subsequent 4 years. We conducted a case–control study using radiographs from baseline and the first four annual visits of the osteoarthritis initiative to define groups. Eligible individuals had no radiographic KOA in either knee at baseline (Kellgren–Lawrence [KL] grade <2). We classified two groups matched on sex (i) AKOA: at least one knee developed advanced‐stage KOA (KL = 3 or 4) within 48 months and (ii) did not develop AKOA within 48 months. The MR‐based features were assessments of bone, effusion/synovitis, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and menisci. All characteristics and MR‐based features were from the baseline visit. Classification and regression tree analyses were performed to determine classification rules and identify statistically important variables. The CART models with and without MR features each explained approximately 40% of the variability. Adding MR‐based features to the model yielded modest improvements in specificity (0.90 vs. 0.82) but lower sensitivity (0.62 vs. 0.70) than the base model. There was consistent evidence that serum glucose, effusion‐synovitis volume, and cruciate ligament degeneration are statistically important variables in classifying individuals who will develop AKOA. We found common MR‐based measures failed to dramatically improve classification. These findings also show a complex interplay among participant characteristics and a need to identify novel characteristics to improve classification. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2420–2428, 2019
Effects of the peat acid digestion protocol on geochemically and morphologically diverse tephra deposits
Authors: Monteath Alistair J. , Teuten Alex E. , Hughes Paul D. M. , Wastegård Stefan
Published: July 2019

Tephra shards for electron probe microanalysis are most efficiently extracted from peat using acid digestion, which removes organic material that hinders density separation methods. However, strong acids are known to alter glass chemical compositions, and several studies have examined how acid digestion affects rhyolitic volcanic glass. The focus on rhyolitic tephra in these studies leaves considerable uncertainty, as the dissolution rates of natural glasses (including tephra) are determined by the chemical composition and surface area/volume ratio, both of which vary in tephra deposits. Here, we use duplicate samples of basaltic, trachydacitic and rhyolitic tephra to examine physical and geochemical alteration following acid digestion. Scanning electron microscope imagery reveals no discernible degradation of glass surfaces, and electron probe microanalysis results from duplicate samples are statistically indistinguishable. These findings suggest the acid digestion protocol for organic peats does not significantly alter glass geochemistry regardless of shard morphologies or geochemical compositions.
Rapid annotation and structural characterization of saponins in the active fraction of Albizia julibrissin by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry based on accurate mass database
Authors: He Yanfei , Ni Tiantian , Liu Zhaoying , Ye Yiping , Sun Hongxiang
Published: July 2019

The purified active fraction of Albizia julibrissin saponin was proved to be a promising adjuvant candidate for vaccine. In this study, a simple, convenient, and practical strategy was established for characterizing the saponins in this purified active fraction. The personal accurate mass database including chemical structure, molecular formula, and theoretical mass was first constructed by collecting 110 reported known saponins from genus Albizia species. The raw data was obtained by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry. The potential compounds were extracted from raw data, and matched with the accurate mass databases. A series of saponin compounds were predicted and their chemical structures were characterized by interpreting the tandem mass spectrometry data. A total of 29 saponins including 10 new compounds and 5 first found saponins from A. julibrissin were successfully characterized in this purified active fraction using this new strategy.
Grid‐based sediment tracing approach to determine sediment sources
Authors: Haddadchi Arman , Hicks Murray , Olley Jon M. , Singh Shailesh , Srinivasan M.S.
Published: July 2019

The diffusive and nonspecific nature of nonpoint source contaminants such as sediment makes their management and mitigation challenging. Conventional source‐based tracing techniques for sediment simply apportion downstream sediment load to diffuse upstream sources classified by a limited number of source types including underlying rock type, land cover, and/or erosion process. Here, we develop a grid‐based sediment tracing technique that improves the precision of source contribution estimates and enhances the granularity of sediment source maps. We test the proposed technique using source and suspended sediment samples collected from the Emu Creek Catchment (911 km2), south‐east Queensland, Australia. Geochemical tracers were employed to distinguish sediments derived from the heterogenous and complex underlying rock types. Importantly, the proposed technique provided a greater spatial resolution of the sediment sources by assigning sediment contributions into grid sources rather than the area‐specific source types.
Antioxidant activity of exo‐metabolites produced by Fusarium oxysporum: An endophytic fungus isolated from leaves of Otoba gracilipes
Authors: Caicedo Nelson H. , Davalos Andres F. , Puente Paula A. , Rodríguez Ana Y. , Caicedo Paola A.
Published: July 2019

Tropical ecosystems hold an extremely diverse array of endophytic fungi, but their potential use still remains to be explored. In this study, we isolated an endophytic fungus from the leaves of Otoba gracilipes, a medicinal tree from a tropical rainforest in Colombia. Following isolation and cultivation, we evaluated its extracellular crude extract for antioxidant activity. Using traditional and molecular methods (ITS1, NL1 regions), the endophyte was identified as Fusarium oxysporum. Fresh spores from the fungal isolate were inoculated in liquid media (potato dextrose broth [PDB] and potato dextrose–yeast extract broth [PDYB]) and centrifuged for recovering extracellular polysaccharides from the exhausted medium after 30 days of cultivation. Crude extracts were recovered, purified, lyophilized, and evaluated for their ability to inactivate the free radical 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The extracts obtained from PDB culture media had a 51.5% of scavenging effect on DPPH after 5 min of reaction compared with the extracts from PDBY (26.4%), which suggests a high antioxidant potential of these fungal extracts. Thus, our results suggest other fungi from tropical ecosystems should be explored as potential sources of novel enzymes and other metabolites with bioactivity.