bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and synthesis of Atglistatin derivatives as adipose triglyceride lipase inhibitors
Authors: Jin Jiyu , Huang Suling , Wang Lei , Leng Ying , Lu Wei
Published: May 2017

Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) is a rate‐limiting enzyme that mobilizes fatty acids from cellular triglyceride stores. Metabolic syndrome, which refers to a group of abnormalities that occur together and increase the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cachexia, can be treated using ATGL‐specific inhibitors. Atglistatin (1) is the first small‐molecule inhibitor of ATGL. In this study, we designed and synthesized 29 Atglistatin derivatives and evaluated their inhibition of forskolin‐stimulated lipolysis in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes as an indicator of their potential to inhibit ATGL in adipose tissues. Among all the tested Atglistatin analogs, we previously found that the thiourea compound 9e showed potent ATGL inhibitory activity in vitro, which was much stronger than that of Atglistatin, and its inhibitory activity in vivo was similar to that of Atglistatin. This tool compound could be used to study the pathophysiology and druggability of ATGL in animal models of metabolic disease and cachexia.
Examining the psychological and social impact of relative age in primary school children: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Price A. , Allen K. , Ukoumunne O. C. , Hayes R. , Ford T.
Published: May 2017

Background

A number of studies demonstrate that children who are younger within their school year have poorer academic attainment and are more likely to have special educational needs. Few, however, have considered the impact relative age may have on child mental health, behaviour and happiness in school.

Methods

This paper utilized data from the Supporting Teachers and Children in Schools study (2075 pupils aged 5 to 9 years from 80 primary schools) to explore the relationship among relative age, behaviour and happiness in school. Behavioural and emotional development was assessed by using the teacher‐reported and parent‐reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Pupil Behaviour Questionnaire. Children's happiness within school was assessed by using the How I Feel About My School Questionnaire.

Results

Relatively younger children had higher Total Difficulties scores on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire than their peers. There was a mean increase per 30‐day decrease in relative age of 0.09 (95% CI: 0.03 to 0.16; p = 0.007) in teacher‐reported and 0.08 (0.001 to 0.16; p = 0.05) in parent‐reported scores. There was little evidence of a relationship between relative age and children's behaviour and happiness in school.

Conclusions

For children with complex difficulties, being relatively young for their school year may be an additional stressor that may undermine mental health.
Sequential Associations Between Caregiver Talk and Child Play in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typical Development
Authors: Bottema‐Beutel Kristen , Malloy Caitlin , Lloyd Blair P. , Louick Rebecca , Joffe‐Nelson Linnea , Watson Linda R. , Yoder Paul J.
Published: May 2017

This study examined sequential associations between child play and caregiver talk in 98 caregiver–child dyads (Mmental age = 14 months). Fifty dyads included a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Analyses revealed sequential associations between child play and caregiver follow‐in (FI) utterances (utterances related to the child's attentional focus) were stronger in the ASD as compared to the typically developing (TD) group. FI utterances were more likely to elicit functional play than caregiver‐focused utterances, and more so in the ASD group. Across groups, FI directives were more likely to elicit functional play than FI comments. These findings have important implications for research involving caregiver–child play as an early intervention context for children with ASD.
Dopamine system, cerebellum, and nucleus ruber in fish and mammals
Authors: Matsui Hideaki
Published: May 2017

Small teleost fish including zebrafish and medaka have been used as animal models for research because of their small body size, vast amounts of eggs produced, their rapid development, low husbandry costs, and transparency during embryogenesis. Although the body size and appearance seem different, fish and mammals including human still possess anatomical and functional similarities in their brains. This review summarizes the similarities of brain structures and functions between teleost fish and mammalian brains, focusing on the dopamine system, functional regionalization of the cerebellum, and presence of the nucleus ruber.
Molecular basis of social competence in medaka fish
Authors: Okuyama Teruhiro , Yokoi Saori , Takeuchi Hideaki
Published: May 2017

Oryzias latipes (Medaka) is an established vertebrate model for studying developmental genetics, genomics, and evolutionary biology. The physiology, embryology, and genetics of this species have been extensively investigated for centuries. Medaka fish recently attracted attention in the field of social neuroscience. This review introduces recent advances in medaka behavioral studies, focusing on female mating preferences and male mate‐guarding behaviors. The medaka female has the ability to discriminate male individuals and prefers to mate with socially familiar males (female mating preference). In triadic relationships (two males and one female), the dominant male remains closer to the female and repels the other male (mate‐guarding). Interestingly, mate‐guarding blocks female social familiarization of the rival male, which can increase the mating success of the dominant male. Importantly, behavioral analyses using a series of medaka mutants revealed critical roles of neuropeptide neuromodulatory systems in regulating their social behaviors. The extra‐hypothalamic gonadotropin‐releasing hormone system has a central role in activating female mating preference. The arginine‐vasotocin system is required for the emergence of mate‐guarding behavior.
Migration when Social Preferences are Ordinal: Steady‐state Population Distribution and Social Welfare
Authors: Stark Oded
Published: May 2017

This paper adds three dimensions to the received literature: it models migration when the individuals’ preferences regarding their relative incomes are ordinal, it works out the resulting spatial steady‐state distribution of the individuals, and it shows that the aggregate of the individuals’ migration choices in the spatial steady‐state distribution sums to the social optimum. This finding does not apply when the individuals’ preferences regarding their relative incomes are cardinal. We highlight the importance of the assumption about the nature of the individuals’ social preferences (whether ordinal or cardinal) to studying and predicting their migration behaviour, and to elucidating the consequences of that behaviour for social welfare.
The additional utility of two‐dimensional strain in detection of coronary artery disease presence and localization in patients undergoing dobutamine stress echocardiogram
Authors: Roushdy Alaa , Abou el Seoud Yomna , Abd Elrahman Mohamed , Wadeaa Basem , Eletriby Adel , Abd el Salam Zainab
Published: May 2017

Background

Dobutamine stress echocardiogram (DSE) is a feasible and safe exercise‐independent stress modality for diagnoses of coronary artery disease (CAD), but it is subjective, and operator dependant. Two‐dimensional strain at peak stress could overcome these limitations and thus increase the accuracy of DSE.

Methods and Results

This was a prospective observational study in which 80 patients underwent DSE, two‐dimensional strain at peak stress, and coronary angiography. Global longitudinal strains (GLS) cutoff point of −16.75 had 77.42% sensitivity and 83.33% specificity to detect significant CAD. Global circumferential strain (GCS) cutoff point of −20.75 had 93.55% sensitivity and 66.67% specificity to detect significant CAD (P=.003, areas under the curve [AUC]=0.73). The average territorial strain cutoff point for significant left anterior descending (LAD) lesion was −15.4 with 77.78% sensitivity and 82.86% specificity (P=.0001, AUC=0.78) and for non‐LAD lesion was −16.9 with 82.93% sensitivity and 53.85% specificity (P=.0009, AUC=0.69). Two‐dimensional strain at peak stress showed better agreement than DSE as regard number of vessels affected (K=0.579 vs 0.107), LAD lesion detection (K=0.783 vs 0.438), and non‐LAD lesion detection (K=0.699 vs 0.233). Global longitudinal strain (GLS) at peak stress reduced DSE false positivity by 83%; the number of false‐positive patients was reduced from 18 patients to only three patients.

Conclusion

Two‐dimensional strain at peak stress had an incremental value over DSE visual assessment/ wall‐motion score index (WMSI) in reducing false‐positive results of DSE. Two‐dimensional strain at peak stress had greater accuracy than DSE alone not only in detection of significant CAD but also in detection of number of vessels with significant lesion as well as CAD localization.
The effects of intransitive competition on coexistence
Authors: Gallien Laure , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Levine Jonathan M. , Adler Peter B.
Published: May 2017

Coexistence theory has been developed with an almost exclusive focus on interactions between two species, often ignoring more complex and indirect interactions, such as intransitive loops, that can emerge in competition networks. In fact, intransitive competition has typically been studied in isolation from other pairwise stabilising processes, and thus little is known about how intransitivity interacts with more traditional drivers of species coexistence such as niche partitioning. To integrate intransitivity into traditional coexistence theory, we developed a metric of growth rate when rare, , to identify and quantify the impact of intransitive competition against a backdrop of pairwise stabilising niche differences. Using this index with simulations of community dynamics, we demonstrate that intransitive loops can both stabilise or destabilise species coexistence, but the strength and importance of intransitive interactions are significantly affected by the length and the topology of these loops. We conclude by showing how can be used to evaluate effects of intransitivity in empirical studies. Our results emphasise the need to integrate complex mechanisms emerging from diverse interactions into our understanding of species coexistence.
Structural and functional observations of the P151L MID1 mutation reveal alpha4 plays a significant role in X‐linked Opitz Syndrome
Authors: Wright Katharine M. , Du Haijuan , Massiah Michael A.
Published: May 2017

Mutations of human MID1 are associated with X‐linked Opitz G Syndrome (XLOS), which is characterized by midline birth defects. XLOS‐observed mutations within the MID1 B‐box1 domain are associated with cleft lip/palate, wide‐spaced eyes and hyperspadias. Three of the four XLOS‐observed mutations in the B‐box1 domain results in unfolding but the structural and functional effects of the P151L mutation is not characterized. Here, we demonstrate that the P151L mutation does not disrupt the overall tertiary structure of the B‐box1 domain and the adjacent domains. In fact, MID1 E3 ligase activity is slightly enhanced. However, the P151L mutation disrupted the ability of MID1 to catalyze the poly‐ubiquitination of alpha4, a novel regulator of PP2A. This observation is consistent with results observed with the other three structure‐destabilizing B‐box1 mutations in targeting alpha4 but not PP2A. Alpha4 is shown to bind and sequester the catalytic subunit of PP2A and protect it from MID1‐mediated ubiquitination and as a result, an increase in alpha4 can contribute to an increase in PP2A, playing a greater role in midline development during embryogenesis.
Control of cell death and mitochondrial fission by ERK1/2 MAP kinase signalling
Authors: Cook Simon J. , Stuart Kate , Gilley Rebecca , Sale Matthew J.
Published: May 2017

The ERK1/2 signalling pathway is best known for its role in connecting activated growth factor receptors to changes in gene expression due to activated ERK1/2 entering the nucleus and phosphorylating transcription factors. However, active ERK1/2 also translocate to a variety of other organelles including the endoplasmic reticulum, endosomes, golgi and mitochondria to access specific substrates and influence cell physiology. In this article, we review two aspects of ERK1/2 signalling at the mitochondria that are involved in regulating cell fate decisions. First, we describe the prominent role of ERK1/2 in controlling the BCL2‐regulated, cell‐intrinsic apoptotic pathway. In most cases ERK1/2 signalling promotes cell survival by activating prosurvival BCL2 proteins (BCL2, BCL‐xL and MCL1) and repressing prodeath proteins (BAD, BIM, BMF and PUMA). This prosurvival signalling is co‐opted by oncogenes to confer cancer cell‐specific survival advantages and we describe how this information has been used to develop new drug combinations. However, ERK1/2 can also drive the expression of the prodeath protein NOXA to control ‘autophagy or apoptosis’ decisions during nutrient starvation. We also describe recent studies demonstrating a link between ERK1/2 signalling, DRP1 and the mitochondrial fission machinery and how this may influence metabolic reprogramming during tumorigenesis and stem cell reprogramming. With advances in subcellular proteomics it is likely that new roles for ERK1/2, and new substrates, remain to be discovered at the mitochondria and other organelles.
Invadosomes are coming: new insights into function and disease relevance
Authors: Paterson Elyse K. , Courtneidge Sara A.
Published: May 2017

Invadopodia and podosomes are discrete, actin‐based molecular protrusions that form in cancer cells and normal cells, respectively, in response to diverse signaling pathways and extracellular matrix cues. Although they participate in a host of different cellular processes, they share a common functional theme of controlling pericellular proteolytic activity, which sets them apart from other structures that function in migration and adhesion, including focal adhesions, lamellipodia, and filopodia. In this review, we highlight research that explores the function of these complex structures, including roles for podosomes in embryonic and postnatal development, in angiogenesis and remodeling of the vasculature, in maturation of the postsynaptic membrane, in antigen sampling and recognition, and in cell–cell fusion mechanisms, as well as the involvement of invadopodia at multiple steps of the metastatic cascade, and how all of this may apply in the treatment of human disease states. Finally, we explore recent research that implicates a novel role for exosomes and microvesicles in invadopodia‐dependent and invadopodia‐independent mechanisms of invasion, respectively.
Household energy and recycling of nutrients and carbon to the soil in integrated crop‐livestock farming systems: a case study in Kumbursa village, Central Highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Negash Dugassa , Abegaz Assefa , Smith Jo U. , Araya Hailu , Gelana Bogale
Published: May 2017

Soil amendment with organic wastes in the Highlands of Ethiopia has been greatly reduced by widespread use of dung cakes and crop residues as fuels. This study assessed the interaction between household energy and recycling of nutrients and carbon to the soil using household survey, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, direct observations and measurements between 2014 and 2015 in Kumbursa village (Central Highlands of Ethiopia). All surveyed households were entirely dependent on biomass fuel for cooking, with production and consumption rates directly related to wealth status, which significantly varied (P < 0.001) among three farm wealth groups (poor, medium and rich). Crop residues and dung cakes accounted for 80(±3)% by energy content and 85(±4)% by dry mass weight of total biomass fuel consumption. Mean losses were 59(±2) kg ha−1 yr−1 nitrogen (109(±8) kg yr−1 per household), 13.9(±0.3) kg ha−1 yr−1 phosphorus (26(±2) kg yr−1 per household), 79(±2) kg ha−1 yr−1 potassium (150(±11) kg yr−1 per household) and 2100(±40) kg ha−1 yr−1 organic carbon (3000(±300) kg yr−1 per household). Rich farmers lost significantly more carbon and nutrients in fuel than farmers in other wealth groups. However, these losses were spread over a larger area, so losses per land area were significantly higher for medium and poor than for rich farmers. This means that the land of poorer farmers is likely to become degraded more rapidly due to fuel limitations than that of rich farmers, so increasing the poverty gap. The estimated financial loss per household due to not using dung and crop residues as organic fertilizer was 162(±8) US$ yr−1. However, this is less than their value as fuels, which was 490(±20) US$ yr−1. Therefore, farmers will only be persuaded to use these valuable assets as soil improvers if an alternative, cheaper fuel source can be found.
Fire and plant diversity at the global scale
Authors: Pausas Juli G. , Ribeiro Eloi
Published: May 2017

Aim

Understanding the drivers of global diversity has challenged ecologists for decades. Drivers related to the environment, productivity and heterogeneity are considered primary factors, whereas disturbance has received less attention. Given that fire is a global factor that has been affecting many regions around the world over geological time scales, we hypothesize that the fire regime should explain a significant proportion of global coarse‐scale plant diversity.

Location

All terrestrial ecosystems, excluding Antarctica.

Time period

Data collected throughout the late 20th and early 21st century.

Taxa

Seed plants (= spermatophytes = phanerogamae).

Methods

We used available global plant diversity information at the ecoregion scale and compiled productivity, heterogeneity and fire information for each ecoregion using 15 years of remotely sensed data. We regressed plant diversity against environmental variables; thereafter, we tested whether fire activity still explained a significant proportion of the variance.

Results

Ecoregional plant diversity was positively related to both productivity (R2 = .30) and fire activity (R2 = .38). Once productivity and other environmental variables were in the model (R2 = .50), fire regime still explained a significant proportion of the variability in plant diversity (overall model, R2 = .71). The results suggest that fire drives temporal and spatial variability in many ecosystems, providing opportunities for a diversity of plants.

Main conclusions

Fire regime is a primary factor explaining plant diversity around the globe, even after accounting for productivity. Fires delay competitive exclusion, increase landscape heterogeneity and generate new niches; thus, they provide opportunities for a large variety of species. Consequently, fire regime should be considered in order to understand global ecosystem distribution and diversity.
Latest Scientific Discovery Drops Bombshell — ‘Mother Nature’ Is Biologically Male — Ruminations on the Value of Care as Sustainable Organizational Practice
Authors: Young Ali
Published: May 2017

Noting the increasing employment of the trope, Mother Earth, I link this with ongoing attempts within ecofeminism(s) to re‐balance the significance given to both mothers and nature(s). Despite the contentious nature of a subject that has become mired in potentially un(re)productive conflict among feminists and ecofeminists, I follow Phillips in suggesting that it is vital not to dismiss the materiality of the ‘maternal body’ before it has been adequately theorized and valued. This paper is intended to encourage alliances at a time when hyper‐masculine organizational culture is increasing its assaults on both women and the environment. Such assault continues to be coupled with the ongoing refusal to give proper acknowledgement to the caring labours of women all over the globe. If we continue to allow care to be devalued simply because of its long historical association with women, current organizational forms are likely to become ever more brutal in their strategic quest to expand into ever shrinking and contested territories. By contrast, an ecofeminist focus in which no body is viewed as less than another, has the potential to create a theoretical and practical approach that is precisely what our current crises call for.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of SiC‐polycrystalline fiber and new defect‐controlling process
Authors: Oda Hiroshi , Ishikawa Toshihiro
Published: May 2017

A stoichiometric SiC‐polycrystalline fiber (Tyranno SAR) shows excellent heat‐resistance up to 2000°C and relatively high strength around 3 GPa. However, presently, the higher strength has been eagerly required to extend the application field. To achieve increase in the strength, we have to perfectly understand the dominating factors of the strength. We specified the dominating factors (defects) by detecting the first fracture surface and the fracture origin. This type of fiber was found to contain several types of defects, and showed that the strength was decreased in inverse proportion to one‐half power of the defect size. The causes of the defects were clarified by an actual experimental analysis and calculation results. Tyranno SA was produced by a conversion process from an amorphous Si‐Al‐C‐O fiber to SiC polycrystalline structure accompanied by a release of CO gas. During the conversion process, undesirable change in the composition (vaporization of SiO gas), which causes an increase in the residual carbon (one of defects), occurs. To prevent the vaporization of SiO gas, we newly developed a favorable condition by shifting the equilibrium state of the conversion process, and then could remarkably reduce both an abnormal SiC grain growth and the residual carbon.
ZrB2‐SiCw ceramic composites synthesized by in situ reaction and spark plasma sintering
Authors: Zhao Xiaotong , Shao Gang , Feng Lun , Wang Hailong , Fan Bingbing , Lu Hongxia , Xu Hongliang , Chen Deliang , Zhang Rui
Published: May 2017

SiC whisker reinforced ZrB2‐SiCw composites were prepared by sol‐gel method and spark plasma sintering (SPS) with designed composition of 10‐30 vol% SiCw. The ZrB2‐SiCw composite powder was synthesized by sol‐gel method using zirconium diboride, tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), and activated carbon as starting materials, then densified by SPS at 1700°C under a pressure of 40 MPa for 5 minutes. The phase compositions and microstructures of ZrB2‐SiCw composites were investigated by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope, respectively. The relative density of ZrB2‐SiCw composites increased from 83% to 98.5% with increasing SiCw contents from 10 vol% to 30vol% after sintering at 1700°C without additional sintering additives. Meanwhile, the fracture toughness and flexural strength of as‐obtained composites exhibited a similar trend as relative density. ZrB2‐30vol% SiCw composite showed the highest fracture toughness of 6.1 MPa·m1/2 and flexural strength of 350 MPa, which were attributed to the formation of SiC whisker.
Microstructure and model solute transport properties of transglutaminase‐induced soya protein gels: effect of enzyme dosage, protein composition and solute size
Authors: Wu Chao , Hua Yufei , Chen Yeming , Kong Xiangzhen , Zhang Caimeng
Published: May 2017

The diffusion of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in transglutaminase (TGase) cross‐linked soya protein gels as affected by enzyme dosage and protein composition was investigated. PEG with different molecular weights (Mw) varying from 6000 to 400 000 g mol−1 was selected. Results of this study revealed that the time‐related release of PEG from gel slices was found to be controlled by Fickian diffusion process. For PEG with Mw 6000 g mol−1, the diffusion coefficients (D) were independent on the enzyme dosage and protein composition. However, for PEG with Mw ≥ 20 000 g mol−1, there were strong dependences of diffusion on the solute size and on the gel network microstructure revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), where more density gel network with smaller pores resulted in lower D of PEG. Lower D values of PEG with Mw ≥ 20 000 g mol−1 were obtained in gels induced by 2 U g−1 TGase, and the D values increased with increasing 11S ratio in gels. Moreover, data also showed that the diffusion of PEG with larger size was more sensitive to the variation of gel network.
Development and psychometric validation of PUKAT 2·0, a knowledge assessment tool for pressure ulcer prevention
Authors: Manderlier Bénédicte , Van Damme Nele , Vanderwee Katrien , Verhaeghe Sofie , Van Hecke Ann , Beeckman Dimitri
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to develop a tool to measure the knowledge of nurses on pressure ulcer prevention. PUKAT 2·0 is a revised and updated version of the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool (PUKAT) developed in 2010 at Ghent University, Belgium. The updated version was developed using state‐of‐the‐art techniques to establish evidence concerning validity and reliability. Face and content validity were determined through a Delphi procedure including both experts from the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) and the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) (n = 15). A subsequent psychometric evaluation of 342 nurses and nursing students evaluated the item difficulty, discriminating power and quality of the response alternatives. Furthermore, construct validity was established through a test–retest procedure and the known‐groups technique. The content validity was good and the difficulty level moderate. The discernment was found to be excellent: all groups with a (theoretically expected) higher level of expertise had a significantly higher score than the groups with a (theoretically expected) lower level of expertise. The stability of the tool is sufficient (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient = 0·69). The PUKAT 2·0 demonstrated good psychometric properties and can be used and disseminated internationally to assess knowledge about pressure ulcer prevention.
An exploratory genetic analysis: Associations between parent depression symptoms, child temperament, and the serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5HTTLPR)
Authors: Gazor Afsoon , Fang Haolei , Gagne Jeffrey R.
Published: May 2017

Child temperament has been shown to be biologically based and heritable; however, genetic association studies of temperament have been fairly inconclusive, and the role that parental depressive symptoms play is largely unexplored in this context. The relationship between parent depressive symptoms and the child temperament dimensions of fear and activity level (AL) were examined in 100 sibling pairs 2.5–5.5 years of age and their mothers. Parent reports of child temperament and parent self‐reports of depressive symptoms were obtained from families, as well as DNA samples from each child during their lab visit. Associations between the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) polymorphism 5‐HTTLPR/rs25531 and the phenotypic variables were also explored. Parent depressive symptoms were significantly related to higher child AL, but minimally associated with fear outcomes. More powerful regression analyses revealed that parent depressive symptoms, child gender, and child age predicted child AL, but only child gender and age predicted child fear. In our exploratory candidate gene analyses, the low‐expressing genotypes of the 5‐HTTLPR/rs25531 polymorphism predicted child fearfulness, but not child AL. Our phenotypic findings indicate that a child with at least one parent with depressive symptoms is more likely to have higher AL, and results of the initial genetic analyses show that the 5‐HTTLPR/rs25531 polymorphism is associated with child fearfulness. Future research employing larger samples, observational assessments, and related child behavioral maladjustment measures will further clarify these findings.
Hydrazine reduction of LaNiO3 for active materials in supercapacitors
Authors: Ho Kuan‐Hung , Wang John
Published: May 2017

To improve the electric conductivity and overall performance of active materials in pseudocapacitors, we have established a novel hydrazine reduction process to transform perovskite oxides into active materials with the desired electrical conductivity and electrochemical behavior. Taking LaNiO3 (LNO) produced from chemical solution as the starting material, different durations of hydrazine reduction (e.g. from 3, 6 to 12 hours) leads to a significant increase in specific capacitance, from ~70 F·g−1 at 1 A·g−1 (LNO) to ~280 F·g−1 at 1 A·g−1 (after 12 hours reduction). The desired electrical conductivity of LNO has been retained, as shown by the overall resistance of less than 0.3 Ω in the aqueous electrolyte. The hydrazined LNO demonstrated the desired stability as electrode, where the porous structure provides better accessibility for electrolytes, which is helpful in enhancing the overall electrochemical behaviors.
Self‐limited crystallization‐mediated removal of hydroxyl in glass
Authors: Mao Qiannan , Zheng Binbin , Yu Yongze , Chen Jiejie , Zhang Jianwang , Luo Hao , Wen Shaofei , Zhou Shifeng
Published: May 2017

The effective removal of hydroxyl groups (OH) is receiving the attention of scientists interested in developing high‐performance photonic glass. Previous approaches rely on stringent control of the various drying techniques which meet with limited success in silicate glass obtained by the sol‐gel method. Here, we present a novel in situ strategy to remove structural OH groups, based on the self‐limited nanocrystallization‐triggered local chemical reaction between OH and F− in the glassy phase. The experimental data revealed that a more than 100‐fold increase in the emission intensity can be realized. Moreover, the mechanism was discussed and it can be attributed to the effective removal of structural OH with especially strong binding energy. The results suggest an innovative avenue for the development of photonic glasses with efficient luminescence, excellent optical transmission, and improved reliability.
Developing minimum clinical standards for physiotherapy in South African ICUs: A qualitative study
Authors: van Aswegen Heleen , Patman Shane , Plani Natascha , Hanekom Susan
Published: May 2017

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Physiotherapists are integral members of the intensive care unit (ICU) team. Clinicians working in ICU are dependent on their own experience when making decisions regarding individual patient management thus resulting in variation in clinical practice. No formalized clinical practice guidelines or standards exist for the educational profile or scope of practice requirements for ICU physiotherapy. This study explored perceptions of physiotherapists on minimum clinical standards that ICU physiotherapists should adhere to for delivering safe, effective physiotherapy services to critically ill patients.

Method

Experienced physiotherapists offering a service to South African ICUs were purposively sampled. Three focus group sessions were held in different parts of the country to ensure national participation. Each was audio recorded. The stimulus question posed was “What is the minimum standard of clinical practice needed by physiotherapists to ensure safe and independent practice in South African ICUs?” Three categories were explored, namely, knowledge, skill, and attributes. Themes and subthemes were developed using the codes identified. An inductive approach to data analysis was used to perform conventional content analysis.

Results

Twenty‐five physiotherapists participated in 1 of 3 focus group sessions. Mean years of ICU experience was 10.8 years (±7.0; range, 3‐33). Three themes emerged from the data namely, integrated medical knowledge, multidisciplinary teamwork, and physiotherapy practice. Integrated medical knowledge related to anatomy and physiology, conditions that patients present with in ICU, the ICU environment, pathology and pathophysiology, and pharmacology. Multidisciplinary teamwork encompassed elements related to communication, continuous professional development, cultural sensitivity, documentation, ethics, professionalism, safety in ICU, and technology. Components related to physiotherapy practice included clinical reasoning, handling skills, interventions, and patient care.

Conclusions

The information obtained will be used to inform the development of a list of standards to be presented to the wider national physiotherapy and ICU communities for further consensus‐building activities.
Microsporidians xenomas of anglerfish from NE Atlantic waters
Authors: Llarena‐Reino M , Abollo E , Pascual S
Published: May 2017

The presence of emergent visible parasites at commercial valuable fish species is increasingly causing problems at fisheries and seafood industries. Microsporidians have been previously reported to appear forming apparent xenomas complexes in anglerfish species, but no effort has been carried out to simultaneously integrate epidemiological data, phenotypic, genotypic and fine structural characterizations in the same parasite sample. In this work, specimens of Lophius budegassa and Lophius piscatorius from NE Atlantic waters were sampled and examined to provide information about specific site of infection and demographic data of two groups of different sizes of xenomas present at both fish species. Histological descriptions and scanning and transmission electron microscopy were carried out on fresh spores of Lophius budegassa for ultrastructural studies. In both types of xenomas, it was observed simultaneously the microsporidian genus Spraguea in the form of two different types of spores. Molecular analyses of both xenomas from the two fish species, based on the small subunit ribosomal DNA gene, were also performed to genetically support the morphological diagnostic provided.
Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) immune response towards a recombinant vaccine targeting the parasitic ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis
Authors: von Gersdorff Jørgensen L , Kania P W , Rasmussen K J , Mattsson A H , Schmidt J , Al‐Jubury A , Sander A , Salanti A , Buchmann K
Published: May 2017

The protective effect in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) of an experimental subunit vaccine targeting antigens in the parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis has been evaluated and compared to effects elicited by a classical parasite homogenate vaccine. Three recombinant parasite proteins (two produced in E. coli and one in insect cells) were combined and injected i.p., and subsequently, protection and antibody responses were analysed. Both the experimental and the benchmark vaccine induced partial but significant protection against I. multifiliis when compared to control fish. Specific antibody responses of vaccinated trout (subunit vaccine) were raised against one neurohypophysial n‐terminal domain protein #10 of three recombinant proteins, whereas the benchmark vaccine group showed specific antibody production against all three recombinant proteins. The immunogenic parasite protein #10 may be a potential vaccine candidate supplementing the protective I‐antigen in future vaccine trials.
Bone Turnover with Venlafaxine Treatment in Older Adults with Depression
Authors: Rawson Kerri S. , Dixon David , Civitelli Roberto , Peterson Tim R. , Mulsant Benoit H. , Reynolds Charles F. , Lenze Eric J.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Epidemiologic data suggest older adults receiving serotonergic antidepressants may have accelerated bone loss. We examined bone turnover marker changes and patient‐level variables associated with these changes in older adults receiving protocolized antidepressant treatment.

Design

Open‐label, protocolized treatment study.

Setting

Medical centers in Pittsburgh, St Louis, and Toronto.

Participants

Older adults with major depression (N = 168).

Measurements

Serum levels of the bone resorption marker C‐terminal cross‐linking telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) and the bone formation marker procollagen type 1 N propeptide (P1NP) were assayed before and after 12 weeks of treatment with venlafaxine. Whether CTX and P1NP changes were associated with depression remission and duration of depression and genetic polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter (5HTTLPR) and 1B receptor (HTR1B) were also examined.

Results

CTX increased and P1NP decreased during venlafaxine treatment, a profile consistent with accelerated bone loss. Two individual‐level clinical variables were correlated with bone turnover; participants whose depression did not go into remission had higher CTX levels, and those with chronic depression had lower P1NP levels. HTR1B genotype predicted P1NP change, whereas 5HTTLPR genotype was unrelated to either biomarker.

Conclusion

Bone turnover markers change with antidepressant treatment in a pattern that suggests accelerated bone loss, although the clinical significance of these changes is unclear. These data are preliminary and argue for a larger, controlled study to confirm whether antidepressants are harmful to bone metabolism and whether certain individuals might be at increased risk.
Local photocurrent mapping and cell performance behaviour on a nanometre scale for monolithically interconnected Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells
Authors: HAGGUI M. , REINHOLD B. , ANDRAE P. , GREINER D. , SCHMID M. , FUMAGALLI P.
Published: May 2017

The local efficiency of lamellar shaped Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells has been investigated using scanning near‐field optical microscopy (SNOM). Topographic and photocurrent measurements have been performed simultaneously with a 100 nm tip aperture. The lamellar shaped solar cell with monolithic interconnects (P scribe) has been investigated on a nanometre scale for the first time at different regions using SNOM. It was found that, the cell region between P1 and P2 significantly contributes to the solar cells overall photocurrent generation. The photocurrent produced depends locally on the sample topography and it is concluded that it is mainly due to roughness changes of the ZnO:Al/i‐ZnO top electrode. Regions lying under large grains of ZnO produce significantly less current than regions under small granules. The observed photocurrent features were allocated primarily to the ZnO:Al/i‐ZnO top electrode. They were found to be independent of the wavelength of the light used (532 nm and 633 nm).
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura related to ADAMTS13 deficiency, and successful treatment in a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus)
Authors: van Bolhuis Hester , Wolters Marno , de Boer Mark , Fijnheer Rob , van Zijll Langhout Martine , Niphuis Henk , Eckmann Carel
Published: May 2017

A 27‐year‐old male chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) developed signs of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). ADAMTS13 deficiency appeared to be the cause of disease. After treatment with high‐dose prednisone, haematological values and clinical signs recovered. This is the first description of spontaneous TTP associated with ADAMTS13 deficiency in a non‐human primate.
Electrical stimulation structurally affects the tissues of the rectum and anus of nulliparous rats
Authors: de Sousa Hugo Alves , Silva Maria da Glória da , Barbosa Keyla de Paula , Vianna Leonora Maciel de Souza , Pacheco Yolanda Galindo , de Godoy José Roberto Pimenta , Kuckelhaus Selma Aparecida Souza
Published: May 2017

Considering that the muscles of the anus perform a critical role in maintaining continence, losses in their structure can negatively affect the physiological control of the intestinal contents. Anorectal electro‐stimulation (ARES) has been reported to have a positive effect on the functionality of treated patients, but how ARES affects the structural tissues of the anorectal segment remains unknown. Because the study of how ARES structurally affects human tissues is not possible, this study aimed to clarify these effects in a murine model, which has a similar anorectal segment (structure and physiology) to humans. For the descriptive and comparative study, randomly selected nulliparous adult Wistar rats (n = 5) were submitted to 30 anorectal sessions of ARES with a biphasic current (700 μs, 50 Hz from 2 to 4 mA). After treatment, the animals were euthanized, and the anorectal segments were dissected and processed for histopathological analysis. Our results showed that ARES increased the widths of the mucosal, submucosal and muscle layers of the rectum, as well as the number of leukocytes in the mucosa. ARES also caused hyperplasia of the smooth muscle of the internal anal sphincter and hypertrophy of the external anal sphincter muscle. In conclusion, our results showed that ARES had not only a positive effect on the structure (morphology) of all tissues associated with the rectum and anus but, more importantly, on the structural gain of the muscles (hyperplasia and hypertrophy), which could point to a functional gain of the anal sphincter, reinforcing the applicability of ARES as a non‐invasive treatment for anal incontinence.
Adverse effects of fructose on cardiometabolic risk factors and hepatic lipid metabolism in subjects with abdominal obesity
Authors: Taskinen M.‐R. , Söderlund S. , Bogl L. H. , Hakkarainen A. , Matikainen N. , Pietiläinen K. H. , Räsänen S. , Lundbom N. , Björnson E. , Eliasson B. , Mancina R. M. , Romeo S. , Alméras N. , Pepa G. D. , Vetrani C. , Prinster A. , Annuzzi G. , Rivellese A. , Després J.‐P. , Borén J.
Published: May 2017

Background

Overconsumption of dietary sugars, fructose in particular, is linked to cardiovascular risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However, clinical studies have to date not clarified whether these adverse cardiometabolic effects are induced directly by dietary sugars, or whether they are secondary to weight gain.

Objectives

To assess the effects of fructose (75 g day−1), served with their habitual diet over 12 weeks, on liver fat content and other cardiometabolic risk factors in a large cohort (n = 71) of abdominally obese men.

Methods

We analysed changes in body composition, dietary intake, an extensive panel of cardiometabolic risk markers, hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL), liver fat content and postprandial lipid responses after a standardized oral fat tolerance test (OFTT).

Results

Fructose consumption had modest adverse effects on cardiometabolic risk factors. However, fructose consumption significantly increased liver fat content and hepatic DNL and decreased β‐hydroxybutyrate (a measure of β‐oxidation). The individual changes in liver fat were highly variable in subjects matched for the same level of weight change. The increase in liver fat content was significantly more pronounced than the weight gain. The increase in DNL correlated positively with triglyceride area under the curve responses after an OFTT.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrated adverse effects of moderate fructose consumption for 12 weeks on multiple cardiometabolic risk factors in particular on liver fat content despite only relative low increases in weight and waist circumference. Our study also indicates that there are remarkable individual differences in susceptibility to visceral adiposity/liver fat after real‐world daily consumption of fructose‐sweetened beverages over 12 weeks.
Asthma, other atopic conditions and risk of infections in 105 519 general population never and ever smokers
Authors: Helby J. , Nordestgaard B. G. , Benfield T. , Bojesen S. E.
Published: May 2017

Background

Individuals with atopic conditions may have increased susceptibility to infections outside the organs directly affected by their atopic condition.

Objective

We tested the hypothesis that atopic conditions overall, and stratified by smoking history, are associated with increased risk of hospitalization for infections.

Methods

We collected information on smoking history and self‐reported atopic conditions from 105 519 individuals from the general population and followed them for up to 23 years for infectious disease hospitalizations and deaths. For asthma, we focused on never smokers with asthma diagnosed before age 50 (early asthma) to minimize confounding by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Results

During follow‐up, 11 160 individuals had infections. Never smokers with early asthma versus no atopic conditions had significantly increased risks of any infection (hazard ratio 1.65; 95% confidence interval 1.40–1.94), pneumonia (2.44; 1.92–3.11) and any non‐respiratory tract infection (1.36; 1.11–1.67); results were similar in ever smokers. Never smokers with any asthma had significantly increased risks of any infection (1.44; 1.24–1.66) and pneumonia (1.99; 1.62–2.44). Neither atopic dermatitis (1.00; 0.91–1.10) nor hay fever (1.00; 0.93–1.07) was associated with risk of any infection. In never smokers, risk estimates for any infection were comparable between asthma and diabetes, as were the population attributable fractions of 2.2% for any asthma and 2.9% for diabetes.

Conclusion

Early asthma was associated with significantly increased risks of any infection, pneumonia and any non‐respiratory tract infection in never and ever smokers. In never smokers, risk estimates as well as population attributable fractions for any infection were comparable between asthma and diabetes, suggesting that asthma may be a substantial risk factor for infections in the general population.
An electromyographic study on the sequential recruitment of bilateral sternocleidomastoid and masseter muscle activity during gum chewing
Authors: Guo S.‐X. , Li B.‐Y. , Zhang Y. , Zhou L.‐J. , Liu L. , Widmalm S.‐E. , Wang M.‐Q.
Published: May 2017

Mandibular functions are associated with electromyographic activity of the jaw muscles and also the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM). The precise spatiotemporal relation of SCM and masticatory muscles activities during chewing is worthy of investigation. To analyse the sequential recruitment of SCM and masseter activities during chewing as indicated by the spatiotemporal locations of their activity peaks. Jaw movements and bilateral surface electromyographic activity of SCM and masseter were recorded during gum chewing in 20 healthy subjects. The timing order was decided by comparing the length of time from the time when the opening started to the time when the surface electromyographic activity reached its peak value. Spatial order was analysed by locating the peak electromyographic activity onto a standard chewing cycle which was created based on 15 unilateral chewing cycles. Paired t‐test, one‐way ANOVA and Student–Newman–Keuls post‐test were used for comparisons. Although the Time to Peak for the balancing side SCM appeared shorter than for the other three tested muscles, most often it did not reach a level of significance. However, the location of the balancing side SCM's peak activity was further from the terminal chewing position (TCP) than the working side SCM and bilateral masseters (P < 0·05). The balancing side SCM activity reached its peak significantly further away from TCP than the other three tested muscles during chewing. Further studies with spatiotemporal variables included should be helpful to understand the roles of the head, neck and jaw muscles in orofacial and cervical dysfunctional problems.