bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voyager 1/UVS Lyman α Measurements at the Distant Heliosphere (90–130 AU): Unknown Source of Additional Emission
Authors: Katushkina O. A. , Quémerais E. , Izmodenov V. V. , Lallement R. , Sandel B. R.
Published: October 2017

In this work, we present for the first time the Lyman α intensities measured by Voyager 1/UVS in 2003–2014 (at 90–130 AU from the Sun). During this period Voyager 1 measured the Lyman α emission in the outer heliosphere at an almost fixed direction close to the upwind (i.e.“ toward the interstellar flow). The data show an unexpected behavior in 2003–2009: the ratio of observed intensity to the solar Lyman α flux is almost constant. Numerical modeling of these data is performed in the frame of a state‐of‐the‐art self‐consistent kinetic‐MHD model of the heliospheric interface. The model results, for various interstellar parameters, predict a monotonic decrease of intensity not seen in the data. We propose two possible scenarios that explain the data qualitatively. The first is the formation of a dense layer of hydrogen atoms near the heliopause. Such a layer would provide an additional backscattered Doppler‐shifted Lyman α emission, which is not absorbed inside the heliosphere and may be observed by Voyager. About 35 R of intensity from the layer is needed. The second scenario is an external nonheliospheric Lyman α component, which could be galactic or extragalactic. Our parametric study shows that ∼25 R of additional emission leads to a good qualitative agreement between the Voyager 1 data and the model results.
Whistler Wave Propagation Through the Ionosphere of Venus
Authors: Pérez‐Invernón F. J. , Lehtinen N. G. , Gordillo‐Vázquez F. J. , Luque A.
Published: October 2017

We investigate the attenuation of whistler waves generated by hypotetical Venusian lightning occurring at the altitude of the cloud layer under different ionospheric conditions. We use the Stanford full‐wave method for stratified media of Lehtinen and Inan (2008) to model wave propagation through the ionosphere of Venus. This method calculates the electromagnetic field created by an arbitrary source in a plane‐stratified medium (i.e., uniform in the horizontal direction). We see that the existence of holes in electronic densities and the magnetic field configuration caused by solar wind play an important role in the propagation of electromagnetic waves through the Venusian ionosphere.
On the Effect of Geomagnetic Storms on Relativistic Electrons in the Outer Radiation Belt: Van Allen Probes Observations
Authors: Moya Pablo S. , Pinto Víctor A. , Sibeck David G. , Kanekal Shrikanth G. , Baker Daniel N.
Published: October 2017

Using Van Allen Probes Energetic Particle, Composition, and Thermal Plasma‐Relativistic Electron‐Proton Telescope (ECT‐REPT) observations, we performed a statistical study on the effect of geomagnetic storms on relativistic electrons fluxes in the outer radiation belt for 78 storms between September 2012 and June 2016. We found that the probability of enhancement, depletion, and no change in flux values depends strongly on L and energy. Enhancement events are more common for ∼2 MeV electrons at L ∼ 5, and the number of enhancement events decreases with increasing energy at any given L shell. However, considering the percentage of occurrence of each kind of event, enhancements are more probable at higher energies, and the probability of enhancement tends to increases with increasing L shell. Depletion are more probable for 4–5 MeV electrons at the heart of the outer radiation belt, and no‐change events are more frequent at L < 3.5 for E ∼ 3 MeV particles. Moreover, for L > 4.5 the probability of enhancement, depletion, or no‐change response presents little variation for all energies. Because these probabilities remain relatively constant as a function of radial distance in the outer radiation belt, measurements obtained at geosynchronous orbit may be used as a proxy to monitor E≥1.8 MeV electrons in the outer belt.
Seismologically Observed Spatiotemporal Drainage Activity at Moulins
Authors: Aso Naofumi , Tsai Victor C. , Schoof Christian , Flowers Gwenn E. , Whiteford Arran , Rada Camilo
Published: October 2017

Hydrology is important for glacier dynamics, but it is difficult to monitor the subsurface drainage systems of glaciers by direct observations. Since meltwater drainage generates seismic signals, passive seismic analysis has the potential to be used to monitor these processes. To study continuous seismic radiation from the drainage, we analyze geophone data from six stations deployed at the Kaskawulsh Glacier in Yukon, Canada, during the summer of 2014 using ambient noise cross‐correlation techniques. We locate the noise sources by backprojecting the amplitude of the cross correlation to the glacier surface. Most of the ambient noise sequences are found in two clusters, with each cluster located in the vicinity of a moulin identified at the surface. Stronger seismic radiation is observed during the day, consistent with expected variability in melt rates. We demonstrate that the sparse seismic network array with 2 km station separation has the ability to detect moulins within the array with a precision of 50 m. We confirm that seismic activity is correlated with air temperature, and thus, melt, on a diurnal timescale, and precipitation correlates with the activity at longer timescales. Our results highlight the potential of passive seismic observations for monitoring water flow into subglacial channels through moulins with an affordable number of seismic stations, but quantification of water flow rates still remains a challenge. The cross‐correlation backprojection technique described here can also potentially be applied to any localized source of ambient noise such as ocean noise, tectonic tremor, and volcanic tremor.
Structure and Density of Fe‐C Liquid Alloys Under High Pressure
Authors: Morard G. , Nakajima Y. , Andrault D. , Antonangeli D. , Auzende A. L. , Boulard E. , Cervera S. , Clark A. N. , Lord O. T. , Siebert J. , Svitlyk V. , Garbarino G. , Mezouar M.
Published: October 2017

The density and structure of liquid Fe‐C alloys have been measured up to 58 GPa and 3,200 K by in situ X‐ray diffraction using a Paris‐Edinburgh press and laser‐heated diamond anvil cell. Study of the pressure evolution of the local structure inferred by X‐ray diffraction measurements is important to understand the compression mechanism of the liquid. Obtained data show that the degree of compression is greater for the first coordination sphere than the second and third coordination spheres. The extrapolation of the measured density suggests that carbon cannot be the only light element alloyed to iron in the Earth's core, as 8–16 at % C (1.8–3.7 wt % C) would be necessary to explain the density deficit of the outer core relative to pure Fe. This concentration is too high to account for outer core velocity. The presence of other light elements (e.g., O, Si, S, and H) is thus required.
Regional Climate Variability Under Model Simulations of Solar Geoengineering
Authors: Dagon Katherine , Schrag Daniel P.
Published: October 2017

Solar geoengineering has been shown in modeling studies to successfully mitigate global mean surface temperature changes from greenhouse warming. Changes in land surface hydrology are complicated by the direct effect of carbon dioxide (CO2) on vegetation, which alters the flux of water from the land surface to the atmosphere. Here we investigate changes in boreal summer climate variability under solar geoengineering using multiple ensembles of model simulations. We find that spatially uniform solar geoengineering creates a strong meridional gradient in the Northern Hemisphere temperature response, with less consistent patterns in precipitation, evapotranspiration, and soil moisture. Using regional summertime temperature and precipitation results across 31‐member ensembles, we show a decrease in the frequency of heat waves and consecutive dry days under solar geoengineering relative to a high‐CO2 world. However in some regions solar geoengineering of this amount does not completely reduce summer heat extremes relative to present day climate. In western Russia and Siberia, an increase in heat waves is connected to a decrease in surface soil moisture that favors persistent high temperatures. Heat waves decrease in the central United States and the Sahel, while the hydrologic response increases terrestrial water storage. Regional changes in soil moisture exhibit trends over time as the model adjusts to solar geoengineering, particularly in Siberia and the Sahel, leading to robust shifts in climate variance. These results suggest potential benefits and complications of large‐scale uniform climate intervention schemes.
Mutations of KIF5C cause a neurodevelopmental disorder of infantile‐onset epilepsy, absent language, and distinctive malformations of cortical development
Authors: Michels Savannah , Foss Kimberly , Park Kaylee , Golden‐Grant Katie , Saneto Russell , Lopez Jonathan , Mirzaa Ghayda M.
Published: October 2017

The clinical diagnosis of malformations of cortical development (MCDs) is often challenging due to the complexity of the brain malformation by neuroimaging, the rarity of individual malformation syndromes, and the rapidly evolving genetic landscape of these disorders facilitated with the use of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) methods. While the clinical and molecular diagnosis of severe cortical malformations, such as classic lissencephaly, is often straightforward, the diagnosis of more subtle and complex types of cortical malformations, such as pachygyria and polymicrogyria (PMG), can be more challenging due to limited knowledge regarding their genetic etiologies. Here, we report two individuals with the same de novo KIF5C mutation who present with subtle MCDs, early onset epilepsy and significant neurodevelopmental and behavioral issues including absent language. Our data, combined with the limited literature on KIF5C mutations, to date, support that KIF5C mutations are associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by infantile onset epilepsy, and subtle but recognizable types of brain malformations. We also show that the spectrum of KIF5C mutations is narrow, as five out of the six identified individuals have mutations affecting amino acid Glu237. Therefore, the identification of the clinical and neuroimaging features of this disorder may strongly facilitate rapid and efficient molecular diagnosis.
Beyond Down syndrome phenotype: Paternally derived isodicentric chromosome 21 with partial monosomy 21q22.3
Authors: Putra Manesha , Surti Urvashi , Hu Jie , Steele Deana , Clemens Michele , Saller Devereux N. , Yatsenko Svetlana A. , Rajkovic Aleksandar
Published: October 2017

Inverted isodicentric chromosome 21 is a rare form of chromosomal rearrangement that may result in trisomy 21; sometimes this rearrangement may also lead to segmental monosomy of the terminal long arm of chromosome 21. In this report, we describe the prenatal diagnosis and neonatal follow‐up of a child with a paternally derived, de novo isodicentric chromosome 21 and a concurrent ∼1.2 Mb deletion of the 21q22.3 region [46,XX,idic(21)(q22.3)]. This child presented with unusual phenotype of Down syndrome and additional defects including esophageal atresia and tethered cord syndrome. The resulting phenotype in this infant might be a coalescence of the partial trisomy and monosomy 21, as well as homozygosity for idic (21). The utilization of chromosomal microarray in this case enabled accurate characterization of a rare chromosome abnormality, potentially contributes to future phenotype–genotype correlation and produced evidence for a molecular mechanism underlying this rearrangement.
Diastereodivergent Henry Reaction for the Stereoselective Construction of Nitrogen‐Containing Tetrasubstituted Carbons: Application to Total Synthesis of Manzacidins A and C
Authors: Kudoh Takayuki , Araki Yuya , Miyoshi Natsumi , Tanioka Mizuho , Sakakura Akira
Published: October 2017

β,β‐Disubstituted β‐amino alcohols has been synthesized in a diastereodivergent manner from chiral secondary nitroalkanes as starting materials. In this key Henry reaction, the use of different protecting groups resulted in the diastereoselective construction of the tetrasubstituted carbon stereocenter with different configuration. Based on this methodology, a total synthesis of manzacidins A and C has been achieved.
One‐Pot Four‐Segment Ligation Using Seleno‐ and Thioesters: Synthesis of Superoxide Dismutase
Authors: Takei Toshiki , Andoh Tomoshige , Takao Toshifumi , Hojo Hironobu
Published: October 2017

The synthesis of a peptide selenoester was efficiently carried out by the 9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) method using N‐alkylcysteine, at the C‐terminus of the peptide, as the N‐to‐S acyl shift device. The selenoester selectively reacted with the terminal amino group of the peptide aryl thioester in the presence of N,N‐diisopropylethylamine and dipyridyldisulfide, thus leaving the aryl thioester intact. Combined with silver‐ion‐promoted and silver‐ion‐free thioester activation methods, a one‐pot four‐segment ligation was realized. The method was successfully used to assemble the entire sequence of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is composed of 153 amino‐acid residues, in one pot. After the folding reaction, the fully active SOD was obtained.
Towards continuous wine fining: Materials characterisation and crossflow performance testing of polymer–bentonite mixed matrix membranes
Authors: Shi Heng , Burmeister Douglas M. , Frost Andrew , Patterson Darrell A. , James Bryony
Published: October 2017

This study investigates the feasibility of using bentonite‐embedded mixed matrix membranes to perform wine fining on white wines to eliminate protein instability. Membranes made using polyethersulphone or polyvinylidene fluoride were fabricated using the wet phase inversion technique and used to filter unfined New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wine in a crossflow filtration system.

The morphologies of all the fabricated membranes were characteristic of asymmetric phase inversion membranes. Confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis on the membranes suggests that the two major mechanisms of protein removal are adsorption by the embedded bentonite particles and size exclusion via the membrane morphology. Polyethersulphone membranes were found to produce wine of similar levels of protein stability (around 90% protein removal) and polyphenol content as polyvinylidene fluoride membranes of the same membrane composition and operating conditions but with as much as 80% higher flux. Stabilising wine in one filtration pass was possible with polyethersulphone membrane with 25 wt% bentonite while maintaining high flux. These promising results show that the tested process has the potential to replace the current batch‐wise fining process with continuous crossflow membrane filtration with benefits such as increased processing speed and reduced wine loss.
Chemical Stimulus‐responsive Folding and Unfolding of a Dendrimeric Assembly
Authors: Kimura Ryo , Suzuki Shuichi , Okada Keiji , Kozaki Masatoshi
Published: October 2017

A dendrimeric trimer undergoes folding and unfolding in response to a chemical stimulus. The trimer of interest contains a central dendrimer with a butadiyne‐linked zinc porphyrin dimer ((ZnP)2) core, in addition to two terminal dendrimers with zinc porphyrin (ZnP) cores. The obtained absorption spectra indicate that the unfolded form is the exclusive conformer in chloroform, while the addition of 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) in chloroform leads to transformation from the unfolded to the folded structure containing two DABCO units per trimer; the folded structure originates from the cross‐linking of (ZnP)2 and ZnP with DABCO. Moreover, the addition of excess DABCO promotes the generation of the unfolded structure containing four DABCO units.
Ageratum conyzoides L. inhibits 5‐alpha‐reductase gene expression in human prostate cells and reduces symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy in otherwise healthy men in a double blind randomized placebo controlled clinical study
Authors: Detering Matthew , Steels Elizabeth , Koyyalamudi Sundar Rao , Allifranchini Elena , Bocchietto Elena , Vitetta Luis
Published: October 2017

A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial assessed the efficacy and safety of Ageratum conyzoides in treating benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). In this study, 109 men with medically diagnosed BPH, aged 41–76 years, were administered the investigational product, A. conyzoides extract at a dose of 250 mg/d or placebo, q.d. for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measures were the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), daily urinary frequency and safety evaluations. The secondary outcome measures were testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, oestradiol, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA‐S) and cortisol levels, and prostate specific antigen (PSA), lipids, blood glucose, the Aging Male's Symptom (AMS) Score and sexual function assessed by Derogatis Interview for Sexual Functioning‐Self Report (DISF‐SR). The effect of A. conyzoides L extract on gene expression of 5‐alpha‐reductase in human prostate cells was also investigated to elucidate a potential mechanism of action. The clinical study, showed a significant reduction in total IPSS score (p < 0.01) and day‐ and night‐time urinary frequency (P < 0.01) over time after treatment with A. conyzoides. Steroid hormones, SHBG, PSA levels, lipids, and blood glucose remained within healthy reference range in both groups. There were no changes in AMS or DISF‐SR in either group. Gene arrays demonstrated that A. conyzoides extract was effective in reducing the expression of mRNA coding for 5‐alpha‐reductase types 2 and 1 in human prostate epithelial cells. The overall results indicate that A. conyzoides may be an effective treatment for reducing symptoms of BPH in healthy men, in part, through inhibition of 5‐alpha‐reductase enzyme activity. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(6):789–800, 2017
Proinflammatory cytokines correlate with early exercise attenuating anxiety‐like behavior after cerebral ischemia
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhang Jingjun , Yan Yuzhong , Zhang Pengyue , Zhang Wei , Xia Rong
Published: October 2017

Background and Objective

Stroke may cause neuropsychiatric problems, which have negative effects on cognitive functions and behavior. Exercise plays an important role in reducing the occurrence and development of stroke, the concrete mechanism is not fully clarified. In this study, we attempted to determine whether early treadmill exercise attenuates anxiety‐like behavior by regulation of inflammation after brain ischemia.

Method

We subjected adult male rats to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 90 min and trained rats started to run on a treadmill from postoperative day 1 to day 14. The effects of treadmill on cognitive functions, anxiety‐like behavior, and immune activation were analyzed by Morris water maze test, open field test, elevated plus maze test, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Early treadmill exercise significantly improved cognitive function, alleviated anxiety‐like behavior in ischemic rats model; this improvement was associated with significantly decreased activation of astrocytes and microglia cells and proinflammatory markers (platelet‐activating factor [PAF], interleukin‐6 [IL‐6], tumor necrosis factor‐alpha [TNF‐α], intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 [ICAM‐1], and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 [VCAM‐1]).

Conclusion

Our results indicated that early treadmill exercise attenuated anxiety‐like behavior by decreasing inflammation response, exercise conferred a great benefit of attenuating anxiety‐like behavior via anti‐inflammatory treatment may prove to be a novel neuroprotective strategy for stroke.
Ral signaling pathway in health and cancer
Authors: Moghadam Adel Rezaei , Patrad Elham , Tafsiri Elham , Peng Warner , Fangman Benjamin , Pluard Timothy J , Accurso Anthony , Salacz Michael , Shah Kushal , Ricke Brandon , Bi Danse , Kimura Kyle , Graves Leland , Najad Marzieh Khajoie , Dolatkhah Roya , Sanaat Zohreh , Yazdi Mina , Tavakolinia Naeimeh , Mazani Mohammad , Amani Mojtaba , Ghavami Saeid , Gartell Robyn , Reilly Colleen , Naima Zaid , Esfandyari Tuba , Farassati Faris
Published: October 2017

The Ral (Ras‐Like) signaling pathway plays an important role in the biology of cells. A plethora of effects is regulated by this signaling pathway and its prooncogenic effectors. Our team has demonstrated the overactivation of the RalA signaling pathway in a number of human malignancies including cancers of the liver, ovary, lung, brain, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Additionally, we have shown that the activation of RalA in cancer stem cells is higher in comparison with differentiated cancer cells. In this article, we review the role of Ral signaling in health and disease with a focus on the role of this multifunctional protein in the generation of therapies for cancer. An improved understanding of this pathway can lead to development of a novel class of anticancer therapies that functions on the basis of intervention with RalA or its downstream effectors.
Imidazolium‐Based Ionic Liquids as Efficient Reagents for the C−O Bond Cleavage of Lignin
Authors: Thierry Marina , Majira Amel , Pégot Bruce , Cezard Laurent , Bourdreux Flavien , Clément Gilles , Perreau François , Boutet‐Mercey Stéphanie , Diter Patrick , Vo‐Thanh Giang , Lapierre Catherine , Ducrot Paul‐Henri , Magnier Emmanuel , Baumberger Stéphanie , Cottyn Betty
Published: October 2017

The demethylation of lignin in ionic liquids (ILs) was investigated by using pure lignin model monomers and dimers together with dioxane‐isolated lignins from poplar, miscanthus, and maize. Different methylimidazolium ILs were compared and the samples were treated with two different heating processes: microwave irradiation and conventional heating in a sealed tube. The conversion yield and influence of the treatment on the lignin structure were assessed by 31P NMR spectroscopy, size‐exclusion chromatography, and thioacidolysis. The acidic methylimidazolium IL [HMIM]Br was shown to be an effective combination of solvent and reagent for the demethylation and depolymerization of lignin. The relatively mild reaction conditions, the clean work‐up, and the ability to reuse the IL makes the described procedure an attractive and new green method for the conversion of lignin to produce phenol‐rich lignin oligomers.
Large river floodplain as a natural laboratory: non‐native macroinvertebrates benefit from elevated temperatures
Authors: Paillex Amael , Castella Emmanuel , zu Ermgassen Philine , Gallardo Belinda , Aldridge David C.
Published: October 2017

Water temperature is known to influence individual animal metabolism, development, and reproduction. However, in situ studies aiming to demonstrate the link between water temperature and community structure in complex ecosystems such as large river floodplains are still rare. In particular, we have little indication about how an increase in temperature affects the density of native and invasive species within a community. Large river floodplains cover a varied range of environmental conditions, are rich in species, and therefore potentially useful ecosystems to study the effect of water temperature at the community level. Moreover, as freshwater communities are increasingly impacted by global warming and biological invasions, an improved understanding of the possible interaction between these drivers would be beneficial. First, we studied during two years the thermal heterogeneity of 36 sites in a large river (Rhone) floodplain. Second, we compared the thermal regimes of sites having different levels of hydrological connectivity with the main river channel. Third, we studied the combined and separated effects of the thermal regime and the hydrological connectivity on the presence and densities of native and non‐native species of macroinvertebrates. The studied large river floodplain covered a wide range of thermal regimes, with some sites displaying a yearlong constant temperature of about 10°C, whereas others experienced thermal amplitude of over 25°C. The thermal regime was independent of the level of hydrological connectivity of the sites. The increase in hydrological connectivity had a significant and positive effect on the richness of non‐native species within sites. The thermal regime had a positive influence on the density of non‐native species but no effect on the total density of native taxa within communities. This study showed that large river floodplains possess a wide range of thermal conditions and that the increase in water temperature can have a positive influence on the presence of non‐native populations of macroinvertebrates. This study provides a first set of empirical results to establish models predicting the effect of increasing temperatures on the establishment of non‐native and native species in a complex ecosystem and underline the problem of biological invasions under climate change.
Assessment of reanalysis soil moisture products in the permafrost regions of the central of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Qin Yanhui , Wu Tonghua , Wu Xiaodong , Li Ren , Xie Changwei , Qiao Yongping , Hu Guojie , Zhu Xiaofan , Wang Weihua , Shang Wen
Published: October 2017

The long‐term and large‐scale soil moisture (SM) record is important for understanding land atmosphere interactions and their impacts on the weather, climate, and regional ecosystem. SM products are one of the parameters used in some Earth system models, but these records require evaluation before use. The water resources on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) are important to the water security of billions of people in Asia. Therefore, it is necessary to know the SM conditions on the QTP. In this study, the evaluation metrics of multilayer (0–10, 10–40, and 40–100 cm) SM in different reanalysis datasets of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts interim reanalysis (ERA‐Interim [ERA]), National Centers for Environmental Prediction Climate Forecast System and the Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2), and China Meteorological Administration Land Data Assimilation System (CLDAS) are compared with in situ observations at 5 observation sites, which represent alpine meadow, alpine swamp meadow, alpine grassy meadow, alpine desert steppe, and alpine steppe environments during the thawing season from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2013, on the QTP. The ERA SM remains constant at approximately 0.2 m3⋅m−3 at all observation sites during the entire thawing season. The CLDAS and CFSv2 SM products show similar patterns with those of the in situ SM observations during the thawing season. The CLDAS SM product performs better than the CFSv2 and ERA for all vegetation types except the alpine swamp meadow. The results indicate that the soil texture and land cover types play a more important role than the precipitation to increase the biases of the CLDAS SM product on the QTP.
6‐Hydroxydopamine induces brain vascular endothelial inflammation
Authors: Fu Qizhi , Song Runluo , Yang Zhongxi , Shan Qi , Chen Wenna
Published: October 2017

Disruption of the blood‐brain barrier associated with endothelial dysfunction is an important hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD). 6‐Hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) is a synthetic dopamine derivate often used to model PD as it results in retrograde degeneration of striatal dopaminergic (DA) terminals. Presently, the effects of 6‐OHDA on endothelial dysfunction remain unknown. Using a 6‐OHDA rodent model of PD, we found that administration of 6‐OHDA could increase the expression of endothelial adhesion molecules, such as intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM‐1), and E‐selectin. An in vitro study displayed that treatment with 6‐OHDA increased the release of these molecules in human brain microvascular endothelial cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Correspondingly, 6‐OHDA significantly increased attachment of THP‐1 monocytes to brain endothelial cells. In addition, real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay results indicated that 6‐OHDA elevated the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α. Furthermore, 6‐OHDA treatment increased the expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase, as well as the production of prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide. Importantly, 6‐OHDA elevated the transcriptional activity of NF‐кB by increasing the phosphorylation, degradation, and subsequent nuclear translocation of p65. Mechanistically, the angiotensin II type 1 receptor was found to mediate 6‐OHDA‐induced endothelial dysfunction. Our findings suggest that 6‐OHDA‐induced endothelial inflammation may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PD. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(11):887–895, 2017
Comparison of the Efficiency of Ultrasound‐Guided Injections of the Rhomboid Major and Trapezius Muscles in Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Double‐blind Study
Authors: Metin Ökmen Burcu , Ökmen Korgün , Altan Lale
Published: October 2017

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasound (US)‐guided injections of the rhomboid major (deep) and trapezius (superficial) muscles on pain, disability, and quality of life in patients with myofascial pain syndrome.

Methods

In this prospective randomized controlled double‐blind study, 65 patients with a diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome were randomized into 2 groups. In group 1 (n = 33), US‐guided rhomboid major muscle injection was performed, and in group 2 (n = 32), US‐guided trapezius muscle injection was performed. The patients were assessed by a visual analog scale for pain, the Pressure Pain Threshold, the Neck Pain and Disability Scale, and Short Form 12. Data were obtained before treatment (week 0), the second week after treatment, and the fourth week after treatment.

Results

In both groups, significant improvements were observed for all parameters at both weeks 2 and 4 compared to pretreatment values (P < .05). A comparison of the groups showed significantly superior results in group 1 for all parameters at week 2 (P < .05) and for all parameters but the Physical Component Scale of Short Form 12 at week 4 (P < .05).

Conclusions

We think that US‐guided deep injection of the rhomboid major muscle was more effective than superficial injection of the trapezius muscle for pain, disability, and quality of life in patients with myofascial pain syndrome.
Cultivation ofOpuntia ficus‐indicaunder different soil management practices: A possible sustainable agricultural system to promote soil carbon sequestration and increase soil microbial biomass and activity
Authors: Bautista‐Cruz Angélica , Leyva‐Pablo Tania , de León‐González Fernando , Zornoza Raúl , Martínez‐Gallegos Verónica , Fuentes‐Ponce Mariela , Rodríguez‐Sánchez Luis
Published: October 2017

Monitoring of soil organic carbon (SOC) content, SOC pools, and enzymes involved in SOC degradation and mineralization is needed to elucidate the impact of conversion from forest to agriculture on SOC and properties, and how and which crop system and management practices can contribute to C sequestration, thus climate change mitigation. This study compared the impact of forest conversion to maize (Zea maysL.) and cactus (Opuntia ficus‐indica[L.] Mill.) fields with different farming management on SOC content and pools (recalcitrant, labile, and extractable), soil microbial biomass carbon, and enzyme activities involved in the soil C cycle. For this purpose, a site under strong land use changes in Central Mexico with high demographic density was selected. Forest conversion to maize fields decreased the original SOC and the C recalcitrance index (RI). However, land use change from forest to cactus systems maintained SOC content, C RI, and arylesterase activity near the values observed in the original forest. Cactus systems promoted higher soil extractable organic carbon content, related to increases in microbial biomass and β‐glucosidase activity. Additionally, cactus cultivation can maintain SOC and a C RI at a similar level to the forest soil, which contributes to sustainability of the agroecosystem and climate change mitigation. Therefore, it could comprise a promising viable option for sustainable crop production systems under temperate subhumid conditions, in turn promoting socioeconomic development and rural growth.
Family members' satisfaction with care and decision‐making in intensive care units and post‐stay follow‐up needs—a cross‐sectional survey study
Authors: Frivold Gro , Slettebø Åshild , Heyland Daren K , Dale Bjørg
Published: October 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore family members' satisfaction with care and decision‐making during the intensive care units stay and their follow‐up needs after the patient's discharge or death.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey study was conducted.

Methods

Family members of patients recently treated in an ICU were participating. The questionnaire contented of background variables, the instrument Family Satisfaction in ICU (FS‐ICU 24) and questions about follow‐up needs. Descriptive and non‐parametric statistics and a multiple linear regression were used in the analysis.

Results

A total of 123 (47%) relatives returned the questionnaire. Satisfaction with care was higher scored than satisfaction with decision‐making. Follow‐ up needs after the ICU stay was reported by 19 (17%) of the participants. Gender and length of the ICU stay were shown as factors identified to predict follow‐up needs.
Adolescents and young adults with brain tumors in the context of molecular advances in neuro‐oncology
Authors: Zapotocky Michal , Ramaswamy Vijay , Lassaletta Alvaro , Bouffet Eric
Published: October 2017

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) comprise a specific group of oncology patients with a distinct biological and epidemiological spectrum of central nervous system neoplasms. It has been well documented that they differ clinically, especially in relation to prognosis and chemotherapy tolerance; however, the underlying reasons for this are unclear. Recent advances in the genomics of both childhood and adult brain tumors have provided new explanations and insights into the previously described age‐dependent heterogeneity. Herein, we summarize the current state of the AYA population in neuro‐oncology, specifically how biological advances can help personalize therapy for this unique group of patients.
OPUS‐CSF: A C‐atom‐based scoring function for ranking protein structural models
Authors: Xu Gang , Ma Tianqi , Zang Tianwu , Wang Qinghua , Ma Jianpeng
Published: October 2017

We report a C‐atom‐based scoring function, named OPUS‐CSF, for ranking protein structural models. Rather than using traditional Boltzmann formula, we built a scoring function (CSF score) based on the native distributions (derived from the entire PDB) of coordinate components of mainchain C (carbonyl) atoms on selected residues of peptide segments of 5, 7, 9, and 11 residues in length. In testing OPUS‐CSF on decoy recognition, it maximally recognized 257 native structures out of 278 targets in 11 commonly used decoy sets, significantly outperforming other popular all‐atom empirical potentials. The average correlation coefficient with TM‐score was also comparable with those of other potentials. OPUS‐CSF is a highly coarse‐grained scoring function, which only requires input of partial mainchain information, and very fast. Thus, it is suitable for applications at early stage of structural building.
Protein contact prediction by integrating deep multiple sequence alignments, coevolution and machine learning
Authors: Adhikari Badri , Hou Jie , Cheng Jianlin
Published: October 2017

In this study, we report the evaluation of the residue‐residue contacts predicted by our three different methods in the CASP12 experiment, focusing on studying the impact of multiple sequence alignment, residue coevolution, and machine learning on contact prediction. The first method (MULTICOM‐NOVEL) uses only traditional features (sequence profile, secondary structure, and solvent accessibility) with deep learning to predict contacts and serves as a baseline. The second method (MULTICOM‐CONSTRUCT) uses our new alignment algorithm to generate deep multiple sequence alignment to derive coevolution‐based features, which are integrated by a neural network method to predict contacts. The third method (MULTICOM‐CLUSTER) is a consensus combination of the predictions of the first two methods. We evaluated our methods on 94 CASP12 domains. On a subset of 38 free‐modeling domains, our methods achieved an average precision of up to 41.7% for top L/5 long‐range contact predictions. The comparison of the three methods shows that the quality and effective depth of multiple sequence alignments, coevolution‐based features, and machine learning integration of coevolution‐based features and traditional features drive the quality of predicted protein contacts. On the full CASP12 dataset, the coevolution‐based features alone can improve the average precision from 28.4% to 41.6%, and the machine learning integration of all the features further raises the precision to 56.3%, when top L/5 predicted long‐range contacts are evaluated. And the correlation between the precision of contact prediction and the logarithm of the number of effective sequences in alignments is 0.66.
Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Hematopoietic Progenitors Are Unable to Downregulate Key Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-Associated miRNAs
Authors: Meader Ellie , Barta Tomas , Melguizo-Sanchis Dario , Tilgner Katarzyna , Montaner David , El-Harouni Ashraf A. , Armstrong Lyle , Lako Majlinda
Published: October 2017

Hematopoietic stem cells derived from pluripotent stem cells could be used as an alternative to bone marrow transplants. Deriving these has been a long-term goal for researchers. However, the success of these efforts has been limited with the cells produced able to engraft in the bone marrow of recipient animals only in very low numbers. There is evidence that defects in the migratory and homing capacity of the cells are due to mis-regulation of miRNA expression and are responsible for their failure to engraft. We compared the miRNA expression profile of hematopoietic progenitors derived from pluripotent stem cells to those derived from bone marrow and found that numerous miRNAs are too highly expressed in hematopoietic progenitors derived from pluripotent stem cells, and that most of these are inhibitors of epithelial-mesenchymal transition or metastasis (including miR-200b, miR-200c, miR-205, miR-148a, and miR-424). We hypothesize that the high expression of these factors, which promote an adherent phenotype, may be causing the defect in hematopoietic differentiation. However, inhibiting these miRNAs, individually or in multiplex, was insufficient to improve hematopoietic differentiation in vitro, suggesting that other miRNAs and/or genes may be involved in this process.
Study protocol of the Intense Physical Activity and Cognition study: The effect of high‐intensity exercise training on cognitive function in older adults
Authors: Brown Belinda M. , Rainey‐Smith Stephanie R. , Castalanelli Natalie , Gordon Nicole , Markovic Shaun , Sohrabi Hamid R. , Weinborn Michael , Laws Simon M. , Doecke James , Shen Kaikai , Martins Ralph N. , Peiffer Jeremiah J.
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Inconsistent results from previous studies of exercise and cognitive function suggest that rigorously designed randomized controlled trials are urgently needed. Here, we describe the design of the Intense Physical Activity and Cognition (IPAC) study, which will assess the impact of a 6‐month high‐intensity exercise intervention on cognitive function and biomarkers of dementia risk, compared with a 6‐month moderate‐intensity exercise intervention and control group (no study‐related exercise).

Methods

One‐hundred and five cognitively healthy men and women aged between 60 and 80 years are randomized into a high‐intensity exercise, moderate‐intensity exercise, or control group. Individuals randomized to an exercise intervention undertake 6 months of cycle‐based exercise twice a week, at 50 minutes per session. All participants undergo comprehensive neuropsychological testing, blood sampling, brain magnetic resonance imaging, fitness testing, and a body composition scan at baseline, 6 months (immediately after intervention), and 18 months (12 months after intervention).

Discussion

The IPAC study takes a multidisciplinary approach to investigating the role of exercise in maintaining a healthy brain throughout aging. Rigorous monitoring of exertion and adherence throughout the intervention, combined with repeated measures of fitness, is vital in ensuring an optimum exercise dose is reached. Results from the IPAC study will be used to inform a large‐scale multicentre randomized controlled trial, with the ultimate aim of pinpointing the frequency, duration, and intensity of exercise that provides the most benefit to the brain, in terms of enhancing cognitive function and reducing dementia risk in older adults.
HISTORY IN TWENTIETH-CENTURY ETHIOPIA: THE ‘GREAT TRADITION’ AND THE COUNTER-HISTORIES OF NATIONAL FAILURE
Authors: MARZAGORA SARA
Published: October 2017

Drawing from both fictional and non-fictional sources, this article traces the way history was conceptualised in twentieth-century Ethiopia by secular educated elites, charting the changing power relations between Ethiopia's hegemonic historiographical paradigm and the alternative historical visions that challenged this ‘Great Tradition’ over the course of the century. While the Great Tradition extols Ethiopia's past and future glories, the counter-histories focused instead on the country's failure to develop and democratise. Against the interpretation that the counter-histories supplanted the Great Tradition in the late 1960s, the article examines them in terms of complementarity. The intellectual interventions of young student radicals in the late 1960s constitute a break, but not a drastic paradigm shift from the past. The Great Tradition had already been called into question by older generations of intellectuals, even if they proved unable or unwilling to translate their disillusionment into political action.
THE COLONIAL PASTS OF MEDIEVAL TEXTS IN NORTHERN AFRICA: USEFUL KNOWLEDGE, PUBLICATION HISTORY, AND POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN COLONIAL AND POST-INDEPENDENCE ALGERIA
Authors: LOVE PAUL M.
Published: October 2017

This article argues that medieval Arabic texts that were published in colonial northern Africa constitute as much a part of the history of colonialism and its legacy as that of the medieval centuries in which they were written. Using the publication history of a medieval Ibadi text and its French translations, I demonstrate how texts like it were edited, translated, and published not only for academic purposes, but also as contributions to the production of ‘useful’ colonial knowledge in Algeria. I begin with the first translation, published in 1878 alongside other ethnographic and historical studies funded by the colonial state. I then turn to the second translation, serially published between 1960–2 as its editors abandoned the country at the violent end of the colonial period. Finally, I address the Arabic editions published after independence, which recast it within a nationalist framework. Overall, I argue for the importance of addressing the colonial pasts of medieval texts in northern Africa.
Edmund Burke on the Question of Commercial Intercourse in the Eighteenth Century
Authors: Collins Gregory M.
Published: October 2017

Scholars have noticed that Edmund Burke's impassioned economic tract in favor of market liberty,Thoughts and Details on Scarcity, appears to be at odds with his political philosophy and rhetorical temperament of prudence and restraint. This essay challenges this interpretation. I contend that Burke's emotional statements in the writing reflect strong continuities with his earlier reflections and political activities regarding economic issues. From his earliest days in Parliament to his final years, Burke was a firm supporter of commercial liberty, both domestic and foreign. I conclude by arguing that we cannot properly understand Burke's belief in gradual reform unless we grasp his idea of incremental commercial improvement.
Cultural Considerations in a Phenomenological Study of Mindfulness With Vietnamese Youth and Cyclo Drivers
Authors: Le Thao N.
Published: October 2017

Despite the current burgeoning interest of secular mindfulness in the West and the exponential proliferation of mindfulness research, researchers have only dimly acknowledged and investigated the social–cultural contexts that condition interpretation of mindfulness practices. This is due in part to the bias of researchers to primarily include participants from more individualistic and first-world countries, and the conduct of research favoring methodologies underlining logical positivism. This present study explores the experience of mindfulness among a sample of handicapped and at-risk native Vietnamese youth ( n = 42, age range = 10–35 years old) and low-income adult cyclo drivers ( n = 182, age range = 26–82 years old) through the lens of phenomenology. Analyses of participants’ written reflections revealed elements of communal ethos that undergirds Vietnam’s 20 centuries of traditions and practices in Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and indigenous/folk spirituality that have shaped Vietnam’s collective identity, social engagement, and modes of being. The results are interpreted within a philosophical processual worldview consistent with Vietnamese culture and cosmology emphasizing relations and interdependence that is also consistent with the traditional roots of mindfulness practice. Contemplative strategies, such as mindfulness, as efforts to reduce suffering, promote awareness and social–emotional flourishing, are consistent with 2016–2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals toward ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. This study revealed the importance of attending to culture to help understand participants’ experiences from a nonwestern and resource-poor context. Vietnamese youth, young adults, and cyclo drivers reported that mindfulness helped them to strengthen and harmonize relationships.
Phosphorylable tyrosine residue 162 in the double-stranded RNA-dependent kinase PKR modulates its interaction with SUMO
Authors: de la Cruz-Herrera Carlos F. , Baz-Martínez Maite , Motiam Ahmed El , Vidal Santiago , Collado Manuel , Vidal Anxo , Rodríguez Manuel S. , Esteban Mariano , Rivas Carmen
Published: October 2017

Activated dsRNA-dependent serine/threonine kinase PKR phosphorylates the alpha subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α), resulting in a shut-off of general translation, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of virus replication. PKR can be activated by binding to dsRNA or cellular proteins such as PACT/RAX, or by its conjugation to ISG15 or SUMO. Here, we demonstrate that PKR also interacts with SUMO in a non-covalent manner. We identify the phosphorylable tyrosine residue 162 in PKR (Y162) as a modulator of the PKR-SUMO non-covalent interaction as well as of the PKR SUMOylation. Finally, we show that the efficient SUMO-mediated eIF2α phosphorylation and inhibition of protein synthesis induced by PKR in response to dsRNA depend on this residue. In summary, our data identify a new mechanism of regulation of PKR activity and reinforce the relevance of both, tyrosine phosphorylation and SUMO interaction in controlling the activity of PKR.
Compressive Volumetric Light-Field Excitation
Authors: Schedl David C. , Bimber Oliver
Published: October 2017

We explain how volumetric light-field excitation can be converted to a process that entirely avoids 3D reconstruction, deconvolution, and calibration of optical elements while taking scattering in the probe better into account. For spatially static probes, this is achieved by an efficient (one-time) light-transport sampling and light-field factorization. Individual probe particles (and arbitrary combinations thereof) can subsequently be excited in a dynamically controlled way while still supporting volumetric reconstruction of the entire probe in real-time based on a single light-field recording.