bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Host‐induced gene silencing compromises Verticillium wilt in tomato and Arabidopsis
Authors: Song Yin , Thomma Bart P. H. J.
Published: October 2016

Verticillium wilt, caused by soil‐borne fungi of the genus Verticillium, is an economically important disease that affects a wide range of host plants. Unfortunately, host resistance against Verticillium wilts is not available for many plant species, and the disease is notoriously difficult to combat. Host‐induced gene silencing (HIGS) is an RNA interference (RNAi)‐based process in which small RNAs are produced by the host plant to target parasite transcripts. HIGS has emerged as a promising strategy for the improvement of plant resistance against pathogens by silencing genes that are essential for these pathogens. Here, we assessed whether HIGS can be utilized to suppress Verticillium wilt disease by silencing three previously identified virulence genes of V. dahliae (encoding Ave1, Sge1 and NLP1) through the host plants tomato and Arabidopsis. In transient assays, tomato plants were agroinfiltrated with Tobacco rattle virus (TRV) constructs to target V. dahliae transcripts. Subsequent V. dahliae inoculation revealed the suppression of Verticillium wilt disease on treatment with only one of the three TRV constructs. Next, expression of RNAi constructs targeting transcripts of the same three V. dahliae virulence genes was pursued in stable transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants. In this host, V. dahliae inoculation revealed reduced Verticillium wilt disease in two of the three targets. Thus, our study suggests that, depending on the target gene chosen, HIGS against V. dahliae is operational in tomato and A. thaliana plants and may be exploited to engineer resistance in Verticillium wilt‐susceptible crops.
BDNF modulates intestinal barrier integrity through regulating the expression of tight junction proteins
Authors: Yu Y.‐B. , Zhao D.‐Y. , Qi Q.‐Q. , Long X. , Li X. , Chen F.‐X. , Zuo X.‐L.
Published: October 2016

Background

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may play a vital role in the homeostatic regulation of intestinal barrier integrity. We aimed to investigate the physiological role of BDNF in maintaining the intestinal epithelial barrier using postinflammatory irritable bowel syndrome (PI‐IBS) mice and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms using intestinal epithelial cells in vitro.

Methods

Postinflammatory‐IBS mice were induced by intrarectal administration of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid and allowed to recover for 28 days. Frequency of defecation, fecal water content, colonic epithelial integrity and expressions of BDNF and tight junction (TJ) proteins (occludin, ZO‐1, claudin‐1, claudin‐2) of the PI‐IBS mice were investigated. Based on the results of animal studies, we further performed RT‐PCR and Western blots to assess how BDNF stimulation and BDNF knockdown impacted TJ proteins in the ht‐29 intestinal epithelial cells.

Key Results

Water content of stools was significantly increased in the PI‐IBS mice compared with controls. Colonic mucosa from the PI‐IBS mice displayed epithelial barrier defects and exhibited increased protein expressions of BDNF and claudin‐2 and decreased protein expressions of occludin, ZO‐1 and claudin‐1. Furthermore, a siRNA against BDNF in the ht‐29 cells could effectively suppress BDNF gene and protein expressions, and subsequently reduce TJ gene and protein levels. When the ht‐29 cells were incubated with different doses of exogenous BDNF, significant increases of occludin, ZO‐1 and claudin‐1 and decreases of claudin‐2 protein were observed.

Conclusions & Inferences

BDNF may play a role in regulating intestinal epithelial barrier via affecting the expression of TJ proteins.
PopHR: a knowledge‐based platform to support integration, analysis, and visualization of population health data
Authors: Shaban‐Nejad Arash , Lavigne Maxime , Okhmatovskaia Anya , Buckeridge David L.
Published: October 2016

Population health decision makers must consider complex relationships between multiple concepts measured with differential accuracy from heterogeneous data sources. Population health information systems are currently limited in their ability to integrate data and present a coherent portrait of population health. Consequentially, these systems can provide only basic support for decision makers. The Population Health Record (PopHR) is a semantic web application that automates the integration and extraction of massive amounts of heterogeneous data from multiple distributed sources (e.g., administrative data, clinical records, and survey responses) to support the measurement and monitoring of population health and health system performance for a defined population. The design of the PopHR draws on the theories of the determinants of health and evidence‐based public health to harmonize and explicitly link information about a population with evidence about the epidemiology and control of chronic diseases. Organizing information in this manner and linking it explicitly to evidence is expected to improve decision making related to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of population health and health system interventions. In this paper, we describe the PopHR platform and discuss the architecture, design, key modules, and its implementation and use.
Eosinophilic sialodochitis: redefinition of ‘allergic parotitis’ and ‘sialodochitis fibrinosa’
Authors: Baer AN , Okuhama A , Eisele DW , Tversky JR , Gniadek TJ
Published: October 2016

Sialodochitis fibrinosa and allergic parotitis have described rare patients with recurrent salivary gland swelling and mucus plugs, often with atopy. We have evaluated three patients with atopic disease, recurrent salivary gland swelling, and an eosinophilic sialodochitis. Two had eosinophil‐rich mucus plugs. Fifty‐six additional cases were identified in a medical literature database search, each defined by recurrent salivary gland swelling associated with eosinophil‐rich mucus plugs or sialodochitis with periductal eosinophilic infiltration. The majority (78%) were reported from Japan. Females were predominantly affected (F:M = 2.3) with a median age of 47 years at evaluation. The parotid and submandibular glands were involved, respectively, in 71% and 46%. Allergic symptoms were present in 66%, atopic disease in 63% of those with reported allergy testing, and blood eosinophilia in 71%. Contrast sialography and other imaging modalities documented ductal dilatation in 82%. Treatments included anti‐allergic medications (58%), systemic glucocorticoids (25%), duct cannulation with irrigation, steroid injection, and/or duct dilatation (36%), and glandular resection (19%). We recommend the diagnosis ‘eosinophilic sialodochitis’ be applied to patients who meet this case definition. The disease is a unique cause of chronic recurrent salivary gland swelling. Its likely allergic etiology may be amenable to current or future biologic therapies.
Moderate Sedation Reduces Lab Time Compared to General Anesthesia during Cryoballoon Ablation for AF Without Compromising Safety or Long‐Term Efficacy
Authors: WASSERLAUF JEREMIAH , KNIGHT BRADLEY P. , LI ZHI , ANDREI ADIN‐CRISTIAN , ARORA RISHI , CHICOS ALEXANDRU B. , GOLDBERGER JEFFREY J. , KIM SUSAN S. , LIN ALBERT C. , VERMA NISHANT , BOHN MARTHA M. , PASSMAN ROD S.
Published: October 2016

Background

Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (pAF) can be performed under general anesthesia (GA) or moderate sedation (MS). Our objective was to compare the effectiveness, safety, procedure duration, and time spent in the electrophysiology (EP) laboratory for CBA performed under GA and MS.

Methods

Patients undergoing a first CBA for pAF were identified. Patients received either GA administered by an anesthesiologist or MS with midazolam and fentanyl administered by EP laboratory staff. Total time in laboratory (sum of procedure and nonprocedure time); fluoroscopy time; freedom from documented AF, atrial flutter, and atrial tachycardia (FFAF); acute pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) rate; and 30‐day complication rate were assessed.

Results

A total of 55 patients received GA and 119 patients received MS. PVI success rate was 100% in GA and 98.1% in MS (P = 0.04). Total laboratory time was longer for GA (280.4 ± 54.1 minutes vs 245.5 ± 54.7 minutes; P < 0.001), related to longer nonprocedure time (92.2 ± 28.8 minutes GA vs 71.0 ± 30.0 minutes MS; P < 0.001), but not procedure time (188.3 ± 49.3 minutes GA vs 174.5 ± 50.2 minutes MS; P = 0.09). FFAF was not significantly different over a median follow‐up duration of 0.9 (interquartile range 0.4–1.9) years (61.8% GA vs 63.0% MS; log‐rank P = 0.90). There was no significant difference in complication rate.

Conclusion

Compared to GA, MS during CBA for pAF was independently associated with shorter total EP laboratory time without compromising FFAF or complication rates.
Pretransplant paranasal sinus disease is associated with a high incidence of transplant‐related mortality in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for children and adolescents
Authors: Kishimoto Kenji , Kobayashi Ryoji , Hori Daiki , Sano Hirozumi , Suzuki Daisuke , Yasuda Kazue , Kobayashi Kunihiko
Published: October 2016

To determine whether pretransplant PSD affects the clinical outcomes in HSCT, a retrospective cohort analysis of 73 pediatric and adolescent patients who underwent HSCT was performed. Pretransplant PSD was defined as the presence of a fluid level or mucosal swelling or total opacity on sinus X‐ray or CT examination performed before HSCT. Pretransplant PSD was observed in 21 (29%) patients. The probability of 2‐year OS after HSCT was 42% in patients with pretransplant PSD (PSD group), and 64% in those without (non‐PSD group) (P=.012). The cumulative incidence of 2‐year TRM was 48% in the PSD group, and 17% in the non‐PSD group (P=.005). The cumulative incidences of pulmonary complications and respiratory failure at 2 years after HSCT were significantly higher in the PSD group (41% vs 15%, P=.022; 44% vs 14%, P=.009, respectively). PSD at the time of HSCT should be recognized as an additional potential risk factor for mortality. Further investigation is required to clarify the reasons for the present findings to improve the outcomes of patients with pretransplant PSD.
Disentangling the photochemical salinity tolerance in Aster tripolium L.: connecting biophysical traits with changes in fatty acid composition
Authors: Duarte B. , Cabrita M. T. , Gameiro C. , Matos A. R. , Godinho R. , Marques J. C. , Caçador I.
Published: October 2016

A profound analysis of A. tripolium photochemical traits under salinity exposure is lacking in the literature, with very few references focusing on its fatty acid profile role in photophysiology.

To address this, the deep photochemical processes were evaluated by Pulse Amplitude Modulated (PAM) Fluorometry coupled with a discrimination of its leaf fatty acid profile.

Plants exposed to 125–250 mm NaCl showed higher photochemical light harvesting efficiencies and lower energy dissipation rates. under higher NaCl exposure, there is evident damage of the oxygen evolving complexes (OECs). On the other hand, Reaction Centre (RC) closure net rate and density increased, improving the energy fluxes entering the PS II, in spite of the high amounts of energy dissipated and the loss of PS II antennae connectivity. Energy dissipation was mainly achieved through the auroxanthin pathway. Total fatty acid content displayed a similar trend, being also higher under 125–250 mm NaCl with high levels of omega‐3 and omega‐6 fatty acids. The increase in oleic acid and palmitic acid allows the maintenance of the good functioning of the PS II. Also relevant was the high concentration of chloroplastic C16:1t in the individuals subjected to 125–250 mm NaCl, related with a higher electron transport activity and with the organization of the Light Harvesting Complexes (LHC) and thus reducing the activation of energy dissipation mechanisms.

All these new insights shed some light not only on the photophysiology of this potential cash‐crop, but also highlight its important saline agriculture applications of this species as forage and potential source of essential fatty acids.
Fine‐grained agglutinated elongate columnar stromatolites: Tieling Formation,ca1420 Ma, North China
Authors: Tosti Fabio , Riding Robert
Published: October 2016

The Mesoproterozoic Tieling Formation, near Jixian, northern China, contains thick beds of vertically branched, laterally elongate, columnar stromatolites. Carbonate mud is the primary component of both the stromatolites and their intervening matrix. Mud abundance is attributed to water column ‘whiting’ precipitation stimulated by cyanobacterial photosynthesis. Neomorphic microspar gives the stromatolites a ‘streaky’ microfabric and small mud flakes are common in the matrix. The columns consist of low‐relief, mainly non‐enveloping, laminae that show erosive truncation and well‐defined repetitive lamination. In plan view, the columns form disjunct elongate ridges <10 cm wide separated by narrow matrix‐filled runnels. The stromatolite surfaces were initially cohesive, rather than rigid, and prone to scour, and are interpreted as current aligned microbial mats that trapped carbonate mud. The pervasive ridge–runnel system suggests scale‐dependent biophysical feedback between: (i) carbonate mud supply; (ii) current duration, strength and direction; and (iii) growth and trapping by prolific mat growth. Together, these factors determined the size, morphology and arrangement of the stromatolite columns and their laminae, as well as their branching patterns, alignment and ridge–runnel spacing. Ridge–runnel surfaces resemble ripple mark patterns, but whether currents were parallel and/or normal to stromatolite alignment remains unclear. The formation and preservation of Tieling columns required plentiful supply of carbonate mud, mat‐building microbes well‐adapted to cope with this abundant sediment, and absence of both significant early lithification and bioturbation. These factors were time limited, and Tieling stromatolites closely resemble coeval examples in the Belt‐Purcell Supergroup of Laurentia. The dynamic interactions between mat growth, currents and sediment supply that determined the shape of Tieling columns contributed to the morphotypical diversity that characterizes mid–late Proterozoic branched stromatolites.
Validity of a single question to assess habitual physical activity of community‐dwelling older people
Authors: Portegijs E. , Sipilä S. , Viljanen A. , Rantakokko M. , Rantanen T.
Published: October 2016

The aim is to determine concurrent validity of a single self‐report habitual physical activity (PA) question against accelerometer‐basedPAand mobility variables, and corresponding changes in self‐reportedPAand mobility. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal data of the “Life‐space mobility in old age” (LISPE) cohort and its substudy onPAwere utilized. At baseline, 848 community‐dwelling, 75‐ to 90‐year‐old people living independently in central Finland participated in home‐based interviews. One and 2 years later, 816 and 761 of them were reassessed by phone, respectively. Tri‐axial accelerometer data over 7 days were collected following the baseline assessments in a subsample of 174. Self‐reported habitualPAwas assessed based on intensity and duration using a single question with seven response options (range: mostly resting to competitive sports). Mobility variables were as follows: life‐space mobility, walking difficulty over 500 m, and short physical performance battery. Statistically significant correlations were found between self‐reported habitualPAand mobility (Spearman correlation coefficient Rs = 0.40–0.61) and accelerometer‐basedPAvariables [step counts (Rs = 0.49), time in moderate (Rs = 0.49) and low intensity (Rs = 0.40)PA, and time in sedentary behavior (Rs = −0.28)]. A decline in self‐reported habitualPAover time was associated with 5–10p decline in life‐space mobility (PAimprovement with 0–3p increase) and with developing a higher degree of walking difficulty (in 35–44% of participants). In conclusion, based on these results, the self‐report question to assess habitualPAis valid and responsive to change and thus useful for epidemiological research in community‐dwelling older people, also in follow‐up studies.
Differences in Well‐being among People with Disabilities in Paid Employment: Level of Restriction, Gender and Labour Market Context
Authors: Cregan Christina , Kulik Carol T. , Bainbridge Hugh T. J.
Published: October 2016

This study investigates the variability in well‐being of people with disabilities in paid employment in two different labour market contexts: the beginning (1998) and end (2009) of a period of growth in non‐standard hours and work intensification. It focuses on the well‐being constraints that arise from three influences: a person's disability, a person's gender, and the labour market context. Hypotheses are developed using the social model of disability and social identity theory. Hierarchical moderator regression is employed to examine two national samples of nearly 4,000 people with disabilities in paid employment. Individuals who are most limited by their disabilities, particularly women, reported lower well‐being in 2009 than in 1998. Welfare‐to‐work policies affecting these disadvantaged groups are discussed in relation to the labour market and national regulatory environments.
On the characters of the Sylow -subgroups of untwisted Chevalley groups
Authors: Himstedt Frank , Le Tung , Magaard Kay
Published: October 2016

Let$UY_{n}(q)$be a Sylow$p$-subgroup of an untwisted Chevalley group$Y_{n}(q)$of rank$n$defined over $\mathbb{F}_{q}$where$q$is a power of a prime$p$. We partition the set$\text{Irr}(UY_{n}(q))$of irreducible characters of$UY_{n}(q)$into families indexed by antichains of positive roots of the root system of type$Y_{n}$. We focus our attention on the families of characters of$UY_{n}(q)$which are indexed by antichains of length$1$. Then for each positive root$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}$we establish a one-to-one correspondence between the minimal degree members of the family indexed by$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}$and the linear characters of a certain subquotient$\overline{T}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}}$of$UY_{n}(q)$. For$Y_{n}=A_{n}$our single root character construction recovers, among other things, the elementary supercharacters of these groups. Most importantly, though, this paper lays the groundwork for our classification of the elements of$\text{Irr}(UE_{i}(q))$,$6\leqslant i\leqslant 8$, and$\text{Irr}(UF_{4}(q))$.
Non‐uniform phase sensitivity in spatial frequency maps of the human visual cortex
Authors: Farivar Reza , Clavagnier Simon , Hansen Bruce C. , Thompson Ben , Hess Robert F.
Published: October 2016

Key points

Just as a portrait painting can come from a collection of coarse and fine details, natural vision can be decomposed into coarse and fine components.

Previous studies have shown that the early visual areas in the brain represent these components in a map‐like fashion.

Other studies have shown that these same visual areas can be sensitive to how coarse and fine features line up in space.

We found that the brain actually jointly represents both the scale of the feature (fine, medium, or coarse) and the alignment of these features in space.

The results suggest that the visual cortex has an optimized representation particularly for the alignment of fine details, which are crucial in understanding the visual scene.

Complex natural scenes can be decomposed into their oriented spatial frequency (SF) and phase relationships, both of which are represented locally at the earliest stages of cortical visual processing. The SF preference map in the human cortex, obtained using synthetic stimuli, is orderly and correlates strongly with eccentricity. In addition, early visual areas show sensitivity to the phase information that describes the relationship between SFs and thereby dictates the structure of the image. Taken together, two possibilities arise for the joint representation of SF and phase: either the entirety of the cortical SF map is uniformly sensitive to phase, or a particular set of SFs is selectively phase sensitive – for example, greater phase sensitivity for higher SFs that define fine‐scale edges in a complex scene. To test between these two possibilities, we constructed a novel continuous natural scene video whereby phase information was maintained in one SF band but scrambled elsewhere. By shifting the central frequency of the phase‐aligned band in time, we mapped the phase‐sensitive SF preference of the visual cortex. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we found that phase sensitivity in early visual areas is biased toward higher SFs. Compared to a SF map of the same scene obtained using linear‐filtered stimuli, a much larger patch of areas V1 and V2 is sensitive to the phase alignment of higher SFs. The results of early areas cannot be explained by attention. Our results suggest non‐uniform sensitivity to phase alignment in population‐level SF representations, with phase alignment being particularly important for fine‐scale edge representations of natural scenes.
Toward reliable photoconductive atomic force microscopy measurements
Authors: Sviridov Dmitry E. , Kozlovsky Vladimir I.
Published: October 2016

Photoconductive atomic force microscopy (PC-AFM) allows one to study the influence of illumination on the conductive properties of different samples at the nanoscale. However, for such measurements to be considered reliable, one has to be sure that illumination does not impact the tip–sample contact force. The change of the contact force may be caused by the influence of radiation on the atomic force microscope's position sensitive detector (PSD) as well as the probe and sample. There are certain approaches to reduce this illumination influence; however, they cannot always be implemented. Therefore, it is important to perform a detailed study of the influence of illumination on the PSD, the probe, and the sample during measurements in the PC-AFM mode. In this paper, this was done by studying the mechanism by which elevation is formed in topographic images of the cleaved GaAs substrate surface under lateral continuous wave (CW) laser illumination, with λ = 1064 and 404 nm. It was demonstrated that the illumination results, mainly, in the thermal expansion of the tip and the sample, as well as the generation of a thermal stress in the cantilever. The authors consider the cases in which these effects can increase the tip–sample contact force during PC-AFM measurements and suggest simple approaches by which the increase in force can be minimized. Also, the authors developed the model of thermal expansion of the GaAs sample fixed in the holder under CW laser illumination. Based on this model, the approach was suggested for estimation of the thermal contact conductance value for different solid–solid interfaces.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate Prevents Triptolide-Induced Hepatic Injury by Restoring the Th17/Treg Balance in Mice
Authors: Yu Shu-Jing , Jiang Rong , Mazzu Ying Z. , Wei Cai-Bing , Sun Zong-Liang , Zhang Yu-Zhen , Zhou Lian-Di , Zhang Qi-Hui
Published: October 2016

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is the most common cause of acute liver failure. Disruption of the Th17/Treg balance can lead to hepatic inflammation, which causes the main symptoms of DILI. Here we investigate the protective mechanisms of (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on triptolide (TP)-induced DILI that shows the Th17/Treg imbalance. Pretreatment with EGCG (5[Formula: see text]mg/kg) for 10 days before TP (0.5[Formula: see text]mg/kg) administration in mice significantly reduced the increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level ([Formula: see text]) induced by TP treatment. The hepatic histology analysis further proved that EGCG protected mice from TP-induced liver injury. The imbalance of Th17/Treg was induced by TP treatment, as shown by the upregulation of TLR4 and downregulation of Tim3 expression. EGCG pretreatment can maintain the expression of TLR4 and Tim3 at normal levels to restore the Th17/Treg imbalance. In addition, EGCG can block the TP-induced expression of the downstream targets of TLR4, including MyD88, NF[Formula: see text]B, and retinoid related orphan receptor (ROR-[Formula: see text]t), while EGCG can restore the TP inhibition of forkhead/winged-helix family transcriptional repressor p3 (FoxP3) that is the downstream target of Tim3. Consequently, EGCG pretreatment can effectively inhibit the Th17-related pro-inflammatory cytokine (e.g. IL-17 and IL-6) upregulation induced by TP treatment. However, TP inhibition of Treg-related anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 production was restored by EGCG pretreatment. Taken together, these results suggest that EGCG possesses significant protective properties against TP-induced hepatic inflammatory injury, and that these properties are carried out via the restoration of the Th17/Treg imbalance by the inhibition of the TLR4 signaling pathway and the enhanced activation of the Tim3 signaling pathway.
Archaea in Natural and Impacted Brazilian Environments
Authors: Rodrigues Thiago , Belmok Aline , Catão Elisa , Kyaw Cynthia Maria
Published: October 2016

In recent years, archaeal diversity surveys have received increasing attention. Brazil is a country known for its natural diversity and variety of biomes, which makes it an interesting sampling site for such studies. However, archaeal communities in natural and impacted Brazilian environments have only recently been investigated. In this review, based on a search on the PubMed database on the last week of April 2016, we present and discuss the results obtained in the 51 studies retrieved, focusing on archaeal communities in water, sediments, and soils of different Brazilian environments. We concluded that, in spite of its vast territory and biomes, the number of publications focusing on archaeal detection and/or characterization in Brazil is still incipient, indicating that these environments still represent a great potential to be explored.
Analysis of a Dynamic Viscoelastic Contact Problem with Normal Compliance, Normal Damped Response, and Nonmonotone Slip Rate Dependent Friction
Authors: Barboteu Mikaël , Danan David
Published: October 2016

We consider a mathematical model which describes the dynamic evolution of a viscoelastic body in frictional contact with an obstacle. The contact is modelled with a combination of a normal compliance and a normal damped response law associated with a slip rate-dependent version of Coulomb’s law of dry friction. We derive a variational formulation and an existence and uniqueness result of the weak solution of the problem is presented. Next, we introduce a fully discrete approximation of the variational problem based on a finite element method and on an implicit time integration scheme. We study this fully discrete approximation schemes and bound the errors of the approximate solutions. Under regularity assumptions imposed on the exact solution, optimal order error estimates are derived for the fully discrete solution. Finally, after recalling the solution of the frictional contact problem, some numerical simulations are provided in order to illustrate both the behavior of the solution related to the frictional contact conditions and the theoretical error estimate result.
A Trigonometric Analytical Solution of Simply Supported Horizontally Curved Composite I-Beam considering Tangential Slips
Authors: Xu-xi Qin , Han-bing Liu , Chun-li Wu , Zheng-wei Gu
Published: October 2016

This paper presents an analytical solution of the simply supported horizontally composite curved I-beam by trigonometric series considering the effect of partial interaction in the tangential direction. Governing equations and boundary conditions are obtained by using the Vlasov curved beam theory and the principle of minimum potential energy. The deflection functions and the Lagrange multiplier functions are expressed as trigonometric series to satisfy the governing equations and the simply supported constraints at both ends. The numerical results of deflections and forces which are obtained by this method are compared with both FEM results and experimental results, and the inaccuracy between the analytical solutions in this paper and the FEM results is small and reasonable.
MicroRNA-146a Contributes to SCI Recovery via Regulating TRAF6 and IRAK1 Expression
Authors: Wei Jinsong , Wang Jiafeng , Zhou Yulan , Yan Shouquan , Li Keshen , Lin Hongsheng
Published: October 2016

MicroRNA-146a participates in spinal cord injury (SCI) recovery. Until recently, how miRNA-146a participates in SCI remained unclear. In this study, we tried to explore the roles of miRNA-146a in the recovery of SCI using a rat model. The expression of the probable target genes of miRNA-146a (including IRAK1 and TARF6) as well as proinflammation cytokines were measured until 7 days after surgery in the three groups (sham group, SCI group, and miRNA-146a antagomir injection group). Also, the animals’ motivations were estimated using Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) during the whole experiment. A luciferase assay was performed to demonstrate that miRNA-146a could directly target the mRNAs of IRAK1 and TRAF6. Our experiments indicate that miRNA-146a inhibits proinflammatory cytokine secretion by suppressing IRAK1 and TRAF6 expression in the SCI model. In contrast, miRNA-146a may be upregulated by inflammatory mediators via the IRAK1/TRAF6 pathway in the spinal cord. As a negative feedback element, miRNA-146a could make sure that the expression of IRAK1- and TRAF6-mediated genes was under tight control. Thus, miRNA-146a may serve as a novel therapeutic target for SCI interventions.
Morphological Transformation and Photophysical Properties of Polyfluorene-Based Luminescent Rod-Coil Block Copolymers
Authors: Yu Yang-Yen , Huang Chun-Yen
Published: October 2016

The morphologies, synthesis, and photophysical characterizations of poly[2,7-(9,9-dihexylfluorene)]-block-poly(2-(diethylamino)ethylmethacrylate) using amphiphilic rod-coil (PF-b-PDEAEMA) were demonstrated. The aggregation morphologies of PF13-b-PDEAEMA100 were manipulated by tuning the selectivity of mixed THF/methanol solvents with methanol contents ranging from 0 to 90 vol%. The morphological transformation of PF13-b-PDEAEMA100 caused significant changes in its photophysical properties, including absorption, fluorescence spectra, and fluorescence quenching. Moreover, the thermal stability of PF13-b-PDEAEMA100 was investigated by varying the annealing temperature. The results of the present study suggest that the solvent selectivity influences the photophysical properties and aggregation morphologies of rod-coil block copolymers in solid and solution states.
In Vitro Comparative Analysis of Fracture Resistance in Inlay Restoration Prepared with CAD-CAM and Different Systems in the Primary Teeth
Authors: Simsek Huseyin , Derelioglu Sera
Published: October 2016

Objective. The aim of this study was to compare to fracture resistance test of inlay restorations prepared using direct inlay technique (Gradia® Direct Composite) and Indirect Restoration System® (Gradia Indirect Composite) and CAD/CAD system (Vita Enamic® Block).Study Design. 48 noncarious extracted maxillary second primary molars were randomly divided into 4 groups with 12 in each group. All the teeth were prepared based on inlay class II preparations except for the control group. Other groups were restored with Gradia Direct Composite, Gradia Indirect Composite, and Vita Enamic Block, respectively. All restorations were cemented self-adhesive dual cure resin (3M Espe, RelyX™ Unicem Aplicap). A fracture test was performed using a compressive load. Results were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Duncan’s post hoc multiple comparison tests (α=0.05).Results. Vita Enamic Block and Gradia Indirect Composite showed significantly higher fracture resistance than Gradia Direct Composite (p<0.05). There was no significant difference fracture resistance between Vita Enamic Block and Gradia Indirect Composite (p>0.05). All restorations tested led to a significant reduction in fracture resistance (p<0.05).Conclusion.In inlay restorations, Indirect Restoration Systems and CAD/CAM systems were applied successfully together with the self-adhesive dual cure resin cements in primary molars.
Determination of Levetiracetam in Human Plasma by Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction Followed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Alcantara Greyce Kelly Steinhorst , Calixto Leandro Augusto , de Moraes Luiz Alberto Beraldo , Queiroz Regina Helena Costa , de Oliveira Anderson Rodrigo Moraes , de Gaitani Cristiane Masetto
Published: October 2016

Levetiracetam (LEV) is an antiepileptic drug that is clinically effective in generalized and partial epilepsy syndromes. The use of this drug has been increasing in clinical practice and intra- or -interindividual variability has been exhibited for special population. For this reason, bioanalytical methods are required for drug monitoring in biological matrices. So this work presents a dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (DLLME-GC-MS) for LEV quantification in human plasma. However, due to the matrix complexity a previous purification step is required. Unlike other pretreatment techniques presented in the literature, for the first time, a procedure employing ultrafiltration tubes Amicon® (10 kDa porous size) without organic solvent consumption was developed. GC-MS analyses were carried out using a linear temperature program, capillary fused silica column, and helium as the carrier gas. DLLME optimized parameters were type and volume of extraction and dispersing solvents, salt addition, and vortex agitation time. Under chosen parameters (extraction solvent: chloroform, 130 μL; dispersing solvent: isopropyl alcohol, 400 μL; no salt addition and no vortex agitation time), the method was completely validated and all parameters were in agreement with the literature recommendations. LEV was quantified in patient’s plasma sample using less than 550 μL of organic solvent.
Yi‐Zhi‐Fang‐Dai Formula Protects against Aβ1–42 Oligomer Induced Cell Damage via Increasing Hsp70 and Grp78 Expression in SH‐SY5Y Cells
Authors: Liu Lumei , Wan Wenbin , Chen Wenjing , Chan Yuanjin , Shen Qi , Li Yaming
Published: October 2016

Yi‐Zhi‐Fang‐Dai formula (YZFDF) is an experiential prescription used to cure dementia cases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, the main effective compounds of YZFDF have been identified from this formula, and the neuroprotective effect against Aβ1–42 oligomer of YZFDF has been tested in SH‐SY5Y cells. Our results showed that YZFDF could increase cell viability and could attenuate endothelial reticula‐ (ER‐) mediated apoptosis. Evidence indicated that protein folding and endothelial reticula stress (ERS) played an important role in the AD pathological mechanism. We further explored the expression of Hsp70, an important molecular chaperon facilitating the folding of other proteins, and Grp78, the marker protein of ERS in SH‐SY5Y cells. Data told us that YZFDF pretreatment could influence the mRNA and protein expression of these two proteins. At last, we also found that YZFDF pretreatment could activate Akt in SH‐SY5Y cells. All these above indicate that YZFDF could be a potent therapeutic candidate for AD treatment.
Effects of Arsenic Trioxide on Minor Progressive High-Grade Osteosarcoma of the Extremities Metastatic to the Lung: Results of 39 Patients Treated in a Single Institution
Authors: Xie Lu , Guo Wei , Tang Xiaodong , Yang Yi , Xu Jie
Published: October 2016

Patients who mildly progressed after first-line chemotherapy were administered arsenic trioxide (ATO) 5–10 mg intravenously daily. Thirty-nine patients were finally enrolled in the study, of whom 19 patients received first-line chemotherapy with ATO infusion while 20 patients did not. Progression-free survival at 4 months was 89.2 and 62.7% (p = 0.043) for the ATO group and the control group, respectively, while the 2-year overall survival was 61 and 16.4% (p = 0.032).
Outcome of Asunaprevir/Daclatasvir Combination Therapy for Chronic Liver Disease Type C
Authors: Hagiwara Satoru , Nishida Naoshi , Watanabe Tomohiro , Sakurai Toshiharu , Ida Hiroshi , Minami Yasunori , Takita Masahiro , Minami Tomohiro , Iwanishi Mina , Chishina Hirokazu , Ueshima Kazuomi , Komeda Yoriaki , Arizumi Tadaaki , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: October 2016

Objective: Treatment for chronic hepatitis C has recently developed in a very rapid manner. In Japan, in September 2014, IFN-free asunaprevir (ASV) and daclatasvir (DCV) became available for combination therapy. We report the treatment outcomes achieved at our hospital using this combination therapy. Methods: Sustained virological response (SVR) 24 could be evaluated in 120 of 125 patients with chronic liver disease type C who visited our hospital and were treated with ASV/DCV after September 2014, and these patients were analyzed. Results: SVR24 was achieved in 106 patients (88%). End-of-treatment response was not achieved in 10 patients (8.3%). Five of them carried multiple-resistant NS3/4A or NS5A region, and administration was discontinued early in 4 patients due to adverse effects. After ASV/DCV treatment, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developed in 2 patients (1.7%) and recurred in 5 (4.2%). Conclusions: ASV/DCV treatment achieved favorable SVR in elderly and hepatic cirrhosis patients and patients in whom HCC was cured. However, an increase in the incidence of HCC development in patients who markedly respond to direct-acting antivirals treatment is expected and surveillance of HCC becomes more important.
Coffee Intake and Liver Enzyme Association in Korean Immigrants and Japanese: A Comprehensive Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kim Soo Ki , Shin Myung-Hee , Sugimoto Kayo , Kim Soo Ryang , Imoto Susumu , Kim Ke Ih , Taniguchi Miyuki , Oh Hyun-Kyung , Yano Yoshihiko , Hayashi Yoshitake , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: October 2016

Objectives: Significant inverse association between coffee intake and the levels of liver enzymes has been reported. We demonstrated higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Korean immigrants (KIs) than in indigenous Japanese (IJs). The aim of this study was to investigate whether the association between coffee intake and liver enzyme levels was different between the 2 ethnic groups. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study including a total of 966 subjects comprising KIs and IJs. The association between the quintiles of coffee intake and dichotomous values of liver enzymes was evaluated by logistic regression analysis in KIs, IJs, a high-risk group (current smokers or alcohol drinkers ≥45 g/day), and a low-risk group (non-smokers and alcohol drinkers <45 g/day). Results: In KIs, a significant inverse association between coffee intake and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels was observed. In the IJs, a significant inverse association between coffee intake and serum alanine aminotransferase levels was observed. In the high-risk group, a significant inverse association between coffee intake and serum AST and gamma-glutamyltransferase levels was observed. Conclusion: No difference was observed between KIs and IJs regarding the association between coffee and liver enzymes. Coffee might inhibit hepatic damage by alcohol drinking and smoking.
Comparison of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound and Gadolinium-Ethoxybenzyl-Diethylenetriamine Pentaacetic Acid-Enhanced MRI for the Diagnosis of Macroscopic Type of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Iwamoto Takayuki , Imai Yasuharu , Kogita Sachiyo , Igura Takumi , Sawai Yoshiyuki , Fukuda Kazuto , Yamaguchi Yoshitaka , Matsumoto Yasushi , Nakahara Masanori , Morimoto Osakuni , Seki Yasushi , Ohashi Hiroshi , Fujita Norihiko , Kudo Masatoshi , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: October 2016

Objective: We compared the efficacy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound sonography (CEUS) with sonazoid and gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced MRI for the assessment of macroscopic classification of nodular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Seventy-seven consecutive patients with 79 surgically resected HCCs who underwent both preoperative CEUS and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI were enrolled in this retrospective study. Based on the macroscopic diagnosis of resected specimens, nodules were categorized into the simple nodular (SN) and non-SN type HCC. Two hepatologists independently assessed image datasets of the post-vascular phase of CEUS and hepatobiliary phase of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI to compare their diagnostic performance. Results: Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI enabled the evaluation of macroscopic classification in a significantly larger number of nodules than CEUS (78/79 (98.7%) vs. 70/79 (88.6%), p < 0.05). Of 70 nodules that could be evaluated by both modalities, 41 and 29 nodules were pathologically categorized as SN and non-SN, respectively. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for non-SN did not differ between CEUS and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI (reader 1: 0.748 for CEUS, 0.808 for MRI; reader 2: 0.759 for CEUS, 0.787 for MRI). The AUC of combined CEUS and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI for SN HCC was 0.855 (reader 1) and 0.824 (reader 2), indicating higher AUC values for the combined modalities. Conclusions: The diagnostic performance for macroscopic classification of nodular HCC of CEUS was comparable with that of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI, although some HCCs could not be evaluated by CEUS owing to lower detectability. The combination of the 2 modalities had a more accurate diagnostic performance.
Evolutionary Dynamics of 5S rDNA and Recurrent Association of Transposable Elements in Electric Fish of the Family Gymnotidae (Gymnotiformes): The Case of Gymnotus mamiraua
Authors: da Silva Maelin , Barbosa Patricia , Artoni Roberto F. , Feldberg Eliana
Published: October 2016

Gymnotidae is a family of electric fish endemic to the Neotropics consisting of 2 genera: Electrophorus and Gymnotus. The genus Gymnotus is widely distributed and is found in all of the major Brazilian river systems. Physical and molecular mapping data for the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) in this genus are still scarce, with its chromosomal location known in only 11 species. As other species of Gymnotus with 2n = 54 chromosomes from the Paraná-Paraguay basin, G. mamiraua was found to have a large number of 5S rDNA sites. Isolation and cloning of the 5S rDNA sequences from G. mamiraua identified a fragment of a transposable element similar to the Tc1/mariner transposon associated with a non-transcribed spacer. Double fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of this element and the 5S rDNA showed that they were colocalized on several chromosomes, in addition to acting as nonsyntenic markers on others. Our data show the association between these sequences and suggest that the Tc1 retrotransposon may be the agent that drives the spread of these 5S rDNA-like sequences in the G. mamiraua genome.
Sequential Therapy with Nivolumab Followed by Ipilimumab Induces Complete Response in Metastatic Melanoma of the Lung but with Severe Hepatotoxicities
Authors: Furudate Sadanori , Fujimura Taku , Kambayashi Yumi , Hidaka Takanori , Hashimoto Akira , Aiba Setsuya
Published: October 2016

Since nivolumab significantly prolongs survival in patients with metastatic melanoma, the number of patients administered nivolumab is increasing, but only 30–40% of patients who received nivolumab monotherapy experienced objective tumor regression. Therefore, enhancing its anti-tumor immune response is of great interest to dermato-oncologists. In this report, we present a case of multiple metastatic melanomas in the lung successfully treated with nivolumab (2 mg/kg every 3 weeks for 12 weeks) followed by ipilimumab (3 mg/kg every 3 weeks for 9 weeks), but with severe liver dysfunction.
A Pragmatic Account of the Use of the Historic Present in De corona
Authors: Nijk Arjan A.
Published: October 2016

Abstract

The aim of this article is to account for the eight Historic Present (HP) forms in Demosthenes’De corona. The starting point is the theory of Sicking & Stork (1997, 165): “The primary function of HP is to lift out from their context those narrative assertions that are essential for what the speaker has stated to be his immediate concern”. It is argued that this approach yields a convincing interpretation of (a) the five HP forms in the narrative of the Amphissian war (141-59), and (b) the three HP forms in 17-52, divided over several small narratives. Finally, it is argued that considerations of presentation and pragmatics help to explain why HP is used only in those parts of the speech where Demosthenes does not so much discuss his own policies as show that Aeschines is to blame for the current situation in Greece.
Individual variation in corticosterone and personality traits in the blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus
Authors: Arnold Kathryn E. , Herborn Katherine A. , Henderson Lindsay J. , Adam Aileen , Alexander Lucille , Evans Neil
Published: October 2016

Variation in personality traits is predicted to reflect physiology, but the extent to which variations in stress hormones derive from differences in personality and/or state-dependent factors remains unclear. To investigate this, wild blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) were briefly brought into captivity and scored for personality and corticosterone (Cort) concentrations. More active females had lower baseline Cort than less active individuals. Exploratory tendency and neophobia did not co-vary with baseline Cort. Stress-induced Cort concentrations were correlated negatively with exploratory tendency and haematocrit, but positively with mass gain in captivity. Therefore, baseline and stress-induced Cort concentrations in wintering blue tits were associated with state-dependent variables, sex, age and personality traits. Key to interpreting the physiology of personality traits seems to be their interactions with other traits that mediate ability to utilise resources, and thus influence an individual’s perception of its current and future energy balance.
Opus Salomonis: Sorting Out Solomon’s Scattered Treasure
Authors: Iafrate Allegra
Published: October 2016

The present contribution discusses the known occurrences of the expression opus Salomonis in medieval art and literature. The goal is to regroup together the textual occurrences presented in the past by various scholars, in order to show how the application of the expression differs across different contexts. Most of these Solomonic references depend on the initial topos of the furnishing of the Temple of Jerusalem but they act in different ways and should be understood according to three main lines of interpretation. The first, which is possible to date around the sixth century ce, depends on a tradition that mentions a series of objects that are literally considered as coming from the treasure of Solomon. The second interpretation, strictly related to the former, but whose earliest mention is an eighth-century source, shows us a shift toward bronze objects that evoke the context of the Temple for their technique of realization. The third reference, probably developed between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries in a French, lay, cultural context, deals instead with the working technique of hard and precious materials, especially ivory.
An Evangelical Response to The Church: Towards a Common Vision
Authors: Creemers Jelle
Published: October 2016

The author has prepared an evangelical response to The Church: Towards a Common Vision based on classroom discussions at the Evangelische Theologische Faculteit in Leuven, Belgium, and with the kind cooperation of colleagues. The respondents have no authority to speak for an ecclesial family. In fact, they do not even share a denominational allegiance. They can, however, offer a multilayered appreciation from within the diverse evangelical movement, which is characterized by a shared spirituality. After general remarks, Faith and Order’s second convergence document is discussed from conversionist, restorationist and revivalist perspectives. While opinions on the document diverge, there is a general appreciation for the work of Faith and Order. It is explained how the document challenges the evangelical movement to critical self-reflection. Particular theological emphases of the evangelical movement that can contribute to the developing ecumenical ecclesiology are suggested as well.