bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case study evaluating deep inspiration breath‐hold and intensity‐modulated radiotherapy to minimise long‐term toxicity in a young patient with bulky mediastinal Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Tomaszewski Jonathan M. , Crook Sarah , Wan Kenneth , Scott Lucille , Foroudi Farshad
Published: February 2017

Radiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of early‐stage Hodgkin lymphoma, but late toxicities such as cardiovascular disease and second malignancy are a major concern. Our aim was to evaluate the potential of deep inspiration breath‐hold (DIBH) and intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to reduce cardiac dose from mediastinal radiotherapy. A 24 year‐old male with early‐stage bulky mediastinal Hodgkin lymphoma received involved‐site radiotherapy as part of a combined modality programme. Simulation was performed in free breathing (FB) and DIBH. The target and organs at risk were contoured on both datasets. Free breathing‐3D conformal (FB‐3DCRT), DIBH‐3DCRT, FB‐IMRT and DIBH‐IMRT were compared with respect to target coverage and doses to organs at risk. A ‘butterfly’ IMRT technique was used to minimise the low‐dose bath. In our patient, both DIBH (regardless of mode of delivery) and IMRT (in both FB and DIBH) achieved reductions in mean heart dose. DIBH improved all lung parameters. IMRT reduced high dose (V20), but increased low dose (V5) to lung. DIBH‐IMRT was chosen for treatment delivery. Advanced radiotherapy techniques have the potential to further optimise the therapeutic ratio in patients with mediastinal lymphoma. Benefits should be assessed on an individualised basis.
Guayusa (Ilex guayusa L.) new tea: phenolic and carotenoid composition and antioxidant capacity
Authors: García‐Ruiz Almudena , Baenas Nieves , Benítez‐González Ana M , Stinco Carla M , Meléndez‐Martínez Antonio J , Moreno Diego A , Ruales Jenny
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Guayusa (Ilex guayusa Loes) is an evergreen tree native of South America that grows particularly in the upper Amazon region of Ecuador. For its health benefits, it has been cultivated and consumed since ancient times by Amazon indigenous tribes.

RESULTS

A total of 14 phenolic compounds were identified and quantified. Chlorogenic acid and quercetin‐3‐O‐hexose were the main representatives of the hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonols, respectively. Five carotenoids were identified, showing lutein the highest concentration. Guayusa leaves revealed high antioxidant capacity determined by two analytical methods, DPPH and ORAC. The industrial processing applied to the leaves modified the composition of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of guayusa. In general, blanched guayusa retained the concentration of phenolic compounds and some carotenoids and similar antioxidant capacity as untreated green leaves. In contrast, fermentation reduced the content of bioactive compounds and showed the lowest antioxidant capacity.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, blanched guayusa has potential for product development as a functional ingredient in the food industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Rennet‐induced coagulation of raw and heated camel and cow milk gels determined by instrumental techniques: effects of added calcium and phosphate
Authors: Karoui Romdhane , Kamal Mohammad
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

The potentiality of the front‐face fluorescence spectroscopy and rheological measurements combined with chemometric tools to characterise the structure evolution during coagulation of raw and preheated camel and cow milk at 50 and 70 °C with/without added calcium and phosphate was evaluated. Tryptophan and vitamin A fluorescence spectra were collected during the gelation of milk at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 45 min after the addition of rennet‐induced coagulation. In parallel, the storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G″) and tan delta (tan δ) were determined using low amplitude oscillation shear analysis.

RESULTS

The principal component analysis (PCA) applied to the normalised tryptophan spectra allowed the gels made with camel milk to be differentiated from those of cow milk on the one hand, and to monitor protein structure modifications during the gelation, on the other hand. The common components and specific weights analysis (CCSWA) applied jointly to the fluorescence and rheological data sets permitted a clear separation of raw milk gels from those preheated at 50 and 70 °C.

CONCLUSION

The front‐face fluorescence spectroscopy method coupled with multi‐variate statistical analyses showed a high capacity for studying changes in the micelle structure throughout the rennet‐induced coagulation process. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Dry matter yield, chemical composition and estimated extractable protein of legume and grass species during the spring growth
Authors: Solati Zeinab , Jørgensen Uffe , Eriksen Jørgen , Søegaard Karen
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Knowledge of the variation of extractable protein amount in legumes and grasses as affected by harvest time is important for identifying optimal combinations to enable a high protein production in a biorefinery. The extractability of protein was estimated using the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System across six harvests during the spring growth.

RESULTS

The estimated extractable protein [g kg−1 dry matter (DM)] defined as the easily available fractions B1+B2 was significantly higher in white clover and lucerne at all harvests while, if the more cell wall attached fraction B3 can be extracted, white clover had the highest extractable protein amongst all species. Total yield of B1+B2 per ha was higher in white clover and red clover at the early growth while B1+B2+B3 was by far the highest for red clover through all harvests.

CONCLUSION

White clover could be a good candidate for protein production purpose in a biorefinery due to its high extractable protein content per kg DM. In order to maximise the protein production capacity, harvest should take place during early growth due to a decline in protein extractability with maturity. The final economy of the concept will depend on the value of the fibre after extraction of the protein. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of unconventional oilseeds (safflower, poppy, hemp, camelina) on in vitro ruminal methane production and fermentation
Authors: Wang Shaopu , Kreuzer Michael , Braun Ueli , Schwarm Angela
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Dietary supplementation with oilseeds can reduce methane emission in ruminants, but only a few common seeds have been tested so far. This study tested safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), poppy (Papaver somniferum), hemp (Cannabis sativa), and camelina (Camelina sativa) seeds in vitro using coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil and linseed (Linum usitatissimum) as positive controls.

RESULTS

All the tested oilseeds suppressed methane yield (mL g−1 dry matter, up to 21%) compared to the non‐supplemented control when provided at 70 g oil kg−1 dry matter, and they were as effective as coconut oil. Safflower and hemp were more effective than linseed (21% and 18% vs. 10%), whereas the effects of poppy and camelina were similar to linseed. When methane was related to digestible organic matter, only hemp and safflower seeds and coconut oil were effective compared to the non‐supplemented control (up to 11%). The level of methanogenesis and the ratios of either the n‐6:n‐3 fatty acids or C18:2:C18:3 in the seed lipids were not related.

CONCLUSION

Unconventional oilseeds widen the spectrum of oilseeds that can be used in dietary methane mitigation. In vivo confirmation of their methane mitigating effect is still needed, and their effects on animal performance still must be determined. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessing the effect of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural on selected components of immune responses in mice immunised with ovalbumin
Authors: Alizadeh Mohammad , Khodaei Hamed , Mesgari Abbasi Mehran , Saleh‐Ghadimi Sevda
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) is one of the most important products of the Maillard reaction. In recent years, many profitable biological effects of this compound have been demonstrated. This study sought to elucidate the anti‐allergic effect of 5‐HMF by investigating some selected components of the immune response in BALB/c mice immunised with ovalbumin (OVA).

RESULTS

Immunised animals had an increased level of serum total and OVA‐specific antibodies when compared to the control (P < 0.01).We found that the OVA‐induced increase in serum IgE and OVA‐specific IgE were significantly suppressed in the groups treated with 5‐HMF (P < 0.05). Moreover, interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) were significantly reduced in a dose‐independent manner when compared to the sensitised group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

5‐HMF inhibited the up‐regulation of total and OVA‐specific IgE through the suppression of the Th2‐type immune response in immunised BALB/c mice. 5‐HMF could therefore be a novel therapeutic approach for the prevention of IgE‐mediated allergic diseases. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Fluorescence hyperspectral imaging technique for foreign substance detection on fresh‐cut lettuce
Authors: Mo Changyeun , Kim Giyoung , Kim Moon S , Lim Jongguk , Cho Hyunjeong , Barnaby Jinyoung Yang , Cho Byoung‐Kwan
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Non‐destructive methods based on fluorescence hyperspectral imaging (HSI) techniques were developed to detect worms on fresh‐cut lettuce. The optimal wavebands for detecting the worms were investigated using the one‐way ANOVA and correlation analyses.

RESULTS

The worm detection imaging algorithms, RSI‐I(492–626)/492, provided a prediction accuracy of 99.0%. The fluorescence HSI techniques indicated that the spectral images with a pixel size of 1 × 1 mm had the best classification accuracy for worms.

CONCLUSION

The overall results demonstrate that fluorescence HSI techniques have the potential to detect worms on fresh‐cut lettuce. In the future, we will focus on developing a multi‐spectral imaging system to detect foreign substances such as worms, slugs and earthworms on fresh‐cut lettuce. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Functional dynamics of Emiliania huxleyi virus‐host interactions across multiple spatial scales
Authors: Middleton Julia E. , Martínez Martínez Joaquín , Wilson William H. , Record Nicholas R.
Published: February 2017

Marine viruses have an important role in the dynamics of phytoplankton blooms and have increasing representation in ocean ecosystem and biogeochemical models. There are multiple described functional forms available for incorporating viruses into ocean models, but most of them have not been validated against time series abundance data. We reviewed the functional forms currently used for lytic marine virus‐host dynamics and evaluated them against a compiled database of Emiliania huxleyi and E. huxleyi‐virus (EhV) abundances. The database includes data aggregated from three scales: laboratory, mesocosm, and field studies. Data‐model comparison supported some standard functional forms, for example a linear infection term, and did not support other standard functional forms, for example a linear viral decay term. This analysis also provided evidence of density dependence within virion populations and a possible mechanism for lower virus‐host ratios at high virion abundances. Some of the patterns were scale‐dependent, suggesting that processes studied at one scale might not translate to another scale. As marine virus model formulations diversify over time, there is the need for model inter‐comparison and evaluation.
Pelagic food web response to whole lake N fertilization
Authors: Deininger A. , Faithfull C. L. , Karlsson J. , Klaus M. , Bergström A.‐K.
Published: February 2017

Anthropogenic activities are increasing inorganic nitrogen (N) loadings to unproductive boreal lakes. In many of these lakes phytoplankton are N limited, consequently N fertilization may affect ecosystem productivity and consumer resource use. Here, we conducted whole lake inorganic N fertilization experiments with six small N limited unproductive boreal lakes (three control and three N enriched) in an area receiving low N deposition with one reference and two impact years. Our aim was to assess the effects of N fertilization on pelagic biomass production and consumer resource use. We found that phytoplankton primary production (PP) and biomass, and the PP: bacterioplankton production ratio increased after fertilization. As expected, the relative contribution of phytoplankton derived resources (autochthony) that supported the crustacean zooplankton community increased. Yet, the response in the consumer community was modest with autochthony only increasing in one of the three major zooplankton groups and with no effect on zooplankton biomass. In conclusion, our findings imply that newly available phytoplankton energy derived from N fertilization was not efficiently transferred up to zooplankton, indicating a mismatch between producer energy supply and consumer energy use with potential accumulation of phytoplankton biomass as the result.
Chemical archives in fishes beyond otoliths: A review on the use of other body parts as chronological recorders of microchemical constituents for expanding interpretations of environmental, ecological, and life‐history changes
Authors: Tzadik Orian E. , Curtis Joseph S. , Granneman Jennifer E. , Kurth Benjamin N. , Pusack Timothy J. , Wallace Amy A. , Hollander David J. , Peebles Ernst B. , Stallings Christopher D.
Published: February 2017

Microchemical analyses of fish otoliths have revolutionized fisheries science. Molecules deposited within otoliths may originate from ambient water and diet, with molecular concentrations being subject to subsequent physiological alteration after exposure. Analyses of otolith microstructure and incorporation of inorganic elements have led to major advances in stock assessment and fisheries ecology. However, the use of otoliths for microchemical analyses has drawbacks. Specifically, otolith removal from live specimens requires specimen sacrifice, which may be forbidden in the case of protected species. In addition, otoliths rarely contain sufficient concentrations of organic matter to allow reconstruction of food‐web relationships via multiple stable isotopes, and otolith microstructure can be difficult to interpret in some species. Here, we review alternatives to otoliths that can provide microchemical analytes for life‐history studies in fishes. Our focus is to describe advantages and disadvantages to the use of each alternative structure, with particular attention paid to trace‐element analysis for inorganic matrices and stable‐isotope analysis for organic ones. In general, the chronological analysis of elemental and isotopic values within each structure depends on the inert nature (or lack of molecular turnover) of the tissue. Structures with high turnover rates or those that are metabolically active will not effectively record elemental or isotopic compositions over time. Here, we provide an assessment of the use of bony endoskeleton, fin spines, fin rays, scales, and eye lenses as alternatives or complements to fish otolith analysis.
A practical method for the determination of total selenium in environmental samples using isotope dilution‐hydride generation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Kleckner Amy E. , Kakouros Evangelos , Robin Stewart A.
Published: February 2017

A safe, practical, and accurate method for the determination of selenium (Se) in range of environmental samples was developed. Small sample masses, 5–20 mg, were amended with 82Se enriched isotope for the isotope dilution (ID), preceding a multi‐step wet digestion with nitric acid (HNO3) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Samples were incubated in an autoclave for 3 h at 20 psi and 126°C. Digestates were subsequently reduced with concentrated hydrochloric acid to Se(IV) the most favorable valence for hydride generation (HG). The solutions were then analyzed on an ICP‐MS equipped with Flow Injection system (FIAS‐400). Polyatomic, isobaric, and background interferences were removed through the use of HG and ID with an 82Se enriched isotope spike. Recoveries for certified reference materials were determined and averaged 96% for biological tissues (NRCC DOLT3, DOLT4, DORM2, TORT2, and TORT3, and NIST 2976) and 108% for estuarine sediment (NRCC PACS2) with an average coefficient of variation for replicate measurements of ∼ 3.5%. Limit of detection was 0.13 ng Se g−1 dry weight or 0.19 ng Se L−1. This method can be broadly applied to biological tissues, sediments, suspended particulates, and water samples with minimal modifications making this method highly useful for assessing the ecotoxicology of total Se in aquatic ecosystems.
Genetic analyses of isolated high‐grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HG‐PanIN) reveal paucity of alterations in TP53 and SMAD4
Authors: Hosoda Waki , Chianchiano Peter , Griffin James F , Pittman Meredith E , Brosens Lodewijk AA , Noë Michaël , Yu Jun , Shindo Koji , Suenaga Masaya , Rezaee Neda , Yonescu Raluca , Ning Yi , Albores‐Saavedra Jorge , Yoshizawa Naohiko , Harada Kenichi , Yoshizawa Akihiko , Hanada Keiji , Yonehara Shuji , Shimizu Michio , Uehara Takeshi , Samra Jaswinder S , Gill Anthony J , Wolfgang Christopher L , Goggins Michael G , Hruban Ralph H , Wood Laura D
Published: February 2017

High‐grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HG‐PanIN) is the major precursor of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and is an ideal target for early detection. To characterize pure HG‐PanIN, we analysed 23 isolated HG‐PanIN lesions occurring in the absence of PDAC. Whole‐exome sequencing of five of these HG‐PanIN lesions revealed a median of 33 somatic mutations per lesion, with a total of 318 mutated genes. Targeted next‐generation sequencing of 17 HG‐PanIN lesions identified KRAS mutations in 94% of the lesions. CDKN2A alterations occurred in six HG‐PanIN lesions, and RNF43 alterations in five. Mutations in TP53, GNAS, ARID1A, PIK3CA, and TGFBR2 were limited to one or two HG‐PanINs. No non‐synonymous mutations in SMAD4 were detected. Immunohistochemistry for p53 and SMAD4 proteins in 18 HG‐PanINs confirmed the paucity of alterations in these genes, with aberrant p53 labelling noted only in three lesions, two of which were found to be wild type in sequencing analyses. Sixteen adjacent LG‐PanIN lesions from ten patients were also sequenced using targeted sequencing. LG‐PanIN harboured KRAS mutations in 94% of the lesions; mutations in CDKN2A, TP53, and SMAD4 were not identified. These results suggest that inactivation of TP53 and SMAD4 are late genetic alterations, predominantly occurring in invasive PDAC. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coarse‐grained models for frontal photopolymerization with evolving conversion profile
Authors: Purnama Aloisius R , Hennessy Matthew G , Vitale Alessandra , Cabral João T
Published: February 2017

We introduce a series of ‘minimal’ models to describe a common light‐driven directional solidification process, known as frontal photopolymerization (FPP), focusing on experimental observables: the solidification kinetics, light attenuation and spatiotemporal monomer‐to‐polymer conversion. Specifically, we focus on FPP propagation that yields conversion profiles that are not invariant with time, and which cannot be simply described by the presence of mass or heat diffusion. The models are assessed against experimental data for the photopolymerization of a model trimethacrylate system. We find that the simplest model, comprising a single equation of motion for the conversion fraction ϕ and a generalized Beer–Lambert law, can only describe the experimental data by assuming an unphysical variation in optical absorption. Introducing a ϕ‐dependent reaction constant Keff is found to require a time dependence, regardless of the functional form in ϕ. We conclude by introducing a ‘minimal’ chemical model, which is based on a simple three‐step reaction scheme involving the spatiotemporal evolution of the photoinitiator fraction, relative fraction of radicals and monomer conversion fraction, that is able to capture the experimental data with a small number of parameters and under reasonable FPP assumptions. Our framework provides important predictive ability for ubiquitous solidification and patterning processes, including three‐dimensional printing, via photopolymerization. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Climatological and case analyses of lower‐stratospheric fronts over North America
Authors: Attard Hannah E. , Lang Andrea L.
Published: February 2017

Recent case‐study analyses produced a conceptual model suggesting that lower‐stratospheric fronts, the lower‐stratospheric half of a tropopause jet–front system, develop preferentially in southwesterly flow in the presence of lower‐stratospheric geostrophic warm air advection and ascent within the jet core. This conceptual understanding is examined by performing climatological and case analyses of 185 objectively identified lower‐stratospheric fronts that occurred over North America during the winter seasons (December, January and February) of 2004–2012 in the 1.0°×1.0°NCEP/NCAR Global Forecast System analysis.

The climatological analysis shows a preference for strong southwesterly flow lower‐stratospheric fronts to occur over the Intermountain West region and relatively weaker southwesterly flow lower‐stratospheric fronts to occur over eastern North America. The southwesterly flow lower‐stratospheric fronts were composited according to their geographical location and the analysis shows that the composite lower‐stratospheric and tropospheric structures in these two locations have statistical differences. The case‐study analyses of southwesterly flow lower‐stratospheric fronts in these two regions highlight different, geographically dependent, frontal evolutions. The strong lower‐stratospheric front identified in the Intermountain West region interacted with an orographic gravity wave and associated lower‐stratospheric ascent that rearranged the local thermal field. The lower‐stratospheric front in eastern North America developed parallel to a surface front and was associated with diabatically reduced static stability in the upper troposphere, geostrophic warm air advection, and enhanced ascent.
Microexons: discovery, regulation, and function
Authors: Ustianenko Dmytro , Weyn‐Vanhentenryck Sebastien M. , Zhang Chaolin
Published: February 2017

The importance of RNA splicing in numerous cellular processes is well established. However, an underappreciated aspect is the ability of the spliceosome to recognize a set of very small (3–30 nucleotide, 1–10 amino acid) exons named microexons. Despite their small size, microexons and their regulation through alternative splicing have now been shown to play critical roles in protein and system function. Here we review the discovery of microexons over time and the mechanisms by which their splicing is regulated, including recent progress made through deep RNA sequencing. We also discuss the functional role of microexons in biology and disease. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1418. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1418

This article is categorized under:

RNA Evolution and Genomics > Computational Analyses of RNA

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Potential of wheat bran to promote indigenous microbial enhanced oil recovery
Authors: Zhan Yali , Wang Qinghong , Chen Chunmao , Kim Jung Bong , Zhang Hongdan , Yoza Brandon A , Li Qing X
Published: February 2017

Microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) is an emerging oil extraction technology that utilizes microorganisms to facilitate recovery of crude oil in depleted petroleum reservoirs. In the present study, effects of wheat bran utilization were investigated on stimulation of indigenous MEOR. Biostimulation conditions were optimized with the response surface methodology. The co-application of wheat bran with KNO3 and NH4H2PO4 significantly promoted indigenous MEOR (IMEOR) and exhibited sequential aerobic (O-), facultative (An-) and anaerobic (A0-) metabolic stages. The surface tension of fermented broth decreased by approximately 35%, and the crude oil was highly emulsified. Microbial community structure varied largely among and in different IMEOR metabolic stages. Pseudomonas sp., Citrobacter sp., and uncultured Burkholderia sp. dominated the O-, An- and early A0-stages. Bacillus sp., Achromobacter sp., Rhizobiales sp., Alcaligenes sp. and Clostridium sp. dominated the later A0-stage. This study illustrated occurrences of microbial community succession driven by wheat bran stimulation and its industrial potential.
Effects of Toasting Time on Digestive Hydrolysis of Soluble and Insoluble 00‐Rapeseed Meal Proteins
Authors: Salazar‐Villanea Sergio , Bruininx Erik M. A. M. , Gruppen Harry , Carré Patrick , Quinsac Alain , van der Poel Antonius F. B.
Published: February 2017

Thermal damage to proteins can reduce their nutritional value. The effects of toasting time on the kinetics of hydrolysis, the resulting molecular weight distribution of 00‐rapeseed meal (RSM) and the soluble and insoluble protein fractions separated from the RSM were studied. Hydrolysis was performed with pancreatic proteases to represent in vitro protein digestibility. Increasing the toasting time of RSM linearly decreased the rate of protein hydrolysis of RSM and the insoluble protein fractions. The extent of hydrolysis was, on average, 44% higher for the insoluble compared with the soluble protein fraction. In contrast, the rate of protein hydrolysis of the soluble protein fraction was 3–9‐fold higher than that of the insoluble protein fraction. The rate of hydrolysis of the insoluble protein fraction linearly decreased by more than 60% when comparing the untoasted to the 120 min toasted RSM. Increasing the toasting time elicited the formation of Maillard reaction products (furosine, Nε‐carboxymethyl‐lysine and Nε‐carboxyethyl‐lysine) and disulfide bonds in the insoluble protein fraction, which is proposed to explain the reduction in the hydrolysis rate of this fraction. Overall, longer toasting times increased the size of the peptides resulting after hydrolysis of the RSM and the insoluble protein fraction. The hydrolysis kinetics of the soluble and insoluble protein fractions and the proportion of soluble:insoluble proteins in the RSM explain the reduction in the rate of protein hydrolysis observed in the RSM with increasing toasting time.
Assessment of Variation in Castor Genetic Resources for Oil Characteristics
Authors: Yadav Praduman , Anjani K.
Published: February 2017

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) oil is used in production of wide range of industrial products because of the presence of nearly 85% of ricinoleic acid in it. Any increase in the ricinoleic acid level would be great benefit to industry. None of the existing castor cultivars possess ≥90% ricinoleic acid because donors with this level of ricinoleic acid are not available to develop high ricinoleic type cultivars. In order to search for high ricinoleic acid genotypes, the present investigation was under taken. Fatty acid and oil content were assayed in 392 castor genotypes comprising 335 Indian and 57 non‐Indian collections. Great variation was observed among the collections for oil content and fatty acid composition. Oil content ranged from 38.5 to 53.5% while ricinoleic acid was between 71.15 and 93.68%. Diversity analysis was done using K‐means clustering which clustered the entire collection into 30 diverse groups by minimizing the dissimilarity within each cluster while maximizing the dissimilarity between clusters. Finally, 15 accessions having high oil (52–54%), high ricinoleic acid (91.12–93.68%) and high monounsaturates (92.8–94.95%) levels were identified. These would be of great value as donors to develop high oil, high ricinoleic type castor cultivars.
How do men and women help? Validation of a multidimensional measure of prosocial behavior
Authors: Nielson Matthew G. , Padilla‐Walker Laura , Holmes Erin K.
Published: February 2017

The current study sought to address gender differences in prosocial behavior by creating and validating a multidimensional measure of prosocial behavior that more fully captures the ways that men help others. The new measure is directed toward family, friend, and strangers, and has five factors: defending, emotional support, inclusion, physical helping, and sharing. In Study 1, CFA analyses performed on a sample of 463 emerging adults online (mean age 23.42) revealed good model fit and divergent validity for each of the five factors. Study 2 replicated the analyses on a sample of 453 urban adolescents in the Northwest (mean age 18.37). Results established that all factors had good model fit, construct validity, and convergent validity. The discussion focuses on implications of this measure for future prosocial research including an increased diversity in how people (particularly men) help others and developmental differences toward different targets of prosocial behavior.
A global weak solution of the Dirac-harmonic map flow
Authors: Zhu Miaomiao , Jost Jürgen , Liu Lei
Published: February 2017

We show the existence of a global weak solution of the heat flow for Dirac-harmonic maps from compact Riemann surfaces with boundary when the energy of the initial map and the

L^{2}

-norm of the boundary values of the spinor are sufficiently small. Dirac-harmonic maps couple a second order harmonic map type system with a first-order Dirac type system. The heat flow that has been introduced in [9] and that we investigate here is novel insofar as we only make the second order part parabolic, but carry the first order part along the resulting flow as an elliptic constraint. Of course, since the equations are coupled, both parts then change along the flow.

The solution is unique and regular with the exception of at most finitely many singular times. We also discuss the behavior at the singularities of the flow.

As an application, we deduce some existence results for Dirac-harmonic maps. Since we may impose nontrivial boundary conditions also for the spinor part, in the limit, we shall obtain Dirac-harmonic maps with nontrivial spinor part.
Cerebrospinal fluid markers detect Alzheimer's disease in nonamnestic dementia
Authors: Oboudiyat Carly , Gefen Tamar , Varelas Eleni , Weintraub Sandra , Rogalski Emily , Bigio Eileen H. , Mesulam M.‐Marsel
Published: February 2017

Introduction

The accuracy of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for detecting Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology has not been fully validated in autopsied nonamnestic dementias.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated CSF amyloid β 1–42, phosphorylated‐tau, and amyloid‐tau index as predictors of Alzheimer pathology in patients with primary progressive aphasia, frontotemporal dementia, and progressive supranuclear palsy.

Results

Nineteen nonamnestic autopsied cases with relevant CSF values were included. At autopsy, nine had AD and 10 had non‐AD pathologies. All six patients whose combined CSF phosphorylated‐tau and amyloid β levels were “consistent with AD” had postmortem Alzheimer pathology. The two patients whose biomarker values were “not consistent with AD” had non‐AD pathologies. The CSF values of the remaining eight non‐AD cases were in conflicting or borderline ranges.

Discussion

CSF biomarkers reliably identified Alzheimer pathology in nonamnestic dementias and may be useful as a screening measure for inclusion of nonamnestic cases into Alzheimer's trials.
Swirling Eddies in the Antarctic May Have Global Impacts
Authors: Strelich Lily
Published: February 2017

A new model examines how eddies in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current effect volume transport of the world's strongest current.
Efficacy of safranal to cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity
Authors: Karafakıoğlu Yasemin Sunucu , Bozkurt Mehmet Fatih , Hazman Ömer , Fıdan A. Fatih
Published: February 2017

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of safranal on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups. The control group received physiological saline; animals in Group 2 received only safranal and in Group 3 received only cisplatin; 5 days of safranal treatment was performed following administration of cisplatin for the animals in Group 4; 5 days of safranal pretreatment was applied to the animals in Group 5 before administration of cisplatin. Cisplatin (7 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected as a single dose and safranal (200 mg/kg) was administered by gavage. Biochemical and histopathological methods were utilized for evaluation of the nephrotoxicity. The concentrations of creatinine and urea in plasma and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) as well as total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) were determined in kidney tissue. Administration of cisplatin to rats induced a marked renal failure, characterized with a significant increase in plasma creatinine and urea concentrations. MDA and TOS levels of rats that received cisplatin alone were not significantly different compared with those of the control group, but GSH and TAS levels in the only cisplatin-administered group were significantly decreased. Safranal administration produced amelioration in biochemical indices of nephrotoxicity in both plasma and kidney tissues when compared with the only cisplatin-administered group, pretreatment with safranal being more effective. As a result, safranal treatment might have a protective effect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rat.
MGDG, PG and SQDG regulate the activity of light-dependent protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase
Authors: Gabruk Michal , Mysliwa-Kurdziel Beata , Kruk Jerzy
Published: February 2017

Light-dependent protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR) is a plant enzyme involved in the chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway. POR reduces one of the double bonds of the protochlorophyllide (Pchlide) using NADPH and light. In the present study, we found out that phosphatidylglycerol and sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol are allosteric regulators of the nucleotide binding, which increase the affinity towards NADPH a 100-fold. Moreover, we showed for the first time that NADH can, like NADPH, form active complexes with Pchlide and POR, however, at much higher concentrations. Additionally, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) was shown to be the main factor responsible for the red shift of the fluorescence emission maximum of Pchlide:POR:NADPH complexes. Importantly, the emission maximum at 654 nm was obtained only for the reaction mixtures supplemented with MGDG and at least one of the negatively charged plant lipids. Moreover, the site-directed mutagenesis allowed us to identify amino acid residues that may be responsible for lipid binding and Pchlide coordination. Our experiments allowed us to identify six different Pchlide:POR complexes that differ in the fluorescence emission maxima of the pigment. The results presented here reveal the contribution of thylakoid lipids in the regulation of the chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway; however, the molecular mechanisms of this process are to be clarified.
microRNA-802 inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition through targeting flotillin-2 in human prostate cancer
Authors: Wang Dawei , Lu Guoliang , Shao Yuan , Xu Da
Published: February 2017

miRNAs are a class of non-coding RNAs that exert critical roles in various biological processes. The aim of the present study was to identify the functional roles of miR-802 in regulating epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in prostate cancer (PCa). miR-802 expression was detected in 73 pairs of PCa samples and PCa cell lines (PC3 and DU145 cells) by qRT-PCR. Cell proliferation was detected using MTT assay, and cell apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry. Transwell assay was conducted to investigate cell migration and invasion. Expression analysis of a set of EMT markers was performed to explore whether miR-802 is involved in EMT program. Xenograft model was established to investigate the function of miR-802 in carcinogenesis in vivo. The direct regulation of Flotillin-2 (Flot2) by miR-802 was identified using luciferase reporter assay. miR-802 was remarkably down-regulated in PCa tissues and cell lines. Gain-of-function trails showed that miR-802 serves as an ‘oncosuppressor’ in PCa through inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting cell apoptosis in vitro. Overexpression of miR-802 significantly suppressed in vivo PCa tumor growth. Luciferase reporter analysis identified Flot2 as a direct target of miR-802 in PCa cells. Overexpressed miR-802 significantly suppressed EMT, migration and invasion in PCa cells by regulating Flot2. We identified miR-802 as a novel tumor suppressor in PCa progression and elucidated a novel mechanism of the miR-802/Flot2 axis in the regulation of EMT, which may be a potential therapeutic target.
Update on Didactic and Clinical Education in Fluency Disorders: 2013–2014
Authors: Yaruss J. Scott , Lee Jieun , Kikani Kaya B. , Leslie Paula , Herring Caryn , Ramachandar Sujini , Tichenor Seth , Quesal Robert W. , McNeil Malcolm R.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This study surveyed didactic and clinical education in fluency disorders at undergraduate and graduate institutions in the United States that provide education in speech-language pathology to determine whether a previously observed reduction in requirements has continued since prior surveys (Yaruss, 1999; Yaruss & Quesal, 2002).

Method

The study involved a detailed questionnaire that was sent to 282 communication science and disorders departments. Questions examined didactic and clinical education, as well as faculty knowledge about fluency disorders.

Results

Comparisons with prior surveys revealed several findings, including (a) on average, programs have increased academic coursework and incorporated more practical sessions and competency-based testing in the classroom; (b) the number of faculty who possess extensive clinical experience with fluency disorders has decreased; and (c) although an increase in clinical requirements in fluency disorders was detected, the number of programs providing minimal education about fluency disorders remains high.

Conclusion

Given an expanding scope of practice, many programs have continued to try to provide adequate education about fluency disorders. Still, direct clinical experiences are limited, and faculty expertise in this area has continued to decrease. To raise students' confidence and competence in fluency disorders, efforts beyond graduate work—or systemic changes in the profession—may be necessary.
Current Methods of Evaluating Speech-Language Outcomes for Preschoolers With Communication Disorders: A Scoping Review Using the ICF-CY
Authors: Cunningham Barbara Jane , Washington Karla N. , Binns Amanda , Rolfe Katelyn , Robertson Bernadette , Rosenbaum Peter
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this scoping review was to identify current measures used to evaluate speech-language outcomes for preschoolers with communication disorders within the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health–Children and Youth Version (ICF-CY; World Health Organization, 2007).

Method

The review involved 5 phases outlined by Arksey and O'Malley (2005) and further developed by Levac, Colquhoun, and O'Brien (2010): (a) articulating the research question; (b) identifying relevant studies; (c) selecting studies; (d) charting the data; and (e) collating, summarizing, and reporting the results. The ICF-CY was used to frame the measures included.

Results

A total of 214 relevant peer-reviewed publications were included in the review. Most publications used measures to evaluate changes in outcomes for Activities (65%), followed by measures evaluating changes in Body Functions (20%), and finally measures evaluating changes at the level of Participation (15%). There has been a slight increase in the evaluation of Participation-based outcomes in the past 4 years (2012–2015).

Conclusion

The review revealed a dearth of measures in the pediatric speech-language literature that address Participation-based outcomes. The authors strongly advocate for the use of Participation-based outcome measures to detect meaningful change in the lives of children and families.
Conserved IKAROS-regulated genes associated with B-progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia outcome
Authors: Witkowski Matthew T. , Hu Yifang , Roberts Kathryn G. , Boer Judith M. , McKenzie Mark D. , Liu Grace J. , Le Grice Oliver D. , Tremblay Cedric S. , Ghisi Margherita , Willson Tracy A. , Horstmann Martin A. , Aifantis Iannis , Cimmino Luisa , Frietze Seth , den Boer Monique L. , Mullighan Charles G. , Smyth Gordon K. , Dickins Ross A.
Published: February 2017

Genetic alterations disrupting the transcription factor IKZF1 (encoding IKAROS) are associated with poor outcome in B lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and occur in >70% of the high-risk BCR-ABL1+ (Ph+) and Ph-like disease subtypes. To examine IKAROS function in this context, we have developed novel mouse models allowing reversible RNAi-based control of Ikaros expression in established B-ALL in vivo. Notably, leukemias driven by combined BCR-ABL1 expression and Ikaros suppression rapidly regress when endogenous Ikaros is restored, causing sustained disease remission or ablation. Comparison of transcriptional profiles accompanying dynamic Ikaros perturbation in murine B-ALL in vivo with two independent human B-ALL cohorts identified nine evolutionarily conserved IKAROS-repressed genes. Notably, high expression of six of these genes is associated with inferior event–free survival in both patient cohorts. Among them are EMP1, which was recently implicated in B-ALL proliferation and prednisolone resistance, and the novel target CTNND1, encoding P120-catenin. We demonstrate that elevated Ctnnd1 expression contributes to maintenance of murine B-ALL cells with compromised Ikaros function. These results suggest that IKZF1 alterations in B-ALL leads to induction of multiple genes associated with proliferation and treatment resistance, identifying potential new therapeutic targets for high-risk disease.
Genetic analysis of Ikaros target genes and tumor suppressor function in BCR-ABL1+ pre–B ALL
Authors: Schjerven Hilde , Ayongaba Etapong F. , Aghajanirefah Ali , McLaughlin Jami , Cheng Donghui , Geng Huimin , Boyd Joseph R. , Eggesbø Linn M. , Lindeman Ida , Heath Jessica L. , Park Eugene , Witte Owen N. , Smale Stephen T. , Frietze Seth , Müschen Markus
Published: February 2017

Inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene encoding the transcriptional regulator Ikaros (IKZF1) is a hallmark of BCR-ABL1+ precursor B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pre–B ALL). However, the mechanisms by which Ikaros functions as a tumor suppressor in pre–B ALL remain poorly understood. Here, we analyzed a mouse model of BCR-ABL1+ pre–B ALL together with a new model of inducible expression of wild-type Ikaros in IKZF1 mutant human BCR-ABL1+ pre–B ALL. We performed integrated genome-wide chromatin and expression analyses and identified Ikaros target genes in mouse and human BCR-ABL1+ pre–B ALL, revealing novel conserved gene pathways associated with Ikaros tumor suppressor function. Notably, genetic depletion of different Ikaros targets, including CTNND1 and the early hematopoietic cell surface marker CD34, resulted in reduced leukemic growth. Our results suggest that Ikaros mediates tumor suppressor function by enforcing proper developmental stage–specific expression of multiple genes through chromatin compaction at its target genes.
Contribution of Mid-Season Cover Sprays to Management of Peach Brown Rot at Harvest
Authors: Lalancette N. , Blaus L. L. , Gager J. D. , McFarland K. A.
Published: February 2017

Four protectant fungicides applied as midseason cover sprays were quantitatively assessed for their ability to reduce brown rot caused by Monilinia fructicola during the preharvest fruit ripening periods in the 2012 through 2015 growing seasons. No fungicides were applied during bloom or during the preharvest period. Treatment programs consisted of captan, sulfur, ziram, and thiram applications beginning at early shuck-split stage and ending with the final cover spray at 23 to 26 days before harvest. The incidence of brown rot at harvest was determined by examining 41 to 91 fruit for symptoms of rot on each of four replicate trees for each treatment. The incidence of sporulating blossom blight cankers was assessed during the preharvest period at 8, 15, and 22 days after the final cover spray. An in vivo bioassay was also conducted at 7, 14, and 21 days after the final cover spray to ascertain the level of fungicide residue during the preharvest period. The bioassay uses conidia germination as a quantitative indicator of effective residue. Results of the harvest assessment showed that captan cover sprays significantly reduced brown rot incidence in all years of the study. Furthermore, results of the bioassay demonstrated that fungicide residue was the mechanism by which this control occurred. None of the other fungicide cover spray programs contributed significantly to brown rot control at harvest in any year, and bioassay results showed insufficient residue to inhibit conidial germination. Antisporulant activity against blossom blight cankers was not observed for any fungicide program, indicating that reducing inoculum production from this source was not a mechanism for brown rot control. The captan and sulfur programs provided very good control of peach scab incidence and severity, caused by Fusicladium carpophilum, while the ziram and thiram programs failed to control this disease. These findings demonstrated that captan cover sprays can contribute significantly to control of brown rot at harvest, thereby augmenting the efficacy and consistency of management by preharvest fungicide programs. Furthermore, any reduction of the M. fructicola population by the captan cover sprays should reduce selection pressure against the site-specific fungicides commonly used during the preharvest period, thereby prolonging their useful life for brown rot control.