bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Modulate Monocytes Trafficking in Coxsackievirus B3-Induced Myocarditis
Authors: Miteva Kapka , Pappritz Kathleen , El-Shafeey Muhammad , Dong Fengquan , Ringe Jochen , Tschöpe Carsten , Van Linthout Sophie
Published: March 2017

Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) application in Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-induced myocarditis reduces myocardial inflammation and fibrosis, exerts prominent extra-cardiac immunomodulation, and improves heart function. Although the abovementioned findings demonstrate the benefit of MSC application, the mechanism of the MSC immunomodulatory effects leading to a final cardioprotective outcome in viral myocarditis remains poorly understood. Monocytes are known to be a trigger of myocardial tissue inflammation. The present study aims at investigating the direct effect of MSC on the mobilization and trafficking of monocytes to the heart in CVB3-induced myocarditis. One day post CVB3 infection, C57BL/6 mice were intravenously injected with 1 x 106 MSC and sacrificed 6 days later for molecular biology and flow cytometry analysis. MSC application reduced the severity of myocarditis, and heart and blood pro-inflammatory Ly6Chigh and Ly6Cmiddle monocytes, while those were retained in the spleen. Anti-inflammatory Ly6Clow monocytes increased in the blood, heart, and spleen of MSC-treated CVB3 mice. CVB3 infection induced splenic myelopoiesis, while MSC application slightly diminished the spleen myelopoietic activity in CVB3 mice. Left ventricular (LV) mRNA expression of the chemokines monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP)−1, MCP-3, CCL5, the adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6, interleukin-12, tumor necrosis factor-α, the pro-fibrotic transforming growth factorβ1, and circulating MCP-1 and MCP-3 levels decreased in CVB3 MSC mice, while LV stromal cell-derived factor-1α RNA expression and systemic levels of fractalkine were increased in CVB3 MSC mice. MSC application in CVB3-induced myocarditis modulates monocytes trafficking to the heart and could be a promising strategy for the resolution of cardiac inflammation and prevention of the disease progression.
Extensions to Bayesian generalized linear mixed effects models for household tuberculosis transmission
Authors: McIntosh Avery I. , Doros Gheorghe , Jones‐López Edward C. , Gaeddert Mary , Jenkins Helen E. , Marques‐Rodrigues Patricia , Ellner Jerrold J. , Dietze Reynaldo , White Laura F.
Published: March 2017

Household contact studies, a mainstay of tuberculosis transmission research, often assume that tuberculosis‐infected household contacts of an index case were infected within the household. However, strain genotyping has provided evidence against this assumption. Understanding the household versus community infection dynamic is essential for designing interventions. The misattribution of infection sources can also bias household transmission predictor estimates. We present a household‐community transmission model that estimates the probability of community infection, that is, the probability that a household contact of an index case was actually infected from a source outside the home and simultaneously estimates transmission predictors. We show through simulation that our method accurately predicts the probability of community infection in several scenarios and that not accounting for community‐acquired infection in household contact studies can bias risk factor estimates. Applying the model to data from Vitória, Brazil, produced household risk factor estimates similar to two other standard methods for age and sex. However, our model gave different estimates for sleeping proximity to index case and disease severity score. These results show that estimating both the probability of community infection and household transmission predictors is feasible and that standard tuberculosis transmission models likely underestimate the risk for two important transmission predictors. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insights into the Influence of Work Functions of Cathodes on Efficiencies of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yue Shizhong , Lu Shudi , Ren Kuankuan , Liu Kong , Azam Muhammad , Cao Dawei , Wang Zhijie , Lei Yong , Qu Shengchun , Wang Zhanguo
Published: March 2017

Though various efforts on modification of electrodes are still undertaken to improve the efficiency of perovskite solar cells, attributing to the large scope of these methods, it is of significance to unveil the working principle systematically. Herein, inverted perovskite solar cells based on indium tin oxide (ITO)/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)/CH3NH3PbI3/phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC61 BM)/buffer metal/Al are constructed. Through the choice of different buffer metals to tune work function of the cathode, the contact nature of the active layer with the cathode could be manipulated well. In comparison with the device using Au/Al as the electrode that shows an unfavorable band bending for conducting the excited electrons to the cathode, the one with Ca/Al presents a dramatically improved efficiency over 17.1%, ascribed to the favorable band bending at the interface of the cathode with the active layer. Details for tuning the band bending and the corresponding charge transfer mechanism are given in a systematic manner. Thus, a general guideline for constructing perovskite photovoltaic devices efficiently is provided.
When all that is to Was ys brought: John Heywood’s ‘rythme declaringe his own life and nature’
Authors: Flynn Jane
Published: March 2017

This essay provides the first edition and discussion of the ballad When all that is to Was ys brought, copied sometime between 1561 and 1585 into a draft account book relating to the will of Dr William Bill, dean of Westminster (Durham Cathedral Add. MS 243, fol. 93r-v). Its last line, ‘Amen Quoth Iohn heywood’, indicates that its author was the court entertainer John Heywood (b. 1496/7–d. in or after 1578) and internal evidence suggests that it was written shortly before he went into exile on account of his Catholic faith in 1564. The ballad includes references to Heywood’s family and allusions to several works of Thomas More, especially A Dialogue of Comfort, suggesting that it is Heywood’s personal reflection on his spiritual life under four English monarchs. Its subject matter makes it likely that it is also the poem described as ‘a rythme declaringe his own life and nature’, which Heywood sent to William Cecil, Lord Burghley, and Queen Elizabeth via John Wilson in 1574 to support his petition to be allowed to remain in the Spanish Netherlands.
The Manuscripts that Never Were: In Search of the Tārīkh al-Fattāsh in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana1
Authors: Nobili Mauro , Diagayeté Mohamed
Published: March 2017

This article presents a fieldwork report conducted by the authors to locate certain manuscripts – namely copies of the chronicle titled Tārīkh al-Fattāsh – listed in recent catalogues of Islamic manuscripts from Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana published by the al-Furqan Islamic Heritage Foundation and prepared by Bābā Yūnus Muḥammad. Unfortunately, after ten days of enquiry in the two countries, it became evident that the catalogues are inaccurate and that at least some of the manuscripts described do not exist.
Agile Working, the Entreployee and Generational Issues: Brave New World or Still Business as Usual at the Office?
Authors: Fishleigh Jackie
Published: March 2017

The concepts of agile working, the emergence of the entreployee and generational issues: are these concepts game changers or just gimmicks? Jackie Fishleigh examines new ways of office working in the commercial and information environments. Her thoughts are informed and inspired in part by her attendance at the London Law Expo, Europe's largest senior legal management conference and exhibition, which took place on 13th October 2015.
Der Patient im Managed-Care-Modell oder der Arzt als Teil eines Ärztenetzes: Was führt zum Effizienzgewinn?
Authors: Reich Oliver , Rapold Roland , Blozik Eva
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung: Um zu untersuchen, wie stark der Einfluss von arzt- gegenüber patientenseitigen Faktoren ist, verglichen wir die Effizienzgewinne durch die Teilnahme eines Versicherten in einem Managed-Care(MC)-Modell mit denen durch die Einbindung des behandelnden Arztes in einem Ärztenetzwerk. Methoden: Sekundäranalyse von Daten der obligatorischen Krankenpflegeversicherung der Helsana-Gruppe. Mit einem multivariaten linearen Regressionsmodell wurden die Kosteneinsparungen in Abhängigkeit davon berechnet, ob der Versicherte in einem MC-Modell eingeschrieben war und/oder ob der behandelnde Hausarzt Mitglied eines Ärztenetzwerks war. Ergebnisse: Versorgung von MC-Versicherten bei Netzwerk-Ärzten führte zu den erwarteten Resultaten (−13 %). Hingegen werden Nicht-MC-Patienten bei den selben Netzwerk-Ärzten deutlich weniger effizient behandelt (−2 %). Das rein patientenseitige «Gatekeeping» ohne Netzwerk-Arzt wurde auf −10 % geschätzt. Schlussfolgerung: Offensichtlich differenziert die Behandlung durch Netzwerk-Ärzte je nach der Versichertendeckung.
Vera Rubin (1928–2016)
Authors: Scott Matthew
Published: March 2017

A luminary's luminary, Rubin shed light on the existence of dark matter, blazed a trail for women in science, and inspired and guided subsequent generations of scientists.
MiRNA199a-3p suppresses tumor growth, migration, invasion and angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting VEGFA, VEGFR1, VEGFR2, HGF and MMP2
Authors: Ghosh Alip , Dasgupta Debanjali , Ghosh Amit , Roychoudhury Shrabasti , Kumar Dhiraj , Gorain Mahadeo , Butti Ramesh , Datta Simanti , Agarwal Shaleen , Gupta Subash , Krishna Dhali Gopal , Chowdhury Abhijit , Schmittgen Thomas D , Kundu Gopal C , Banerjee Soma
Published: March 2017

Increasing significance of tumor–stromal interaction in development and progression of cancer implies that signaling molecules in the tumor microenvironment (TME) might be the effective therapeutic targets for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, the role of microRNA miR-199a-3p in the regulation of TME and development of HCC has been investigated by several in vitro and in vivo assays. Expression of miR-199a-3p was observed significantly low in HCC tissues and its overexpression remarkably inhibited in vivo tumor growth and metastasis to lung in NOD-SCID mice. In vitro restoration of miR-199a-3p expression either in endothelial cells (ECs) or in cancer cells (CACs) significantly diminished migration of ECs in co-culture assay. Again incubation of miR-199a-3p transfected ECs with either conditioned media (CM) of CACs or recombinant VEGF has reduced tube formation, in ECs and it was also dropped upon growth in CM of either anti-VEGF antibody-treated or miR-199a-3p-transfected CACs. In addition, bioinformatics and luciferase-reporter assays revealed that miR-199a-3p inhibited VEGF secretion from CACs and VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 expression on ECs and thus restricted cross talk between CACs and ECs. Again, restoration of miR-199a-3p in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) reduced migration and invasion of CACs in co-culture assay, while it was enhanced by the overexpression of HGF suggesting miR-199a-3p has hindered HSC-CACs cross talk probably by inhibiting HGF and regulating matrix metalloproteinase MMP2, which were found as targets of miR-199a-3p subsequently by luciferase-reporter assay and gelatin zymography, respectively. Thus, these findings collectively highlight that miR-199a-3p restricts metastasis, invasion and angiogenesis in HCC and hence it may be considered as one of the powerful effective therapeutics for management of HCC patients.
A novel and promising therapeutic approach for NSCLC: recombinant human arginase alone or combined with autophagy inhibitor
Authors: Shen Weitao , Zhang Xuyao , Fu Xiang , Fan Jiajun , Luan Jingyun , Cao Zhonglian , Yang Ping , Xu Zhongyuan , Ju Dianwen
Published: March 2017

Recombinant human arginase (rhArg), an enzyme capable of depleting arginine, has been shown to be an effective therapeutic approach for various cancers. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a histological subtype of pulmonary carcinoma, has a high rate of morbidity and mortality in the world. Thus, the need for novel and more effective treatment is urgent. In this study, it is the first time to report that rhArg could induce significant cytotoxicity and caspase-dependent apoptosis in NSCLC cells. Subsequently, our research revealed that rhArg dramatically stimulated autophagic response in NSCLC cells, which was proved by the formation and accumulation of autophagosomes and the conversion of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) from LC3-I to LC3-II. Furthermore, blocking autophagy by chloroquine or LY294002 remarkably enhanced rhArg-induced cytotoxicity and caspase-dependent apoptosis, suggesting that autophagy acted a cytoprotective role in rhArg-treated NSCLC cells. Further experiments showed that two signaling pathways including the Akt/mTOR and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway, and mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were involved in rhArg-induced autophagy and apoptosis. Meanwhile, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a common antioxidant, was employed to scavenge ROS, and we detected that it could significantly block rhArg-induced autophagy and cytotoxicity, indicating that ROS played a vital role in arginine degradation therapy. Besides, xenograft experiment showed that combination with autophagy inhibitor potentiated the anti-tumor efficacy of rhArg in vivo. Therefore, these results provided a novel prospect and viewpoint that autophagy acted a cytoprotective role in rhArg-treated NSCLC cells, and treatment with rhArg alone or combined with autophagy inhibitor could be a novel and promising therapeutic approach for NSCLC in vivo and in vitro.
Candidate Genes for Inherited Autism Susceptibility in the Lebanese Population
Authors: Kourtian Silva , Soueid Jihane , Makhoul Nadine J. , Guisso Dikran Richard , Chahrour Maria , Boustany Rose-Mary N.
Published: March 2017

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by ritualistic-repetitive behaviors and impaired verbal/non-verbal communication. Many ASD susceptibility genes implicated in neuronal pathways/brain development have been identified. The Lebanese population is ideal for uncovering recessive genes because of shared ancestry and a high rate of consanguineous marriages. Aims here are to analyze for published ASD genes and uncover novel inherited ASD susceptibility genes specific to the Lebanese. We recruited 36 ASD families (ASD: 37, unaffected parents: 36, unaffected siblings: 33) and 100 unaffected Lebanese controls. Cytogenetics 2.7 M Microarrays/CytoScan™ HD arrays allowed mapping of homozygous regions of the genome. The CNTNAP2 gene was screened by Sanger sequencing. Homozygosity mapping uncovered DPP4, TRHR, and MLF1 as novel candidate susceptibility genes for ASD in the Lebanese. Sequencing of hot spot exons in CNTNAP2 led to discovery of a 5 bp insertion in 23/37 ASD patients. This mutation was present in unaffected family members and unaffected Lebanese controls. Although a slight increase in number was observed in ASD patients and family members compared to controls, there were no significant differences in allele frequencies between affecteds and controls (C/TTCTG: γ2 value = 0.014; p = 0.904). The CNTNAP2 polymorphism identified in this population, hence, is not linked to the ASD phenotype.
Characterization of three-dimensional field distribution of bowtie aperture using quasi-spherical waves and surface plasmon polaritons
Authors: Park Changhoon , Jung Howon , Hahn Jae W.
Published: March 2017

We present an analytical formula to predict the three-dimensional field distribution of a nanoscale bowtie aperture using quasi-spherical waves (QSWs) and surface plasmon polaritons, which are excited by the fundamental waveguide mode and local plasmons of the aperture, respectively. Assuming two separate bowtie apertures in a metal film, we analysed the decay characteristics of QSWs using a finite difference time-domain method. To verify the formula, we recorded the spot patterns of the bowtie aperture on a photoresist film using various exposure times, and fit the patterns to the analytical formula in terms of the width and depth of the patterns. In addition, it was found that the formula successfully represented the dipole characteristics of the spot patterns, which were in agreement with the surface geometry, with a root-mean-square error of 9.4%. We expect that our theoretical formula will extend the potential applications of nanoscale bowtie apertures to plasmonic device fabrication, three-dimensional plasmonic lithography, and other technologies.
Microbial reduction of Fe(III)-bearing clay minerals in the presence of humic acids
Authors: Liu Guangfei , Qiu Shuang , Liu Baiqing , Pu Yiying , Gao Zhanming , Wang Jing , Jin Ruofei , Zhou Jiti
Published: March 2017

Both Fe(III)-bearing clay minerals and humic acids (HAs) are abundant in the soils and sediments. Previous studies have shown that bioreduction of structural Fe(III) in clay minerals could be accelerated by adding anthraquinone compound as a redox-active surrogate of HAs. However, a quinoid analogue could not reflect the adsorption and complexation properties of HA, and little is known about the effects of real HAs at environmental concentration on bioreduction of clay minerals. Here, it was shown that 10–200 mg l−1 of natural or artificially synthesized HAs could effectively stimulate the bioreduction rate and extent of Fe(III) in both iron-rich nontronite NAu-2 and iron-deficient montmorillonite SWy-2. After adsorption to NAu-2, electron-transfer activities of different HA fractions were compared. Additionally, Fe(II) complexation by HAs also contributed to improvement of clay-Fe(III) bioreduction. Spectrosopic and morphological analyses suggested that HA addition accelerated the transformation of NAu-2 to illite, silica and siderite after reductive dissolution.
Decorating unoxidized-carbon nanotubes with homogeneous Ni-Co spinel nanocrystals show superior performance for oxygen evolution/reduction reactions
Authors: Yang Jun , Fujigaya Tsuyohiko , Nakashima Naotoshi
Published: March 2017

We present a new concept for homogeneous spinel nanocrystal-coating on high crystalline pristine-carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for efficient and durable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Oxidized CNTs have widely been used to functionalize with metal or metal oxides since the defect sites act as anchoring for metal oxide binding. However, such defects on the tubes cause the decrease in electrical conductivity and stability, leading to lower catalyst performance. In the present study, at first, pristine multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were wrapped by pyridine-based polybenzimidazole (PyPBI) to which uniform NixCo3−xO4 nanocrystals were homogeneously deposited by the solvothermal method without damaging the MWNTs, in which PyPBI acted as efficient anchoring sites for the deposition of spinel oxide nanocrystals with ~5 nm size. The obtained catalyst (MWNT-PyPBI-NixCo3−xO4) outperformed most state-of-the-art non-precious metal-based bifunctional catalysts; namely, for OER, the potential at 10 mA cm−2 and Tafel slope in 1 M KOH solution were 1.54 V vs. RHE and 42 mV dec−1, respectively. For ORR, the onset and half-wave potentials are 0.918 V and 0.811 V vs. RHE, respectively. Moreover, the MWNT-PyPBI-NixCo3−xO4 demonstrates an excellent durability for both ORR and OER.
Correction: Corrigendum: Defective Acetylcholine Receptor Subunit Switch Precedes Atrophy of Slow-Twitch Skeletal Muscle Fibers Lacking ERK1/2 Kinases in Soleus Muscle
Authors: Wang Shuo , Seaberg Bonnie , Paez-Colasante Ximena , Rimer Mendell
Published: March 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 38745; published online: 09 December 2016; updated: 30 March 2017 The Acknowledgements section in this Article is incomplete. “This work was supported by National of Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke grant R21NS077177 and by Texas A&M Health Science Center funds to M.
Tubular Cardiac Tissues Derived from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Generate Pulse Pressure In Vivo
Authors: Seta Hiroyoshi , Matsuura Katsuhisa , Sekine Hidekazu , Yamazaki Kenji , Shimizu Tatsuya
Published: March 2017

Human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived cardiac cells provide the possibility to fabricate cardiac tissues for transplantation. However, it remains unclear human bioengineered cardiac tissues function as a functional pump in vivo. Human iPS cells induced to cardiomyocytes in suspension were cultured on temperature-responsive dishes to fabricate cardiac cell sheets. Two pairs of triple-layered sheets were transplanted to wrap around the inferior vena cava (IVC) of nude rats. At 4 weeks after transplantation, inner pressure changes in the IVC were synchronized with electrical activations of the graft. Under 80 pulses per minute electrical stimulation, the inner pressure changes at 8 weeks increased to 9.1 ± 3.2 mmHg, which were accompanied by increases in the baseline inner pressure of the IVC. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that 0.5-mm-thick cardiac troponin T-positive cardiac tissues, which contained abundant human mitochondria, were clearly engrafted lamellar around the IVC and surrounded by von Willebrand factor-positive capillary vessels. The mRNA expression of several contractile proteins in cardiac tissues at 8 weeks in vivo was significantly upregulated compared with those at 4 weeks. We succeeded in generating pulse pressure by tubular human cardiac tissues in vivo. This technology might lead to the development of a bioengineered heart assist pump.
Carbon nanotube filled with magnetic iron oxide and modified with polyamidoamine dendrimers for immobilizing lipase toward application in biodiesel production
Authors: Fan Yanli , Su Feng , Li Kai , Ke Caixia , Yan Yunjun
Published: March 2017

Superparamagnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (mMWCNTs) were prepared by filling multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with iron oxide, and further modified by linking polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers (mMWCNTs-PAMAM) on the surface. Then, mMWCNTs-PAMAM was employed as the carrier and successfully immobilized Burkholderia cepacia lipase (BCL) via a covalent method (BCL-mMWCNTs-G3). The maximum activity recovery of the immobilized lipase was 1,716% and the specific activity increased to 77,460 U/g-protein, 17-fold higher than that of the free enzyme. The immobilized lipase displayed significantly enhanced thermostability and pH-resistance, and could efficiently catalyze transesterification to produce biodiesel at a conversion rate of 92.8%. Moreover, it possessed better recycling performance. After 20 cycles of repeated used, it still retained ca. 90% of its original activity, since the carbon nanotube−enzyme conjugates could be easily separated from the reaction mixture by using a magnet. This study provides a new perspective for biotechnological applications by adding a magnetic property to the unique intrinsic properties of nanotubes.
Entwicklung und aktueller Stand des Gesundheitstrainingsprogramms der Deutschen Rentenversicherung Bund
Authors: Worringen Ulrike , Meng Karin , Bitzer Eva-Maria , Brandes Iris , Faller Hermann
Published: March 2017

Das Gesundheitstrainingsprogramm der DRV Bund umfasst 27 zumeist indikationsbezogene Curricula. Ziel des Gesundheitstrainingsprogramms ist die Unterstützung der Rehabilitationspraxis bei der Durchführung patientenorientierter Patientenschulung. Einzelne Curricula des Programms wurden in kontrollierten Studien evaluiert. Hinsichtlich ihrer Wirksamkeit sind indikationsbezogene Unterschiede festzustellen, grundsätzlich aber kann von wissenschaftlicher Seite der Einsatz der evaluierten Curricula empfohlen werden. Die Schulungen stellen einen bedeutsamen Baustein im Gesamtkonzept der Rehabilitationseinrichtungen dar, werden aber zumeist in abgewandelter Form umgesetzt. Insbesondere die ärztlichen Schulungsmodule werden häufig nur in Großgruppen angeboten. Wie die klinischen Bedingungen sich in der Qualitätssicherung der Rentenversicherung und einem trägerübergreifendem Rahmenkonzept widerspiegeln könnten, steht zur Diskussion.
Rayleigh limit and fragmentation of multiply charged Lennard-Jones clusters: Can charged clusters provide clues to investigate the stability of electrospray droplets?
Authors: Bonhommeau David A.
Published: March 2017

The fragmentation of multiply charged clusters composed of N≤1000 Lennard-Jones particles augmented with electrostatic interactions is explored by classical Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations with the stated goal of establishing possible analogies with electrospray droplets. Clusters with few charge carriers are shown to be only subject to particle ejection and their Rayleigh limit can be estimated by quantifying the loss of charged particles. On the contrary, uniformly charged clusters can both evaporate particles and undergo fission, making them better candidates to model electrospray droplets. Critical charges delimiting regions of instability of these clusters are defined from the calculation of lower order multipole moments and asymmetry parameters based on the knowledge of moments of inertia. The first discontinuity of quadrupole moments and asymmetry parameters is related to cluster elongation before twofold fission and the corresponding charge is deemed to be a good estimate of the Rayleigh limit. Octopole moments are negligible about this charge, their discontinuities arising at higher charges when threefold fissions are allowed. The size dependence of these critical charges is qualitatively predicted from Rayleigh’s formula and the expression of surface energy advocated in liquid drop models. Deviations below 15% are commonly achieved when comparing Rayleigh limits extracted from experimental data with theoretical predictions based on Monte Carlo simulations or liquid drop models for a set of eleven atomic and molecular liquid clusters. Although manifold fission of uniformly charged clusters is unlikely close to the Rayleigh limit, successive asymmetric fissions are found to occur in conjunction with other fragmentation mechanisms, including the expansion of ring-shaped structures, at charges more than twice as large as the Rayleigh limit.
Placentation in the plains zebra (Equus quagga)
Authors: Allen W. R. (Twink) , Stansfield Fiona , Wilsher Sandra
Published: March 2017

The placenta and fetal gonads of 12 pregnant plains zebra (Equus quagga), estimated to be between 81 and 239 days of gestation, were examined. The diffuse, microcotyledonary zebra placenta appeared, developmentally, to be 3–4 weeks behind its counterpart in horse pregnancy and this, together with the presence of small and long-lived endometrial cups, low levels of zebra chorionic gonadotrophin in maternal serum and few accessory corpora lutea in the maternal ovaries during the first half of gestation, made zebra pregnancy more similar to donkey than horse pregnancy. Zebra fetal gonads enlarged after 80 days of gestation and their interstitial cells stained positively for 3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17,20 lyase steroid enzymes while the trophoblast stained for aromatase. This confirmed that zebra fetal gonads, like those of the horse and donkey, can synthesise C19 androgens, which can then be aromatised by the placenta to C18 oestrogens. It is remarkable that such unusual feto–placental mechanisms of production of gonadotrophic and steroid hormones has persisted unchanged within the genus Equus despite the many physical adaptations and the considerable loss of chromosomes that have occurred during the evolution of its member species.
Genetically encoded fluorescent tags
Authors: Thorn Kurt
Published: March 2017

Genetically encoded fluorescent tags are protein sequences that can be fused to a protein of interest to render it fluorescent. These tags have revolutionized cell biology by allowing nearly any protein to be imaged by light microscopy at submicrometer spatial resolution and subsecond time resolution in a live cell or organism. They can also be used to measure protein abundance in thousands to millions of cells using flow cytometry. Here I provide an introduction to the different genetic tags available, including both intrinsically fluorescent proteins and proteins that derive their fluorescence from binding of either endogenous or exogenous fluorophores. I discuss their optical and biological properties and guidelines for choosing appropriate tags for an experiment. Tools for tagging nucleic acid sequences and reporter molecules that detect the presence of different biomolecules are also briefly discussed.
The Fate of the Transitional Object
Authors: Winnicott Donald W.
Published: March 2017

After describing transitional objects, Winnicott describes the passing of the transitional object. He discusses his theory that if the transitional object and transitional phenomena are at the very basis of symbolism, then these phenomena may mark the origin in the life of the infant and child of a third area of existing, which might turn out to be the cultural life of the individual.
Roman Sculpture
Authors: Conlin Diane Atnally
Published: March 2017

Sculpture in the Roman world constitutes a broad category of diverse objects: from miniature votive statuettes deposited at rural sanctuaries to colossal portrait statues erected in apsidal niches of grand urban basilicas, from decorative plaques suspended between columns in Roman peristyle gardens to large-scale reliefs attached to conspicuous triumphal monuments. Perhaps more so than any other category of Roman material culture, sculpture has been extensively categorized and analyzed by generations of scholars. In contrast to the progressive development of styles identified (and often questioned) for Greek sculpture, Roman sculpture traditionally is divided along the same political subperiods as those used for Roman history (Republican, Augustan, Tetrarchic, etc.). Within these historical categories, two types of sculpture have been afforded primacy with respect to originality and aesthetic influence: portraiture and “historical” reliefs. More recently, scholarship has shifted away from the single-monument, typological-, or historical-based analysis to explore questions of display, patronage, production, distribution, regional divergences, gender and sexuality, reception, and socioreligious significance. Unless otherwise noted, general textbooks on Roman art are not part of this article.
Modern Jewish Politics
Authors: Loeffler James
Published: March 2017

Modern Jewish politics comprises several overlapping fields of Jewish political activity in the era roughly between the late 18th century and the present. Characteristic of the larger Jewish experience in the modern world, the concepts of “Jewish” and “political” are subject to an immense diversity of competing definitions and interpretations. Nonetheless, in broadest strokes, modern Jewish politics can be understood as the interaction between five types of political activity and five kinds of actors. In this taxonomy, Jewish politics consists of (1) collective mobilization in political movements, both Jewish and non-Jewish; (2) formal self-advocacy and self-representation in domestic, regional, and global political frameworks; (3) legal activism and diplomatic work on behalf of local and distant Jewish communities, especially with regard to issues of citizenship, migration, anti-Semitism, and violence; (4) intellectual and legal projects of collective self-definition within or in opposition to existing conventional categories of modern politics, such as state and nation; and (5) the exercise of political sovereignty in the State of Israel. Each of these spheres in turn is populated by multiple Jewish political actors: (1) individual Jews; (2) Jewish communal groups and legally constituted Jewish substate communities; (3) informal Jewish networks of activists; (4) international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs); and (5) the government of the State of Israel. This essay seeks to map out representative studies and academic resources of all of these different actors and activities, without, however, claiming to present an exhaustive view of any one subject area or topic. The focus throughout is on highlighting works that specifically engage larger questions of Jewish politics from a variety of methodological and ideological viewpoints.
Perianal Pediatric Crohn Disease Is Associated With a Distinct Phenotype and Greater Inflammatory Burden
Authors: Assa Amit , Amitai Michal , Greer Mary‐Louise , Castro Denise A. , Kuint Ruth C. , Martínez‐León Maria , Herman‐Sucharska Izabela , Coppenrath Eva , Anupindi Sudha , Towbin Alexander , Moote Douglas , Konen Osnat , Pratt Li‐tal , Griffiths Anne , Turner Dan ,   ImageKids Study Group
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

Data on the outcomes of children with perianal Crohn disease (pCD) are limited, although its presence is often used for justifying early use of biologics. We aimed to assess whether pCD in children is associated with more severe outcomes as found in adults.

Methods:

Data were extracted from the ImageKids database, a prospective, multicenter, longitudinal cohort study. The study enrolled 246 children at disease onset or thereafter. All patients underwent comprehensive clinical, endoscopic, and radiologic evaluation at enrollment; 98 children had repeat evaluation at 18 months.

Results:

Of the 234 included patients (mean age 14.2 ± 2.4 years; 131 [56%] boys), 57 (24%) had perianal findings, whereas only 21 (9%) had fistulizing perianal disease. Children with pCD had reduced weight and height z scores compared with non‐pCD patients (−0.9 vs −0.35, P = 0.03 and −0.68 vs −0.23, respectively; P = 0.04), higher weighted pediatric CD activity index (32 [interquartile range 16–50] vs 20 [8–37]; P = 0.004), lower serum albumin (3.6 ± 0.7 vs 4.5 ± 0.8, P = 0.016), and higher magnetic resonance enterography global inflammatory score (P = 0.04). Children with pCD had more rectal (57% vs 38%, P = 0.04), and jejunal involvement (31% vs 11% P = 0.003) and a higher prevalence of granulomas (64% vs 23%, P = 0.0001). Magnetic resonance enterography–based damage scores did not differ between groups. Patients with skin tags/fissures only, had similar clinical, endoscopic, and radiologic characteristics as patients with no perianal findings.

Conclusions:

Pediatric patients with pCD with fistulizing disease have distinct phenotypic features and a predisposition to a greater inflammatory burden.
Phytohormone inhibitor treatments phenocopy brassinosteroid and gibberellin dwarf mutant interactions in maize
Authors: Best Norman B. , Johal Guri , Dilkes Brian P.
Published: March 2017

Phytohormone biosynthesis produces metabolites with profound effects on plant growth and development. Modulation of hormone levels during developmental events, in response to the environment, by genetic polymorphism, or by chemical application can reveal the plant processes most responsive to a phytohormone. In many cases, chemical inhibitors are applied and the levels of specific phytohormones are measured to determine if, and which, phytohormone is affected by a molecule. In many cases, the sensitivity of biochemical testing has determined multiple pathways affected by a single inhibitor. Genetic studies are not subject to this problem, and a wealth of data about the morphological impacts of hormone biosynthetic inhibition has accumulated through the study of enzyme mutants. We previously identified a complex interplay between brassinosteroid (BR) and gibberellin (GA) in maize, where the interdependence of the two differs dependent on the developmental context. We found that: GA is required for loss of BR to induce retained pistils in the tassel florets (POPIT); BR is required for the loss of GA to induce tiller outgrowth; BR and GA are additive for plant height; BR has no effect on the induction of anther retention in ear florets of GA mutants. In this work, we sought to assess the specificity of three triazole inhibitors of cytochrome P450s by determining their abilities to recapitulate the phenotype of double mutants. The GA biosynthetic inhibitors uniconazole (UCZ) and paclobutrazol (PAC) were applied to the BR biosynthetic mutantna2and all double mutant phenotypes were recovered in the UCZ treatment. PAC was unable to suppress the retention of pistils in the tassels ofnana plant2(na2) mutant plants. The BR biosynthetic inhibitor propiconazole (PCZ) suppressed tiller outgrowth in the GA biosynthetic mutantdwarf5(d5). All treatments were additive with genetic mutants for effects on plant height. Due to additional measurements done here but not in previous studies of the double mutants, we detected new interactions between GA and BR biosynthesis affecting plastochron index and tassel branching. These experiments, a refinement of our previous model, and a discussion of the extension of this type of work are presented.
Enhance household resilience in Istanbul
Authors: Kundak Seda
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to address improvements in household preparedness against earthquake risks.

Design/methodology/approach

Two surveys were conducted in 2008 and 2013 to reveal prevention and preparedness measures which Istanbul’s inhabitants had taken in their households.

Findings

The findings of surveys show the progress in taking risk reduction measures which have been propagating from higher socio-economic status through all segments of the community in a five-year period. This shift is also evidence of the efficiency of community awareness programs conducted by governmental and non-governmental bodies in Istanbul.

Originality/value

The evaluation of the impacts of community awareness programs which leads the progress in risk reduction activities in Istanbul is a valuable example for large cities which are facing natural threats. The findings of this paper can be considered as a facilitator in understanding the tendency of different socio-economic groups against earthquake risk.
Sales force commissions in relationship marketing
Authors: Echchakoui Said
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the roles of both aggregate and specific commission rates to control the sales force in relationship marketing with a customer portfolio.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawn on the concept of customer lifetime value and agency theory, the author calculated both specific and aggregate sales force commission rates in a relationship marketing perspective. Contrary to the prior researchers, the author assumes that, at any period, both the gross margins and retention rate of each customer are a stochastic function of the salesperson’s effort.

Findings

The results indicated that when there is symmetric information between a sales manager and salesperson, both aggregate and specific commissions can be used to monitor the sales force. Under asymmetric information, however, each type of commission rate can only be used under certain conditions. In addition, conditions in which the aggregate commission is equivalent to the specific commission for each customer were derived.

Research limitations/implications

Hypothetical data were used to explain the model. It would be more appropriate to use real data to see its managerial relevance.

Originality/value

In the author’s knowledge, this study is the first that specifically links scholastic customer’s retention and salesperson commission rate to monitor salesperson effort in relationship marketing. It is also the first that shows in which conditions aggregate and specific commission rates are equal for a salesperson’s customer portfolio management.
Applying quality function deployment to social housing?
Authors: Kassela Katerina , Papalexi Marina , Bamford David
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the application of quality function deployment (QFD) in a Housing Association (HA) located in the UK. Facing the problem of improving a company’s performance, practitioners and academics have fashioned and applied a variety of models, theories and techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The research questions were developed from a review of the quality and process improvement literature and tested using evidence from field-based, action research within a UK HA company. The case study provides insight to the benefits and challenges arising from the application of QFD.

Findings

The results provided insight to the benefits and challenges arising from the application of a specific tool, QFD. The primary findings were: QFD can be successfully adapted, applied and utilised within the challenging environment of social housing and other sectors, such as professional services; the model can be modified to use most processes/sub-processes; it must include both external and internal requirements and, to be useful, use more detailed process parameters appropriately.

Practical implications

The conclusions drawn add to ongoing commentaries on aspects of quality improvement, especially the application of QFD within the service sector. The authors develop questions for future research regarding improvement projects.

Originality/value

The conclusion proposes that the implementation of QFD should have a positive impact upon a company; if approached in the right manner. It provides a useful mechanism for developing evidence-based strategy of operational change, control and improvement. The research proposes questions for future research into aspects of operational quality and efficiency.
Outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in elderly obese Japanese patients
Authors: Hayashi Aiko , Maeda Yukari , Takemoto Minoru , Tokuyama Hirotake , Koide Hisashi , Kitahara Aya , Hayashi Hideki , Kitamoto Takumi , Yamaga Masaya , Kobayashi Kazuki , Yokote Koutaro
Published: March 2017

Aim

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has proven to be the most effective strategy for the treatment of morbid obesity, however its efficacy and safety in an aging population has not yet been confirmed. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of LSG in elderly obese Japanese patients.

Methods

Three obese individuals aged >60 years and 11 obese individuals aged <60 years who underwent LSG were enrolled. Pre‐ and postoperative changes after at least 12 months were examined, including bodyweight, body mass index, total weight loss, excess weight loss, bone mineral density and bone‐related markers.

Results

There were no significant differences between patients aged <60 years and >60 years in terms of percent total weight loss (24.4 ± 11 vs 23 ± 4.4%, respectively) and percent excess weight loss (49.1 ± 23.4 vs 47.6 ± 10 %, respectively). Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry was carried out before and 12 months after LSG. There were no significant differences in bone mineral density changes at the lumbar spine and femoral neck between the two groups (0.01 ± 0.06 vs 0.02 ± 0.03 g/cm2, −0.03 ± 0.06 vs −0.08 ± 0.02 g/cm2, respectively). There were no peri‐ and postoperative complications. All three patients aged >60 years had reduced bone mineral density in the femoral neck after LSG; one was diagnosed with osteoporosis.

Conclusions

Although the present results suggest that LSG could be of considerable benefit to elderly obese Japanese patients, long‐term careful observation after bariatric surgery is especially important in elderly patients to prevent future osteoporosis. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2068–2073.
Evaluation of clinical signs and early and late trichoscopy findings in traction alopecia patients with Fitzpatrick skin type II and III: a single‐center, clinical study
Authors: Polat Mualla
Published: March 2017

Background

Traction alopecia refers to (often permanent) hair loss caused by prolonged physical damage. No study has yet described the unique trichoscopic findings of the condition. We describe the trichoscopic findings of traction alopecia and its relationships with the duration of traction.

Methods

We studied 25 patients who were clinically diagnosed with traction alopecia. The patients were divided into two groups in terms of traction duration. Trichoscopy was performed at a minimum of two scalp locations in each patient.

Results

Reduction in hair density, hair diameter diversity, empty follicles, and vellus hairs were observed in all patients. In addition, the following were observed: loss of follicular openings in 19 (76%) patients, yellow dots and broken hairs in 17 (68%), black dots in 12 (48%), hair casts in 7 (28%), circular hairs in 5 (20%), and arborizing red lines in 3 (12%). The trichoscopic findings varied with the duration of traction.

Conclusions

Traction alopecia is a chronic condition that is difficult to treat. Trichoscopy can be used for diagnosis. Our study is the first to identify the early and late trichoscopic features of traction alopecia. The limitation of the study is the lack of histologic diagnosis.
Sex/gender differences in neural correlates of food stimuli: a systematic review of functional neuroimaging studies
Authors: Chao Ariana M. , Loughead James , Bakizada Zayna M. , Hopkins Christina M. , Geliebter Allan , Gur Ruben C. , Wadden Thomas A.
Published: March 2017

Sex and gender differences in food perceptions and eating behaviours have been reported in psychological and behavioural studies. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize studies that examined sex/gender differences in neural correlates of food stimuli, as assessed by functional neuroimaging. Published studies to 2016 were retrieved and included if they used food or eating stimuli, assessed patients with functional magnetic resonance imaging or positron emission tomography, and compared activation between men and women. Fifteen studies were identified. In response to visual food cues, women, compared with men, showed increased activation in the frontal, limbic and striatal areas of the brain as well as the fusiform gyrus while fasted. Differences in neural response to gustatory stimuli were inconsistent. This suggests that women may be more reactive to visual food stimuli, especially when hungry. However, findings are based on a small number of studies, and additional research is needed to establish a more definitive explanation and conclusion.
Observer-Based Cylinder Air Charge Estimation for Spark-Ignition Engines
Authors: Wang Zhe , Zhu Qilun , Prucka Robert , Prucka Michael , Dourra Hussein
Published: March 2017

Spark-ignition engine in-cylinder air charge estimation is important for air-to-fuel ratio (AFR) control, maintaining high after-treatment efficiency, and determination of current engine torque. Current cylinder air charge estimation methodologies generally depend upon either a mass air flow (MAF) sensor or a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor individually. Methods based on either sensor have their own advantages and disadvantages. Some production vehicles are equipped with both MAF and MAP sensors to offer air charge estimation and other benefits. This research proposes several observer-based cylinder air charge estimation methods that take advantage of both MAF and MAP sensors to potentially reduce calibration work while providing acceptable transient and steady-state accuracy with low computational load. This research also compares several common air estimation methods with the proposed observer-based algorithms using steady-state and transient dynamometer tests and a rapid-prototype engine controller. With appropriate tuning, the proposed observer-based methods are able to estimate cylinder air charge mass under different engine operating conditions based on the manifold model and available sensors. Methods are validated and compared based on a continuous tip-in tip-out operating condition.
Global biodiversity group confronts cash crunch
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: March 2017

Budget cuts threaten effort to help nations document biodiversity and curb losses.
Dengue may bring out the worst in Zika
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: March 2017

Mouse study offers evidence of antibody “enhancement,” which could explain severity of human cases.