bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of biopolymers for improving the glass transition temperature of hairtail fish meat
Authors: Yu Haixia , Yang Shuibing , Yuan Chunhong , Hu Qinglan , Li Yuan , Chen Shiguo , Hu Yaqin
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Glass transition temperature (Tg) and food moisture content are closely related, especially in foods with a high moisture content, such as surimi products. In order to improve storage condition and maintain food quality, the influence of six biopolymers on the Tg of hairtail fish meat paste was investigated by differential scanning colorimetry.

RESULTS

Samples were stored at −8 °C (>Tg), −14 °C (Tg) and −18 °C (<Tg) for 105 days. The results showed that trehalose, maltodextrin and xanthan could obviously improve the Tg of the hairtail fish meat paste. Trehalose at 4.1% (w/w), maltodextrin at 5.0% and xanthan at 0.41% were determined as the optimum amounts, with the predicted value of Tg to be −14.1 °C. The total viable counts (TVC) and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) of samples stored at −14 and −18 °C were much lower and the gel strength and whiteness maintained much better than those of −8 °C.

CONCLUSION

Addition of biopolymers could effectively restrain the increase in TVC and TVB‐N, as well as the dropping of gel strength and whiteness of fish meat paste during storage. A mixture of the biopolymers could improve Tg and showed great potential in the preservation of hairtail meat products. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Tourism and poverty alleviation: An empirical analysis using panel data on Peru's departments
Authors: Llorca‐Rodríguez Carmen María , Casas‐Jurado Amalia Cristina , García‐Fernández Rosa María
Published: August 2017

This paper analyses the impact of tourism on total and extreme monetary poverty, in order to illuminate the debate surrounding the links between tourism and poverty. We apply fixed effects models to panel data on the Peruvian departments for the period 2001–2013. We also identify the key factors in the tourism model affecting the empirical results. Our findings show that tourism is important for the poor, but its benefits do not reach the extreme poor to the same extent, and its potential is not fully exploited. The weak macroenvironment and low community participation impede poverty reduction through tourism.
Preliminary Experience Using Eye‐Tracking Technology to Differentiate Novice and Expert Image Interpretation for Ultrasound‐Guided Regional Anesthesia
Authors: Borg Lindsay K. , Harrison T. Kyle , Kou Alex , Mariano Edward R. , Udani Ankeet D. , Kim T. Edward , Shum Cynthia , Howard Steven K. ,   ADAPT (Anesthesiology‐Directed Advanced Procedural Training) Research Group
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Objective measures are needed to guide the novice's pathway to expertise. Within and outside medicine, eye tracking has been used for both training and assessment. We designed this study to test the hypothesis that eye tracking may differentiate novices from experts in static image interpretation for ultrasound (US)‐guided regional anesthesia.

Methods

We recruited novice anesthesiology residents and regional anesthesiology experts. Participants wore eye‐tracking glasses, were shown 5 sonograms of US‐guided regional anesthesia, and were asked a series of anatomy‐based questions related to each image while their eye movements were recorded. The answer to each question was a location on the sonogram, defined as the area of interest (AOI). The primary outcome was the total gaze time in the AOI (seconds). Secondary outcomes were the total gaze time outside the AOI (seconds), total time to answer (seconds), and time to first fixation on the AOI (seconds).

Results

Five novices and 5 experts completed the study. Although the gaze time (mean ± SD) in the AOI was not different between groups (7 ± 4 seconds for novices and 7 ± 3 seconds for experts; P = .150), the gaze time outside the AOI was greater for novices (75 ± 18 versus 44 ± 4 seconds for experts; P = .005). The total time to answer and total time to first fixation in the AOI were both shorter for experts.

Conclusions

Experts in US‐guided regional anesthesia take less time to identify sonoanatomy and spend less unfocused time away from a target compared to novices. Eye tracking is a potentially useful tool to differentiate novices from experts in the domain of US image interpretation.
A Novel Low‐Cost Ultrasound‐Guided Pericardiocentesis Simulation Model: Demonstration of Feasibility
Authors: Sullivan Ashley , Khait Lyudmila , Favot Mark
Published: August 2017

Pericardiocentesis is a rare life‐saving procedure for patients with cardiac tamponade. Due to the infrequency of this procedure, simulation models are often used for training. Commercial models are generally expensive. Proposed homemade models offer a lower‐cost alternative but can be labor and time intensive. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of a limited use, low‐cost ultrasound‐guided pericardiocentesis model as a training tool for emergency physicians. Our model proved to be a practical, easily implemented, and acceptable model for training emergency physicians, including residents and students, in ultrasound‐guided pericardiocentesis.
Prediction and Validation of DXA‐Derived Appendicular Fat‐Free Adipose Tissue by a Single Ultrasound Image of the Forearm in Japanese Older Adults
Authors: Abe Takashi , Loenneke Jeremy P. , Thiebaud Robert S. , Fujita Eiji , Akamine Takuya , Loftin Mark
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To develop regression‐based equations for estimating dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) derived appendicular fat‐free adipose tissue (FFAT) using a single ultrasound image in the forearm, and to investigate the validity of those equations to calculate FFAT‐free appendicular lean mass (aLM‐minus‐FFATappendicular) in 311 Japanese adults aged 60 to 79 years.

Methods

Subjects were randomly separated into two groups: 215 in the model‐development group (91 men and 124 women) and 96 in the cross‐validation group (42 men and 54 women). Appendicular fat mass and aLM were measured by the DXA, and subcutaneous adipose tissue (AT‐forearm) and muscle (MT‐ulna) thicknesses were measured by ultrasound. Appendicular FFAT was calculated based on the results of a previous study (appendicular FFAT = appendicular fat mass/0.85 x 0.15). The aLM was estimated from MT‐ulna using a previously published equation (aLM = 4.89 x MT‐ulna x body height – 9.15). Stepwise linear regression analysis was used to determine predictive models for DXA‐derived appendicular FFAT from AT‐forearm, sex, age, and anthropometrical variables. The best ultrasound prediction equation for estimation of appendicular FFAT was developed and then cross‐validated in a subsample of older adults.

Results

There was no significant difference between the DXA‐derived and ultrasound‐predicted aLM‐minus‐FFATappendicular. A strong correlation was observed between the DXA‐derived and ultrasound‐predicted aLM‐minus‐FFATappendicular (r = 0.935, P < .001). Bland‐Altman analysis did not indicate a bias in the prediction of the aLM‐minus‐FFATappendicular for the validation group.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that a single ultrasound forearm measurement can be used to accurately estimate DXA‐derived aLM‐minus‐FFATappendicular in Japanese older adults, which may be advantageous for community‐based physical examinations.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Chloroquine‐Containing DMAEMA Copolymers as Efficient Anti‐miRNA Delivery Vectors with Improved Endosomal Escape and Antimigratory Activity in Cancer Cells
Authors: Xie Ying , Yu Fei , Tang Weimin , Alade Bolutito Oluwole , Peng Zheng‐Hong , Wang Yazhe , Li Jing , Oupický David
Published: August 2017

Chloroquine‐containing 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate copolymers (PDCs) are synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain‐transfer polymerization. Systematic evaluation is performed to test the hypothesis that presence of chloroquine (CQ) in the PDC structure will improve miRNA delivery due to enhanced endosomal escape while simultaneously contribute to anticancer activity of PDC/miRNA polyplexes through inhibition of cancer cell migration. The results show that miRNA delivery efficiency is dependent both on the molecular weight and CQ. The best performing PDC/miRNA polyplexes show effective endosomal escape of miRNA. PDC polyplexes with therapeutic miR‐210 show promising anticancer activity in human breast cancer cells. PDC/miRNA polyplexes show excellent ability to inhibit migration of cancer cells. Overall, this study supports the use of PDC as a promising polymeric drug platform for use in combination anti‐metastatic and anticancer miRNA therapeutic strategies.
On singular quasilinear Schrödinger equations with critical exponents
Authors: Wang Youjun , Li Zhouxin , Abdelgadir Ahmed Adam
Published: August 2017

We consider a class of singular quasilinear Schrödinger equations of the form

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma4373:mma4373-math-0003
where
are given functions, N⩾3,λ is a positive constant,
. By using variational methods together with concentration–compactness principle, we prove the existence of positive solutions of the aforementioned equations under suitable conditions on V(x) and K(x). Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Challenges in MR‐only seed localization for postimplant dosimetry in permanent prostate brachytherapy
Authors: Zijlstra Frank , Moerland Marinus A. , van der Voort van Zyp Jochem R.N. , Noteboom Juus L. , Viergever Max A. , Seevinck Peter R.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

An MR‐only postimplant dosimetry workflow for low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy could reduce patient burden, improve accuracy, and improve cost efficiency. However, localization of brachytherapy seeds on MRI scans remains a major challenge for this type of workflow. In this study, we propose and validate an MR‐only seed localization method and identify remaining challenges.

Methods and materials

The localization method was based on template matching of simulations of complex‐valued imaging artifacts around metal brachytherapy seeds. The method was applied to MRI scans of 25 prostate cancer patients who underwent LDR brachytherapy and for whom postimplant dosimetry was performed after 4 weeks. The seed locations found with the MR‐only method were validated against the seed locations found on CT. The circumstances in which detection errors were made were classified to gain an insight in the nature of the errors.

Results

A total of 1490 of 1557 (96%) seeds were correctly detected, while 67 false‐positive errors were made. The correctly detected seed locations had a high spatial accuracy with an average error of 0.8 mm compared with CT. A majority of the false positives occurred near other seeds. Most false negatives were found in either stranded configurations without spacers or near other seeds.

Conclusions

The low detection error rate and high localization accuracy obtained by the complex‐valued template matching approach are promising for future clinical application of MR‐only dosimetry. The most important remaining challenge is robustness with regard to configurations of multiple seeds in close vicinity, such as in strands of seeds without spacers. This issue could potentially be resolved by simulating specific configurations of multiple seeds or by constraining the treatment planning to avoid these configurations, which could make the proposed method competitive with CT‐based seed localization.
Detecting Platform Effects in Online Discussions
Authors: Aragón Pablo , Gómez Vicenç , Kaltenbrunner Andreas
Published: August 2017

Online discussions are the essence of many social platforms on the Internet. These platforms are receiving increasing interest because of their potential to become deliberative spaces. Many studies have proposed approaches to measure online deliberation and to evaluate which are the best design principles for deliberative online platforms. However, little research has focused on how deliberation in online platforms is affected by the arrival of events like the emergence of new topics or the modification of platform features. In this article we present a methodology to detect events that affect online deliberation in online discussions. Our results on Menéame, the most popular Spanish social news site, show that a change in how discussions are shown to the user, from a linear to a hierarchical conversation view, significantly enhanced deliberation. In particular we observe that this type of interface induced argumentative structures of online discussion.
Novel design of composite generally weighted moving average and cumulative sum charts
Authors: Lu Shin‐Li
Published: August 2017

The cumulative sum (CUSUM) and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) charts are popular statistical tools to improve the performance of the Shewhart chart in detecting small process shifts. In this study, we propose the mixed generally weighted moving average (GWMA)‐CUSUM chart and its reverse‐order CUSUM‐GWMA chart to enhance detection ability compared with existing counterparts. The simulation revealed that the mixed GWMA‐CUSUM and mixed CUSUM‐GWMA charts have the sensitivity to detect small process shifts and efficient structures compared with the mixed EWMA‐CUSUM and mixed CUSUM‐EWMA charts, respectively. Moreover, the mixed GWMA‐CUSUM chart with a large design parameter has robust performance, regardless of the high tail t distribution or right skewness gamma distribution.
Experimental and Theoretical Study for the Assessment of the Conformational Analysis of Pyrazolone Derivatives: Employing Quantitative Analysis for Intermolecular Interactions
Authors: Kumar Ranjeet , Singh Praveen , Parsons Simon , Tewari Ashish K.
Published: August 2017

Synthesis of four new flexible pyrazolone derivatives have been carried out for conformational studies. The conformational studies have been done with X‐ray crystallography in solid state and theoretical calculation in gaseous state. The solid state study has revealed that substituted pyrazole moiety linked with pthalimido moiety via oxaethylene linker i. e. compounds 5 and 6 have shown folded conformation while increasing one methylene more in compound 7 has shown open conformation. However, theoretical calculation revealed that all compound stable in folded conformation. The quantitative analyses for intermolecular interaction of all compounds have been carried out by Hirshfeld surface analysis and Pixel calculations.
Graphene as Metal‐Free Catalyst for Aqueous Phase Reforming of Ethylene Glycol
Authors: Esteve‐Adell Iván , Bakker Nadia , Primo Ana , Hensen Emiel J. M. , García Hermenegildo
Published: August 2017

Graphene obtained by pyrolysis of alginate shows in the absence of any metal, catalytic activity towards the decomposition of ethylene glycol into hydrogen and carbon dioxide at 250 °C due to the presence of hydrogenating/dehydrogenating sites. This reaction has interest in the context of valorization of waste waters from cellulose depolymerization and it is typically catalyzed by platinum and other transition metals. In this regard, the use of graphene as metal‐free catalyst may have a considerable advantage from the point of sustainability of the catalyst. Based on the influence of the presence of acids and bases and the lack of influence of quenchers of reactive oxygen species, it is proposed that the active sites on the graphene could be frustrated acid‐base Lewis pairs acting as dehydrogenating centers. Controls with oxalic acid and glyoxal have shown that if ethylene glycol is converted into these α‐dicarbonylic compounds, spontaneous decarboxylation would occur totally (oxalic acid) or in some extent (glyoxal. 30%). In the last case, decarboxylation is also assisted by graphene.
Scavenging Pd2+ on Amine‐Functionalized SBA‐15: A Facile Synthesis of Leach‐Free Pd0 Nanocatalyst for Base‐Free Chemoselective Transfer Hydrogenation of Olefins
Authors: Bhuyan Diganta , Saikia Lakshi
Published: August 2017

The functionalization of mesoporous SBA‐15 with propylamine moiety made the material capable of scavenging Pd2+ ions from acetone very efficiently and the monodispersed surface bound Pd0 NPs were generated using NaBH4 in water. The as‐synthesized SBA‐15‐pr‐NH2.Pd0 nano hybrid material act as highly active, leach‐resistant and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for base‐free chemoselective transfer hydrogenation of styrene to ethylbenzene using formic acid as non toxic, clean hydrogen source at 298 K. The catalyst exhibited excellent performance when some substituted styrene and other unsaturated compounds having carbon carbon double bonds are employed as substrates in the optimized reaction condition for styrene. The role of free propylamine is found to be very crucial for higher conversion and selectivity of the desired alkane products.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Gle2/Rae1 is involved in septin organization, essential for cell cycle progression
Authors: Zander Gesa , Kramer Wilfried , Seel Anika , Krebber Heike
Published: August 2017

Gle2/Rae1 is highly conserved from yeast to humans and has been described as an mRNA export factor. Additionally, it is implicated in the anaphase‐promoting complex‐mediated cell cycle regulation in higher eukaryotes. Here we identify an involvement for Saccharomyces cerevisiae Gle2 in septin organization, which is crucial for cell cycle progression and cell division. Gle2 genetically and physically interacts with components of the septin ring. Importantly, deletion of GLE2 leads to elongated buds, severe defects in septin‐assembly and their cellular mislocalization. Septin‐ring formation is triggered by the septin‐regulating GTPase Cdc42, which establishes and maintains cell polarity. Additionally, activity of the master cell cycle regulator Cdc28 (Cdk1) is needed, which is, besides other functions, also required for G2/M‐transition, and in yeast particularly responsible for initiating the apical–isotropic switch. We show genetic and physical interactions of Gle2 with both Cdc42 and Cdc28. Most importantly, we find that gle2∆ severely mislocalizes Cdc42, leading to defects in septin‐complex formation and cell division. Thus, our findings suggest that Gle2 participates in the efficient organization of the septin assembly network, where it might act as a scaffold protein. © 2017 The Authors. Yeast published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Docosahexaenoic Acid and Eicosapentaenoic Acid Did not Alter trans‐10,cis‐12 Conjugated Linoleic Acid Incorporation into Mice Brain and Eye Lipids
Authors: Vemuri Madhuri , Adkins Yuriko , Mackey Bruce E. , Kelley Darshan S.
Published: August 2017

trans 10,cis 12‐CLA has been reported to alter fatty acid composition in several non‐neurological tissues, but its effects are less known in neurological tissues. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if CLA supplementation would alter brain and eye fatty acid composition and if those changes could be prevented by concomitant supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n3) or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n3). Eight‐week‐old, pathogen‐free C57BL/6N female mice (n = 6/group) were fed either the control diet or diets containing 0.5% (w/w) t10,c12‐CLA in the presence or absence of either 1.5% DHA or 1.5% EPA for 8 weeks. CLA concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) greater in the eye but not in the brain lipids of the CLA group when compared with the control group. The sums of saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and n3:n6 ratio did not differ between these two groups for both tissues. The n3:n6 ratio and concentrations of 20:5n3 and 22:5n3 were significantly greater, and those of 20:4n6, 22:4n6, and 22:5n6 were lesser in the CLA + DHA and CLA + EPA groups than in the control and CLA groups for either tissue. DHA concentration was higher in the CLA + DHA group only but not in the CLA + EPA group when compared with the CLA group for both tissues. The dietary fatty acids generally induced similar changes in brain and eye fatty acid concentration and at the concentrations used both DHA and EPA fed individually with CLA were more potent than CLA alone in altering the tissue fatty acid concentration.
Removal of the Invasive Shrub,Lonicera maackii(Amur Honeysuckle), from a Headwater Stream Riparian Zone Shifts Taxonomic and Functional Composition of the Aquatic Biota
Authors: McNeish Rachel E. , Benbow M. Eric , McEwan Ryan W.
Published: August 2017

Riparian plant invasions can result in near-monocultures along stream and river systems, prompting management agencies to target invasive species for removal as an ecological restoration strategy. Riparian plant invaders can alter resource conditions in the benthos and drive bottom-up shifts in aquatic biota. However, the influence of management activities on the structure and function of aquatic communities is not well understood. We investigated how removal of a riparian invader,Lonicera maackii(Amur honeysuckle), influenced aquatic macroinvertebrate community functional and taxonomic diversity in a headwater stream. We hypothesized that removal ofL. maackiifrom invaded riparia would result in (H1) increased aquatic macroinvertebrate abundance, density, and diversity; (H2) a taxonomic and functional shift in community composition; and, in particular, (H3) increased functional diversity. Aquatic macroinvertebrates were sampled monthly from autumn 2010 to winter 2013 in headwater stream riffles with a dense riparianL. maackiiinvasion and those whereL. maackiihad been experimentally removed. We found macroinvertebrate density was significantly higher in theL. maackiiremoval reach (P<0.05) and that macroinvertebrate community structure and functional trait presence was distinct between stream reaches and across seasons (P<0.05). The removal reach exhibited greater functional richness during spring and summer and had more unique functionally relevant taxa (20% and 85%) compared with theL. maackiireach (5% and 75%) during summer and autumn seasons. Our results suggest bottom-up processes link restoration activities in the riparian corridor and aquatic biota through alterations of functional composition in the benthic community.
Harmonics generation and the mechanics of saturation in flow over an open cavity: a second-order self-consistent description
Authors: Meliga P.
Published: August 2017

The flow over an open cavity is an example of supercritical Hopf bifurcation leading to periodic limit-cycle oscillations. One of its distinctive features is the existence of strong higher harmonics, which results in the time-averaged mean flow being strongly linearly unstable. For this class of flows, a simplified formalism capable of unravelling how exactly the instability grows and saturates is lacking. This study builds on previous work by Mantič-Lugo et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 113, 2014, 084501) to fill in the gap using a parametrized approximation of an instantaneous, phase-averaged mean flow, coupled in a quasi-static manner to multiple linear harmonic disturbances interacting nonlinearly with one another and feeding back on the mean flow via their Reynolds stresses. This provides a self-consistent modelling of the mean flow–fluctuation interaction, in the sense that all perturbation structures are those whose Reynolds stresses force the mean flow in such a way that the mean flow generates exactly the aforementioned perturbations. The first harmonic is sought as the superposition of two components, a linear component generated by the instability and aligned along the leading eigenmode of the mean flow, and a nonlinear orthogonal component generated by the higher harmonics, which progressively distorts the linear growth rate and eigenfrequency of the eigenmode. Saturation occurs when the growth rate of the first harmonic is zero, at which point the stabilizing effect of the second harmonic balances exactly the linear instability of the eigenmode. The model does not require any input from numerical or experimental data, and accurately predicts the transient development and the saturation of the instability, as established from comparison to time and phase averages of direct numerical simulation data.
Simulation of turbulent boundary layer wall pressure fluctuations via Poisson equation and synthetic turbulence
Authors: Hu Nan , Reiche Nils , Ewert Roland
Published: August 2017

Flat plate turbulent boundary layers under zero pressure gradient are simulated using synthetic turbulence generated by the fast random particle–mesh method. The stochastic realisation is based on time-averaged turbulence statistics derived from Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulation of flat plate turbulent boundary layers at Reynolds numbers $\mathit{Re}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}=2513$ and $\mathit{Re}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}=4357$. To determine fluctuating pressure, a Poisson equation is solved with an unsteady right-hand side source term derived from the synthetic turbulence realisation. The Poisson equation is solved via fast Fourier transform using Hockney’s method. Due to its efficiency, the applied procedure enables us to study, for high Reynolds number flow, the effect of variations of the modelled turbulence characteristics on the resulting wall pressure spectrum. The contributions to wall pressure fluctuations from the mean-shear turbulence interaction term and the turbulence–turbulence interaction term are studied separately. The results show that both contributions have the same order of magnitude. Simulated one-point spectra and two-point cross-correlations of wall pressure fluctuations are analysed in detail. Convective features of the fluctuating pressure field are well determined. Good agreement for the characteristics of the wall pressure fluctuations is found between the present results and databases from other investigators.
Funding quality pre-kindergarten slots with Philadelphia’s new ‘sugary drink tax’: simulating effects of using an excise tax to address a social determinant of health
Authors: Langellier Brent A , Lê-Scherban Félice , Purtle Jonathan
Published: August 2017

Objective

Philadelphia passed a 1·5-cent-per-ounce sweetened beverage tax (SBT). Revenue will fund 10 000 quality pre-kindergarten slots for poor children. It is imperative to understand how revenue from SBT can be used to fund programmes to address education and other social determinants of health. The objective of the present study was to simulate quality pre-kindergarten attendance, educational achievement and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption among Philadelphia children and adolescents under six intervention scenarios: (i) no intervention; (ii) 10 000 additional quality pre-kindergarten slots; (iii) a 1·5-cent-per-ounce SBT; (iv) expanded pre-kindergarten and 1·5-cent-per-ounce SBT; (v) a 3-cent-per-ounce SBT; and (vi) expanded pre-kindergarten and 3-cent-per-ounce SBT.

Design

We used an agent-based model to estimate pre-kindergarten enrolment, educational achievement and SSB consumption under the six policy scenarios. We identified key parameters in the model from the published literature and secondary analyses of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics – Child Development Supplement.

Setting

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Subjects

Philadelphia children and adolescents aged 4–18 years.

Results

A 1·5-cents-per-ounce tax would reduce SSB consumption by 1·3 drinks/week among Philadelphia children and adolescents relative to no intervention, with larger effects among children below the poverty level. Quality pre-kindergarten expansion magnifies the effect of the SBT by 8 %, but has the largest effect on moderate-income children just above the poverty level. The SBT and quality pre-kindergarten programme each reduce SSB consumption, but primarily benefit different children and adolescents.

Conclusions

Pairing an excise tax with a complementary programme to improve a social determinant of health represents a progressive strategy to combat obesity, a disease regressive in its social patterning.
Isoxadifen-Ethyl Derivatives Protect Rice from Fenoxaprop-P-Ethyl–associated Injury during the Control of Weedy Rice
Authors: Shen Changchao , Tang Wenwei , Zeng Dongqiang , Xu Hongle , Su Wangcang , Wu Renhai
Published: August 2017

Fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, a phenoxy herbicide of the aryloxy–phenoxy–propionic acid group, had a strong control effect when applied POST to weedy rice in this study, with the effective concentrations of 294 μM and 218 μM of herbicide causing 50% inhibition (IC50) in plant height and fresh weight values, respectively. However, fenoxaprop-P-ethyl caused phytotoxicity in cultivated rice. Isoxadifen-ethyl, a widely used herbicide safener in rice, can decrease the phytotoxicity caused by fenoxaprop-P-ethyl. Owing to the extremely similar morphological features and physiological properties of weedy and cultivated rice, it is not practical to spray isoxadifen-ethyl directly on cultivated rice plants to safen them. Applying the safener directly to cultivated rice seeds may be a practical alternative method. To improve the biological activity of isoxadifen-ethyl seed treatments, novel compounds were designed by splicing other groups, including amines, amino acids, and 2- methoxy-5-nitrophenol sodium salt, to the parental structure of isoxadifen-ethyl. Through hydrolysis, acyl chlorination, acyl amination, and esterification, a series of isoxadifen-ethyl derivatives were synthesized and their structures were determined by mass spectrometry and1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The biological activities of five of the isoxadifen-ethyl derivatives, which possessed recovery effects similar to isoxadifen-ethyl, were able to relieve herbicide phytotoxicity. In pot experiments, isoxadifen-ethyl showed almost no activity as a seed treatment, while three derivative compounds, when used independently as seed treatments, were able to prevent the damage caused by fenoxaprop-P-ethyl. The results will help to develop a new control method for weedy rice, thereby decreasing production costs and increasing farmers’ incomes.
Nichtalkoholische Fettlebererkrankung (NAFLD)
Authors: Rauh Christina , Dufour Jean-François
Published: August 2017

Zusammenfassung. Die nichtalkoholische Fettlebererkrankung ist in den westlichen Industriestaaten die häufigste Ursache einer Hepatopathie und die Tendenz ist steigend. Grund dafür ist u. a. die rapide Zunahme der Prävalenz von Adipositas und Diabetes mellitus Typ 2. NAFLD und Metabolisches Syndrom bedingen sich hierbei gegenseitig. Als weiterer Pathomechanismus wird derzeit auch ein Zusammenhang zum Mikrobiom diskutiert. Ausserdem wurden verschiedene Genloci identifiziert die möglicherweise eine Prädisposition für die Entwicklung einer NAFLD darstellen. In der Diagnostik spielt die Sonographie eine wichtige Rolle, hinzukommen nicht invasive Verfahren zur Abschätzung von Fettgehalt, Entzündung und Fibrose wie z. B. der FibroScan. Um letztendlich eine Entzündung, Fibrose oder Zirrhose zu beweisen und exakt zu klassifizieren, bleibt der Goldstandard jedoch nach wie vor die Leberbiopsie. Die im Anfangsstadium vorliegende reine Steatosis hepatis kann sich im Verlauf zur Steatohepatitis und schlussendlich zur Zirrhose entwickeln. Diese Zirrhose sowie daraus entstandene hepatozelluläre Karzinome spielen als Indikation für eine Lebertransplantation eine immer grössere Rolle. Eine kausale, medikamentöse Behandlung der NAFLD steht aktuell noch nicht zur Verfügung. Die bestmögliche Therapie besteht derzeit in einer Lifestyle-Änderung und vermehrter körperlicher Aktivität. Eine nicht unwesentliche Rolle spielen auch Medikamente zur Behandlung des metabolischen Syndroms, wie Statine und Antidiabetika. Der mögliche positive Einfluss von Vitamin-E, Ursodesoxycholsäure und Koffein ist nach wie vor umstritten.
Akute und chronische Hepatitis E
Authors: Fraga Montserrat , Gouttenoire Jérôme , Sahli Roland , Moradpour Darius
Published: August 2017

Zusammenfassung. Das Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) ist eine der häufigsten Ursachen der akuten Hepatitis weltweit. Es wird bei uns als Zoonose hauptsächlich durch den Konsum von rohem oder unzureichend erhitztem Schweinefleisch oder Wild übertragen. Die autochthone Hepatitis E verläuft meist asymptomatisch oder mild, schwere Verläufe werden aber bei Patienten mit vorbestehenden chronischen Lebererkrankungen beobachtet. Neurologische Komplikationen, insbesondere die neuralgische Amyotrophie, sind Teil des klinischen Spektrums. Bei immunsupprimierten Patienten kann es zu einem chronischen Verlauf mit Übergang in eine Leberzirrhose kommen. In diesem Beitrag werden der aktuelle Stand und neue Entwicklungen in der Virologie, Epidemiologie, Diagnostik, Klinik, Therapie und Prävention der Hepatitis E zusammenfassend dargestellt.
Alkoholische Lebererkrankung – Update 2017
Authors: Moriggia Alberto , Stickel Felix
Published: August 2017

Zusammenfassung. Die alkoholische Lebererkrankung (ALE) gehört zu den Hauptursachen einer Zirrhose, des primären Leberzellkarzinoms, des akuten und chronischen Leberversagens und ist damit für eine erhebliche Morbidität und Mortalität verantwortlich. Obwohl Alkoholkonsum in mehreren Ländern leicht gesunken ist, ist er weiterhin hoch und steigt in manchen Ländern sogar. Die Pathophysiologie der ALE ist noch unvollständig geklärt, beruht aber zu grossen Teilen auf der direkten toxischen Wirkung des Alkohols selbst oder seines toxischen Hauptmetaboliten Azetaldehyd. Neue mögliche Mechanismen ergeben sich aus genomweiten Assoziationstudien (GWAS). Die Diagnose einer ALE ist relativ einfach durch einige gut etablierte Nachweismethoden. Eine Leberbiopsie wird nur selten benötigt. Die Therapie der ALE ist dagegen schwierig und erfordert zuallererst Alkoholkarenz als entscheidendes Therapieziel. Die Behandlung der alkoholbedingten Zirrhose entspricht weitgehend dem anderer Ätiologien. Die Lebertransplantation ist eine mögliche Option für hochselektierte Patienten mit Leberzirrhose und alkoholischer Hepatitis, wobei die Rückfall-Raten gering und die Prognose mit anderen Indikationen vergleichbar sind. Jedoch sind viele Länder restriktiv darin, Patienten mit ALE auf eine Transplantationswarteliste zu setzen. Insgesamt gibt es wenige Therapieoptionen für die schwerwiegende ALE und bisher haben nur Kortikosteroide bei der alkoholischen Hepatitis einen klaren Nutzen. Angesichts der epidemiologischen Bedeutung der ALE sind die bisherigen wissenschaftlichen und gesellschaftlichen Bemühungen zu ihrer Lösung enttäuschend gewesen und bedürfen einer Revision, um ähnliche Erfolge zu erzielen, wie dies in anderen Feldern der Hepatologie der Fall ist.
Actinic cheilitis: proposition and reproducibility of a clinical criterion
Authors: Poitevin Nádia Antunes , Rodrigues Mariana Sudati , Weigert Karen Loureiro , Macedo Carmen Lúcia Rodrigues , dos Santos Rubem Beraldo
Published: August 2017

Objectives/Aims:

The actinic cheilitis (AC) is a precancerous lip lesion seen as a consequence of chronic sun exposure. Clinically, the border between the lip’s skin and the semimucosa could be blurred; in the more aggressive cases, leucoplakia and ulcers also represent its clinical feature. It seems that no clinical criterion is universally accepted for this disease yet. Therefore, this study was carried out to make a proposition of a clinical score to actinic cheilitis (Grade I starting from dryness of vermilion to endured ulcers representing Grade IV) and to assess its reproducibility.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty subjects were assessed, most of whom were male, Caucasian farmers, with an average age of 46.12 (18–74) years. The obtained data were analysed by means of descriptive statistics and by Kappa test to assess the inter-examiners and the clinical Golden-Pattern concordance (95% CI).

Results:

During calibration, 15 patients were examined three times a week by each examiner (4) until Kappa test observed k=0.8 or more. In the main experiment, the inter-examiner concordance was classified between good (k=0.779; P<0.05) and very good (k=0.925; P<0.05) from the 35 examined subjects. With the Golden-Pattern, it was considered very good (k=0.812; P<0.05 to k=0.925; P<0.05).

Discussion:

Four examiners with different experiences could strongly suggest that after adequate calibration, it could be well applied by examiners with as much experience as a dental student.

Conclusions:

The authors concluded that the proposed classification was easily applied and had a very good reproducibility.
ATR inhibition facilitates targeting of leukemia dependence on convergent nucleotide biosynthetic pathways
Authors: Le Thuc M. , Poddar Soumya , Capri Joseph R. , Abt Evan R. , Kim Woosuk , Wei Liu , Uong Nhu T. , Cheng Chloe M. , Braas Daniel , Nikanjam Mina , Rix Peter , Merkurjev Daria , Zaretsky Jesse , Kornblum Harley I. , Ribas Antoni , Herschman Harvey R. , Whitelegge Julian , Faull Kym F. , Donahue Timothy R. , Czernin Johannes , Radu Caius G.
Published: August 2017

Leukemia cells rely on two nucleotide biosynthetic pathways, de novo and salvage, to produce dNTPs for DNA replication. Here, using metabolomic, proteomic, and phosphoproteomic approaches, we show that inhibition of the replication stress sensing kinase ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR) reduces the output of both de novo and salvage pathways by regulating the activity of their respective rate-limiting enzymes, ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) and deoxycytidine kinase (dCK), via distinct molecular mechanisms. Quantification of nucleotide biosynthesis in ATR-inhibited acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells reveals substantial remaining de novo and salvage activities, and could not eliminate the disease in vivo. However, targeting these remaining activities with RNR and dCK inhibitors triggers lethal replication stress in vitro and long-term disease-free survival in mice with B-ALL, without detectable toxicity. Thus the functional interplay between alternative nucleotide biosynthetic routes and ATR provides therapeutic opportunities in leukemia and potentially other cancers.
HIV-1 Tat-induced diarrhea evokes an enteric glia-dependent neuroinflammatory response in the central nervous system
Authors: Esposito Giuseppe , Capoccia Elena , Gigli Stefano , Pesce Marcella , Bruzzese Eugenia , D’Alessandro Alessandra , Cirillo Carla , di Cerbo Alessandro , Cuomo Rosario , Seguella Luisa , Steardo Luca , Sarnelli Giovanni
Published: August 2017

Despite the effectiveness of combined anti-retroviral therapy, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected-patients frequently report diarrhea and neuropsychological deficits. It is claimed that the viral HIV-1 Trans activating factor (HIV-1 Tat) protein is responsible for both diarrhea and neurotoxic effects, but the underlying mechanisms are not known. We hypothesize that colonic application of HIV-1 Tat activates glial cells of the enteric nervous system (EGCs), leading to a neuroinflammatory response able to propagate to the central nervous system. We demonstrated that HIV-1 Tat-induced diarrhea was associated with a significant activation of glial cells within the colonic wall, the spinal cord and the frontal cortex, and caused a consistent impairment of the cognitive performances. The inhibition of glial cells activity by lidocaine, completely abolished the above-described effects. These observations point out the role of glial cells as putative effectors in HIV-1 Tat-associated gastrointestinal and neurological manifestations and key regulators of gut-brain signaling.
Active lead-in variability affects motor memory formation and slows motor learning
Authors: Howard Ian S. , Ford Christopher , Cangelosi Angelo , Franklin David W.
Published: August 2017

Rapid learning can be critical to ensure elite performance in a changing world or to recover basic movement after neural injuries. Recently it was shown that the variability of follow-through movements affects the rate of motor memory formation. Here we investigate if lead-in movement has a similar effect on learning rate. We hypothesized that both modality and variability of lead-in movement would play critical roles, with simulations suggesting that only changes in active lead-in variability would exhibit slower learning. We tested this experimentally using a two-movement paradigm, with either visual or active initial lead-in movements preceeding a second movement performed in a force field. As predicted, increasing active lead-in variability reduced the rate of motor adaptation, whereas changes in visual lead-in variability had little effect. This demonstrates that distinct neural tuning activity is induced by different lead-in modalities, subsequently influencing the access to, and switching between, distinct motor memories.
Using blubber explants to investigate adipose function in grey seals: glycolytic, lipolytic and gene expression responses to glucose and hydrocortisone
Authors: Bennett Kimberley A. , Robinson Kelly J. , Moss Simon E. W. , Millward Sebastian , Hall Ailsa J.
Published: August 2017

Adipose tissue is fundamental to energy balance, which underpins fitness and survival. Knowledge of adipose regulation in animals that undergo rapid fat deposition and mobilisation aids understanding of their energetic responses to rapid environmental change. Tissue explants can be used to investigate adipose regulation in wildlife species with large fat reserves, when opportunities for organismal experimental work are limited. We investigated glucose removal, lactate, glycerol and NEFA accumulation in media, and metabolic gene expression in blubber explants from wild grey seals. Glycolysis was higher in explants incubated in 25 mM glucose (HG) for 24 h compared to controls (C: 5.5 mM glucose). Adipose-derived lactate likely contributes to high endogenous glucose production in seals. Lipolysis was not stimulated by HG or high hydrocortisone (HC: 500 nM hydrocortisone) and was lower in heavier animals. HC caused NEFA accumulation in media to decrease by ~30% relative to C in females, indicative of increased lipogenesis. Lipolysis was higher in males than females in C and HG conditions. Lower relative abundance of 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 mRNA in HG explants suggests glucose involvement in blubber cortisol sensitivity. Our findings can help predict energy balance responses to stress and nutritional state in seals, and highlight the use of explants to study fat tissue function in wildlife.
14.5 GHz passive harmonic mode-locking in a dispersion compensated Tm-doped fiber laser
Authors: Wang Yazhou , Li Jianfeng , Mo Kundong , Wang Yanyan , Liu Fei , Liu Yong
Published: August 2017

We demonstrate a high repetition rate passive harmonic mode-locking (HML) based on nonlinear polarization evolution (NPE) technique in a Tm-doped ring fiber laser cavity. Small net anomalous cavity dispersion based on dispersion compensation benefited the generation of high repetition rate HML due to the low soliton splitting threshold. Stable HML with a repetition rate of up to 14.5 GHz and a super-mode suppression (SSR) of 19 dB was obtained at the center wavelength of 1982.3 nm, which is about ten times of state of the art at 2 μm band mode-locking fiber laser to our best knowledge. The repetition rate was selectable between 1 GHz to 14.5 GHz through changing the pump power and intra-cavity polarization state, and the SSR better than 25 dB was obtained as the repetition rate less than 5 GHz.
Chickpea-Fusarium oxysporum interaction transcriptome reveals differential modulation of plant defense strategies
Authors: Upasani Medha L. , Limaye Bhakti M. , Gurjar Gayatri S. , Kasibhatla Sunitha M. , Joshi Rajendra R. , Kadoo Narendra Y. , Gupta Vidya S.
Published: August 2017

Fusarium wilt is one of the major biotic stresses reducing chickpea productivity. The use of wilt-resistant cultivars is the most appropriate means to combat the disease and secure productivity. As a step towards understanding the molecular basis of wilt resistance in chickpea, we investigated the transcriptomes of wilt-susceptible and wilt-resistant cultivars under both Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceri (Foc) challenged and unchallenged conditions. Transcriptome profiling using LongSAGE provided a valuable insight into the molecular interactions between chickpea and Foc, which revealed several known as well as novel genes with differential or unique expression patterns in chickpea contributing to lignification, hormonal homeostasis, plant defense signaling, ROS homeostasis, R-gene mediated defense, etc. Similarly, several Foc genes characteristically required for survival and growth of the pathogen were expressed only in the susceptible cultivar with null expression of most of these genes in the resistant cultivar. This study provides a rich resource for functional characterization of the genes involved in resistance mechanism and their use in breeding for sustainable wilt-resistance. Additionally, it provides pathogen targets facilitating the development of novel control strategies.
Red (660 nm) or near-infrared (810 nm) photobiomodulation stimulates, while blue (415 nm), green (540 nm) light inhibits proliferation in human adipose-derived stem cells
Authors: Wang Yuguang , Huang Ying-Ying , Wang Yong , Lyu Peijun , Hamblin Michael R.
Published: August 2017

We previously showed that blue (415 nm) and green (540 nm) wavelengths were more effective in stimulating osteoblast differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASC), compared to red (660 nm) and near-infrared (NIR, 810 nm). Intracellular calcium was higher after blue/green, and could be inhibited by the ion channel blocker, capsazepine. In the present study we asked what was the effect of these four wavelengths on proliferation of the hASC? When cultured in proliferation medium there was a clear difference between blue/green which inhibited proliferation and red/NIR which stimulated proliferation, all at 3 J/cm2. Blue/green reduced cellular ATP, while red/NIR increased ATP in a biphasic manner. Blue/green produced a bigger increase in intracellular calcium and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Blue/green reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and lowered intracellular pH, while red/NIR had the opposite effect. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) ion channel was expressed in hADSC, and the TRPV1 ligand capsaicin (5uM) stimulated proliferation, which could be abrogated by capsazepine. The inhibition of proliferation caused by blue/green could also be abrogated by capsazepine, and by the antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine. The data suggest that blue/green light inhibits proliferation by activating TRPV1, and increasing calcium and ROS.
Clinical metagenomics of bone and joint infections: a proof of concept study
Authors: Ruppé Etienne , Lazarevic Vladimir , Girard Myriam , Mouton William , Ferry Tristan , Laurent Frédéric , Schrenzel Jacques
Published: August 2017

Bone and joint infections (BJI) are severe infections that require a tailored and protracted antibiotic treatment. Yet, the diagnostic based on culturing samples lacks sensitivity, especially for hardly culturable bacteria. Metagenomic sequencing could potentially address those limitations. Here, we assessed the performances of metagenomic sequencing on 24 BJI samples for the identification of pathogens and the prediction of their antibiotic susceptibility. For monomicrobial samples in culture (n = 8), the presence of the pathogen was confirmed by metagenomics in all cases. For polymicrobial samples (n = 16), 32/55 bacteria (58.2%) were found at the species level (and 41/55 [74.5%] at the genus level). Conversely, 273 bacteria not found in culture were identified, 182 being possible pathogens and 91 contaminants. A correct antibiotic susceptibility could be inferred in 94.1% and 76.5% cases for monomicrobial and polymicrobial samples, respectively. Altogether, we found that clinical metagenomics applied to BJI samples is a potential tool to support conventional culture.