bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progression of gray matter atrophy in seizure‐free patients with temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Alvim Marina K. M. , Coan Ana C. , Campos Brunno M. , Yasuda Clarissa L. , Oliveira Mariana C. , Morita Marcia E. , Cendes Fernando
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To investigate the presence and progression of gray matter (GM) reduction in seizure‐free patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

Methods

We enrolled 39 consecutive TLE patients, seizure‐free for at least 2 years—20 with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signs of hippocampal sclerosis (TLE‐HS), 19 with normal MRI (TLE‐NL), and 74 healthy controls. For longitudinal analysis, we included individuals who had a second MRI with minimum interval of 18 months: 21 patients (10 TLE‐HS, 11 TLE‐NL) and 11 controls. Three‐dimensional (3D) T1‐weighted images acquired in 3 Tesla MRI were analyzed with voxel‐based morphometry (VBM). The images of patients with right‐sided interictal epileptogenic zone (EZ) were right–left flipped, as well as a comparable proportion of controls. Cross‐sectional analysis: The patients' images from each group were compared to controls to investigate differences in GM volumes. Longitudinal analysis: The first and second images were compared in each group to look for decreased GM volume.

Results

Cross‐sectional analysis: Patients with TLE‐HS had diffuse GM atrophy, including hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus, insula, frontal, and occipital lobes ipsilateral to EZ, bilateral thalamus and contralateral orbitofrontal gyrus, and caudate. In contrast, TLE‐NL group did not present significant differences compared to controls. Longitudinal analysis: TLE‐HS presented progressive GM reduction in ipsilateral insula and occipital lobe, contralateral motor area, and bilateral temporal and frontal lobes. TLE‐NL had GM progression in ipsilateral hypothalamus and parietal lobe, contralateral cerebellum, and bilateral temporal lobe. Controls did not show changes in GM volume between MRIs.

Significance

Diffuse extrahippocampal GM atrophy is present in seizure‐free patients with TLE‐HS. In addition, there is progressive GM atrophy in patients with and without HS. These results demonstrate that not only ongoing seizures are involved in the progression of GM atrophy. An underlying pathologic mechanism could be responsible for progressive brain volume loss in TLE patients even in seizure‐free periods.
Emerging roles of lncRNAs in senescence
Authors: Montes Marta , Lund Anders H.
Published: February 2016

Cellular senescence is a complex stress response that leads to an irreversible state of cell growth arrest. Senescence may be induced by various stimuli such as telomere shortening, DNA damage or oncogenic insult, among others. Senescent cells are metabolically highly active, producing a wealth of cytokines and chemokines that, depending on the context, may have a beneficial or deleterious effect on the organism. Senescence is considered a tightly regulated stress response that is largely governed by the p53/p21 and p16/Rb pathways. Many molecules have been identified as regulators of these two networks, such as transcription factors, chromatin modifiers and non‐coding RNAs. The expression level of several long non‐coding RNAs is affected during different types of senescence; however, which of these are important for the biological function remains poorly understood. Here we review our current knowledge of the mechanistic roles of lncRNAs affecting the main senescence pathways, and discuss the importance of identifying new regulators.
Growth dynamics of a laminated microbial mat in response to variable irradiance in an Antarctic lake
Authors: Hawes Ian , Jungblut Anne D. , Obryk Maciej K. , Doran Peter T.
Published: February 2016

Laminated microbial mats are important ecosystem components of perennially ice‐covered Antarctic dry valley lakes. In order to understand better their response to changing environment, we made observations and carried out a manipulation experiment to determine their response to variations in irradiance in Lake Hoare (77°38′ S, 162°53′ E).

Ice transparency was the most variable parameter that affected benthic light dose, both spatially and between years. Patterns of lamina accrual corresponded to irradiance history, with laminae that were initiated in high transmission years thicker than those from low transmission years.

A shading experiment confirmed that accrual of lamina thickness, calcite precipitation and ash‐free dry mass were determined by irradiance, but photosynthetic biomass and phototrophic species composition were less affected.

Buried laminae decomposed only slowly over time, with potentially viable phototrophs many laminae down into the microbial mat. Decay rate increased only slightly with shading.

We conclude that the microbial mats in Lake Hoare are characterised by remarkable stability, with slow accumulation rates and turnover of biomass over time. Photosynthetic biomass and species composition appeared to be stable across long time periods, with interannual variation in lamination pattern due to differential accumulation of extracellular polysaccharide and representing the visible expression of annual growth conditions.
Perspectives on heterococcolith geochemical proxies based on high‐resolution X‐ray fluorescence mapping
Authors: Suchéras‐Marx B. , Giraud F. , Simionovici A. , Daniel I. , Tucoulou R.
Published: February 2016

Heterococcoliths are micron‐scale calcite platelets produced by coccolithophores. They have been the most abundant and continuous fossil record over the last 215 million years (Myr), offering great potential for geochemical studies, although the heterococcolith fossil record remains underutilised in this domain. We have mapped heterococcoliths' composition using X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) with a 100‐nm resolution beam to decipher element distributions in heterococcoliths and to investigate the potential development of geochemical proxies for palaeoceanography. The study presents two Middle Jurassic Watznaueria britannica heterococcoliths from Cabo Mondego, Portugal. XRF analysis was performed with a 17 keV incident energy beam at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility ID22NI beamline to study elements from Sr down to S. Ca, Sr and Mn are distributed following the heterococcolith crystalline arrangement. Cl, Br and S display an homogeneous distribution, whereas K, Fe, Cu, Zn and Rb are concentrated at the edges and in the central area of the heterococcoliths. Distributions of K, Fe, Ti, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb and to a lesser extent V and Cr are highly influenced by clay contamination and peripheral diagenetic overgrowth. Mn is related to diagenetic Mn‐rich CaCO3 overgrowth on top of or between heterococcoliths shields. Cl and Br are likely to be present in heterococcoliths inside interstitial nano‐domains. We assume that the cytoplasm [Cl−] and [Br−] are mediated and constant during heterococcolithogenesis. Assuming a linear correlation between cytoplasm [Cl−] and sea water [Cl−], heterococcolith Cl may have potential as a salinity proxy. As S is incorporated into heterococcoliths by sulphated polysaccharides, our study suggests a role for such polysaccharides in heterococcolithogenesis for at least 170 Myr. The low Sr/Ca in the W. britannica specimens studied here may either highlight an unusual cellular physiology of Mesozoic coccolithophores or result from low growth rates in oligotrophic environments.
Confluent fibrosis and fibroblast foci in fibrotic non‐specific interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Churg Andrew , Bilawich AnaMaria
Published: February 2016

Aims

The separation of fibrotic non‐specific interstitial pneumonia (FNSIP) and usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) is important for patient treatment and prognosis, but is sometimes a difficult diagnostic problem. Most authors believe that fibroblast foci are rare in NSIP, and that the finding of multiple fibroblast foci suggests a diagnosis of UIP. Similarly, architectural distortion is viewed as favouring a diagnosis of UIP. This study aims to assess these criteria for their diagnostic utility.

Methods and results

We report eight patients with a high‐resolution computed tomography diagnosis of FNSIP, and a picture of fibrotic NSIP on biopsy, but in whom, in all cases, fibrosis focally widened the walls to the point of confluence, producing architectural distortion in the form of variably sized, sometimes quite large, blocks of fibrosis, but not honeycombing. Fibroblast foci varied from four to nine per section, and point counting morphometry showed that the areas containing large blocks of confluent fibrosis were geographically strongly associated with fibroblast foci, whereas fibroblast foci were rare away from the confluent fibrosis. Follow‐up imaging studies (mean interval 19.5 months; range 2–42 months) in six patients revealed stable or improved disease in four and worsening disease in two. No case had or developed radiological honeycombing, and there were no other imaging findings to suggest a diagnosis of UIP.

Conclusions

Otherwise typical FNSIP cases can show architectural distortion caused by confluence or marked expansion of fibrotic alveolar walls. These areas tend to be associated with fibroblast foci. These findings do not imply a poor prognosis, and should not be confused with UIP.
User perception on various designs of tongue scrapers: an observational survey
Authors: Beekmans DG , Slot DE , Van der Weijden GA
Published: February 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify the participants' preference and perception of effectiveness with respect to nine commercially available tongue scrapers. As secondary aim, perception of discomfort and suspected sharpness were assessed. In addition, the first impression of the design of the various tongue scrapers was evaluated.

Materials and methods

This was an observational survey without blinding to the products. At first impression, participants were given nine tongue scrapers and were asked to immediately use all, and to point out which of the scrapers they preferred most. Subsequently, a 14‐day familiarization period followed. At the follow‐up appointment, all participants received a questionnaire which used a visual analogue scale (VAS) to evaluate their perception of the various scrapers used. Questions regarding the perceived efficacy, discomfort and pain were posed. Data were analysed statistically by anova. T‐tests were used for ‘post hoc’ analysis and Bonferroni corrections were used for multiple comparisons.

Results

In total, 50 participants completed the assessment. The primary parameter ‘efficacy’ showed scores that ranged from 4.09 to 6.43 (P < 0.001) for the nine tongue scrapers. The secondary parameters ‘sharpness’ (range from 3.31 to 6.26) and ‘discomfort’ (range from 5.67 to 8.33) showed significant differences as well (P < 0.001). A significant negative correlation (R = −0.850; P = 0.004) between the perceived sharpness and discomfort was observed.

Conclusion

The perception of effectiveness varied among the various tongue‐cleaning device designs. No single feature stood out as being specifically related to perception of effectiveness. Sharpness and comfort were negatively correlated. Comfort and effectiveness were positively correlated. The results from this study indicated that participants found TS6 and TS8 to be the most comfortable and the most effective. However, TS8 scored higher for inducing a higher gag reflex.
Nitric oxide‐induced autophagy and the activation of activated protein kinase pathway protect against apoptosis in human dental pulp cells
Authors: Park S. Y. , Park M. Y. , Park H. G. , Lee K. J. , Kook M. S. , Kim W. J. , Jung J. Y.
Published: February 2016

Aim

To investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO)‐induced autophagy in human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) and the involvement of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway.

Methodology

The MTT assay was used to determine the cytotoxic effect of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in HDPCs. Apoptosis was detected by means of the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labelling (TUNEL) assay, and apoptosis‐ or autophagy‐related signal molecules were observed by Western blot analysis. Acidic autophagolysosomal vacuoles were stained with acridine orange to detect autophagy in the presence of 3‐methyladenine (3MA) used to inhibit autophagy. To explore the mechanism underlying autophagy and its protective role against apoptosis, compound C, the chemical AMPK inhibitor, was used. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t‐test or analysis of variance (anova) followed by the Student–Newman–Keuls test (P < 0.05).

Results

SNP decreased viability of the HDPCs in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Exposing the HDPCs to SNP increased the levels of p62 and LC3‐II, the typical markers of autophagy, and increased the number of acidic autophagolysosomal vacuoles, indicating the appearance of autophagy as detected by acridine orange staining (P < 0.05). Pre‐treatment with 3MA decreased cell viability but increased cleaved poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) and caspase‐3, apoptosis indicators, in the SNP‐treated HDPCs (P < 0.05). SNP activated AMPK/ULK signalling, whilst the inhibition of AMPK by compound C enhanced apoptotic cell death induced by SNP in the HDPCs (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

NO induced autophagy with AMPK activation, which plays a role in the survival of HDPCs against NO‐induced apoptosis.
Regulation of germinal center B‐cell differentiation
Authors: Zhang Yang , Garcia‐Ibanez Laura , Toellner Kai‐Michael
Published: February 2016

Germinal centers (GC) are the main sites where antigen‐activated B‐cell clones expand and undergo immunoglobulin gene hypermutation and selection. Iterations of this process will lead to affinity maturation, replicating Darwinian evolution on the cellular level. GC B‐cell selection can lead to four different outcomes: further expansion and evolution, apoptosis (non‐selection), or output from the GC with differentiation into memory B cells or plasma cells. T‐helper cells in GC have been shown to have a central role in regulating B‐cell selection by sensing the density of major histocompatibility complex (MHC):peptide antigen complexes. Antigen is provided on follicular dendritic cells in the form of immune complex. Antibody on these immune complexes regulates antigen accessibility by shielding antigen from B‐cell receptor access. Replacement of antibody on immune complexes by antibody generated from GC‐derived plasma cell output will gradually reduce the availability of antigen. This antibody feedback can lead to a situation where a slow rise in selection stringency caused by a changing environment leads to directional evolution toward higher affinity antibody.
Effect of Drought and Nitrogen Availability on Osmotic Adjustment of Five Pearl Millet Cultivars in the Vegetative Growth Stage
Authors: Ali Z. I. , Golombek S. D.
Published: February 2016

Growth of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) is affected in areas with limited and erratic rainfall, often combined with nitrogen deficiency. Therefore, effects of severe drought and nitrogen availability on mechanisms of dehydration avoidance were investigated. Five pearl millet genotypes were cultivated in soil differing in nitrogen availability, low (N1), medium (N2) or high (N3) in a climate chamber. Thirty‐five days after sowing, the plants were exposed to drought for 12 days. Drought decreased leaf area and stomatal conductance strongly and caused leaf rolling. In the youngest fully expanded leaves, drought led to an osmotic adjustment from around −0.5 to −0.9 MPa, in N1 and N2 substantially achieved by potassium accumulation. Nitrate contributed to the osmotic adjustment in N2 and N3, proline only slightly, increasingly from N1 to N2, whereas the sum of glucose, fructose and sucrose did not play a role. The dehydration independent osmotic force for water uptake (osmotic potential at full turgor) was under drought strongest at N2 and in the landrace Dembi Yellow stronger than in the cultivars Ashana and Ugandi. This contributed to the higher relative water content (RWC) of ‘Dembi Yellow’, whereas due to other factors nitrogen had no effect on the RWC.
Justice for Irregular Migrants, Refugees and Temporary Workers: Some Issues for Carens
Authors: Brock Gillian
Published: February 2016

The Ethics of Immigration is a wonderfully comprehensive and insightful journey through all the major contemporary ethical issues concerning immigration. Through this outstandingly well‐crafted work, Carens builds a compelling case for many important positions on how we should treat migrants. Nevertheless, I believe there are some tensions in his arguments that could do with more analysis. I present some of these issues in this article. These include some important problems with arguments for the right to education for children of irregular migrants and those concerning admission, his general position on refugees, and his views about what is required in order to treat temporary workers fairly.
The effects of incidental anger, contempt, and disgust on hostile language and implicit behaviors
Authors: Matsumoto David , Hwang Hyisung C. , Frank Mark G.
Published: February 2016

Recent studies have suggested that the combination of the emotions anger‐contempt‐disgust (ANCODI) is associated with intergroup hostility. This study examined if incidental elicitation of this emotion combination causally produces hostile cognitions, language, and behaviors. Members of political groups were primed with either ANCODI, fear + sadness, or no emotion, and then engaged in creativity task in relation to their opponent or a non‐opponent outgroup. The ANCODI mix produced more hostile cognitions, language, and implicit behaviors associated with hostility, in some cases specifically toward their opponent outgroups, than individuals primed with other emotions. Multiple mediation analyses indicated that the three emotions and their interactions mediated many of the effects.
Separate histories in both sides of the Mediterranean: phylogeny and niche evolution of ocellated lizards
Authors: Ahmadzadeh Faraham , Flecks Morris , Carretero Miguel A. , Böhme Wolfgang , Ihlow Flora , Kapli Paschalia , Miraldo Andreia , Rödder Dennis
Published: February 2016

Aim

The ocellated lizards of the genusTimon,comprising six species that are distributed across continental Asia, Europe and Africa, offer an interesting model to study the evolution of ecological niches through comparative phyloclimatic analysis. Our study provides insights into the evolutionary history of the ocellated lizards and helps to understand the role of climatic niche evolution during the speciation process.

Location

Eastern and western margins of the Mediterranean basin.

Methods

A dated molecular phylogeny was estimated based on three mitochondrial and two nuclear genes. Using multivariate statistics, species distribution models were developed to characterize the Grinnellian niches of all species. Subsequently, ancestral environmental niche occupancy of each taxon was reconstructed using niche occupancy profiles. Niche divergence among species was quantified by computing multivariate niche overlaps via two‐dimensional andn‐dimensional approaches.

Results

Phylogenetic analysis supports that the ancestor ofTimondiverged into the eastern and western groups following multiple vicariance events that shaped the current distribution pattern of Palaearctic lizards. High complexity in the ecological niche evolution between the Mediterranean and non‐Mediterranean climatic regions was detected. The generally low niche divergence among members of the eastern group and the remarkable climatic divergence within the western group highlight an important role of temperature seasonality in a Mediterranean and Atlantic climate context. The results also suggest niche conservatism in terms of microhabitats described by vegetation cover.

Main conclusions

The ocellated lizards provide an interesting example of a vertebrate radiation where niche shift (with or without vicariance) and niche conservatism alternate in different niche axes shaping current biogeographical patterns.
The island rule of body size demonstrated on individual hosts: phytophagous click beetle species grow larger and predators smaller on phylogenetically isolated trees
Authors: Molleman Freerk , Depoilly Alexandre , Vernon Philippe , Müller Jörg , Bailey Richard , Jarzabek‐Müller Andrea , Prinzing Andreas
Published: February 2016

Aim

Under spatial isolation on oceanic islands, species tend to show extreme body sizes. From the point of view of many colonizers, individual hosts surrounded by phylogenetically distant neighbours are phylogenetically isolated. This study addresses for the first time how phylogenetic isolation of individual hosts affects body size of colonizers, and whether effects on body size reflect selection among colonizers established on host individuals rather than selection among colonizers dispersing toward trees or phenotypic plasticity of colonizers.

Location

Rennes National Forest, Western France.

Methods

We sampled click beetles (Elateridae) on individual oak trees varying in phylogenetic isolation from their neighbours and in age. We measured body size and fluctuating asymmetry (which we found to correlate to reduced body size) and related both to phylogenetic isolation and age of trees. We compared these relationships among species of different larval trophic position and adult body size, using meta‐analytical approaches.

Results

Within species, body size changes with phylogenetic isolation of individual host trees: root feeders tend to become larger, predators smaller. Effects were independent of mean body‐size, disappeared with tree age, and were inconsistent with patterns of fluctuating asymmetry.

Main conclusions

Our results are consistent with body‐size selection among colonizers established on individual trees, rather than selection among colonizers dispersing toward trees or phenotypic plasticity. Overall, phenotype patterns of animals across islands in the ocean may resemble those across host individuals in a phylogenetically distant neighbourhood, suggesting micro‐evolution of colonizers in response to the macro‐evolutionary structure of the host community.
A comparison of 4‐Fr with 5‐Fr endoscopic nasopancreatic drainage catheters: A randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Mouri Teruo , Sasaki Tamito , Serikawa Masahiro , Ishigaki Takashi , Ishii Yasutaka , Shimizu Akinori , Tsuboi Tomofumi , Kurihara Keisuke , Tatsukawa Yumiko , Miyaki Eisuke , Kawamura Ryota , Tsushima Ken , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: February 2016

Background and Aim

Although endoscopic nasopancreatic drainage (ENPD) is useful for collecting samples for pancreatic juice cytology and for treating leakage of pancreatic juice and occlusive pancreatitis, placement of the ENPD catheter is associated with complications such as post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP). We investigated whether an ENPD catheter with a smaller diameter could reduce the incidence of complications.

Methods

Patients requiring placement of an ENPD catheter (n = 254) were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of two catheter‐size groups: the 4‐Fr group or the 5‐Fr group. The incidence of PEP, cholangitis, and spontaneous catheter displacement and the suitability of pancreatic juice cytology samples were compared between groups. In addition, univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted on factors associated with PEP.

Results

The incidence of PEP was significantly lower in the 4‐Fr group compared with the 5‐Fr group (4.1% vs 12.4%, respectively; P = 0.021). The rate of cholangitis and spontaneous catheter displacement and the suitability of pancreatic juice cytology samples did not differ between groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that the risk of PEP was 3.7 times higher when using a 5‐Fr catheter than when using a 4‐Fr catheter (P = 0.019). In addition, the risk of PEP was 4.1 times higher in patients with an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm than in those without (P = 0.0049) and 4.6 times higher in patients aged <65 than in those aged ≥65 (P = 0.0033).

Conclusions

A 4‐Fr catheter is as useful as a 5‐Fr catheter and is associated with a significantly lower incidence of PEP.
Anesthesia Exposure and Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: A Prospective Study
Authors: Aiello Bowles Erin J. , Larson Eric B. , Pong Ryan P. , Walker Rod L. , Anderson Melissa L. , Yu Onchee , Gray Shelly L. , Crane Paul K. , Dublin Sascha
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the associations between anesthesia and dementia or Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk using prospectively collected data.

Design

Cohort study.

Participants

Community‐dwelling members of the Adult Changes in Thought cohort aged 65 and older and free of dementia at baseline (N = 3,988).

Measurements

Participants self‐reported all prior surgical procedures with general or neuraxial (spinal or epidural) anesthesia at baseline and reported new procedures every 2 years. People undergoing high‐risk surgery with general anesthesia, other surgery with general anesthesia, and other surgery with neuraxial anesthesia exposures were compared with those with no surgery and no anesthesia. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dementia and AD associated with time‐varying lifetime and recent (past 5 years) anesthesia exposures.

Results

At baseline, 254 (6%) people reported never having anesthesia; 248 (6%) had had one or more high‐risk surgeries with general anesthesia, 3,363 (84%) had had one or more other surgeries with general anesthesia, and 123 (3%) had had one or more surgeries with neuraxial anesthesia. High‐risk surgery with general anesthesia was not associated with greater risk of dementia (HR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.58–1.28) or AD (HR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.61–1.49) than no history of anesthesia. People with any history of other surgery with general anesthesia had a lower risk of dementia (HR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.46–0.85) and AD (HR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.46–0.93) than people with no history of anesthesia. There was no association between recent anesthesia exposure and dementia or AD.

Conclusion

Anesthesia exposure was not associated with of dementia or AD in older adults.
Multisite tyrosine phosphorylation of the N‐terminus of Mint1/X11α by Src kinase regulates the trafficking of amyloid precursor protein
Authors: Dunning Christopher J. R. , Black Hannah L. , Andrews Katie L. , Davenport Elizabeth C. , Conboy Michael , Chawla Sangeeta , Dowle Adam A. , Ashford David , Thomas Jerry R. , Evans Gareth J. O.
Published: February 2016

Mint/X11 is one of the four neuronal trafficking adaptors that interact with amyloid precursor protein (APP) and are linked with its cleavage to generate β‐amyloid peptide, a key player in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease. How APP switches between adaptors at different stages of the secretory pathway is poorly understood. Here, we show that tyrosine phosphorylation of Mint1 regulates the destination of APP. A canonical SH2‐binding motif (202YEEI) was identified in the N‐terminus of Mint1 that is phosphorylated on tyrosine by C‐Src and recruits the active kinase for sequential phosphorylation of further tyrosines (Y191 and Y187). A single Y202F mutation in the Mint1 N‐terminus inhibits C‐Src binding and tyrosine phosphorylation. Previous studies observed that co‐expression of wild‐type Mint1 and APP causes accumulation of APP in the trans‐Golgi. Unphosphorylatable Mint1 (Y202F) or pharmacological inhibition of Src reduced the accumulation of APP in the trans‐Golgi of heterologous cells. A similar result was observed in cultured rat hippocampal neurons where Mint1(Y202F) permitted the trafficking of APP to more distal neurites than the wild‐type protein. These data underline the importance of the tyrosine phosphorylation of Mint1 as a critical switch for determining the destination of APP.

image

The regulation of amyloid precursor protein (APP) trafficking is poorly understood. We have discovered that the APP adapter, Mint1, is phosphorylated by C‐Src kinase. Mint1 causes APP accumulation in the trans‐Golgi network, whereas inhibition of Src or mutation of Mint1‐Y202 permits APP recycling. The phosphorylation status of Mint1 could impact on the pathological trafficking of APP in Alzheimer's disease.
Transcontinental dispersal, ecological opportunity and origins of an adaptive radiation in the Neotropical catfish genusHypostomus(Siluriformes: Loricariidae)
Authors: Silva Gabriel S. C. , Roxo Fábio F. , Lujan Nathan K. , Tagliacollo Victor A. , Zawadzki Claudio H. , Oliveira Claudio
Published: February 2016

Ecological opportunity is often proposed as a driver of accelerated diversification, but evidence has been largely derived from either contemporary island radiations or the fossil record. Here, we investigate the potential influence of ecological opportunity on a transcontinental radiation of South American freshwater fishes. We generate a species‐dense, time‐calibrated molecular phylogeny for the suckermouth armored catfish subfamily Hypostominae, with a focus on the species‐rich and geographically widespread genusHypostomus. We use the resulting chronogram to estimate ancestral geographical ranges, infer historical rates of cladogenesis and diversification in habitat and body size and shape, and test the hypothesis that invasions of previously unoccupied river drainages accelerated evolution and contributed to adaptive radiation. Both the subfamily Hypostominae and the included genusHypostomusoriginated in the Amazon/Orinoco ecoregion.Hypostomussubsequently dispersed throughout tropical South America east of the Andes Mountains. Consequent to invasion of the peripheral, low‐diversity Paraná River basin in southeastern Brazil approximately 12.5 Mya, Paraná lineages ofHypostomus,experienced increased rates of cladogenesis and ecological and morphological diversification. Contemporary lineages of ParanáHypostomusare less species rich but more phenotypically diverse than their congeners elsewhere. Accelerated speciation and morphological diversification rates within Paraná basinHypostomusare consistent with adaptive radiation. The geographical remoteness of the Paraná River basin, its recent history of marine incursion, and its continuing exclusion of many species that are widespread in other tropical South American rivers suggest that ecological opportunity played an important role in facilitating the observed accelerations in diversification.
High urinary albumin/creatinine ratio at admission predicts poor functional outcome in patients with acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Watanabe Yoko , Suda Satoshi , Kanamaru Takuya , Katsumata Toshiya , Okubo Seiji , Kaneko Tomohiro , Mii Akiko , Sakai Yukinao , Katayama Yasuo , Kimura Kazumi , Tsuruoka Shuichi
Published: February 2016

Aim

Albuminuria and a low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are widely recognized indices of kidney dysfunction and have been linked to cardiovascular events, including stroke. We evaluated albuminuria, measured using the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR), and the eGFR in the acute phase of ischaemic stroke, and investigated the clinical characteristics of ischaemic stroke patients with and those without kidney dysfunction.

Methods

The study included 422 consecutive patients admitted between June 2010 and May 2012. General blood and urine examinations were performed at admission. Kidney dysfunction was defined as a low eGFR (<60 mL/min per 1.73 m2), high albuminuria (≥30 mg/g creatinine), or both. Neurological severity was evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission and the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at discharge. A poor outcome was defined as a mRS score of 3–5 or death. The impacts of the eGFR and UACR on outcomes at discharge were evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

Kidney dysfunction was diagnosed in 278 of the 422 patients (65.9%). The eGFR was significantly lower and UACR was significantly higher in patients with a poor outcome than in those with a good outcome. In multivariate analyses performed after adjusting for confounding factors, UACR >31.2 mg/g creatinine (OR, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.52–4.43; P = 0.0005) was independently associated with a poor outcome, while a low eGFR was not associated.

Conclusions

A high UACR at admission may predict a poor outcome at discharge in patients with acute ischaemic stroke.
High‐resolution isotope measurements resolve rapid ecohydrological dynamics at the soil–plant interface
Authors: Volkmann Till H. M. , Haberer Kristine , Gessler Arthur , Weiler Markus
Published: February 2016

Plants rely primarily on rainfall infiltrating their root zones – a supply that is inherently variable, and fluctuations are predicted to increase on most of the Earth's surface. Yet, interrelationships between water availability and plant use on short timescales are difficult to quantify and remain poorly understood.

To overcome previous methodological limitations, we coupled high‐resolution in situ observations of stable isotopes in soil and transpiration water. We applied the approach along with Bayesian mixing modeling to track the fate of 2H‐labeled rain pulses following drought through soil and plants of deciduous tree ecosystems.

We resolve how rainwater infiltrates the root zones in a nonequilibrium process and show that tree species differ in their ability to quickly acquire the newly available source. Sessile oak (Quercus petraea) adjusted root uptake to vertical water availability patterns under drought, but readjustment toward the rewetted topsoil was delayed. By contrast, European beech (Fagus sylvatica) readily utilized water from all soil depths independent of water depletion, enabling faster uptake of rainwater.

Our results demonstrate that species‐specific plasticity and responses to water supply fluctuations on short timescales can now be identified and must be considered to predict vegetation functional dynamics and water cycling under current and future climatic conditions.
Different mechanisms of risperidone result in improved interpersonal trust, social engagement and cooperative behavior in patients with schizophrenia compared to trifluoperazine
Authors: Tse Wai Shing , Wong Ann Siu Wah , Chan Fu , Pang Alfred Hin Tat , Bond Alyson Jane , Chan Chau Kiu Raymond
Published: February 2016

Aim

Atypical antipsychotic treatment (e.g. risperidone) has been found to improve social functioning more than standard antipsychotic treatment. However, it is unclear which specific social behaviors are implicated in this improvement. The current study employed an interactive puzzle game to examine how social behaviors contribute to the improvement of social functioning by comparing patients receiving risperidone with those receiving trifluoperazine.

Methods

Scores on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, executive functioning, and social functioning were obtained from 24 patients with schizophrenia receiving either risperidone (n = 12) or trifluoperazine (n = 12), before their social behavior was measured in the interactive Tangrams Game. Immediately after the Tangrams Game, participants filled in two questionnaires measuring their interpersonal trust and rejection toward their game partner.

Results

Patients receiving risperidone showed more social engagement, cooperative behavior and interpersonal trust toward their game partners than those receiving trifluoperazine. Additional multivariate analysis of variance revealed that lower affiliative behavior was a function of positive symptoms; interpersonal trust had an impact on social engagement but executive functioning did not explain lower interpersonal trust or social disengagement.

Conclusion

Improvement of social competence by risperidone might be related to the enhancement of both social behaviors and interpersonal trust as well as better symptom resolution.
Infantile Hemangiomas in Twins: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Greco M. Fernanda , Frieden Ilona J. , Drolet Beth A. , Garzon María C. , Mancini Anthony J. , Chamlin Sarah L. , Metry Denise , Adams Denise , Lucky Anne , Wentzel Mary Sue , Horii Kimberly A. , Baselga Eulalia , McCuaig Catherine C. , Powell Julie , Haggstrom Anita , Siegel Dawn , Morel Kimberly D. , Cordisco M. Rosa , Nopper Amy J. , Krol Alfons ,   The Hemangioma Investigator Group
Published: February 2016

Background

Twins have a higher‐than‐expected risk of infantile hemangiomas (IHs), but the exact reasons for this association are not clear. Comparing concordant and discordant twin pairs might help elucidate these factors and yield more information about IH risk factors.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of twin pairs from 12 pediatric dermatology centers in the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Spain was conducted. Information regarding maternal pregnancy history, family history of vascular birthmarks, zygosity (if known), and pregnancy‐related information was collected. Information regarding twins (N = 202 sets) included birthweight, gestational age (GA), presence or absence of IHs, numbers and subtypes of IHs, presence of other birthmarks, and other medical morbidities.

Results

Two hundred two sets of twins were enrolled. Concordance for IH was present in 37% of twin pairs. Concordance for IH was inversely related to gestational age (GA), present in 42% of GA of 32 weeks or less, 36% of GA of 33 to 36 weeks, and 32% of GA of 37 weeks or more. Twins of GA of 34 weeks or less were more than two and a half times as likely to be concordant as those of GA of 35 weeks or more (odds ratio (OR) = 2.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.42–4.99; p < 0.01). In discordant twins, lower birthweight conferred a high risk of IH; of the 64 sets of twins with 10% or greater difference in weight, the smaller twin had IH in 62.5% (n = 40) of cases, versus 37.5% (n = 24) of cases in which the higher–birthweight twin was affected. Zygosity was reported in 188 twin sets (93%). Of these, 78% were dizygotic and 22% monozygotic. There was no statistically significant difference in rates of concordance between monozygotic twins (43%, 18/42) and dizygotic twins (36%, 52/146) (p = 0.50). In multivariate analysis comparing monozygotic and dizygotic twins, adjusting for effects of birthweight and sex, the likelihood of concordance for monozygotic was not appreciably higher than that for dizygotic twins (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.52–2.49). Female sex also influenced concordance, confirming the effects of female sex on IH risk. The female‐to‐male ratio was 1.7:1 in the entire cohort and 1.9:1 in those with IH. Of the 61 concordant twin sets with known sex of both twins, 41% were female/female, 43% were female/male, and 16% were male/male.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the origin of IHs is multifactorial and that predisposing factors such as birthweight, sex, and GA may interact with one another such that a threshold is reached for clinical expression.
Role of Sirolimus in Advanced Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma
Authors: Oza Vikash S. , Mamlouk Mark D. , Hess Christopher P. , Mathes Erin F. , Frieden Ilona J.
Published: February 2016

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is an infiltrative vascular tumor that classically presents in infancy. Management typically focuses on treating Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon (KMP), a disorder of severe and at times life‐threatening platelet trapping. However, the morbidity of KHE extends beyond KMP. The infiltrative nature of the tumor can lead to long‐term disability and often makes complete surgical resection impossible. We report the case of a 10‐year‐old boy with a KHE of his right distal thigh who was unable to walk without assistance due to fibrotic change and right knee contracture. He had no laboratory evidence of KMP at the time of representation. Rapamycin was started in hopes of reducing the tumor burden. Within 2 months of therapy, fibrotic areas softened, his contracture nearly resolved, and there was marked improvement in his mobility. Rapamycin has been previously reported to be effective in managing cases of KHE complicated by KMP. Our report emphasizes the role for rapamycin in the treatment of KHE in the absence of KMP through the inhibition of vasculogenesis and fibrotic pathways.
Cumulative Response to Sequences of Terror Attacks Varying in Frequency and Trajectory
Authors: Cui Jinshu , Rosoff Heather , John Richard S.
Published: February 2016

There is a paucity of research examining public response to the cumulative effects of multiple related extreme events over time. We investigated the separate and combined effects of frequency and trajectory of terrorist attacks. A scenario simulation of a series of gas station bombings in Southern California was developed to evaluate respondents' affect, risk perception, and intended avoidance behavior using a 3 (frequency; low vs. medium vs. high) by 3 (trajectory; increasing vs. constant vs. decreasing) factorial design. For each of the nine conditions, three videos were created to simulate news broadcasts documenting the attacks over a three‐week period. A total of 275 respondents were included in the analysis. Results from analysis of covariances (ANCOVAs) indicate that trajectory of the sequential attacks (increasing or decreasing in frequency) predicts negative affect, risk perception, and avoidance behavior. In contrast, frequency predicts neither negative affect, positive affect, risk perception, nor intended avoidance behavior. Results from structural equation modeling (SEM) further indicate that the effect of negative affect on behavioral intention is mediated by risk perception and the effect of trajectory on risk perception is partially mediated by negative affect. In addition, both ANCOVAs and SEM model results suggest that (1) females experience less positive affect and perceive more risk than males, (2) respondents with higher income perceive more risk, and (3) younger respondents are more likely to modify their behavior to avoid the risk of future attacks.
A Dynamics-Based Hazard Analysis of Inverted-Pendulum Human Transporters Using Data-Mined Information
Authors: Singhose William , Adams Christopher , Kim Dooroo
Published: February 2016

When a product is a complex dynamic system that interacts directly with a human, engineers must consider a wide range of possible motions and forces that the device could exert on the human. Such an analysis goes beyond a simple thought exercise and requires detailed knowledge about the system dynamics and the operating environment. This paper presents such an analysis of inverted-pendulum human transporters. The list of hazards is constructed by using knowledge of the dynamics and mechanical design obtained through simulation and experimentation. However, the dynamics are so complex that the list is augmented with hazards that are revealed by studying accident videos posted on the Internet. The severity of the hazards is estimated using an energy-based measurement of the hazard onset conditions as well as compounding factors from the mechanical design. In addition, experimental and simulation results of sample hazard conditions illustrate their danger and severity. The analysis reveals that inverted-pendulum human transporters have several hazards with unacceptable risk.
Numerical Techniques Applied to Hydraulic Turbines: A Perspective Review
Authors: Trivedi Chirag , Cervantes Michel J. , Gunnar Dahlhaug Ole
Published: February 2016

Applications of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) techniques to hydropower have increased rapidly in the last three decades. The majority of the experimental investigations of hydraulic turbines were supported by numerical studies and this has become a standard practice. In the paper, applied numerical techniques and flow modeling approaches to simulate the hydraulic turbines are discussed. Both steady-state and transient operating conditions of the turbines are considered for the review. The steady-state conditions include the best efficiency point (BEP), high load (HL), and part load (PL). The transient conditions include load variation, startup, shutdown, and total load rejection. The performance of the applied numerical models and turbulence modeling with respect to the operating conditions are discussed. The recently developed numerical technique (transient blade row modeling) using the Fourier transformation (FT) method is discussed. This technique allows guide vane and blade passages to be modeled with the pitch ratio other than unity. Numerical modeling and simulation of hydraulic turbines during the transient operating conditions is one of the most challenging tasks because guide vanes' angular movement is time-dependent and mesh should be dynamic/moving. Different approaches applied to simulate the transient conditions and their limitations are discussed. Overall, this review summarizes the role of numerical techniques, advantages, limitations, and upcoming challenges within hydropower.
Construction and Experimental Study of an Elevation Linear Fresnel Reflector
Authors: Nixon J. D. , Davies P. A.
Published: February 2016

This paper outlines a novel elevation linear Fresnel reflector (ELFR) and presents and validates theoretical models defining its thermal performance. To validate the models, a series of experiments were carried out for receiver temperatures in the range of 30–100 °C to measure the heat loss coefficient, gain in heat transfer fluid (HTF) temperature, thermal efficiency, and stagnation temperature. The heat loss coefficient was underestimated due to the model exclusion of collector end heat losses. The measured HTF temperature gains were found to have a good correlation to the model predictions—less than a 5% difference. In comparison to model predictions for the thermal efficiency and stagnation temperature, measured values had a difference of −39% to +31% and 22–38%, respectively. The difference between the measured and predicted values was attributed to the low-temperature region for the experiments. It was concluded that the theoretical models are suitable for examining linear Fresnel reflector (LFR) systems and can be adopted by other researchers.
Solar Hybrid Air Conditioner: Model Validation and Optimization
Authors: Al-Alili Ali , Hwang Yunho , Radermacher Reinhard
Published: February 2016

Solar air conditioners (A/Cs) have attracted much attention in research, but their performance and cost have to be optimized in order to become a real alternative to conventional A/C systems. In this study, a hybrid solar A/C is simulated using the transient systems simulation program(trnsys), which is coupled with matlab in order to carry out the optimization study. The trnsys model is experimentally validated prior to the optimization study. Two optimization problems are formulated with the following design variables: solar collector area, solar collector mass flow rate, solar thermal energy storage volume, and solar electrical energy storage size. The genetic algorithm (GA) is selected to solve the single-objective optimization problem and find the global optimum design for the lowest electrical consumption. To optimize the two objective functions simultaneously, energy consumption and total cost (TC), a multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) is used to find the Pareto curve within the design variables' bounds while satisfying the constraints. The overall cost of the optimized solar A/C design is also compared to a standard vapor compression cycle (VCC). The results show that coupling trnsys and matlab expands trnsys optimization capability in solving more complex optimization problems. The results also show that the optimized solar hybrid A/C is not very competitive when the electricity prices are low and no governmental support is provided.