bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis in patients with symptomatic epilepsy and epilepsy of unknown etiology (‘cryptogenic’)
Authors: Fauser S. , Soellner C. , Bien C. G. , Tumani H.
Published: July 2017

Background and purpose

To compare the frequency of intrathecal immunoglobulin (Ig) synthesis in patients with symptomatic epilepsy and epilepsy of unknown etiology (‘cryptogenic’).

Methods

Patients with epileptic (n = 301) and non‐epileptic (n = 10) seizures were retrospectively screened for autochthonous intrathecal Ig synthesis and oligoclonal bands (OCBs) in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Results

Intrathecal IgG/OCBs were detected in 8% of patients with epilepsies of unknown etiology, 5% of patients with first seizures of unknown cause and 0–4% of patients with epilepsy due to brain tumors, cerebrovascular disease or other etiologies. Intrathecal IgG/OCBs were not seen in patients with psychogenic seizures. Identical OCBs in serum and cerebrospinal fluid were more common in all patient groups (10–40% depending on underlying etiology).

Conclusions

Intrathecal IgG synthesis/OCBs were observed slightly more frequently in patients with ‘cryptogenic’ epilepsy and with first seizures of unknown etiology than in other patient groups. However, this remained an infrequent finding and thus we could not confirm humoral immunity as a leading disease mechanism in patients with epilepsy in general or with unknown etiology in particular.
Age‐associated intracellular superoxide dismutase deficiency potentiates dermal fibroblast dysfunction during wound healing
Authors: Fujiwara Toshihiro , Dohi Teruyuki , Maan Zeshaan N. , Rustad Kristine C. , Kwon Sun Hyung , Padmanabhan Jagannath , Whittam Alexander J. , Suga Hirotaka , Duscher Dominik , Rodrigues Melanie , Gurtner Geoffrey C.
Published: July 2017

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) impair wound healing through destructive oxidation of intracellular proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Intracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD1) regulates ROS levels and plays a critical role in tissue homoeostasis. Recent evidence suggests that age‐associated wound healing impairments may partially result from decreased SOD1 expression. We investigated the mechanistic basis by which increased oxidative stress links to age‐associated impaired wound healing. Fibroblasts were isolated from unwounded skin of young and aged mice, and myofibroblast differentiation was assessed by measuring α‐smooth muscle actin and collagen gel contraction. Excisional wounds were created on young and aged mice to study the healing rate, ROS levels and SOD1 expression. A mechanistic link between oxidative stress and fibroblast function was explored by assessing the TGF‐β1 signalling pathway components in young and aged mice. Age‐related wounds displayed reduced myofibroblast differentiation and delayed wound healing, consistent with a decrease in the in vitro capacity for fibroblast‐myofibroblast transition following oxidative stress. Young fibroblasts with normal SOD1 expression exhibited increased phosphorylation of ERK in response to elevated ROS. In contrast, aged fibroblasts with reduced SOD1 expression displayed a reduced capacity to modulate intracellular ROS. Collectively, age‐associated wound healing impairments are associated with fibroblast dysfunction that is likely the result of decreased SOD1 expression and subsequent dysregulation of intracellular ROS. Strategies targeting these mechanisms may suggest a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of chronic non‐healing wounds in the aged population.
Discriminating uniparental and biparental breeding strategies by monitoring nest temperature
Authors: Moreau Jérôme , Perroud Lucie , Bollache Loïc , Yannic Glenn , Teixeira Maria , Schmidt Niels Martin , Reneerkens Jeroen , Gilg Olivier
Published: July 2017

Birds exhibit a wide diversity of breeding strategies. During incubation or chick‐rearing, parental care can be either uniparental, by either the male or the female, or biparental. Understanding the selective pressures that drive these different strategies represents an exciting challenge for ecologists. In this context, assigning the type of parental care at the nest (e.g. biparental or uniparental incubation strategy) is often a prerequisite to answering questions in evolutionary ecology. The aim of this study was to produce a standardized method unequivocally to assign an incubation strategy to any Sanderling Calidris alba nest found in the field by monitoring nest temperature profiles. Using drops of >3 °C in nest temperature (recorded with thermistors) to distinguish incubation and recess periods, we showed that the number of recesses and the total duration of these recesses from 09:00 to 17:00 h UTC allowed us reliably (99.1% after 24 h and 100% when monitoring the nest for at least 4 days) to assign the incubation strategy at the nest for 21 breeding adults (14 nests). Monitoring nest temperature for at least 24 h is an effective method to assign an incubation strategy without having to re‐visit nests, thereby saving time in the field and minimizing both disturbance and related increase in predation risk of clutches. Given the advantages of our method, we suggest that it should be used more widely in studies that aim to document incubation strategies and patterns in regions where ambient temperatures are at least 3 °C below the median nest temperature.
Identification of the prothoracicotropic hormone (Ptth) coding gene and localization of its site of expression in the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum
Authors: Barberà M. , Martínez‐Torres D.
Published: July 2017

Insect hormones control essential aspects of physiology, behaviour and development in insects. The majority of insect hormones are peptide hormones that perform a highly diverse catalogue of functions. Prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) is a brain neuropeptide hormone whose main function is to stimulate the secretion of ecdysone (the moulting hormone) by the prothoracic glands in insect larvae thus playing a key role in the control of moulting and metamorphosis. Moreover, both PTTH release or blockade have been reported to act as a switch to terminate or initiate larval and pupal diapauses. In insects, diapause is a prevalent response often regulated by the photoperiod. It has been shown that PTTH participates as an output of the circadian clock and a role in photoperiodic processes is suggested in some insect species. Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) reproduce by cyclical parthenogenesis with a sexual phase, induced by short photoperiods, that leads to the production of diapausing eggs. With the availability of the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) genome, efforts to identify and characterize genes relevant to essential aspects of aphid biology have multiplied. In spite of its relevance, several genomic and transcriptomic studies on aphid neuropeptides failed to detect aphid PTTH amongst them. Here we report on the first identification of the aphid PTTH coding gene and the neuroanatomical localization of its expression in the aphid brain.
Ayurvedic plumbism
Authors: Sadler Matthew , Bell Sarah
Published: July 2017

Ayurveda is a traditional medicine native to India but is used in many parts of the world as an alternative or adjunct to standard medicine. Preparation can involve incorporation of heavy metals, including lead. We report the case of a 64‐year‐old man presenting with malaise, abdominal pain, anaemia and very high lead levels. He was found to be taking ayurvedic medicines to help his diabetic control. Analysis of the ayurvedic medications showed several with very high lead content. Following treatment with an oral chelating agent, the patient's symptoms and blood abnormalities resolved. This case highlights the need to be aware of potentially toxic alternative medications patients take and the efficacy of oral treatment choices in lead poisoning.
Effects of low temperature cooking methods and holding times on selected quality attributes of cooked pork longissimus dorsi
Authors: Li He , Sun Da‐Wen , Han Zhong , Yu Xu‐Cong
Published: July 2017

This article studied the effects of different cooking methods (water bath, steam, and microwave environments) and holding times ranging from 0 to 9 min on selected quality attributes including cooking loss, Warner‐Bratzler shear force, and water‐holding capacity of cooked pork loin meats. Results indicated that increasing holding time caused the shear force value to increase, then decrease, and then increase again. The minimum shear force value for steam and microwave cooking environments at 75 °C was found at the holding time of 5 and 7 min, respectively. The cooking loss was increased with increasing cooking time, and less amount of cooking loss was achieved by inverter microwave oven and steam stove. This investigation might serve as a proof‐of‐concept study showing that low temperature cooking can achieve nutritional cooking, and the current results suggested the possibility of cooking at low temperatures.

Practical applications

Tenderness is one of the most important quality attributes of pork loin meat, which is significantly affected by different cooking methods and cooking duration. This study compared different low temperature cooking methods, including water bath, steam stove, electric steamer, nonvariable frequency microwave oven, and inverter microwave oven currently used in the catering industry, and results suggested that the inverter microwave oven and steam stove are a better cooking solution for maintaining more nutrients and better tenderness of the cooked meat products, and the inverter microwave oven can achieve rapid cooking. Therefore, the information available from this study is useful to the catering industry.
Effect of micro‐pattern topography on the attachment and survival of foodborne microorganisms on food contact surfaces
Authors: Lee Jaesung , Pascall Melvin A.
Published: July 2017

This study investigated the use of a nonchemical antimicrobial approach to limit the contamination and survival of foodborne bacteria on polymeric films. This was done by monitoring the difference between micropatterned topography films and regular (smooth) films for the attachment and survival of Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua during drying, biofilm formation, and sanitization. Initial bacteria attachments and numbers of survivors on the micro‐pattern topography films were significantly lower in 3 hr short‐term drying tests. Contaminated buffer solution and a milk‐based medium at 10 and 23 °C, for 5 days, were used for the biofilm formation and sanitization tests. No significant differences in numbers of viable bacteria in the biofilms from the two test films were observed prior to cleaning and sanitizing. Viable cells were not detectable on the micro‐pattern topography films after the application of sanitizing solutions, while evidence of cell viability was seen on the smooth films.

Practical applications

The overall results suggest that the attachment and survivability of foodborne bacteria on films can be inhibited by using physical modification of food contact surfaces. Development of the micro‐pattern materials can also be helpful to reduce the number of viable bacteria on food contact surfaces. This will delay the reformation of biofilms after sanitization.
The physiological role of the amyloid precursor protein as an adhesion molecule in the developing nervous system
Authors: Sosa Lucas J. , Cáceres Alfredo , Dupraz Sebastián , Oksdath Mariana , Quiroga Santiago , Lorenzo Alfredo
Published: July 2017

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein better known for its participation in the physiopathology of Alzheimer disease as the source of the beta amyloid fragment. However, the physiological functions of the full length protein and its proteolytic fragments have remained elusive. APP was first described as a cell‐surface receptor; nevertheless, increasing evidence highlighted APP as a cell adhesion molecule. In this review, we will focus on the current knowledge of the physiological role of APP as a cell adhesion molecule and its involvement in key events of neuronal development, such as migration, neurite outgrowth, growth cone pathfinding, and synaptogenesis. Finally, since APP is over‐expressed in Down syndrome individuals because of the extra copy of chromosome 21, in the last section of the review, we discuss the potential contribution of APP to the neuronal and synaptic defects described in this genetic condition.

image

Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 9.

Cover Image for this issue: doi. 10.1111/jnc.13817.
Risk factors for the incidence of delirium in cerebrovascular patients in a Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit: A prospective study
Authors: Wang Jun , Ji Yuanyuan , Wang Ning , Chen Wenjin , Bao Yuehong , Qin Qinpu , Xiao Qian , Li Shulan
Published: July 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore the incidence of delirium in cerebrovascular patients admitted in our Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit and analyse the risk factors leading to delirium.

Background

Delirium is one of the most common mental disorders in general hospitals, but the incidence of different kinds of diseases and studies varies. Cerebrovascular patients in our Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit are high‐risk groups for delirium; identifying risk factors for delirium and taking early interventions are crucial for patient prognosis.

Design

A prospective study.

Methods

A convenience sampling method was used to collect data from 128 patients in the Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit of Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China, between May 2016–January 2017. Researchers used Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (Chinese version) to assess each patient's delirium statement twice a day at regular times. We also collected other independent data variables and followed up the short‐term clinical outcomes daily.

Results

On the basis of Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit evaluation, patients were divided into a delirium group and a nondelirium group. The prevalence of delirium among the 128 patients was 42.2%. Multivariate analysis showed that severity of illness, fever, the use of physical restraints and sleep deprivation were independent predictors of delirium in cerebrovascular patients in the Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit.

Conclusions

Cerebrovascular patients in the Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit with a critical condition, fever or use of physical restraints or experiencing sleep deprivation were more prone to delirium.

Relevance to clinical practice

Cerebrovascular patients in the Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit showed a high incidence of delirium. There are many risk factors leading to delirium, some of which are independent predictors of intensive care delirium. Patients with delirium will suffer various adverse effects upon their short‐term clinical outcomes. Therefore, nurses should pay close attention to changes in a patient's mental state and learn about the risk factors associated with delirium, in order to be able to take early measures to prevent delirium.
Expertise in action: Insights into the dynamic nature of expertise in community‐based nursing
Authors: Dickson Caroline A.W. , McVittie Chris , Kapilashrami Anuj
Published: July 2017

Aims and objectives

To gain insight into community nurses' experiences and how they make sense of the expertise they offer in their role.

Background

Globally, the spotlight is currently on community nursing expertise because of the movement of hospital‐based to community‐based care. Caring for people at home is no longer solely concerned with prevention, but delivering complex care to patients who are acutely unwell or at the end of their life. Little is known about the distinct expertise of community nurses, or their contribution to patient outcomes. There is a need to examine expertise in this group in order to inform current and future care provision within community settings.

Design

A hermeneutic, phenomenological study.

Method

Semistructured interviews were conducted with eight community nurses in Scotland, UK, who hold an additional postregistration, professional qualification. Participants also kept audio‐journals. Data were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Findings

Participants described their expertise in three themes: negotiating a “way in” to care, managing complexity and “thinking on your feet.” They did not refer to themselves as specialist practitioners, nor did they perceive that they were viewed as specialist by colleagues or management. They appeared to dismiss their range of expertise which included forming trusting relationships, anticipating care needs and problem‐solving, enabling them to undertake complex care management.

Conclusions

Expertise of community nurses in this study is dynamic, contextualised and action‐oriented enabling them to be creative problem‐solvers. It reflects engagement with patients and families and all aspects of the setting where care is provided, rather than being solely an identifiable set of specialist skills.

Relevance to clinical practice

It is vital to recognise community‐based expertise internationally, especially if current WHO aims for community‐based health care are to be achieved. Highlighting this expertise contributes to current discourse and may be considered in education and practice reviews.
Hypocalcaemia‐induced tetany secondary to total thyroidectomy: a nursing case review
Authors: Bakon Shannon , Craft Judy , Christensen Martin
Published: July 2017

Presentations to the emergency department with a diagnosis of hypocalcaemia‐induced tetany secondary to total thyroidectomy are rare. A patient presented to the emergency department of a regional Australian hospital with hypocalcaemia‐induced tetany. A case study was employed to reflect on the care provided and identify knowledge practice deficits within this unusual patient presentation. Calcium plays a central role within the nervous system and is vital for both cardiac and muscular contraction. The clinical manifestations of electrolyte disturbances such as hypocalcaemia can be life threatening, and therefore, appropriate assessment, monitoring and management are essential to ensure positive patient outcomes. Understanding the importance of calcium imbalance for the emergency and critical care nurse is paramount in preventing complications associated with cardiac conduction and muscle tone, especially the potential for airway compromise. Education is central to this and may include clinical case reviews, the application of pathophysiological presentations of electrolyte imbalance and a review of electrolyte administration guidelines. Understanding the role of calcium within the body will assist emergency and critical care nurses to assess, monitor and intervene appropriately, thereby preventing the life‐threatening manifestations of hypocalcaemia.
Integrated “omics” approaches to sustain global productivity of major grain legumes under heat stress
Authors: Jha Uday Chand , Bohra Abhishek , Parida Swarup Kumar , Jha Rintu
Published: July 2017

Grain legumes serve as key sources of dietary protein to the global human population. Consequence of high‐temperature (HT) stress is increasingly evident as drastically lost production of different crops including grain legumes worldwide, thus putting the global food security under great threat. In a changing climate scenario, cool season‐adapted grain legumes frequently encounter heat stress (HS) during their reproductive phase, thus witnessing serious yield losses. To combat the emerging challenges of HT stress, an integrated approach demanding collaborative efforts from various disciplines of plant science should be in place. This review summarizes major impacts of HT stress on grain legume, and captures the relevance of crop genetic resources to HS tolerance in these crops. Measurement of physiological traits assumes key place in view of ever‐increasing precision of next‐generation phenotyping assays. We also discuss the significance of genetic inheritance and QTL discovery and evolving “omics” science for developing HS tolerance grain legume crops.
Screening recently identified whitefly/spider mite‐resistant wild tomato accessions for resistance to Tuta absoluta
Authors: Rakha Mohamed , Zekeya Never , Sevgan Subramanian , Musembi Muia , Ramasamy Srinivasan , Hanson Peter
Published: July 2017

The tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) is a serious pest of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in the tropics and subtropics. Previous World Vegetable Center studies identified selected accessions of S. galapagense, S. cheesmaniae and S. pimpinellifolium that were resistant to whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) and spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch). Here, we evaluated these accessions for resistance to T. absoluta based on the number of eggs from choice bioassays, and larval mortality and adults emerged percentages in no‐choice feeding bioassays at WorldVeg Eastern and Southern Africa (WorldVeg) and the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe). At WorldVeg, S. galapagense VI063177 exhibited high resistance in both choice and no‐choice bioassays. There was strong negative correlation between larval mortality and adults emerged percentages in the no‐choice feeding bioassays. Results from the icipe experiments were consistent with those of the WorldVeg screening, except for S. pimpinellifolium accession VI030462, which was susceptible at icipe. Tuta absoluta is rapidly spreading and the resistance sources reported here will be valuable in breeding tomato varieties resistant to this insect and others.
Impact of a pharmacist‐led vaccine recommendation program for pediatric kidney transplant candidates
Authors: Carthon Clarice E. , Hall Reed C. , Maxwell Pamela R. , Crowther Barrett R.
Published: July 2017

Pediatric transplant recipients commonly have deficient vaccination status at the time of transplantation. Utilizing transplant pharmacists to improve vaccination rates has not previously been described. This single‐center, retrospective study evaluated the impact of transplant pharmacist interventions on the completion rate of vaccination schedules at time of kidney transplant. Patients who received pharmacist‐led vaccination recommendations prior to transplant were compared to patients without pharmacist recommendations. Forty‐seven pediatric patients were included: 24 intervention patients and 23 control patients. The median percentage of up‐to‐date vaccinations at time of transplant was significantly higher in intervention group (91%; IQR 86%‐100%) vs. control group (80%; IQR 71%‐80%) (P<.0001). The median change in up‐to‐date vaccinations from time of evaluation to time of transplant was also significantly higher in the intervention group (7.5%) compared to the control group (0%) (P<.0001). There was no difference in live vaccination rates. No patients in either group were readmitted for a vaccine‐preventable disease within 6 months post‐transplant. With pharmacist intervention, significantly more patients were up to date with vaccination schedules at the time of transplant. These results suggest that a transplant pharmacist may serve as a valuable resource to increase vaccination schedule compliance between time of evaluation and transplantation.
Cough in fibrotic lung disease: An unresolved challenge
Authors: Saunders Peter , Maher Toby M.
Published: July 2017

See related Article
When the Common Good Takes the Grand(est) Stage The Cosmic Common Good: Religious Grounds for Ecological Ethics, DanielP. Scheid, Oxford University Press, 2016 (ISBN 978‐0‐19‐935943‐1), xvi + 248 pp., hb £19.99
Authors: Andrejč Gorazd
Published: July 2017

Rooting itself in Catholic social teaching rather than theology of creation, this book develops a novel approach to Catholic ecological ethics. It argues that the traditional conception of the social common good should be fully broadened to encompass all creation, including abiota. Furthermore, the book suggests a comparative‐theological approach to ecological ethics through careful conversations with Buddhist, Hindu, and American Lakota conceptions and practices. While its vision of the cosmic common good at times appears too inclusive and perhaps ‘too good to be true’, this book is a valuable contribution to Christian ecological ethics and includes a fresh comparative‐theological take on ecological questions.
Theology of Creation and the Use of ScriptureCreation, David Fergusson, Eerdmans, 2014 (ISBN 978‐0‐8028‐7196‐1), viii + 149 pp., pb $18From Nothing: A Theology of Creation, Ian A.McFarland, Westminster John Knox, 2014 (ISBN 978‐0‐664‐23819‐3), xvii + 212 pp., pb $35
Authors: Moberly Walter
Published: July 2017

David Fergusson's recent book, Creation, overviews differing aspects of creation for a theologically‐literate but non‐specialist readership, while Ian McFarland's From Nothing: A Theology of Creation offers a sophisticated account of the meaning and theological implications of the classic doctrine of creatio ex nihilo. Although both books make constructive appeal to Scripture, I suggest that their use of Scripture indicates that their creative theological thinking is not primarily done by working through the interpretative challenges that Scripture presents. There thus remains a distance between biblically and systematically oriented theological thinking.
The largest minority population in the U.S. without adequate dental care
Authors: Waldman H. Barry , Perlman Steven P. , Wong Allen
Published: July 2017

A recent series of reports in Health Affairs reviewed the disparities in securing needed oral health services in the U.S. Despite an extensive oversight of the many issues involved, no direct mention is made of the particular conditions of the largest minority population in the U.S. unable to access dental care—the tens of millions of individuals with special health care needs. A review is provided of the particular barriers and conditions faced by this increasing population in its efforts to secure needed services.
On the Iatrogenic Risk of Assessing Suicidality: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: DeCou Christopher R. , Schumann Matthew E.
Published: July 2017

Previous studies have failed to detect an iatrogenic effect of assessing suicidality. However, the perception that asking about suicide may induce suicidality persists. This meta‐analysis quantitatively synthesized research concerning the iatrogenic risks of assessing suicidality. This review included studies that explicitly evaluated the iatrogenic effects of assessing suicidality via prospective research methods. Thirteen articles were identified that met inclusion criteria. Evaluation of the pooled effect of assessing suicidality with regard to negative outcomes did not demonstrate significant iatrogenic effects. Our findings support the appropriateness of universal screening for suicidality, and should allay fears that assessing suicidality is harmful.
Identification of the novel HLA‐A*11:141 allele in a Chinese bone marrow donor
Authors: Liu Y.‐Y. , Li G.‐Y. , Tang Z. H.‐H. , Wu K.‐L. , Guo Z. H.‐Q.
Published: July 2017

HLA‐A*11:141 has 1 nucleotide change from
HLA‐A*11:01:01 at position 470G>C.
Identification of a new HLA‐A allele, HLA‐A*02:07:09, in a Chinese non‐Hodgkin lymphoma patient
Authors: Wang B.‐J. , Huo M.‐R. , Li D. , Gao Y.‐H. , Wu X.‐X.
Published: July 2017

HLA‐A*02:07:09 is different from HLA‐A*02:07:01 by a single nucleotide substitution at position 244.
Catechin attenuates traumatic brain injury‐induced blood–brain barrier damage and improves longer‐term neurological outcomes in rats
Authors: Jiang Zhixian , Zhang Jinning , Cai Yonghui , Huang Jiaxin , You Lingtong
Published: July 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

We investigated the potential neuroprotective effects of catechin after traumatic brain injury and explored the underlying mechanisms.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Catechin treatment had neuroprotective effects in a rat model of traumatic brain injury, and these effects might be mediated by intervention in the self‐perpetuating process of blood–brain barrier disruption and excessive inflammatory reaction.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting from external force on the head usually leads to long‐term deficits in motor and cognitive functions. Catechin has shown neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative diseases and ischaemia models. We therefore investigated the potential neuroprotective effects of catechin after TBI and explored the underlying mechanisms. Male rats were subjected to controlled cortical impact injury and then treated with catechin. Brain damage, motor and cognitive functions, blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity and neuro‐inflammation were examined. Catechin treatment ameliorated brain damage and motor and cognitive deficits after TBI. Catechin was shown to protect BBB integrity, alleviate the TBI‐induced loss of the junction proteins occludin and zonula occludens protein‐1 and suppress local inflammatory reactions. Catechin treatment had neuroprotective effects in a rat model of TBI, and these effects might be mediated by intervention in the self‐perpetuating process of BBB disruption and excessive inflammatory reaction.
Inhibitory modulation of medial prefrontal cortical activation on lateral orbitofrontal cortex–amygdala information flow
Authors: Chang Chun‐hui , Ho Ta‐wen
Published: July 2017

Key points

The basolateral complex of the amygdala (BLA) receives input from the lateral orbitofrontal cortex (lOFC) for cue–outcome contingencies and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) for emotion control. Here we examined how the mPFC modulates lOFC–BLA information flow.

We found that the majority of BLA neurons responsive to lOFC stimulation were also responsive to mPFC stimulation.

Activation of the mPFC exerted an inhibitory modulation of the lOFC–BLA pathway, which was reversed with intra‐amygdala blockade of GABAergic receptors.

mPFC tetanus potentiated the lOFC–BLA pathway, but did not alter its inhibitory modulatory gating.

These results show that the mPFC potently inhibits lOFC drive of the BLA in a GABA‐dependent manner, which is informative in understanding the normal and potential pathophysiological state of emotion and contingency associations in regulating behaviour.

Several neocortical projections converge onto the basolateral complex of the amygdala (BLA), including the lateral orbitofrontal cortex (lOFC) and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Lateral orbitofrontal input to the BLA is important for cue–outcome contingencies, while medial prefrontal input is essential for emotion control. In this study, we examined how the mPFC, specifically the infralimbic division of the mPFC, modulates lOFC–BLA information flow, using combined in vivo extracellular single‐unit recordings and pharmacological manipulations in anaesthetized rats. We found that the majority (over 95%) of BLA neurons that responded to lOFC stimulation also responded to mPFC stimulation. Compared to basal condition, pharmacological (N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate) or electrical activation of the mPFC exerted an inhibitory modulation of the lOFC–BLA pathway, which was reversed with intra‐amygdala blockade of GABAergic receptors with combined GABAA and GABAB antagonists (bicuculline and saclofen). Moreover, mPFC tetanus potentiated the lOFC–BLA pathway, but mPFC tetanus or low‐frequency stimulation did not alter its inhibitory modulatory gating on the lOFC–BLA pathway. These results show that the mPFC potently inhibits lOFC drive of BLA neurons in a GABA‐dependent manner. Our result is informative in understanding the normal and potential pathophysiological state of emotion and contingency associations regulating behaviour.
Glial EAAT2 regulation of extracellular nTS glutamate critically controls neuronal activity and cardiorespiratory reflexes
Authors: Matott Michael P. , Kline David D. , Hasser Eileen M.
Published: July 2017

Key points

Excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) is present on astrocytes in the nucleus tractus solitarii (nTS), an important nucleus in cardiorespiratory control. Its specific role in influencing nTS neuronal activity and thereby basal and reflex cardiorespiratory function is unknown.

The specific role of nTS EAAT2 was determined via whole animal and brainstem slice patch clamp experiments.

Astrocytic EAAT2 buffers basal glutamate activation of AMPA‐type glutamate receptors and therefore decreases baseline excitability of nTS neurons.

EAAT2 modulates cardiorespiratory control and tempers excitatory cardiorespiratory responses to activation of the peripheral chemoreflex.

This study supports the concept that nTS astrocyte transporters influence sympathetic nervous system activity and cardiorespiratory reflex function in health and disease.

Glutamatergic signalling is critical in the nucleus tractus solitarii (nTS) for cardiorespiratory homeostasis and initiation of sensory reflexes, including the chemoreflex activated during hypoxia. Maintenance of nTS glutamate concentration occurs in part through astrocytic excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs). We previously established the importance of EAATs in the nTS by demonstrating their inhibition produced neuronal excitation to alter basal cardiorespiratory function. Since EAAT2 is the most expressed EAAT in the nTS, this study specifically determined EAAT2's role in nTS astrocytes, its influence on neuronal and synaptic properties, and ultimately on basal and reflex cardiorespiratory function. The EAAT2‐specific antagonist dihydrokainate (DHK) was microinjected into the anaesthetized rat nTS or applied to rat nTS slices. DHK produced depressor, bradycardic and sympathoinhibitory responses and reduced neural respiration in the intact rat, mimicking responses to glutamate excitation. DHK also enhanced responses to glutamate microinjection. DHK elevated extracellular nTS glutamate concentration, depolarized neurons and enhanced spontaneous EPSCs. EAAT2 block also augmented action potential discharge in chemosensitive nTS neurons. Glial recordings confirmed EAAT2 is functional on nTS astrocytes. Neuronal excitation and cardiorespiratory effects following EAAT2 inhibition were due to activation of putative extrasynaptic AMPA receptors as their antagonism blocked DHK responses in the intact rat nTS and the slice. The DHK‐induced elevation of extracellular glutamate and neuronal excitation augmented chemoreflex‐mediated pressor, sympathoexcitatory and minute neural ventilation responses in the rat. These data shed new light on the important role astrocytic EAAT2 plays on buffering nTS excitation and overall cardiorespiratory function.
Isaiah 52 in the Book of Mormon: Notes on Isaiah's Reception History
Authors: Spencer Joseph M
Published: July 2017

Despite increasing recognition of the importance of Mormonism to American religion, little attention has been given to the novel uses of Isaiah in foundational Mormon texts. is paper crosses two lines of inquiry: the study of American religion, with an eye to the role played in it by Mormonism, and the study of Isaiah’s reception history. It looks at the use of Isa  52:7-10 in the Book of Mormon, arguing that that volume exhibits four irreducibly distinct approaches to the interpretation of Isaiah, the interrelations among which are explicitly meant to speak to nineteenth-century American Christianity.
New Oripodoidea (Acari, Oribatida) from Myanmar
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G.
Published: July 2017

The oribatid mite taxa (Acari, Oribatida), superfamily Oripodoidea, families Scheloribatidae and Caloppiidae, genera Scheloribates Berlese, 1908 and Zetorchella Berlese, 1916, and the species Zetorchella orbiculata (Wen & Zhao, 1994), are recorded in Myanmar for the first time. Two new oripodoid species are described: Scheloribates natmaensis sp. nov. (Scheloribatidae) is most similar to S. yamaeensis Nakamura, Hashimoto, Nishi, Nakamura & Fujikawa, 2015, but differs by the larger body size, narrowly triangular rostrum, clavate, rounded distally bothridial setae and longitudinal stria on the notogaster; Zetorchella taungensis sp. nov. (Caloppiidae) is most similar to Z. nortoni Ermilov, Sidorchuk & Rybalov, 2010, but differs by the larger body size, longer notogastral setae, bothridial setae shorter than humeral notogastral setae c and notogastral setae c and p1 similar in length.
Extraction of scattering echo time by surf noise background subtracted autocorrelation
Authors: Li Xiaolei , Chi Jing , Gao Dazhi , Li Jie , Wang Ning
Published: July 2017

Extracting echo time is an important step in scatterer detection by ambient noise, while in general the scattered signal is weak and submerged in the background. An experiment of a Polyvinyl chloride pipe in a coastline surf noise environment is designed to extract the pipe's echo time by noise autocorrelation. As expected, the scattered wave of the pipe is submerged in an autocorrelation signal. A method called background subtracted autocorrelation is proposed in this paper, which can retrieve scattered echo time from autocorrelation signal effectively. And the biggest relative error of extracted echo time is less than 2% in the experiment.
Intensimetric detection of distortion product otoacoustic emissions with ear canal calibration
Authors: Sisto Renata , Cerini Luigi , Sanjust Filippo , Moleti Arturo
Published: July 2017

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) have been accurately measured with an intensimetric technique, involving simultaneous measure of pressure and velocity in the ear canal, which allows one to correctly calibrate both the input stimuli and the otoacoustic emission (OAE) level. Suitable combinations of standard intensimetric quantities, active intensity and power density [Stanzial, Shiffrer, and Sacchi, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 131, 269–280 (2012)], are used to equalize the stimuli transmitted to the middle ear, and to estimate the DPOAE level emitted by the eardrum. The DPOAE intensimetric spectra are consistent with those recorded with a high-quality conventional otoacoustic probe with state-of-the-art calibration of both stimulus and OAE response [Charaziak and Shera, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 141, 515–525 (2017)], demonstrating the applicability of the intensimetric method to OAE measurements.
Traumatic myositis ossificans circumscripta (MOC)
Authors: Landolsi Manel , Mrad Tej
Published: July 2017

We report a case of a 29-year-old man who had been a victim of a public road accident. Four weeks later, the patient developed an isolated right thigh mass located ventrally in the distal one-third of the thigh. The mass was painful and associated with fever and inflammatory syndrome. Plain radiographs showed a bilateral calcified thickening of soft tissues with well-defined bony margins. Ultrasound objectified diffuse calcifications of soft tissues.CT scan-confirmed the diagnosis of myositis ossificans circumscripta, showing a bilateral thickening of the vastus intermedius chief of the quadriceps dotted with calcifications, extending along the femur axis. These calcifications have well-defined bony margins separated from the periosteum by a lucent zone.
Gradient estimates of mean curvature equation with Neumann boundary condition in domains of Riemannian manifold
Authors: Xu Jinju , Zhang Dekai
Published: July 2017

We study the prescribed mean curvature equation with Neumann boundary conditions in domains of Riemannian manifold. The main goal is to establish the gradient estimates for solutions by the maximum principle. As a consequence, we obtain an existence result.
NONPARAMETRIC ESTIMATION FOR SECOND-ORDER JUMP-DIFFUSION MODEL IN HIGH FREQUENCY DATA
Authors: SONG YUPING
Published: July 2017

We provide the nonparametric estimators of the infinitesimal coefficients of the second-order continuous-time models with discontinuous sample paths of jump-diffusion models. Under the mild conditions, we obtain the weak consistency and the asymptotic normality of the estimators. A Monte Carlo experiment demonstrates the better small-sample performance of these estimators. In addition, the estimators are illustrated empirically through stock index of Shanghai Stock Exchange in high frequency data.
Vacuum dynamics in the Universe versus a rigid Λ=const.
Authors: Solà Joan , Gómez-Valent Adrià , de Cruz Pérez Javier
Published: July 2017

In this year, in which we celebrate 100 years of the cosmological term, [Formula: see text], in Einstein’s gravitational field equations, we are still facing the crucial question whether [Formula: see text] is truly a fundamental constant or a mildly evolving dynamical variable. After many theoretical attempts to understand the meaning of [Formula: see text], and in view of the enhanced accuracy of the cosmological observations, it seems now mandatory that this issue should be first settled empirically before further theoretical speculations on its ultimate nature. In this review, we summarize the situation of some of these studies. Devoted analyses made recently show that the [Formula: see text] hypothesis, despite being the simplest, may well not be the most favored one. The overall fit to the cosmological observables SNIa[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]BAO[Formula: see text]+H(z)[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]LSS[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]BBN[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]CMB single out the class of “running” vacuum models (RVMs), in which [Formula: see text] is an affine power-law function of the Hubble rate. It turns out that the performance of the RVM as compared to the “concordance” [Formula: see text] model (with [Formula: see text]) is much better. The evidence in support of the RVM may reach [Formula: see text] c.l., and is bolstered with Akaike and Bayesian criteria providing strong evidence in favor of the RVM option. We also address the implications of this framework on the tension between the CMB and local measurements of the current Hubble parameter.
On the question of symmetries in nonrelativistic diffeomorphism-invariant theories
Authors: Banerjee Rabin , Gangopadhyay Sunandan , Mukherjee Pradip
Published: July 2017

A novel algorithm is provided to couple a Galilean-invariant model with curved spatial background by taking nonrelativistic limit of a unique minimally coupled relativistic theory, which ensures Galilean symmetry in the flat limit and canonical transformation of the original fields. That the twin requirements are fulfilled is ensured by a new field, the existence of which was demonstrated recently from Galilean gauge theory. The ambiguities and anomalies concerning the recovery of Galilean symmetry in the flat limit of spatial nonrelativistic diffeomorphic theories, reported in the literature, are focused and resolved from a new angle.
Symmetries of (m,n)-Yetter–Drinfeld categories
Authors: Ma Tianshui , Liu Linlin , Chen Liangyun
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we discuss some properties on the symmetries of [Formula: see text]-Yetter–Drinfeld categories [Formula: see text], which was introduced by Ma et al. recently.
Maximum distance separable codes over ℤ2 × ℤ2s
Authors: Samei Karim , Sadeghi Sadegh
Published: July 2017

Bilal et al. (Maximum distance separable codes over [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] Des. Codes Cryptogr. 61 (2011) 31–40) obtained two upper bounds on minimum distance of codes over rings to the case of [Formula: see text]-additive codes and through these bounds, they introduced two kinds of maximum distance separable codes ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]), the minimum distance of which meets any of those bounds. Also, they completely determined these two types of codes. In this paper, we generalize these facts on [Formula: see text]-additive codes and determine all possible parameters of the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] codes over [Formula: see text].
On the supersolvable residual of an M-group
Authors: Zheng Huijuan , Jin Ping
Published: July 2017

Using the technique of linear limits of characters due to Dade and Loukaki, we give some conditions on the supersolvable residual of a finite solvable group [Formula: see text] that is sufficient to guarantee that [Formula: see text] is an [Formula: see text]-group. The monomiality of normal subgroups and Hall subgroups of the group [Formula: see text] are also determined.
Remarks on the complete synchronization for the Kuramoto model with frustrations
Authors: Ha Seung-Yeal , Kim Hwa Kil , Park Jinyeong
Published: July 2017

The synchronous dynamics of many limit-cycle oscillators can be described by phase models. The Kuramoto model serves as a prototype model for phase synchronization and has been extensively studied in the last 40 years. In this paper, we deal with the complete synchronization problem of the Kuramoto model with frustrations on a complete graph. We study the robustness of complete synchronization with respect to the network structure and the interaction frustrations, and provide sufficient frameworks leading to the complete synchronization, in which all frequency differences of oscillators tend to zero asymptotically. For a uniform frustration and unit capacity, we extend the applicable range of initial configurations for the complete synchronization to be distributed on larger arcs than a half circle by analyzing the detailed dynamics of the order parameters. This improves the earlier results [S.-Y. Ha, H. Kim and J. Park, Remarks on the complete frequency synchronization of Kuramoto oscillators, Nonlinearity 28 (2015) 1441–1462; Z. Li and S.-Y. Ha, Uniqueness and well-ordering of emergent phase-locked states for the Kuramoto model with frustration and inertia, Math. Models Methods Appl. Sci. 26 (2016) 357–382.] which can be applicable only for initial configurations confined in a half circle.
Robust face recognition with multi-scale Weber local descriptor
Authors: Yang Guangchao , Fang Bin , Tang Yuan Yan
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a simple and novel approach for robust face recognition. Extended multi-scale Weber local descriptor based on unfixed size patches is proposed to obtain micro and macro patterns. Then the recognition is performed using nearest neighborhood method based on Chi-square distance. Voting strategy is utilized in classification to reduce the impacts of the poor quality regions in face image caused by pose, illumination variations. Experiments on CMU-PIE, FERET and AR databases show that the proposed method has higher recognition accuracy in comparison with traditional methods.
Developing a nationwide K–12 outreach model: Physiology Understanding (PhUn) Week 10 years later
Authors: Stieben Margaret , Halpin Patricia A. , Matyas Marsha Lakes
Published: July 2017

Since 2005, nearly 600 Physiology Understanding Week (PhUn Week) events have taken place across the U.S., involving American Physiological Society (APS) members in K–12 outreach. The program seeks to build student understanding of physiology and physiology careers, assist teachers in recognizing physiology in their standards-based curriculum, and involve more physiologists in K–12 outreach. Formative goals included program growth (sites, participants, and leaders), diversification of program models, and development of a community of practice of physiologists and trainees involved in outreach. Eleven years of member-provided data indicate that the formative goals are being met. Nearly 100,000 K–12 students have been reached during the last decade as an increasing pool of physiologists took part in a growing number of events, including a number of international events. The number and types of PhUn Week events have steadily increased as a community of practice has formed to support the program. Future program goals include targeting regional areas for PhUn Week participation, establishing research collaboratives to further explore program impacts, and providing on-demand training for physiologists.