bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated ozone reduces photosynthetic carbon gain by accelerating leaf senescence of inbred and hybrid maize in a genotype‐specific manner
Authors: Yendrek Craig R. , Erice Gorka , Montes Christopher M. , Tomaz Tiago , Sorgini Crystal A. , Brown Patrick J. , McIntyre Lauren M. , Leakey Andrew D.B. , Ainsworth Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2017

Exposure to elevated tropospheric ozone concentration ([O3]) accelerates leaf senescence in many C3 crops. However, the effects of elevated [O3] on C4 crops including maize (Zea mays L.) are poorly understood in terms of physiological mechanism and genetic variation in sensitivity. Using free air gas concentration enrichment, we investigated the photosynthetic response of 18 diverse maize inbred and hybrid lines to season‐long exposure to elevated [O3] (~100 nl L−1) in the field. Gas exchange was measured on the leaf subtending the ear throughout the grain filling period. On average over the lifetime of the leaf, elevated [O3] led to reductions in photosynthetic CO2 assimilation of both inbred (−22%) and hybrid (−33%) genotypes. There was significant variation among both inbred and hybrid lines in the sensitivity of photosynthesis to elevated [O3], with some lines showing no change in photosynthesis at elevated [O3]. Based on analysis of inbred line B73, the reduced CO2 assimilation at elevated [O3] was associated with accelerated senescence decreasing photosynthetic capacity and not altered stomatal limitation. These findings across diverse maize genotypes could advance the development of more O3 tolerant maize and provide experimental data for parameterization and validation of studies modeling how O3 impacts crop performance.
Epidermal nevus syndromes: New insights into whorls and swirls
Authors: Asch Sarah , Sugarman Jeffrey L.
Published: October 2017

Knowledge of the molecular underpinnings of many epidermal nevi and epidermal nevus syndrome has expanded rapidly in recent years. In this review and update on epidermal nevus syndrome, we will cover recent genetic discoveries involving epidermal nevi, including nevus sebaceus, keratinocytic epidermal nevus, nevus comedonicus, congenital hemidysplasia with ichthyosiform nevus and limb defects syndrome, phakomatosis pigmentokeratotica, Becker's nevus, porokeratotic adnexal ostial nevus, inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevi, and cutaneous‐skeletal hypophosphatemia syndrome. We will discuss how newly defined mutations relate to the biology reflected in the cutaneous patterns seen in these mosaic disorders and how new molecular data has informed our understanding of these diseases and shaped management decisions.
Split‐graft liver transplantation from an adult donor with an unrecognized UCD to a pediatric and adult recipient
Authors: Lee C. H. , Ellaway C. , Shun A. , Thomas G. , Nair P. , O'Neill J. , Shakel N. , Stormon M. O.
Published: October 2017

We report the outcomes of an adult and pediatric split liver transplant from an adult male donor who died due to an unrecognized UCD, OTC deficiency. Recognizing inborn errors of metabolism can be challenging, especially in adult centers where such disorders are rarely encountered. Shortage of donors for liver transplantation has led to procedures to maximize donor utilization, such as split and live donor grafts. The cause of death should be ascertained before accepting a cadaveric donor organ.
Seasonal physiology and growth of bottomland oaks of differing planting stocks in afforestation sites on the U.S. Gulf Coastal Plain
Authors: Renninger Heidi J. , Hall Andrew T. , Hornslein Nicole , Ezell Andrew W.
Published: October 2017

Hurricane Katrina caused large losses of bottomland hardwood forests on the Gulf Coastal Plain. Heavy‐seeded species such as oaks (Quercus) generally require direct planting for restoration after such losses. However, evaluating the performance of various oak planting stocks using biometric data alone can be challenging due to their slow juvenile growth and belowground carbon allocation. Our study goals were to evaluate physiological parameters including photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and water‐use efficiency (WUE) and their correlation with annual height growth to determine differences in functional performance and drought tolerance between seedling types and whether physiology can predict height growth. Monthly growing season gas exchange measurements were made on two oak species (QuercustexanaandQuercusshumardii) and three planting stocks (bare root, conventional containerized, large containerized [LC]) planted on two sites in coastal Mississippi. We found that photosynthesis decreased throughout the growing season while stomatal conductances increased leading to decreasing WUEs in all seedling types. Physiological parameters differed across planting stocks but not species. Particularly, LC seedlings exhibited greater WUEs and sensitivity to vapor pressure deficit (VPD) suggesting increased moisture stress compared with other planting stocks. Across seedling types, photosynthesis, stomatal sensitivity to VPD, and seasonal changes in intrinsic WUE measured in year one of the study were significantly correlated with year two, but not year one height growth, suggesting belowground allocation of carbon during the first growing season. In total, these results highlight the use of physiological measurements in selecting successful planting stocks for various site conditions.
Dental fear among transgender individuals ‐ a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Heima Masahiro , Heaton Lisa J. , Ng Henry H. , Roccoforte Elisabeth C.
Published: October 2017

Aims

The aims of this study were to: (1) evaluate the level of dental fear among transgender individuals and (2) investigate specific predictors of dental fear in individuals who identify as transgender.

Method and results

An anonymous survey among transgender adults was conducted using both a web‐based and paper survey. The survey included the Dental Fear Survey (DFS), history of hormonal interventions, perceived gender roles, and demographic information. The bivariate analyses did not show a significant difference in DFS between sex assigned at birth (p = 0.628) or among gender identities (p = 0.109). A regression model analysis for the level of DFS by using participants’ demographic information as independent variables indicated the fear and experience of discrimination/maltreatment were significant predictors of dental fear; standardized beta coefficients (p‐value) were 0.35 (p = 0.017) and 0.28 (p = 0.041), respectively.

Conclusion

The fear and experiences of discrimination/maltreatment were significantly positively associated with their level of dental fear.
Aligning Funding and Need for Family Planning: A Diagnostic Methodology
Authors: Fan Victoria Y. , Kim Sunja , Choi Seemoon , Grépin Karen A.
Published: October 2017

With limited international resources for family planning, donors must decide how to allocate their funds to different countries. How can a donor for family planning decide whether countries are adequately prioritized for funding? This article proposes an ordinal ranking framework to identify under‐prioritized countries by rank‐ordering countries by their need for family planning and separately rank‐ordering them by their development assistance for family planning. Countries for which the rank of the need for family planning is lower than the rank of its funding are deemed under‐prioritized. We implement this diagnostic methodology to identify under‐prioritized countries that have a higher need but lower development assistance for family planning. This approach indicates whether a country is receiving less compared to other countries with similar levels of need.
Mainstreaming ‘Women’ without feminisms in psychology
Authors: Thompson Lucy
Published: October 2017

Although it has been argued that feminist work has gained recognition in mainstream psychology (Eagly, Eaton, Rose, Riger, & McHugh, ), these arguments tend to cite a proliferation of research in high‐ranking Euro‐American academic journals, on topics that concern women or gender in psychology. However, the majority of this work is not presented as explicitly feminist. Rather, it tends to be incorporated into mainstream spaces under the umbrella of the psychology of women. This is often interpreted uncritically to mean the study of womanhood as a stable category or variable, reproducing binary accounts of sex and gender that are largely devoid of feminist analysis. Not only do these interpretations reify essentialist constructions of womanhood; they also convert transformative feminist politics into singular and special interest ‘women's issues’. Indeed, broad feminist theoretical perspectives remain largely absent at the fundamental levels of mainstream psychological knowledge production (Eagly et al., ; Eagly & Riger, ). Thus, while credit has been given to the growing visibility of issues concerning women and gender in the discipline, less critical attention has been paid to the broader absence of feminist language in this work. As such, instances of mainstream inclusion have come to take priority over broader issues of feminist exclusions in psychology. Taking a critical position on the discipline from within the context of the Global North, this paper questions the state of mainstream inclusions and reasserts the transformative potentials of diverse feminisms (Liebert, Leve, & Hui, ), arguing that current inclusions of women without feminisms in psychology are problematic. Drawing on recent mobilisations of the psychology of women in the interests of ‘male psychology’, it is argued that the transformative potentials of feminist psychologies are more likely to be stifled than supported by mainstream inclusions.
“Treading in sand”: A qualitative study of the impact of austerity on inequalities in mental health
Authors: Mattheys Kate , Warren Jonathan , Bambra Clare
Published: October 2017

Successive UK governments since 2010 have adopted policies of austerity characterized by public spending and social security cuts. There has been little qualitative research exploring the effects of these policies on inequalities in mental health. This article presents findings from a case study of Stockton‐on‐Tees, a local authority in the North East of England with exceptionally high spatial and socio‐economic inequalities. Qualitative interviews were undertaken with people experiencing mental health problems in different areas of the local authority, alongside interviews with key stakeholders. The findings offer an insight into spatial inequalities in people's lives, and the impact of deprivation on mental health. They suggest that austerity measures are having a damaging impact on individuals and communities in the most deprived areas of this unequal place, whilst leaving those from less deprived areas relatively unscathed—with the exception of increased job insecurity. The cuts in social security are impacting on health through both material and psychosocial pathways including increased financial hardship and chronic stress. The intrusion of the state into people's everyday lives was such that the notion of the “home as an asylum” was broken, giving many no respite from the draining day‐to‐day experiences of poverty. The findings are discussed in relation to the continuing program of welfare changes and public spending cuts in the United Kingdom, including avenues for further research and key recommendations for policymakers.
Accounting for uncertainties in ammonia emission from manure applied to grassland
Authors: Goedhart P. W. , Huijsmans J. F. M.
Published: October 2017

A recent study has raised doubts about the ammonia emission reduction achieved in the Netherlands when applying manure to grassland by means of low‐emission techniques such as narrow band and shallow injection. The critics claim that percentages of ammonia released to the atmosphere associated with low‐emission techniques might even overlap with that from surface broadcast spreading given the large alleged experimental uncertainties in measurements. Consequently, the rationale behind the regulations to which farmers are exposed is questioned. In this study, it is shown that the alleged large uncertainties were obtained by means of an erroneous statistical method and that the real uncertainties are much smaller. It is also shown that, even when there is a large uncertainty in individual measurements, previous conclusions about differences in emission between different manure application techniques are still valid. It is further argued in this study that uncertainty in the percentage of applied ammonia emitted is implicitly taken into account in any comparative statistical analysis conducted in the past.
A uniform method for the simultaneous blood group phenotyping of Fya, Fyb, Jka, Jkb, S, s̅, P1, k applying lateral‐flow technique
Authors: Caesar A. , Meyer S. , Trost N. , Neuenschwander K. , Geisen C. , Frey B. M. , Gassner C. , Schwind P.
Published: October 2017

Background and Objectives

A lateral flow assay for simultaneous blood group typing of ABO, RhD, C, E, c, e, Cw and K with stable end‐point and without centrifugation is in routine use since several years (MDmulticard®).

The typing of extended phenotype parameters belonging to the Duffy, Kidd, MNSs blood group systems and others, however, has not yet been demonstrated for this technique.

Reliable detection of Fyx, a weak Fyb phenotype with a pronounced quantitative reduction of the number of Fyb antigens on the erythrocyte surface, remains a weakness of current serological blood grouping techniques.

Material and Methods

The performance characteristics of the following reagents were evaluated in donor and patient samples in lateral flow technology (MDmulticard®): Anti‐Fya, ‐Fyb, ‐Jka, ‐Jkb, ‐S, ‐s̅, ‐P1 and ‐k. The sensitivity to detect Fyx was in addition evaluated with Fyx positive samples, which had been preselected by MALDI‐TOF MS‐based genotyping.

Results

All results obtained with the MDmulticard® were in full accordance with those of the CE‐certified reference products for all the eight reagent formulations used: Anti‐Fya, ‐Fyb, ‐Jka, ‐Jkb, ‐S, ‐s̅, ‐P1 and –k. Also, all Fyx phenotypes of the selected population of 93 positive samples, originally identified by MALDI‐TOF MS‐based genotyping, were reliably detected by the lateral flow assay.

Conclusion

Extended phenotype blood group parameters, including the serologically challenging Fyx phenotype, can be determined simultaneously, rapidly and accurately using the lateral flow (MDmulticard®) technology, even in cases when IgG class antibodies are the only source of diagnostic antibodies.
Use of computed tomography and minimum intensity projection in the detection of lobar pneumonia mimicking lung lobe torsion in a dog
Authors: Lee Sang‐Kwon , Cho Kyoung‐Oh , Alfajaro Mia Madel , Lee Juhwan , Yu Dohyeon , Choi Jihye
Published: October 2017

A 10‐year‐old female spayed Dachshund was referred with progressive coughing for 1 month. The dog was tentatively diagnosed with right middle lung torsion based on pleural effusion, vesicular emphysema, abruptly ending bronchus in consolidated right middle lung, and no contrast enhancement of the affected lobe on radiography and computed tomography (CT). There was no evidence of torsion upon thoracotomy, and histological examination confirmed lobar pneumonia. The CT images were reevaluated using minimum intensity projection and revealed normal bronchial courses. The minimum intensity projection technique can be to assist in evaluation of the bronchial tree for dogs with suspected lung lobe torsion and other pulmonary diseases.
Comment on “Not all counterclockwise thermodynamic cycles are refrigerators” [Am. J. Phys. 84, 413–418 (2016)]
Authors: Bizarro João P. S.
Published: October 2017

Contrary to what Dickerson and Mottmann [Am. J. Phys. 84, 413–418 (2016)] state, the temperatures at which a refrigerator's working fluid absorbs heat need not always lie below those at which it expels heat; nor must a refrigerator's thermodynamic cycle have two adiabats. Moreover, what Dickerson and Mottmann call a “comparison Carnot cycle” cannot always be defined. These conclusions are illustrated here using a counter-clockwise Stirling cycle without regeneration. A refrigerator's cold reservoir can absorb some heat and its hot reservoir can expel some heat, so long as the net heat flow is still out of the cold reservoir and into the hot reservoir.
Papers of note in
Science
358
(6360)
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: October 2017

This week’s articles identify distinct mechanisms of apoptosis in different areas of the germinal center and present an interactive virtual fly embryo that shows the expression of signaling pathway components and other regulatory molecules in individual cells.
Dilution Factor of Quantitative Bacterial Cultures Obtained by Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Patients with Ventilator-Associated Bacterial Pneumonia
Authors: Drusano George L. , Corrado Michael L. , Girardi Gino , Ellis-Grosse Evelyn J. , Wunderink Richard G. , Donnelly Helen , Leeper Kenneth V. , Brown Mona , Malek Tasnova , Hite Robert Duncan , Ferrari Michelle , Djureinovic Danijela , Kollef Marin H. , Mayfield Lisa , Doyle Ann , Chastre Jean , Combes Alain , Walsh Thomas J. , Dorizas Krisztina , Alnuaimat Hassan , Morgan Brooks Edward , Rello Jordi , Torre Cristopher Alan Mazo , Jones Ronald N. , Flamm Robert K. , Woosley Leah , Ambrose Paul G. , Bhavnani Sujata , Rubino Christopher M. , Bulik Catharine C. , Louie Arnold , Vicchiarelli Michael , Berman Colleen
Published: October 2017

Ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (VABP) is a difficult therapeutic problem. Considerable controversy exists regarding the optimal chemotherapy for this entity. The recent guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Thoracic Society recommend a 7-day therapeutic course for VABP based on the balance of no negative impact on all-cause mortality, less resistance emergence, and fewer antibiotic treatment days, counterbalanced with a higher relapse rate for patients whose pathogen is a nonfermenter. The bacterial burden causing an infection has a substantial impact on treatment outcome and resistance selection. We describe the baseline bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid burden of organisms in suspected VABP patients screened for inclusion in a clinical trial. We measured the urea concentrations in plasma and BAL fluid to provide an index of the dilution of the bacterial and drug concentrations in the lung epithelial lining fluid introduced by the BAL procedure. We were then able to calculate the true bacterial burden as the diluted colony count times the dilution factor. The median dilution factor was 28.7, with the interquartile range (IQR) being 11.9 to 53.2. Median dilution factor-corrected colony counts were 6.18 log
10
(CFU/ml) [IQR, 5.43 to 6.46 log
10
(CFU/ml)]. In a subset of patients, repeat BAL on day 5 showed a good stability of the dilution factor. We previously showed that large bacterial burdens reduce or stop bacterial killing by granulocytes. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01570192.)
In Vitro
Combination of Isavuconazole with Echinocandins against Azole-Susceptible and -Resistant Aspergillus spp
Authors: Raffetin A. , Courbin V. , Jullien V. , Dannaoui E.
Published: October 2017

In vitro
combinations of isavuconazole with echinocandins were evaluated against 30
Aspergillus
strains with a two-dimensional checkerboard microdilution method and an agar-based diffusion method. With the checkerboard method, the three combinations showed indifferent interactions for all strains. With the agar-based method, indifferent interactions were found for all strains for isavuconazole-micafungin and isavuconazole-anidulafungin. For the isavuconazole-caspofungin combination, indifference was found in 24/30 strains, synergism in 4/30 strains, and antagonism in 2/30 strains.
Activity of Meropenem-Vaborbactam against Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in a Murine Model of Pyelonephritis
Authors: Weiss William J. , Pulse Mark E. , Nguyen Phung , Peterson Kelly , Silva Jessica , Simecka Jerry W. , Valtierra David , Sabet Mojgan , Griffith David C.
Published: October 2017

The recently approved combination of meropenem and vaborbactam (Vabomere) is highly active against Gram-negative pathogens, especially
Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC)-producing, carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
. We evaluated the efficacy of meropenem-vaborbactam against three clinically relevant isolates in a murine pyelonephritis model. The data indicate that the combination of meropenem and vaborbactam significantly increased bacterial killing compared to that with the untreated controls. These data suggest that this combination may have utility in the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections due to KPC-producing, carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
.
Putative Integrative Mobile Elements That Exploit the Xer Recombination Machinery Carrying
bla
IMI
-Type Carbapenemase Genes in Enterobacter cloacae Complex Isolates in Singapore
Authors: Koh Tse H. , Rahman Nurdyana Binte Abdul , Teo Jeanette W. P. , La My-Van , Periaswamy Balamurugan , Chen Swaine L.
Published: October 2017

Whole-genome sequencing was performed on 16 isolates of the carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacter cloacae
complex to determine the flanking regions of
bla
IMI
-type genes. Phylogenetic analysis of multilocus sequence typing (MLST) targets separated the isolates into 4 clusters. The
bla
IMI
-type genes were all found on Xer-dependent integrative mobile elements (IMEX). The IMEX elements of 5 isolates were similar to those described in Canada, while the remainder were novel. Five isolates had IMEX elements lacking a resolvase and recombinase.
Emotional reactions in parents of the youth who experienced the Utøya shooting on 22 July 2011; results from a cohort study
Authors: Holt Tonje , Jensen Tine , Dyb Grete , Wentzel-Larsen Tore
Published: October 2017

Objective and setting

The objective of this study was to provide knowledge about the emotional reactions in parents whose offspring experienced a mass shooting on Utøya island in Norway in 2011. The research questions included whether parents’ reactions were influenced by their offspring’s symptom level, age, living situation and parental gender.

Design

The study was designed as an open cohort study. The data were collected at two time points; 4–5 months and 14–15 months after the shooting.

Participants

The participants were 531 parents of youth exposed to the Utøya island attack.

Outcome measures

The Parental Emotional Reaction Questionnaire measured parents’ reactions, and University of California, Los Angeles Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Reaction Index measured youths' post-traumatic stress symptoms.

Results

Parental emotional reactions were positively related to post-traumatic stress reactions in offspring at wave 1: Est.=0.20, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.30, p<0.001, over time (wave 1and wave 2 nested within individuals): Est.=0.23, CI 0.13 to 0.32, p<0.001, and at wave 2: Est.=0.26, CI 0.12 to 0.39, p<0.001. Youths’ age was not significantly related to parental emotional reactions, neither at wave 1: Est.=0.19, CI −0.40 to 0.77, p=0.531, over time: Est.=0.26, CI −0.27 to 0.79, p=328, nor at wave 2: Est.=0.32, CI −0.41 to 1.05, p=0.389. Mothers were more emotionally upset than fathers both at wave 1: Est.=−5.66, CI −7.63 to −3.69, p<0.001, over time: Est.=−5.36, CI −7.18 to −3.55, p<0.001, and at wave 2: Est.=−5.33, CI −7.72 to −2.53, p<0.001.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that parenting after trauma should be addressed in outreach programmes and in planning of healthcare services.
Change in non-alcoholic beverage sales following a 10-pence levy on sugar-sweetened beverages within a national chain of restaurants in the UK: interrupted time series analysis of a natural experiment
Authors: Cornelsen Laura , Mytton Oliver T , Adams Jean , Gasparrini Antonio , Iskander Dalia , Knai Cecile , Petticrew Mark , Scott Courtney , Smith Richard , Thompson Claire , White Martin , Cummins Steven
Published: October 2017

Background

This study evaluates changes in sales of non-alcoholic beverages in Jamie’s Italian, a national chain of commercial restaurants in the UK, following the introduction of a £0.10 per-beverage levy on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and supporting activity including beverage menu redesign, new products and establishment of a children’s health fund from levy proceeds.

Methods

We used an interrupted time series design to quantify changes in sales of non-alcoholic beverages 12 weeks and 6 months after implementation of the levy, using itemised electronic point of sale data. Main outcomes were number of SSBs and other non-alcoholic beverages sold per customer. Linear regression and multilevel random effects models, adjusting for seasonality and clustering, were used to investigate changes in SSB sales across all restaurants (n=37) and by tertiles of baseline restaurant SSB sales per customer.

Results

Compared with the prelevy period, the number of SSBs sold per customer declined by 11.0% (−17.3% to −4.3%) at 12 weeks and 9.3% (−15.2% to −3.2%) at 6 months. For non-levied beverages, sales per customer of children’s fruit juice declined by 34.7% (−55.3% to −4.3%) at 12 weeks and 9.9% (−16.8% to −2.4%) at 6 months. At 6 months, sales per customer of fruit juice increased by 21.8% (14.0% to 30.2%) but sales of diet cola (−7.3%; −11.7% to −2.8%) and bottled waters (−6.5%; −11.0% to −1.7%) declined. Changes in sales were only observed in restaurants in the medium and high tertiles of baseline SSB sales per customer.

Conclusions

Introduction of a £0.10 levy on SSBs alongside complementary activities is associated with declines in SSB sales per customer in the short and medium term, particularly in restaurants with higher baseline sales of SSBs.
Device closure for patent foramen ovale following cryptogenic stroke: a survey of current practice in the UK
Authors: Von Klemperer Katherine , Kempny Aleksander , Pavitt Christopher William , Janssen John C , Uebing Anselm , Nicol Edward
Published: October 2017

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure for cryptogenic stroke remains controversial due to a lack of conclusive randomised controlled data. Many experts feel PFO closure is indicated in selected cases; however, national and international guideline recommendations differ. We surveyed the UK cardiologists, stroke physicians and neurologists, seeking to determine specialist interpretation of the evidence base, and to gain an insight into the current UK practice. The British Cardiac Society and British Society of Stroke physicians distributed our survey which was performed using an online platform. 120 physicians (70 stroke physicians, 23 neurologists, 27 cardiologists) completed the survey. Most (89%) felt PFO closure should be considered in selected patients. Atrial fibrillation (86.6%), significant carotid stenosis (86.6%), diabetes (38.4%) and hypertension (36.6%) were considered exclusion criteria for cryptogenic stroke diagnosis. More stroke physicians than cardiologists considered an age cut-off when considering PFO as the stroke aetiology (70.4%vs 54.5%p=0.04). Anatomical features felt to support PFO closure were aneurysmal septum (89.6%), shunt size (73.6%), prominent Eustachian valve (16%). 60% discuss patients in multidisciplinary meetings prior to PFO closure, with more cardiologists than stroke physicians/neurologists favouring this approach (76.9% vs 54.8%; p=0.05). After PFO closure, patients receive Clopidogrel (72.3%), aspirin (50%) or anticoagulants (17%). 63.2% continue therapy for a limited period after PFO closure, while 34% prefer life-long therapy (14.8% cardiologists vs 40.5% non-cardiologists; p=0.02). While experts support selective PFO closure in cryptogenic stroke, current practice remains variable with significant differences in perceptions of cardiologists and neurologists/stroke physicians.
Heart failure: a story of damage, fatigue and injury?
Authors: Banerjee Prithwish
Published: October 2017

Heart failure has been recognised for years but the complete picture has been difficult to clearly understand. This article aims to try and put forward a proposed mechanistic explanation to encompass all that we see within the clinical heart failure syndrome using supporting published evidence. The aim of the article is to link, using published evidence, all the known varieties of heart failure into a spectrum that is explained by simple interlinked processes. In addition, the concept of routinely looking for reversibility of left ventricular dysfunction is introduced.
Fatal necrotising bronchopneumonia in a cat due to cowpox virus infection in the absence of skin lesions
Authors: Smith Matthew A J , Sloan Katharine J
Published: October 2017

A two‐year six‐month‐old cat was presented with pyrexia, dyspnoea and tachypnoea. Thoracic radiographs revealed right cranial lung lobe consolidation. Haematology, serum biochemistry and coagulation profile results were within normal limits. No skin lesions or other abnormalities were observed. The cat was treated with broad‐spectrum antibiotics, analgesia and a bronchodilator. Despite medical management the cat continued to deteriorate and so a right cranial lung lobectomy was performed. Histopathology and lung tissue PCR revealed cowpox virus to be the underlying cause. The cat continued to deteriorate following surgery and was euthanased. A member of staff who had been heavily involved in treating the cat subsequently developed a skin lesion on their hand followed by systemic illness. Cowpox virus was strongly suspected, although this was never confirmed. The individual made a full recovery.
Inhibiting polo-like kinase 1 enhances radiosensitization via modulating DNA repair proteins in non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Yao Da , Gu Peigui , Wang Youyu , Luo Weibin , Chi Huiliang , Ge Jianjun , Qian Youhui
Published: October 2017

To assure faithful chromosome segregation, cells make use of the spindle assembly checkpoint, which can be activated in aneuploid cancer cells. In this study, the efficacies of inhibiting polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) on the radiosensitization of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells were studied. Clonogenic survival assay was performed to identify the effects of the PLK1 inhibitor on radiosensitivity within NSCLC cells. Mitotic catastrophe assessment was used to measure the cell death and histone H2AX protein (γH2AX) foci were utilized to assess the DNA double-strand breaks (DSB). The transcriptome was analyzed via unbiased profiling of microarray expression. The results showed that the postradiation mitotic catastrophe induction and the DSB repair were induced by PLK1 inhibitor BI-6727, leading to an increase in the radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells. BI-6727 in combination with radiation significantly induced the delayed tumor growth. PLK1-silenced NSCLC cells showed an altered mRNA and protein expression related to DNA damaging, replication, and repairing, including the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNAPK) and topoisomerase II alpha (TOPO2A). Furthermore, inhibition of PLK1 blocked 2 important DNA repair pathways. To summarize, our study showed PLK1 kinase as an option in the therapy of NSCLC.
The role of folic acid and selenium against oxidative damage from ethanol in early life programming: a review
Authors: Ojeda Luisa , Nogales Fátima , Murillo Luisa , Carreras Olimpia
Published: October 2017

There are disorders in children, covered by the umbrella term “fetal alcohol spectrum disorder” (FASD), that occur as result of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and lactation. They appear, at least in part, to be related to the oxidative stress generated by ethanol. Ethanol metabolism generates reactive oxygen species and depletes the antioxidant molecule glutathione (GSH), leading to oxidative stress and lipid and protein damage, which are related to growth retardation and neurotoxicity, thereby increasing the incidence of FASD. Furthermore, prenatal and postnatal exposure to ethanol in dams, as well as increasing oxidation in offspring, causes malnutrition of several micronutrients such as the antioxidant folic acid and selenium (Se), affecting their metabolism and bodily distribution. Although abstinence from alcohol is the only way to prevent FASD, it is possible to reduce its harmful effects with a maternal dietary antioxidant therapy. In this review, folic acid and Se have been chosen to be analyzed as antioxidant intervention systems related to FASD because, like ethanol, they act on the methionine metabolic cycle, being related to the endogenous antioxidants GSH and glutathione peroxidase. Moreover, several birth defects are related to poor folate and Se status.
Potential for mcl-PHA production from nonanoic and azelaic acids
Authors: Gillis James , Ko Kenton , Ramsay Juliana A. , Ramsay Bruce A.
Published: October 2017

Greater than 65% of canola and high-oleic soy oil fatty acids is oleic acid, which is readily converted to nonanoic (NA) and azelaic (AzA) acids by ozonolysis. NA is an excellent substrate for medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoate (mcl-PHA) production but AzA has few uses. Pseudomonas citronellolis DSM 50332 and Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 17400, both able to produce mcl-PHA from fatty acids and to grow on AzA as the sole source of carbon and energy, were assessed for the accumulation of mcl-PHA from AzA and NA. In N-limited shake flasks using NA, P. citronellolis produced 32% of its dry biomass as mcl-PHA containing 78% 3-hydroxynonanoate with 22% 3-hydroxyheptanoate. Pseudomonas fluorescens produced only 2% PHA. N-limited P. citronellolis on AzA produced 20% dry weight PHA containing 75% 3-hydroxydecanoate and 25% 3-hydroxyoctanoate, indicative of de novo synthesis. Although selective pressure, including β-oxidation inhibition, under well-controlled (chemostat) conditions was applied to P. citronellolis, no side-chain carboxyl groups were detected. It was concluded that one or more of FabG and PhaJ or the PHA synthase cannot catalyze reactions involving ω-carboxy substrates. However, a process based on oleic acid could be established if Pseudomonas putida was engineered to grow on AzA.
DFT study on thermo-elastic properties of Ru2FeZ (Z = Si, Ge, Sn) Heusler alloys
Authors: Iftikhar Aneeza , Ahmad Afaq , Ahmad Iftikhar , Rizwan Muhammad
Published: October 2017

We studied the thermo-elastic properties of Ru2FeZ (Z[Formula: see text]=[Formula: see text]Si, Ge, Sn) Heusler alloys within the framework of density functional theory. Thermo-elastic properties corresponding to elastic modulus, anisotropy, phase stability, elastic wave velocities, thermal stability, Debye temperature, melting temperature, thermal conductivity and formation energy are calculated. The elastic constants C[Formula: see text] predict the structural and dynamical stabilities while the formation energies show thermal stability of the alloys at 0 K. Pugh’s and Poisson’s ratios display the ductile nature of alloys. All alloys are anisotropic and we also observed that Ru2FeSn is the hardest material than Ru2FeSi and Ru2FeGe. Moreover, longitudinal mode of vibrations are also observed and are maximum along [100], [110] and [111] directions than the transverse mode of vibrations.
FPGA Implementation of Wavelet Neural Network Training with PSO/iPSO
Authors: Sahin Suhap , Cavuslu Mehmet Ali
Published: October 2017

In this study, field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based hardware implementation of the wavelet neural network (WNN) training using particle swarm optimization (PSO) and improved particle swarm optimization (iPSO) algorithms are presented. The WNN architecture and wavelet activation function approach that is proper for the hardware implementation are suggested in the study. Using the suggested architecture and training algorithms, test operations are implemented on two different dynamic system recognition problems. From the test results obtained, it is observed that WNN architecture generalizes well and the activation function suggested has approximately the same success rate with the wavelet function defined in the literature. In the FPGA-based implementation, IEEE 754 floating-point number format is used. Experimental tests are done on Xilinx Artix 7 xc7a100t-1csg324 using ISE Webpack 14.7 program.
Reproduction of exact solutions of Lipkin model by nonlinear higher random-phase approximation
Authors: Terasaki J. , Smetana A. , Šimkovic F. , Krivoruchenko M. I.
Published: October 2017

It is shown that the random-phase approximation (RPA) method with its nonlinear higher generalization, which was previously considered as approximation except for a very limited case, reproduces the exact solutions of the Lipkin model. The nonlinear higher RPA is based on an equation nonlinear on eigenvectors and includes many particle-many hole components in the creation operator of the excited states. We demonstrate the exact character of solutions analytically for the particle number [Formula: see text] and, numerically, for [Formula: see text]. This finding indicates that the nonlinear higher RPA is equivalent to the exact Schrödinger equation, which opens up new possibilities for realistic calculations in many-body problems.
Study of 26Mg through 1p pick-up reaction 27Al(d,3He)
Authors: Srivastava Vishal , Bhattacharya C. , Rana T. K. , Manna S. , Kundu S. , Bhattacharya S. , Banerjee K. , Roy P. , Pandey R. , Mukherjee G. , Ghosh T. K. , Meena J. K. , Roy T. , Chaudhuri A. , Sinha M. , Saha A. K. , Asgar Md. A. , Dey A. , Roy Subinit , Shaikh Md. M.
Published: October 2017

The reaction [Formula: see text]Al([Formula: see text],3He) at 25 MeV beam energy has been utilized to study the states in even–even nucleus [Formula: see text]Mg. The spectroscopic factors have been extracted for the states of [Formula: see text]Mg up to 7.50[Formula: see text]MeV excitation energy using local, zero-range distorted wave Born approximation. The extracted spectroscopic factors have been compared with the previously reported values. The present results were also compared with the predictions from a theoretical shell model and rotational model.
Statistics of Fluctuations of Magnetic Monopole Concentration in Spin Ice
Authors: Klyuev Alexey V. , Ryzhkin Mikhail I. , Yakimov Arkady V.
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we theoretically investigate the fluctuations in the number of emergent magnetic monopoles in spin ice. The Langevin equation for these fluctuations is deduced. This allows us to calculate the spectrum of relative fluctuations, which can be measured experimentally.
UNDERSTANDING THE VISCOELASTIC PROPERTIES OF RABBIT CORNEA BASED ON STRESS RELAXATION TESTS AND CYCLIC UNIAXIAL TESTS
Authors: ZHANG HAIXIA , QIAN XIUQING , LI LIN , LIU ZHICHENG
Published: October 2017

Background: Determining the viscoelastic properties of cornea is important in the fields of understanding of the tissue’s response to mechanical actions and the accurate numerical simulation of corneal biomechanical behavior under the effects of keratoconus and refractive surgery. To address this need, we present an approach to model the viscoelastic response of rabbit cornea from uniaxial test data. Methods: The corneal strip samples from six rabbits were obtained to perform cyclic uniaxial tension tests and stress relaxation tests. We investigated the suitability of six constitutive models, including empirical models and hyperelastic models, by a quasi-linear viscoelastic law. Applying non-linear optimization techniques, we found material parameters for each different strip sample. Results and conclusions: The model gave a better fit to loading data with [Formula: see text], and predicted the unloading data in the cyclic uniaxial tests with errors-of-fit ranging from 0.03 to 0.06. The results indicate that the best model is the power of the first invariant of strain with Prony form relaxation model, and that the method to identify the material parameters are valid for modeling the visoelastic response of cornea from uniaxial test data.
Remarks on Entanglement and Identical Particles
Authors: Benatti F. , Floreanini R. , Franchini F. , Marzolino U.
Published: October 2017

We argue that in the case of identical particles the most natural identification of separability, that is of absence of non-classical correlations, is via the factorization of mean values of commuting observables. It thus follows that separability and entanglement depend both on the state and on the choice of observables and are not absolute notions. We compare this point of view with a recent novel approach to the entanglement of identical particles, which allows for the definition of an entanglement entropy from a suitably defined reduced particle density matrix, without the need of labelling the system constituents. We contrast this figure of merit with the aforementioned lack of an absolute notion of entanglement by considering few paradigmatic examples.
The isomorphism conjecture for solvable groups in Waldhausen’s A-theory
Authors: Farrell F. Thomas , Wu Xiaolei
Published: October 2017

We prove the A-theoretic Isomorphism Conjecture with coefficients and finite wreath products for solvable groups.
Dimensional t-factor variation and increase of stability of the ferroelectric state in (Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3-based solid solutions
Authors: Ishchuk V. M. , Kuzenko D. V. , Sobolev V. L.
Published: October 2017

The influence of the [Formula: see text]-site ion substitutions in ([Formula: see text](Bi[Formula: see text]Na[Formula: see text]TiO3–[Formula: see text]BaTiO3system of solid solutions on the relative stability of the antiferroelectric (AFE) and ferroelectric (FE) phases has been studied. The ions of zirconium, tin, and (In[Formula: see text]Nb[Formula: see text], (Fe[Formula: see text]Nb[Formula: see text], (Al[Formula: see text]V[Formula: see text] ion complexes have been used as substituting elements. An increase in the concentration of the substituting ion results in a near linear variation in the size of the crystal lattice cell. Along with the cell size variation, a change in the relative stability of the AFE and FE phases takes place according to the changes of the tolerance factor of the solid solution. An increase in the tolerance factor leads to the increase in the temperature of the FE–AFE phase transition, and vice versa. Obtained results indicate the way for raising the temperature of the FE–AFE phase transition in (Bi[Formula: see text]Na[Formula: see text]TiO3-based solid solutions.
Cucurbitaceae Seed Protein Hydrolysates as a Potential Source of Bioactive Peptides with Functional Properties
Authors: Ozuna César , León-Galván Ma. Fabiola
Published: October 2017

Seeds from Cucurbitaceae plants (squashes, pumpkins, melons, etc.) have been used both as protein-rich food ingredients and nutraceutical agents by many indigenous cultures for millennia. However, relatively little is known about the bioactive components (e.g., peptides) of the Cucurbitaceae seed proteins (CSP) and their specific effects on human health. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of latest research on bioactive and functional properties of CSP isolates and hydrolysates. Enzymatic hydrolysis can introduce a series of changes to the CSP structure and improve its bioactive and functional properties, including the enhanced protein solubility over a wide range of pH values. Small-sized peptides in CSP hydrolysates seem to enhance their bioactive properties but adversely affect their functional properties. Therefore, medium degrees of hydrolysis seem to benefit the overall improvement of bioactive and functional properties of CSP hydrolysates. Among the reported bioactive properties of CSP isolates and hydrolysates, their antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antihyperglycaemic activities stand out. Therefore, they could potentially substitute synthetic antioxidants and drugs which might have adverse secondary effects on human health. CSP isolates and hydrolysates could also be implemented as functional food ingredients, thanks to their favorable amino acid composition and good emulsifying and foaming properties.
An Improved Memristive Diode Bridge‐Based Band Pass Filter Chaotic Circuit
Authors: Xu Quan , Zhang Qinling , Wang Ning , Wu Huagan , Bao Bocheng
Published: October 2017

By replacing a series resistor in active band pass filter (BPF) with an improved memristive diode bridge emulator, a third‐order memristive BPF chaotic circuit is presented. The improved memristive diode bridge emulator without grounded limitation is equivalently achieved by a diode bridge cascaded with only one inductor, whose fingerprints of pinched hysteresis loop are examined by numerical simulations and hardware experiments. The memristive BPF chaotic circuit has only one zero unstable saddle point but causes complex dynamical behaviors including period, chaos, period doubling bifurcation, and coexisting bifurcation modes. Specially, it should be highly significant that two kinds of bifurcation routes are displayed under different initial conditions and the coexistence of three different topological attractors is found in a narrow parameter range. Moreover, hardware circuit using discrete components is fabricated and experimental measurements are performed, upon which the numerical simulations are validated. Notably, the proposed memristive BPF chaotic circuit is only third‐order and has simple topological structure.
FGF2 Attenuates Neural Cell Death via Suppressing Autophagy after Rat Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Tang Chonghui , Shan Yudong , Hu Yilan , Fang Zhanjian , Tong Yun , Chen Mengdan , Wei Xiaojie , Fu Xiaojun , Xu Xinlong
Published: October 2017

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to physical and cognitive deficits, which are caused by the secondary injury process. Effective pharmacotherapies for TBI patients are still lacking. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) is an important neurotrophic factor that can stimulate neurogenesis and angiogenesis and has been shown to have neuroprotective effects after brain insults. Previous studies indicated that FGF2’s neuroprotective effects might be related to its function of regulating autophagy. The present study investigated FGF2’s beneficial effects in the early stage of rat mild TBI and the underlying mechanisms. One hundred and forty-four rats were used for creating controlled cortical impact (CCI) models to simulate the pathological damage after TBI. Our results indicated that pretreatment of FGF2 played a neuroprotective role in the early stage of rat mild TBI through alleviating brain edema, reducing neurological deficits, preventing tissue loss, and increasing the number of surviving neurons in injured cortex and the ipsilateral hippocampus. FGF2 could also protect cells from various forms of death such as apoptosis or necrosis through inhibition of autophagy. Finally, autophagy activator rapamycin could abolish the protective effects of FGF2. This study extended our understanding of FGF2’s neuroprotective effects and shed lights on the pharmacological therapy after TBI.
The Immunomodulatory Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Polarization within the Tumor Microenvironment Niche
Authors: Rivera-Cruz Cosette M. , Shearer Joseph J. , Figueiredo Neto Manoel , Figueiredo Marxa L.
Published: October 2017

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising tool for cell therapy, particularly for their antitumor effects. This cell population can be isolated from multiple tissue sources and also display an innate ability to home to areas of inflammation, such as tumors. Upon entry into the tumor microenvironment niche, MSCs promote or inhibit tumor progression by various mechanisms, largely through the release of soluble factors. These factors can be immunomodulatory by activating or inhibiting both the adaptive and innate immune responses. The mechanisms by which MSCs modulate the immune response are not well understood. Because of this, the relationship between MSCs and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment niche continues to be an active area of research in order to help explain the apparent contradictory findings currently available in the literature. The ongoing research aims to enhance the potential of MSCs in future therapeutic applications.