bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between endoscopic findings related to colonic diverticula and bowel habits: A multicenter study in Japan
Authors: Yamada Eiji , Kuriyama Hitoshi , Uchida Eri , Murata Yoriko , Hata Yasuo , Tagri Masataka , Isozaki Yutaka , Oyamada Hirokazu , Ozawa Yukihiro , Ito Takafumi , Mizuki Akira , Inamori Masahiko , Manabe Noriaki , Haruma Ken , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: April 2017

Background and Aim

Few studies have shown the associations between colonic diverticula and endoscopic findings such as location, inflammation, number of diverticula, sigmoid colon rigidity, and bowel habits.

Methods

Japanese subjects who underwent total colonoscopies at six centers in Japan from November 2015 to October 2016 were analyzed. Bowel habits were evaluated using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. Location and number of diverticula, inflammation, and sigmoid colon rigidity were evaluated from endoscopy results.

Results

A total of 762 subjects (486 men and 276 women [ratio, 1.76:1]) whose mean age was 65.5 ± 11.4 years were evaluated. In multivariate analysis, presence of constipation was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of left‐sided colonic diverticula (odds ratio = 0.40, 95% confidence interval 0.20–0.82, P = 0.012), whereas right‐sided and bilateral‐sided colonic diverticula, multiple colonic diverticula, inflammation findings, and sigmoid colon rigidity were not related to bowel habits.

Conclusions

Among endoscopic findings related to colonic diverticula and bowel habits, only left‐sided colonic diverticula were inversely associated with constipation, whereas inflammation findings, multiple diverticula, and sigmoid colon rigidity were not related to bowel habits. However, the association of inflammation findings with colonic diverticula and bowel habits should be further studied. Investigation of changes in left‐sided colonic diverticula may lead to new treatments for constipation.
Introduction to Nobel Conference: ‘The Cell Cycle and Cell Death in Disease’
Authors: Wiman K. G. , Zhivotovsky B.
Published: April 2017

Content List – Read more articles from the symposium: Nobel Conference: Cell Cycle and Cell Death in Disease.
Drug resistance reversal by combretastatin-A4 phosphate loaded with doxorubicin in polymersomes independent of angiogenesis effect
Authors: Zhu Jinfang , Hu Mengying , Qiu Liyan
Published: April 2017

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate that the polymersomes (Ps-DOX-CA4P) dual-loaded with combretastatin-A4 phosphate (CA4P) and doxorubicin (DOX) overcame drug resistance and sensitized tumour cells to chemotherapeutic drugs.

Methods

Ps-DOX-CA4P were prepared by solvent evaporation method using mPEG-b-PLA as carriers. The potential capability of CA4P to reverse DOX resistance was verified by cytotoxicity test, apoptosis assay and cellular uptake of DOX. The comparison between free drugs and drug-loaded polymersomes was also made on a single-layer cell model and multicellular tumour spheroids to display the superiority of the drug vehicles. Furthermore, we put the emphasis on the investigation into underlying mechanisms for CA4P overcoming DOX resistance.

Key findings

Results showed Ps-DOX-CA4P achieved increased uptake of DOX, enhanced cytotoxicity and apoptotic rate in MCF-7/ADR cells as well as MCF-7/ADR tumour spheroids. The potential molecular mechanisms may be related to inhibiting P-glycoprotein function by downregulating protein kinase Cα, stimulating ATPase activity, depleting ATP and increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species levels.

Conclusions

The findings validated the sensitization property of CA4P on DOX independent of its well-known angiogenesis effect, which would provide a novel and promising strategy for drug-resistant cancer therapy.
Effects of Collaborative Communication on NPD Collaboration Results: Two Routes of Influence
Authors: Pemartín María , Rodríguez‐Escudero Ana I. , Munuera‐Alemán José Luís
Published: April 2017

Although NPD collaboration with external partners has become the next generation in NPD practice, the discussion concerning how to organize collaboration so as to obtain better results is far from over. Since communication is the most important element in successful interfirm exchange, this study focuses on the impact of collaborative communication and its facets—frequency, formality, reciprocal feedback, and rationality—on NPD collaboration results. In order to explain how collaborative communication can best be managed to enhance NPD collaboration results, this research combines the relational and resource‐based views, proposing the existence of two routes of influence: the direct resource‐based route and the indirect relational route mediated by trust. Using a sample of 207 NPD collaboration projects of innovative firms, empirical findings indicate that reciprocal feedback–rationality and frequency play an important role in product quality and adherence to budget and schedule, respectively, even without trust. Moreover, the trust between partners substantially reinforces the positive influence of reciprocal feedback–rationality on NPD collaboration results and makes the effect of formality significant. Therefore, the two alternative routes are confirmed as important paths to new product success, which provides relevant managerial implications.
Thank god it's Friday – sleep improved
Authors: Petersen Helena , Kecklund Göran , D'Onofrio Paolo , Axelsson John , Åkerstedt Torbjörn
Published: April 2017

The weekend is usually seen as a window of recovery. Thus, sleep before a day off may be less impaired than that before a workday. However, very few polysomnographical studies have investigated this hypothesis. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare sleep before a workday with that before a weekend. Seventeen teachers participated. Sleep was recorded with polysomnography on one weekday night during the workweek, and on a workday (Friday) followed by a day off. Sleep diaries and actigraphs were also used. Weekend sleep showed delayed bedtime and time of rising, a longer total sleep time (45 min), increased N3 and N1, and decreased N2 and REM. Sleep spindles were reduced. The results remained after truncation to the shortest common sleep duration (5 h). The increase in N3 from weekday sleep to Friday night sleep was positively correlated with N1 change (r = 0.853, P ≤ 0.001), and negatively correlated with N2 change (r = −0.614, P ≤ 0.001). Subjective ratings showed that weekend sleep was associated with less awakening problems and lower subjective arousal during the day. The authors concluded that weekend sleep was longer, and showed increased N3 and N1. The authors suggest that the N3 increase before the day off is a result of lower stress, while the N1 increase may be an effect of sleep spindle suppression via the increase of N3 (which would suppress sleep spindles), thus reducing N2 and enhancing N1.
Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Cats During Anesthesia and Effect of Omeprazole on GastricpH
Authors: Garcia R.S. , Belafsky P.C. , Della Maggiore A. , Osborn J.M. , Pypendop B.H. , Pierce T. , Walker V.J. , Fulton A. , Marks S.L.
Published: April 2017

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is poorly characterized in anesthetized cats, but can cause aspiration pneumonia, esophagitis, and esophageal stricture formation.

Objective

To determine whether pre‐anesthetic orally administered omeprazole increases gastric and esophagealpHand increases serum gastrin concentrations in anesthetized cats, and to determine the prevalence ofGERusing combined multichannel impedance andpHmonitoring.

Animals

Twenty‐seven healthy cats undergoing elective dental procedures.

Methods

Prospective, double‐masked, placebo‐controlled, randomized clinical trial. Cats were randomized to receive 2POdoses of omeprazole (1.45–2.20 mg/kg) or an empty gelatin capsule placebo 18–24 hours and 4 hours before anesthetic induction. Blood for measurement of serum gastrin concentration was collected during anesthetic induction. An esophagealpH/impedance catheter was utilized to continuously measure esophagealpHand detectGERthroughout anesthesia.

Results

Mean gastricpHin the cats that received omeprazole was 7.2 ± 0.4 (range, 6.6–7.8) and was significantly higher than thepHin cats that received the placebo 2.8 ± 1.0 (range, 1.3–4.1;P< .001). Omeprazole administration was not associated with a significant increase in serum gastrin concentration (P= .616). Nine of 27 cats (33.3%) had ≥1 episode ofGERduring anesthesia.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Pre‐anesthetic administration of 2POdoses of omeprazole at a dosage of 1.45–2.20 mg/kg in cats was associated with a significant increase in gastric and esophagealpHwithin 24 hours, but was not associated with a significant increase in serum gastrin concentration. Prevalence of reflux events in cats during anesthesia was similar to that of dogs during anesthesia.
Alterations in mandibular morphology associated with glypican 1 and glypican 3 gene mutations
Authors: Mian M. , Ranjitkar S. , Townsend G. C. , Anderson P. J.
Published: April 2017

Structured Abstract

Objectives

Glypican 1 (GPC1) and glypican 3 (GPC3) are bone co‐regulators that act downstream in many of the signalling pathways associated with craniosynostosis. Morphometric data from GPC‐knockout mice were analysed to determine whether elimination of GPC1 and GPC3 genes would alter mandibular morphology.

Setting and sample population

The murine model included five male and five female mandibles in each of GPC1‐knockout, GPC1/GPC3‐knockout and wild‐type (control) groups. Female GPC3‐knockout mice had a very high rate of perinatal lethality, and therefore, only five males were included in this group.

Methods

The mandibular morphology of GPC1‐knockout (n=10), GPC3‐knockout (n=5), GPC1/GPC3‐knockout (n=10) and wild‐type (n=10) mice was compared by analysing five landmark‐based linear dimensions: anterior and posterior lengths, as well as ascending, descending and posterior heights. Measurements were recorded on three‐dimensional micro‐CT reconstructions.

Results

GPC3‐knockout mandibles were larger than wild‐type mandibles for all dimensions (P<.05). Mandibular heights were more affected than lengths. A decreasing trend of mandibular dimensions across the mouse groups (GPC3‐knockout>GPC1/GPC3‐knockout>GPC1‐knockout=wild‐type) (P<.05) indicated that an increase in mandibular size was associated with increased GPC3 expression, but not GPC1.

Conclusions

Alterations in GPC3 expression are likely to mediate changes to mandibular size in craniosynostosis. These findings have potential future applications in the prevention and treatment of craniosynostosis and associated craniofacial dysmorphology.
“Nails Only” Phenotype and Partial Dominance of p.Glu170Lys Mutation in a Family with Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex
Authors: González‐Cantero Álvaro , Sánchez‐Moya Ana Isabel , Pérez‐Hortet Cristina , Martínez‐Lorenzo Elena , Gómez‐Dorado Blas , Schoendorff‐Ortega Cristina
Published: April 2017

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a heterogeneous group of rare, chronic, inherited skin disorders characterized by marked mechanical fragility of epithelial tissues, with blistering and erosions after minor trauma. We present the first report of a nails‐only phenotype in two patients with epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) and a heterozygous pGlu170Lys mutation and the second reported case of EBS associated with a homozygous p.Glu170Lys mutation in the KRT5 gene. Our findings may be relevant for genetic counseling and for understanding the inheritance pattern of EBS.
Mutations in sdh genes in field isolates of Zymoseptoria tritici and impact on the sensitivity to various succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors
Authors: Rehfus A. , Strobel D. , Bryson R. , Stammler G.
Published: April 2017

Zymoseptoria tritici is the causal agent of septoria tritici blotch (STB), a foliar wheat disease important worldwide. Succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) have been used in cereals for effective control of STB for several years, but resistance towards SDHIs has been reported in several phytopathogenic fungi. Resistance mechanisms are target‐site mutations in the genes coding for subunits B, C and D of the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) enzyme. Previous monitoring data in Europe indicated the presence of single isolates of Z. tritici with reduced SDHI sensitivity. These isolates carried mutations leading to amino acid exchanges: C‐T79N, C‐W80S in 2012; C‐N86S in 2013; B‐N225T and C‐T79N in 2014; and C‐V166M, B‐T268I, C‐N86S, C‐T79N and C‐H152R in 2015. The current study provides results from microtitre and greenhouse experiments to give an insight into the impact of different mutations in field isolates on various SDHIs. In microtitre tests, the highest EC50 values for all tested SDHIs were obtained with mutants carrying C‐H152R. Curative greenhouse tests with various SDHIs confirmed the findings of microtitre tests that isolates with C‐H152R are, in general, controlled with lower efficacy than isolates carrying B‐T268I, C‐T79N and C‐N86S. SDHI‐resistant isolates of Z. tritici found in the field were shown to have cross‐resistance towards all SDHIs tested. So far, SDHI‐resistant isolates of Z. tritici have been found in low frequencies in Europe. Therefore, FRAC recommendations for resistance management in cereals, including a limited number of applications, alternation and combination with other MOAs, should be followed to prolong SDHI field efficacy.
National Rates of Uterine Rupture are not Associated with Rates of Previous Caesarean Delivery: Results from the Nordic Obstetric Surveillance Study
Authors: Colmorn Lotte B. , Langhoff‐Roos Jens , Jakobsson Maija , Tapper Anna‐Maija , Gissler Mika , Lindqvist Pelle G , Källen Karin , Gottvall Karin , Klungsøyr Kari , Bøhrdahl Per , Bjarnadóttir Ragnhild I. , Krebs Lone
Published: April 2017

Background

Previous caesarean delivery and intended mode of delivery after caesarean are well‐known individual risk factors for uterine rupture. We examined if different national rates of uterine rupture are associated with differences in national rates of previous caesarean delivery and intended mode of delivery after a previous caesarean delivery.

Methods

This study is an ecological study based on data from a retrospective cohort in the Nordic countries. Data on uterine rupture were collected prospectively in each country as part of the Nordic obstetric surveillance study and included 91% of all Nordic deliveries. Information on the comparison population was retrieved from the national medical birth registers. Incidence rate ratios by previous caesarean delivery and intended mode of delivery after caesarean were modelled using Poisson regression.

Results

The incidence of uterine rupture was 7.8/10 000 in Finland and 4.6/10 000 in Denmark. Rates of caesarean (21.3%) and previous caesarean deliveries (11.5%) were highest in Denmark, while the rate of intended vaginal delivery after caesarean was highest in Finland (72%). National rates of uterine rupture were not associated with the population rates of previous caesarean but increased by 35% per 1% increase in the population rate of intended vaginal delivery and in the subpopulation of women with previous caesarean delivery by 4% per 1% increase in the rate of intended vaginal delivery.

Conclusion

National rates of uterine rupture were not associated with national rates of previous caesarean, but increased with rates of intended vaginal delivery after caesarean.
Serum ferritin thresholds for the diagnosis of iron deficiency in pregnancy: a systematic review
Authors: Daru J. , Allotey J. , Peña‐Rosas J. P. , Khan K. S.
Published: April 2017

The aim of this review was to understand the landscape of serum ferritin in diagnosing iron deficiency in the aetiology of anaemia in pregnancy. Iron deficiency in pregnancy is a major public health problem leading to the development of anaemia. Reducing the global prevalence of anaemia in women of reproductive age is a 2025 global nutrition target. Bone marrow aspiration is the gold standard test for iron deficiency but requires an invasive procedure; therefore, serum ferritin is the most clinically useful test. We undertook a systematic search of electronic databases and trial registers from inception to January 2016. Studies of iron or micronutrient supplementation in pregnancy with pre‐defined serum ferritin thresholds were included. Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data and assessed quality. There were 76 relevant studies mainly of observational study design (57%). The most commonly used thresholds of serum ferritin for the diagnosis of iron deficiency were <12 and <15 ng mL−1 (68%). Most primary studies provided no justification for the choice of serum ferritin threshold used, but 25 studies (33%) used thresholds defined by expert consensus in a guideline development process. There were five studies (7%) using a serum ferritin threshold defining iron deficiency derived from primary studies of bone marrow aspiration. Unified international thresholds of iron deficiency for women throughout pregnancy are required for accurate assessments of the global disease burden and for evaluating effectiveness of interventions addressing this problem.
In-ear microphone speech quality enhancement via adaptive filtering and artificial bandwidth extension
Authors: Bouserhal Rachel E. , Falk Tiago H. , Voix Jérémie
Published: April 2017

Bone and tissue conducted speech has been used in noisy environments to provide a relatively high signal-to-noise ratio signal. However, the limited bandwidth of bone and tissue conducted speech degrades the quality of the speech signal. Moreover in very noisy conditions, bandwidth extension of the bone and tissue conducted speech becomes problematic. In this paper, speech generated from bone and tissue conduction captured using an in-ear microphone is enhanced using adaptive filtering and a non-linear bandwidth extension method. Objective and subjective tests are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed techniques. Both evaluations show a statistically significant quality enhancement of the noisy in-ear microphone speech with ρ<0.0001 after denoising and ρ<0.01 after bandwidth extension.
Transgenerational transmission of environmental information in
C. elegans
Authors: Klosin Adam , Casas Eduard , Hidalgo-Carcedo Cristina , Vavouri Tanya , Lehner Ben
Published: April 2017

Ancestral legacy effects

Environmental change can critically affect the lifestyle, reproductive success, and life span of adult animals and their for generations. Klosin
et al.
showed that in the nematode worm
Caenorhabditis elegans
, exposure to high temperatures led to expression of endogenously repressed copies of genes—sometimes called “junk” DNA. This effect persisted for >10 generations of worms. The changes in chromatin occurred in the early embryo before the onset of transcription and were inherited through eggs and sperm.

Science
, this issue p.
320
Microtubules acquire resistance from mechanical breakage through intralumenal acetylation
Authors: Xu Zhenjie , Schaedel Laura , Portran Didier , Aguilar Andrea , Gaillard Jérémie , Marinkovich M. Peter , Théry Manuel , Nachury Maxence V.
Published: April 2017

Acetylation keeps microtubules strong

Cells need microtubules for intracellular transport and to avoid being crushed. On investigating microtubule breakage in live fibroblasts, Xu
et al.
found that if they were not acetylated, long-lived microtubules underwent frequent rupture after buckling. Acetylation makes microtubules more mechanically stable, facilitates sliding between filaments, and makes the lattice more plastic.

Science
, this issue p.
328
Living by the lessons of the planet
Authors: Foley Jonathan
Published: April 2017

How can human societies thrive within Earth's physical and biological limits?
Oxidation at the atomic scale
Authors: Cadavid Doris , Cabot Andreu
Published: April 2017

X-ray scattering and molecular dynamics follow the rusting of iron nanoparticles in three dimensions
Use of life jackets and other types of flotation for in-water recreation in designated swim areas in Washington State
Authors: Quan Linda , Mangione Thomas , Bennett Elizabeth , Chow Wendy
Published: April 2017

Most fatal drownings worldwide occur in open water. Flotation devices may protect swimmers. Their use by those recreating in water has not been described.

Methods

Observational survey of swimmers and waders at designated swim sites at lakes and rivers evaluated them by age group, sex, type of flotation used (life jacket vs substandard flotation, eg, water wings, noodles, inflatables) and, for children <6 years, being within arm's reach of an adult.

Results

Of 1967 swimmers/waders observed, 37% used some type of flotation device. Use rates, especially of life jackets, decreased with increasing age. Children <6 years had the highest use of some type of flotation (140/212, 66%) and the highest use of life jackets (50.5%). Children <13 years were more likely to use flotation devices and life jackets than teens (RR 6.78, 3.62 to 12.71); boys were more likely than girls to wear life jackets (RR 1.47, 1.18 to 1.83). While teenagers and adults used flotation (29.5% and 23.5%), they rarely used life jackets (2–3%). Boys <6 years who were further than arm's length of an adult were more likely to wear life jackets than girls. Substandard flotation use did not differ among age groups (15.5–26.5%) but their use was greater among females in most age groups.

Conclusions

Flotation devices were frequently used for recreational wading and swimming in open water by all age groups. Life jacket use was limited to children. Promoting use of flotation devices with safety standards that provide protection as well as fun could potentially decrease open water drowning rates.
Permafrost thaw lakes and ponds as habitats for abundant rotifer populations
Authors: Bégin Paschale N. , Vincent Warwick F.
Published: April 2017

Thermokarst lakes and ponds were sampled across a range of permafrost landscapes in subarctic Québec (Nunavik, Canada) to compare their rotifer and other zooplankton characteristics with a set of rock-basin lakes and ponds in the region. A total of 24 rotifer species were identified, with an average of seven taxa per waterbody. Rotifer abundance was an order of magnitude higher in the thaw ponds than in rock-basin waters. In some thaw ponds, rotifers accounted for >50% of the total zooplankton biomass, but for <10% in all of the rock-basin waters. Neither α- nor β-diversity was significantly different between the two waterbody types. Grazing experiments with microspheres (0.5–6 µm diameter) showed that medium-sized particles (2–3 µm) were preferred to smaller and larger particles; clearance rates were <0.05% of the water column per day, implying that the rotifer populations were unlikely to be bottom-up limited by food availability. Rotifer abundance was negatively correlated with cladoceran densities, suggesting possible interference effects. Chaoborus larvae were also present and may exert a top-down control. Thermokarst ponds are currently favorable environments for rotifers, but the rapid change they have begun to experience brings uncertainty about their ongoing capacity to sustain these prolific communities.
Effects of twin-tunnel excavation on an existing horseshoe-shaped tunnel considering the influence of a settlement joint
Authors: Jiang Biao , Chen Li’ang , Yang J.S. , Wang Shuying , Ng C.W.W.
Published: April 2017

In urban centres, the construction of a new tunnel would cause ground disturbance and affect any adjacent existing tunnel. Tunnel–tunnel interaction problems have not yet been comprehensively studied. In particular, the response of an existing horseshoe-shaped tunnel to the construction of two perpendicularly undercrossing tunnels remains unclear. In this study, three-dimensional centrifuge tests and three-dimensional numerical analysis were designed and conducted in dry sand to investigate the effects of twin-tunnel undercrossing on an existing horseshoe-shaped tunnel considering the influence of a settlement joint. It is found that the adverse effects caused by the tunnel excavated later were smaller than those by the earlier one. For the existing tunnel without a settlement joint, the settlement at the invert and crown along the longitudinal direction showed sagging and hogging curves, respectively, owing to significant vertical elongation of the middle section. The presence of a settlement joint resulted in an increase in the settlement of the ground surface and the existing tunnel by over 100%. In both cases, larger bending strains were induced in the transverse direction than in the longitudinal direction, particularly around the corners.
METABOLIC RECONSTRUCTION FOR DEVELOPING A TISSUE-SPECIFIC MODEL FOR CATTLE GLYCOLYSIS USING COBRA
Authors: KIM DO GYUN , LEE WANG-HEE , SEO SUNG-WON , PARK HYE-SUN
Published: April 2017

This study aims at developing a tissue-specific model for glycolysis in bovine mammary gland epithelial cells by incorporating gene expression data into metabolic reactions. Two types of data sets were embedded in the COnstraint-Based Reconstruction Analysis (COBRA) toolbox: metabolic reactions that overlay bovine genetic information into human glycolysis data from a public database and gene expression data of cattle acquired from lab experiments. As a result, we successfully generated a tissue-specific model of bovine glycolysis in bovine mammary gland epithelial cells, providing information on expression of metabolic pathways and gene annotations still required for curation.
A computational model of the Ca2+ transients and influence of buffering in guinea pig urinary bladder smooth muscle cells
Authors: Dave Vijay , Manchanda Rohit
Published: April 2017

Many cellular events including electrical activity and muscle contraction are regulated and coordinated by intracellular [Formula: see text] concentration ([[Formula: see text]][Formula: see text]. In detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) cells, [[Formula: see text]]i is normally maintained at very low levels and rises transiently during signalling processes as a result of (i) influx from the extracellular space (mainly via L-type and T-type [Formula: see text] channels) and (ii) [Formula: see text] release from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) into the cytoplasm. Intracellular [Formula: see text] buffers, both fixed and diffusible, play a vital role in shaping the radial distribution of free [Formula: see text]. Our aim, in the work presented here, is to develop a mathematical model of [Formula: see text] buffering and diffusion and to generate [Formula: see text] transient in guinea pig DSM cells. The [Formula: see text] transient is generated using inward [Formula: see text] current that arises following voltage clamp and mediated by L-type and T-type [Formula: see text] channels. [Formula: see text] transient is obtained for different radial locations (or shells) of the DSM cytosol. This modeling study explores the levels of [[Formula: see text]]i achieved near the plasma membrane and in deeper locations. The [Formula: see text] transient generated in our model shows a high degree of similarity with experimental findings in terms of amplitude, duration and half-decay time. A number of different buffer properties such as concentration and mobility are tested for their effect on amplitude and shape of [Formula: see text] transient. The presence of fast buffer concentration in the cytosol markedly delays the rise of [[Formula: see text]]i in the core of the cell. Increase in the mobility of fast buffer slightly speeds up the redistribution of [Formula: see text]. To explore the model further, the role of plasma membrane [Formula: see text]-ATPase (PMCA) pump, sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum [Formula: see text]-ATPase (SERCA) pump and sodium calcium exchanger (NCX) on [Formula: see text] transient is studied and it is suggested that NCX may be of primary importance for the immediate lowering of [[Formula: see text]]i during the falling phase of a [Formula: see text] transient in DSM cells.
Groundwater modelling for the Cardiff Bay Barrage, UK – prediction, implementation of engineering works and validation of modelling
Authors: Heathcote J.A. , Lewis R.T. , Sutton J.S.
Published: April 2017

The Cardiff Bay Barrage has raised the mean water level in Cardiff Bay by 4.2 m. When the scheme was proposed, there were concerns that this rise in base level would cause a corresponding rise in shallow groundwater levels, impacting housing in south Cardiff. An extensive hydrogeological investigation and associated groundwater modelling were undertaken, resulting in published conclusions that the risk of impact was small, and within the range of engineering control measures. As part of the consent to proceed, an extensive water level monitoring system has been operated, and the effect on housing has also been monitored.

Now that the scheme is complete, it is possible to review the modelling work undertaken to predict the effects and to compare the predictions with measurements, thus validating the modelling work. Direct comparison of water levels is difficult, but cumulative frequency curves show that no unexpected adverse effects have occurred. The prediction that, with suitable engineering works, there would be no impact on housing, is substantiated.
Modeling Topics and Behavior of Microbloggers
Authors: Hoang Tuan-Anh , Lim Ee-Peng
Published: April 2017

Microblogging encompasses both user-generated content and behavior. When modeling microblogging data, one has to consider personal and background topics, as well as how these topics generate the observed content and behavior. In this article, we propose the
Generalized Behavior-Topic
(GBT) model for simultaneously modeling background topics and users’ topical interest in microblogging data. GBT considers multiple topical communities (or realms) with different background topical interests while learning the personal topics of each user and the user’s dependence on realms to generate both
content
and
behavior
. This differentiates GBT from other previous works that consider either
one realm
only or
content data
only. By associating user behavior with the latent background and personal topics, GBT helps to model user behavior by the two types of topics. GBT also distinguishes itself from other earlier works by modeling multiple types of behavior together. Our experiments on two Twitter datasets show that GBT can effectively mine the representative topics for each realm. We also demonstrate that GBT significantly outperforms other state-of-the-art models in modeling content topics and user profiling.
ST-SAGE
Authors: Wang Weiqing , Yin Hongzhi , Chen Ling , Sun Yizhou , Sadiq Shazia , Zhou Xiaofang
Published: April 2017

With the rapid development of location-based social networks (LBSNs), spatial item recommendation has become an important mobile application, especially when users travel away from home. However, this type of recommendation is very challenging compared to traditional recommender systems. A user may visit only a limited number of spatial items, leading to a very sparse user-item matrix. This matrix becomes even sparser when the user travels to a distant place, as most of the items visited by a user are usually located within a short distance from the user’s home. Moreover, user interests and behavior patterns may vary dramatically across different time and geographical regions. In light of this, we propose ST-SAGE, a spatial-temporal sparse additive generative model for spatial item recommendation in this article. ST-SAGE considers both personal interests of the users and the preferences of the crowd in the target region at the given time by exploiting both the co-occurrence patterns and content of spatial items. To further alleviate the data-sparsity issue, ST-SAGE exploits the geographical correlation by smoothing the crowd’s preferences over a well-designed spatial index structure called the
spatial pyramid
. To speed up the training process of ST-SAGE, we implement a parallel version of the model inference algorithm on the GraphLab framework. We conduct extensive experiments; the experimental results clearly demonstrate that ST-SAGE outperforms the state-of-the-art recommender systems in terms of recommendation effectiveness, model training efficiency, and online recommendation efficiency.
ROS-induced ROS release orchestrated by Nox4, Nox2, and mitochondria in VEGF signaling and angiogenesis
Authors: Kim Young-Mee , Kim Seok-Jo , Tatsunami Ryosuke , Yamamura Hisao , Fukai Tohru , Ushio-Fukai Masuko
Published: April 2017

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from NADPH oxidase (NOX) and mitochondria play a critical role in growth factor-induced switch from a quiescent to an angiogenic phenotype in endothelial cells (ECs). However, how highly diffusible ROS produced from different sources can coordinate to stimulate VEGF signaling and drive the angiogenic process remains unknown. Using the cytosol- and mitochondria-targeted redox-sensitive RoGFP biosensors with real-time imaging, here we show that VEGF stimulation in human ECs rapidly increases cytosolic RoGFP oxidation within 1 min, followed by mitochondrial RoGFP oxidation within 5 min, which continues at least for 60 min. Silencing of Nox4 or Nox2 or overexpression of mitochondria-targeted catalase significantly inhibits VEGF-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of VEGF receptor type 2 (VEGFR2-pY), EC migration and proliferation at the similar extent. Exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or overexpression of Nox4, which produces H2O2, increases mitochondrial ROS (mtROS), which is prevented by Nox2 siRNA, suggesting that Nox2 senses Nox4-derived H2O2 to promote mtROS production. Mechanistically, H2O2 increases S36 phosphorylation of p66Shc, a key mtROS regulator, which is inhibited by siNox2, but not by siNox4. Moreover, Nox2 or Nox4 knockdown or overexpression of S36 phosphorylation-defective mutant p66Shc(S36A) inhibits VEGF-induced mtROS, VEGFR2-pY, EC migration, and proliferation. In summary, Nox4-derived H2O2 in part activates Nox2 to increase mtROS via pSer36-p66Shc, thereby enhancing VEGFR2 signaling and angiogenesis in ECs. This may represent a novel feed-forward mechanism of ROS-induced ROS release orchestrated by the Nox4/Nox2/pSer36-p66Shc/mtROS axis, which drives sustained activation of angiogenesis signaling program.
Flavored e-cigarette liquids reduce proliferation and viability in the CALU3 airway epithelial cell line
Authors: Rowell Temperance R. , Reeber Steven L. , Lee Shernita L. , Harris Rachel A. , Nethery Rachel C. , Herring Amy H. , Glish Gary L. , Tarran Robert
Published: April 2017

E-cigarettes are generally thought of as a safer smoking alternative to traditional cigarettes. However, little is known about the effects of e-cigarette liquids (e-liquids) on the lung. Since over 7,000 unique flavors have been identified for purchase in the United States, our goal was to conduct a screen that would test whether different flavored e-liquids exhibited different toxicant profiles. We tested the effects of 13 different flavored e-liquids [with nicotine and propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin (PG/VG) serving as controls] on a lung epithelial cell line (CALU3). Using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay as an indicator of cell proliferation/viability, we demonstrated a dose-dependent decrease of MTT metabolism by all flavors tested. However, a group of four flavors consistently showed significantly greater toxicity compared with the PG/VG control, indicating the potential for some flavors to elicit more harmful effects than others. We also tested the aerosolized “vapor” from select e-liquids on cells and found similar dose-dependent trends, suggesting that direct e-liquid exposures are a justifiable first-pass screening approach for determining relative e-liquid toxicity. We then identified individual chemical constituents for all 13 flavors using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. These data revealed that beyond nicotine and PG/VG, the 13 flavored e-liquids have diverse chemical constituents. Since all of the flavors exhibited some degree of toxicity and a diverse array of chemical constituents with little inhalation toxicity available, we conclude that flavored e-liquids should be extensively tested on a case-by-case basis to determine the potential for toxicity in the lung and elsewhere.
Magnitude and behavior of cross-talk effects in multichannel electrophysiology experiments
Authors: Nelson Matthew J. , Valtcheva Silvana , Venance Laurent
Published: April 2017

Modern neurophysiological experiments frequently involve multiple channels separated by very small distances. A unique methodological concern for multiple-electrode experiments is that of capacitive coupling (cross-talk) between channels. Yet the nature of the cross-talk recording circuit is not well known in the field, and the extent to which it practically affects neurophysiology experiments has never been fully investigated. Here we describe a simple electrical circuit model of simultaneous recording and stimulation with two or more channels and experimentally verify the model using ex vivo brain slice and in vivo whole-brain preparations. In agreement with the model, we find that cross-talk amplitudes increase nearly linearly with the impedance of a recording electrode and are larger for higher frequencies. We demonstrate cross-talk contamination of action potential waveforms from intracellular to extracellular channels, which is observable in part because of the different orders of magnitude between the channels. This contamination is electrode impedance-dependent and matches predictions from the model. We use recently published parameters to simulate cross-talk in high-density multichannel extracellular recordings. Cross-talk effectively spatially smooths current source density (CSD) estimates in these recordings and induces artefactual phase shifts where underlying voltage gradients occur; however, these effects are modest. We show that the effects of cross-talk are unlikely to affect most conclusions inferred from neurophysiology experiments when both originating and receiving electrode record signals of similar magnitudes. We discuss other types of experiments and analyses that may be susceptible to cross-talk, techniques for detecting and experimentally reducing cross-talk, and implications for high-density probe design.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We develop and experimentally verify an electrical circuit model describing cross-talk that necessarily occurs between two channels. Recorded cross-talk increased with electrode impedance and signal frequency. We recorded cross-talk contamination of spike waveforms from intracellular to extracellular channels. We simulated high-density multichannel extracellular recordings and demonstrate spatial smoothing and phase shifts that cross-talk enacts on CSD measurements. However, when channels record similar-magnitude signals, effects are modest and unlikely to affect most conclusions.
Resveratrol Induces Differentiation of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Neuron-Like Cells
Authors: Guo Li , Wang Liang , Wang Li , Yun-peng Shi , Zhou Jing-jing , Zhao Zongmao , Li De-Pei
Published: April 2017

Objective. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) potentially differentiate to various types of cells including neuron-like cells. The natural polyphenol resveratrol benefits patients with many diseases including ischemic brain injury. We hypothesize that resveratrol induces differentiation of hUC-MSCs into neuron-like cells. Methods. Flow cytometry was used to determine the surface antigens in different stage of hUC-MSCs (P2, P5, and P10). Nestin, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were detected by immunocytochemistry, Western blotting, and real time RT-PCT. The cultured hUC-MSCs were treated with resveratrol at different concentrations (0, 7.5, 15.0, and 30.0 mg/L). Nestin, GFAP, and NSE protein and mRNA were measured at posttreatment time points of 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h. Results. Neuron-like cells were found in hUC-MSCs treated by resveratrol at concentrations of 15.0 and 30.0 mg/L, but not in hUC-MSCs treated with vehicle and 7.5 mg/L resveratrol. Furthermore, immunocytochemical staining revealed that nestin and NSE immunoreactivities were positive in resveratrol-treated hUC-MSCs at concentrations of 15.0 and 30.0 mg/L. Resveratrol treatment significantly increased nestin and NSE protein and mRNA levels 4 h after the treatment. However, resveratrol treatment did not change GFAP immunoreactivities and protein and mRNA expression levels in cultured hUC-MSCs. Conclusions. Taken together, resveratrol treatment induces a differentiation of hUC-MSCs into neuron-like cells at relatively high concentrations.
Risk‐Field Based Modeling for Pedestrian Emergency Evacuation Combined with Alternative Route Strategy
Authors: Wang Chao , Wang Jian
Published: April 2017

For the past decades, with the frequent occurrence of emergencies, such as stampede, fire, and terrorist attack, the urgent requirements of developing realistic evacuation models to describe pedestrian and disaster dynamics are put forward. In this paper, an extended floor‐field (FF) model combined with risk factors is presented for emergency evacuation. A novel dynamic rerouting mechanism is designed to elucidate the exit choice behavior of evacuees, and meanwhile, a recommended dynamic risk‐field model is fully explored to deal with dynamical features of disaster. The proposed model is validated through numerical simulations with specific room structures. The effects of model parameters on evacuation efficiency and death toll are analyzed in detail. Simulation results show that the proposed model is effective and has a positive influence on evacuees’ exit choice behavior, and the death toll is closely related to the perceived information obtained by evacuee, such as the crowd density during the evacuation process.
The Impact of Electronic Reading Devices on Reading Speed and Comfort in Patients with Decreased Vision
Authors: Feng Henry L. , Roth Daniel B. , Fine Howard F. , Prenner Jonathan L. , Modi Kunjal K. , Feuer William J.
Published: April 2017

Background/Aims. To evaluate the impact of back-illuminated and nonilluminated electronic reading devices on reading speed and comfort in patients with decreased vision. Methods. A prospective study involving a convenience sample of 167 patients at a single retina practice from January 2011 to December 2012. Participants were asked to read five different excerpts on five different media in a randomly assigned order. Media included a printed book at 12-point font (12PF), iPad2 at 12PF, iPad2 at 18-point font (18PF), Kindle2 at 12PF, and Kindle2 at 18PF. Reading speed in words per minute (WPM) and medium preference were recorded and stratified by visual acuity (VA). Results. Mean reading speeds in WPM: iPad2 at 18PF (217.0), iPad2 at 12PF (209.1), Kindle2 at 18PF (183.3), Kindle2 at 12PF (177.7), and printed book at 12PF (176.8). Reading speed was faster on back-illuminated media compared to nonilluminated media. Text magnification minimized losses in reading performance with worsening patient VA. The majority of participants preferred reading on the iPad2 at 18PF. Conclusions. Back-illuminated devices may increase reading speed and comfort relative to nonilluminated devices and printed text, particularly in patients with decreased VA.
Impressive Response to Pixantrone after Allogeneic Transplant in a Multiple Relapsed Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Malaspina Francesco , Pellegrini Cinzia , Casadei Beatrice , Argnani Lisa , Zinzani Pier Luigi
Published: April 2017

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most frequent histology at diagnosis among non-Hodgkin B lymphomas and can be cured in 50-70% of cases after the first-line chemotherapy regimen. Patients who do not respond to first-line treatment can undergo numerous subsequent steps, culminating in allogeneic stem cell transplant (alloSCT). A relapse after alloSCT, however, carries an awful prognosis, seeing the demise of the patient usually in the following months. Here we present the case of a multiple relapsed patient who successfully underwent therapy with pixantrone after alloSCT, obtaining a complete remission without any considerable side effects.
A Case of Adult Metastatic Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Prostate Cured by Long-Term Chemotherapy with Local Radiation
Authors: Konno Masato , Mitsuzuka Koji , Yamada Shigeyuki , Yamashita Shinichi , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Ito Akihiro , Watanabe Mika , Arai Yoichi
Published: April 2017

A 32-year-old man visited our hospital due to urinary retention. Prostate-specific antigen was 13.7 ng/mL. Imaging examinations showed a large prostatic tumor and lung and internal iliac lymph node metastases. Transrectal biopsy confirmed embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the prostate classified as cT2bN1M1 (stage IV) by the International Rhabdomyosarcoma Study (IRS) Group staging system. Systemic chemotherapy was started according to the IRS III regimen 36, which consisted of 16 weeks of induction chemotherapy with radiation. After 20 weeks, magnetic resonance imaging showed the disappearance of metastases, and the prostate tumor shrunk markedly. Moreover, prostatic re-biopsy showed no viable tumor cells. Maintenance chemotherapy, excluding vincristine because of severe peripheral nerve disorder, was performed for 2 years. There has been no recurrence for 49 months after the termination of maintenance chemotherapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the longest surviving case of adult-onset metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma of the prostate reported in the literature.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Attenuates the Effects of Lipopolysaccharide by Causing ADAM10-Dependent Ectodomain Shedding of Toll-Like Receptor 4
Authors: Yang Won Seok , Kim Jin Ju , Han Nam Jeong , Lee Eun Kyoung , Park Su-Kil
Published: April 2017

Background/Aims: We investigated how 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3) inhibits the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in human aortic endothelial cells. Methods: Cellular signaling was explored by determination of protein abundance with Western blot, measurement of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and immunofluorescence staining for a disintegrin and metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10). Results: LPS stimulated the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) through toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and subsequent activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK). Pretreatment with 1,25D3 attenuated LPS-induced p38 MAPK activation and ICAM-1 expression by causing ectodomain shedding of TLR4. This effect of 1,25D3 depended on its ability to induce a rapid extracellular Ca2+ influx through L-type calcium channels because the ectodomain shedding was prevented by the absence of extracellular Ca2+ or the presence of verapamil. TLR4 ectodomain shedding was also induced by Bay K8644 (L-type calcium channel agonist). Both 1,25D3 and Bay K8644 caused extracellular Ca2+ influx-dependent ADAM10 translocation to the cell surface. Depletion of ADAM10 by siRNA transfection prevented 1,25D3- and Bay K8644-induced ectodomain shedding of TLR4, and abolished the inhibitory effect of 1,25D3 on LPS-induced ICAM-1 expression. Conclusion: 1,25D3 causes ectodomain shedding of TLR4 and thereby decreases the responsiveness of cells to LPS. ADAM10, activated by extracellular Ca2+ influx, was implicated in the ectodomain cleavage of TLR4.