bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The larval ontogeny of Coryphaeschna perrensi (McLachlan, 1887): Supporting monophyletic groups in Aeshnidae dragonflies (Insecta: Odonata: Anisoptera)
Authors: Carvalho Alcimar L.
Published: August 2018

The development of the larval external morphology of Coryphaeschna perrensi is reported based primarily on a comparison of successive exuviae of reared specimens, with the second stadium larvae first described separately. Accentuated changes observable throughout successive moltings occur in some structures, such as the head capsule, labium, and anal appendages, allowing for the definition of characters with naturally ordered, polarized, and linear states (transformation series) by ontogenetic evidence. The terminal (less general) and nonterminal (more general) states of the described transformation series correspond by primary homology to the conditions found in larvae of other dragonfly species. Consequently, as the result of a parsimony analysis and subsequently ontogenetic rooting, the disposition of the states of 17 characters in a sample of final‐stadium larvae of 23 species, representatives of the six Aeshnidae tribes (21) and Austropetaliidae (2), results in a hierarchical network comprising six distinct taxonomic levels of inclusion of C. perrensi. The levels correspond to Aeshnidae, Aeshninae, Aeshnini (part) + Gynacanthini, Coryphaeschna + Remartinia, Coryphaeschna, and Coryphaeschna except C. adnexa, which are groups previously recognized as monophyletic resulting from analyses considering adult morphology. Immature insect morphology coupled with ontogenetic observation presenting great potential to hypothesize phylogenetic relationships and investigate heterochronic events.
Microbial community of nitrogen cycle‐related genes in aquatic plant rhizospheres of Lake Liangzi in winter
Authors: Yin Xingjia , Liu Guanglong , Peng Lei , Hua Yumei , Wan Xiaoqiong , Zhou Wenbing , Zhao Jianwei , Zhu Duanwei
Published: August 2018

This study investigated the community structure of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria /archaea (AOB and AOA), as well as the effects of four aquatic plants (namely Ceratophyllum demersum, Hydrilla verticillata, Potamogeton crispus, and Nymphaea tetragona) rhizospheres on the abundance of AOB amoA, AOA amoA, anammox 16S rRNA, nirK, and nirS in Lake Liangzi, China. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that most AOB groups were Nitrosospira and Nitrosomonas, in which Nitrosospira was dominant. The AOA amoA were affiliated with two branches of classical sequences which belonging to Thaumarchaeota: water/sediments branch and soil/sediments branch. The abundance of AOA amoA in the rhizospheres of aquatic plants were higher than in the non‐rhizosphere (p < 0.05), indicating that aquatic plants may promote the growth of AOA. However, the anammox 16S rRNA showed the opposite trend relative to AOA amoA (p < 0.05). Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that the differences in abundance of AOB, AOA, anammox bacteria, and denitrifying bacteria are very likely related to the different contents of ammonia nitrogen (NH4+‐N), pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) and thus to the rhizosphere states of aquatic plants.
Diagnostic Performance of Ultrasound Elastography for Evaluating Portal Hypertension in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Dong Wook , Yoon Hee Mang , Jung Ah Young , Lee Jin Seong , Oh Seak Hee , Kim Kyung Mo , Cho Young Ah
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To assess the diagnostic performance of ultrasound (US) elastography in evaluating portal hypertension in children and compare the liver and spleen stiffness values between the portal hypertension and control groups.

Methods

Studies in the MEDLINE and Embase databases were selected that investigated the diagnostic performance of US elastography in children with portal hypertension up to December 21, 2017. Pooled sensitivity and specificity data were assessed by hierarchical logistic regression modeling.

Results

Eleven studies were included in the systematic review, and a meta‐analysis could be conducted in 7 of these publications to evaluate the diagnostic performance of US elastography. The summary sensitivity and specificity of this method for liver stiffness were 90% (95% confidence interval [CI], 83%–94%) and 79% (95% CI, 73%–84%), respectively, and the area under the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.90–0.94). A subgroup analysis of 5 transient elastographic studies revealed similar diagnostic performance (sensitivity, 90%; specificity, 78%). In 10 of the 11 studies that investigated liver stiffness and 2 of the 3 studies that also measured spleen stiffness, patients in the portal hypertension group had a significantly higher stiffness value than the control group (P < .05).

Conclusions

Ultrasound elastography shows good performance in diagnosing portal hypertension and can identify significant differences in liver and spleen stiffness in children with this condition. This method thus has considerable potential as a noninvasive tool for screening portal hypertension–related complications in children with chronic liver disease.
Contrast‐Enhanced Transrectal Ultrasound for Follow‐up After Focal HIFU Ablation for Prostate Cancer
Authors: de Castro Abreu Andre L. , Ashrafi Akbar N. , Gill Inderbir S. , Oishi Masakatsu , Winter Matthew W. , Park Daniel , Duddalwar Vinay , Stern Mariana C. , Palmer Suzanne L. , Aron Manju , Gulati Mittul
Published: August 2018

The optimal strategy for imaging after focal therapy for prostate cancer is evolving. This series is an initial report on the use of contrast‐enhanced transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) in follow‐up of patients after high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) hemiablation for prostate cancer. In 7 patients who underwent HIFU hemiablation, contrast‐enhanced TRUS findings were as follows: (1) contrast‐enhanced TRUS clearly showed the HIFU ablation defect as a sharply marginated nonenhancing zone in all patients; (2) contrast‐enhanced TRUS identified suspicious foci of recurrent enhancement within the ablation zone in 2 patients, facilitating image‐guided prostate biopsy, which showed prostate cancer; and (3) contrast‐enhanced TRUS findings correlated with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and biopsy histologic findings.
Silicon consumption kinetics by marine sponges: An assessment of their role at the ecosystem level
Authors: López‐Acosta María , Leynaert Aude , Grall Jacques , Maldonado Manuel
Published: August 2018

The silicic acid (DSi) is a dissolved nutrient used by diverse marine organisms to build their skeletons of biogenic silica (BSi). This consumption, mostly due to diatoms, largely determines the availability of DSi in the photic ocean. Yet growing evidence suggests that Si consumers traditionally disregarded, such as the siliceous sponges, may also play a role. This study investigated the kinetics of DSi utilization by two demosponges as a function of both DSi availability and duration of the incubation period (24 h vs. 48 h). Consumption increased with increasing DSi availability following a saturable Michaelis–Menten kinetics. Haliclona simulans saturated at about 70 μM (Km = 45.9) and Suberites ficus around 130 μM (Km = 108.2). Forty‐eight hour incubations yielded more conservative consumption rates than 24 h incubations, particularly when DSi availability was far below saturation. DSi concentrations in the sponge natural habitats (0.2–15 μM) were consistently much lower than required for efficient elaboration of the BSi skeleton, suggesting a chronic DSi limitation. The DSi consumption kinetics was combined with quantifications of sponge biomass in the Bay of Brest (France), which was used as case study. In this system, sponges consume daily 0.10 ± 0.19 mmol Si m−2 and about 6.4 × 106 mol Si yearly. This activity represents 7.6% of the net annual BSi production in the Bay, a figure overlooked in previous nutrient balances based only on diatoms. Since the world marine Si cycle does not yet incorporate the contribution of sponges, its global BSi production budget may also be underestimated.
Photoinitiated Seeded RAFT Dispersion Polymerization: A Facile Method for the Preparation of Epoxy‐Functionalized Triblock Copolymer Nano‐Objects
Authors: Li Xueliang , Tan Jianbo , Xu Qin , He Jun , Zhang Li
Published: August 2018

In this study, a novel photoinitiated seeded reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) dispersion polymerization is developed for the preparation of epoxy‐functionalized triblock copolymer nano‐objects at room temperature. Epoxy‐functionalized worms and vesicles prepared by photoinitiated RAFT dispersion polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate are used as seeds for chain extension by photoinitiated seeded RAFT dispersion polymerization of methacrylic and acrylic monomers. Good control is maintained during the polymerization with a high polymerization rate. Pure triblock copolymer worms can be prepared by the photoinitiated seeded RAFT dispersion polymerization with a broad degree of polymerization range of the third block. The room temperature feature of photoinitiated seeded RAFT dispersion polymerization is critical to ensure the survival of epoxy moiety after the polymerization. The obtained triblock copolymer nano‐objects can be cross‐linked by reacting with a diamine. Finally, cross‐linked worms are used as the stationary phase of chromatography for selective separation of organic dyes from water.
Functional Precision Polymers via Stereo‐ and Regioselective Polymerization Using Group 6 Metal Alkylidene and Group 6 and 8 Metal Alkylidene N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes
Authors: Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: August 2018

The concepts of functional precision polymers and the latest accomplishments in their synthesis are summarized. Synthetic concepts based on chain growth polymerization are compared to iterative synthetic approaches. Here, the term “functional precision polymers” refers to polymers that are not solely hydrocarbon‐based but contain functional groups and are characterized by a highly ordered primary structure. If insertion polymerization is used for their synthesis, olefin metathesis‐based polymerization techniques, that is, ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization, and the regio‐ and stereoselective cyclopolymerization of α,ω‐diynes are almost exclusively applied. Particularly with regio‐ and stereospecific ROMP and with cyclopolymerization, the synthesis of tactic polymers and copolymers with high regio‐, stereo‐, and sequence control can be accomplished; however, it requires carefully tailored transition metal catalysts. The fundamental synthetic concepts and strategies are outlined.
Effects of Astragalus membranaceus fiber on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, microbial composition, VFA production, gut pH, and immunity of weaned pigs
Authors: Che Dongsheng , Adams Seidu , Wei Cai , Gui‐Xin Qin , Atiba Emmanuel M. , Hailong Jiang
Published: August 2018

Astragalus membranaceus is an herbaceous perennial plant, growing to about 2 feet tall, with sprawling stems and alternate leaves about 12–24 leaflets. In total, 24 cross bred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) piglets weaned at 4 weeks with an average body weight of 10.84 ± 1.86 kg, were divided into four groups and randomly assigned to dietary treatments containing different AMSLF levels (0.00%, 2.50%, 5.00%, and 7.50%). The piglets in the control group (0.00% AMSLF) were fed basal diet and other treatment groups were fed basal diet in addition to 2.50%, 5.00%, and 7.50% pulverized AMSLF. The results indicated that supplementation with AMSLF significantly (p < 0.05) decreased diarrheal incidence in piglets. There was significant difference between treatment in terms of ADFI, ADG and FCR. Both 5.00% and 7.50% treatments significantly increased growth performance. The digestibility of gross energy and dry matter increased (p > 0.05) with increasing AMSLF level. The level of blood IL‐2 and TNF‐α were significantly affected by AMSLF supplementation with 7.50% AMSLF group having higher (p < 0.05) IL‐2 and TNF‐α levels than the other treatment groups. The 16SrDNA sequencing results from the four treatments showed that the potentially active bacterial microbial population and diversity in pig cecum were dominated by the phyla Bacteriodetes and Firmicutes regardless of the AMSLF supplementation. The Shannon diversity, PD whole tree diversity indices and Chao analyses exhibited significant variability in species richness across the treatments. The principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) showed significant (p < 0.1) differences between bacterial communities in all treatment groups. Results from the current study suggested that AMSLF supplementation increased composition of bacterial microbiota in pig gut. In conclusion, dietary supplements with AMSLF could potentially be used to prevent diarrheal incidence and improved pig production.
Reflex Tongue Protrusion as a Novel Release Phenomenon in Dementia in Adulthood
Authors: Yap Siew Mei , Iyer Parameswaran , Smyth Shane
Published: August 2018

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Slc26a3 deficiency is associated with epididymis dysplasia and impaired sperm fertilization potential in the mouse
Authors: El Khouri Elma , Whitfield Marjorie , Stouvenel Laurence , Kini Archana , Riederer Brigitte , Lores Patrick , Roemermann Dorothee , di Stefano Gabriella , Drevet Joël R. , Saez Fabrice , Seidler Ursula , Touré Aminata
Published: August 2018

Members of the solute carrier 26 (SLC26) family have emerged as important players in mediating anions fluxes across the plasma membrane of epithelial cells, in cooperation with the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel. Among them, SLC26A3 acts as a chloride/bicarbonate exchanger, highly expressed in the gastrointestinal, pancreatic and renal tissues. In humans, mutations in the SLC26A3 gene were shown to induce congenital chloride‐losing diarrhea (CLD), a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by life‐long secretory diarrhea. In view of some reports indicating subfertility in some male CLD patients together with SLC26‐A3 and ‐A6 expression in the male genital tract and sperm cells, we analyzed the male reproductive parameters and functions of SLC26A3 deficient mice, which were previously reported to display CLD gastro‐intestinal features. We show that in contrast to Slc26a6, deletion of Slc26a3 is associated with severe lesions and abnormal cytoarchitecture of the epididymis, together with sperm quantitative, morphological and functional defects, which altogether compromised male fertility. Overall, our work provides new insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms that may alter the reproductive functions and lead to male subfertility in CLD patients, with a phenotype reminiscent of that induced by CFTR deficiency in the male genital tract.
Highly precise time integration method for linear structural dynamic analysis
Authors: Xing Yufeng , Zhang Huimin , Wang Zekun
Published: August 2018

To achieve high accuracy, conventional time integration methods require small time steps, especially when applied to large‐scale finite element systems. The use of small time steps calls for a large number of computations. In this paper, a strategy is proposed to construct an efficient and highly precise time integration method for linear time‐invariant systems. Adopting the multi‐substep notion, the highly precise time integration method creates an integrated amplification matrix prior to recursive calculations by multiplying the amplification matrices of N equal substeps, where a 2m algorithm and the method of storing incremental matrix are respectively employed to reduce computational cost and rounding error. On the basis of the Newmark method, two highly precise symplectic schemes and one highly precise dissipative scheme are developed. In addition, the consistent stability of the used Newmark schemes is presented. The free vibration of a three‐dimensional truss, the impact of a particle against a rod, and the forced vibrations of a rectangular thin plate and a stiff system are investigated to validate the performance of the proposed method.
De novo UNC13B mutation identified in a bipolar disorder patient increases a rare exon‐skipping variant
Authors: Nakamura Takumi , Jimbo Kotori , Nakajima Kazuo , Tsuboi Takashi , Kato Tadafumi
Published: August 2018

Aim

We previously performed the first trio‐based exome study for bipolar disorder and identified 71 de novo mutations. Among these mutations, the only mutation located at the splice donor site was in UNC13B. We focused on and analyzed the functions of the mutation.

Methods

In order to analyze the functional alterations, due to the mutation, we performed a minigene splicing assay.

Key results

We found that the mutation caused the loss of a wild‐type splicing variant, which was consistent with the computational splice prediction, and that an exon‐skipping variant increased significantly. The exon‐skipping variant also existed in the wild‐type minigene, although it was rare. Hence, we validated the expression of the exon‐skipping variant using total RNAs derived from the human cerebral cortex. We showed the possibility that the exon‐skipping variant was rare, but expressed even in those that do not carry the mutation.

Conclusions

Based on our results, we suggest that an abnormal splicing pattern of UNC13B occurred in the patient, which could be related to the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder.
A case of nonvenereal treponematosis in a pre‐Hispanic adult from north‐eastern Argentina
Authors: Ramos van Raap María Agustina , Scabuzzo Clara
Published: August 2018

This article presents a case of treponemic disease in a skeleton of a female adult found at Los Tres Cerros 1 archaeological site (Upper Delta of Paraná River, Entre Ríos, Argentina). This site was occupied by hunter–gatherer–fisher groups that also practised horticulture during the Late Holocene (ca. 1227–560 years BP). A macroscopic description of bone lesions is complemented with data from X‐rays and CT scans. Different types of lesions were observed in the left ulna, femora, right patella, tibiae, and fibulae. In addition, two remodelled depressions surrounded by bony thickening and porosities were found in the frontal bone. Some lesions registered in the skull were associated with caries sicca. In the differential diagnosis, chronic leg ulcers, Paget's disease, tuberculosis, leprosy, osteomyelitis, and treponematosis were considered. The analyses indicate that most of the injuries may be compatible with nonvenereal forms of treponematosis. Few cases of treponemic disease were recorded in Argentina's bioarchaeological collections of pre‐Hispanic populations. Specifically, in the north‐eastern region, two skeletons with treponematosis have so far been reported. The present study provides new evidence of treponematosis in the Delta of the Paraná River. Therefore, this case adds to the scant evidence of pre‐Hispanic treponematosis that exists for these latitudes.
The Western (Buonfornello) necropolis (7th to 5th BC) of the Greek colony of Himera (Sicily, Italy): Site‐specific discriminant functions for sex determination in the common burials resulting from the battle of Himera (ca. 480 BC)
Authors: Lonoce Norma , Palma Monica , Viva Serena , Valentino Matteo , Vassallo Stefano , Fabbri Pier Francesco
Published: August 2018

The Western (Buonfornello) necropolis of Himera, dating from the 7th to 5th century BC, has yielded 10,096 burials, among which are six common burials (n = 2–22). On the basis of the archaeological and historical evidence, these are presumed to be the result of the Battle of Himera, fought in approximately 480 BC, or some other warfare episode taking place in the same period, and it is hypothesised that all the individuals are male. A reliable morphological sex determination is impossible in most cases due to the bad state of preservation of the pelves. The present paper aims to establish whether sex dimorphism in diaphyseal dimensions allows for the calculation of site‐specific discriminant functions (DFs) that are useful for sex determination and to verify the archaeological hypothesis that all individuals in the six common burials are male. DF computation was conducted for sex determination based on the diaphyseal dimensions recorded for a sample of 89 pelvis sexed individuals (57 males and 32 females). The DFs were selected by taking into account the large number of m/f samples (n > 30) and the accuracy (>90%).

DF was tested on a sample of male/female Himeran pelvis sexed individuals not used for computing DFs (n = 17, 11 males and 6 females) and 27 skeletons from common burials. In the first case, pelvis and DF sex determination are concordant in 16 cases (94.1%). In the second case, three out of 27 individuals were discarded as DFs produced conflicting sex determinations. The remaining 24 individuals were sexed as males by means of DFs in 95.8% of cases. The archaeological hypothesis that all individuals in these common burials are male cannot be rejected as site‐specific DFs diagnose the male sex in a percentage that is higher than their accuracy in a sample of pelvis sexed individuals.
Polycaprolactone/chitosan blend nanofibers loaded by 5‐fluorouracil: An approach to anticancer drug delivery system
Authors: Hadjianfar Mehdi , Semnani Dariush , Varshosaz Jaleh
Published: August 2018

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Inability in controlling anticancer drug delivery to tumor, systemic side effect on healthy tissue, instability of anticancer drugs, low concentration of drug around the tumor, and low efficiency of drug effect on the solid tumor may cause high mortality rate in cancer patients. Drug delivery systems based on nanofibers could perform an approach to treat cancer with the least side effects. The aim of this study is to improve a nanofiber drug delivery system based on polycaprolactone/chitosan blended electrospun nanofibers containing 5‐fluorouracil. Nanofiber characteristics and drug release behavior of various nanofibers were investigated. The polymeric proportion had significant effect on release behavior, mechanical properties, and nanofiber morphology. Loading efficiency of these nanofibrous drug delivery systems was good, and its rate increased by increasing chitosan proportion. Also, increasing the chitosan in nanofibers led to increasing drug release period. The release mechanism of all nanofibers was Fickian diffusion according to Korsmeyer‐Peppas model. This nanofibrous drug delivery system had a great potential to perform an anticancer drug delivery system for colorectal cancer. Further studies need to be conducted to improve the release period of 5‐fluorouracil from these nanofibers.
Depressive symptoms and actigraphy‐measured circadian disruption predict head and neck cancer survival
Authors: Cash Elizabeth , Duck C. Riley , Brinkman Courtney , Rebholz Whitney , Albert Christy , Worthen Mary , Jusufbegovic Mia , Wilson Liz , Bumpous Jeffrey M.
Published: August 2018

Objective

Depressive symptoms have demonstrated prognostic significance among head and neck cancer patients. Depression is associated with circadian disruption, which is prognostic in multiple other cancer types. We hypothesized that depressive symptoms would be associated with circadian disruption in head and neck cancer, that each would be related to poorer 2‐year overall survival, and that relationships would be mediated by tumor response to treatment.

Methods

Patients (N = 55) reported on cognitive/affective and somatic depressive symptoms (PHQ‐9) and wore an actigraph for 6 days to continuously record rest and activity cycles prior to chemoradiation. Records review documented treatment response and 2‐year survival. Spearman correlations tested depressive symptoms and circadian disruption relationships. Cox proportional hazard models tested the predictive capability of depressive symptoms and circadian disruption, separately, on survival.

Results

Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with circadian disruption, and both were significantly associated with shorter survival (somatic: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.325, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.089‐1.611, P = .005; rest/activity rhythm: HR = 0.073, 95% CI = 0.009‐0.563, P = .012; nighttime restfulness: HR = 0.910, 95% CI = 0.848‐0.977, P = .009). Tumor response to treatment appeared to partly mediate the nighttime restfulness‐survival relationship.

Conclusions

This study replicates and extends prior work with new evidence linking a subjective measure of depression and an objective measure of circadian disruption—2 known prognostic indicators—to shortened overall survival among head and neck cancer patients. Continued examination should elucidate mechanisms by which depressive symptomatology and circadian disruption translate to head and neck cancer progression and mortality.
Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): A phytochemical and pharmacological review
Authors: Pastorino Giulia , Cornara Laura , Soares Sónia , Rodrigues Francisca , Oliveira M. Beatriz P.P.
Published: August 2018

In the last years, consumers are paying much more attention to natural medicines and principles, mainly due to the general sense that natural compounds are safe. On the other hand, there is a growing demand by industry for plants used in traditional medicine that could be incorporated in foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, or even pharmaceuticals. Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. belongs to the Fabaceae family and has been recognized since ancient times for its ethnopharmacological values. This plant contains different phytocompounds, such as glycyrrhizin, 18β‐glycyrrhetinic acid, glabrin A and B, and isoflavones, that have demonstrated various pharmacological activities. Pharmacological experiments have demonstrated that different extracts and pure compounds from this species exhibit a broad range of biological properties, including antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities. A few toxicological studies have reported some concerns. This review addresses all those issues and focuses on the pharmacological activities reported for G. glabra. Therefore, an updated, critical, and extensive overview on the current knowledge of G. glabra composition and biological activities is provided here in order to explore its therapeutic potential and future challenges to be utilized for the formulation of new products that will contribute to human well‐being.
Emodin suppresses activation of hepatic stellate cells through p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase and Smad signaling pathways in vitro
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Niu Chengu , Zhang Xiaojie , Dong Miaoxian
Published: August 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that emodin inhibits extracellular matrix (ECM)‐related gene expression in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by blocking canonical or/and noncanonical components of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) intracellular signaling. Here, we demonstrate that emodin suppressed the gene expression of HSCs activation markers type I collagen, fibronectin, and α‐smooth muscle actin, as well as HSCs proliferation. Mechanistically, emodin suppresses TGFβ1, TGFβ receptor II, TGFβ receptor I, and Smad4 gene expression, as well as Smad luciferase activity. Simultaneously, emodin reduced p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) activity but not c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases and extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 phosphorylation in HSC‐T6 cells. Interestingly, deprivation of TGFβ using a neutralizing antibody abolished emodin‐mediated inhibitions of the both Smad transcriptional activity and p38MAPK phosphorylation. Furthermore, emodin‐mediated inhibition of HSCs activation could be partially blocked by PD98059 inhibition of p38MAPK or short hairpin RNA‐imposed knockdown of Smad4. Conversely, simultaneous inhibition of Smad4 and p38MAPK pathways completely reverses the effects of emodin, suggesting that Smad and p38MAPK locate downstream of TGFβ1 and regulate collagen genes expression in HSCs. Collectively, these data suggest that emodin is a promising candidate for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
Simultaneous quantification of atropine and scopolamine in infusions of herbal tea and Solanaceae plant material by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (tandem) mass spectrometry
Authors: John Harald , Rychlik Michael , Thiermann Horst , Schmidt Christian
Published: August 2018

Rationale

Atropine (Atr) and scopolamine (Scp) are toxic secondary plant metabolites of species within the Solanaceae genus that can accidentally or intentionally reach the food store chain by inaccurate harvesting of any plant material, e.g. for herbal tea infusions. Ingestion may cause severe anticholinergic poisoning thus requiring risk‐oriented determination in food and beverages. The suitability of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (tandem) mass spectrometry, MALDI‐TOF MS(/MS), should be characterized for simultaneous analysis.

Methods

We herein present the first MALDI‐TOF MS(/MS) procedure for quantitative determination of both alkaloids in herbal tea infusions and Solanaceae plant material. A standard additions procedure using triply deuterated Atr as internal standard was developed and validated.

Results

Tropane alkaloids were detected without interferences and the standard additions procedure allowed reliable quantification. Intraday and interday precision were less than 17% and corresponding accuracies were between 77% and 112%. Limits of detection in the spotting solution were found at 5 ng/mL (Atr) and 0.5 ng/mL (Scp). The assay was applied to diverse tea infusions as well as to berries and leaves of deadly nightshade and angel's trumpet.

Conclusions

The usefulness of MALDI‐TOF MS(/MS) for investigations of plant‐derived samples to prove contaminations by small basic compounds was demonstrated. The elaborate procedure is reliable but quite laborious to obtain quantitative results, but MALDI‐TOF MS(/MS) was also shown to be a valuable tool for rapid qualitative screening for Atr and Scp in plant extracts.
Multi‐focal, multi‐centric granular cell tumours: a management dilemma
Authors: Yagnik Lokesh , Harryanto Hilman , Koay Mei Hui Eleanor , Dessauvagie Ben , Salamonsen Matthew
Published: August 2018

Granular cell tumours (GCT) are uncommon, usually solitary tumours of neural/Schwann cell origin that occur at any site of the body, and typically run an indolent clinical course. Treatment by excision is recommended. Distant or nodal metastases are the only reliable signs of malignancy. We describe the case of a 47‐year‐old woman with a multi‐focal, multi‐centric GCT involving the pulmonary and gastrointestinal systems, highlighting the imaging and pathological features and the challenge faced in establishing its malignant potential.
Virtual reality simulation of robotic transsphenoidal brain tumor resection: Evaluating dynamic motion scaling in a master‐slave system
Authors: Heredia‐Pérez Saúl A. , Harada Kanako , Padilla‐Castañeda Miguel A. , Marques‐Marinho Murilo , Márquez‐Flores Jorge A. , Mitsuishi Mamoru
Published: August 2018

Background

Integrating simulators with robotic surgical procedures could assist in designing and testing of novel robotic control algorithms and further enhance patient‐specific pre‐operative planning and training for robotic surgeries.

Methods

A virtual reality simulator, developed to perform the transsphenoidal resection of pituitary gland tumours, tested the usability of robotic interfaces and control algorithms. It used position‐based dynamics to allow soft‐tissue deformation and resection with haptic feedback; dynamic motion scaling control was also incorporated into the simulator.

Results

Neurosurgeons and residents performed the surgery under constant and dynamic motion scaling conditions (CMS vs DMS). DMS increased dexterity and reduced the risk of damage to healthy brain tissue. Post‐experimental questionnaires indicated that the system was well‐evaluated by experts.

Conclusion

The simulator was intuitively and realistically operated. It increased the safety and accuracy of the procedure without affecting intervention time. Future research can investigate incorporating this simulation into a real micro‐surgical robotic system.
Electrochemical Activation of TTF‐Based Halogen Bond Donors: A Powerful, Selective and Sensitive Analytical Tool for Probing a Weak Interaction in Complex Media
Authors: Oliveira Raquel , Groni Sihem , Vacher Antoine , Barrière Frédéric , Lorcy Dominique , Fourmigué Marc , Maisonhaute Emmanuel , Schöllhorn Bernd , Fave Claire
Published: August 2018

Herein we demonstrate the electrochemical activation and detection of intermolecular halogen bonding (XB) in solution by generating the cation radical of iodo‐trimethyltetrathiafulvalene (I‐Me3TTF•+) in the presence of various Lewis‐basic anions. This work is leading to the endorsement and generalization of the concept of electrostimulating XB for molecular recognition by adjusting the properties of the XB donor via the electrochemical reversible generation of charged species. The formation of the interaction between I–Me3TTF•+ and Lewis bases has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry allowing to quantify the strength of the interaction (KOx=100 to 400 M−1 and ΔG=−12 to −15 kJ mol−1). Moreover spectroelectrochemical measurements along with TD‐DFT calculations have confirmed XB formation upon generation of the radical cation. The present work opens broad perspectives for the development of redox switchable XB donors in the field of molecular recognition in chemical and biological systems where non‐covalent interactions are usually key governing parameters.
Generation of High‐Order All‐Aqueous Emulsion Drops by Osmosis‐Driven Phase Separation
Authors: Chao Youchuang , Mak Sze Yi , Rahman Shakurur , Zhu Shipei , Shum Ho Cheung
Published: August 2018

Droplets containing ternary mixtures can spontaneously phase‐separate into high‐order structures upon a change in composition, which provides an alternative strategy to form multiphase droplets. However, existing strategies always involve nonaqueous solvents that limit the potential applications of the resulting multiple droplets, such as encapsulation of biomolecules. Here, a robust approach to achieve high‐order emulsion drops with an all‐aqueous nature from two aqueous phases by osmosis‐induced phase separation on a microfluidic platform is presented. This technique is enabled by the existence of an interface of the two aqueous phases and phase separation caused by an osmolality difference between the two phases. The complexity of emulsion drops induced by phase separation could be controlled by varying the initial concentration of solutes and is systematically illustrated in a state diagram. In particular, this technique is utilized to successfully achieve high‐order all‐aqueous droplets in a different aqueous two‐phase system. The proposed method is simple since it only requires two initial aqueous solutions for generating multilayered, organic‐solvent‐free all‐aqueous emulsion drops, and thus these multiphase emulsion drops can be further tailored to serve as highly biocompatible material templates.
A model‐based solution for process modeling in practice environments: PLM4BS
Authors: García‐García Julián Alberto , García‐Borgoñón Laura , Escalona María José , Mejías Manuel
Published: August 2018

Today's world economic situation is ruled by issues such as reducing cost, improving quality, maximizing profit, and improving and optimizing processes at organizations. In this context, business process management can be an essential strategy, but it is not usually consolidated at software organizations because software process properties involve a complex business process management application on software lifecycle. Consequently, software organizations often focus on Software Process Modeling (SPM), and each involved role performs process execution and orchestration independently and manually. This fact makes software processes maintenance, monitoring, and measurement become difficult tasks. This paper proposes a model‐based approach for SPM taking into account concepts related to process execution, orchestration, and monitoring. It is framed into a model‐driven engineering‐based and tool‐based framework: Process Lifecycle Management for Business Software (PLM4BS). We present a SPM metamodel and its concrete syntax (through Unified Modeling Language profiles) that lays the foundation for extending PLM4BS. Its underlying metamodel allows managing processes automatically. Furthermore, PLM4BS improves current state‐of‐the‐art proposals in 6 dimensions: expressiveness, understandability, granularity, measurability, orchestrability, and business variables and rules. Also, PLM4BS has been evaluated in a multiple‐case study, in which the 6 mentioned dimensions were already validated.
FAHP approach for autonomic resource provisioning of multitier applications in cloud computing environments
Authors: Khorsand Reihaneh , Ghobaei‐Arani Mostafa , Ramezanpour Mohammadreza
Published: August 2018

Recent advancements in web‐based application, especially in cloud computing environment, allows cloud service providers to deploy and provide web‐based services in the form of multitier applications. One of the most suitable infrastructure for the running of multitier applications is a cloud computing infrastructure. Since the arrival rate of users to the multitier applications varies over the time, deciding about the right amount of resources required to handle the each tier of multitier applications is not trivial, and it depends on the current workload of its each tier. Therefore, it is necessary to automatically provision resources to deal with fluctuating demands of the multitier applications. In this paper, we propose a hybrid resource provisioning approach for multitier applications based on a combination of the concept of the autonomic computing and the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process approach. Moreover, we present a framework based on MAPE‐k control loop for autonomous resource provisioning of multitier applications in cloud computing environments. The effectiveness of the proposed approach under real and synthetic workloads was evaluated. The experimental results indicate that the proposed solution outperforms in terms of allocated virtual machines, response time, and cost compared with the other approaches.
Explaining autonomy variations across value‐chain activities in foreign‐owned subsidiaries
Authors: Kingkaew Suthikorn , Dahms Sven
Published: August 2018

This article is one of the first to combine the asset bundling model and neo‐configurational perspective to explain autonomy variations across different value‐chain activities in foreign‐owned subsidiaries. We develop tentative answers to three research questions based on survey data of subsidiaries located in Taiwan and Thailand. We use fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis technique to analyze the data. We found that competence bundles in primary and support activities are key for autonomy development across basic and advanced value‐adding activities. Strong relationships with local business networks are more important for autonomy development than links to universities or governmental institutions. The global city location plays a lesser role than expected and the geographic distance is a hindrance to autonomy development in basic as well as advanced value‐chain activities.
Glycogen synthase kinase‐3 and alternative splicing
Authors: Liu Xiaolei , Klein Peter S.
Published: August 2018

Glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3) is a highly conserved negative regulator of receptor tyrosine kinase, cytokine, and Wnt signaling pathways. Stimulation of these pathways inhibits GSK‐3 to modulate diverse downstream effectors that include transcription factors, nutrient sensors, glycogen synthesis, mitochondrial function, circadian rhythm, and cell fate. GSK‐3 also regulates alternative splicing in response to T‐cell receptor activation, and recent phosphoproteomic studies have revealed that multiple splicing factors and regulators of RNA biosynthesis are phosphorylated in a GSK‐3‐dependent manner. Furthermore, inhibition of GSK‐3 alters the splicing of hundreds of mRNAs, indicating a broad role for GSK‐3 in the regulation of RNA processing. GSK‐3‐regulated phosphoproteins include SF3B1, SRSF2, PSF, RBM8A, nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1), and PHF6, many of which are mutated in leukemia and myelodysplasia. As GSK‐3 is inhibited by pathways that are pathologically activated in leukemia and loss of Gsk3 in hematopoietic cells causes a severe myelodysplastic neoplasm in mice, these findings strongly implicate GSK‐3 as a critical regulator of mRNA processing in normal and malignant hematopoiesis.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Splicing Mechanisms

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
Holomorphic curves in Shimura varieties
Authors: Giacomini Michele
Published: August 2018

We prove a hyperbolic analogue of the Bloch–Ochiai theorem about the Zariski closure of holomorphic curves in abelian varieties. We consider the case of non compact Shimura varieties completing the proof of the result for all Shimura varieties. The statement which we consider here was first formulated and proven by Ullmo and Yafaev for compact Shimura varieties.
Engineering Yarrowia lipolytica for the production of cyclopropanated fatty acids
Authors: Markham Kelly A , Alper Hal S
Published: August 2018

Traditional synthesis of biodiesel competes with food sources and has limitations with storage, particularly due to limited oxidative stability. Microbial synthesis of lipids provides a platform to produce renewable fuel with improved properties from various renewable carbon sources. Specifically, biodiesel properties can be improved through the introduction of a cyclopropane ring in place of a double bond. In this study, we demonstrate the production of C19 cyclopropanated fatty acids in the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica through the heterologous expression of the Escherichia coli cyclopropane fatty acid synthase. Ultimately, we establish a strain capable of 3.03 ± 0.26 g/L C19 cyclopropanated fatty acid production in bioreactor fermentation where this functionalized lipid comprises over 32% of the total lipid pool. This study provides a demonstration of the flexibility of lipid metabolism in Y. lipolytica to produce specialized fatty acids.
Evaluating combinations of diagnostic tests to discriminate different dementia types
Authors: Bruun Marie , Rhodius‐Meester Hanneke F.M. , Koikkalainen Juha , Baroni Marta , Gjerum Le , Lemstra Afina W. , Barkhof Frederik , Remes Anne M. , Urhemaa Timo , Tolonen Antti , Rueckert Daniel , van Gils Mark , Frederiksen Kristian S. , Waldemar Gunhild , Scheltens Philip , Mecocci Patrizia , Soininen Hilkka , Lötjönen Jyrki , Hasselbalch Steen G. , van der Flier Wiesje M.
Published: August 2018

Introduction

We studied, using a data‐driven approach, how different combinations of diagnostic tests contribute to the differential diagnosis of dementia.

Methods

In this multicenter study, we included 356 patients with Alzheimer's disease, 87 frontotemporal dementia, 61 dementia with Lewy bodies, 38 vascular dementia, and 302 controls. We used a classifier to assess accuracy for individual performance and combinations of cognitive tests, cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, and automated magnetic resonance imaging features for pairwise differentiation between dementia types.

Results

Cognitive tests had good performance in separating any type of dementia from controls. Cerebrospinal fluid optimally contributed to identifying Alzheimer's disease, whereas magnetic resonance imaging features aided in separating vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia. Combining diagnostic tests increased the accuracy, with balanced accuracies ranging from 78% to 97%.

Discussion

Different diagnostic tests have their distinct roles in differential diagnostics of dementias. Our results indicate that combining different diagnostic tests may increase the accuracy further.
Improving fluoroquinolone use in the outpatient setting using a patient safety initiative
Authors: Jindai Kazuaki , Goto Michihiko , MacKay Kimberly , Forrest Graeme N. , Musuuza Jackson , Safdar Nasia , Pfeiffer Christopher D.
Published: August 2018

We analyzed the impact of a fluoroquinolone patient safety initiative on the weekly fluoroquinolone prescription rate in Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinics. We observed a significant initial but unsustained reduction. Such an initiative can function as an antimicrobial stewardship intervention; however, strategies to promote sustainability should be explored.
Hegel: Metacritics, Philosophical Language, and Memory
Authors: GRANADOS ZAIDA OLVERA
Published: August 2018

Hegel has a metacritical standpoint that can be related to but not reduced to the Herderian metacritique. Hegel’s philosophical language must not be understood in terms of the opposition between an ‘absolute’ and a ‘finite’ language; rather, it must be understood in terms of the opposition between abstract and concrete language. At a theoretical level, concrete language cannot be understood without assuming an organic function of memory. At the practical level, the difference between abstract and concrete language will be understood as the difference between everyday language and a philosophical one. Hegel justifies this last difference by following Humboldtian standpoints.
The burning question: does fire affect habitat selection and forage preference of the black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis in East African savannahs?
Authors: Anderson T. Michael , Ngoti Philbert M. , Nzunda Mawazo L. , Griffith Daniel M. , Speed James D. M. , Fossøy Frode , Røskaft Eivin , Graae Bente J.
Published: August 2018

The conservation of threatened species requires information on how management activities influence habitat quality. The Critically Endangered black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis is restricted to savannahs representing c. 5% of its historical range. Fire is used extensively in savannahs but little is known about how rhinos respond to burning. Our aim was to understand rhino responses to fire by studying habitat selection and foraging at multiple scales. We used resource selection functions and locations of 31 rhinos during 2014–2016 to study rhino habitat use in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Rhino selectivity was quantified by comparing forage consumption to plant species availability in randomly sampled vegetation plots; rhino diets were subsequently verified through DNA metabarcoding analysis of faecal samples. Rhino habitat use was a unimodal function of fire history, with highly occupied sites having fire frequencies of < 0.6 fires/year and maximum occupancy occurring at a fire frequency of 0.1 fires/year. Foraging stations had characteristic plant communities, with 17 species associated with rhino foraging. Rhinos were associated with, and disproportionately consumed, woody plants, forbs and legumes, all of which decreased in abundance with increasing fire frequency. In contrast to common management practices, multiple lines of evidence suggest that the current fire regime in the Serengeti negatively influences rhino habitat use and foraging and that frequent fire limits access of rhinos to preferred forage. We outline a conceptual model to guide managers and conservationists in the use of fire under variable habitat conditions.