bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical Resection of an Optic Nerve Sheath Meningioma: Relevance of Endoscopic Endonasal Approaches to the Optic Canal
Authors: Hunt Patrick , DeMonte Franco , Tang Rosa , Su Shirley , Raza Shaan
Published: April 2017

Optic nerve sheath meningiomas (ONSMs) account for less than 2% of meningiomas and 1.7% of orbital tumors. Although rare, the management of these tumors is important as unilateral blindness often results in untreated cases. Radiotherapy has emerged as the preferred treatment. However, therapies for ONSMs are controversial due to the variable natural history of the disease and limitations of surgical and radiotherapy options. A 60-year-old woman presented with monocular left diminished color perception and blurred vision. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a homogenously enhancing 5-mm left optic nerve mass with evidence of nerve compression. Conservative management was advised. However, 1 month after diagnosis her visual acuity deteriorated further. Because of the small focal location of the tumor within the optic canal, surgery was considered. Given the tumor's location inferomedial to the optic nerve, an endoscopic endonasal approach to the optic canal was performed. This patient recovered fully with resolution of visual symptoms immediately following surgery. Postoperative imaging 24 hours after surgery demonstrated gross total resection of the tumor; 1 year postoperatively the patient has a normal ophthalmologic examination. This report highlights the value of endoscopic endonasal approaches in the management of select optic canal pathology, otherwise inaccessible via transcranial approaches.
The New Entity of Paranodopathies: A Target Structure with Therapeutic Consequences
Authors: Doppler Kathrin , Sommer Claudia
Published: April 2017

Autoimmune neuropathies with autoantibodies against paranodal proteins have been described in the last few years. They comprise a subgroup of inflammatory neuropathies with IgG4 autoantibodies against the paranodal proteins neurofascin-155, contactin-1 and caspr-1. Although this subtype of autoimmune neuropathy represents less than 10% of all patients diagnosed with CIDP, it is of high interest as they show a different response to treatment. Even though there are no therapeutic studies available due to the limited number of patients identified so far, all case reports published so far report an excellent response to treatment with rituximab, and in most cases no response to treatment with IVIG, the standard therapy of CIDP. The typical clinical picture of patients with autoantibodies against paranodal proteins is characterized by an acute onset of a severe predominantly motor neuropathy, often accompanied by action tremor and sensory ataxia, with demyelinating features in the nerve conduction studies but an axonal histological phenotype. The latter may be explained by the pathogenetic concept of a paranodopathy/nodopathy, a disease of the paranode/node of Ranvier.
Fenugreek, A Potent Hypoglycaemic Herb Can Cause Central Hypothyroidism Via Leptin – A Threat To Diabetes Phytotherapy
Authors: Majumdar Jayjeet , Chakraborty Pratip , Mitra Analava , Sarkar Nirmal , Sarkar Supriti
Published: April 2017

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum), a medicinal herb with potent antihyperglycaemic and hypoglycaemic effects, is used to treat diabetes. This study is aimed to explore the interaction of fenugreek seed extract (FSE) and HPT (hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid) axis in context of leptin secretion which have important role in normal and type-1 diabetic subjects.

FSE (confirmed to contain trigonelline, diosgenin, 4 hydroxyisoleucine) was gavaged (0.25 gm/kg body weight/day) to normal and alloxan-induced type-1 diabetic rats for 4 weeks. Expression of hypothalamic prepro-TRH (Thyrotropin releasing hormone) mRNA, serum levels of TRH, TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone), fT3, fT4, insulin, leptin, glucose; thyroperoxidase activity and growth of thyroid gland, food intake, adiposity index were also studied

FSE significantly down regulated prepro-TRH mRNA expression; decreased serum TRH, TSH, fT3, fT4 levels, and regressed thyroid gland in FSE-fed normal and diabetic rats than those observed in normal diet-fed control and diabetic rats. FSE decreased (p<0.005–0.001) adiposity index and leptin secretion, increased food intake and body weight in all FSE-fed rats.

FSE improved insulin secretion, decreased glucose level but impaired HPT axis in diabetic rats, indicating insulin-independent central hypothyroidism. Results suggested that the dominant signal to hypothalamus suppressing HPT axis is the fall in leptin level which i resulted from decreased adiposity index following FSE feeding. Fenugreek simultaneously having hypoglycaemic and hypothyroidal actions raises questions whether it can be safely used to treat diabetes and/or hyperthyroidism as was suggested by many workers.
The Effects of Calcium, Vitamins D and K co-Supplementation on Markers of Insulin Metabolism and Lipid Profiles in Vitamin D-Deficient Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Karamali Maryam , Ashrafi Mahnaz , Razavi Maryamalsadat , Jamilian Mehri , Akbari Maryam , Asemi Zatollah
Published: April 2017

Data on the effects of calcium, vitamins D and K co-supplementation on markers of insulin metabolism and lipid profiles among vitamin D-deficient women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are scarce.

This study was done to determine the effects of calcium, vitamins D and K co-supplementation on markers of insulin metabolism and lipid profiles in vitamin D-deficient women with PCOS.

This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 55 vitamin D-deficient women diagnosed with PCOS aged 18–40 years old. Subjects were randomly assigned into 2 groups to intake either 500 mg calcium, 200 IU vitamin D and 90 µg vitamin K supplements (n=28) or placebo (n=27) twice a day for 8 weeks.

After the 8-week intervention, compared with the placebo, joint calcium, vitamins D and K supplementation resulted in significant decreases in serum insulin concentrations (−1.9±3.5 vs. +1.8±6.6 µIU/mL, P=0.01), homeostasis model of assessment-estimated insulin resistance (−0.4±0.7 vs. +0.4±1.4, P=0.01), homeostasis model of assessment-estimated b cell function (−7.9±14.7 vs. +7.0±30.3, P=0.02) and a significant increase in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0.01±0.01 vs. −0.008±0.03, P=0.01). In addition, significant decreases in serum triglycerides (−23.4±71.3 vs. +9.9±39.5 mg/dL, P=0.03) and VLDL-cholesterol levels (−4.7±14.3 vs. +2.0±7.9 mg/dL, P=0.03) was observed following supplementation with combined calcium, vitamins D and K compared with the placebo.

Overall, calcium, vitamins D and K co-supplementation for 8 weeks among vitamin D-deficient women with PCOS had beneficial effects on markers of insulin metabolism, serum triglycerides and VLDL-cholesterol levels.
Enhanced Inflammation without Impairment of Insulin Signaling in the Visceral Adipose Tissue of 5α-Dihydrotestosterone-Induced Animal Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Milutinović Danijela , Nikolić Marina , Veličković Nataša , Djordjevic Ana , Bursać Biljana , Nestorov Jelena , Teofilović Ana , Antić Ivana , Macut Jelica , Zidane Abdulbaset , Matić Gordana , Macut Djuro
Published: April 2017

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a heterogeneous endocrine and metabolic disorder associated with abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Since abdominal obesity is characterized by low-grade inflammation, the aim of the study was to investigate whether visceral adipose tissue inflammation linked to abdominal obesity and dyslipidemia could lead to impaired insulin sensitivity in the animal model of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Female Wistar rats were treated with nonaromatizable 5α-dihydrotestosterone pellets in order to induce reproductive and metabolic characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome. Glucose, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids and insulin were determined in blood plasma. Visceral adipose tissue inflammation was evaluated by the nuclear factor kappa B intracellular distribution, macrophage migration inhibitory factor protein level, as well as TNFα, IL6 and IL1β mRNA levels. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and homeostasis model assessment index, and through analysis of insulin signaling pathway in the visceral adipose tissue.

Dihydrotestosterone treatment led to increased body weight, abdominal obesity and elevated triglycerides and non-esterified fatty acids, which were accompanied by the activation of nuclear factor kappa B and increase in macrophage migration inhibitory factor, IL6 and IL1β levels in the visceral adipose tissue. In parallel, insulin sensitivity was affected in 5α-dihydrotestosterone-treated animals only at the systemic and not at the level of visceral adipose tissue.

The results showed that abdominal obesity and dyslipidemia in the animal model of polycystic ovary syndrome were accompanied with low-grade inflammation in the visceral adipose tissue. However, these metabolic disturbances did not result in decreased tissue insulin sensitivity.
Peripheral Immunological Cells in Pregnant Women and their Change during Diabetes
Authors: Friebe-Hoffmann Ulrike , Antony Linda , Kruessel Jan-Steffen , Pawlowski Brigitte , Hoffmann Thomas
Published: April 2017

During the last decades the incidence of diabetes has dramatically increased as well as the number of pregnant diabetic women. There is still missing data regarding patterns and shifts of immune cell populations due to pregnancy with or without diabetes. The study aimed to investigate the impact of pregnancy, type 1 diabetes (T1D) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on different immune cells in female. The number and proportion of CD3-, CD4-, CD8- and γδ T-cells as well as B-, NK-, NKT- and dendritic cells (DC) incl. rate of apoptosis was analyzed in peripheral blood samples from 24 non-pregnant women, 24 pregnant controls, 25 non-pregnant T1D, 18 women with GDM and 15 pregnant T1D (PT1D) women. Compared to healthy controls, healthy pregnant women had reduced numbers of lymphoid DC and γδ T-cells, while women with gestational diabetes presented with increased numbers of γδ T-cells. Pregnant women with T1D showed increased NKT cells and a decrease of NK cells compared to healthy pregnant or non-pregnant T1D women. Apoptosis of γδ T-cells in healthy pregnant women was found to be decreased in comparison to their non-pregnant controls while apoptosis of myeloid and lymphoid DC was increased in pregnant T1D in comparison to non-pregnant T1D. Those results may indicate that increased complication rates during diabetic pregnancies might be due to an impaired adaptation of the immune system.
Water/ice phase transition: The role of zirconium acetate, a compound with ice-shaping properties
Authors: Marcellini Moreno , Fernandes Francisco M. , Dedovets Dmytro , Deville Sylvain
Published: April 2017

Few compounds feature ice-shaping properties. Zirconium acetate is one of the very few inorganic compounds reported so far to have ice-shaping properties similar to that of ice-shaping proteins, encountered in many organisms living at low temperature. When a zirconium acetate solution is frozen, oriented and perfectly hexagonal ice crystals can be formed and their growth follows the temperature gradient. To shed light on the water/ice phase transition while freezing zirconium acetate solution, we carried out differential scanning calorimetry measurements. From our results, we estimate how many water molecules do not freeze because of their interaction with Zr cations. We estimate the colligative properties of the Zr acetate on the apparent critical temperature. We further show that the phase transition is unaffected by the nature of the base which is used to adjust the pH. Our results provide thus new hints on the ice-shaping mechanism of zirconium acetate.
Ordering of anisotropic nanoparticles in diblock copolymer lamellae: Simulations with dissipative particle dynamics and a molecular theory
Authors: Berezkin Anatoly V. , Kudryavtsev Yaroslav V. , Gorkunov Maxim V. , Osipov Mikhail A.
Published: April 2017

Local distribution and orientation of anisotropic nanoparticles in microphase-separated symmetric diblock copolymers has been simulated using dissipative particle dynamics and analyzed with a molecular theory. It has been demonstrated that nanoparticles are characterized by a non-trivial orientational ordering in the lamellar phase due to their anisotropic interactions with isotropic monomer units. In the simulations, the maximum concentration and degree of ordering are attained for non-selective nanorods near the domain boundary. In this case, the nanorods have a certain tendency to align parallel to the interface in the boundary region and perpendicular to it inside the domains. Similar orientation ordering of nanoparticles located at the lamellar interface is predicted by the molecular theory which takes into account that the nanoparticles interact with monomer units via both isotropic and anisotropic potentials. Computer simulations enable one to study the effects of the nanorod concentration, length, stiffness, and selectivity of their interactions with the copolymer components on the phase stability and orientational order of nanoparticles. If the volume fraction of the nanorods is lower than 0.1, they have no effect on the copolymer transition from the disordered state into a lamellar microstructure. Increasing nanorod concentration or nanorod length results in clustering of the nanorods and eventually leads to a macrophase separation, whereas the copolymer preserves its lamellar morphology. Segregated nanorods of length close to the width of the diblock copolymer domains are stacked side by side into smectic layers that fill the domain space. Thus, spontaneous organization and orientation of nanorods leads to a spatial modulation of anisotropic composite properties which may be important for various applications.
Bloch oscillations in organic and inorganic polymers
Authors: Ribeiro Luiz Antonio , Ferreira da Cunha Wiliam , de Almeida Fonseca Antonio Luciano , e Silva Geraldo Magela
Published: April 2017

The transport of polarons above the mobility threshold in organic and inorganic polymers is theoretically investigated in the framework of a one-dimensional tight-binding model that includes lattice relaxation. The computational approach is based on parameters for which the model Hamiltonian suitably describes different polymer lattices in the presence of external electric fields. Our findings show that, above critical field strengths, a dissociated polaron moves through the polymer lattice as a free electron performing Bloch oscillations. These critical electric fields are considerably smaller for inorganic lattices in comparison to organic polymers. Interestingly, for inorganic lattices, the free electron propagates preserving charge and spin densities’ localization which is a characteristic of a static polaron. Moreover, in the turning points of the spatial Bloch oscillations, transient polaron levels are formed inside the band gap, thus generating a fully characterized polaron structure. For the organic case, on the other hand, no polaron signature is observed: neither in the shape of the distortion—those polaron profile signatures are absent—nor in the energy levels—as no such polaron levels are formed during the simulation. These results solve controversial aspects concerning Bloch oscillations recently reported in the literature and may enlighten the understanding about the charge transport mechanism in polymers above their mobility edge.
Coupled-plasmon induced optical nonlinearities in anisotropic arrays of gold nanorod clusters supported in a polymeric film
Authors: Maldonado Melissa , Baltar H. T. M. C. M. , Gomes Anderson S. L. , Vaia R. , Park K. , Che J. , Hsiao M. , de Araújo Cid B. , Baev A. , Prasad P. N.
Published: April 2017

Exploiting a giant plasmonic field enhancement in an anisotropic array of gold nanorod clusters in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, we have experimentally studied its nonlinear absorptive and refractive response. Gold nanorod cluster-PVA nanocomposites were prepared, and the uniaxial alignment was obtained by mechanically stretching the films. Using the Z-scan method and excitation with 100 fs pulses at 800 nm, intensities up to 70 GW/cm2 at 20 Hz, saturation of both nonlinear absorption and nonlinear refraction were observed. The results are discussed in light of a plasmonic effect arising from the gold nanorod clusters aligned in the stretched polymeric matrix. A polarization dependent sign reversal of the nonlinear refraction was observed, which can find applications in nanoscale photonic devices. The results are supported by finite element analysis of local electric field distribution in the arrays of gold nanorod clusters.
Exploring the geostrophic regime of rapidly rotating convection with experiments
Authors: Rajaei Hadi , Kunnen Rudie P. J. , Clercx Herman J. H.
Published: April 2017

Rapidly rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection is studied using time-resolved particle image velocimetry and three-dimensional particle tracking velocimetry. Approaching the geostrophic regime of rotating convection, where the flow is highly turbulent and at the same time dominated by the Coriolis force, typically requires dedicated setups with either extreme dimensions or troublesome working fluids (e.g., cryogenic helium). In this study, we explore the possibilities of entering the geostrophic regime of rotating convection with classical experimental tools: a table-top conventional convection cell with a height of 0.2 m and water as the working fluid. In order to examine our experimental measurements, we compare the spatial vorticity autocorrelations with the statistics from simulations of geostrophic convection reported earlier in [D. Nieves et al., “Statistical classification of flow morphology in rapidly rotating Rayleigh-Bénard convection,” Phys. Fluids 26, 086602 (2014)]. Our findings show that we have indeed access to the geostrophic convection regime and can observe the signatures of the typical flow features reported in the aforementioned simulations.
On the validity of MIS-CELIV for mobility determination in organic thin-film devices
Authors: Sandberg Oskar J. , Nyman Mathias , Dahlström Staffan , Sandén Simon , Törngren Björn , Smått Jan-Henrik , Österbacka Ronald
Published: April 2017

The charge extraction (of injected carriers) by linearly increasing voltage in metal-insulator-semiconductor structures, or MIS-CELIV, is based on the theory of space-charge-limited currents. In this work, the validity of MIS-CELIV for mobility determination in organic thin-film devices has been critically examined and clarified by means of drift-diffusion simulations. It is found that depending on the applied transient voltage, the mobility might be overestimated by several orders of magnitude in the case of an ohmic injecting contact. The shortcomings of the MIS-CELIV theory can be traced back to the underlying assumption of a drift-dominated transport. However, the effect of diffusion can be taken into account by introducing a correction factor. In the case of non-ohmic injecting contacts, the extracted mobility becomes strongly dependent on device parameters, possibly leading to large deviations from the actual mobility.
Impurity detection in a chain of spherical particles using time reversal and highly nonlinear solitary waves
Authors: Li Kaiyuan , Rizzo Piervincenzo
Published: April 2017

We present a numerical study on the application of time reversal principles to highly nonlinear solitary waves (HNSWs) propagating along a one-dimensional granular crystal. HNSWs are compact non-dispersive waves that have been recently investigated in many fields of engineering including lensing, impact absorption, and nondestructive evaluation. Time reversal is instead a method to reconstruct a wave at the location where the wave was originated by reversing the same wave scattered at any other point. The overall principle applied in the present research is that a solitary pulse can be induced by a piezo-actuator inserted in the chain; the pulse travels forward and is captured by a second piezo-actuator, acting as a sensor; here, the signal is reversed in the time domain and then reapplied by the second piezo-actuator; the reversed signal travels backward through the chain, is sensed by the first piezo-actuator, and is collected as a reconstructed signal of the original one. In this study, we hypothesize and verify numerically that the original and reconstructed pulses are identical if the chain is uniform, whereas the reversibility is broken if an impurity is introduced.
Electric controlled spin and valley transport of massive electrons in graphene with spin-orbit coupling
Authors: Ye P. , Yuan R. Y. , Zhao X. , Guo Y.
Published: April 2017

In this work, we have explored the influence of an external electric field on the spin and valley transport of massive electrons in a graphene system with spin-orbit coupling. Both the strength and width of the spin- and valley-polarization are greatly dependent on the external electric field. As the external electric field increases, the spin/valley polarization can be enhanced, even up to 100%. In addition, the presence of a gap resulting from the interplay of massive electrons and spin-orbit coupling can occur in the direction of the spin polarization being changed. Without the gap, spin-down electrons can be filtered at the low-energy Fermi level. However, with the gap, the effect is just the opposite; spin-up electrons are filtered. These findings may open an avenue for the electric control of valley and spin transport in graphene-based electronic devices.
On the distribution of oxide defect levels in Al2O3 and HfO2 high-k dielectrics deposited on InGaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor devices studied by capacitance-voltage hysteresis
Authors: Vais Abhitosh , Franco Jacopo , Lin Dennis , Putcha Vamsi , Sioncke Sonja , Mocuta Anda , Collaert Nadine , Thean Aaron , De Meyer Kristin
Published: April 2017

In this work, we study oxide defects in various III-V/high-k metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) stacks. We show that the choice of a given starting measurement voltage with respect to the MOS flat-band voltage affects the observed capacitance-voltage hysteresis. We discuss how this behavior can be used to study the distribution of oxide defect levels. With the help of comprehensive experimental data, we show that Al2O3 and HfO2 have different hysteresis characteristics related to different oxide defect distributions. In case of an Al2O3/HfO2 bilayer stack with Al2O3 on the channel side (interfacial layer, IL), as the IL thickness reduces from 3 nm to 0 nm, the hysteresis behavior switches from the typical Al2O3 behavior to the one corresponding to HfO2. We link the characteristic behavior of two dielectrics to the defect level distributions inside their respective band-gaps through a simple energy-driven charging model. Based on the experimental data and simulation results, we show that Al2O3, despite having a lower peak defect density as compared to HfO2, shows a very wide, almost continuous distribution of defect levels across and around the InGaAs channel energy band gap. These results explain the often reported poor reliability of III-V devices with Al2O3-based gate stacks.
Effects of grain level on lamb performance, ruminal metabolism and leptin mRNA expression in perirenal adipose tissue
Authors: Hernández Pedro A. , Mendoza Germán D. , Castro A. , Lara A. , Plata F. X. , Martínez J. A. , Ferraro S.
Published: April 2017

The effects of four different grain composition diets of finishing lambs on lamb performance, dry matter (DM) digestibility, rumen fermentation and leptin mRNA expression were evaluated. Thirty-two Pelibuey lambs (25.35 ± 4.73 kg bodyweight) were used in a completely randomised experiment in which lambs were fed diets that contained 30%, 45%, 60% or 75% grain (DM basis). The results indicated that increasing the grain level improved the average daily weight gain, hot carcass weight, DM digestibility and feed conversion linearly (P < 0.01); however, feed intake was not affected. Ruminal pH decreased linearly as the grain content was increased (P < 0.01). Ruminal propionate concentration increased and acetate concentration declined with increased grain content (P < 0.01). Leptin mRNA expression in perirenal adipose tissue increased linearly (P < 0.05) as grain content increased. Based on these results, we conclude that increasing grain level in the diets of finishing feedlot lambs improved weight gain and feed efficiency; however, because weight gain and feed efficiency were similar at the higher grain levels, our data suggest including 60% grain in lamb finishing rations.
Are primary healthcare services culturally appropriate for Aboriginal people? Findings from a remote community
Authors: Smith Kaye , Fatima Yaqoot , Knight Sabina
Published: April 2017

This study explored the views of key stakeholders on cultural appropriateness of primary health care (PHC) services for Aboriginal people. A total of 78 participants, including healthcare providers, administrative team members (n=24, ~30% of study sample) and Aboriginal community members (n=54, ∼70% of study sample) living in remote North West Queensland participated in the study. Outcome measures were assessed by administering survey questionnaires comprising qualitative questions and various subscales (e.g. provider behaviours and attitudes, communication, physical environment and facilities, and support from administrative staff). Descriptive statistics were used to present quantitative findings, whereas inductive thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. In contrast to the views of PHC providers, a significant number of Aboriginal people did not perceive that they were receiving culturally appropriate services. Although PHC providers acknowledged cultural awareness training for familiarising themselves with Aboriginal culture, they found the training to be general, superficial and lacking prospective evaluation. PHC providers should understand that culturally inappropriate clinical encounters generate mistrust and dissatisfaction. Therefore, a broad approach involving culturally respectful association between PHC providers, Aboriginal consumers and administrative staff is required to bring sustainable changes at the practice level to improve the health of Aboriginal people.
Development of known-fate survival monitoring techniques for juvenile wild pigs (Sus scrofa)
Authors: Keiter David A. , Kilgo John C. , Vukovich Mark A. , Cunningham Fred L. , Beasley James C.
Published: April 2017

Context Wild pigs are an invasive species linked to numerous negative impacts on natural and anthropogenic ecosystems in many regions of the world. Robust estimates of juvenile wild pig survival are needed to improve population dynamics models to facilitate management of this economically and ecologically important invasive species. Despite this critical knowledge gap, to date no successful known-fate study of wild piglet survival (<5 months of age) has been conducted, due to a lack of appropriate method for this species. Aims To aid in locating and tagging neonates, we piloted the use of vaginal implant transmitters (VITs) in adult wild pigs and evaluated average retention times of stud ear-tag transmitters, clip ear-tag transmitters, sutured and epoxied transmitters, harness transmitters, and surgically implanted transmitters to monitor known-fate survival of piglets. Methods We captured pregnant female pigs and implanted them with VITs. We tagged subsequently located neonates and piglets captured in traps with the aforementioned transmitters and monitored them to determine retention times and feasibility of each method. Key results VITs were effectively used to determine the location and time of wild pig parturition, allowing counting and tagging of neonate wild pigs. Stud ear-tag and abdominal implant transmitters were well retained by piglets weighing ≥3kg, in contrast to the other tested transmitters. Conclusions Stud ear-tag and abdominal implant transmitters allowed known-fate monitoring of juvenile wild pigs, although, of these, stud ear-tag transmitters may be more practical as they do not require field surgery on piglets. Due to their relatively large size, the stud ear tag transmitters were infeasible for monitoring of true neonates (~1kg); however, this application method may be suitable for neonates upon development of lighter-weight transmitters. The other transmitter attachment methods we tested were ineffective for monitoring of piglet survival, due to poor retention of transmitters. Implications The techniques piloted in this study will facilitate research into the reproductive ecology of wild pigs and known-fate studies of piglet mortality to aid in population modelling and evaluation of cause-specific mortality and factors affecting survival of these often-invasive animals.
Roles of the TRAF6 and Pellino E3 ligases in MyD88 and RANKL signaling
Authors: Strickson Sam , Emmerich Christoph H. , Goh Eddy T. H. , Zhang Jiazhen , Kelsall Ian R. , Macartney Thomas , Hastie C. James , Knebel Axel , Peggie Mark , Marchesi Francesco , Arthur J. Simon C. , Cohen Philip
Published: April 2017

Significance

TRAF6 is essential for many biological processes, including the operation of the innate immune system and bone formation. The enzymatic activity of TRAF6, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is thought to have a pivotal role in triggering these processes. In this paper, we reexamined this assumption by generating mice expressing a catalytically inactive mutant of TRAF6. The bone structure of the mice was normal and a major intracellular signaling pathway of the immune system could still be switched on. We found that other E3 ligases, Pellino1 and Pellino2, could generate the ubiquitin chains needed to switch on immune signaling in human cells expressing catalytically inactive TRAF6. Our findings identify essential roles of TRAF6 that are independent of its enzymatic activity.
Ploidy-dependent changes in the epigenome of symbiotic cells correlate with specific patterns of gene expression
Authors: Nagymihály Marianna , Veluchamy Alaguraj , Györgypál Zoltán , Ariel Federico , Jégu Teddy , Benhamed Moussa , Szűcs Attila , Kereszt Attila , Mergaert Peter , Kondorosi Éva
Published: April 2017

Significance

Polyploidization of somatic cells is common in angiosperms. The characteristic and inherited developmental pattern of polyploidy in various organs and cell types suggests a role for endoreduplication in differentiation and specialized cell functioning.
Rhizobium
-infected nodule cells provide a unique opportunity to study specific developmental-stage changes in gene expression and in the epigenome during differentiation and at growing ploidy levels. We show that transcriptional reprogramming of hundreds of nodule-specific genes in successive waves correlates with the ploidy levels. Moreover, the dynamic changes observed in the epigenome suggest that chromatin accessibility together with histone tail modifications regulate the transcriptionally active or inert state of the genes.
Representational gestures help speakers package information for speaking
Authors: Alibali Martha W. , Yeo Amelia , Hostetter Autumn B. , Kita Sotaro
Published: April 2017

The Information Packaging Hypothesis (IPH; Kita, 2000) holds that gesture helps speakers package information into units appropriate for verbalization. When information packaging is more difficult, speakers produce more gestures. Further, manipulations of gesture can affect information packaging. The IPH can also account for gestures that are not redundant with speech; such gestures manifest speakers’ exploration of possibilities for verbalization, and they may indicate unsuccessful or incomplete packaging of perceptual or motoric information in speech. Qualitative analyses of the microgenesis of utterances illustrate how gesture plays a role in conceptualization and packaging of information. The IPH is supported by a large body of evidence and it aligns with contemporary theoretical accounts of the cognitive processes that give rise to gestures.
Function and processing of gesture in the context of language
Authors: Özyürek Aslı
Published: April 2017

Most research focuses function of gesture independent of its link to the speech it accompanies and the coexpressive functions it has together with speech. This chapter instead approaches gesture in relation to its communicative function in relation to speech, and demonstrates how it is shaped by the linguistic encoding of a speaker’s message. Drawing on crosslinguistic research with adults and children as well as bilinguals on iconic/pointing gesture production it shows that the specific language speakers use modulates the rate and the shape of the iconic gesture production of the same events. The findings challenge the claims aiming to understand gesture’s function for “thinking only” in adults and during development.
Gestures highlight perceptual-motor representations in thinking
Authors: Hostetter Autumn B. , Boncoddo Rebecca
Published: April 2017

Gestures are adept at expressing perceptual and motor information. In this chapter, we propose that, as representational actions, gestures both stem from and influence perceptual representations, in much the same way that action and perception more generally exist in an inextricable relationship. We review evidence that gestures emerge from perceptual-motor representations that are activated during thinking and speaking (Hostetter & Alibali, 2008). We then consider how gesture’s connection to perceptual-motor representations may play a functional role in strengthening those representations in the minds of speakers.
One function of gesture is to make new ideas
Authors: Nathan Mitchell J.
Published: April 2017

I propose that gestures and actions create ideas through action-cognition transduction, whereby actions predictably induce cognitive states in a fashion reciprocal to ways that cognition drives action. The action-cognition transduction hypothesis challenges classical mentalist notions by placing cognition and action on equal footing for influencing the reciprocal system. Gestures are distinguished from non-communicative actions in their relationship to the physical task environment and to concurrent speech and thought. Through transduction, actions influence nonverbal processes such as insight, emotional state, and procedural knowledge; while gestures appear to influence both nonverbal and verbal processes, including articulation of latent ideas and inference making. Thus, one important function of gesture is that it supports generative thought processes, helping people to make new ideas.
Exploring the boundaries of gesture-speech integration during language comprehension
Authors: Kelly Spencer D.
Published: April 2017

The present review explores the integrated relationship between gesture and speech during language comprehension. Taking a broad view, it presents a conceptual framework that approaches the comprehension of gesture and speech along three different dimensions: (1) components of language (semantics, pragmatics, phonetics and syntax), (2) levels of analysis (social, cognitive, and biological) and (3) timeframes of integration (online, moment-to-moment, developmental). The evidence suggests that some linguistic components (e.g., concrete semantic and pragmatic) are deeply connected to gestures, but others (e.g., abstract semantic, syntactic and phonetic) are less so. In this way, the hands help to delineate what aspects of language function as part of the body and what aspects operate independently of it.
The function of gesture in mathematical and scientific discourse in the classroom
Authors: Singer Melissa
Published: April 2017

In science and math domains that are highly abstract and complex gestures produced by both teachers and students play an important role in constructing meaning for students. Gesture facilitates the communication of newly forming, abstract ideas and in turn, enables students and teachers to engage in a discourse that will eventually lead the student to a higher level of mathematical and scientific knowledge. I will address two main functions of gesture in mathematical and scientific discourse: (1) Through imagery, gesture makes abstract concepts and phenomena concrete and perceptible, (2) Through teacher-student and peer-peer interactions in the classroom, gesture is used in the co-construction of shared representations. Future directions and implications will also be discussed.
Five turns of the screw
Authors: Calzada Pérez Maria
Published: April 2017

The present paper proposes a CADS-based analysis of European Parliament speeches, by merging (C)DA theoretical constructs (inspired byLaclau and Mouffe 1985) and CL tools. In this fashion, the European Comparable and Parallel Corpus of Parliamentary Speeches Archive (ECPC) is examined along synchronic and diachronic, quantitative and qualitative lines, in an inductive study that commutes from the micro-text to the macro-context.
No borders
Authors: Fozdar Farida
Published: April 2017

Academic debate about the anachronism of national borders is extensive. The general population, however, has been less keen to embrace the idea of a ‘postnational’ world. This paper offers evidence from focus groups with Australians suggesting that in some quarters talking beyond the nation is occurring. However, the ideology of the nation-state remains strong, and such talk is quickly shut down using a particular rhetorical device. This is ‘the principle/practical’ dichotomy, which insists that dropping national borders is impractical for a range of reasons, despite it perhaps being a valuable idea in principle. The paper explores the ways this occurs, using detailed critical discourse analysis. Practical objections are generally framed in terms of governance rather than cultural issues. However, practical examples of existing ‘no borders’ situations are used to make the counter-argument that a postnational world is possible.
Auxin signaling through SCFTIR1/AFBs mediates feedback regulation of IAA biosynthesis
Authors: Takato Shin , Kakei Yusuke , Mitsui Marie , Ishida Yosuke , Suzuki Masashi , Yamazaki Chiaki , Hayashi Ken-ichiro , Ishii Takahiro , Nakamura Ayako , Soeno Kazuo , Shimada Yukihisa
Published: April 2017

We previously reported that exogenous application of auxin to Arabidopsis seedlings resulted in downregulation of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis genes in a feedback manner. In this study, we investigated the involvement of the SCFTIR1/AFB-mediated signaling pathway in feedback regulation of the indole-3-pyruvic acid-mediated auxin biosynthesis pathway in Arabidopsis. Application of PEO-IAA, an inhibitor of the IAA signal transduction pathway, to wild-type seedlings resulted in increased endogenous IAA levels in roots. Endogenous IAA levels in the auxin-signaling mutants axr2-1, axr3-3, and tir1-1afb1-1afb2-1afb3-1 also increased. Furthermore, YUCCA (YUC) gene expression was repressed in response to auxin treatment, and expression of YUC7 and YUC8 increased in response to PEO-IAA treatment. YUC genes were also induced in auxin-signaling mutants but repressed in TIR1-overexpression lines. These observations suggest that the endogenous IAA levels are regulated by auxin biosynthesis in a feedback manner, and the Aux/IAA and SCFTIR1/AFB-mediated auxin-signaling pathway regulates the expression of YUC genes.
Antidepressant-like deliverables from the sea: evidence on the efficacy of three different brown seaweeds via involvement of monoaminergic system
Authors: Siddiqui Pirzada Jamal Ahmed , Khan Adnan , Uddin Nizam , Khaliq Saima , Rasheed Munawwer , Nawaz Shazia , Hanif Muhammad , Dar Ahsana
Published: April 2017

Brown seaweeds exhibit several health benefits in treating and managing wide array of ailments. In this study, the antidepressant-like effect of methaolic extracts from Sargassum swartzii (SS), Stoechospermum marginatum (SM), and Nizamuddinia zanardinii (NZ) was examined in forced swimming test (FST), in rats. Oral administration of SS, SM, and NZ extract (30–60 mg/kg) exhibited antidepressant-like activity in FST by reducing immobility time as compared to control group, without inducing significant change in ambulatory behavior in open field test. In order to evaluate the involvement of monoaminergic system, rats were pretreated with the inhibitor of brain serotonin stores p-chlorophenylalanin (PCPA), dopamine (SCH23390 and sulpiride), and adrenoceptor (prazosin and propranolol) antagonists. Rats receiving treatment for 28 days were decapitated and brains were analyzed for monoamine levels. It may be concluded that the extracts of SS, SM, and NZ produces antidepressant-like activity via modulation of brain monoaminergic system in a rat model.
Strain improvement of Lentzea sp. 7887 for higher yield per unit volume on hydroxylation of cyclosporine derivative FR901459
Authors: Yabutani Tetsuya , Tsujimoto Mami , Ohira Shunsuke , Shimizu Shiho , Nakano Hideo
Published: April 2017

A Gram-positive bacterium Lentzea sp. 7887 hydroxylates a cyclosporine derivative FR901459 into AS1837812 (9-hydroxide), which is an important intermediate of candidate drugs that target the hepatitis C virus. We screened a UV-induced mutant, named M-1, which showed about 1.2-fold higher conversion yields, 2-fold higher substrate concentrations (3.69 mM), and 2.5-fold higher yield per unit volume than the wild-type strain.
Resilient memory for melodies: The number of intervening melodies does not influence novel melody recognition
Authors: Herff Steffen A , Olsen Kirk N , Dean Roger T
Published: April 2017

In many memory domains, a decrease in recognition performance between the first and second presentation of an object is observed as the number of intervening items increases. However, this effect is not universal. Within the auditory domain, this form of interference has been demonstrated in word and single-note recognition, but has yet to be substantiated using relatively complex musical material such as a melody. Indeed, it is becoming clear that music shows intriguing properties when it comes to memory. This study investigated how the number of intervening items influences memory for melodies. In Experiments 1, 2 and 3, one melody was presented per trial in a continuous recognition paradigm. After each melody, participants indicated whether they had heard the melody in the experiment before by responding “old” or “new.” In Experiment 4, participants rated perceived familiarity for every melody without being told that melodies reoccur. In four experiments using two corpora of music, two different memory tasks, transposed and untransposed melodies and up to 195 intervening melodies, no sign of a disruptive effect from the number of intervening melodies beyond the first was observed. We propose a new “regenerative multiple representations” conjecture to explain why intervening items increase interference in recognition memory for most domains but not music. This conjecture makes several testable predictions and has the potential to strengthen our understanding of domain specificity in human memory, while moving one step closer to explaining the “paradox” that is memory for melody.
Utility of a Collaborative At-Sea Sampling Program (CASP) for the California Spiny Lobster Commercial Fishery: Catch Characteristics and Implications for Management
Authors: Yaeger Keith G. , Culver Carolynn S. , Schroeter Stephen C. , Page Henry M.
Published: April 2017

Fisheries management, including the development of fishery management plans (FMPs), requires the best available scientific information. To address this need, we piloted a collaborative at-sea sampling program (CASP) among California commercial lobster fishermen, scientists, and fishery managers to develop scientifically rigorous protocols and collect, analyze, and interpret essential fisheries information (EFI). Significant differences in catch characteristics among three regions (South, North Coast, and Northwest Islands) were documented. Legal CPUE was generally similar among regions, whereas sublegal CPUE was consistently highest in the South, followed by the North Coast and Northwest Islands. Evaluation of size structure revealed that legal lobsters were significantly smaller, just larger than legal size, in the South than in the other two regions, suggesting a higher exploitation rate there. Despite this, the South had significantly more prerecruits than the northern regions, a fact not considered in present fishery models. We also found a female bias in the legal sex ratios in the north regions and in the sublegal sex ratios in all regions that could affect model parameters for trap vulnerability and reproductive capacity. A discrepancy in the average weight of legal lobster for the Northwest Islands was identified which has implications for the spawning potential ratio, a reference point that elicits management action. The regional variations in catch characteristics suggest that the California lobster fishery would benefit from using more sophisticated models that incorporate area-based EFI to better inform the harvest control rules. This finding supports the recommendations of the lobster FMP scientific review panel and the interests of resource managers, with the CASP data illustrating the value of the additional EFI and a mechanism for obtaining it. The demonstrated utility of the CASP for both cross-checking and providing additional data supports its ongoing use to inform management of the lobster fishery and as a model for other fisheries.
Post-capitalism, post-growth, post-consumerism? Eco-political hopes beyond sustainability
Authors: Blühdorn Ingolfur
Published: April 2017

As a road map for a structural transformation of socially and ecologically self-destructive consumer societies, the paradigm ofsustainabilityis increasingly regarded as a spent force. Yet, its exhaustion seems to coincide with the rebirth of several ideas reminiscent of earlier, more radical currents of eco-political thought: liberation from capitalism, consumerism and the logic of growth. May the exhaustion of the sustainability paradigm finally re-open the intellectual and political space for the big push beyond the established socio-economic order? Looking from the perspective of social and eco-political theory, this article argues that the new narratives (and social practices) of postcapitalism, degrowth and post-consumerism cannot plausibly be read as signalling a new eco-political departure. It suggests that beyond the exhaustion of the sustainability paradigm, we are witnessing, more than anything, the further advancement of thepolitics of unsustainability– and that in this politics the new narratives of hope may themselves be playing a crucial role.
Smurf1 inhibits integrin activation by controlling Kindlin-2 ubiquitination and degradation
Authors: Wei Xiaofan , Wang Xiang , Zhan Jun , Chen Yuhan , Fang Weigang , Zhang Lingqiang , Zhang Hongquan
Published: April 2017

Integrin activation is an indispensable step for various integrin-mediated biological functions. Kindlin-2 is known to coactivate integrins with Talin; however, molecules that restrict integrin activation are elusive. Here, we demonstrate that the E3 ubiquitin ligase Smurf1 controls the amount of Kindlin-2 protein in cells and hinders integrin activation. Smurf1 interacts with and promotes Kindlin-2 ubiquitination and degradation. Smurf1 selectively mediates degradation of Kindlin-2 but not Talin, leading to inhibition of αIIbβ3 integrin activation in Chinese hamster ovary cells and β1 integrin activation in fibroblasts. Enhanced activation of β1 integrin was found in Smurf1-knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts, which correlates with an increase in Kindlin-2 protein levels. Similarly, a reciprocal relationship between Smurf1 and Kindlin-2 protein levels is found in tissues from colon cancer patients, suggesting that Smurf1 mediates Kindlin-2 degradation in vivo. Collectively, we demonstrate that Smurf1 acts as a brake for integrin activation by controlling Kindlin-2 protein levels, a new mechanism that permits precise modulation of integrin-mediated cellular functions.
Antonina Roll-Mecak: Decoding the secrets of tubulin complexity
Authors: Spencer Timothy K.
Published: April 2017

Antonina Roll-Mecak studies how tubulin variability modulates the specificity, complexity, and function of the microtubule network.