bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The miR‐200b–ZEB1 circuit regulates diverse stemness of human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tsai Shu‐Chun , Lin Chen‐Chun , Shih Tsung‐Chieh , Tseng Rong‐Jeng , Yu Ming‐Chin , Lin Yu‐Jr , Hsieh Sen‐Yung
Published: April 2017

Accumulating evidence suggests that human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be derived from cancer stem cells (CSCs), which contribute to tumor initiation, metastasis, chemoresistance, and recurrence. A great variety of HCC CSCs resulting in diverse clinical manifestations have been reported. However, how CSC diversity is regulated and generated remains unclear. Here we report that the miR‐200b–ZEB1 circuit is closely involved with the induction and maintenance of a diverse group of CSCs. We found that miR‐200b downregulation occurred in early HCC and associated with poor prognosis. The downregulation was attributable to genome deletion and promoter methylation of the miR‐200a/b/429 gene. Ectopic expression of miR‐200b or silencing of ZEB1 led to a decrease in CD13+ and CD24+ HCC CSCs and an increase in EpCAM+ HCC CSCs. Mechanistically, miR‐200b directly suppressed BMI1 and ZEB1 expressions. ZEB1 recognized promoters of CD13, CD24, and EpCAM genes resulting in CD13 and CD24 upregulation and EpCAM downregulation. Neither miR‐200b nor ZEB1 had obvious effects on CD133 or CD90 expression. Silencing CD13 or CD24 expression suppressed tumorigenicity of HCC cells. Ectopic expression of CD24 reversed the suppression of tumorigenicity by ectopic expression of miR‐200b. Clinically, miR‐200b downregulation was coupled with ZEB1 upregulation in approximately two‐thirds of HCC patients. ZEB1 expression was positively correlated with CD13 and CD24 expressions in HCCs, while miR‐200b expression was positively correlated with EpCAM. Our findings suggest that the miR‐200b–ZEB1 circuit is a master regulator of diverse stemness of HCC, which differentiates HCCs into those containing CD13+/CD24+ CSCs from those containing EpCAM+ CSCs.
The effect of noise and lipid signals on determination of Gaussian and non‐Gaussian diffusion parameters in skeletal muscle
Authors: Cameron Donnie , Bouhrara Mustapha , Reiter David A. , Fishbein Kenneth W. , Choi Seongjin , Bergeron Christopher M. , Ferrucci Luigi , Spencer Richard G.
Published: April 2017

This work characterizes the effect of lipid and noise signals on muscle diffusion parameter estimation in several conventional and non‐Gaussian models, the ultimate objectives being to characterize popular fat suppression approaches for human muscle diffusion studies, to provide simulations to inform experimental work and to report normative non‐Gaussian parameter values. The models investigated in this work were the Gaussian monoexponential and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) models, and the non‐Gaussian kurtosis and stretched exponential models. These were evaluated via simulations, and in vitro and in vivo experiments. Simulations were performed using literature input values, modeling fat contamination as an additive baseline to data, whereas phantom studies used a phantom containing aliphatic and olefinic fats and muscle‐like gel. Human imaging was performed in the hamstring muscles of 10 volunteers. Diffusion‐weighted imaging was applied with spectral attenuated inversion recovery (SPAIR), slice‐select gradient reversal and water‐specific excitation fat suppression, alone and in combination. Measurement bias (accuracy) and dispersion (precision) were evaluated, together with intra‐ and inter‐scan repeatability. Simulations indicated that noise in magnitude images resulted in <6% bias in diffusion coefficients and non‐Gaussian parameters (α, K), whereas baseline fitting minimized fat bias for all models, except IVIM. In vivo, popular SPAIR fat suppression proved inadequate for accurate parameter estimation, producing non‐physiological parameter estimates without baseline fitting and large biases when it was used. Combining all three fat suppression techniques and fitting data with a baseline offset gave the best results of all the methods studied for both Gaussian diffusion and, overall, for non‐Gaussian diffusion. It produced consistent parameter estimates for all models, except IVIM, and highlighted non‐Gaussian behavior perpendicular to muscle fibers (α ~ 0.95, K ~ 3.1). These results show that effective fat suppression is crucial for accurate measurement of non‐Gaussian diffusion parameters, and will be an essential component of quantitative studies of human muscle quality.
More generalized groundwater model with space‐time caputo Fabrizio fractional differentiation
Authors: Djida Jean‐Daniel , Atangana Abdon
Published: April 2017

We prove existence and uniqueness of the flow of water within a confined aquifer with fractional diffusion in space and fractional time derivative in the sense of Caputo‐Fabrizio using the classical contraction Banach theorem. We also propose the numerical approximation of the model using the Crank–Nicolson numerical scheme. To check the effectiveness of the model, stability analysis of the numerical scheme for the new model is presented.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 1616–1627, 2017
MIBG avidity correlates with clinical features, tumor biology, and outcomes in neuroblastoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: DuBois Steven G. , Mody Rajen , Naranjo Arlene , Van Ryn Collin , Russ Douglas , Oldridge Derek , Kreissman Susan , Baker David L. , Parisi Marguerite , Shulkin Barry L. , Bai Harrison , Diskin Sharon J. , Batra Vandana , Maris John M. , Park Julie R. , Matthay Katherine K. , Yanik Gregory
Published: April 2017

Background

Prior studies suggest that neuroblastomas that do not accumulate metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) on diagnostic imaging (MIBG non‐avid) may have more favorable features compared with MIBG avid tumors. We compared clinical features, biologic features, and clinical outcomes between patients with MIBG nonavid and MIBG avid neuroblastoma.

Procedure

Patients had metastatic high‐ or intermediate‐risk neuroblastoma and were treated on Children's Oncology Group protocols A3973 or A3961. Comparisons of clinical and biologic features according to MIBG avidity were made with chi‐squared or Fisher exact tests. Event‐free (EFS) and overall (OS) survival compared using log–rank tests and modeled using Cox models.

Results

Thirty of 343 patients (8.7%) had MIBG nonavid disease. Patients with nonavid tumors were less likely to have adrenal primary tumors (34.5 vs. 57.2%; P = 0.019), bone metastases (36.7 vs. 61.7%; P = 0.008), or positive urine catecholamines (66.7 vs. 91.0%; P < 0.001) compared with patients with MIBG avid tumors. Nonavid tumors were more likely to be MYCN amplified (53.8 vs. 32.6%; P = 0.030) and had lower norepinephrine transporter expression. Patients with MIBG nonavid disease had a 5‐year EFS of 50.0% compared with 38.7% for patients with MIBG avid disease (P = 0.028). On multivariate testing in high‐risk patients, MIBG avidity was the sole adverse prognostic factor for EFS identified (hazard ratio 1.77; 95% confidence interval 1.04–2.99; P = 0.034).

Conclusions

Patients with MIBG nonavid neuroblastoma have lower rates of adrenal primary tumors, bone metastasis, and catecholamine secretion. Despite being more likely to have MYCN‐amplified tumors, these patients have superior outcomes compared with patients with MIBG avid disease.
Missed opportunities: unidentified genetic risk factors in prenatal care
Authors: McClatchey Trissa , Lay Erica , Strassberg Melissa , Van den Veyver Ignatia B.
Published: April 2017

Objective

Prenatal and preconception care guidelines recommend obtaining family history to screen for reproductive genetic risk. The effectiveness of this screening and subsequent referral for genetic counseling is not well established. This study describes how often pregnant women with reproductive genetic risks were not referred for prenatal genetic counseling and the indications frequently missed.

Method

We retrospectively reviewed genetic consultation medical records for first‐trimester screen pretest counseling. These women had no documented indications for genetic counseling. We used the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics referral guidelines for genetic counseling to identify missed indications within the parents' personal and family histories. Patients with advanced maternal age were excluded.

Results

We reviewed 416 consultation notes. The counselor elicited a genetic risk for which a referral had not been made in 27% of the pregnant women. Of these, 70% were genetic risks in the family history, 23% in the couple's history, and 7% in the prenatal history. The most common missed indications were personal or family history of birth defects (38%), intellectual disability or autism (19%), and a prior positive genetic carrier screening test (14%).

Conclusion

Genetic risk factors are not consistently identified as a referral indication for reproductive genetic counseling. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics of the flowing afterglow of a surface‐wave microwave discharge in a reactor loaded with a small diameter tube
Authors: Kutasi Kinga , Korolov Ihor
Published: April 2017

Applying the flowing afterglow of an N2O2 surface‐wave microwave discharge it is shown, that using 500–1000 sccm gas flow rates the afterglow can efficiently travel through a 4.5 mm polymer tube placed into the afterglow reactor, as well as simultaneously inside and around the tube. The afterglow along the reactor loaded with a 5 mm I.D. quartz tube is followed through the UV emission of NO(B) molecules created in the three‐body re‐association process of N‐ and O‐atoms, and by modeling calculations. It is shown that by placing the tube into reactor the pressure and the density of species increase. Along the tube the absolute density of atoms decrease due to the pressure drop there, which can be controlled through the system's pumping efficiency.
Molecular mechanism of bacterial Hsp90 pH‐dependent ATPase activity
Authors: Jin Yi , Hoxie Reyal S. , Street Timothy O.
Published: April 2017

Hsp90 is a dimeric molecular chaperone that undergoes an essential and highly regulated open‐to‐closed‐to‐open conformational cycle upon ATP binding and hydrolysis. Although it has been established that a large energy barrier to closure is responsible for Hsp90's low ATP hydrolysis rate, the specific molecular contacts that create this energy barrier are not known. Here we discover that bacterial Hsp90 (HtpG) has a pH‐dependent ATPase activity that is unique among other Hsp90 homologs. The underlying mechanism is a conformation‐specific electrostatic interaction between a single histidine, H255, and bound ATP. H255 stabilizes ATP only while HtpG adopts a catalytically inactive open configuration, resulting in a striking anti‐correlation between nucleotide binding affinity and chaperone activity over a wide range of pH. Linkage analysis reveals that the H255‐ATP salt bridge contributes 1.5 kcal/mol to the energy barrier of closure. This energetic contribution is structurally asymmetric, whereby only one H255‐ATP salt‐bridge per dimer of HtpG controls ATPase activation. We find that a similar electrostatic mechanism regulates the ATPase of the endoplasmic reticulum Hsp90, and that pH‐dependent activity can be engineered into eukaryotic cytosolic Hsp90. These results reveal site‐specific energetic information about an evolutionarily conserved conformational landscape that controls Hsp90 ATPase activity.
Recognition of corn defense chitinases by fungal polyglycine hydrolases
Authors: Naumann Todd A. , Bakota Erica L. , Price Neil P. J.
Published: April 2017

Polyglycine hydrolases (PGH)s are secreted fungal endoproteases that cleave peptide bonds in the polyglycine interdomain linker of ChitA chitinase, an antifungal protein from domesticated corn (Zea maysssp. mays). These target‐specific endoproteases are unusual because they do not cut a specific peptide bond but select one of many Gly‐Gly bonds within the polyglycine region. Some Gly‐Gly bonds are cleaved frequently while others are never cleaved. Moreover, we have previously shown that PGHs from different fungal pathogens prefer to cleave different Gly‐Gly peptide bonds. It is not understood how PGHs selectively cleave the ChitA linker, especially because its polyglycine structure lacks peptide sidechains. To gain insights into this process we synthesized several peptide analogs of ChitA to evaluate them as potential substrates and inhibitors of Es‐cmp, a PGH from the plant pathogenic fungusEpicoccum sorghi. Our results showed that part of the PGH recognition site for substrate chitinases is adjacent to the polyglycine linker on the carboxy side. More specifically, four amino acid residues were implicated, each spaced four residues apart on an alpha helix. Moreover, analogous peptides with selective Gly‐>sarcosine (N‐methylglycine) mutations or a specific Ser‐>Thr mutation retained inhibitor activity but were no longer cleaved by PGH. Additonally, our findings suggest that peptide analogs of ChitA that inhibit PGH activity could be used to strengthen plant defenses.
Mass trapping is as effective as ground bait sprays for the control of Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae) fruit flies in mango orchards
Authors: Villalobos Jorge , Flores Salvador , Liedo Pablo , Malo Edi A
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Anastrepha fruit flies are considered one of the main phytosanitary problems for the fresh fruit industry in the USA, Caribbean islands and Latin America. Since 1994, the Mexican government has implemented the National Fruit Fly Program using an area‐wide integrated pest management approach. In this paper, we evaluate the effectiveness of mass trapping and compare it with ground GF‐120 spraying against Anastrepha obliqua and Anastrepha ludens populations in mango cv. Ataulfo orchards.

RESULTS

Multilure® traps baited with Ceratrap® or Biolure® captured significantly more fruit flies than Captor 300 in field cage tests. Mass trapping and ground GF‐120 spray significantly suppressed fruit fly populations compared with untreated plots. In Multilure traps placed in untreated plots, we captured significantly more fruit flies than in treated plots with mass trapping or GF‐120 sprays. Plots treated with either mass trapping or GF‐120 sprays reduced the percentage of infested fruit significantly compared with untreated plots. There was no difference between mass trapping and GF‐120 ground bait spraying.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that mass trapping was as effective as GF‐120 ground spraying for the control of fruit flies in mango cv. Ataulfo orchards. The suppression effect of mass trapping was similar to GF‐120 ground bait spraying. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Streamflow alteration and habitat ramifications for a threatened fish species in the Central United States
Authors: Juracek K. E. , Eng K. , Carlisle D. M. , Wolock D. M.
Published: April 2017

In the Central United States, the Arkansas darter (Etheostoma cragini) is listed as a threatened fish species by the State of Kansas. Survival of the darter is threatened by loss of habitat caused by changing streamflow conditions, in particular flow depletion. Future management of darter populations and habitats requires an understanding of streamflow conditions and how those conditions may have changed over time in response to natural and anthropogenic factors. In Kansas, streamflow alteration was assessed at 9 U.S. Geological Survey streamgages in 6 priority basins with no pronounced long‐term trends in precipitation. The assessment was based on a comparison of observed (O) and predicted expected (E) reference conditions for 29 flow metrics. The O/E results indicated a likely or possible diminished flow condition in 2 basins; the primary cause of which is groundwater‐level declines resulting from groundwater pumping for irrigated agriculture. In these 2 basins, habitat characteristics adversely affected by flow depletion may include stream connectivity, pools, and water temperature. The other 4 basins were minimally affected, or unaffected, by flow depletion and therefore may provide the best opportunity for preservation of darter habitat. Through the O/E analysis, anthropogenic streamflow alteration was quantified and the results will enable better‐informed decisions pertaining to the future management of darters in Kansas.
Growth of InN Nanowires with Uniform Diameter on Si(111) Substrates: Competition Between Migration and Desorption of In Atoms
Authors: Gao Fangliang , Wen Lei , Xu Zhenzhu , Han Jinglei , Yu Yuefeng , Zhang Shuguang , Li Guoqiang
Published: April 2017

The effects of the growth parameters on the uniformity and the aspect ratio of InN nanowires grown on Si(111) substrates have been studied systematically, and a modified quasi‐equilibrium model is proposed. The growth temperature is of great importance for both the nucleation of the nanowires and the migration of In and N atoms, thus affecting the uniformity of the InN nanowires. In order to improve the uniformity of the InN nanowires, both traditional substrate nitridation and pre‐In‐droplet deposition have been implemented. It is found that the substrate nitridation is favorable for the nucleation of InN nanowires. However, the initial In atoms adhered to the substrate are insufficient to sustain the uniform growth of the InN nanowires. We have found that the initial In droplet on the substrate is not only advantageous for the nucleation of the InN nanowire, but also favorable for the In atom equilibrium between the initial In droplets and the direct In flux. Therefore, InN nanowires with a uniform aspect ratio and optimal diameter can be achieved. The results reported herein provide meaningful insights to understanding the growth kinetics during the InN nanowires growth, and open up great possibilities of developing high‐performance group III‐nitride‐based devices.
Improvements in nowcasting capability: analysis of three structurally distinct severe thunderstorms across northern England on 1 July 2015
Authors: Lewis Matthew W. , Silkstone Nicholas
Published: April 2017

Three severe and very different storms developed across northern England on 1 July 2015 during a short‐lived hot spell. These events are analysed using a mixture of traditional data sources, as well as the improved UK radar capability and the public crowdsourcing of data, which itself could have a powerful role in future nowcasting. The first storm developed during early afternoon from an area of medium‐level instability, resulting in strong straight‐line winds and localised flash flooding in northeast England. The second storm was rooted to the boundary layer and, from analysis of social media reports, produced a 130km swathe of large hail. Subsequent radar analysis showed this storm to have acquired characteristics of a supercell. Despite the loss of daytime heating, further thunderstorms developed across northwest England later in the evening, albeit rooted to a layer above the boundary layer. However, these storms still produced large hail and frequent lightning, with radar analysis showing the development of a rare elevated supercell.
Recent 5-Year Findings and Technological Advances in the Proteomic Study of HIV-Associated Disorders
Authors: Zhang Lijun , Jia Xiaofang , Jin Jun-O , Lu Hongzhou , Tan Zhimi
Published: April 2017

Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) mainly relies on host factors to complete its life cycle. Hence, it is very important to identify HIV-regulated host proteins. Proteomics is an excellent technique for this purpose because of its high throughput and sensitivity. In this review, we summarized current technological advances in proteomics, including general isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) and stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC), as well as subcellular proteomics and investigation of posttranslational modifications. Furthermore, we reviewed the applications of proteomics in the discovery of HIV-related diseases and HIV infection mechanisms. Proteins identified by proteomic studies might offer new avenues for the diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection and the related diseases.
Bundle-Based Decomposition: Conditions for Convergence
Authors: Robinson S.M.
Published: April 2017

Bundle-based decomposition is a recently proposed method for decentralized convex optimization. Computational tests indicate that it is very fast. In this paper we exhibit conditions for convergence of the method. In the process we study conditions for linearly-constrained approximate minimization of a convex function.
Flow and fouling in membrane filters: effects of membrane morphology
Authors: Sanaei P. , Cummings L. J.
Published: April 2017

Membrane filters are used extensively in microfiltration applications. The type of membrane used can vary widely depending on the particular application, but broadly speaking the requirements are to achieve fine control of separation, with low power consumption. The solution to this challenge might seem obvious: select the membrane with the largest pore size and void fraction consistent with the separation requirements. However, membrane fouling (an inevitable consequence of successful filtration) is a complicated process, which depends on many parameters other than membrane-pore size and void fraction; and which itself greatly affects the filtration process and membrane functionality. In this work we formulate mathematical models that can (i) account for the membrane internal morphology (internal structure, pore size and shape, etc.); (ii) describe fouling of membranes with specific morphology; and (iii) make some predictions as to what type of membrane morphology might offer optimum filtration performance.
Numerical investigation of multiple-bubble behaviour and induced pressure in a megasonic field
Authors: Ochiai N. , Ishimoto J.
Published: April 2017

Clarifying the mechanism of particle removal by megasonic cleaning and multiple-bubble dynamics in megasonic fields is essential for removing contaminant particles during nanodevice cleaning without pattern damage. In particular, the effect of the interaction of multiple bubbles on bubble-collapse behaviour and impulsive pressure induced by bubble collapse should also be discussed. In this study, a compressible locally homogeneous model of a gas–liquid two-phase medium is used to numerically analyse the multiple-bubble behaviour in a megasonic field. The numerical results indicate that, for bubbles with the same equilibrium radius, the natural frequency of the bubble decreases, and bubbles with smaller equilibrium radii resonate with the megasonic wave as the number of bubbles increases. Therefore, the equilibrium radius of bubbles showing maximum wall pressure decreases with an increasing number of bubbles. The increase in bubble number also results in chain collapse, inducing high wall pressure. The effect of the configuration of bubbles is discussed, and the bubble–bubble interaction in the concentric distribution makes a greater contribution to the decrease in the natural frequency of bubbles than the interaction in the straight distribution.
Mixing in continuous gravity currents
Authors: Sher Diana , Woods Andrew W.
Published: April 2017

We present measurements of the entrainment of ambient fluid into high-Reynolds-number gravity currents produced by a steady flux of buoyancy. The currents propagate along a horizontal channel and the mixing is measured using a light attenuation technique to obtain the cross-channel average of the density throughout the current. The total volume of the current increases linearly with time, at a rate in the range $(1.8{-}2.1)Q_{o}$ for source Froude numbers, $Fr_{o}$, in the range $0.1{-}3.7$, where $Q_{o}$ is the source volume flux per unit width. Most mixing occurs either immediately downstream of the inflow or near the head of the flow, with an increasing proportion of the entrainment occurring in a mixing zone near the inflow as $Fr_{o}$ increases. A vertical gradient in the density and horizontal velocity develops in this mixing zone. This enables relatively dense fluid at the base of the current to catch up with the head, where it rises and mixes with the ambient fluid which is displaced over the head. The mixed fluid continues forward more slowly than the head, forming the relatively dilute fluid in the upper part of the current. Our data show that the depth and the depth-averaged buoyancy are primarily dependent on the position relative to the front, with the speed of the front being $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}(Fr_{o})B_{o}^{1/3}$, where $B_{o}$ is the source buoyancy flux per unit width. Here, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}(Fr_{o})$ increases from 0.9 to 1.1 as $Fr_{o}$ increases from 0.1 to 3.7, while the Froude number at the head of the flow has a value of $1.1\pm 0.05$.
Deicides, sacrifices and other crucifixions: for a critical reinterpretation of Italian Holocaust cinema
Authors: Garofalo Damiano
Published: April 2017

This essay analyses the evolution of the Holocaust film genre in Italy through the paradigm of sacrifice, understood both as a process of martyrisation and Christianisation of the Holocaust, and from the point of view of the instrumental use of the figure of the national hero. Using the examples of the opening sequence of the deicide and the metaphorical crucifixion of Matteo Blumenthal at the end ofL’ebreo errante(The Wandering Jew, Goffredo Alessandrini, 1948); the sacrifice of Giulia inL’oro di Roma(The Gold of Rome, Carlo Lizzani, 1961), who follows her Jewish nature faced with the round-up of 16 October 1943 – the same fate suffered by Edith, the Parisian Jew inKapò(Gillo Pontecorvo, 1959); and the self-inflicted death of Guido, the narrative device used to justify the survival of the son inLa vita è bella(Life Is Beautiful, Roberto Benigni, 1997), this contribution will focus on the definition of the Christianised topos of sacrifice, connected to the conception and general use of the term ‘Holocaust’. The overall thesis, running through the analysis of these four films, is that the paradigm has contributed significantly to the creation of a context of conflicting memories, influencing therefore the formation of the religious, cultural, political or national identities that have been involved historically in the public and private memory of the Holocaust.
Common genetic variants are associated with lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations across the year among children at northern latitudes
Authors: Petersen Rikke A. , Larsen Lesli H. , Damsgaard Camilla T. , Sørensen Louise B. , Hjorth Mads F. , Andersen Rikke , Tetens Inge , Krarup Henrik , Ritz Christian , Astrup Arne , Michaelsen Kim F. , Mølgaard Christian
Published: April 2017

In a longitudinal study including 642 healthy 8–11-year-old Danish children, we investigated associations between vitamin D dependent SNP and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations across a school year (August–June). Serum 25(OH)D was measured three times for every child, which approximated measurements in three seasons (autumn, winter, spring). Dietary and supplement intake, physical activity, BMI and parathyroid hormone were likewise measured at each time point. In all, eleven SNP in four vitamin D-related genes: Cytochrome P450 subfamily IIR1 (CYP2R1); 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide synthetase-1(DHCR7/NADSYN1); group-specific complement (GC); and vitamin D receptor were genotyped. We found minor alleles of CYP2R1 rs10500804, and of GC rs4588 and rs7041 to be associated with lower serum 25(OH)D concentrations across the three seasons (all P<0·01), with estimated 25(OH)D differences of −5·8 to −10·6 nmol/l from major to minor alleles homozygosity. In contrast, minor alleles homozygosity of rs10741657 and rs1562902 in CYP2R1 was associated with higher serum 25(OH)D concentrations compared with major alleles homozygosity (all P<0·001). Interestingly, the association between season and serum 25(OH)D concentrations was modified by GC rs7041 (Pinteraction=0·044), observed as absence of increase in serum 25(OH)D from winter to spring among children with minor alleles homozygous genotypes compared with the two other genotypes of rs7041 (P<0·001). Our results suggest that common genetic variants are associated with lower serum 25(OH)D concentrations across a school year. Potentially due to modified serum 25(OH)D response to UVB sunlight exposure. Further confirmation and paediatric studies investigating vitamin D-related health outcomes of these genotypic differences are needed.
Control and Thematic Agreement
Authors: Ghomeshi Jila
Published: April 2017

In this article it is shown that Persian has core control constructions in which the obligatorily empty subject of an embedded clause takes its reference from an antecedent in the next higher clause. Evidence is provided that these embedded clauses are relatively transparent for scrambling and lack independent tense. It is therefore argued that core control verbs in Persian take complements that lack CP, TP, and a Case position for their subjects. Control complements do manifest subject agreement, however, suggesting that agreement checking takes place withinvP. The implications of this view are explored with respect to the periphrastic progressive construction, in which both the auxiliary and the main verb bear subject agreement, and raising constructions, in which preposed subjects do not trigger agreement on the matrix verb. The relevant contrast is presented in minimalist terms as the idea that agreement in Persian is checked within a strong phase (CP orvP).
OnWh-questions in Persian
Authors: Kahnemuyipour Arsalan
Published: April 2017

This article exploreswh-questions in Persian and examines how the “clausal typing hypothesis” and the “focus-fronting analysis” fare with respect to Persianwh-questions. It is shown that Persianwh-questions involve obligatory movement ofwh-phrases to a preverbal focus position. This movement is different from syntacticwh-movement in that it does not involve movement of thewh-phrase to [Spec, CP], whose trigger is a [+wh] feature in C. Thus, in terms of the typology ofwh-questions, Persian is neither a syntacticwh-movement nor awh-in-situ language; rather, it should be classified with languages such as Aghem, Basque, Hungarian, Kirundi, and Serbo-Croatian, in whichwh-phrases have been argued to undergo focus movement. It is shown that Persian does not seem to share the properties of Serbo-Croatian, another focus-fronting language. Some possible explanations are provided and the theoretical implications are discussed.
Lumbrineridae (Annelida: Polychaeta) from the Grand Caribbean region with the description of six new species
Authors: Carrera-Parra Luis F.
Published: April 2017

Twenty-seven species of Lumbrineridae are characterized; six are described as new: Lumbrinerides uebelackerae sp. nov., Lumbrineris perkinsi sp. nov., L. salazari sp. nov., Ninoe vargasi sp. nov., N. wardae sp. nov. and Lysarete raquelae sp. nov. Twenty-one species from the Grand Caribbean region are recognized herein and characterized based upon type and non-type materials: Augeneria bidens, Eranno bilabiata comb. nov., Lumbrinerides crassicephala, L. dayi, L. jonesi, Lumbrineriopsis cf. paradoxa, Lumbrineris floridana, L. cf. latreilli, L. nonatoi, L. paucidentataNinoe nigripes, Scoletoma branchiata comb. nov., S. candida comb. nov., S. ernesti, S. robusta comb. nov., S. tenuis, S. estudinum comb. nov., S. treadwelli comb. nov., S. verrili, S. parvapedata comb. nov. and S. elongata comb. nov. A key to identify all lumbrinerid species recorded from the Grand Caribbean region is included.
Habitat specialization by Thia scutellata (Decapoda: Brachyura) off Wales
Authors: Rees E.I.S.
Published: April 2017

There are sporadic records of Thia scutellata from Carmarthen Bay, Cardigan Bay and off the north coast of Wales. Relative scarcity of this small burrowing crab is probably due to habitat specialization. It lives in loose very well sorted medium sand, as typically found in parts of sand waves.
Reproductive effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals, bisphenol-A and
17β-oestradiol, on Cerastoderma edule from south-west England: field
study and laboratory exposure
Authors: Lusher Amy L. , Pope Nick , Handy Richard D.
Published: April 2017

Endocrine disruption has rarely been reported in field populations of the edible
cockle and the context with the general health of the shellfish is unclear. This
study examined the reproductive state of two Cerastoderma edule
populations over a 6-month period to assess their reproductive condition, the
incidence of intersex and presence of parasitic infection. A further seven native
sites from south-west England were examined during the peak reproductive season to
identify the presence of intersex within the region. Laboratory exposures of
organisms collected from field populations showed a significantly female-biased sex
ratio compared with controls when exposed to the endocrine disrupting chemicals,
bisphenol-A (nominal concentration: 0.1 µg L−1) and 17β-oestradiol
(nominal concentration: 0.1 µg L−1), but none of the chemical exposures
induced intersex. Intersex was revealed in seven out of the nine native populations
of C. edule sampled at peak reproductive season. The highest
incidence and most severe case of intersex were reported at Lower Anderton on the
River Tamer which also had a significantly female-biased sex ratio. Additionally, the
dominant trematode family was the Bucephalaidae. Parasitic infection influences the
maturity of C. edule by lowering both mean gonad index and condition
index. These results suggest that endocrine disrupting chemicals could be
contributing factors towards the development of intersex in C.
edule.
Early Modern Siam as a Mainly Urban Society
Authors: BAKER CHRIS , PHONGPAICHIT PASUK
Published: April 2017

Early modern Siam is usually portrayed as a predominantly rural, peasant society. This picture is assumed from the worldwide trend of rural-to-urban transition, rather than from study of Siam itself. The available sources have a striking lack of any evidence on rural society. This article explores the possibility that this absence may reflect a real-world difference, not just perception. Unlike in temperate zones, enough food could be produced without dedicating the efforts of a majority of the population to agriculture. Rice could be grown by part-time ‘commuter’ agriculture, and other foods found by everyday hunting and gathering. Cultural preference based on the instinct for survival may have reinforced an affinity for urban residence. The scant data on Siam's demography suggest the majority of the population lived in urban places. Descriptions of the capital portray a commercial and industrial centre, capable of employing many in non-agricultural pursuits. The state systems for raising resources were tailored to an urban rather than a rural society. While the scarcity of data on early Siam makes any ‘proof’ impossible, the thesis that Siam was a predominantly urban society is worth exploring. From the early eighteenth century on, Siam was subject to a process of ‘ruralization’ that created the familiar peasant society that historians have projected back into the past.
The Indian Economy and the British Empire in the Company Period: Some additional reflections around an essay by David Washbrook
Authors: MARKOVITS CLAUDE
Published: April 2017

Taking as its point of departure David Washbrook's essay ‘The Indian Economy and the British Empire’, this article takes a more detailed look at some episodes in the history of British India in the era of the Company Raj, with a view to placing them within a broader imperial framework, as advocated by Washbrook. The first part of the article examines, through an array of case studies, the actual contribution made by the Company to ‘global’ British expansion, concluding that it invested a lot of (Indian) blood and money in ventures from which it derived little benefit, as in the case of the expeditions to Manila (1762), Ceylon (1795), and Java (1811). It is shown that the Company's interests were ultimately sacrificed to the necessity of maintaining the European balance of power through consideration of the colonial interests of minor European powers such as Portugal or the Netherlands. While the Company saw its interests thus overlooked in the ‘global’ imperial arena, it could not find compensation in increased economic activity in India itself. Although the compulsions of ‘military-fiscalism’ largely explain such an outcome, we should not lose sight of the role of Indian agency in limiting the Company's options, as is shown by a rapid look at the history of both labour and capital markets, which the Company did not succeed in bending completely to its needs.
The taxonomic and biogeographic position of Sitka spruce
Authors: Page C. N. , Hollands R. C.
Published: April 2017

Synopsis

The taxonomic and phylogenetic affinities of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) are reviewed in relation to the more general picture of spruce biogeography and evolution.
Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis(Bong.) Carr.) forests as a habitat for birds and mammals
Authors: Staines Brian W. , Petty S. J. , Ratcliffe Philip R.
Published: April 2017

Synopsis

Sitka spruce comprises the largest single forest type in Britain and provides a vast habitat for wildlife. However, many improvements are still possible. No species of bird or mammal occurs equally throughout a conifer rotation, their distribution being affected by both the temporal and spatial dynamics of plantations. We suggest a number of practical improvements, including the modifications to felling-coup size and the incorporation of other tree and shrub species, to increase the diversity and abundance of wildlife in Sitka spruce forests without seriously affecting the forest enterprise.
Age structure of boreal willows and fluctuations in herbivore populations
Authors: Ericson L. , Elmqvist T. , Jakobsson K. , Danell K. , Salomonson A.
Published: April 2017

Synopsis

The age structure, both on the ramet and the genet level of boreal willow populations (Salix myrsinifolia-phylicifolia) was studied in relation to fluctuations in populations of voles (Clethrionomys glareolus and Microtus agrestis). Willow ramets were collected from four different areas in the coastal part of Sweden and Finland at the Bothnian Bay. In each area we selected one mainland and one island locality. The ramets, as well as the scars left by bark-eating voles on the ramets, were aged. We found in general a high correlation between ramet ages and peaks in vole cycles (based on frequencies of scars).

From a sample of 79 willow clones where all ramets were aged, more than half of the ramets were produced the summer following a vole peak. Field surveys of seedling survival showed that successful establishment is mainly confined to disturbed ground (vole run-ways, etc.) in connection with vole peak years. It is concluded that the age structure both at the genet and the ramet level in boreal willow populations are strongly influenced by the fluctuations in vole populations. The consequences of vole herbivory are manifold, e.g. periodic damage of willows may delay senescence of individual genets and delay the rate of succession due to increased opportunities for willow recruitment.
The insect galls on willow
Authors: Hartley S. E.
Published: April 2017

Synopsis

A provisional species list for the insects galling willow in Britain is presented. Aspects of willow biology which may be important in gall-insect species diversity are briefly discussed and the process of gall formation is reviewed for one species of willow-galling sawfly. An experiment investigating willow defences against galling, by measuring phenolic levels in plant and gall tissue, is also described.
Willows in prehistory
Authors: Huntley Brian , Huntley Jacqueline P.
Published: April 2017

Synopsis

Palynological and macrofossil evidence of the former presence and abundance ofSalixspp. in the British Isles is discussed. The occurrence ofSalixremains in archaeological excavations is reviewed. It is concluded that, whereasSalixspp. of shrub and dwarf-shrub habits were abundant during the glacial and late-glacial periods, tall-shrub and tree species have been of only local occurrence during the post-glacial. The wood of these species has been used opportunistically by humans since at least the Neolithic period.
The breeding bird community of managed and unmanaged willow scrub at Leighton Moss, Lancashire
Authors: Wilson John
Published: April 2017

Synopsis

Coppiced willow supports a much higher density of breeding birds than unmanaged more mature willow. This appears to be because it retains richer vegetation cover, especially in the herb layer, and so provides more breeding and feeding sites for both marsh and woodland birds.
WHO WAS THE FIRST PHILOSOPHER? OR, HOW MANY PHILOSOPHERS DOES IT TAKE?
Authors: Alexander James
Published: April 2017

The first philosopher is usually said to have been Thales. Raymond Geuss has recently suggested that it was not Thales but Oedipus (and the Sphinx), on the grounds that ‘It takes two’ for philosophy to exist. Slavoj Žižek, on the other hand, has suggested that ‘It takes one’: in which case the first philosopher may well have been Thales. Here I argue that ‘It takes three’ and that the first philosopher was not the first to have a vision, and not the first to answer a riddle, but the first to hear two sides of a question and make sense of both.
Placental restriction in multi-fetal pregnancies and between-twin differences in size at birth alter neonatal feeding behaviour in the sheep
Authors: Peter R. F. , Gugusheff J. , Wooldridge A. L. , Gatford K. L. , Muhlhausler B. S.
Published: April 2017

Most individuals whose growth was restricted before birth undergo accelerated or catch-up neonatal growth. This is an independent risk factor for later metabolic disease, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that natural and experimentally induced in utero growth restriction increase neonatal appetite and milk intake. Control (CON) and placentally restricted (PR) ewes carrying multiple fetuses delivered naturally at term. Outcomes were compared between CON (n=14) and PR (n=12) progeny and within twin lamb pairs. Lamb milk intake and feeding behaviour and ewe milk composition were determined using a modified weigh-suckle-weigh procedure on days 15 and 23. PR lambs tended to have lower birth weights than CON (−15%, P=0.052). Neonatal growth rates were similar in CON and PR, whilst heavier twins grew faster in absolute but not fractional terms than their co-twins. At day 23, milk protein content was higher in PR than CON ewes (P=0.038). At day 15, PR lambs had fewer suckling bouts than CON lambs and in females light twins had more suckling attempts than their heavier co-twins. Birth weight differences between twins positively predicted differences in milk intakes. Lactational constraint and natural prenatal growth restriction in twins may explain the similar milk intakes in CON and PR. Within twin comparisons support the hypothesis that prenatal constraint increases lamb appetite, although this did not increase milk intake. We suggest that future mechanistic studies of catch-up growth be performed in singletons and be powered to assess effects in each sex.
Effekte desCalcularis-Trainings
Authors: Kohn Juliane , Rauscher Larissa , Käser Tanja , Kucian Karin , McCaskey Ursina , Wyschkon Anne , Esser Günter , von Aster Michael
Published: April 2017

Zusammenfassung. Ziel der Studie ist die Überprüfung der unmittelbaren und längerfristigen Effekte eines computerisierten Trainings zur Mengen- und Zahlenrepräsentation sowie zum Rechnen (Calcularis). 68 rechenschwache Kinder im Alter von 7 bis 11 Jahren wurden zufällig einer von drei Studienbedingungen (Calcularis-, Wartekontroll-, nicht-mathematikbezogene Kontrolltrainingsgruppe) zugeordnet. Die Kinder trainierten an fünf Tagen in der Woche, jeweils 20 Minuten, über einen Zeitraum von sechs bis acht Wochen. Die Ergebnisse unmittelbar nach dem Training zeigten einen bedeutsamen Leistungszuwachs der Calcularis-Gruppe (CG) in der Subtraktion und der Zahlenraumvorstellung, welcher bei moderaten bis hohen Effektstärken größer als in den beiden Vergleichsgruppen war. Fünf Monate nach Abschluss des Trainings zeigten sich ein stabiles Leistungsniveau in der CG in den rechnerischen Leistungen und Verbesserungen in der Zahlenraumvorstellung. Gleichzeitig holte die Kontrolltrainingsgruppe (KTG) in ihren rechnerischen Leistungen auf, so dass sich keine längerfristige Überlegenheit des Calcularis-Trainings in diesem Bereich mehr zeigte. Diskutiert werden die Notwendigkeit eines längeren Trainingsintervalls, um die unmittelbaren Leistungsverbesserungen längerfristig zu stabilisieren und auszubauen sowie besondere Stichprobenmerkmale und Erwartungseffekte als Gründe für die Leistungsverbesserungen in der KTG.
Effectiveness of the Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) in a Pediatric Psychiatry Clinic: A Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Dreison Kimberly C. , Lagges Ann M.
Published: April 2017

The Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is endorsed as a first-line treatment for tic disorders, but it is not widely available. This is partially due to an enduring misconception that behavior therapy results in tic worsening, as well as the perception that treatment manuals are too inflexible for use in clinical settings. In an effort to address these concerns, the present study was conducted with two primary goals: (1) use existing clinical data to assess the effectiveness of CBIT in a pediatric clinic and (2) systematically examine similarities and differences between the CBIT protocol and clinic-based treatment in a subset of patients identified as treatment successes. We conducted a chart review of pediatric outpatients who received the CBIT intervention. Clinical characteristics, clinician symptom severity ratings, and session content data were extracted. A repeated-measures t test was used to determine whether the change in symptom severity was significant, and one-sample t tests were used to compare clinic-based treatment against the manual. Clinic-based CBIT treatment significantly reduced tic symptom severity, t(9) = 5.08, p = .001, d = 1.68. Moreover, this significant reduction was found with flexible use of the CBIT manual. While it is unclear if CBIT or other components of treatment were responsible for the treatment effects, the results suggest that for at least some pediatric patients with tic disorders, positive treatment outcomes can be achieved when CBIT is flexibly applied in a clinical setting.
miR-146a facilitates osteoarthritis by regulating cartilage homeostasis via targeting Camk2d and Ppp3r2
Authors: Zhang Xudong , Wang Chuandong , Zhao Jingyu , Xu Jiajia , Geng Yiyun , Dai Liming , Huang Yan , Fu Sai-Chuen , Dai Kerong , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: April 2017

Osteoarthritis (OA), characterized by insufficient extracellular matrix synthesis and cartilage degeneration, is known as an incurable disease because its pathogenesis is poorly elucidated. Thus far, limited information is available regarding the pathophysiological role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in OA. In this study, we investigated the specific function of miR-146a in OA pathophysiology using mouse OA models. We found that the articular cartilage degeneration of miR-146a knockout (KO) mice was alleviated compared with that of the wild-type (WT) mice in spontaneous and instability-induced OA models. We demonstrate that miR-146a aggravated pro-inflammatory cytokines induced suppressing the expression of cartilage matrix-associated genes. We further identified calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II delta (Camk2d) and protein phosphatase 3, regulatory subunit B, beta isoform (Ppp3r2, also known as calcineurin B, type II) were essential targets of miR-146a in regulating cartilage homeostasis. Moreover, we found that surgical-induced OA mice treated with a miR-146a inhibitor significantly alleviated the destruction of articular cartilage via targeting Camk2d and Ppp3r2. These results suggested that miR-146a has a crucial role in maintaining cartilage homeostasis. MiR-146a inhibition in chondrocytes can be a potential therapeutic strategy to ameliorate OA.