bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ursolic acid and mechanisms of actions on adipose and muscle tissue: a systematic review
Authors: Katashima Carlos K. , Silva Vagner R. , Gomes Tatyanne L. , Pichard Claude , Pimentel Gustavo D.
Published: March 2017

This systematic review aimed at addressing the ursolic acid actions as an adjunctive treatment of the obesity‐mediated metabolic abnormalities. To explore our aims, we used the literature search including clinical and animal studies using the Medline and Google Scholar (up to December 2015). Out of 63 screened studies, 17 presented eligibility criteria, such as the use of ursolic acid on adiposity, energy expenditure and skeletal muscle mass in mice and humans. In the literature, we found that several physiological and molecular mechanisms are implicated in the effects of ursolic acid on obesity, energy expenditure, hepatic steatosis, skeletal muscle mass loss and physical fitness, such as (1) increase of thermogenesis by modulation adipocyte transcription factors, activation of 5′ adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase and overexpression of the uncoupling protein 1 thermogenic marker; (2) enhancement of skeletal muscle mass by activation in bloodstream growth hormone and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 concentrations secretion, as well as in the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin and inhibition of ring‐finger protein‐1; and (3) improvement of physical fitness by skeletal muscle proliferator‐activated receptor gamma co‐activator alpha and sirtuin 1 expression. Therefore, supplementation with ursolic acid may be an adjunctive therapy for prevention and treatment of obesity‐mediated and muscle mass‐mediated metabolic consequences.
Resource composition mediates the effects of intraspecific variability in nutrient recycling on ecosystem processes
Authors: Evangelista Charlotte , Lecerf Antoine , Britton J. Robert , Cucherousset Julien
Published: March 2017

Despite the growing evidence for individual variation in trophic niche within populations, its potential indirect effects on ecosystem processes remains poorly understood. In particular, few studies have investigated how intraspecific trophic variability can modulate the effects of consumers on ecosystems through potential changes in nutrient excretion rates. Here, we first quantified the level of intraspecific trophic variability in 11 wild populations of the omnivorous fish Lepomis gibbosus. Outputs from stomach content and stable isotope analyses revealed that the degree of trophic specialization and trophic positions were highly variable between and within these wild populations. There was intrapopulation variation in trophic position of more than one trophic level, suggesting that individuals consumed a range of plant and animal resources. We then experimentally manipulated intraspecific trophic variability to assess how it can modulate consumer‐mediated nutrient effects on relevant processes of ecosystem functioning. Specifically, three food sources varying in nutrient quality (e.g. plant material, macro‐invertebrate and fish meat) were used individually or in combination to simulate seven diet treatments. Results indicated that intraspecific variability in growth and nitrogen excretion rates were more related to the composition of the diet rather than the degree of specialization, and increased with the trophic position of the diet consumed. We subsequently used microcosms and showed that critical ecosystem functions, such as primary production and community respiration, were affected by the variability in excretory products, and this effect was biomass‐dependent. These results highlight the importance of considering variation within species to better assess the effects of individuals on ecosystems and, more specifically, the effects of consumer‐mediated nutrient recycling because the body size and the trophic ecology of individuals are affected by a large spectrum of natural and human‐induced environmental changes.
Biostratigraphy and geometric morphometrics of conchostracans (Crustacea, Branchiopoda) from the Late Triassic fissure deposits of Cromhall Quarry,UK
Authors: Morton Jacob D. , Whiteside David I. , Hethke Manja , Benton Michael J.
Published: March 2017

The enigmatic fissure deposits of south‐western England and southern Wales are famous for their unique assemblage of Late Triassic vertebrates, although their age is contentious. While recent studies of palynomorphs have dated some as Rhaetian, their conchostracan (Crustacea, Branchiopoda) assemblages have not been described in detail nor used in biostratigraphy. We find that species determination of British Late Triassic conchostracans requires detailed observations of size, shape and ornamentation. We provide evidence that althoughEuestheria brodieanais invariably smaller thanE. minuta, with some slight differences in carapace ornamentation, the traditional view that they are very similar is upheld. The use of conchostracans as a biostratigraphical tool is here tested by application to the British Triassic fissures at Cromhall quarry where the usual stratigraphical evidence provided by superposition is absent. We find no distinction between conchostracans from bedded Rhaetian deposits of theUKand specimens collected from the fissure deposits of Cromhall Quarry, Gloucestershire, supporting a late Rhaetian age for these deposits.
Transcriptomic and metabolic analyses provide new insights into chilling injury in peach fruit
Authors: Wang Ke , Yin Xue‐Ren , Zhang Bo , Grierson Don , Xu Chang‐Jie , Chen Kun‐Song
Published: March 2017

Low temperature conditioning (LTC) alleviates peach fruit chilling injury but the underlying molecular basis is poorly understood. Here, changes in transcriptome, ethylene production, flesh softening, internal browning and membrane lipids were compared in fruit maintained in constant 0 °C and LTC (pre‐storage at 8 °C for 5 d before storage at 0 °C). Low temperature conditioning resulted in a higher rate of ethylene production and a more rapid flesh softening as a result of higher expression of ethylene biosynthetic genes and a series of cell wall hydrolases. Reduced internal browning of fruit was observed in LTC, with lower transcript levels of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase, but higher lipoxygenase. Low temperature conditioning fruit also showed enhanced fatty acid content, increased desaturation, higher levels of phospholipids and a preferential biosynthesis of glucosylceramide. Genes encoding cell wall hydrolases and lipid metabolism enzymes were coexpressed with differentially expressed ethylene response factors (ERFs) and contained ERF binding elements in their promoters. In conclusion, LTC is a special case of cold acclimation which increases ethylene production and, operating through ERFs, promotes both softening and changes in lipid composition and desaturation, which may modulate membrane stability, reducing browning and contributing to alleviation of peach fruit chilling injury.
Biochemical model of C3 photosynthesis applied to wheat at different temperatures
Authors: Silva‐Pérez Viridiana , Furbank Robert T. , Condon Anthony G. , Evans John R.
Published: March 2017

We examined the effects of leaf temperature on the estimation of maximal Rubisco capacity (Vcmax) from gas exchange measurements of wheat leaves using a C3 photosynthesis model. Cultivars of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum (L)) and triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) were grown in a greenhouse or in the field and measured at a range of temperatures under controlled conditions in a growth cabinet (2 and 21% O2) or in the field using natural diurnal variation in temperature, respectively. Published Rubisco kinetic constants for tobacco did not describe the observed CO2 response curves well as temperature varied. By assuming values for the Rubisco Michaelis–Menten constants for CO2 (Kc) and O2 (Ko) at 25 °C derived from tobacco and the activation energies of Vcmax from wheat and respiration in the light, Rd, from tobacco, we derived activation energies for Kc and Ko (93.7 and 33.6 kJ mol−1, respectively) that considerably improved the fit of the model to observed data. We confirmed that temperature dependence of dark respiration for wheat was well described by the activation energy for Rd from tobacco. The new parameters improved the estimation of Vcmax under field conditions, where temperatures increased through the day.
Reducing the incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis in pediatric liver transplantation: Effect of microvascular techniques and a customized anticoagulation protocol
Authors: Ziaziaris William A. , Darani Alexandre , Holland Andrew J. A. , Alexander Angus , Karpelowsky Jonathan , Barbaro Pasquale , Stormon Michael , O'Loughlin Edward , Shun Albert , Thomas Gordon
Published: March 2017

We aimed to assess the incidence of HAT over three eras following implementation of microvascular techniques and a customized anticoagulation protocol in a predominantly cadaveric split liver transplant program. We retrospectively reviewed pediatric liver transplants performed between April 1986 and 2016 and analyzed the incidence HAT over three eras. In E1, 1986‐2008, each patient received a standard dose of 5 U/kg/h of heparin and coagulation profiles normalized passively. In E2, 2008‐2012, microvascular techniques were introduced. In E3, 2012‐2016, in addition, a customized anticoagulation protocol was introduced which included replacement of antithrombin 3, protein C and S, and early heparinization. A total of 317 liver transplants were completed during the study period, with a median age of 31.7 months. In E1, 22% of grafts were cadaveric in situ split grafts, while the second and third eras used split grafts in 59.0% and 64.9% of cases, respectively. HAT occurred in 9.5% in the first era, 11.5% (P=.661) in the second, and dropped to 1.8% in the third era (P=.043). A routine anticoagulation protocol has significantly reduced the incidence of HAT post‐liver transplantation in children in a predominantly cadaveric in situ split liver transplant program.
Retroperitoneal dedifferentiated liposarcoma with huge cystic degeneration: A case report
Authors: Uchihashi Kazuyoshi , Matsuyama Atsuji , Shiba Eisuke , Kimura Yoshizo , Ogata Toshiro , Yabuki Kei , Harada Hiroshi , Kubo Chisachi , Tsuda Yojiro , Jotatsu Mao , Hisaoka Masanori
Published: March 2017

Prominent cyst formation is an unusual feature of liposarcoma. We report here a case of dedifferentiated liposarcoma with huge cystic change without preoperative chemo‐ or radiation therapy. The lesion arose in the retroperitoneum juxtaposed to the right kidney of a 67‐year‐old woman. She underwent a surgical removal of the retroperitoneal cyst. The cystic tumor contained 1600 mL of old bloody fluid, and its wall was composed of edematous, inflamed or sclerosing fibrous tissue with fatty tissue containing abundant atypical stromal cells, which were immunohistochemically positive for MDM2 and CDK4, and demonstrated MDM2 gene amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The wall was contiguous to an atypical lipomatous nodule located in the mesentery. The following surgical specimens of the right hemicolectomy and right nephrectomy revealed atypical cells infiltrating into the subserosa of the colon and the perirenal fat tissue or that in the renal sinus. This case indicates that well differentiated or dedifferentiated liposarcoma should be also considered as a differential diagnosis of perirenal cystic mass.
Testing food‐related inhibitory control to high‐ and low‐calorie food stimuli: Electrophysiological responses to high‐calorie food stimuli predict calorie and carbohydrate intake
Authors: Carbine Kaylie A. , Christensen Edward , LeCheminant James D. , Bailey Bruce W. , Tucker Larry A. , Larson Michael J.
Published: March 2017

Maintaining a healthy diet has important implications for physical and mental health. One factor that may influence diet and food consumption is inhibitory control—the ability to withhold a dominant response in order to correctly respond to environmental demands. We examined how N2 amplitude, an ERP that reflects inhibitory control processes, differed toward high‐ and low‐calorie food stimuli and related to food intake. A total of 159 participants (81 female; M age = 23.5 years; SD = 7.6) completed two food‐based go/no‐go tasks (one with high‐calorie and one with low‐calorie food pictures as no‐go stimuli) while N2 amplitude was recorded. Participants recorded food intake using the Automated Self‐Administered 24‐hour Dietary Recall system. Inhibiting responses toward high‐calorie stimuli elicited a larger (i.e., more negative) no‐go N2 amplitude; inhibiting responses toward low‐calorie stimuli elicited a smaller no‐go N2 amplitude. Participants were more accurate during the high‐calorie than low‐calorie task, but took longer to respond on go trials toward high‐calorie rather than low‐calorie stimuli. When controlling for age, gender, and BMI, larger high‐calorie N2 difference amplitude predicted lower caloric intake (β = 0.17); low‐calorie N2 difference amplitude was not related to caloric intake (β = −0.03). Exploratory analyses revealed larger high‐calorie N2 difference amplitude predicted carbohydrate intake (β = 0.22), but not protein (β = 0.08) or fat (β = 0.11) intake. Results suggest that withholding responses from high‐calorie foods requires increased recruitment of inhibitory control processes, which may be necessary to regulate food consumption, particularly for foods high in calories and carbohydrates.
Protein phosphorylation and ions effects on salmonid sperm motility activation
Authors: Dumorné Kelly , Figueroa Elías , Cosson Jacky , Lee‐Estevez Manuel , Ulloa‐Rodríguez Patricio , Valdebenito Iván , Farías Jorge G.
Published: March 2017

Sperm motility is considered as a key factor allowing determination of semen quality and predicts fertilizing capacity. In many fish species, the spermatozoa are immotile in the testes and seminal plasma, and motility is induced when they are released in the aqueous environment. Initiation and activation of sperm motility are prerequisite processes for the contact and fusion of male and female gametes at fertilization. Many proteins are involved in the activation of sperm motility in many species. Cell signalling for the initiation of sperm motility in the salmonid fish has drawn much attention during the last two decades. In some species, protein phosphorylation process was shown to be involved in flagellar motility regulation. Hyperpolarization of the sperm membrane induces synthesis of cAMP (cyclic AMP), which triggers further cell signalling processes, such as cAMP‐dependent protein phosphorylation that finally initiates sperm motility in salmonid fish. Ions such as Na+, K+ and Ca2+ play also an important role in the activation of sperm motility in many species, more specifically in salmonids. Salmonid fish sperm motility can be suppressed by millimolar concentrations of extracellular K+, and dilution of K+ upon spawning is enough to trigger the cAMP‐dependent signalling cascade leading to motility initiation. This review aims to update the present knowledge about the roles of ions and protein phosphorylation process in the sperm motility activation in salmonids.
GDF9 affects the development and tight junction functions of immature bovine Sertoli cells
Authors: Tang K , Wang L , Jin Y , Yang W , Yang L
Published: March 2017

Contents

Transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ) superfamily are critical regulators of germ cell development that act as extracellular ligands of the signal transduction pathways regulating proliferation, apoptosis and other aspects of cell behaviour. As a member of the TGF‐β superfamily, growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) plays a critical role in ovarian follicular development and the ovulation rate in females; however, its role in the testis has not been well elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of GDF9 and its receptor genes BMPRII and ALK5 in prepuberal bovine Sertoli cells (SCs). In addition, we assessed the effects of GDF9 on immature SCs apoptosis, the cell cycle and tight junction functions. We found that GDF9 and its receptor genes BMPRII and ALK5 were expressed in immature SCs. Exogenous GDF9 significantly promoted SCs proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of SCs by significantly upregulating Cyclin E (cell cycle) and bcl‐2 (anti‐apoptosis) mRNA expression and downregulating caspase‐3 (pro‐apoptosis) mRNA expression. Meanwhile, exogenous GDF9 significantly decreased the value of transepithelial electrical resistance by significantly downregulating claudin‐11 mRNA expression and influencing the distribution of occludin. In conclusion, this study reveals that GDF9 is a key regulator of bovine SCs through the modulation of the cell cycle, apoptosis and tight junction functions.
Ultrasound during mid‐gestation: Agreement with physical foetal and placental measurements and use in predicting gestational age in sheep
Authors: Jones AK , Gately RE , McFadden KK , Hoffman ML , Pillai SM , Zinn SA , Govoni KE , Reed SA
Published: March 2017

Contents

To determine the effects of poor maternal nutrition and litter size on foetal growth during mid‐gestation, pregnant ewes (n = 82) were fed 100%, 60% or 140% of NRC TDN beginning at day 30.2 ± 0.2 of gestation. Transabdominal ultrasound was performed weekly between day 46.0 ± 0.4 and 86.0 ± 0.7 to monitor foetal heart width (HW), umbilical diameter (UMB), rib width (RW) and placentome outer (OD) and inner diameter (ID). Data were analysed with repeated‐measures using the mixed procedure for effects of maternal diet, litter size and gestation, and equations predictive of gestational age were generated using the regression procedure. To determine the agreement of ultrasound measurement and actual size, ewes (n = 20–21) were euthanized at day 45 or 90 to obtain corresponding postmortem measurements for Bland–Altman analysis. The HW, UMB and placentome OD and ID increased with gestation (p < .0001) but were unaffected by maternal diet or litter size (p ≥ .12). Ultrasound underestimated postmortem measurements of HW (14.8%), UMB (7.3%), placentome OD (4.5%) and ID (37.3%) at day 90 of gestation. Ultrasound underestimated RW at day 45 (7.7%) but overestimated RW (23.8%) at day 90, indicating inconsistent bias when reporting RW by ultrasound. Combining the HW, UMB, RW and placentome OD generated the strongest equation predictive of gestational age (R2 = .91). These findings indicate that during mid‐gestation, maternal diet or litter size did not affect HW, UMB or placentome diameters and these factors can be used to estimate gestational age.
Quantitative Assessment of the Risk of Release of Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease Virus via Export of Bull Semen from Israel
Authors: Meyer A. , Zamir L. , Ben Yair Gilboa A. , Gelman B. , Pfeiffer D. U. , Vergne T.
Published: March 2017

Various foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) virus strains circulate in the Middle East, causing frequent episodes of FMD outbreaks among Israeli livestock. Since the virus is highly resistant in semen, artificial insemination with contaminated bull semen may lead to the infection of the receiver cow. As a non‐FMD‐free country with vaccination, Israel is currently engaged in trading bull semen only with countries of the same status. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk of release of FMD virus through export of bull semen in order to estimate the risk for FMD‐free countries considering purchasing Israeli bull semen. A stochastic risk assessment model was used to estimate this risk, defined as the annual likelihood of exporting at least one ejaculate of bull semen contaminated with viable FMD virus. A total of 45 scenarios were assessed to account for uncertainty and variability around specific parameter estimates and to evaluate the effect of various mitigation measures, such as performing a preexport test on semen ejaculates. Under the most plausible scenario, the annual likelihood of exporting bull semen contaminated with FMD virus had a median of 1.3 * 10−7 for an export of 100 ejaculates per year. This corresponds to one infected ejaculate exported every 7 million years. Under the worst‐case scenario, the median of the risk rose to 7.9 * 10−5, which is equivalent to the export of one infected ejaculate every 12,000 years. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the most influential parameter is the probability of viral excretion in infected bulls.
Impacts of Institutional Intervention on Price Transmissions: The Case of the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange
Authors: Gelaw Fekadu , Speelman Stijn , van Huylenbroeck Guido
Published: March 2017

In the aftermath of the market liberalization reforms, interventions in developing countries shifted toward building institutions. One of such interventions is the introduction of commodity exchanges. The theoretical justification is that commoditization reduces the high transaction costs associated with the information and enforcement problems characterizing agricultural markets of these countries. However it is not known whether these potential gains are transmitted to the various markets along a value chain. By taking the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX) as a case, this paper examines the impacts of the introduction of the commodity exchange in transmitting price signals along the coffee value chain (world‐export‐auction‐producer prices). We found that both the speed and symmetry of transmission remains weak even after the launch of ECX. At each level, the market chain was found to favor buyers. This implies that not only the country's gains from export are sub‐optimal, the cumulative burden is on the millions of smallholder farmers who are located at the bottom of the chain. In a context where local agricultural markets remain traditional and export markets barely competitive, the introduction of the commodity exchange will have limited impacts in improving the performance of markets in transmitting price signals. Other policy measures to further liberalize both local and export markets are required.
Integration of Family Planning Services into HIV Care and Treatment Services: A Systematic Review
Authors: Haberlen Sabina A. , Narasimhan Manjulaa , Beres Laura K. , Kennedy Caitlin E.
Published: March 2017

Evidence on the feasibility, effectiveness, and cost‐effectiveness of integrating family planning (FP) and HIV services has grown significantly since the 2004 Glion Call to Action. This systematic review adds to the knowledge base by characterizing the range of models used to integrate FP into HIV care and treatment, and synthesizing the evidence on integration outcomes among women living with HIV. Fourteen studies met our inclusion criteria, eight of which were published after the last systematic review on the topic in 2013. Overall, integration was associated with higher modern method contraceptive prevalence and knowledge, although there was insufficient evidence to evaluate its effects on unintended pregnancy or achieving safe and healthy pregnancy. Evidence for change in unmet need for FP was limited, although two of the three evaluations that measured unmet need suggested possible improvements associated with integrated services. However, improving access to FP services through integration was not always sufficient to increase the use of more effective (noncondom) modern methods among women who wanted to prevent pregnancy. Integration efforts, particularly in contexts where contraceptive use is low, must address community‐wide and HIV‐specific barriers to using effective FP methods alongside improving access to information, commodities, and services within routine HIV care.
Immunoregulation of Inflammatory and Inhibitory Cytokines by VitaminD3 in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Alhassan Mohammed H. , Mirshafiey A. , Vahedi H. , Hemmasi G. , Moussavi Nasl Khameneh A. , Parastouei K. , Saboor‐Yaraghi A. A.
Published: March 2017

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of idiopathic, chronic and relapsing inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, caused by an aberrant and exaggerated immunological response in the gut. Supplementation of vitaminD3 in patients withIBDexerts both direct and indirect regulatory roles on the naïve T cells, thereby maintaining a balance betweeninflammatory and inhibitory cytokines. The direct actions of vitaminD3 on naïve T cells result in the proliferation of more regulatory T cells and inhibitory cytokines such asIL‐4,IL‐10 andIL‐5. The binding of vitamin D to dendritic cells (DCs) through vitamin D receptors inhibits the action ofIL‐12 on DCs, resulting in the downregulation of Th1 and Th17. On the other hand, this interaction favours Th2 and Treg upregulation and facilitates the maintenance of immune homoeostasis betweeninflammatory and inhibitory cytokineswhich is essentially significant in the management of patients withIBD. The aim of this review was to explore the current and mounting scientific evidence on the roles of vitamin D3 inimmunoregulation of inflammatory and inhibitory cytokinesin patients withIBDs. An extensive literature search was conducted using keywords such as Vitamin D3*,IBD*, inflammatory cytokines*, inhibitory cytokines*, naïve‐T‐cells* and antigen presenting cells* through PubMed,SCOPUSandMEDLINEsearch engines. The results of the accumulated bodies of research that have been conducted demonstrate that vitamin D3 plays a major role not only in the immunoregulation of cytokines involved in the pathogenesis ofIBDs but also in many other inflammatory disorders.
Bayesian Single Changepoint Estimation in a Parameter‐driven Model
Authors: Utazi Chigozie E.
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we consider the problem of estimating a single changepoint in a parameter‐driven model. The model – an extension of the Poisson regression model – accounts for serial correlation through a latent process incorporated in its mean function. Emphasis is placed on the changepoint characterization with changes in the parameters of the model. The model is fully implemented within the Bayesian framework. We develop a RJMCMC algorithm for parameter estimation and model determination. The algorithm embeds well‐devised Metropolis–Hastings procedures for estimating the missing values of the latent process through data augmentation and the changepoint. The methodology is illustrated using data on monthly counts of claimants collecting wage loss benefit for injuries in the workplace and an analysis of presidential uses of force in the USA.
A Formal Typology of Reflexives
Authors: Déchaine Rose‐Marie , Wiltschko Martina
Published: March 2017

Starting with the observation that reflexives do not form a homogenous class, we develop a formal typology for reflexives. In particular, on the basis of data from English (Germanic), French (Romance), Shona (Bantu), Plains Cree (Algonquian), and Halkomelem (Salish), we argue for the existence of (at least) five categorically distinct reflexive forms: D‐reflexives, φ‐reflexives, Class‐reflexives, n‐reflexives, and N‐reflexives. We present the following arguments in support of this typology: (i) reflexive forms differ in their syntactic distribution; (ii) reflexive forms differ in the syntactic parallelism they exhibit; (iii) reflexive forms differ in the patterns of multi‐functionality they exhibit; (iv) reflexive forms differ in their syntactic integration into the clause; (v) reflexive forms differ in their semantic mode of composition. The analysis that we develop is couched within the Interface Syntax model of Wiltschko & Déchaine (2010), according to which sound‐meaning bundles freely associate with a universally defined syntactic spine.
Branched I antigens on leukemia cells enhanced sensitivity against natural killer–cell cytotoxicity through affecting the target–effector interaction
Authors: Lee Yen‐Hua , Liao Yi‐Jen , Huang Chin‐Han , Chang Fu‐Ling , Fan Ting‐Hsi , Twu Yuh‐Ching
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

The aberrant glycosylation on proteins and lipids has been implicated in malignant transformations for promoting the tumorigenesis, metastasis, and evasion from the host immunity. The I‐branching β‐1,6‐N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase, converting the straight i to branched I histo‐blood group antigens, reportedly could influence the migration, invasion, and metastasis of solid tumors.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We first chose the highly cytotoxic natural killer (NK)‐92MI cells as effector against leukemia for this cell line has been used in several clinical trials. Fluorescence‐activated cell sorting and nonradioactive cytotoxicity assay were performed to reexamine the role of NK‐activating receptors, their corresponding ligands, and the tumor‐associated carbohydrate antigens in this NK‐92MI‐leukemia in vitro system. The I role on cytotoxic mechanism was further studied especially on the effector–target interactions by cytotoxic analysis and conjugate formation assay.

RESULTS

We showed that expression levels of leukemia surface ligands for NK‐activating receptors did not positively reflect susceptibility to NK‐92MI. Instead, the expression of I antigen on the leukemia cells was found important in mediating the susceptibility to NK targeting by affecting the interaction with effector cells. Furthermore, susceptibility was shown to dramatically increase while overexpressing branched I antigens on the I– cells. By both conjugate and cytotoxicity assay, we revealed that the presence of I antigen on leukemia cells enhanced the interaction with NK‐92MI cells, increasing susceptibility to cell‐mediated lysis.

CONCLUSION

In our system, branched I antigens on the leukemia were involved in the immunosurveillance mediated by NK cells specifically through affecting the effector–target interaction.
Mycoplasma infection of the middle ear in three cats
Authors: Ackermann Amanda L. , Lenz Jennifer Ann , May Elizabeth R. , Frank Linda A.
Published: March 2017

Background

Mycoplasmaspp. are commensal organisms found in association with the mucus membranes of all mammalian species and are implicated in bacterial infections of many different locations.Mycoplasmaspp. as a primary pathogen associated with otitis media in cats has not been reported.

Objectives

To describe three cats withMycoplasmainfection of the middle ear associated with various underlying disease processes.

Animals

Three client‐owned cats.

Methods

Clinical examination, aerobic culture of the middle ear and computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the skull.

Results

Mycoplasmaspp. were grown on aerobic culture from the middle ear of three cats. In Case 1, concurrent neoplasia of the bulla was identified.Mycoplasmaalone was cultured in Case 2 andMycoplasmawas grown in addition toBordetellain Case 3. Case 1 was euthanized, Case 2 responded toMycoplasmatargeted therapy and Case 3 responded toBordetellatargeted therapy.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Mycoplasmainfections of the middle ear may be clinically important and require targeted treatment in some cases.
A novel network analysis tool to identify relationships between disease states and risks for red blood cell alloimmunization
Authors: Celli R. , Schulz W. , Hendrickson J. E. , Tormey C. A.
Published: March 2017

We hypothesized that diagnoses may be associated with alloantibody ‘responder’ status and examined associations between disease states and alloimmunization. Patients with ≥1 alloantibody and non‐alloimmunized controls were analysed. Pearson's coefficients were calculated to determine associations between alloimmunization and diseases; significant correlations were selected to construct a network. Inflammatory disorders and diseases requiring chronic transfusion support were associated with responder status. Mitigation steps may be considered in patients with these disorders.
Polytomies, signal and noise: revisiting the mitochondrial phylogeny and phylogeography of the Eurasian blindsnake species complex (Typhlopidae, Squamata)
Authors: Kornilios Panagiotis
Published: March 2017

Polytomies are multifurcating nodes on a phylogenetic tree that represent unresolved relationships. Contrary to ‘hard’ polytomies that hide simultaneous splitting events, ‘soft’ polytomies can theoretically be resolved with the addition of phylogenetic signal. This is not always successful, especially when a radiation is old and rapid, because adding more signal will inevitably increase the noise. TheXerotyphlops vermicularisspecies complex is an example of a largely unresolved old and rapid radiation. This mtDNAphylogeny is revisited by analysing samples representative of all lineages and generating a 3700‐bp final data set, after preliminary tests found two of the analysed markers responsible for long‐branch attraction. The new enhanced data set increased phylogenetic resolution, resulting in a robust time‐calibrated phylogeny and phylogeographic conclusions. Jordan/south Syria populations separated during the Middle Miocene, and the Messinian salinity crisis (MSC) appears responsible for the second diversification wave. A third radiation occurred during the Early Pliocene, resulting in four mtDNAgroups west, east and south of the Amanos mountains in east Turkey/north Syria. Finally, three hypotheses regarding the number of potential ‘species’ within the complex are made, with the most moderate ‘four species’ hypothesis fitting very well with the diversity patterns and established systematics of east Mediterranean reptiles.
Motor Cooling Modeling: An Inverse Method for the Identification of Convection Coefficients
Authors: Davin Tanguy , Pellé Julien , Harmand Souad , Yu Robert
Published: March 2017

The present study focuses on oil cooling for electric motors. A 40 kW test machine in which oil was introduced at each side of the machine to directly cool the stator coil end-windings was previously implemented. The lumped system analysis is used to model the thermal behavior of this test electric machine. An inverse method is applied to interpret the data obtained by the experimental setup. The inverse method leads to interior convection coefficients that help describe the heat transfer mechanisms.
Village Drill: A Case Study in Engineering for Global Development With Five Years of Data Post Market-Introduction
Authors: Mattson Christopher A. , Wood Amy E. , Renouard John
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a case study in engineering for global development. It introduces the Village Drill, which is an engineered product that has—5 years after its introduction to the market—enabled hundreds of thousands of people across 15 countries and three continents to have access to clean water. The Village Drill creates a 15 cm (6 in) borehole as deep as 76 m (250 ft) to reach groundwater suitable for drinking. The case study presents facts for the actual development and sustaining and are unaltered for the purpose of publication. This approach provides the reader with a realistic view of the development time, testing conditions, fundraising, and the work needed to sustain the drill through 5 years of sales and distribution. The purpose of the case study is to provide sufficient and frank data about a real project so as to promote discussion, critique, and other evaluations that will lead to new developments that inspire and inform successful engineering for global development. As part of the case, the paper describes six fundamental items: the product, the customer, the impact, the manufacturing, the delivery, and the revenue model of the drill.
Evaluating the Performance and Accuracy of Incident Rate Forecasting
Methods for Mining Operations
Authors: York Jason C. , Gernand Jeremy M.
Published: March 2017

The potential benefits of a safety program are generally only realized after an incident has occurred. Resource allocation in an organization's safety program has the imperative task of balancing costs and often unrealized benefits. Management can be wary to allocate additional resources to a safety program because it is difficult to estimate the return on investment, especially since the returns are a set of negative outcomes not manifested. One way that safety professionals can provide an estimate of potential return on investment is to forecast how the organizations incident rate can be affected by implementing different resource allocation strategies and what the expected incident rate would have been without intervention. This study evaluates forecasting methods used to predict incidents against one another against a common definition of performance accuracy to identify the method that would be the most applicable to use as part of a safety resource allocation model. By identifying the most accurate forecasting method, the uncertainty of which method a safety professional should utilize for incident rate prediction is reduced. Incident data from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) was used to make short- and long-term forecasts. The performance of each of these methods was evaluated against one another to ascertain which method has the highest level of accuracy, lowest bias, and best complexity-adjusted goodness-of-fit metrics. The double exponential smoothing and auto-regressive moving average (ARMA) statistical forecasting methods provided the most accurate incident rate predictions.
Modeling of Stiffness and Strength of Bone at Nanoscale
Authors: Abueidda Diab W. , Sabet Fereshteh A. , Jasiuk Iwona M.
Published: March 2017

Two distinct geometrical models of bone at the nanoscale (collagen fibril and mineral platelets) are analyzed computationally. In the first model (model I), minerals are periodically distributed in a staggered manner in a collagen matrix while in the second model (model II), minerals form continuous layers outside the collagen fibril. Elastic modulus and strength of bone at the nanoscale, represented by these two models under longitudinal tensile loading, are studied using a finite element (FE) software abaqus. The analysis employs a traction-separation law (cohesive surface modeling) at various interfaces in the models to account for interfacial delaminations. Plane stress, plane strain, and axisymmetric versions of the two models are considered. Model II is found to have a higher stiffness than model I for all cases. For strength, the two models alternate the superiority of performance depending on the inputs and assumptions used. For model II, the axisymmetric case gives higher results than the plane stress and plane strain cases while an opposite trend is observed for model I. For axisymmetric case, model II shows greater strength and stiffness compared to model I. The collagen–mineral arrangement of bone at nanoscale forms a basic building block of bone. Thus, knowledge of its mechanical properties is of high scientific and clinical interests.
The Impact of Low Octane Primary Reference Fuel on HCCI Combustion Burn Rates: The Role of Thermal Stratification
Authors: Hagen Luke , Lavoie George , Wooldridge Margaret , Assanis Dennis
Published: March 2017

A new experimental method was developed which isolated charge composition effects for wide levels of internal exhaust gas recirculation (iEGR) at constant total EGR (tEGR) for homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion. The effect of changing iEGR was examined for both gasoline (research octane number (RON) = 90.5) and PRF40 at constant charge composition at multiple engine speeds. For this study, the charge composition was defined as the total mass of fresh air, fuel, and tEGR. Experimental results showed that for a given iEGR level, PRF40 had a reduced burn duration and higher maximum heat release rate (HRR) when compared with gasoline. PRF40 was found to have a nearly constant burn duration and HRR for a given load and CA50, largely independent of engine speed and iEGR level. Gasoline, for equivalent conditions, showed an increased burn duration at higher iEGR levels. When comparing PRF40 to gasoline at fixed combustion phasing and iEGR level, the increased HRR for PRF40 was correlated with reduced intake valve closing (IVC) temperatures. To examine the impact of thermal gradients (as distinct from fuel chemistry effects) due to IVC temperature differences, a multizone “balloon model” was used to evaluate experimental conditions. The model results demonstrated that when the in-cylinder temperature profiles between fuels were matched by adjusting wall temperature, the heat release rates were nearly identical. This result suggested the observed differences in burn rates between gasoline and PRF40 were influenced to a large degree by differences in thermal stratification and to a lesser extent by differences in fuel chemistry.
Optimizing the Team for Required Power During Track-Cycling Team Pursuit
Authors: Heimans Levi , Dijkshoorn Wouter R. , Hoozemans Marco J.M. , de Koning Jos J.
Published: March 2017

Purpose: Since the aim of the men’s team pursuit in time-trial track cycling is to accomplish a distance of 4000 m as fast as possible, optimizing aerodynamic drag can contribute to achieving this goal. The aim of this study was to determine the drafting effect in second, third, and fourth position during the team pursuit in track cycling as a function of the team members’ individual frontal areas in order to minimize the required power. Method: Eight experienced track cyclists of the Dutch national selection performed 39 trials of 3 km in different teams of 4 cyclists at a constant velocity of 15.75 m/s. Frontal projected areas were determined, and together with field-derived drag coefficients for all 4 positions, the relationships between frontal areas of team members and drag fractions were estimated using generalized estimating equations. Results: The frontal area of both the cyclist directly in front of the drafter and the drafter himself turned out to be significant determinants of the drag fraction at the drafter’s position (P < .05) for all 3 drafting positions. Predicted required power for individuals in drafting positions differed up to 35 W depending on team composition. For a team, a maximal difference in team efficiency (1.2%) exists by selecting cyclists in a specific sequence. Conclusion: Estimating required power for a specific team composition gives insight into differences in team efficiency for the team pursuit. Furthermore, required power for individual team members ranges substantially depending on team composition.
Movement Velocity as Indicator of Relative Intensity and Level of Effort Attained During the Set in Pull-Up Exercise
Authors: Sánchez-Moreno Miguel , Rodríguez-Rosell David , Pareja-Blanco Fernando , Mora-Custodio Ricardo , González-Badillo Juan José
Published: March 2017

Purpose:To analyze the relationship between movement velocity and relative load (%1RM) in the pull-up exercise (PU) and to determine the pattern of repetition-velocity loss during a single set to failure in pulling one’s own body mass.Methods:Fifty-two men (age = 26.5 ± 3.9 y, body mass = 74.3 ± 7.2 kg) performed a first evaluation (T1) consisting of an 1-repetition-maximum test (1RM) and a test of maximum number of repetitions to failure pulling one’s own body mass (MNR) in the PU exercise. Thirty-nine subjects performed both tests on a second occasion (T2) following 12 wk of training.Results:The authors observed a strong relationship between mean propulsive velocity (MPV) and %1RM (r = −.96). Mean velocity attained with 1RM load (V1RM) was 0.20 ± 0.05 m·s−1, and it influenced the MPV attained with each %1RM. Although 1RM increased by 3.4% from T1 to T2, the relationship between MPV and %1RM, and V1RM, remained stable. The authors also confirmed stability in the V1RMregardless of individual relative strength. The authors found a strong relationship between percentage of velocity loss and percentage of performed repetitions (R2 = .88), which remained stable despite a 15% increase in MNR.Conclusions:Monitoring repetition velocity allows estimation of the %1RM used as soon as the first repetition with a given load is performed, and the number of repetitions remaining in reserve when a given percentage of velocity loss is achieved during a PU exercise set.
Head, Neck, Trunk, and Pelvis Tissue Mass Predictions for Young Adults Using Anthropometric Measures and Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry
Authors: Gyemi Danielle L. , Kahelin Charles , George Nicole C. , Andrews David M.
Published: March 2017

Accurate prediction of wobbling mass (WM), fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), and bone mineral content (BMC) of living people using regression equations developed from anthropometric measures (lengths, circumferences, breadths, skinfolds) has previously been reported, but only for the extremities. Multiple linear stepwise regression was used to generate comparable equations for the head, neck, trunk, and pelvis of young adults (38 males, 38 females). Equations were validated using actual tissue masses from an independent sample of 13 males and 13 females by manually segmenting full-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans. Prediction equations exhibited adjusted R2
values ranging from .249 to .940, with more explained variance for LM and WM than BMC and FM, especially for the head and neck. Mean relative errors between predicted and actual tissue masses ranged from −11.07% (trunk FM) to 7.61% (neck FM). Actual and predicted tissue masses from all equations were significantly correlated (R2
 = .329 to .937), except head BMC (R2
 = .046). These results show promise for obtaining in-vivo head, neck, trunk, and pelvis tissue mass estimates in young adults. Further research is needed to improve head and neck FM and BMC predictions and develop tissue mass prediction equations for older populations.
Self-Regulatory Imagery and Physical Activity in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Social-Cognitive Perspective
Authors: Kosteli Maria-Christina , Cumming Jennifer , Williams Sarah E.
Published: March 2017

Limited research has investigated exercise imagery use in middle-aged and older adults and its relationship with affective and behavioral correlates. The study examined the association between self-regulatory imagery and physical activity (PA) through key social cognitive variables. Middle-aged and older adults (N = 299;Mage = 59.73 years,SD = 7.73, range = 50 to 80) completed self-report measures assessing self-regulatory imagery use, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, perceived barriers, self-regulatory behavior, enjoyment, and PA levels. Path analysis supported a model (χ² [14] = 21.76,p = .08, CFI = .99, TLI = .97, SRMR = .03, RMSEA = .04) whereby self-regulatory imagery positively predicted self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and self-regulatory behaviors. Furthermore, self-regulatory imagery indirectly predicted barriers, outcome expectations, self-regulation, enjoyment, and PA. This research highlights self-regulatory imagery as an effective strategy in modifying exercise-related cognitions and behaviors. Incorporating social cognitive constructs into the design of imagery interventions may increase PA engagement.
Longitudinal Association Between Objectively Measured Walking and Depressive Symptoms Among Estonian Older Adults
Authors: Raudsepp Lennart , Riso Eva-Maria
Published: March 2017

Although an inverse correlation between physical activity and depressive symptoms among older adults has been found in research, this relation has seldom been examined prospectively. Accordingly, the current study examined the reciprocal relations between physical activity and depressive symptoms in Estonian older adults over a 2-year period. A three-wave longitudinal model was tested using cross-lagged analysis for 195 individuals aged over 70 years (mean = 72.1, SD = 2.1; 145 females). Results indicated that a cross-lagged model in which depressive symptoms predicted walking at subsequent time points (higher depressive symptoms were related to fewer walking steps), and walking predicted depressive symptoms at subsequent time points (higher walking steps were related to lower depressive symptoms) was most parsimonious and provided acceptable model fit. These results suggest that reduced physical activity may be a long-term consequence of depressive symptoms in older adults.