bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TWEAK promotes migration and invasion in MEFs through a mechanism dependent on ERKs activation and Fibulin 3 down‐regulation
Authors: Sequera Celia , Vázquez‐Carballo Ana , Arechederra María , Fernández‐Veledo Sonia , Porras Almudena
Published: April 2017

TWEAK regulates multiple physio‐pathological processes in fibroblasts such as fibrosis. It also induces migration and invasion in tumors and it can activate p38 MAPK in various cell types. Moreover, p38α MAPK promotes migration and invasion in several cancer cells types and in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). However, it remains unknown if TWEAK could promote migration in fibroblasts and whether p38α MAPK might play a role. Our results reveal that TWEAK activates ERKs, Akt, and p38α/β MAPKs and reduces secreted Fibulin 3 in MEFs. TWEAK also increases migration and invasion in wt and p38α deficient MEFs, which indicates that p38α MAPK is not required to mediate these effects. In contrast, ERKs inhibition significantly decreases TWEAK‐induced migration and Fibulin 3 knock‐down mimics TWEAK effect. These results indicate that both ERKs activation and Fibulin 3 down‐regulation would contribute to mediate TWEAK pro‐migratory effect. In fact, the additional regulation of ERKs and/or p38β as a consequence of Fibulin 3 decrease might be also involved in the pro‐migratory effect of TWEAK in MEFs. In conclusion, our studies uncover novel mechanisms by which TWEAK would favor tissue repair by promoting fibroblasts migration.
Kinetic modelling of the glycerol oxidation in the liquid phase: comparison of Pt, Au and Ag AS active phases
Authors: Díaz José Antonio , Skrzyńska Elżbieta , Zaid Soraya , Girardon Jean‐Sébastien , Capron Mickaël , Dumeignil Franck , Fongarland Pascal
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Unlike Pt and Au, Ag has recently been reported to be an active catalyst for the synthesis of glycolic acid from the liquid phase oxidation of glycerol (GLY). In order to provide comparative information about the kinetics of this reaction using Pt, Au or Ag, a kinetic model was derived for each catalyst (Ag/, Pt/ and Au/Al2O3), using the experimental results obtained at different temperatures.

RESULTS

A power‐law kinetic model was proposed for each catalyst, which included the Khang–Levenspiel model to evaluate potential catalyst deactivation. All three kinetic models predicted well the experimental concentrations. Pt/ and Au/Al2O3 showed higher kinetic rate constants, the highest being that of the production of glyceric acid. The lower the metal particle size, the higher the kinetic rate constant of the production of glyceric acid was. Deactivation parameters played an important role in the model of Pt/Al2O3, so that Au/ and Ag/Al2O3 seemed to be more resistant to deactivation.

CONCLUSIONS

This work reports the first kinetic model for the oxidation of GLY using an Ag‐based catalyst. It showed a noticeable kinetic rate constant for the production of glycolic acid. The activation energies obtained were in the range 48–97 kJ mol−1. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Breath‐hold and free‐breathing 2D phase‐contrast MRI for quantification of oxygen‐induced changes of pulmonary circulation dynamics in healthy volunteers
Authors: Czerner Christoph P. , Winther Hinrich B. , Zapf Antonia , Wacker Frank , Vogel‐Claussen Jens
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of inhaled 100% oxygen on pulmonary circulation dynamics in healthy volunteers using 2D phase‐contrast magnetic resonance imaging (2D PC MRI).

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐one healthy volunteers were examined at 1.5T. Through‐plane 2D PC MRI measurements were performed in the main pulmonary artery during free‐breathing and breath‐hold. Acceleration time and volume, maximum and minimum area, area change, average and maximum mean velocity, forward volume, heart rate, as well as blood pressure were determined. At baseline, subjects breathed room air. After application of a closed‐fit full face mask, three further measurements were conducted: at room air (control), directly after starting 15 L/min 100% oxygen (wash‐in), and after 5 minutes during continuous oxygen supply (saturation). Data were analyzed with a mixed linear model. Skewed distributed variables were rank‐transformed. Tukey contrasts with family‐wise adjusted P‐values were applied for pairwise comparisons.

Results

Inhaled oxygen affected several hemodynamic parameters. Average mean velocity (P < 0.01: breath‐hold during wash‐in and saturation, P = 0.03: free‐breathing during saturation) and maximum mean velocity (P < 0.01: breath‐hold and free‐breathing during saturation) decreased. When obtained during free‐breathing, acceleration volume (P = 0.02: saturation), area change (P = 0.02: saturation), and maximum area (P = 0.02: wash‐in, P = 0.03: saturation) increased, while minimum area and forward volume did not change.

Conclusion

Oxygen alters pulmonary circulation dynamics in the main pulmonary artery of healthy volunteers, which can be reliably detected using 2D phase‐contrast MRI.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1698–1706.
Shift in MONSOON–SST teleconnections in the tropical Indian Ocean and ENSEMBLES climate models' fidelity in its simulation
Authors: Pradhan Maheswar , Yadav Ramesh Kumar , Ramu Dandi A. , Srivastava Ankur , Phani M. K. , Rao Suryachandra A.
Published: April 2017

The climate shift in 1976–1977 sets a clear distinction in the teleconnection between Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) and sea surface temperatures (SST) in the tropical oceans, particularly in the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO). Before the climate shift (Pre‐77), the observed correlation between ISMR and SST was positive in the eastern equatorial Indian Ocean (EIO) and negative correlation prevailed in the western equatorial Indian Ocean (WIO), whereas after the climate shift (Post‐77), the correlation pattern has reversed (i.e. positive correlation in WIO and negative correlation in EIO). The major reason for this shift is the consistent warming of SSTs throughout the tropics and frequent occurrence of IOD events. Further, it is noticed that during the earlier decades, the Indian Ocean was responding to the atmospheric forcing, particularly along the axis of strong cross equatorial flow, whereas in the recent decades, Indian Ocean dynamics are playing a crucial role in determining the SST in major parts of the Indian Ocean particularly in the EIO. Seasonal re‐forecasts from six state‐of‐the‐art global coupled atmosphere–ocean climate models which participated in ENSEMBLES faithfully capture the pre‐77 dipole structure of correlations. But the post‐77 correlation pattern is not simulated by any of the six models considered in this study. Two possible reasons are pointed out for the models' inability to capture the reversal of teleconnection: (1) in the coupled models, unchanged mean state of the winds inhibits ISMR to be governed by coupled dynamics in the TIO; (2) the strong, local SST–rainfall relationship in models even in post‐77 period limits the influence of the teleconnections on the ISMR.
Effect of oak wood barrel capacity and utilization time on phenolic and sensorial profile evolution of an Encruzado white wine
Authors: Nunes Paulo , Muxagata Sara , Correia Ana C , Nunes Fernando M , Cosme Fernanda , Jordão António M
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Several studies have reported the influence of diverse winemaking technologies in white wine characteristics. However, the impact of the use of different oak wood barrel capacities and utilization time on the evolution of white wine phenolic content and sensorial characteristics are not usually considered. Thus the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of oak wood barrel capacity and utilization time on the evolution of phenolic compounds, browning potential index and sensorial profile of an Encruzado white wine.

RESULTS

For the 180 aging days considered, the use of new oak wood barrels induced a greater increase in global phenolic composition, including several individual compounds, such as gallic and ellagic acid, independently of the barrel capacity. Tendency for a lesser increase of the browning potential index values was detected for white wines aged in new oak wood barrels. The sensorial profile evolution, showed significant differences only for the aroma descriptors, namely for ‘wood aroma’ and ‘aroma intensity’, white wine aged in 225 L new oak wood barrels being the highest scored.

CONCLUSION

The results show that, in general, the use of different capacities and utilization time of oak wood barrels used for white wine aging could play an important role in white wine quality. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Restoration of Gypsicolous Vegetation on Quarry Slopes: Guidance for Hydroseeding under Contrasting Inclination and Aspect
Authors: Ballesteros Miguel , Cañadas Eva María , Marrs Rob H. , Foronda Ana , Martín‐Peinado Francisco José , Lorite Juan
Published: April 2017

The establishment of gypsicolous vegetation of high conservation value on land impacted by quarrying requires restoration measures to overcome constraints imposed by the new landforms created in the process. The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of three standard hydroseeding methods to restore gypsicolous vegetation on quarry spoil slopes under a dry Mediterranean climate. The treatments were as follows: paper cellulose mulch, paper cellulose mulch + organic blanket, and wood fibre mulch, compared against a control. These treatments were tested on two slopes (10–15% vs 60–65%) and two contrasting aspects (north vs south). We evaluated the cover of all plant species 2·8 years after treatment, assessing both target gypsicolous species and non‐target species. Our results showed strong compositional and cover differences between hydroseeded and control plots. Control plots had a low cover of target species with a vegetation composed of early‐successional species that had the potential to hinder target species establishment over time. All hydroseeding treatments improved target vegetation cover, with wood fibre performing best in most situations studied here, alternatives being the cheaper but less effective paper mulch on shallow slopes, or the more expensive paper mulch + blanket on steep slopes in case of high erosion risk. Shallow and southern‐steep slopes were more suitable for the recovery of gypsum vegetation by hydroseeding, compared to northern‐steep slopes where non‐target species developed more readily outcompeting target species. These results will help to guide management decisions to restore gypsicolous vegetation by hydroseeding in disturbed gypsum habitats. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunomodulatory Nanomedicine
Authors: Bartneck Matthias
Published: April 2017

Immunity has a major impact on inflammatory diseases and cancer, and biologics targeting immune cells and their factors reach a quarter trillion of market volume by this year. Adaptive leukocytes have recently been engaged in cancer immunotherapy, whereas modulation of the innate immune cells, specifically macrophages, is expected as next breakthrough. With patents of major biologics expiring, nanomedicine has the potential to substitute therapeutic proteins by using miniaturized macromolecules. This review includes an overview on the involvement of major immune cell types into disease and a summary on selected current therapies based on biologics and small molecules. Novel developments in nanomedicine‐based immunotherapies, including associated chances and risks, are presented.

image
Effects of concentration and vendor specific composition of formalin on postmortem MRI of the human brain
Authors: Birkl Christoph , Soellradl Martin , Toeglhofer Anna Maria , Krassnig Stefanie , Leoni Marlene , Pirpamer Lukas , Vorauer Thomas , Krenn Heinz , Haybaeck Johannes , Fazekas Franz , Ropele Stefan , Langkammer Christian
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Formalin fixation prevents tissue autolysis by crosslinking proteins and changes tissue microstructure and MRI signal characteristics. Previous studies showed high variations in MR relaxation time constants of formalin fixed brain tissue, which has been attributed to the use of different formalin concentrations. Our investigations confirmed the influence of formalin concentration on relaxation times and unexpectedly revealed an influence of vendor specific formalin composition, which has not been investigated so far.

Methods

We systematically analyzed relaxation times of human brain tissue fixed with 4% and 10% formalin compared with unfixed condition at 3 Tesla MRI. Furthermore, we assessed relaxation times of nine formalin solutions from different vendors and performed comparisons of their magnetic susceptibility by SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) magnetometry.

Results

Tissue relaxation times decreased approximately twice as fast using 10% than in 4% formalin fixation. The vendor specific composition of the formalin solutions and concentration dependent paramagnetic effects showed a substantial contribution to differences in relaxation times of formalin.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that differences of the formalin composition have substantial effects on MRI signal characteristics after fixation, which can explain the divergence of reported relaxation times beyond the effect of differences in formalin concentration. Magn Reson Med 79:1111–1115, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Innovative approaches to weight loss in a high‐risk population: The small changes and lasting effects (SCALE) trial
Authors: Phillips Erica G. , Wells Martin T. , Winston Ginger , Ramos Rosio , Devine Carol M. , Wethington Elaine , Peterson Janey C. , Wansink Brian , Charlson Mary
Published: April 2017

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of a small change behavioral weight loss intervention with or without a positive affect/self‐affirmation (PA/SA) component on weight loss at 12 months.

Methods

Black and Hispanic adults (N = 405) with body mass index 25‐50 kg/m2 selected one of ten small change eating strategies and a physical activity goal, randomly with/without PA/SA. Participants were followed by community health workers at set intervals (weekly in months 1‐3; biweekly in months 4‐9; once monthly in months 10‐12).

Results

There was no difference in weight loss at 12 months between participants in the small change approach alone (1.1%) versus the small change PA/SA intervention (1.2%). During treatment, 9% of participants lost at least 7% of their initial body weight. Participants who reported more interval life events had a lower likelihood of losing weight (P < 0.0001). However, those randomized to the small change PA/SA intervention gained less weight (+0.3% vs. 2.3% gain; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The small change PA/SA intervention did not lead to a significant difference in weight loss in comparison to the small change approach alone. It did, however, decrease the negative impact of psychosocial stressors on weight gain among participants with more interval life events.
Neutron dose distribution in the treatment room for an accelerator in the flattening filter‐free mode
Authors: Li Dingjie , Deng Xiaowu , Xue Ying , Lou Zhaoyang , Zhang Yougai , Guo Wei , Wang Jianhua
Published: April 2017

Objective

To provide specific data and to make recommendations for radiation protection for clinical applications, the neutron cumulative dose, and exposure time in the treatment room around an accelerator operating at 10 MV in the conditions of both a conventional dose rate (with a flattening filter [FF] mode) and an ultra‐high dose rate (flattening filter‐free [FFF] mode) were measured and analyzed.

Methods

In the accelerator treatment room, the data were collected from four representative sites: the therapist's operating location, the distal end of the couch in the patient plane, the proximal maze, and the protective door. The field sizes were 5 × 5 cm2, 10 × 10 cm2, and 30 × 30 cm2; the output doses were 500 MU, 1000 MU, and 2000 MU; the solid water phantom simulating the patient's body was put on the isocenter; the dose rate in FF mode was a 10‐MV X‐ray at 600 MU/min; and the dose rate in FFF mode was 2400 MU/min. Under the same conditions, data were collected outside the selected area measuring three positions: the protective door, operating room, and center of the main protective wall position.

Results

The neutron cumulative dose was negatively correlated with the field size; the closer to the target, the larger the neutron cumulative dose. The neutron cumulative dose was the largest at the distal end of the couch, and the neutron cumulative dose in FF mode was almost threefold as large as that in FFF mode. The neutron exposure time was positively correlated with the output dose. The FF mode takes slightly longer than the FFF mode. No neutron dose was read outside the accelerator room.

Conclusions

Operating the accelerator in FFF mode will benefit both the patients and radiation therapists by reducing the neutron cumulative dose and exposure time. The current anti‐neutron accelerator room design is equally applicable to an ultra‐high‐dose rate (FFF) mode accelerator.
Diagnostic and therapeutic applications of tumor‐associated exosomes
Authors: Wang Ning , Xie Li
Published: April 2017

Exosomes are nanometric membrane vesicles released by almost all cell types. Their contents vary, and can include functional miRNA, mRNA, proteins, and lipids wrapped in a double layer of lipid membranes. Tumor‐derived exosomes interact with the tumor microenvironment, and are involved in tumor initiation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Exosomes have abundant tumor‐specific molecules, with the potential to become new biomarkers for tumor diagnosis. Furthermore, an increasing number of studies use exosomes or their modified products as cell‐free vaccines and drug delivery carriers in oncotherapy. The present review focuses on the progress of exosomes in tumor diagnosis and therapies.
Crystal structure of a bicupin protein HutD involved in histidine utilization in Pseudomonas
Authors: Gerth M.L. , Liu Y. , Jiao W. , Zhang X.‐X. , Baker E.N. , Lott J.S. , Rainey P.B. , Johnston J.M.
Published: April 2017

Cupins form one of the most functionally diverse superfamilies of proteins, with members performing a wide range of catalytic, non‐catalytic, and regulatory functions. HutD is a predicted bicupin protein that is involved in histidine utilization (Hut) in Pseudomonas species. Previous genetic analyses have suggested that it limits the upper level of Hut pathway expression, but its mechanism of action is unknown. Here, we have determined the structure of PfluHutD at 1.74 Å resolution in several crystallization conditions, and identified N‐formyl‐l‐glutamate (FG, a Hut pathway intermediate) as a potential ligand in vivo. Proteins 2017; 85:1580–1588. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sublethal effects of chlorantraniliprole on juvenile hormone levels and mRNA expression of JHAMT and FPPS genes in the rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis
Authors: Xu Beibei , Qian Kun , Zhang Nan , Miao Lijun , Cai Jingxuan , Lu Mingxing , Du Yuzhou , Wang Jianjun
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Juvenile hormone (JH) regulates the development and reproduction of insects. The sublethal effects of chlorantraniliprole on JH levels and mRNA expression of JH acid methyltransferase gene (CsJHAMT) and farnesyl diphosphate synthase genes (CsFPPS1 and CsFPPS2) in Chilo suppressalis (Walker) were investigated.

RESULTS

Exposure of sublethal concentrations of chlorantraniliprole (LC10 and LC30) to the third instar larvae of C. suppressalis significantly increased the JH levels in all developmental stages investigated including larvae 72 h after treatment, the first, third and fifth day of female pupae, as well as newly emerged, 12‐h‐old and 24‐h‐old female adults. A general trend of increased mRNA expression levels of CsJHAMT, CsFPPS1and CsFPPS2 was also observed in LC10 and LC30 treatment groups. Notably, the mRNA expression level of CsJHAMT significantly increased by 7.46‐fold in the larvae 72 h after LC30 treatment. A significant increase of the mRNA expression levels of CsFPPS2 was also observed in the fifth day female pupae of LC10 and LC30 treatment groups (2.60‐fold and 2.62‐fold, respectively) as well as in 12‐h‐old female adults of the LC30 treatment group (3.45‐fold).

CONCLUSION

Sublethal concentrations of chlorantraniliprole might upregulate the expression of JH biosynthesis genes and in turn result in an increase of JH level in C. suppressalis. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Computational prediction of the optimal oligomeric state for membrane‐inserted β‐barrels of protegrin‐1 and related mutants
Authors: Lipkin Richard , Lazaridis Themis
Published: April 2017

Protegrin‐1 is a widely studied 18‐residue β‐hairpin antimicrobial peptide. Evidence suggests that it acts via a β‐barrel pore formation mechanism, but the exact number of peptides comprising the pore state is unknown. In this study, we performed molecular dynamics simulations of β‐barrels of protegrin and three related mutants (v14v16l, v14v16a, and r4n) in NCNC parallel topology in implicit membrane pores of varying radius and curvature for oligomeric numbers 6–14. We then identified the optimal pore radius and curvature values for all constructs and determined the total effective energy and the translational and rotational entropic losses. These, along with an estimate of membrane deformation free energy from experimental line tension values, provided an estimate of the overall energetics of formation of each pore state. The results indicated that oligomeric numbers 7–13 are generally stable, allowing the possibility of a heterogeneous pore state. The optimal oligomeric state for protegrin is the nonamer, shifting to higher numbers for the mutants. Protegrin, v14v16l, and r4n are stable as membrane‐inserted β‐barrels, but v14v16a seems much less so because of its decreased hydrophobicity. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitivity of the ACCESS forecast model statistical rainfall properties to resolution
Authors: Nguyen Hanh , Protat Alain , Zhu Hongyan , Whimpey Michael
Published: April 2017

The representation of the statistical properties of rainfall over Darwin is assessed in four versions of the Australian Community Climate and Earth‐System Simulator (ACCESS) forecast model against the dual‐polarization C‐band polarimetric (CPOL) radar observation for one rainy season (November 2014 to April 2015). This is an extended analysis of a companion study assessing the earlier version of the regional ACCESS‐12 km rainfall properties with the same CPOL observations. By comparing four different horizontal resolutions (40, 12, 4 and 1.5 km) of ACCESS, it is shown that increasing resolution results in improved total domain rainfall but does not change the compensation effect of underestimated intensity and overestimated frequency of occurrence. In all versions where the convective parametrization is still turned on, a strong and spurious land–sea contrast with too much rain over ocean not exporting to land is found. This problem is only solved by switching off the convective parametrization in the model (1.5 km resolution). However, in this explicit version, high rain rates are this time largely overestimated, resulting in a similar order of magnitude of the mean daily rainfall bias as when convection is parametrized, albeit with a different spatial distribution. The diurnal peak of hourly rain rates is also found to occur too early (around noon at the maximum insolation) when convection is parametrized, but is correct (around 1500 local time) when convection is explicit. More work needs to be done to assess if these errors are common to most cloud‐resolving models, and to solve these two main issues of excessive rainfall in the explicit version of the model and artificial land–sea contrast in the parametrized version of the model.
Rainbow perfect matchings and Hamilton cycles in the random geometric graph
Authors: Bal Deepak , Bennett Patrick , Pérez‐Giménez Xavier , Prałat Paweł
Published: April 2017

Given a graph on n vertices and an assignment of colours to the edges, a rainbow Hamilton cycle is a cycle of length n visiting each vertex once and with pairwise different colours on the edges. Similarly (for even n) a rainbow perfect matching is a collection of independent edges with pairwise different colours. In this note we show that if we randomly colour the edges of a random geometric graph with sufficiently many colours, then a.a.s. the graph contains a rainbow perfect matching (rainbow Hamilton cycle) if and only if the minimum degree is at least 1 (respectively, at least 2). More precisely, consider n points (i.e. vertices) chosen independently and uniformly at random from the unit d‐dimensional cube for any fixed . Form a sequence of graphs on these n vertices by adding edges one by one between each possible pair of vertices. Edges are added in increasing order of lengths (measured with respect to the norm, for any fixed ). Each time a new edge is added, it receives a random colour chosen uniformly at random and with repetition from a set of colours, where a sufficiently large fixed constant. Then, a.a.s. the first graph in the sequence with minimum degree at least 1 must contain a rainbow perfect matching (for even n), and the first graph with minimum degree at least 2 must contain a rainbow Hamilton cycle. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 51, 587–606, 2017
Gate‐Controlled BP–WSe2 Heterojunction Diode for Logic Rectifiers and Logic Optoelectronics
Authors: Li Dong , Wang Biao , Chen Mingyuan , Zhou Jun , Zhang Zengxing
Published: April 2017

p–n junctions play an important role in modern semiconductor electronics and optoelectronics, and field‐effect transistors are often used for logic circuits. Here, gate‐controlled logic rectifiers and logic optoelectronic devices based on stacked black phosphorus (BP) and tungsten diselenide (WSe2) heterojunctions are reported. The gate‐tunable ambipolar charge carriers in BP and WSe2 enable a flexible, dynamic, and wide modulation on the heterojunctions as isotype (p–p and n–n) and anisotype (p–n) diodes, which exhibit disparate rectifying and photovoltaic properties. Based on such characteristics, it is demonstrated that BP–WSe2 heterojunction diodes can be developed for high‐performance logic rectifiers and logic optoelectronic devices. Logic optoelectronic devices can convert a light signal to an electric one by applied gate voltages. This work should be helpful to expand the applications of 2D crystals.
Polyphenol‐Inspired Facile Construction of Smart Assemblies for ATP‐ and pH‐Responsive Tumor MR/Optical Imaging and Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Song Xiao‐Rong , Li Shi‐Hua , Dai Jiayong , Song Liang , Huang Guoming , Lin Ruhui , Li Juan , Liu Gang , Yang Huang‐Hao
Published: April 2017

Smart assemblies have attracted increased interest in various areas, especially in developing novel stimuli‐responsive theranostics. Herein, commercially available, natural tannic acid (TA) and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) are utilized as models to construct smart magnetic assemblies based on polyphenol‐inspired NPs–phenolic self‐assembly between NPs and TA. Interestingly, the magnetic assemblies can be specially disassembled by adenosine triphosphate, which shows a stronger affinity to Fe3O4 NPs than that of TA and partly replaces the surface coordinated TA. The disassembly can further be facilitated by the acidic environment hence causing the remarkable change of the transverse relaxivity and potent “turn‐on” of fluorescence (FL) signals. Therefore, the assemblies for specific and sensitive tumor magnetic resonance and FL dual‐modal imaging and photothermal therapy after intravenous injection of the assemblies are successfully employed. This work not only provides understandings on the self‐assembly between NPs and polyphenols, but also will open new insights for facilely constructing versatile assemblies and extending their biomedical applications.
Potential mechanisms of Zika‐linked microcephaly
Authors: Merfeld Emily , Ben‐Avi Lily , Kennon Mason , Cerveny Kara L.
Published: April 2017

A recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Brazil is associated with microcephaly in infants born of infected mothers. As this pandemic spreads, rapid scientific investigation is shedding new light on how prenatal infection with ZIKV causes microcephaly. In this analysis we provide an overview of both microcephaly and ZIKV, explore the connection between prenatal ZIKV infection and microcephaly, and highlight recent insights into how prenatal ZIKV infection depletes the pool of neural progenitors in the developing brain. WIREs Dev Biol 2017, 6:e273. doi: 10.1002/wdev.273

This article is categorized under:

Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: General Principles

Birth Defects > Craniofacial and Nervous System Anomalies

Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Stem Cells and Disease
The use of historical datasets to develop multi-trait selection models in processing tomato
Authors: Liabeuf Debora , Francis David M.
Published: April 2017

Multi-trait indices (MTI) weigh traits based on their importance to facilitate selection in plant and animal improvement. In animal breeding, economic values are used to develop MTIs. For vegetables, economic data valuing traits are rarely available. We posit that varieties with traits valued by growers and processors achieve higher market share and longer life span. Our objective was to develop MTIs predicting success of tomato varieties. Historical data for the California processing tomato industry from 1992 to 2013 provided measurements for yield, soluble solids (Brix), color, pH, market share, and life span for 258 varieties. We used random models to estimate best linear unbiased predictors (BLUPs) for phenotypic traits of each variety, and evaluated trends over time. Yield has been increasing from 2006, while Brix stayed constant. Because yield and Brix are negatively correlated, this trend suggests that Brix influenced selection. The average number of resistances reported in varieties ranking in the top ten increased from 2 to 4.5 between 1992 and 2013. MTIs predicting success from phenotypic traits were developed with general linear models and tested using leave-one-out cross validation. MTIs weighing yield, Brix, pH and color were significantly correlated to success metrics and selected a significantly higher proportion of successful varieties relative to random sampling. The index multiplying yield and brix, suggested in the literature, was not significantly correlated with variety success. The MTIs suggested that fruit quality had less of an influence on variety success than yield. The MTIs developed could help improve gain under selection for quality traits in addition to yield.
Discontinuation of Dapoxetine Treatment in Patients With Premature Ejaculation: A 2-Year Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Park Hyun Jun , Park Nam Cheol , Kim Tae Nam , Baek Seung Ryong , Lee Kyung Min , Choe Sangmin
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Although dapoxetine is the only oral pharmacologic agent approved for the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE) and is very effective, the discontinuation rate is high.

Aim

To assess the discontinuation rate of patients with PE and the reasons for discontinuation in real-world practice.

Methods

In total, 182 consecutive patients were enrolled. Type of PE, self-estimated intravaginal ejaculation latency time, and medical history were evaluated in all patients who also completed the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Visits were scheduled 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after initiation of therapy; treatment status and the reasons for discontinuation in those who did discontinue were checked. The relations of discontinuation rates were compared with various parameters and the time to discontinuation after treatment commencement.

Results

Of all patients, 9.9% continued treatment to 2 years. The cumulative discontinuation rates at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were 26.4%, 61.6%, 79.1%, 87.3%, and 90.1%, respectively. Moreover, 79.1% of all patients discontinued treatment within 6 months. After 12 months, the discontinuation rate decreased sharply. The reasons for discontinuation were cost (29.9%), disappointment that PE was not curable and that dapoxetine was required every time sexual intercourse was contemplated (25%), side effects (11.6%), perceived poor efficacy (9.8%), a search for other treatment options (5.5%), and unknown (18.3%). Patients with acquired PE (vs lifelong PE), with intravaginal ejaculation latency time longer than 2 minutes before treatment, on phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, and with IIEF erectile function scores lower than 26 tended to discontinue early and thus exhibited high dropout rates.

Conclusion

The treatment discontinuation rate of dapoxetine was very high. The main reasons for discontinuation were the cost and disappointment that treatment was required every time adequate sexual function was required.

Park HJ, Park NC, Kim TN, et al. Discontinuation of Dapoxetine Treatment in Patients With Premature Ejaculation: A 2-Year Prospective Observational Study. Sex Med 2017;5:e99–e105.
Asociación entre tamización de cáncer de próstata, vinculación al sistema de salud y factores asociados en adultos mayores: análisis secundario de la encuesta SABE Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: Borda Miguel , David-Pardo David , Ríos-Zuluaga Julián , López-Zea Ana , Forero-Borda Laura , Gutiérrez Santiago , Cano-Gutiérrez Carlos
Published: April 2017

Introducción y objetivos El cáncer de próstata es una enfermedad con alta prevalencia en nuestra población. Su diagnóstico temprano es importante para mejorar el pronóstico de esta enfermedad. El objetivo de este artículo es evidenciar los factores asociados a la oportunidad de tamización en adultos mayores de la ciudad de Bogotá, Colombia.

Métodos Se analizaron los datos del estudio Salud, Bienestar y Envejecimiento (SABE) Bogotá 2012, que incluyó a 736 hombres de 60 años o más. Se utilizó como variable dependiente el autorreporte de examen de próstata en los 2 últimos años y se evaluó con respecto a factores sociodemográficos por medio de un análisis multivariado.

Resultados Se encontró una prevalencia de cáncer de próstata del 3,15%. El 57,8% de los hombres se habían realizado al menos un examen de próstata. Aquellos afiliados al régimen contributivo tenían mayor oportunidad para ser tamizados con respecto a los vinculados/no asegurados (OR: 8,81) (IC95%: 2,92-26,63) (p < 0,001), al igual que los del régimen subsidiado (OR: 3,70) (IC95%; 1,20-11,41) (p = 0,023).

Conclusión Existe una inequidad en cuanto a la oportunidad de tamización de cáncer de próstata según el tipo de seguridad social, por lo que se deben optimizar las estrategias de detección temprana que fortalezcan la inclusión de toda la población. Se necesitan más estudios que brinden mayor información sobre esta problemática.
Variational Problems with Lipschitzian Minimizers
Authors: Clarke F.H. , Loewen P.D.
Published: April 2017

We review the authors’ intermediate existence theory for the basic problem in the calculus of variation [5]. Then we show that the extremal growth condition (EGC), under which [5] asserts the existence and Lipschitzian regularity of solutions to the basic problem, is actually implied by various growth conditions used to prove Lipschitzian regularity in the past. Our results unify and extend the class of problems known to have Lipschitzian solutions.
Extreme vortex states and the growth of enstrophy in three-dimensional incompressible flows
Authors: Ayala Diego , Protas Bartosz
Published: April 2017

In this investigation we study extreme vortex states defined as incompressible velocity fields with prescribed enstrophy${\mathcal{E}}_{0}$which maximize the instantaneous rate of growth of enstrophy$\text{d}{\mathcal{E}}/\text{d}t$. We provide an analytic characterization of these extreme vortex states in the limit of vanishing enstrophy${\mathcal{E}}_{0}$and, in particular, show that the Taylor–Green vortex is in fact a local maximizer of$\text{d}{\mathcal{E}}/\text{d}t$in this limit. For finite values of enstrophy, the extreme vortex states are computed numerically by solving a constrained variational optimization problem using a suitable gradient method. In combination with a continuation approach, this allows us to construct an entire family of maximizing vortex states parameterized by their enstrophy. We also confirm the findings of the seminal study by Lu & Doering (Indiana Univ. Math. J., vol. 57, 2008, pp. 2693–2727) that these extreme vortex states saturate (up to a numerical prefactor) the fundamental bound$\text{d}{\mathcal{E}}/\text{d}t0$. The time evolution corresponding to these extreme vortex states leads to a larger growth of enstrophy than the growth achieved by any of the commonly used initial conditions with the same enstrophy${\mathcal{E}}_{0}$. However, based on several different diagnostics, there is no evidence of any tendency towards singularity formation in finite time. Finally, we discuss possible physical reasons why the initially large growth of enstrophy is not sustained for longer times.
Formation of sediment patterns in channel flow: minimal unstable systems and their temporal evolution
Authors: Kidanemariam Aman G. , Uhlmann Markus
Published: April 2017

The phenomenon of sediment pattern formation in a channel flow is numerically investigated by performing simulations which resolve all the relevant length and time scales of the problem. The numerical approach employed and the flow configuration considered is identical to our previous study (Kidanemariam & UhlmannJ. Fluid Mech., vol. 750, 2014, R2), the only difference being the length of the computational domain. The latter was systematically varied in order to investigate its influence on the initiation and evolution aspects. By successively reducing the streamwise length, the minimum box dimension which accommodates an unstable sediment bed is revealed, thus determining the lower threshold of the unstable modes. For the considered parameter point, the cutoff length for pattern formation lies in the range 75–100 times the particle diameter (3–4 times the clear fluid height). We also simulate the flow in a very long streamwise box with a size of 48 times the clear fluid height (featuring well over one million particles), accommodating approximately 11 initial ripple units with a wavelength in the range of 100–110 particle diameters. The evolution of the amplitude of the patterns exhibits two regimes of growth: an initial exponential regime, with a growth rate independent of the chosen domain size, and a subsequent nonlinear regime which is strongly constrained by the domain length. In the small domain cases, after the initial exponential regime, the ripples evolve steadily, maintaining their shape and migration velocity, at a mean wavelength equal to the length of the domain. The asymmetric ripple shape is characterized by a spectrum which exhibits a power-law decay over the first few dominant non-dispersive modes propagating at the mean dune migration velocity. The rate of particle transport and the mean interface shear stress exhibited an increase with increasing ripple dimensions. Nevertheless, the relationship between the two was observed to be approximately described by the empirical power-law formula for sediment transport by Wong & Parker (J. Hydraul. Engng, vol. 132, 2006, pp. 1159–1168).
Effect of 12-month intervention with lipid-based nutrient supplement on the physical activity of Malawian toddlers: a randomised, controlled trial
Authors: Pulakka A. , Cheung Y. B. , Maleta K. , Dewey K. G. , Kumwenda C. , Bendabenda J. , Ashorn U. , Ashorn P.
Published: April 2017

Physical activity is beneficial for children’s well-being. The effect of dietary supplementation on children’s physical activity in food-insecure areas remains little studied. We examined the effects of a lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) on children’s objectively measured physical activity in a randomised, controlled, outcome-assessor-blinded trial. Mothers of the children received one capsule daily of Fe-folic acid (IFA), one capsule containing eighteen micronutrients (MMN) or one 20 g sachet of LNS (containing twenty-two MMN, protein, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids and 494 kJ (118 kcal)) during pregnancy and for 6 months thereafter. Children in the IFA and MMN groups received no supplementation, and these groups were collapsed into a single control group; children in the LNS group received 20 g LNS from 6 to 18 months. We measured physical activity with accelerometers over 1 week at 18 months. The main outcome was mean vector magnitude counts/15 s. Of the 728 children at the beginning of child intervention at 6 months, 570 (78 %) provided sufficient data for analysis. The mean accelerometer counts for the 190 children in the LNS group and for the 380 children in the control group were 303 (sd59) and 301 (sd56), respectively (Pfor difference=0·65). LNS, given to mothers during pregnancy and 6 months postpartum and to their infants from 6 to 18 months of age, did not increase physical activity among 18-month-old children.
Hb level, iron intake and mortality in Chinese adults: a 10-year follow-up study
Authors: Shi Zumin , Zhen Shiqi , Zhou Yonglin , Taylor Anne W.
Published: April 2017

Anaemia is prevalent in developing countries and is commonly Fe deficiency related. We aimed to assess the association between Fe status, Fe intake and mortality among Chinese adults. We prospectively studied 8291 adults aged 20–98 years with a mean follow-up of 9·9 years. All participants were measured for Hb at baseline in 2002. Food intake, measured by 3-d weighed food record (n 2832), and fasting serum ferritin were measured. We documented 491 deaths (including 192 CVD and 165 cancer deaths) during 81 527 person-years of follow-up. There was a U-shaped association between Hb levels and all-cause mortality. Compared with the second quartile of Hb (121 g/l), the first (105) and fourth quartile (144) had hazard ratios (HR) of 2·29 (95 % CI 1·51, 3·48) and 2·31 (95 % CI 1·46, 3·64) for all-cause mortality in women. In men, compared with third quartile of Hb (143 g/l), first (122) and fourth quartiles (154) had 61 and 65 % increased risk of all-cause mortality. Anaemia was associated with an increased risk of all-cause and CVD mortality in men but not in women after adjusting for potential confounders. Low and high Fe intake as percentage of Chinese recommended nutrient intake (RNI) were positively associated with all-cause mortality in women but not in men. In women, across quartiles of relative Fe intake, HR for all-cause mortality were 2·55 (95 % CI 0·99, 6·57), 1·00, 3·12 (95 % CI 1·35, 7·18) and 2·78 (95 % CI 1·02, 7·58). Both low and high Hb levels are related to increased risk of all-cause mortality. Both low and high intake of Fe as percentage of RNI was positively associated with mortality in women.
Effects of superparasitism on immature and adult stages ofDiachasmimorpha longicaudataAshmead (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) reared onCeratitis capitataWiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Devescovi F. , Bachmann G.E. , Nussenbaum A.L. , Viscarret M.M. , Cladera J.L. , Segura D.F.
Published: April 2017

The optimal use of available host by parasitoid insects should be favoured by natural selection. For solitary parasitoids, superparasitism (i.e. the egg-laying of several eggs/host) may represent a detrimental phenomenon both in a biological and an applied sense, but under certain circumstances it may be adaptive. Here, we studied the effects of increasing levels of superparasitism (LSPs, number of parasitoid larvae/host) on fitness-related parameters of the immature and adult stages ofDiachasmimorpha longicaudata, a solitary endoparasitoid parasitizingCeratitis capitata. We investigated the moment when supernumerary parasitoid larvae are eliminated and the effects produced by this process, together with its repercussion on female fecundity, parasitism rate, sex ratio, adult survival, flight ability and body size. Complete elimination of competitors occurred soon after larval hatching, before reaching the second larval stage. Elimination process took longer at higher LSPs, although a normal developmental (egg–adult) time was achieved. For LSPs 1, 2, 3 and 5 the effects on parasitoid emergence were mild, but LSP 10 led to the death of all developing parasitoids. Aside from this, to develop in superparasitized hosts did not significantly affect any of the evaluated parameters, and only a female-biased sex ratio was observed at higher LSPs. However, the effects of superparasitism on the adults may have a different outcome under more variable conditions in the field, once they are released for biological control purposes.
Quality control ofTelenomus remus(Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) reared on the factitious hostCorcyra cephalonica(Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) for successive generations
Authors: Queiroz A.P. , de Freitas Bueno A. , Pomari-Fernandes A. , Grande M.L.M. , Bortolotto O.C. , da Silva D.M.
Published: April 2017

Egg parasitoid rearing on factitious hosts is an important step to reduce costs and increase availability of the biocontrol agent but it requires quality control to achieve success in field conditions. To this end, this study evaluated the quality ofTelenomus remus(Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) reared onCorcyra cephalonica(Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) for until 45 generations. In the first bioassay, we evaluated the body size of the laboratory-produced parasitoids. In the second bioassay, flight activity was examined, measuring the percentage of ‘flyers’, ‘walkers’ and ‘deformed’ parasitoids. The third bioassay assessed parasitism onSpodoptera frugiperda(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) eggs. Our data indicate that the laboratory-reared parasitoid neither lost its ability to fly nor to parasitizeS. frugiperdaeggs. In conclusion, quality did not decrease significantly during 45 generations, and therefore rearing ofT. remusonC. cephalonicaas factitious host promises to be successful.
Persian Complex DPs: How Mysterious Are They?
Authors: Karimi Simin
Published: April 2017

Persian complex DPs exhibit structural peculiarities with respect to the placement of the object marker for specific DPs and the position of embedded CPs. This article discusses these peculiarities as well as the internal structure of Persian complex DPs and the distribution of clitic pronouns in this language. It is argued that a base generation approach accounts more adequately for Persian and other languages that exhibit the following properties: lack of a wh-relative pronoun, presence of an invariant relative complementizer, and alternation between a gap and a pronoun representing the relativized head. Regarding the postverbal position of the embedded CP, it is argued that extraposition and VP-remnant face theoretical and empirical problems, while V-raising and XP movement, as instances of scrambling triggered by focus in this language, provide an adequate explanation for Persian data.