bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Réimaginer des communautés ?
Authors: Brives Charlotte , Marcis Frédéric Le
Published: March 2015

En 1990, l’introduction des antirétroviraux (ARV) a constitué un changement majeur dans la lutte contre l’épidémie de VIH sur le continent africain, modifiant les rapports entre les individus et le virus dont ils étaient porteurs. Si les individus séropositifs se vivaient ou étaient perçus comme victimes de la pandémie ou des violences structurelles, la médicalisation de la prévention depuis 2008 apparaît comme une autre évolution importante car elle implique la mise sous traitement précoce de patients pourtant asymptomatiques. Cette configuration nouvelle, productrice de relations inédites entre le corps, le virus, soi et les autres n’est dans l’immédiat observable que dans le cadre précis des essais cliniques. Cet article, en prenant pour objet l’analyse des conditions et des conséquences de la participation de sujets d’un pays du Sud, infectés par le VIH, à un essai portant sur la mise sous traitement précoce, permet de réinterroger à nouveaux frais la question de la vie avec le virus, et de documenter les conséquences globales d’un changement biotechnologique majeur dans les relations entre les humains et les virus.
Phenotypic Variation in Aicardi–Goutières Syndrome Explained by Cell-Specific IFN-Stimulated Gene Response and Cytokine Release
Authors: Cuadrado Eloy , Michailidou Iliana , van Bodegraven Emma J. , Jansen Machiel H. , Sluijs Jacqueline A. , Geerts Dirk , Couraud Pierre-Olivier , De Filippis Lidia , Vescovi Angelo L. , Kuijpers Taco W. , Hol Elly M.
Published: March 2015

Aicardi–Goutières syndrome (AGS) is a monogenic inflammatory encephalopathy caused by mutations in TREX1, RNASEH2A, RNASEH2B, RNASEH2C, SAMHD1, ADAR1, or MDA5. Mutations in those genes affect normal RNA/DNA intracellular metabolism and detection, triggering an autoimmune response with an increase in cerebral IFN-α production by astrocytes. Microangiopathy and vascular disease also contribute to the neuropathology in AGS. In this study, we report that AGS gene silencing of TREX1, SAMHD1, RNASEH2A, and ADAR1 by short hairpin RNAs in human neural stem cell–derived astrocytes, human primary astrocytes, and brain-derived endothelial cells leads to an antiviral status of these cells compared with nontarget short hairpin RNA–treated cells. We observed a distinct activation of the IFN-stimulated gene signature with a substantial increase in the release of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6) and chemokines (CXCL10 and CCL5). A differential impact of AGS gene silencing was noted; silencing TREX1 gave rise to the most dramatic in both cell types. Our findings fit well with the observation that patients carrying mutations in TREX1 experience an earlier onset and fatal outcome. We provide in the present study, to our knowledge for the first time, insight into how astrocytic and endothelial activation of antiviral status may differentially lead to cerebral pathology, suggesting a rational link between proinflammatory mediators and disease severity in AGS.
Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Protect against Autoimmunity via CCL2-Dependent Recruitment of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells
Authors: Lee Hyun Ju , Ko Jung Hwa , Jeong Hyun Jeong , Ko Ah Young , Kim Mee Kum , Wee Won Ryang , Yoon Sun-ok , Oh Joo Youn
Published: March 2015

Exogenously administered mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) suppress autoimmunity despite transient engraftment. However, the mechanism is unclear. In this study, we report a novel mechanism by which MSCs modulate the immune system by recruiting myeloid-derived suppressor cells in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). Intravenous infusion of MSCs blocked EAU development and reduced Th1 and Th17 responses. Time course analysis revealed an increase of MHC class IIloLy6G−Ly6ChiCD11b+ cells in draining lymph nodes by MSCs. These Ly6ChiCD11b+ cells suppressed CD4+ cell proliferation and Th1/Th17 differentiation and induced CD4+ cell apoptosis. Adoptive transfer of Ly6ChiCD11b+ cells ameliorated EAU, whereas depletion of Ly6ChiCD11b+ cells abrogated the effects of MSCs. 1.8% of MSCs were present in draining lymph nodes 1 d after infusion, and MSCs with CCL2 knockdown did not increase MHC class IIloLy6G−Ly6ChiCD11b+ cells and failed to attenuate EAU. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that MSCs suppress autoimmunity by recruiting myeloid-derived suppressor cells into sites of inflammation in a CCL2-dependent manner.
Complement Receptor C5aR1/CD88 and Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4/CD26 Define Distinct Hematopoietic Lineages of Dendritic Cells
Authors: Nakano Hideki , Moran Timothy P. , Nakano Keiko , Gerrish Kevin E. , Bortner Carl D. , Cook Donald N.
Published: March 2015

Differential display of the integrins CD103 and CD11b are widely used to distinguish two major dendritic cell (DC) subsets in nonlymphoid tissues. CD103+ DCs arise from FLT3-dependent DC precursors (preDCs), whereas CD11bhi DCs can arise either from preDCs or FLT3-independent monocytes. Functional characterization of these two lineages of CD11bhi DCs has been hindered by the lack of a widely applicable method to distinguish between them. We performed gene expression analysis of fractionated lung DCs from C57BL/6 mice and found that monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs), including CD11bhiLy-6Clo tissue-resident and CD11bhiLy-6Chi inflammatory moDCs, express the complement 5a receptor 1/CD88, whereas preDC-derived conventional DCs (cDCs), including CD103+ and CD11bhi cDCs, express dipeptidyl peptidase-4/CD26. Flow cytometric analysis of multiple organs, including the kidney, liver, lung, lymph nodes, small intestine, and spleen, confirmed that reciprocal display of CD88 and CD26 can reliably distinguish FLT3-independent moDCs from FLT3-dependent cDCs in C57BL/6 mice. Similar results were obtained when DCs from BALB/c mice were analyzed. Using this novel approach to study DCs in mediastinal lymph nodes, we observed that most blood-derived lymph node–resident DCs, as well as tissue-derived migratory DCs, are cDCs. Furthermore, cDCs, but not moDCs, stimulated naive T cell proliferation. We anticipate that the use of Abs against CD88 and CD26 to distinguish moDCs and cDCs in multiple organs and mouse strains will facilitate studies aimed at assigning specific functions to distinct DC lineages in immune responses.
Identification of a Negative Regulatory Role for Spi-C in the Murine B Cell Lineage
Authors: Li Stephen K. H. , Solomon Lauren A. , Fulkerson Patricia C. , DeKoter Rodney P.
Published: March 2015

Spi-C is an E26 transformation-specific family transcription factor that is highly related to PU.1 and Spi-B. Spi-C is expressed in developing B cells, but its function in B cell development and function is not well characterized. To determine whether Spi-C functions as a negative regulator of Spi-B (encoded by Spib), mice were generated that were germline knockout for Spib and heterozygous for Spic (Spib−/−Spic+/−). Interestingly, loss of one Spic allele substantially rescued B cell frequencies and absolute numbers in Spib−/− mouse spleens. Spib−/−Spic+/− B cells had restored proliferation compared with Spib−/− B cells in response to anti-IgM or LPS stimulation. Investigation of a potential mechanism for the Spib−/−Spic+/− phenotype revealed that steady-state levels of Nfkb1, encoding p50, were elevated in Spib−/−Spic+/− B cells compared with Spib−/− B cells. Spi-B was shown to directly activate the Nfkb1 gene, whereas Spi-C was shown to repress this gene. These results indicate a novel role for Spi-C as a negative regulator of B cell development and function.
Unbiased Modifier Screen Reveals That Signal Strength Determines the Regulatory Role Murine TLR9 Plays in Autoantibody Production
Authors: Mills Robyn E. , Lam Viola C. , Tan Allison , Cresalia Nicole , Oksenberg Nir , Zikherman Julie , Anderson Mark , Weiss Arthur , Hermiston Michelle L.
Published: March 2015

The autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus has a complex environmental and multifactorial genetic basis. Genome-wide association studies have recently identified numerous disease-associated polymorphisms, but it remains unclear in which cells and during which step of pathogenesis specific polymorphisms interact to cause disease. Using a mouse model in which the same activating mutation (CD45E613R) causes distinct genetic background–dependent disease phenotypes, we performed a screen for genetic modifiers of autoreactivity between anti-nuclear Ab (ANA)–resistant CD45E613R.B6 and ANA-permissive CD45E613R.BALB/c mice. Within a novel autoreactivity-associated locus on chromosome 9, we identify a putative modifier, TLR9. Validating a role for TLR9 in modifying autoreactivity in the context of the CD45E613R mutation, manipulation of TLR9 gene dosage eliminates ANA in CD45E613R.BALB/c mice, but confoundingly permits ANA in CD45E613R.B6 mice. We demonstrate that sensitivity to ANA is modulated by strength of TLR9 signal, because stronger TLR9B6 signals, but not weaker TLR9BALB/c signals, negatively regulate CD45E613R B cell development during competitive reconstitution at the central tolerance checkpoint. Our results identify a novel autoreactivity-associated locus and validate Tlr9 as a candidate gene within the locus. We further demonstrate a novel role for TLR9 signal strength in central tolerance, providing insight into the interplay of disease-associated polymorphisms at a discrete step of systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis.
Inputs for Restoring Mangroves in a Tropical Island Province for Climate Change Solution Programs
Authors: MASAGCA JIMMY T.
Published: March 2015

Two mangrove sites in the tropical island of Catanduanes in Bicol Region,Philippines (Lat.13.5°–14.17° N and Long. 124.1°–125.5° E) are described hereusing a paradigm for mangrove habitat restoration of mangroves that considersanthropogenic degradation and restoration following natural disturbances within the concept of climate change solution initiatives. What remains unclear for restoring the mangroves in this island are the needed (a) specific tools for landand sea-use zoning as well as integrated coastal management and ecosystembasedmanagementconcepts;(b)information[e.g.existingstressorsorresistantareas]onmanagingmangrovesforresiliencetoclimatechange;and(c)designsand ways on how to present these climate programs to the local coastal dwelling communities vis a vis sea level rise, typhoons, tidal or storm surges andtsunamis. Obstacles encountered by the local people are the (a) inappropriatepolitical intervention at the municipal/provincial levels; (b) lack of knowledge,expertise and baseline data about the biophysical conditions of the mangroveareas; and (c) differing and diverse intents on the mangrove resources leadingto communication gaps. Climate biology studies assessing plant and animalresponses to the effects of changes in typhoon patterns are needed. Finally,mangrove restoration programmes may use the Vulnerability and Adaptation (V& A) approach and address the notion that highly vulnerable coastal villagesmust evolve within the notion of “coastal management as a basic service of localgovernment”.Keywords - Mangroves, mangrove restoration, tropical islands, climate change, coastalvillages, coastal vegetation, Philippines
The Moray Eel Fishery in the Seagrass Beds of Siquijor Island, Central Philippines, with Remarks on Two New Philippine Records of the Genus Gymnothorax
Authors: WAGEY BILLY T. , BUCOL ABNER A. , KATUUK VIVIE
Published: March 2015

In this paper, the researchers document for the very first time in detail the moray eel capture fishery in the seagrass beds of Siquijor Island, Central Philippines. The process of deploying the bamboo traps, gathering of baits, andcatch-per-unit effort (CPUE), income-per-unit effort (IPUE), and the possible impact of an increasing number of moray eel fishers are also discussed. The researchers noted a very low average CPUE of 1.32±0.19 S.E. kg/person/hr and a corresponding Income-per-unit effort (IPUE) of 59.75±9.9 S.E.. Philippine Pesos/person/hour. Sustainable fishing practices of catching moray eels are also highlighted. Apparently, two new records of muraenid eels of the Genus Gymnothorax for the Philippines are also briefly annotated. Keywords - Fishery, Moray eel, Catch Assessment, Siquijor Island, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Solid Waste Pollution: Basis for Closure Enforcement Policy Framework of Banualan Dumpsite in General Santos City, Philippines
Authors: ROBLES AVA CLARE MARIE O.
Published: March 2015

Currently, General Santos City is identified as a growing city in terms of population and economic development. However, taking into account the downside of progress, pollution and garbage generation need to be controlled to circumvent menace to the environment. One means to address these problems is by conducting a study on solid waste pollution. Corollary to this, the study: identified the respondents’ practices on proper waste management; determined the projected the total waste generated in General Santos City; and proposed a closure enforcement policy framework as prompt action in protecting people’s health for any untoward contamination. The research design was descriptive-analytic, which utilized questionnaire and documentary analysis. Triangulation of data was made through interview. There were 1, 246 randomly selected respondents from 22 local communities. Results revealed that the majority of the people in General Santos City often practice proper waste management. The finding implies that they have not completely imbibed proper waste management practices. Based on the projected total waste, it crafted a closure policy framework as a primary response for equitable well-being of the residents in Banualan. This framework will ensure the health security of the people once the dumpsite closes. Keywords - Solid waste pollution, closure enforcement policy framework, policy formulation, solid waste practices, waste analysis, General Santos City, Philippines
Gravity anomalies, crustal structure, and seismicity at subduction zones: 1. Seafloor roughness and subducting relief
Authors: Bassett Dan , Watts Anthony B.
Published: March 2015

An ensemble averaging technique is used to remove the long‐wavelength topography and gravity field from subduction zones. >200 residual bathymetric and gravimetric anomalies are interpreted within fore arcs, many of which are attributed to the tectonic structure of the subducting plate. The residual‐gravimetric expression of subducting fracture zones extends >200 km landward of the trench axis. The bathymetric expression of subducting seamounts with height ≥1 km and area ≥500 km2 (N=36), and aseismic ridges (N>10), is largest near the trench (within 70 km) and above shallow subducting slab depths (SLAB1.0 <17 km). Subducting seamounts are similar in wavelength, amplitude, and morphology to unsubducted seamounts. Morphology, spatial distributions, and reduced levels of seismicity are considered inconsistent with mechanical models proposing wholesale decapitation, and the association of subducting seamounts with large‐earthquakes. Subducting aseismic ridges are associated with uplift and steepening of the outer fore arc, a gradual reduction in residual bathymetric expression across the inner fore arc, and a local increase in the width and elevation of the volcanic‐arc/orogen. These contrasting expressions reflect the influence of margin‐normal variations in rigidity on where and how the upper plate deforms, both to accommodate subducting relief and in response to stresses transmitted across the plate interface. The outer fore arc and arc have lower rigidity due to fracturing and thermal weakening, respectively. Similar associations with complex earthquakes and fault creep suggest aseismic ridge subduction may also be accommodated by the development and evolution of a broad fracture network, the geometrical strength of which may exceed the locking strength of a smooth fault.
Spatial and temporal variability of zooplankton off New Caledonia (Southwestern Pacific) from acoustics and net measurements
Authors: Smeti Houssem , Pagano Marc , Menkes Christophe , Lebourges‐Dhaussy Anne , Hunt Brian P. V. , Allain Valerie , Rodier Martine , de Boissieu Florian , Kestenare Elodie , Sammari Cherif
Published: March 2015

Spatial and temporal distribution of zooplankton off New Caledonia in the eastern Coral Sea was studied during two multidisciplinary cruises in 2011, during the cool and the hot seasons. Acoustic measurements of zooplankton were made using a shipborne acoustic Doppler current profiler (S‐ADCP), a scientific echosounder and a Tracor acoustic profiling system (TAPS). Relative backscatter from ADCP was converted to biomass estimates using zooplankton weights from net‐samples collected during the cruises. Zooplankton biomass was estimated using four methods: weighing, digital imaging (ZooScan), ADCP and TAPS. Significant correlations were found between the different biomass estimators and between the backscatters of the ADCP and the echosounder. There was a consistent diel pattern in ADCP derived biomass and echosounder backscatter resulting from the diel vertical migration (DVM) of zooplankton. Higher DVM amplitudes were associated with higher abundance of small zooplankton and cold waters to the south of the study area, while lower DVM amplitudes in the north were associated with warmer waters and higher abundance of large organisms. Zooplankton was largely dominated by copepods (71–73%) among which calanoids prevailed (40–42%), with Paracalanus spp. as the dominant species (16–17%). Overall, zooplankton exhibited low abundance and biomass (mean night dry biomass of 4.7 ± 2.2 mg m3 during the cool season and 2.4 ± 0.4 mg m3 during the hot season) but high richness and diversity (Shannon index ∼4). Substantially enhanced biomass and abundance appeared to be episodically associated with mesoscale features contributing to shape a rather patchy zooplankton distribution.
High‐resolution experiments on chemical oxidation of DNAPL in variable‐aperture fractures
Authors: Arshadi Masoud , Rajaram Harihar , Detwiler Russell L. , Jones Trevor
Published: March 2015

Chemical oxidation of dense nonaqueous‐phase liquids (DNAPLs) by permanganate has emerged as an effective remediation strategy in fractured rock. We present high‐resolution experimental investigations in transparent analog variable‐aperture fractures to improve understanding of chemical oxidation of residual entrapped trichloroethylene (TCE) in fractures. Four experiments were performed with different permanganate concentrations, flow rates, and initial TCE phase geometry. The initial aperture field and evolving entrapped‐phase geometry were quantified for each experiment. The integrated mass transfer rate from the TCE phase for all experiments exhibited three time regimes: an early‐time regime with slower mass transfer rates limited by low specific interfacial area; an intermediate‐time regime with higher mass transfer rates resulting from breakup of large TCE blobs, which greatly increases specific interfacial area; and a late‐time regime with low mass transfer rates due to the deposition of MnO2 precipitates. In two experiments, mass balance analyses suggested that TCE mass removal rates exceeded the maximum upper bound mass removal rates derived by assuming that oxidation and dissolution are the only mechanisms for TCE mass removal. We propose incomplete oxidation by permanganate and TCE solubility enhancement by intermediate reaction products as potential mechanisms to explain this behavior. We also speculate that some intermediate reaction products with surfactant‐like properties may play a role in lowering the TCE‐water interfacial tension, thus causing breakup of large TCE blobs. Our quantitative experimental measurements will be useful in the context of developing accurate computational models for chemical oxidation of TCE in fractures.
Ocean variability east of Mindanao: Mooring observations at 7°N, revisited
Authors: Kashino Yuji , Ueki Iwao , Sasaki Hedeharu
Published: March 2015

Two subsurface moorings were deployed east of Mindanao Island, the Philippines, at 7°01′N, 126°55′E and 7°01′N, 127°46′E, at the location of the inshore and offshore cores of the Mindanao Undercurrent (MUC) suggested by past studies, from September 2011 to October 2012 and March 2013. A steady northward undercurrent, the MUC, was not confirmed by these observations, not only at the location of its inshore core but also of the offshore core. The observed mean flow at the mooring sites seems to be part of an anticyclonic eddy rather than the MUC. A particle‐tracking experiment using a high‐resolution general circulation model output showed that the northward mean flow, called the MUC by past studies, was too weak to advect water to the north. The Mindanao Current during 2011–2012 was weaker than during 1999–2002 because the sea surface height in the Philippine Sea during 2011–2012 was lower than that during 1999–2002. Intraseasonal variability with periods of 50–100 days was observed at the mooring sites, comparable to the previous observations during 1999–2002. Westward signal propagations were observed with periods and speeds of 50 days and 0.20 m s−1 at 300 m depth and of 60–72 days and 0.11–0.14 m s−1 at 960 m depth.
Physical Stability and Crystallization Inhibition
Authors: Taylor Lynne S.
Published: March 2015

In order to successfully utilize amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) to enhance drug delivery, it is essential to maintain the amorphous form of the drug during the manufacturing process and the shelf life of the formulated product. It is essential to evaluate the crystallization tendency of the drug exposed to different environmental conditions and to develop strategies to modify crystallization kinetics through the addition of crystallization inhibitors. This chapter initially discusses crystallization in the solid state, including a consideration of the role of temperature, residual water, and additives. Subsequently, phase behavior during dissolution of an amorphous formulation is explored. The chapter presents an overview of the factors that need to be understood and controlled for successful formulation of an amorphous solid dispersion. It discusses different methods for physical stability assessment. Solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (SSNMR) is used to investigate a number of aspects of amorphous solid dispersions.
Dispersed Phase Deformation Modeling of Immiscible Polymer Blends in Injection Molding
Authors: Zhang Yi , Liu Fen , Huang Zhigao , Xie Xiaolin , Shan Bin , Zhou Huamin
Published: March 2015

Numerical prediction of morphology in polymer blends during injection molding is of vital importance for mastering the material microstructure and optimizing the property of molded parts, in which modeling the morphological evolution in processing is the premise. The principle and crucial factors of the deformation of dispersed phases have been investigated in this paper, followed by introducing six deformation models (MM, JT, YB, affine model, shear model, and Cox models) systematically. Simulation results of these models under five typical flows (steady deformation in simple shear flow, transient deformation in simple shear flow, relaxation after step shearing, shearing reversion, and droplet broadening) are compared and evaluated. It shows that the MM model can be chosen for modeling the steady deformation or small deformation process in the injection molding, and the affine model is highly feasible for the transient large deformation in the high shearing process of injection molding. Finally, the selected models are used in the injection molding simulation for verification.
Infant mortality and isotopic complexity: New approaches to stress, maternal health, and weaning
Authors: Beaumont Julia , Montgomery Janet , Buckberry Jo , Jay Mandy
Published: March 2015

Objectives: Studies of the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N) of modern tissues with a fast turnover, such as hair and fingernails, have established the relationship between these values in mothers and their infants during breastfeeding and weaning. Using collagen from high‐resolution dentine sections of teeth, which form in the perinatal period we investigate the relationship between diet and physiology in this pivotal stage of life. Materials and Methods: Childhood dentine collagen δ13C and δ15N profiles were produced from horizontal sections of permanent and deciduous teeth following the direction of development. These were from two 19th‐century sites (n = 24) and a small number (n = 5) of prehistoric samples from Great Britain and Ireland. Results: These high‐resolution data exhibit marked differences between those who survived childhood and those who did not, the former varying little and the latter fluctuating widely. Discussion: Breastfeeding and weaning behavior have a significant impact on the morbidity and mortality of infants and the adults they become. In the absence of documentary evidence, archaeological studies of bone collagen of adults and juveniles have been used to infer the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding. These interpretations rely on certain assumptions about the relationship between isotope ratios in the bone collagen of the adult females and the infants who have died. The data from this study suggest a more complex situation than previously proposed and the potential for a new approach to the study of maternal and infant health in past populations. Am J Phys Anthropol 157:441–457, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ISOLATION AND FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF McMenA, A GENE ENCODING A 1,4‐DIHYDROXY‐2‐NAPHTHOATE OCTAPRENYLTRANSFERASE IN Mylabris cichorii
Authors: Liao Y. F. , Wang Y. , Huang Y. , Zha S. F. , Liu J. J. , Wang Z. K. , Yin Y. P. , Liao Y. F. , Wang Y.
Published: March 2015

Cantharidin is a biomolecule with a role in host defense that can also be used as an anticancer drug. The in vivo biosynthetic pathway for cantharidin has been the subject of debate for several decades and the mechanism is not yet completely understood. To study the biosynthetic pathway of cantharidin in blister beetles, Mylabris cichori, a full‐length MenA (McMenA) cDNA was cloned based on the partial sequence of the MenA gene from a suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) library of male and female adult M. cichorii. The cDNA was 1264 base pairs (bp) with an open reading frame of 1026 bp nucleotides encoding a 341 amino acid protein. Analysis of the McMenA amino acid sequence showed that the aspartate rich motif N/DDxxD represented binding sites for prenyl diphosphate via a Mg2+ ion. Phylogenetic analysis showed that McMenA was most closely related to MenA of Tribolium castaneum, and the amino acid sequence similarity was 86%. The expression pattern of McMenA in adults was analyzed using RT‐qPCR, and we found that the highest expression of McMenA occurred during 22–25 days in the sex‐separate breeding males, while the lowest expression occurred in females at the same time. Injection with a specific double‐strand RNA (dsRNA) of McMenA led to a significant reduction of McMenA mRNA levels after 24 h. Cantharidin and ATP concentrations dropped around the same time. Together, our data showed that the McMenA gene might be involved in cantharidin biosynthesis.
Exploiting human and mouse transcriptomic data: Identification of circadian genes and pathways influencing health
Authors: Laing Emma E. , Johnston Jonathan D. , Möller‐Levet Carla S. , Bucca Giselda , Smith Colin P. , Dijk Derk‐Jan , Archer Simon N.
Published: March 2015

The power of the application of bioinformatics across multiple publicly available transcriptomic data sets was explored. Using 19 human and mouse circadian transcriptomic data sets, we found that NR1D1 and NR1D2 which encode heme‐responsive nuclear receptors are the most rhythmic transcripts across sleep conditions and tissues suggesting that they are at the core of circadian rhythm generation. Analyzes of human transcriptomic data show that a core set of transcripts related to processes including immune function, glucocorticoid signalling, and lipid metabolism is rhythmically expressed independently of the sleep‐wake cycle. We also identify key transcripts associated with transcription and translation that are disrupted by sleep manipulations, and through network analysis identify putative mechanisms underlying the adverse health outcomes associated with sleep disruption, such as diabetes and cancer. Comparative bioinformatics applied to existing and future data sets will be a powerful tool for the identification of core circadian‐ and sleep‐dependent molecules.
Neuronal hyperactivity – A key defect in Alzheimer's disease?
Authors: Busche Marc Aurel , Konnerth Arthur
Published: March 2015

Traditionally, the impairment of cognitive functions in Alzheimeŕs disease (AD) is thought to result from a reduction in neuronal and synaptic activities, and ultimately cell death. Here, we review recent in vivo evidence from mouse models and human patients indicating that, particularly in early stages of AD, neuronal circuits are hyperactive instead of hypoactive. Functional analyses at many levels, from single neurons to neuronal populations to large‐scale networks, with a variety of electrophysiological and imaging techniques have revealed two forms of AD‐related hyperactivity and provided first insights into the synaptic mechanisms. The unexpected finding that hyperactivity is an early neuronal dysfunction represents a major conceptual shift in our understanding of AD that may have important implications for the development of therapeutic approaches.
Enhanced Performance of a Pillared TiO2 Nanohybrid as an Anode Material for Fast and Reversible Lithium Storage
Authors: Wang Bei , Bai Yang , Xing Zheng , Hulicova‐Jurcakova Denisa , Wang Lianzhou
Published: March 2015

TiO2 nanohybrid material with pillared nanostructure is prepared via an exfoliation/reassembly process of exfoliated Ti0.91O2 nanosheets and TiO2 nanoparticles, followed by a calcination treatment. The as‐prepared material consists of TiO2 nanoparticles (≈5–8 nm) randomly distributed in the interlayers of reassembled TiO2 nanosheets, resulting in a high specific surface area of 207 m2 g−1, which can effectively facilitate lithium diffusion and accommodation. The formed disordered TiO2 pillared material can deliver a specific discharge capacity of 349 mA h g−1 at 0.2 C with sufficient lithium intercalation and exceptional cycling stability for up to 150 cycles, and survive more than 350 continuous cycles with almost no capacity fading at 1 C, 5 C and 10 C. The superior electrochemical properties of our TiO2 nanohybrids demonstrate sufficient and reversible lithium insertion/extraction, and ultrafast lithium diffusion and storage capabilities.
Asymmetric dominance and asymmetric mate choice oppose premating isolation after allopatric divergence
Authors: Sefc Kristina M. , Hermann Caroline M. , Steinwender Bernd , Brindl Hanna , Zimmermann Holger , Mattersdorfer Karin , Postl Lisbeth , Makasa Lawrence , Sturmbauer Christian , Koblmüller Stephan
Published: March 2015

Assortative mating promotes reproductive isolation and allows allopatric speciation processes to continue in secondary contact. As mating patterns are determined by mate preferences and intrasexual competition, we investigated male–male competition and behavioral isolation in simulated secondary contact among allopatric populations. Three allopatric color morphs of the cichlid fish Tropheus were tested against each other. Dyadic male–male contests revealed dominance of red males over bluish and yellow‐blotch males. Reproductive isolation in the presence of male–male competition was assessed from genetic parentage in experimental ponds and was highly asymmetric among pairs of color morphs. Red females mated only with red males, whereas the other females performed variable degrees of heteromorphic mating. Discrepancies between mating patterns in ponds and female preferences in a competition‐free, two‐way choice paradigm suggested that the dominance of red males interfered with positive assortative mating of females of the subordinate morphs and provoked asymmetric hybridization. Between the nonred morphs, a significant excess of negative assortative mating by yellow‐blotch females with bluish males did not coincide with asymmetric dominance among males. Hence, both negative assortative mating preferences and interference of male–male competition with positive assortative preferences forestall premating isolation, the latter especially in environments unsupportive of competition‐driven spatial segregation.
A Quick and Clean Procedure for Synthesis of α‐Aminophosphonates in Aqueous Media
Authors: Mollashahi Ebrahim , Gholami Hamideh , Kangani Mehrnoosh , Lashkari Mojtaba , Maghsoodlou Malek Taher
Published: March 2015

A green and efficient procedure for the synthesis of α‐aminophosphonates has been developed in water as a green and nonhazardous solvent, from condensation between aromatic aldehydes, aniline, and triphenyl phosphite at 80°C. This methodology has a number of advantages including clean reaction conditions, easy work‐up, and environmentally friendly.
Fabrication of elastomeric scaffolds with curvilinear fibrous structures for heart valve leaflet engineering
Authors: Hobson Christopher M. , Amoroso Nicholas J. , Amini Rouzbeh , Ungchusri Ethan , Hong Yi , D'Amore Antonio , Sacks Michael S. , Wagner William R.
Published: March 2015

Native semi‐lunar heart valves are composed of a dense fibrous network that generally follows a curvilinear path along the width of the leaflet. Recent models of engineered valve leaflets have predicted that such curvilinear fiber orientations would homogenize the strain field and reduce stress concentrations at the commissure. In the present work, a method was developed to reproduce this curvilinear fiber alignment in electrospun scaffolds by varying the geometry of the collecting mandrel. Elastomeric poly(ester urethane)urea was electrospun onto rotating conical mandrels of varying angles to produce fibrous scaffolds where the angle of fiber alignment varied linearly over scaffold length. By matching the radius of the conical mandrel to the radius of curvature for the native pulmonary valve, the electrospun constructs exhibited a curvilinear fiber structure similar to the native leaflet. Moreover, the constructs had local mechanical properties comparable to conventional scaffolds and native heart valves. In agreement with prior modeling results, it was found under quasi‐static loading that curvilinear fiber microstructures reduced strain concentrations compared to scaffolds generated on a conventional cylindrical mandrels. Thus, this simple technique offers an attractive means for fabricating scaffolds where key microstructural features of the native leaflet are imitated for heart valve tissue engineering. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 3101–3106, 2015.
Dose–response and histopathological study, with special attention to the hypophysis, of the differential effects of domoic acid on rats and mice
Authors: Vieira Andrés Crespo , Martínez J. Manuel Cifuentes , Pose Roberto Bermúdez , Queijo Álvaro Antelo , Posadas Nuria Alemañ , López Luis M. Botana
Published: March 2015

The effects of the neurotoxin domoic acid (DA) in the central nervous system of rodents (essentially rats and mice) after intraperitoneal administration have been profusely studied in the past. These observations have shown that the toxin induces similar symptoms and pathology in both species, but the lethality varies greatly. This article addresses the common and specific histopathological effects in rats and mice and the difference in sensitivity of these species to DA. Various sublethal and lethal doses were employed in mice (from 3 mg/kg to 8 mg/kg) to observe their neurotoxicity by using different histological techniques, and these results were compared with the pathological effects after the administration of LD50 in rats (2.5 mg/kg). Additionally we also detected the presence of this toxin in various tissues by means of immunohistochemistry. Our results showed that rats are more vulnerable than mice to the neurotoxic effects of DA after intraperitoneal inoculation: lethality was extremely high in rats and the toxin produced hippocampal damage in rats surviving the intoxication, while lesions were not observed in DA‐inoculated mice. As for similarities between rats and mice, both displayed similar clinical signs and in both the toxin was detected in the hypophysis by immunohistochemistry, a brain region not reported to date as target of the toxin. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:396–403, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of four Aconitum species used as “Caowu” in herbal markets by 3d reconstruction and microstructural comparison
Authors: Liu Chan‐Chan , Cheng Ming‐En , Peng Huasheng‐ , Duan Hai‐Yan , Huang Luqi‐
Published: March 2015

Authentication is the first priority when evaluating the quality of Chinese herbal medicines, particularly highly toxic medicines. The most commonly used authentication methods are morphological identification and microscopic identification. Unfortunately, these methods could not effectively evaluate some herbs with complex interior structures, such as root of Aconitum species with a circular conical shape and an interior structure with successive changes. Defining the part that should be selected as the standard plays an essential role in accurate microscopic identification. In this study, we first present a visual 3D model of Aconitum carmichaeli Debx. constructed obtained from microscopic analysis of serial sections. Based on this model, we concluded that the point of largest root diameter should be used as the standard for comparison and identification. The interior structure at this point is reproducible and its shape and appearance can easily be used to distinguish among species. We also report details of the interior structures of parts not shown in the 3D model, such as stone cells and cortical thickness. To demonstrate the usefulness of the results from the 3D model, we have distinguished the microscopic structures, at their largest segments, of the other three Aconitum species used for local habitat species of Caowu. This work provides the basis for resolution of some debate regarding the microstructural differences among these species. Thus, we conclude that the 3D model composed of serial sections has enabled the selection of a standard cross‐section that will enable the accurate identification of Aconitum species in Chinese medicine. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:425–432, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evolutionary allometry of the thoracolumbar centra in felids and bovids
Authors: Jones Katrina E.
Published: March 2015

Mammals have evolved a remarkable range of body sizes, yet their overall body plan remains unaltered. One challenge of evolutionary biology is to understand the mechanisms by which this size diversity is achieved, and how the mechanical challenges associated with changing body size are overcome. Despite the importance of the axial skeleton in body support and locomotion, and much interest in the allometry of the appendicular skeleton, little is known about vertebral allometry outside primates. This study compares evolutionary allometry of the thoracolumbar centra in two families of quadrupedal running mammals: Felidae and Bovidae. I test the hypothesis that, as size increases, the thoracolumbar region will resist increasing loads by becoming a) craniocaudally shorter, and b) larger in cross‐sectional area, particularly in the sagittal plane. Length, width, and height of the thoracolumbar centra of 23 felid and 34 bovid species were taken. Thoracic, prediaphragmatic, lumbar, and postdiaphragmatic lengths were calculated, and diameters were compared at three equivalent positions: the midthoracic, the diaphragmatic and the midlumbar vertebra. Allometric slopes were calculated using a reduced major axis regression, on both raw and independent contrasts data. Slopes and elevations were compared using an ANCOVA. As size increases the thoracolumbar centra become more robust, showing preferential reinforcement in the sagittal plane. There was less allometric shortening of the thoracic than the lumbar region, perhaps reflecting constraints due to its connection with the respiratory apparatus. The thoracic region was more robust in bovids than felids, whereas the lumbar region was longer and more robust in felids than bovids. Elongation of lumbar centra increases the outlever of sagittal bending at intervertebral joints, increasing the total pelvic displacement during dorsomobile running. Both locomotor specializations and functional regionalization of the axial skeleton appear to have influenced its response to increasing size. J. Morphol. 276:818–831, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The impacts of long‐lived jet contrail ‘outbreaks’ on surface station diurnal temperature range
Authors: Bernhardt Jase , Carleton Andrew M.
Published: March 2015

Multiple persistent jet aviation contrails – contrail ‘outbreaks’ – occur frequently over certain portions of the Continental United States (CONUS). The artificial cloudiness generated by contrail outbreaks alters the atmospheric radiation budget, potentially impacting the surface air temperature, particularly the diurnal temperature range (DTR), or difference between daytime maximum and nighttime minimum temperatures. This study evaluates the hypothesis that contrail outbreaks reduce the DTR relative to clear‐sky conditions. We utilize a database of longer‐lived (>4 h duration) jet contrail outbreaks for the CONUS previously determined from interpretation of high‐resolution satellite imagery, for the January and April months of 2008 and 2009. The outbreak impact on DTR was determined by comparing maximum and minimum temperatures at pairs of surface weather stations (one outbreak and one non‐outbreak) across two regions of climatologically high outbreak frequency; the South in January, and Midwest in April. We ensured that each station pair selected had broadly similar land use‐land cover, soil moisture, and synoptic air mass conditions. For outbreaks in the South (January), there was a statistically significant reduction of DTR at the outbreak versus non‐outbreak stations. This result was similar to that obtained for a smaller subset of outbreaks for which lower‐level clouds could be confirmed as being absent (from North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) output). For the Midwest (April), the results are mixed; statistically different for satellite‐retrieved outbreaks, but not significantly different for the NARR‐validated dataset. These results suggest that persistent jet contrails should be considered in short‐term weather forecasting, and for their potential influence on the climatology of more frequently impacted areas.
Do atmospheric teleconnection patterns explain variations and trends in thermal growing season parameters in Finland?
Authors: Irannezhad Masoud , Kløve Bjørn
Published: March 2015

Using daily mean temperature datasets applied at regular grid points (10 × 10 km2) throughout Finland for the period 1961–2011, interannual variations and trends in thermal growing season (GS) parameters, in terms of start (GSS), end (GSE) and length (GSL) and their relationships with various atmospheric teleconnection patterns (ATPs) were analysed. The GSL in Finland naturally increases from north to south, in association with earlier GSS and later GSE. However, the results showed that during the last 50 years, GSL on national scale in Finland significantly (p < 0.05) increased, at a rate of 0.30 ± 0.18 days year–1. This change was mainly attributable to earlier GSS (0.16 ± 0.13 days year–1, p < 0.05). The East Atlantic/West Russia (EA/WR) pattern was the most significant ATP influencing variations in GSS (ρ = 0.33), GSE (ρ = −0.42) and GSL (ρ = −0.33) on national scale in Finland. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) trends in GSL were all positive (increasing) and mainly observed in the centre (Oulu), upper east (Kuopio) and west (Jyväskylä), north (Rovaniemi‐Sodankylä) and south‐west coastal areas (Helsinki‐Turku‐Vaasa) of Finland. Increasing GSL in central, upper eastern and western Finland was mainly associated with significantly earlier GSS; that in the north with significantly later GSE; and that in the most south‐westerly areas with both earlier GSS and later GSE. These increases in GSL and corresponding shifts in GSS and/or GSE were significantly correlated with the East Atlantic (EA) pattern in northern and central Finland; with the EA/WR pattern in the south, south‐east and south‐west; and with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the Arctic Oscillation (AO) in south‐west coastal areas. The results provide a detailed national and spatial picture of changes in GS parameters in Finland during the last 50 years and reveal that the interannual variability in GS parameters in Finland is strongly linked with a number of ATPs, such as the EA, EA/WR, NAO and AO.
Surgical results for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after curative hepatectomy: Repeat hepatectomy versus salvage living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Yamashita Yo‐Ichi , Yoshida Yoshihiro , Kurihara Takeshi , Itoh Shinji , Harimoto Norifumi , Ikegami Toru , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Uchiyama Hideaki , Shirabe Ken , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: March 2015

The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of repeat hepatectomy (Hx) and salvage living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A retrospective cohort study was performed to analyze the surgical results of repeat Hx and salvage LDLT for patients with recurrent HCC within the Milan criteria from 1989 to 2012. A total of 159 patients were divided into 2 groups: a repeat Hx group (n = 146) and a salvage LDLT group (n = 13). Operative results and patient prognoses were compared between the 2 groups. The operative invasiveness, including the operation time (229.1 ± 97.7 versus 862.9 ± 194.4 minutes; P < 0.0001) and blood loss (596.3 ± 764.9 versus 24,690 ± 59,014.4 g; P < 0.0001), were significantly higher in the salvage LDLT group. The early surgical results, such as morbidity (31% versus 62%; P = 0.0111) and the duration of hospital stay (20 ± 22 versus 35 ± 21 days; P = 0.0180), were significantly worse in the salvage LDLT group. There was no significant difference in the overall survival (OS) rate, but the disease‐free survival rate of the salvage LDLT group was significantly better (P = 0.0002). The OS rate of patients with grade B liver damage in the repeat Hx group was significantly worse (P < 0.0001), and the 5‐year OS rate was quite low, that is, 20% (liver damage A, 77% for the repeat Hx group and 75% for the salvage LDLT group). The prognosis of patients with grade B liver damage after repeat Hx for recurrent HCC is poor, and salvage LDLT would be a potent option for such patients. Liver Transpl 21:961‐968, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.