bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human monocyte ATP-induced IL-1β posttranslational processing is a dynamic process dependent on in vitro growth conditions
Authors: Laliberte Ronald E , Perregaux David G , McNiff Patricia , Gabel Christopher A
Published: January 2018

Despite a large production capacity, freshly isolated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated human monocytes release only a small percentage of their newly synthesized interleukin (IL)-1β into the medium. Extracellular ATP, acting via surface P2z-type purinoreceptors, increases cytokine posttranslational processing. To explore whether this ATP response was affected by culture conditions, monocytes were maintained for different time periods in the absence and presence of various media components including fetal bovine and human sera and recombinant human cytokines. The ability of monocytes to produce radiolabeled pro-IL-1β in response to LPS and to posttranslationally process the procytokine after ATP stimulation was affected both by time in culture and by the presence of specific media components. These observations indicate that ATP's ability to promote human monocyte IL-1β posttranslational processing is a dynamic process that is subject to regulation by cytokines and/or growth factors. Changes in monocyte/macrophage ATP responsiveness may provide an important regulatory mechanism for the control of IL-1 biological activity in vivo.
Endogenous PMN-derived reactive oxygen intermediates provide feedback regulation on respiratory burst signal transduction
Authors: Derevianko Alexandre , D'Amico Ronald , Graeber Thomas , Keeping Hugh , Simms H Hank
Published: January 2018

The role of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in stemming systemic infection is executed mainly by the utilization of molecular O2 leading to the production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI). PMN-derived ROI also serve as intra- and extracellular second messengers providing both positive and negative feedback on cellular autoregulation. We investigated the effect of endogenous ROI on two signal transducing pathways: the receptor (R)-G-protein-phospholipase D (PLD) and receptor (R)-G-protein-phospholipase C pathways responsible for the subsequent interleukin-8 (IL-8)-induced PMN respiratory burst. Purified human PMN were primed with LPS adhered to plastic surfaces and stimulated with IL-8 with or without the presence of each of five different selective ROI scavengers/antioxidants: DMSO, NaN3, L-alanine, catalase, or superoxide dismutase. Total IL-8 surface receptor expression was assessed by 125I-IL-8 125I-labeled mAbs against IL-8R type A and B binding assays; PLD activation was assessed by measuring formation of phosphatidyl ethanol (PEt) in the presence of ethanol; PLC activation was measured by quantitative conversion of [32P]ATP-labeled phosphatidic acid (PA) into diacylglycerol (DAG); expression of Gα-inhibitory subunit was assessed by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting with polyclonal Abs against this subunit. Production of O2–, H2O2, HClO, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the experimental model was confirmed in a separate set of experiments. The overall impact of antioxidants on each component of the transducing tripartite complex was stimulatory; however, NaN3 and SOD exhibited the most ubiquitous effect with consistent upregulation by NaN3 of IL-8R expression, whereas even trace amounts of externally added authentic MPO significantly down-regulated the functional activity of both effector enzymes. These results demonstrate a multiple site-specific targeting of the signal-transducing complex by endogenous PMN-derived ROI and an overall protective effect of ROI scavengers/antioxidants.
Clues to immune function and oncogenesis provided by events that activate the cell cycle machinery in normal human T cells
Authors: Chitko-McKown Carol G , Modiano Jaime F
Published: January 2018

A common feature seen in states of decreased immune competence or immunosuppression and in diseases of the blood, such as lymphohematopoietic cancers, is the disruption of the normal pathways of cell cycle control. In lymphocytes a series of nonlinear biochemical cascades leads to cellular proliferation and also controls the production of cytokines that provide immunologic help (i.e., aid in B and T cell proliferation, maturation, and differentiation). These two distinct outcomes can be dissociated, as stimuli that incite production of cytokines need not lead to cell division, and conversely, exogenously provided cytokines may promote lymphocyte proliferation. The signals that induce production of cytokines, particularly interleukin-2, have been extensively characterized. It also is known that the fidelity of cell cycle progression is dependent on a regulatory network whose key components include cyclin-dependent kinases and cyclins. This review describes the current state of knowledge linking the antigen receptor response pathways and the activation of the cell cycle machinery in T cells.
IL-12-induced tumor regression correlates with in situ activity of IFN-γ produced by tumor-infiltrating cells and its secondary induction of anti-tumor pathways
Authors: Yu Wen-Gong , Ogawa Makoto , Mu Jie , Umehara Kazunari , Tsujimura Takahiro , Fujiwara Hiromi , Hamaoka Toshiyuki
Published: January 2018

Administration of recombinant interleukin-12 (rIL-12) into CSA1M fibrosarcoma-bearing mice results in complete regression of growing tumors. This tumor regression is associated with massive lymphoid cell infiltration to tumor sites and is completely blocked by injection of anti-interferon-γ (IFN-γ) monoclonal antibody (mAb). We investigated whether anti-IFN-γ mAb exerts its suppressive effect on tumor regression by blocking the IL-12-induced lymphoid cell migration to tumor sites or by inhibiting the secondary effects of IFN-γ produced by infiltrating cells. Injection of anti-IFN-γ mAb to CSA1M-bearing mice before IL-12 treatment prevented the induction of tumor regression, whereas this treatment affected only marginally the infiltration of lymphoid cells to tumor masses. In accordance with this, IFN-γ mRNA was expressed inside tumor masses by infiltrating cells after IL-12 therapy irrespective of whether anti-IFN-γ mAb was injected. However, anti-IFN-γ mAb treatment almost completely abrogated the in situ expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) as well as IFN-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) genes as examples of IFN-γ-inducible genes. Immunohistochemical analyses also revealed that the expression of iNOS protein was completely inhibited by anti-IFN-γ injection. These results suggest that the implementation of in situ IFN-γ activity and its secondary induction of antitumor pathways such as iNOS and IP-10 expression are important processes in the IL-12-induced tumor regression.
Adenosine A3 receptor stimulation inhibits migration of human eosinophils
Authors: Knight Darryl , Zheng Xueyan , Rocchini Corinne , Jacobson Marlene , Bai Tony , Walker Blair
Published: January 2018

Activation of adenosine A3 receptors (A3-R) produced a dose-dependent reduction in the chemotaxis of human eosinophils to platelet-activating factor (PAF), RANTES, and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) to a maximum of 58,48, and 52%, respectively (P < 0.02). This effect was completely reversed by selective A3-R antagonists. In contrast, activation of A1 or A2a-R did not affect PAF-induced eosinophil chemotaxis. PAF upregulated the expression of CD11b/CD18, down-regulated L-selectin, and also increased F-actin assembly in eosinophils. The expression of these activation markers was not influenced by A3-R, A2a, or A1-R stimulation. Activation of A3-R may play an important role in inflammation by inhibiting eosinophil migration.
Relationship of ligand-receptor dynamics to actin polymerization in RBL-2H3 cells transfected with the human formyl peptide receptor
Authors: Hall Anne L , Wilson Bridget S , Pfeiffer Janet R , Oliver Janet M , Sklar Larry A
Published: January 2018

The human formyl peptide receptor (FPR) expressed in RBL-2H3 transfectants (RBLFPR) behaves qualitatively like the FPR expressed by neutrophils except that it causes sustained F-actin accumulation and cell shape change responses on formyl peptide stimulation. These sustained responses were not accounted for by changes in the transfected receptor's ability to interact with ligand or by receptor density. Signal transduction pathways of transfected and neutrophil FPRs are apparently similar. In transfected cells, dissociation of ligand is sensitive to guanine nucleotide, the G protein is pertussis toxin-sensitive, FPR and G protein appear to be precoupled, the F-actin response is stimulated with the same dose-response profile as in neutrophils, and the F-actin accumulation response is directly regulated by the FPR, even long after initial stimulation. Potentially significant differences between neutrophil and transfected FPR were found when receptor processing was measured. In neutrophils, practically 100% of the FPR is converted to forms that dissociate slowly from ligand and are inactive in signal transduction within 2 min of ligand stimulation. By contrast, 20% or more of transfected FPR remains rapidly dissociating even 5 min after stimulation. Although 80% of neutrophil FPR is internalized by 5 min after stimulation, transfected FPR appears to plateau at 50–60% internalized. Because actin responses in neutrophils are regulated by a small number of active receptors, the inefficiency of receptor inactivation in RBLFPR transfectants may account for the prolonged F-actin accumulation response.
Regulation and function of the CXC chemokine ENA-78 in monocytes and its role in disease
Authors: Walz Alfred , Schmutz Peter , Mueller Christoph , Schnyder-Candrian Silvia
Published: January 2018

Epithelial neutrophil-activating protein 78 (ENA-78) is a member of the CXC chemokines and acts as a potent chemoattractant and activator of neutrophil function. On stimulation in vitro, ENA-78 is highly expressed in many cell types. ENA-78 protein levels are strongly elevated in synovial fluid and blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. By in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence staining, ENA-78 has been recognized as a major CXC chemokine expressed in epithelial cells of the intestinal mucosa of patients with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and acute appendicitis. A high expression of ENA-78 and interleukin-8 (IL-8) was also observed in the exocrine tissue of patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP). It is interesting to note that expression of IP-10, MlP-1α, and MCP-1 is high in healthy pancreatic tissue but low in tissue of patients with CP, suggesting a mutually exclusive expression of the ELR-CXC vs. non-ELR-CXC/CC chemokines. High-resolution studies of intracellular chemokines has revealed specific immunoreactivity for ENA-78 associated with the endoplasmic reticulum of many cell types. In contrast, GROα immunoreactivity was exclusively localized in the nucleus. Despite their common effects on neutrophil functions, the differential intracellular localization of ENA-78 and GROα suggests additional roles for these two chemokines in normal cell biology.
Role of the monocyte chemoattractant protein and eotaxin subfamily of chemokines in allergic inflammation
Authors: Luster Andrew D , Rothenberg Marc E
Published: January 2018

Allergic inflammation is characterized by the tissue accumulation and activation of leukocytes rich in eosinophils. During these responses, there is marked induction of specific chemokines that are involved in regulating the recruitment and activation of these inflammatory cells. A subfamily of CC (or β) chemokines composed of macrophage chemoattractant proteins (MCP) and eotaxin have emerged as cytokines involved in the recruitment and activation of the cells seen in allergic reactions. We now show that these chemokines are strikingly related in chromosomal location, gene structure, primary protein sequence, biological activity, and receptor usage. We also show that these chemokines are differentially regulated in human and animal models of allergic disease and perform distinct roles in vivo. We propose that this subfamily of chemokines plays a fundamental role in the development of allergic responses.
Cloning and functional characterization of a novel human CC chemokine that binds to the CCR3 receptor and activates human eosinophils
Authors: White John R , Imburgia Christina , Dul Edward , Appelbaum Edward , O'Donnell Kevin , O'Shannessy Daniel J , Brawner Mary , Fornwald Jim , Adamou John , Elshourbagy Nabil A , Kaiser Kate , Foley James J , Schmidt Dulcie B , Johanson Kyung , Macphee Colin , Moores Kitty , McNulty Dean , Scott Gilbert F , Schleimer Robert P , Sarau Henry M
Published: January 2018

Eotaxin has been found to bind exclusively to a single chemokine receptor, CCR3. Using expression sequence tag screening of an activated monocyte library, a second chemokine has been identified; it was expressed and purified from a Drosophila cell culture system and appears to only activate CCR3. Eotaxin-2, MPIF-2, or CKβ-6, is a human CC chemokine with low amino acid sequence identity to other chemo- kines. Eotaxin-2 promotes chemotaxis and Ca2+ mobilization in human eosinophils but not in neutrophils or monocytes. Cross-desensitization calcium mobilization experiments using purified eosinophils indicate that eotaxin and MCP-4, but not RANTES, MIP-lα, or MCP-3, can completely cross-desensitize the calcium response to eotaxin-2 on these cells, indicating that eotaxin-2 shares the same receptor used by eotaxin and MCP-4. Eotaxin-2 was the most potent eosinophil chemoattractant of all the chemokines tested. Eotaxin-2 also displaced 125I-eotaxin bound to the cloned CCR3 stably expressed in CHO cells (CHO-CCR3) and to freshly isolated human eosinophils with affinities similar to eotaxin and MCP-4. l25I-Eotaxin-2 binds with high affinity to eosinophils and both eotaxin and cold eotaxin-2 displace the ligand with equal affinity. Eotaxin and eotaxin-2 promote a Ca2+ transient in RBL-2H3 cells stably transfected with CCR3 (RBL-2H3-CCR3) and both ligands cross-desensitized the response of the other but not the response to LTD4. The data indicate that eotaxin-2 is a potent eosinophil chemotactic chemokine exerting its activity solely through the CCR3 receptor.
Role of MCP-1 and RANTES in inflammation and progression to fibrosis during murine crescentic nephritis
Authors: Lloyd Clare M , Dorf Martin E , Proudfoot Amanda , Salant David J , Gutierrez-Ramos Jose-Carlos
Published: January 2018

The involvement of chemokines in inflammation is well established but their functional role in disease progression, and particularly in the development of fibrosis, is not yet understood. We have investigated the functional role that the chemokines monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and RANTES play in inflammation and the progression to fibrosis during crescentic nephritis. During this disease inflammatory infiltrates are observed within glomeruli and interstitium in conjunction with increased expression of MCP-1 and RANTES and a decrease in renal function. Disease progression is marked by formation of glomerular crescents and the deposition of type I collagen. Blocking the function of MCP-1 or RANTES resulted in significant decreases in proteinuria as well as numbers of infiltrating leukocytes, indicating that both MCP-1 and RANTES play an important role in the inflammatory phase of crescentic nephritis. In particular, neutralization of MCP-1, but not RANTES, resulted in a dramatic decrease in glomerular crescent formation and deposition of type I collagen. These results highlight a novel role for MCP-1 in crescent formation and development of interstitial fibrosis and indicate that in addition to recruiting inflammatory cells this chemokine is critically involved in irreversible tissue damage.
MIP-1α and MCP-1 differentially regulate acute and relapsing autoimmune encephalomyelitis as well as Th1/Th2 lymphoctye differentiation
Authors: Karpus William J , Kennedy Kevin J
Published: January 2018

Chemokines are a family of small-molecular-weight cytokines that induce chemotaxis and chemokinesis of leukocytes. These molecules are ligands for seven-transmembrane, G-protein-linked receptors and are known to activate integrins on the surface of leukocytes and other cells as well as induce a number of signaling events. They play a significant role in the migration of leukocytes from blood into tissue during inflammatory processes. We tested the role of chemokines in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and found that macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MlP-1α) correlated with acute disease development, whereas monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) did not. In contrast, MCP-1 production in the central nervous system correlated with relapsing EAE development. Moreover, anti-MIP-1α, but not anti-MCP-1, inhibited development of acute but not relapsing EAE, whereas anti-MCP-1 significantly reduced the severity of relapsing EAE. To test the effects of chemokines on the differentiation of naive T cells, TCR transgenic splenic T cells (Tg+ T cells) from DO11.10 OVA TCR transgenic mice were used as a source of Th0 cells and were stimulated with specific anti-clonotypic monoclonal antibodies in the presence of MIP-1α, MCP-1, or controls. MIP-1α drove Th0 cells to differentiate to Th1, whereas MCP-1 drove Th0 cells to differentiate to Th2. Similarly, MCP-1, but not MlP-1α significantly inhibited the adoptive transfer of EAE when included in in vitro activation cultures, further suggesting a regulatory anti-inflammatory property. These results suggest a differential role for CC chemokines in the development and activation of T cells during autoimmune inflammatory diseases.
Role of intravoxel incoherent motion MRI in early assessment of the response of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma to chemoradiotherapy: A pilot study
Authors: Zheng Huanhuan , Ren Wei , Pan Xia , Zhang Qinglei , Liu Baorui , Liu Song , He Jian , Zhou Zhengyang
Published: January 2018

Background

Since definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is standard therapy for inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), early evaluation of treatment response is crucial for patients and would be useful in assessing response, especially in patients with severe side effects.

Purpose

To explore the feasibility of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MRI in the early assessment of treatment response to CRT.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Twenty‐three inoperable ESCC patients.

Sequence

IVIM 3T MRI of nine b values (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 500 and 800 s/mm2) was performed at four timepoints: pre‐CRT (within 5 days before CRT), mid‐CRT (2–3 weeks after the start of CRT), end‐CRT (within 5 days after the end of CRT), and post‐CRT (1 month after the end of CRT).

Assessment

IVIM‐based parameters and ADC were analyzed independently by two radiologists and treatment response was assessed by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST).

Statistical Tests

Analyses of variance for repeated measurements were conducted to observe dynamic changes of IVIM‐based parameters (D, f, and D*) and ADC during CRT. The parameters and their change percentages (Δ%) were compared between complete response (CR) and partial response (PR) by Mann–Whitney U‐test. Diagnostic performance of parameters in predicting response was tested with receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

ADC, D, and f increased significantly during CRT (P < 0.001, < 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). ADC, f, Δ%ADC, and Δ%D at mid‐CRT in CR group were significantly higher than those in the PR group (P = 0.002, 0.013, 0.005, and 0.011, respectively). D combined with f and ADC had highest area under curve (0.917) in identifying CR from PR.

Data Conclusion

IVIM parameters proved useful in assessing response to definitive concurrent CRT for inoperable ESCC and combined with ADC at an early stage of treatment was a good predictor of response.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 4

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2018;48:349–358.
Retinoblastoma, the visible CNS tumor: A review
Authors: Dimaras Helen , Corson Timothy W.
Published: January 2018

The pediatric ocular cancer retinoblastoma is the only central nervous system (CNS) tumor readily observed without specialized equipment: it can be seen by, and in, the naked eye. This accessibility enables unique imaging modalities. Here, we review this cancer for a neuroscience audience, highlighting these clinical and research imaging options, including fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging. We also discuss the subtype of retinoblastoma driven by the MYCN oncogene more commonly associated with neuroblastoma, and consider trilateral retinoblastoma, in which an intracranial tumor arises along with ocular tumors in patients with germline RB1 gene mutations. Retinoblastoma research and clinical care can offer insights applicable to CNS malignancies, and also benefit from approaches developed elsewhere in the CNS.
Combining color chart, colorimetric measurement and chemical compounds for postharvest quality of white wine grapes
Authors: Sollazzo Marco , Baccelloni Simone , D'Onofrio Claudio , Bellincontro Andrea
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

This paper provides data for the potential use of a color chart to establish the best quality of white wine grapes destined for postharvest processing. Grechetto, Vermentino and Muscat of Alexandria white wine grape varieties were tested by sampling berries at different dates during their quality attribute evolution. A color chart and reflectance spectrocolorimeter were used in combination with analyses of total carotenoids and chlorophylls in all three varieties and of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Grechetto alone.

RESULTS

Total carotenoids decreased from 0.85 to 0.76 µg g−1 in Grechetto berries and from 0.70 to 0.46 µg g−1 in Vermentino berries while increased from 0.70 to 0.80 µg g−1 in Muscat berries during ripening. Total chlorophylls decreased in all varieties, and a strict correlation was found between hue angle (measured by color chart or spectrocolorimeter) and chlorophyll disappearance, with R2 ranging from 0.81 to 0.95 depending on the variety. VOCs were only measured in Grechetto grapes, and a significant increase in glycosylation was found with ripening. The concentration of different classes of VOCs exhibited a clear decrease during ripening, except for terpenoids and esters which showed a peak at the beginning. The benzenoid class reached the highest concentration, which was almost 50% of the total. Cluster analysis using Ward's method enabled the best grape quality to be identified.

CONCLUSION

This experimental work highlights that a color chart is cheap and easy to use to define the right quality stage for white wine grapes. The color chart enabled the enochemical features to be matched with the VOC results for the aromatic maturity of Grechetto. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison between core–shell and totally porous particle stationary phases for fast and green LC determination of five hepatitis‐C antiviral drugs
Authors: Ibrahim Adel Ehab , Hashem Hisham , Elhenawee Magda , Saleh Hanaa
Published: January 2018

The performances of core–shell 2.7 μm and fully porous sub‐2 μm particles packed in narrow diameter columns were compared under the same chromatographic conditions. The stationary phases were compared for fast separation and determination of five new antiviral drugs; daclatasvir, sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, simeprevir, and ledipasvir. The gradient elution was done using ethanol as green organic modifier, which is more environmentally friendly. Although both columns provided very good resolution of the five drugs, core–shell particles had proven to be of better efficiency. Under gradient elution conditions, core–shell particles exhibited faster elution, better peak shape, and enhanced resolution adding to lower system backpressure. The column backpressure on sub‐2 μm particles was more than twice that on core–shell particles. This gives a chance to use conventional high‐performance liquid chromatography conditions without needing special instrumentation as that required for ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography. The method was validated for determination of the five drugs by gradient elution using mobile phase composed of organic modifier ethanol and aqueous part containing 0.75 g sodium octane sufonate and 3.0 g sodium dihydrogen phosphate per liter at pH of 6.15. Detection was done using UV‐detector set at 210 nm. The linearity, accuracy, and precision were found very good within the concentration range of 2–200 μg/mL.
Molecular processes underlying synergistic linuron mineralization in a triple‐species bacterial consortium biofilm revealed by differential transcriptomics
Authors: Albers Pieter , Weytjens Bram , De Mot René , Marchal Kathleen , Springael Dirk
Published: January 2018

The proteobacteria Variovorax sp. WDL1, Comamonas testosteroni WDL7, and Hyphomicrobium sulfonivorans WDL6 compose a triple‐species consortium that synergistically degrades and grows on the phenylurea herbicide linuron. To acquire a better insight into the interactions between the consortium members and the underlying molecular mechanisms, we compared the transcriptomes of the key biodegrading strains WDL7 and WDL1 grown as biofilms in either isolation or consortium conditions by differential RNAseq analysis. Differentially expressed pathways and cellular systems were inferred using the network‐based algorithm PheNetic. Coculturing affected mainly metabolism in WDL1. Significantly enhanced expression of hylA encoding linuron hydrolase was observed. Moreover, differential expression of several pathways involved in carbohydrate, amino acid, nitrogen, and sulfur metabolism was observed indicating that WDL1 gains carbon and energy from linuron indirectly by consuming excretion products from WDL7 and/or WDL6. Moreover, in consortium conditions, WDL1 showed a pronounced stress response and overexpression of cell to cell interaction systems such as quorum sensing, contact‐dependent inhibition, and Type VI secretion. Since the latter two systems can mediate interference competition, it prompts the question if synergistic linuron degradation is the result of true adaptive cooperation or rather a facultative interaction between bacteria that coincidentally occupy complementary metabolic niches.
The complete genome sequence of Vibrio aestuarianus W‐40 reveals virulence factor genes
Authors: Xu Xiaojin , Huang Lixing , Su Yongquan , Yan Qingpi
Published: January 2018

Vibrio aestuarianus is an opportunistic environmental pathogen that has been associated with epidemics in cultured shrimp Penaeus vannamei. Hepatopancreas microsporidian (HPM) and monodon slow growth syndrome (MSGS) have been reported in cultured P. vannamei. In this study, we sequenced and assembled the whole genome of V. aestuarianus strain W‐40, a strain that was originally isolated from the intestines of an infected P. vannamei. The genome of V. aestuarianus strain W‐40 contains two circular chromosomes of 483,7307 bp with a 46.23% GC content. We identified 4,457 open reading frames (ORFs) that occupy 86.35% of the genome. Vibrio aestuarianus strain W‐40 consists primarily of the ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter system and the phosphotransferase system (PTS). CagA is a metabolism system that includes bacterial extracellular solute‐binding protein. Glutathione reductase can purge superoxide radicals () and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) damage in V. aestuarianus strain W‐40. The presence of two compete type I restriction‐modification systems was confirmed. A total of 42 insertion sequences (IS) elements and 16 IS elements were identified. Our results revealed a host of virulence factors that likely contribute to the pathogenicity of V. aestuarianus strain W‐40, including the virulence factor genes vacA, clpC, and bvgA, which are important for biofilm dispersion. Several bacitracin and tetracycline antibiotic resistance‐encoding genes and type VI secretion systems were also identified in the genome. The complete genome sequence will aid future studies of the pathogenesis of V. aestuarianus strain W‐40 and allow for new strategies to control disease to be developed.
Dichotomous solutions of linear impulsive differential equations
Authors: Atanasova Pavlina , Georgieva Atanaska , Konstantinov Mihail
Published: January 2018

The notion of Lp(h,k) solutions of linear impulsive differential equations in Banach spaces is introduced. Sufficient conditions for existence of such solutions are derived. Possible applications to linear control systems with impulses are considered. An illustrative example is given.
Direct assessment of renal mitochondrial redox state using hyperpolarized 13C‐acetoacetate
Authors: von Morze Cornelius , Ohliger Michael A. , Marco‐Rius Irene , Wilson David M. , Flavell Robert R. , Pearce David , Vigneron Daniel B. , Kurhanewicz John , Wang Zhen J.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the hyperpolarized ketone body 13C‐acetoacetate (AcAc) and its conversion to 13C‐β‐hydroxybutyrate (βOHB) in vivo, catalyzed by β‐hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (BDH), as a novel direct marker of mitochondrial redox state.

Methods

[1,3‐13C2]AcAc was synthesized by hydrolysis of the ethyl ester, and hyperpolarized via dissolution DNP. Cold storage under basic conditions resulted in sufficient chemical stability for use in hyperpolarized (HP) MRI studies. Polarizations and relaxation times of HP [1,3‐13C2]AcAc were measured in a clinical 3T MRI scanner, and 8 rats were scanned by dynamic HP 13C MR spectroscopy of a slab through the kidneys. Four rats were scanned after acute treatment with high dose metformin (125 mg/kg, intravenous), which is known to modulate mitochondrial redox via inhibition of mitochondrial complex I. An additional metformin‐treated rat was scanned by abdominal 2D CSI (8 mm × 8 mm).

Results

Polarizations of 7 ± 1% and 7 ± 3%, and T1 relaxation times of 58 ± 5 s and 52 ± 3 s, were attained at the C1 and C3 positions, respectively. Rapid conversion of HP AcAc to βOHB was detected in rat kidney in vivo, via the C1 label. The product HP βOHB was resolved from closely resonating acetate. Conversion to βOHB was also detected via 2D CSI, in both kidney as well as liver regions. Metformin treatment resulted in a significant increase (40%, P = 0.01) of conversion of HP AcAc to βOHB.

Conclusion

Rapid conversion of HP AcAc to βOHB was observed in rat kidney in vivo and is a promising new non‐invasive marker of mitochondrial redox state. Magn Reson Med 79:1862–1869, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Recommendations for the treatment of children with radiotherapy in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC): A position paper from the Pediatric Radiation Oncology Society (PROS‐LMIC) and Pediatric Oncology in Developing Countries (PODC) working groups of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP)
Authors: Parkes Jeannette , Hess Clayton , Burger Hester , Anacak Yavuz , Ahern Verity , Howard Scott C. , Elhassan Moawia , Ahmed Soha , Ghalibafian Mithra , Abbasi Ahmed Nadeem , Qureshi Bilal Mazhar , Zaghloul Mohamed , Zubizarreta Eduardo , Bey Pierre , Davidson Alan , Bouffet Eric , Esiashvili Natia
Published: January 2018

Pediatric radiotherapy is a critical part of pediatric oncology protocols and the quality of the radiotherapy may determine the future quality of life for long‐term survivors. Multidisciplinary team decision making provides the basis for high‐quality care. However, delivery of high‐quality radiotherapy is dependent on resources. This article provides guidelines for delivery of good quality radiation therapy in resource‐limited countries based on rational procurement and maintenance planning, protocol development, three‐dimensional planning, quality assurance, and adequate staff numbers and training.
Emotional context modulates micro‐expression processing as reflected in event‐related potentials
Authors: Zhang Ming , Fu Qiufang , Chen Yu‐Hsin , Fu Xiaolan
Published: January 2018

Micro‐expression recognition is influenced by emotional contexts at the behavioral level. It is found that the recognition for micro‐expressions is poorer following a negative context compared to the recognition following a neutral context. However, it remains unclear whether the modulation takes place in the early or later stage of the processing of micro‐expressions as reflected in event‐related potentials (ERPs). Using synthesized micro‐expressions in this study, we investigated how emotional context modulates the ERP components that are elicited by micro‐expressions. We observed that, compared to neutral contexts, negative and positive contexts elicited more positive amplitude trends for processing the subsequent target micro‐expressions, and more positive P1 and N170 effects were elicited by target micro‐expressions following negative and positive contexts compared to those following neutral contexts. Moreover, there were larger P1 effects elicited by the target micro‐expressions when the context and target expressions were incongruent compared to when they were congruent. Our findings provide new ERP evidence to indicate that emotional contexts modulate micro‐expression processing, and that the modulation of emotional contexts takes place at the early stage of facial‐expression processing.
Sorted patterned ground in a karst cave, Ledenica pod Hrušico, Slovenia
Authors: Obu Jaroslav , Košutnik Jure , Overduin Paul P. , Boike Julia , Blatnik Matej , Zwieback Simon , Gostinčar Petra , Mihevc Andrej
Published: January 2018

Patterned ground is a characteristic periglacial landform in polar and alpine environments but has not been systematically studied in karst caves. Here we characterize the periglacial environment and sorted stripes within the Ledenica pod Hrušico ice cave, western Slovenia. The stripes were mapped, sediment depth and grain size were measured, and cave and outside air temperatures were monitored together with ground temperatures. Eleven sorted stripes of coarse limestone debris had developed on 1 m thick silt‐rich sediment, underlain by limestone bedrock. Silt‐rich cave sediments can accumulate as insoluble carbonate residue or during flood events, whereas coarse debris may result from frost shattering. Cold winter air entered the ice cave, but little air exchange occurred during summer, when the cave air temperature slowly rose to a maximum of 5°C. Winter temperature oscillations propagated efficiently to the snow‐free cave floor. Fourteen freeze‐thaw cycles were observed at the patterned‐ground surface during winter 2015/2016 and may cause the differential frost heaving necessary for sediment sorting. Such periglacial conditions and mixtures of silty and coarse sediments can produce sorted patterns in karst caves.
Improving the assessment of adverse drug reactions using the Naranjo Algorithm in daily practice: The Japan Adverse Drug Events Study
Authors: Murayama Hiroki , Sakuma Mio , Takahashi Yuri , Morimoto Takeshi
Published: January 2018

It is difficult to determine adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in daily complicated clinical practice in which many kinds of drugs are prescribed. We evaluated how well the Naranjo Algorithm (NA) categorized ADRs among suspected ADRs. The Japan Adverse Drug Events (JADE) study was a prospective cohort study of 3459 inpatients. After all suspected ADRs were reported from research assistants, a single physician reviewer independently assigned an NA score to each. After all NA score of suspected ADRs were scored, two physician reviewers discussed and determined ADRs based on the literature. We investigated the sensitivity and specificity of NA and each component to categorize ADRs among suspected ADRs. A total of 1579 suspected ADRs were reported in 962 patients. Physician reviewers determined 997 ADRs. The percentage of ADRs was 94% if the total NA score reached 5. The modified NA consisted of 5 components that showed high classification abilities; its area under the curve (AUC) was 0.92 for categorizing ADRs, the same as the original. When we set the total NA score cut‐off value to 5, specificity was 0.95 and sensitivity was 0.59. When we reclassified NA components as binary variables, the specificity increased to 0.98 with a cut‐off value of 4 and yielded an AUC of 0.93. In conclusion, we showed that both NA and modified NA could categorize ADRs among suspected ADRs with a high likelihood in daily clinical practice.
Remarkably efficient production of a highly insecticidal Chrysodeixis chalcites nucleopolyhedrovirus (ChchNPV) isolate in its homologous host
Authors: Bernal Alexandra , Simón Oihane , Williams Trevor , Muñoz Delia , Caballero Primitivo
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

A Chrysodeixis chalcites nucleopolyhedrovirus from the Canary Islands (ChchNPV‐TF1) has proved to be effective for control of Chrysodeixis chalcites on banana crops. Commercialization of this virus as a bioinsecticide requires an efficient production system.

RESULTS

The sixth instar (L6) was the most suitable for virus production, producing 1.80 × 1011 occlusion bodies (OB)/larva and showed a lower prevalence of cannibalism (5.4%) than fourth (L4) or fifth (L5) instars. Inoculation of L6 at 24 h post molting produced six times more OB (5.72 × 1011 OB/larva) than recently molted L6 larvae (1.00 × 1011 OB/larva). No significant differences were recorded in mean time to death (165–175 h) or OB production per larva (3.75 × 1011 to 5.97 × 1011) or per mg larval weight (1.30 × 1011 to 2.11 × 109), in larvae inoculated with a range of inoculum concentrations (LC50–LC90). Groups of infected L6 larvae reared at a density of 150 larvae/container produced a greater total number of OBs (8.07 × 1013 OB/container) than lower densities (25, 50 and 100 OB/container), and a similar number to containers with 200 inoculated larvae (8.43 × 1013 OB/container).

CONCLUSION

The processes described here allow efficient production of sufficient OBs to treat ∼ 40 ha of banana crops using the insects from a single container. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Binding targets of termiticidal lectins from the bark and leaf of Myracrodruon urundeuva in the gut of Nasutitermes corniger workers
Authors: Lima Thâmarah A , Dornelles Leonardo P , Oliveira Ana Patrícia S , Guedes Caio CS , Souza Sueden O , Sá Roberto A , Zingali Russolina B , Napoleão Thiago H , Paiva Patrícia MG
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Lectins, carbohydrate‐binding proteins, from the bark (MuBL) and leaf (MuLL) of Myracrodruon urundeuva are termiticidal agents against Nasutitermes corniger workers and have been shown to induce oxidative stress and cell death in the midgut of these insects. In this study, we investigated the binding targets of MuBL and MuLL in the gut of N. corniger workers by determining the effects of these lectins on the activity of digestive enzymes. In addition, we used mass spectrometry to identify peptides from gut proteins that adsorbed to MuBL–Sepharose and MuLL–Sepharose columns.

RESULTS

Exoglucanase activity was neutralized in the presence of MuBL and stimulated by MuLL. α‐l‐Arabinofuranosidase activity was not affected by MuBL but was inhibited by MuLL. Both lectins stimulated α‐amylase activity and inhibited protease and trypsin‐like activities. Peptides with homology to apolipophorin, trypsin‐like enzyme, and ABC transporter substrate‐binding protein were detected from proteins that adsorbed to MuBL–Sepharose, while peptides from proteins that bound to MuLL–Sepharose shared homology with apolipophorin.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that digestive enzymes and transport proteins found in worker guts can be recognized by MuBL and MuLL. Thus, the mechanism of their termiticidal activity may involve changes in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Crack Statististics and Stress Analysis of Thick GaN on Patterned Silicon Substrate
Authors: Hossain Tasnia , Rashid Mohammad Junaebur , Frayssinet Eric , Baron Nicolas , Damilano Benjamin , Semond Fabrice , Wang J. , Durand Lise , Ponchet Anne , Demangeot Francois , Cordier Yvon
Published: January 2018

In this work, crack statistics are developed for MOCVD‐grown 12 μm thick GaN on patterned Si substrate for different sizes, trench widths and trench heights of the mesas. Optical microscope is used to obtain the percentage of cracked mesas in order to develop the crack statistics. The crack statistics show that the size and the trench height of the mesas have large effects on the percentage of cracked mesas but the trench width has no significant effect. The stress on crack‐free thick GaN mesas is investigated by micro‐Raman scattering process at room temperature by varying the size, trench height and trench width of the mesas. Both crack statistics and stress measurement show the similar behavior while varying these features of the mesas. According to Raman analysis, the critical stress for cracking of 12 μm GaN films is about 1.8 GPa.
Linking Northern Hemisphere temperature extremes to Rossby wave packets
Authors: Fragkoulidis G. , Wirth V. , Bossmann P. , Fink A. H.
Published: January 2018

This work investigates the statistical linkage between upper‐tropospheric transient Rossby wave packets (RWPs) and lower‐tropospheric temperature extremes in the Northern Hemisphere during the period 1979–2015. Data from ERA‐Interim reanalyses are used for the diagnosis of RWP amplitude and temperature anomalies as well as the systematic examination of their connection. Areas of large RWP amplitude are found to be associated with an increased probability of lower‐tropospheric temperature extremes in many regions of the midlatitudes. Although a seasonal and inter‐regional variability is apparent, this link is always stronger than in an analysis using a circumglobal waviness metric based on Fourier wavenumber amplitudes.

Further insight is gained by complementing the climatological results with an investigation of the two most severe recent heat waves in Europe, viz. during the 2003 and 2010 summers. Both events are found to be associated with conspicuous non‐circumglobal RWPs, but differences between the two events suggest that the mechanisms linking RWPs and temperature extremes are case‐dependent. The aforementioned results underscore the important role of upper‐troposphere dynamics and open up avenues for future research on heat waves and cold spells at both weather and climate time‐scales.
The Effect of MgO‐MgF2 Synthesis Method on the Electrolyte Binding Ability in Thermal Batteries
Authors: Zieliński Michał , Czajka Bogdan , Pietrowski Mariusz , Kiderys Angelika , Tomska‐Foralewska Iwona , Przystajko Wiesław , Wojciechowska Maria
Published: January 2018

This paper describes a comparative study of synthesis (sol‐gel and suspension methods) of MgF2‐MgO material used as an immobilizing agent of the electrolyte (KCl‐LiCl‐RbCl) for high temperature cells. Samples containing 20 mol.% MgF2 obtained by the sol‐gel method, followed by calcination at 500 and 600oC, were characterized by large specific surface areas greater than those of samples obtained by the suspension method. It was demonstrated that pellets containing 40 wt.% immobilizing agent composed of 20 mol.% MgF2 – 80 mol.% MgO, obtained by the sol‐gel method, and calcinated at 500 °C, were good electrolyte immobilizers. This mixture remains dimensionally stable at 400 °C and under 60 kPa pressure (no leakage of the electrolyte was observed) and reveals good ionic conductivity during tests in a model cell ‐ the voltage was not less than 1.0 V and current more than 0.75 A for approximately 400 s.
Directional overcurrent relay coordination by means of genetic algorithms of Chu–Beasley
Authors: Idarraga‐Ospina Gina , Mesa‐Quintero Noe A. , Valencia Jaime A. , Cavazos Alberto , Orduna Eduardo
Published: January 2018

The problem of coordinating directional overcurrent relay is one of the most important in electrical power system planning and operation. In this paper, a new objective function, based on genetic algorithms of Chu–Beasley, to carry out an optimal coordination of directional overcurrent relay is presented. The characteristics of the genetic algorithms of Chu–Beasley and some modifications, having taken into account inherent constraints to the problem, were used in order to properly solve the problem. A case study including 11 nodes and 22 directional relays was conducted to validate the performance of the proposed technique. Finally, a methodology to obtain a directional overcurrent relay coordination is proposed, including an expert (human) criterion. Detailed results are presented and discussed. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Prediction of accelerator operation using machine learning
Authors: Yamanokuchi Tomoya , Ando Shin , Kinoshita Koji , Bahadori Alireza , Kashiwao Tomoaki
Published: January 2018

This paper reports the regression analysis of the horizontal motion of a car driver's foot from a brake pedal to an accelerator pedal using machine learning methods, namely, neural network (NN), radial basis function network (RBFN), random forest (RF), and support vector regression (SVR) models, in order to predict the timing of when the driver steps on the accelerator from an web camera movie. The approximation performances of these models are compared based on root mean squared error (RMSE) and the estimated timing when the driver's foot reaches the accelerator pedal. From the results, the RF model could approximate the driver's foot motion most precisely. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.