bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation and biogeography of the spotted gar Lepisosteus oculatus from core and peripheral populations
Authors: David Solomon R. , Wright Jeremy J.
Published: October 2017

The spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) shows a disjunct natural distribution, with a core population extending from the central Mississippi River Basin to the U.S. gulf coast and a peripheral population in the southern Great Lakes Basin. Despite significant conservation concerns for this species in the Great Lakes watersheds where it occurs, few genetic examinations and comparisons of these populations have been performed. We investigated inter‐ and intrapopulational variation in several mitochondrial genetic markers (cytochrome oxidase subunit I, COI; cytochrome oxidase subunit II, COII; and 16S rRNA, 16S) from spotted gars taken from core and peripheral populations. Genetic diversity was highest in the Mississippi River Basin and lowest in the Great Lakes Basin, while the Nueces River Basin (Texas) population showed the greatest level of divergence from other populations. Average genetic distance among core and peripheral populations was over an order of magnitude less than that seen between L. oculatus and its sister species, the Florida gar (L. platyrhincus), although a significant correlation was found between genetic and geographical distance in L. oculatus. Genetic divergence in spotted gars is likely to be related to a combination of geographic isolation and founder effects associated with recent colonization following glacial retreat. Despite its apparent lack of significant genetic differentiation or haplotype diversity, the Great Lakes population of spotted gars has previously been shown to be a unique component of the species, and additional studies are needed to determine the genetic mechanisms underlying regional adaptations as well as potential morphological differentiation among spotted gar populations.
Hypervalent aryliodine compounds as precursors for radiofluorination
Authors: Pike Victor W.
Published: October 2017

Over the last 2 decades or so, hypervalent iodine compounds, such as diaryliodonium salts and aryliodonium ylides, have emerged as useful precursors for labeling homoarenes and heteroarenes with no‐carrier‐added cyclotron‐produced [18F]fluoride ion (t1/2 = 109.8 min). They permit rapid and effective radiofluorination at electron‐rich as well as electron‐deficient aryl rings, and often with unrestricted choice of ring position. Consequently, hypervalent aryliodine compounds have found special utility as precursors to various small‐molecule 18F‐labeling synthons and to many radiotracers for biomedical imaging with positron emission tomography. This review summarizes this advance in radiofluorination chemistry, with emphasis on precursor synthesis, radiofluorination mechanism, method scope, and method application.
The early impact of human papillomavirus vaccination on anogenital warts in Québec, Canada
Authors: Steben Marc , Ouhoummane Najwa , Rodier Caroline , Sinyavskaya Liliya , Brassard Paul
Published: October 2017

In Québec province in Canada, a public school‐based and catch‐up HPV vaccination programs with the quadrivalent vaccine have been introduced in September 2008 for girls aged 9‐17 years. We assessed the early impact of the HPV vaccination program on the incidence of anogenital warts (AGW) in the Quebec general population. We used the provincial health administrative data of the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). AGW were identified either through a prescription of podofilox, or a medical procedure code specific to AGW, or a diagnostic code for viral warts followed by a prescription of imiquimod or fluorouracil. Sex‐ and age‐specific incidence rates were calculated for pre‐vaccination (2004‐2007) and vaccination (2009‐2012) periods. We found a significant decline of 45% and 19% in the incidence of AGWs among females aged 15‐19 and 20‐24 years, respectively. A decline of 21% was also seen among males aged 15‐19 years. The median age at an episode of AGW increased from 27 years in 2004 to 31 years in 2012 among females and remained stable in males. Our findings indicate that the HPV public vaccination program is associated with an important reduction in the incidence of AGW among young females and males. The benefit is more pronounced among females 15‐19 years of age, who were eligible for the public vaccination program. The observed decline among young males could be due to herd immunity and/or privately paid vaccination.
Examining Relationships between Transformational Leadership and Employee Creative Performance: The Moderator Effects of Organizational Culture
Authors: Golden John H. , Shriner Michael
Published: October 2017

This study examined whether organizational culture moderates relationships between transformational leadership (TFL) and employee self‐rated creative performance (CP). A convenience sample of 147 working professionals from 109 Fortune 500 organizations participated in the study by completing measures of their organizations’ cultures, their managers’ leadership styles, and their own CP, as well as relevant control measures. Adhocracy culture type moderated the relationship between levels of TFL and CP. Consequently, market culture type was a non‐significant moderator for predicting TFL–CP relationships. Both adhocracy and market culture types were non‐significant mediators of TFL on CP. The theoretical model in this study provides an important extension of TFL and organizational culture theories and a greater understanding of how adhocracy culture interacts with TFL to influence employee CP. This study also provides researchers and practitioners with a better comprehension of how to achieve higher levels of CP given the interaction between TFL and adhocracy culture.
The Relationship Between Interparental Conflict and Self‐Reported Grade Point Average Among College Students
Authors: Hunt S. Jane , Krueger Lacy E. , Limberg Dodie
Published: October 2017

Interparental conflict has been shown to have a negative effect on the academic success of children and adolescents. This study examined the relationship between college students' (N = 143) perceived levels of interparental conflict, their living arrangement, and their current self‐reported grade point average. Participants who experienced more interparental conflict, specifically female students and those living away from home, reported a lower grade point average. Implications for college counselors are discussed.
An Integrative Approach: Relational Cultural Theory and Cognitive Behavior Therapy in College Counseling
Authors: Crumb Loni , Haskins Natoya
Published: October 2017

This article presents an integrative framework for using cognitive behavior therapy through the lens of relational cultural theory. The authors provide an overview of cognitive behavior therapy and relational cultural theory, followed by suggestions on how to facilitate cognitive behavior therapy using the principles of relational cultural theory in college counseling. A case illustration is used to demonstrate the integration of cognitive behavior therapy and relational cultural theory.
Evaluation of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire and Dispositional Hope Scale With Latina/o Students
Authors: VELA JAVIER CAVAZOS , IKONOMOPOULOS JAMES , LENZ A. STEPHEN , HINOJOSA YVETTE , SALDANA KARLA
Published: October 2017

In this study, the authors investigated the psychometric properties of measures of meaning in life and hope among Latina/o students. Participants completed the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (Steger, Frazier, Oishi, & Kaler, ) and Dispositional Hope Scale (Snyder et al., ). A confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate structural validity. For the Meaning in Life Scale, internal consistency was good and acceptable as measured by coefficient alpha and a modest 2‐subscale structure was confirmed. For the Dispositional Hope Scale, internal consistency was good and acceptable as measured by coefficient alpha and a modest 2‐factor structure was confirmed. The authors discuss the importance of these findings as well as implications for counselors and researchers.
Promoting Optimal Student Engagement in Online Counseling Courses
Authors: SCHOLL MARK B. , HAYDEN SETH C. W. , CLARKE PHILIP B.
Published: October 2017

The authors conducted a survey of students to solicit recommendations for promoting optimal student engagement in online counseling courses. On the basis of consensually agreed‐upon themes derived from a qualitative content analysis (Moustakas, ), they discuss the implications for promoting optimal student engagement.
Attending to Meaning in Life in the Lives of Marginalized Individuals
Authors: BELLIN ZVI J.
Published: October 2017

This narrative study investigates how 8 participants who identify with marginalized groups in the United States transcend their experience of meaning frustration, which stems from internalized oppression. The themes of nonlinear transcendence of meaning frustration and transcending meaning frustration through the fundamentals of humanistic counseling are presented. Implications and suggestions for psychotherapists are discussed.
IGF‐1 signaling mediated cell‐specific skeletal mechano‐transduction
Authors: Tian Faming , Wang Yongmei , Bikle Daniel D.
Published: October 2017

Mechanical loading preserves bone mass and stimulates bone formation, whereas skeletal unloading leads to bone loss. In addition to osteocytes, which are considered the primary sensor of mechanical load, osteoblasts, and bone specific mesenchymal stem cells also are involved. The skeletal response to mechanical signals is a complex process regulated by multiple signaling pathways including that of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1). Conditional osteocyte deletion of IGF‐1 ablates the osteogenic response to mechanical loading. Similarly, osteocyte IGF‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) expression is necessary for reloading‐induced periosteal bone formation. Transgenic overexpression of IGF‐1 in osteoblasts results in enhanced responsiveness to in vivo mechanical loading in mice, a response which is eliminated by osteoblastic conditional disruption of IGF‐1 in vivo. Bone marrow derived stem cells (BMSC) from unloaded bone fail to respond to IGF‐1 in vitro. IGF‐1R is required for the transduction of a mechanical stimulus to downstream effectors, transduction which is lost when the IGF‐1R is deleted. Although the molecular mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated, the IGF signaling pathway and its interactions with potentially interlinked signaling cascades involving integrins, the estrogen receptor, and wnt/β‐catenin play an important role in regulating adaptive response of cancer bone cells to mechanical stimuli. In this review, we discuss recent advances investigating how IGF‐1 and other interlinked molecules and signaling pathways regulate skeletal mechano‐transduction involving different bone cells, providing an overview of the IGF‐1 signaling mediated cell‐specific response to mechanical stimuli. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:576–583, 2018.
Minimal mechanical load and tissue culture conditions preserve native cell phenotype and morphology in tendon—a novel ex vivo mouse explant model
Authors: Wunderli Stefania L. , Widmer Jonas , Amrein Niklaus , Foolen Jasper , Silvan Unai , Leupin Olivier , Snedeker Jess G.
Published: October 2017

Appropriate mechanical load is essential for tendon homeostasis and optimal tissue function. Due to technical challenges in achieving physiological mechanical loads in experimental tendon model systems, the research community still lacks well‐characterized models of tissue homeostasis and physiological relevance. Toward this urgent goal, we present and characterize a novel ex vivo murine tail tendon explant model. Mouse tail tendon fascicles were extracted and cultured for 6 days in a load‐deprived environment or in a custom‐designed bioreactor applying low magnitude mechanical load (intermittent cycles to 1% strain, at 1 Hz) in serum‐free tissue culture. Cells remained viable, as did collagen structure and mechanical properties in all tested conditions. Cell morphology in mechanically loaded tendon explants approximated native tendon, whereas load‐deprived tendons lost their native cell morphology. These losses were reflected in altered gene expression, with mechanical loading tending to maintain tendon specific and matrix remodeling genes phenotypic of native tissue. We conclude from this study that ex vivo load deprivation of murine tendon in minimal culture medium results in a degenerative‐like phenotype. We further conclude that onset of tissue degeneration can be suppressed by low‐magnitude mechanical loading. Thus a minimal explant culture model featuring serum‐free medium with low mechanical loads seems to provide a useful foundation for further investigations. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1383–1390, 2018.
Resolve conflicting rankings of outcomes in network meta‐analysis: Partial ordering of treatments
Authors: Rücker Gerta , Schwarzer Guido
Published: October 2017

Network meta‐analysis has evolved into a core method for evidence synthesis in health care. In network meta‐analysis, 3 or more treatments for a given medical condition are compared, based on a number of clinical studies, usually randomized controlled trials. Often, many different endpoints are investigated, related to different aspects of the patient's outcome, such as efficacy, safety, acceptability, or costs of a treatment. Different outcomes may lead to different rankings of the treatments. We use the existing theory of partially ordered sets and show how the relations between the treatments in a network meta‐analysis can be illustrated by Hasse diagrams, that is, directed graphs showing the partial order relations, and by structured scatter plots and biplots.
An evaluation of information behaviour studies through the Scholarly Capital Model
Authors: Soheili Faramarz , Khasseh Ali Akbar , Mousavi Chelak Afshin , Tavakolizadeh‐Ravari Mohammad
Published: October 2017

Influence and capital are two concepts used to evaluate scholarly outputs, and these can be measured using the Scholarly Capital Model as a modelling tool. The tool looks at the concepts of connectedness, venue representation, and ideational influence using centrality measures within a social network. This research used co‐authorships and h‐indices to investigate authors who have published papers in the field of information behaviour between 1980 and 2015 as extracted from Web of Science. The findings show a relationship between the authors’ connectedness and the venue (journal) representation. It could be seen that the venue (journal) influences the chance of citation, and equally, the prestige (centrality) of authors probably raises the citations of the journals. The research also shows a significant positive relationship between the venue representation and ideational influence. This means that a research work that is published in a highly cited journal will find more visibility and will receive more citations.
Porites coral response to an oceanographic and human impact gradient in the Line Islands
Authors: Carilli Jessica E. , Hartmann Aaron C. , Heron Scott F. , Pandolfi John M. , Cobb Kim , Sayani Hussein , Dunbar Robert , Sandin Stuart A.
Published: October 2017

Coral bleaching caused by heat stress (warm water) will arguably be the greatest driver of coral reef loss in the coming decades. Understanding how corals have adapted to distinct oceanographic regimes on multiple scales can provide insight into future tolerance and persistence, information critical to directed intervention or targeted protections. The northern Line Islands span a gradient in oceanographic regimes across latitudes, with seawater becoming warmer, fresher, more oligotrophic, and more saturated with aragonite away from the equator. The combination of this regional gradient and island‐scale (local) conditions was used as a natural experiment against which to test how massive Porites corals respond to these background conditions and episodic heat stress. We found that coral condition, represented by a metric combining tissue thickness, lipids, and calcification, was similar at almost all islands, though there were differences in how corals allocate resources among these biological parameters. Corals at Teraina, the most densely inhabited island, showed evidence for reduced calcification, potentially associated with human impacts and/or outflow of freshwater from the island. In contrast, Porites corals at Palmyra, a wildlife reserve, exhibited unexpectedly high tissue‐condition metrics for its latitude, suggesting an additional food source, possibly plankton‐rich lagoonal outflow. We did not find a strong relationship between human habitation and the response of Porites corals to recent heat stress. However, differences in coral calcification rates and energy stores between observed values and those expected based solely on the regional oceanographic gradient, suggests local effects have indirect impacts on these corals.
Effects of water level fluctuations on nitrogen dynamics in littoral macrophytes
Authors: Lu Jing , Bunn Stuart E. , Burford Michele A.
Published: October 2017

Sustained water level drawdown followed by rewetting has the potential to shift macrophytes from a nutrient sink to a source, but the fate of macrophyte‐derived nutrients after rewetting is not well understood. We investigated the fate of released nitrogen (N) from isotopically labeled macrophyte litter over a 4‐week period after rewetting. We used three treatments: (1) different species in the litter (invasive Cabomba caroliniana vs. native Hydrilla verticillata); (2) sediment desiccation history (“dried then rewetted” vs. “constantly wet”); (3) living macrophytes (presence vs. absence). Our results showed that the Cabomba litter treatment had a significantly higher percentage of macrophyte‐derived 15N in the dissolved fraction of the water column and assimilated by phytoplankton (higher chlorophyll a concentrations), compared to the Hydrilla litter. The treatments with sediment desiccation also had a significantly higher percentage of 15N in the dissolved fraction and used by phytoplankton after rewetting, but less in the sediment, compared to the constantly wet treatment. The presence of living macrophytes partially reduced the 15N increase in the water column and/or sediment, but the scale of the effect was species‐ and biomass‐dependent. Our study showed that sediment pre‐desiccation changed the fate of macrophyte‐derived 15N after rewetting, increasing the impact on water quality. This was further exacerbated by the presence of litter from an invasive species. This study highlights the need to manage water levels to maintain healthy macrophyte beds and thereby addressing water quality issues in lakes and reservoirs.
3D axial and circumferential wall shear stress from 4D flow MRI data using a finite element method and a laplacian approach
Authors: Sotelo Julio , Dux‐Santoy Lydia , Guala Andrea , Rodríguez‐Palomares José , Evangelista Arturo , Sing‐Long Carlos , Urbina Jesús , Mura Joaquín , Hurtado Daniel E. , Uribe Sergio
Published: October 2017

Purpose

To decompose the 3D wall shear stress (WSS) vector field into its axial (WSSA) and circumferential (WSSC) components using a Laplacian finite element approach.

Methods

We validated our method with in silico experiments involving different geometries and a modified Poiseuille flow. We computed 3D maps of the WSS, WSSA, and WSSC using 4D flow MRI data obtained from 10 volunteers and 10 patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). We compared our method with the centerline method. The mean value, standard deviation, root mean‐squared error, and Wilcoxon signed rank test are reported.

Results

We obtained an error <0.05% processing analytical geometries. We found good agreement between our method and the modified Poiseuille flow for the WSS, WSSA, and WSSC. We found statistically significance differences between our method and a 3D centerline method. In BAV patients, we found a 220% significant increase in the WSSC in the ascending aorta with respect to volunteers.

Conclusion

We developed a novel methodology to decompose the WSS vector in WSSA and WSSC in 3D domains, using 4D flow MRI data. Our method provides a more robust quantification of WSSA and WSSC in comparison with other reported methods. Magn Reson Med 79:2816–2823, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Reduced cerebral vascularization in experimental neuronopathic Gaucher disease
Authors: Smith Nicholas JC , Fuller Maria , Saville Jennifer T , Cox Timothy M
Published: October 2017

The glycosphingolipidosis, Gaucher disease, in which a range of neurological manifestations occur, results from a deficiency of acid β‐glucocerebrosidase, with subsequent accumulation of β‐glucocerebroside, its upstream substrates, and the non‐acylated congener β‐glucosylsphingosine. However, the mechanisms by which end‐organ dysfunction arise are poorly understood. Here, we report strikingly diminished cerebral microvascular density in a murine model of disease, and provide a detailed analysis of the accompanying cerebral glycosphingolipidome in these animals, with marked elevations of β‐glucosylsphingosine. Further in vitro studies confirmed a concentration‐dependent impairment of endothelial cytokinesis upon exposure to quasi‐pathological concentrations of β‐glucosylsphingosine. These findings support a premise for pathogenic disruption of cerebral angiogenesis as an end‐organ effect, with potential for therapeutic modulation in neuronopathic Gaucher disease. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, properties and thermal stability of water‐soluble poly(potassium 1‐hydroxyacrylate‐co‐styrene) copolymer
Authors: Kumar Bijender , Negi Yuvraj Singh
Published: October 2017

The present work investigates the structure properties of copolymers using thermogravimetric analysis, hot stage microscopy, static light scattering, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis and a Brookfield viscometer. Poly(potassium 1‐hydroxyacrylate) (PKHA) is a water‐soluble polymer. However, the copolymer of styrene and 2‐isopropyl‐5‐methylene‐1,3‐dioxolan‐4‐one is not water soluble at equal molar ratio because the polystyrene reduces the solubility. The effect of styrene on poly(potassium 1‐hydroxyacrylate‐co‐styrene) copolymer, i.e. poly(KHA‐co‐St), was investigated for the increasing solubility of the copolymer. The solubility was increased at a lower molar ratio of styrene such as 0.4 in the copolymer. It was found that the copolymer was soluble in water when a content ratio of 68/32 mol% of homopolymer was incorporated in poly(KHA68‐co‐St32) copolymer as determined by NMR analysis. Also the poly(KHA68‐co‐St32) copolymer was found to be salt tolerant, possessed water absorption capacity and was thermally stable up to 183 °C. Moreover, it is shown that the polystyrene content plays a key role in the thermal stability of the copolymer. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Clinical Proteomics for Precision Medicine: The Bladder Cancer Case
Authors: Latosinska Agnieszka , Frantzi Maria , Vlahou Antonia , Merseburger Axel S. , Mischak Harald
Published: October 2017

Precision medicine can improve patient management by guiding therapeutic decision based on molecular characteristics. The concept has been extensively addressed through the application of ‐omics‐based approaches. Proteomics attract high interest, as proteins reflect a “real‐time” dynamic molecular phenotype. Focusing on proteomics applications for personalized medicine, a literature search was conducted to cover: a) disease prevention, b) monitoring/ prediction of treatment response, c) stratification to guide intervention, and d) identification of drug targets. The review indicates the potential of proteomics for personalized medicine by also highlighting multiple challenges to be addressed prior to actual implementation. In oncology, particularly bladder cancer, application of precision medicine appears especially promising. The high heterogeneity and recurrence rates together with the limited treatment options, suggest that earlier and more efficient intervention, continuous monitoring, and the development of alternative therapies could be accomplished by applying proteomics‐guided personalized approaches. This notion is backed by studies presenting biomarkers that are of value in patient stratification and prognosis, and by recent studies demonstrating the identification of promising therapeutic targets. Herein, we aim to present an approach whereby combining the knowledge on biomarkers and therapeutic targets in bladder cancer could serve as basis towards proteomics‐guided personalized patient management.
Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of once‐daily abediterol in patients with stable, persistent asthma: a Phase II, randomized, 7‐day, crossover study
Authors: Beier Jutta , Fuhr Rainard , Seoane Beatriz , Massana Eric , de Miquel Gonzalo , Pujol Helena , Ruiz Sandrine
Published: October 2017

Abediterol is a once‐daily, long‐acting β2‐adrenergic agonist in development for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We assessed the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of three dose levels of abediterol, given once daily for 7 days in patients with stable, persistent asthma. This was an ascending‐dose, three‐period incomplete crossover study design investigating three dose levels of abediterol versus placebo (EudraCT No. 2008‐003732‐38). Twenty‐eight male patients (25–59 years) were randomized to one of four treatment sequences (1:1:1:1). Follow‐up was 7 days after final treatment. Spirometry was performed regularly up to 24 h postdose Day 1, up to 36 h postdose Day 7, and at follow‐up. Vital signs, 12‐lead electrocardiogram, and clinical laboratory tests were recorded throughout. Abediterol 2.5, 5, and 10 μg provided clinically and statistically significant improvements from baseline (predose, Day 1) in trough forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) versus placebo on Day 7 (primary endpoint) of 334, 365, and 294 mL, respectively (all P < 0.01), and peak FEV1 versus placebo on Day 7 of 364 (P < 0.001), 403 (P < 0.001), and 375 mL (P < 0.01), respectively. Days 1 and 7 area under the curve (AUC) parameters within each abediterol group were similar for AUC0–6, AUC0–12, AUC0–24, and AUC12–24, with dose‐dependent effects observed on Day 1. Abediterol (2.5–10 μg) demonstrated a good safety and tolerability profile. Abediterol 2.5, 5, and 10 μg once daily achieved statistically and clinically significant improvements in pulmonary function versus placebo over 7 days and demonstrated a safety and tolerability profile comparable with placebo.
Incompatibility of chemical protein synthesis inhibitors with accurate measurement of extended protein degradation rates
Authors: Chan Christina , Martin Philip , Liptrott Neill J. , Siccardi Marco , Almond Lisa , Owen Andrew
Published: October 2017

Protein synthesis inhibitors are commonly used for measuring protein degradation rates, but may cause cytotoxicity via direct or indirect mechanisms. This study aimed to identify concentrations providing optimal inhibition in the absence of overt cytotoxicity. Actinomycin D, cycloheximide, emetine, and puromycin were assessed individually, and in two‐, three‐, and four‐drug combinations for protein synthesis inhibition (IC50) and cytotoxicity (CC50) over 72 h. Experiments were conducted in HepG2 cells and primary rat hepatocytes (PRH). IC50 for actinomycin D, cycloheximide, emetine, and puromycin were 39 ± 7.4, 6600 ± 2500, 2200 ± 1400, and 1600 ± 1200 nmol/L; with corresponding CC50 values of 6.2 ± 7.3, 570 ± 510, 81 ± 9, and 1300 ± 64 nmol/L, respectively, in HepG2 cells. The IC50 were 1.7 ± 1.8, 290 ± 90, 620 ± 920, and 2000 ± 2000 nmol/L, with corresponding CC50 values of 0.98 ± 1.8, 680 ± 1300, 180 ± 700, and 1600 ± 1000 (SD) nmol/L, respectively, in PRH. CC50 were also lower than the IC50 for all drug combinations in HepG2 cells. These data indicate that using pharmacological interference is inappropriate for measuring protein degradation over a protracted period, because inhibitory effects cannot be extricated from cytotoxicity.
Daikenchuto (TU‐100) alters murine hepatic and intestinal drug metabolizing enzymes in an in vivo dietary model: effects of gender and withdrawal
Authors: Nobutani Kentaro , Miyoshi Jun , Musch Mark W. , Nishiyama Mitsue , Watanabe Junko , Kaneko Atsushi , Yamamoto Masahiro , Yoshida Masaru , Kono Toru , Jeong Hyunyoung , Chang Eugene B.
Published: October 2017

Herbal medicines and natural products used for maintenance of health or treatment of diseases have many biological effects, including altering the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of other medications. Daikenchuto (TU‐100), an aqueous extract of ginger, ginseng, and Japanese green pepper fruit, is a commonly prescribed Kampo (Japanese herbal medicine) for postoperative ileus or bloating. The effects of TU‐100 on drug metabolism have not been investigated. In this study, we analyzed the effect of TU‐100 on expression of key drug‐metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) and drug transporters (DTs) in murine liver and gastrointestinal tract using a dietary model. Liver, jejunum, and proximal colon were analyzed for phase I and II DMEs and DT mRNA expression by reverse transcription (RT) first by nonquantitative and followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and protein expression. Liver, jejunum, and proximal colon expressed some identical but also unique DMEs and DTs. TU‐100 increased the greatest changes in cytochrome (Cyp) 2b10 and Cyp3a11 and Mdr1a. Basal and TU‐100 stimulated levels of DME and DT expression were gender‐dependent, dose‐dependent and reversible after cessation of TU‐100 supplementation, except for some changes in the intestine. Quantitative Western blot analysis of protein extracts confirmed the quantitative PCR results.
Lowering treatment temperature reduces salmon mortality: a new way to treat with hydrogen peroxide in aquaculture
Authors: Overton Kathy , Samsing Francisca , Oppedal Frode , Stien Lars H , Dempster Tim
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) baths are widely used to reduce numbers of salmon lice on farmed Atlantic salmon. Fish mortalities often occur after baths, with warmer temperatures increasing lethality. We tested whether mortality could be reduced and lice removal efficacy maintained by lowering bath temperatures relative to ambient temperatures. Post‐smolt salmon infected with lice were held at 10, 13 or 16 °C, and treated with 1.5 g/L H2O2 for 20 min at equal or lower bath temperatures of 7, 10 or 13 °C.

RESULTS

Salmon mortality decreased as ambient and bath temperatures decreased. No mortality occurred when fish at 13 °C were treated at 7 °C. For ambient temperatures of 16 °C, the number of lice remaining was reduced by four‐fold when treated at 7 °C compared with 13 °C. All treatments in which mortality was zero had similar efficacies regardless of bath temperature.

CONCLUSION

We took salmon from warmer to colder temperatures to determine the optimum bathing temperature to prevent mortality. A temperature of 7 °C was optimal when treating with 1.5 g/L of H2O2, as mortality was zero and pre‐adult lice removal was unchanged. By manipulating temperature, we developed a new method of H2O2 bathing that reduces mortality. When ambient temperatures are >10 °C, we recommend that the industry decrease H2O2 bath temperatures. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of Luminescent N‐Doped Carbon Dots by Hydrothermal Treatment
Authors: Tomskaya Alexandra E. , Egorova Marfa N. , Kapitonov Albert N. , Nikolaev Danil V. , Popov Vasiliy I. , Fedorov Andrey L. , Smagulova Svetlana A.
Published: October 2017

This article describes a simple synthesis of two types of carbon dots (CDs) from glucose (g‐CDs) and citric acid (ca‐CDs) using the hydrothermal treatment method. At the synthesis the water solution of ammonia was used for doping of the g‐CDs and ca‐CDs by N for improving their electronic and transport properties. These synthesized CDs consist mostly of 1–4 layers having a uniform size of about 14 nm, and the nitrogen atoms were successfully introduced into the lattice of CDs. The resulting CDs have a crystalline structure with functional groups on the surface and exhibit bright photoluminescence in the violet–blue region of the spectrum. The g‐CDs exhibit an excitation‐dependent blue emission, in the case of ca‐CDs their emission dependence on excitation is not clearly observed. The obtained CDs have a number of advantages and can be widely used for the creation of photodetectors, detectors for chemical elements and various optoelectronic applications.
Progress in Surface Water Modeling
Authors: WESTERINK JOANNES J. , GRAY WILLIAM G.
Published: October 2017

During the past four years, much progress has been made in the use of numerical models for simulation of the hydrodynamics of surface water flows. The major advances have been in more comprehensive verification of two‐dimensional models and in the development of more advanced capabilities in the three‐dimensional regime.
Contaminant Migration in Imperfectly Known Heterogeneous Groundwater Systems
Authors: SUDICKY E. A. , HUYAKORN P. S.
Published: October 2017

Recent studies dealing with methodologies for describing contaminant migration in complex groundwater flow systems are summarized. Emphasis is placed on the role played by heterogeneity in the flow and transport properties of geologic media because it is one of the largest sources of uncertainty for making reliable predictions of contaminant plume evolution and remediation. Advancements made in stochastic subsurface transport theories are highlighted with a complementary discussion of findings based on recent detailed field experiments and progress in numerical modelling techniques.
The Planetary Data System
Authors: LEE STEVEN W.
Published: October 2017

NASA has sponsored the development of the Planetary Data System (PDS) in order to preserve the scientific returns from past and future planetary missions and to make those data readily accessible in a well‐documented form. The PDS encompasses all planetary data, but also provides a distributed, discipline‐oriented architecture to best serve the needs of the diverse planetary sciences user‐community. It is the intention of the PDS to ease and promote the analysis of planetary data through the development and application of data and documentation standards, basic analysis tools, and technology.
Middle Latitude and Tropical Mesoscale Convective Systems
Authors: Rutledge Steven A.
Published: October 2017

Observational, numerical modelling, and theoretical studies of middle latitude and tropical Mesoscale Convective Systems are reviewed.
Behavior of Spot Segregation in Continuously Cast Blooms and the Resulting Segregated Band in Oil Pipe Steels
Authors: Ji Yuan , Lan Peng , Geng Hao , He Qian , Shang Chengjia , Zhang Jiaquan
Published: October 2017

Microscopic dendritic morphology and spot segregation in continuously cast round blooms produced by different intensities of In‐mold Electromagnetic Stirring (M‐EMS) are investigated to elucidate their effect on the segregated bands in the hot‐rolled steel pipes. It is found that segregation spots mainly exist in the center equiaxed crystal zone of round blooms. The ratio of the equiaxed crystal zone area (E.R.) increases with the increase of the M‐EMS intensity. Moreover, the ratio of the total segregation spots area (S.R.) becomes larger with the increase ofE.R. After hot deformation, the segregation spots are plastically deformed to form segregate bands in steel pipes. Both the number and the width of the segregated bands increase with theS.R. in round blooms. The severe segregation of Mo, Mn, and Cr in the segregated bands is in accordance with that in the spot segregation. It is necessary to control the degree of the spot segregation in as‐cast products to suppress the formation of the segregated bands in oil pipe steels. According to the experimental results, columnar structure in round blooms is preferred to effectively reduce the degree of the spot segregation and further decreases the occurrence of the segregated bands in steel pipes.
Re: Systematic review of first‐trimester ultrasound screening for detection of fetal structural anomalies and factors that affect screening performance. J. N. Karim, N. W. Roberts, L. J. Salomon, A. T. Papageorghiou. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2017; 50: 429–441.
Authors: Souka A.
Published: October 2017

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2017; 50: 429–441
Organisch modifizierte poröse Schichten für Antifog‐Anwendungen
Authors: Müller Heike , Knopf Heiko , Schulz Ulrike
Published: October 2017

Oberflächenbeschlag verringert die Effizienz optischer Oberflächen und kann sogar zu einem erheblichen Sicherheitsrisiko führen. Neben einem neuen Ansatz für Beschichtungen, die dem Beschlag entgegenwirken, wird ein Messaufbau zur Bestimmung des Oberflächenbeschlages, präsentiert. Der Beschlag auf optischen Oberflächen wird unter Verwendung eines monochromatischen Testmusters bestimmt. Zur Funktionalisierung einer anorganischen porösen Schicht werden drei verschiedene hydrophile organische Materialien verwendet. Verschiedene Viskositäten der Organika haben einen signifikanten Einfluss auf den Befüllungserfolg.
Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer between an Anti‐EGFR Antibody and Bi2Se3/SiO2, ZnS/SiO2, and ZnSe/SiO2 Nanomaterials for Biosensor Purposes
Authors: Dolatyari Mahboubeh , Rostami Ali , Torabi Pouneh , Klein Axel
Published: October 2017

Bi2Se3, ZnS, and ZnSe nanoparticles were synthesized and their surface modified using tetraethyl orthosilicate and (3‐aminopropyl) tetraethyl orthosilicate. They were conjugated to an anti‐EGFR antibody. SEM images indicate that the sizes of the modified nanoparticles (NPs) Bi2Se3/SiO2, ZnS/SiO2, and ZnSe/SiO2 are about 20 nm. Förster‐Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the anti‐EGFR antibody and ZnS/SiO2, ZnSe/SiO2, and Bi2Se3/SiO2 nanomaterials was investigated in‐depth showing e.g. that with conjugation of the anti‐EGFR to nanomaterials, fluorescence intensity increases. This increase reaches up to 6.6 times for ZnS/SiO2‐anti‐EGFR conjugate NPs making their sensitivity attractive for biosensor applications. Fluorescence lifetimes were also increased for all conjugated NPs with markedly higher lifetime for Bi2Se3/SiO2 compared with ZnS/SiO2 and ZnSe/SiO2.
Efficient optimization of the reward-risk ratio with polyhedral risk measures
Authors: Ogryczak Wlodzimierz , Przyłuski Michał , Śliwiński Tomasz
Published: October 2017

In problems of portfolio selection the reward-risk ratio criterion is optimized to search for a risky portfolio offering the maximum increase of the mean return, compared to the risk-free investment opportunities. In the classical model, following Markowitz, the risk is measured by the variance thus representing the Sharpe ratio optimization and leading to the quadratic optimization problems. Several polyhedral risk measures, being linear programming (LP) computable in the case of discrete random variables represented by their realizations under specified scenarios, have been introduced and applied in portfolio optimization. The reward-risk ratio optimization with polyhedral risk measures can be transformed into LP formulations. The LP models typically contain the number of constraints proportional to the number of scenarios while the number of variables (matrix columns) proportional to the total of the number of scenarios and the number of instruments. Real-life financial decisions are usually based on more advanced simulation models employed for scenario generation where one may get several thousands scenarios. This may lead to the LP models with huge number of variables and constraints thus decreasing their computational efficiency and making them hardly solvable by general LP tools. We show that the computational efficiency can be then dramatically improved by alternative models based on the inverse ratio minimization and taking advantages of the LP duality. In the introduced models the number of structural constraints (matrix rows) is proportional to the number of instruments thus not affecting seriously the simplex method efficiency by the number of scenarios and therefore guaranteeing easy solvability.
Anti‐inflammatory Effects of Enhanced Recovery Programs on Early‐Stage Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Venara Aurélien , Duchalais Emilie , Dariel Anne , Aubert Philippe , Durand Tony , Meurette Guillaume , Rolli‐Derkinderen Malvyne , Hamy Antoine , Neunlist Michel
Published: October 2017

Background

Postoperative ileus (POI) is observed in 20–30% of patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery, despite enhanced recovery programs (ERPs). Cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 is identified as a key enzyme in POI, but other arachidonic acid pathway enzymes have received little attention despite their potential as selective targets to prevent POI. The objectives were to compare the expression of arachidonic acid metabolism (AAM) enzymes (1) between patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery and followed an ERP or not (NERP), (2) and between ERP patients who experimented POI or not and (3) to determine the ability of antagonists of these pathways to modulate contractile activity of colonic muscle.

Methods

This was a translational study. Main outcome measures were gastrointestinal motility recovery data, mRNA expressions of key enzymes involved in AAM (RT‐qPCR) and ex vivo motility values of the circular colon muscle. Twenty‐eight prospectively included ERP patients were compared to eleven retrospectively included NERP patients that underwent colorectal cancer surgery.

Results

ERP reduced colonic mucosal COX‐2, microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES1) and hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase (HPGDS) mRNA expression. mPGES1 and HPGDS mRNA expression were significantly associated with ERP compliance (respectively, r2 = 0.25, p = 0.002 and r2 = 0.6, p < 0.001). In muscularis propria, HPGDS mRNA expression was correlated with GI motility recovery (p = 0.002). The pharmacological inhibition of mPGES1 increased spontaneous ex vivo contractile activity in circular muscle (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

The effects of ERP on GI recovery are correlated with the compliance of ERP and could be mediated at least in part by mPGES1, HPGDS and COX‐2. Furthermore, mPGES1 shows promise as a therapeutic target to further reduce POI duration among ERP patients.
The Role of Intestinal Stem Cells in Epithelial Regeneration Following Radiation-Induced Gut Injury
Authors: Kim Chang-Kyung , Yang Vincent W. , Bialkowska Agnieszka B.
Published: October 2017

Purpose of Review

Intestinal epithelial cells show remarkable plasticity in regenerating the epithelium following radiation injury. In this review, we explore the regenerative capacity and mechanisms of various populations of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) in response to ionizing radiation.

Recent Findings

Ionizing radiation targets mitotic cells that include “active” ISCs and progenitor cells. Lineage-tracing experiments showed that several different cell types identified by a single or combination of markers are capable of regenerating the epithelium, confirming that ISCs exhibit a high degree of plasticity. However, the identities of the contributing cells marked by various markers require further validation.

Following radiation injury, quiescent and/or radioresistant cells become active stem cells to regenerate the epithelium. Looking forward, understanding the mechanisms by which ISCs govern tissue regeneration is crucial to determine therapeutic approaches to promote intestinal epithelial regeneration following injury.
Introduction to a special section on Explaining Positive Adaptation of Immigrant and Minority Youth across Cultures
Authors: Titzmann Peter F. , Ferrer‐Wreder Laura , Dimitrova Radosveta
Published: October 2017

This special section on “Explaining Positive Adaptation of Immigrant and Minority Youth across Cultures” is the result of an expert meeting organized by the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD), the European Association of Developmental Psychology (EADP), and the European Association for Research on Adolescence (EARA). The aim of this special section was to bring together empirical studies and expert commentaries on a pressing topic of global importance, and to explore intersections between the fields of acculturation and positive youth development. From these contributions, several major challenges were identified. These included the need for greater attention to the strengths and adaptation of immigrant adolescents (i.e., to include a positive youth development framework in acculturation research and theory), the differentiation and intersections between acculturative processes and normative developmental challenges, the evolution acculturation theory, the need to better understand contact between multiple groups, the consideration of context‐dependency and dynamic nature of acculturative processes.
Brain Activity Unique to Orgasm in Women: An fMRI Analysis
Authors: Wise Nan J. , Frangos Eleni , Komisaruk Barry R.
Published: October 2017

Background

Although the literature on imaging of regional brain activity during sexual arousal in women and men is extensive and largely consistent, that on orgasm is relatively limited and variable, owing in part to the methodologic challenges posed by variability in latency to orgasm in participants and head movement.

Aim

To compare brain activity at orgasm (self- and partner-induced) with that at the onset of genital stimulation, immediately before the onset of orgasm, and immediately after the cessation of orgasm and to upgrade the methodology for obtaining and analyzing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) findings.

Methods

Using fMRI, we sampled equivalent time points across female participants’ variable durations of stimulation and orgasm in response to self- and partner-induced clitoral stimulation. The first 20-second epoch of orgasm was contrasted with the 20-second epochs at the beginning of stimulation and immediately before and after orgasm. Separate analyses were conducted for whole-brain and brainstem regions of interest. For a finer-grained analysis of the peri-orgasm phase, we conducted a time-course analysis on regions of interest. Head movement was minimized to a mean less than 1.3 mm using a custom-fitted thermoplastic whole-head and neck brace stabilizer.

Outcomes

Ten women experienced orgasm elicited by self- and partner-induced genital stimulation in a Siemens 3-T Trio fMRI scanner.

Results

Brain activity gradually increased leading up to orgasm, peaked at orgasm, and then decreased. We found no evidence of deactivation of brain regions leading up to or during orgasm. The activated brain regions included sensory, motor, reward, frontal cortical, and brainstem regions (eg, nucleus accumbens, insula, anterior cingulate cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, operculum, right angular gyrus, paracentral lobule, cerebellum, hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus, ventral tegmental area, and dorsal raphe).

Clinical Translation

Insight gained from the present findings could provide guidance toward a rational basis for treatment of orgasmic disorders, including anorgasmia.

Strengths and Limitations

This is evidently the first fMRI study of orgasm elicited by self- and partner-induced genital stimulation in women. Methodologic solutions to the technical issues posed by excessive head movement and variable latencies to orgasm were successfully applied in the present study, enabling identification of brain regions involved in orgasm. Limitations include the small sample (N = 10), which combined self- and partner-induced stimulation datasets for analysis and which qualify the generalization of our conclusions.

Conclusion

Extensive cortical, subcortical, and brainstem regions reach peak levels of activity at orgasm.