bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empagliflozin reduces myocardial ketone utilization while preserving glucose utilization in diabetic hypertensive heart disease: A hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
Authors: Abdurrachim Desiree , Teo Xing Qi , Woo Chern Chiuh , Chan Wei Xin , Lalic Janise , Lam Carolyn S. P. , Lee Philip Teck Hock
Published: September 2018

Aim

To investigate the effects of the sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor empagliflozin on myocardial ketone body utilization in diabetic, obese rats with spontaneously hypertensive heart failure (SHHF), after 6 months of treatment.

Materials and Methods

Myocardial ketone body utilization was measured in vivo real time using a novel ketone probe (hyperpolarized [3‐13C]acetoacetate) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Myocardial glucose utilization and cardiac function were also determined in vivo using hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate MRS and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), respectively. Myocardial fatty acid uptake and liver ketogenesis were assessed via protein expression.

Results

At baseline, myocardial ketone and glucose utilization were both higher in SHHF compared with control rats. Six months of empagliflozin treatment in SHHF rats was associated with less obesity, lower blood pressure, reduced blood glucose and insulin levels, and increased fasting blood β‐hydroxybutyrate levels, as expected. Contrary to the hypothesis, myocardial ketone body utilization was lower in empagliflozin‐treated SHHF rats, while glucose utilization and cardiac function were unaltered and hepatic congestion was reduced, compared with vehicle‐treated SHHF rats.

Conclusions

In diabetic hypertensive heart disease, empagliflozin reduces afterload without altering myocardial function and glucose utilization in the face of falling blood glucose levels, but does not enhance myocardial ketone utilization despite increased circulating levels.
Mineralocorticoid antagonism enhances brown adipose tissue function in humans: A randomized placebo‐controlled cross‐over study
Authors: Thuzar Moe , Law Weikiat Phillip , Dimeski Goce , Stowasser Michael , Ho Ken K. Y.
Published: September 2018

Aim

To investigate whether mineralocorticoid (MC) antagonism enhances brown adipose tissue (BAT) function in humans.

Materials and Methods

In a randomized double‐blind, cross‐over designed trial, 10 healthy adults (two men, eight women) underwent 2 weeks of spironolactone (100 mg/d) treatment and placebo, with an intervening 2‐week wash‐out period. BAT function was assessed in response to cooling and to a mixed meal. Metabolic activity was measured by fluoro‐deoxyglucose (FDG) uptake (maximal standardized uptake value, SUVmax) using PET‐CT. Thermogenic activity was measured by skin temperatures overlying supraclavicular (SCL) BAT depots using infrared thermography. Postprandial metabolism was measured by energy production rate (EPR) and lipid synthesis using indirect calorimetry.

Results

During cooling, BAT metabolic activity (SUV 6.30 ± 2.16 vs 3.98 ± 1.34; P < 0.05) and volume (54.9 ± 22.8 vs 21.6 ± 11.8 cm3; P < 0.05) were significantly higher, and mean SCL temperature decreased by a smaller degree (−0.3°C°± 0.2°C vs −0.9°C ± 0.2°C; P = 0.05) with spironolactone treatment. A mixed meal increased SCL temperature and EPR. The postprandial rise in SCL temperature (+0.4°C ± 0.1°C vs +0.1°C ± 0.1°C; P < 0.05) but not in EPR was greater during spironolactone treatment. Postprandial lipid synthesis occurred in three participants with placebo but in none with spironolactone treatment (P = 0.06).

Conclusion

MC antagonism enhanced human BAT function in response to cooling and to a meal during which lipid synthesis was suppressed. As postprandial EPR comprises energy dissipated as heat and energy required to store nutrients, the reduction in lipid synthesis during MC antagonism is a probable consequence of concurrent stimulation of BAT thermogenesis. The shift in energy usage from storage to heat dissipation indicates that MC antagonists may have therapeutic benefit for obesity.
Simplified apical four‐chamber view evaluation of relative apical sparing of longitudinal strain in diagnosing AL amyloid cardiomyopathy
Authors: Fikrle Michal , Palecek Tomas , Marek Josef , Kuchynka Petr , Linhart Ales
Published: September 2018

Aim of the study

To assess the diagnostic utility of a simplified approach to relative apical sparing of longitudinal strain (RAS LS) using only an apical four‐chamber view (A4C) in patients with AL amyloid cardiomyopathy (ALAC).

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated echocardiographic recordings of 20 patients with ALAC, 20 patients with Fabry disease‐related cardiomyopathy (FD), and 20 patients with concentric hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (HLVH) matched for mean LV mean thickness. Peak segmental LS values of the interventricular septum and lateral LV wall were measured in the A4C using two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography. RAS LS was calculated as average apical LS/(average basal LS + average midventricular LS).

Results

Relative apical sparing of longitudinal strain values in patients with ALAC (1.23 ± 0.64) were significantly higher than those in FD patients (0.75 ± 0.19, P < 0.05) as well as in individuals with HLVH (0.75 ± 0.23, P < 0.05), but with a significant overlap. The optimal RAS LS value differentiating ALAC from FD and HLVH with 70% sensitivity and 75% specificity was 0.88 (AUC 0.79). In multivariate modeling, RAS LS was significantly additive to traditional predictors of ALAC (low QRS voltage and pseudoinfarct ECG patterns, pericardial effusion, E/e′ ratio, E‐wave deceleration time; P < 0.05 for all models).

Conclusions

Simplified RAS LS evaluation represents an attractive approach for diagnostics of ALAC. However, because of considerable overlap with other disorders with hypertrophic phenotype, the analysis of RAS LS in the A4C should be combined with other traditional echocardiographic and ECG predictors in differentiating ALAC from other forms of concentric LV wall thickening.
EXCLUSION AND REINTEGRATION IN A SOCIAL DILEMMA
Authors: Solda Alice , Villeval Marie Claire
Published: September 2018

Using a social dilemma game, we study the cooperative behavior of individuals who reintegrate their group after being excluded by their peers. We manipulate the length of exclusion and whether this length is imposed exogenously or results from a vote. We show that people are willing to exclude the least cooperators and they punish more, and more severely, chronic defections. In return, a longer exclusion has a higher disciplining effect on cooperation after reintegration, but only when the length of exclusion is not chosen by group members. Its relative disciplining effect on cooperation after reintegration is smaller when the length of exclusion results from a vote. In this environment, a quicker reintegration also limits retaliation. The difference in the impact of long versus short exclusion on retaliation is larger when the length of exclusion is chosen by group members than when it is exogenous. Post‐reintegration cooperation and forgiveness depend not only on the length of exclusion but also on the perceived intentions of others when they punish. (JEL C92, H41, D23)
Root and canal morphology of maxillary premolar teeth in an Egyptian subpopulation using two classification systems: a cone beam computed tomography study
Authors: Saber S. E. D. M. , Ahmed M. H. M. , Obeid M. , Ahmed H. M. A.
Published: September 2018

Aim

To investigate the number of roots and root canal configurations using two coding systems and the root canal diverging and merging levels in extracted maxillary premolars in an Egyptian subpopulation using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methodology

A total of 700 maxillary premolars were examined using CBCT in an Egyptian subpopulation. The number of roots was identified, and root canal configurations were classified according to Vertucci's classification and a new system for classifying root and canal morphology. In addition, the position where roots bifurcated and the levels where canals merged or diverged were identified. Fisher's exact test and independent t‐test were used for statistical analysis, and the level of significance was set at 0.05 (P = 0.05).

Results

More than half of maxillary first premolars were double‐rooted, and the majority of maxillary second premolars were single‐rooted (P < 0.001). Most of the double‐rooted samples had bifurcations in the middle of the root. According to the Vertucci classification, canal configuration type IV was the most common in both first and second maxillary premolars. According to the new system, the code 2FP B1 P1 was the most common for maxillary first premolars, whilst 2SP B1 P1, 1SP2 and 1SP2‐1 codes were the most common for maxillary second premolars. The three‐canalled morphology in double‐ and three‐rooted maxillary premolars had considerable variations. Root canal merging and diverging levels were comparable in both tooth types.

Conclusion

Maxillary premolars in this Egyptian subpopulation had a wide range of root and canal anatomical variations. Clinicians should be aware of where canals merge and diverge to facilitate the treatment of all canals. The new system for classifying canal morphology describes the root and canal configurations in a more accurate and practical manner compared to the Vertucci classification.
Regulatory T‐cells: receptors, repertoires and roles in disease
Authors: Altmann Daniel M.
Published: September 2018

In the 20‐or‐so years that immunologists have spent describing the mechanisms and functions of regulatory T‐cells, a very great deal has been learnt: a T‐cell subset once described for the generic ability to harness autoimmunity in vivo or diminish T‐cell proliferation in vitro is now appreciated to act on a plethora of cellular pathways using a diverse array of mechanisms. Recent studies have shed new light on basic and applied aspects of Treg function, including T‐cell receptor usage, specialist functions of tissue‐resident Tregs, and the therapeutic consequences of tuning Treg function up or down for applications in autoimmunity or cancer, respectively.
Modeling and solving the steelmaking and casting scheduling problem
Authors: Armellini Davide , Borzone Paolo , Ceschia Sara , Di Gaspero Luca , Schaerf Andrea
Published: September 2018

We propose a general model for the problem of planning and scheduling steelmaking and casting activities obtained by combining common features and constraints of the operations from a real plant and the literature. For tackling the problem, we develop a simulated annealing approach based on a solution space made of job permutations, which uses as submodule a chronological constructive procedure that assigns processing times and resources to jobs. Our technique, properly tuned in a statistically principled way, is able to find good solutions for a large range of different settings and horizons. In addition, it outperforms both a greedy procedure and a constraint‐based solver developed for comparison purposes on almost all instances. Finally, we have collected several real‐world instances that we make available on the web along with the solution validator and our best results.
Impact of cost uncertainty on supply chain competition under different confidence levels
Authors: Liu Zhibing , Zhou Chi , Chen Huiru , Zhao Ruiqing
Published: September 2018

This paper considers two competing supply chains that face cost uncertainty, each consisting of one supplier and one retailer. To address the uncertain cost information, we propose a decision rule based on confidence levels to measure the goals of the supply chain participants. We provide the new concept of the belief‐degree cost of a supply chain that embodies the decision maker's ability to comprehensively address information uncertainty and control the risk caused by information uncertainty. We find that regardless of which of the three games it is in – integrated, hybrid, or decentralized – a chain should order more and thereby gain more profit when its cost uncertainty increases or the competing chain's cost uncertainty decreases. The chain with a low or sufficiently low belief‐degree cost gains a competitive advantage on both quantity and profit. A chain's competitiveness can be enhanced by either decreasing its confidence level or increasing its rival's confidence level. Furthermore, we demonstrate that supply chain integration is the dominant strategy for given confidence levels. Nevertheless, a prisoner's dilemma occurs when the differences in the belief‐degree costs of the two supply chains are not significant and the competitive intensity is high. In addition, the magnitudes of the confidence levels can be changed to avoid or cause a prisoner's dilemma. Finally, under different confidence levels, the Stackelberg model for competing hybrid or decentralized supply chains is extended to the bargaining model, and the impact of bargaining power on supply chain competition is analyzed.
A “bridge” over troubled water: Implications of the effect of locomotion mode on hopelessness
Authors: Di Santo Daniela , Baldner Conrad , Pierro Antonio , Kruglanski Arie W.
Published: September 2018

Past research has shown that hopelessness drastically reduces the quality of life. It follows that it could be particularly useful to improve our knowledge of the potential correlates of feelings of hopelessness. We propose a negative association between locomotion mode, or the self‐regulation dimension concerned with movement from current state to future states, and hopelessness. We suggest, in two studies that higher locomotion is related to less hopelessness and results in higher levels of psychological well‐being. In Study 1, we showed that locomotion was significantly and negatively related to hopelessness. In Study 2, we confirmed this result and also observed that the hopelessness experienced by locomotors partially mediated the positive relationship between locomotion orientation and psychological well‐being. Implications for future research are discussed.
Automatic halva production band and prototype development
Authors: Akkurt Adnan , Sagdicoglu Celep Gulcin , Kurt Abdullah , Basak Hudayim , Sahin Ismail , Yavuzcan H. Guclu
Published: September 2018

Modernization in the food sector have been promoting the use of advanced technology. Halva is usually produced according to the conventional methods. A new technique for halva production applications is put into practice and a system prototype equipped with automation technology was manufactured. System can perform mixing, kneading, shaping, cutting, and cooling of halva without hand touch. Airflow used for cooling can control the temperature, conveyor belt speed, guillotine cutting time, shovels, and the mixing time. Cooling tunnel calculations and pipeline analysis were carried out to reduce the center point temperature of production line whose working fluid temperature is approximately 80 °C and the production band which is 19 × 45 × 78 mm and 80 g of mass, to 34.9 and 39.1 °C (cooling at ~416 and 597 s, respectively). Halva production process which takes 12–15 hr by traditional methods, is reduced to 10–20 min with the designed new cooling system.

Practical applications

In this study, a new technique for halva production applications is put into practice and a system prototype equipped with automation technology was manufactured. New production techniques with machine prototype are implemented successfully. The results of the analysis provide insight into the insulation work to reduce the efficiency losses in the cooling system. The results of these analysis give an idea about the settings to be made in the cooling system in different climatic conditions and different ambient temperatures. As a result, halva production process which takes 12–15 hr by traditional methods, is reduced to 10–20 min with the designed new cooling system.
Scanning electron microscopy study of microstructure damage and micromechanical behavior of potato tissue by impact during storage
Authors: Nikara Safoura , Ahmadi Ebrahim , Nia Ali Alavi
Published: September 2018

Impact damage of potato occurs during handling, transportation, sorting, and storage. In this research, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was employed to investigate the micromechanical changes of potato tissue by applying impact levels of 0 (control), 0.032, 0.185, and 0.335 J over a 16‐week storage period. Specific gravity, moisture content, cell turgor pressure, mechanical properties of tissue were determined. The cell section area, cell perimeter, and cell roundness and impact damage were obtained through the analysis of SEM images. The analysis showed a significant correlation between micromechanical properties and physiological changes for impacted potato tissue during the storage (p < .01). With increasing impact energy and storage time, a statistically significant decrease occurred in water content, cell turgor pressure, and microstructural features. Variations in mechanical properties of non‐impacted potato tissue during storage included increased specific gravity and puncture parameters. The interaction between the impact levels and storage time on the impact damage was statistically significant (p < .05), so that a higher impact energy leads to an increase in the impact damage during storage time. It was indicated the largest distorted microstructure with maximum physiological alterations in storage duration. These results would be of great assistance in optimization and design of pressing machines, which are important for the development of the food industry.

Practical applications

This article examines the microstructural and micromechanical changes in the impacted potato tissue during storage. Moreover, it investigates the importance of controlling potato damage due to dynamic loads during harvest and post‐harvest processes, the role of the impact severity on the damage, and damage spread in tissue during the storage period. The electron microscope images of the impact location are reported in this article, which is helpful for predicting the damage in the potato tissue using finite element simulation.
Refractance‐window as an innovative approach for the drying of saffron petals and stigma
Authors: Aghaei Zahra , Jafari Seid Mahdi , Dehnad Danial , Ghorbani Mohammad , Hemmati Khodayar
Published: September 2018

In this research, the effects of different dryers including refractance‐window (RW) with 200 or 300 μm Mylar membrane, or Pyrex glass and oven drying, and various temperatures of 25, 60, 70, and 80 °C on saffron quality were surveyed. Levels of safranal, crocin, and picrocrocin for saffron stigma and anthocyanin content for saffron petal were considered as the major quality indices and modeling of their drying kinetics was carried out. While for saffron stigma, RW dryer through Pyrex glass surface and higher temperatures (70 and 80 °C) led to the highest contents of picrocrocin, safranal, crocin, for saffron petal, RW dryer through 200 μm Mylar membrane resulted in the maximum anthocyanin content (106.79 mg/L). Meanwhile, our comparison revealed that RW is a more reliable approach to dry saffron stigma while keeping its functional ingredients, that is, coloring, aromatic, and bitterness strength, than previously introduced novel approaches. The best Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) topologies to predict RW (200 or 300 μm Mylar membrane, or Pyrex glass) or oven drying data for saffron stigma were those networks having feed‐forward backpropagation network type, hyperbolic tangent sigmoid transfer function and one hidden layer with 3, 7, 5, or 4 neurons in it, respectively.

Practical applications

Saffron is the dried stigmas of flowers called as “Crocus sativus L.” scientifically and “red gold” in the market because of its high value. Our aim of this research was to introduce a suitable alternative for common traditional drying of saffron as refractance‐Window (RW) and suggest appropriate modeling patterns for industrial application of this drying type in real situations. The second aim of this research was to determine the best drying conditions of saffron petal since the major weight of saffron flower is related to its petal, and anthocyanin of petal extracts could be used as a natural colorant in the food industry, but temperature has a substantial impact on anthocyanin stability.
Determination of time dependent stress distribution on a potato tuber during drop case
Authors: Caglayan Nuri , Oral Okan , Celik H. Kursat , Cinar Recep , Rodrigues Luiz Carlos De Abreu , Rennie Allan E.W. , Akinci Ibrahim
Published: September 2018

Realistic representation of time‐dependent internal stress progression and deformation behavior of a potato tuber during a sample drop case has been studied in this article. A reverse engineering approach, compressive tests, slow motion camera records and finite element analysis (FEA) were employed to analyze the drop case deformation behavior of a sample potato tuber. Simulation results provided useful numerical data and stress distribution visuals. The numerical results are presented in a format that can be used for the determination of bruise susceptibility magnitude on solid‐like agricultural products during drop case. The visual observations revealed that slow motion camera images and simulation printouts were in good correlation. The modulus of elasticity of the potato specimens was calculated from experimental data to be 3.12 MPa and simulation results showed that the maximum equivalent stress was 0.526 MPa on the tuber. This value for stress indicates that bruising is not likely on the tuber under a pre‐defined drop height. In order to test the simulation accuracy, empirical, and simulation‐based estimates for total energy in this drop case were compared. The relative difference between empirical and simulation results was 1.27%. This study provide a good “how to do” guide to further research on the utilization of (FEM)‐based time‐dependent simulation approach in complex mechanical impact based damaging analyses and industry focused applications related to solid‐like agricultural products such as potato.

Practical applications

The engineering simulation based “how to do” pathway presented in this study is a scientific novelty because the explicit dynamics simulation technique for potato tuber damage under drop case and its visual verification has been limitedly introduced in the literature. This study present deeper analysis on material model description, slow motion camera records, time dependent non‐linear stress analysis and FEM based Explicit Dynamics Simulation procedures. This study aims to represent a realistic non‐linear deformation case of the tuber which is very complicated to obtain through physical and/or empirical expressions. As a further step from other literature studies, this research has presented a novel realistic time‐dependent non‐linear drop test simulation based on physical compressive material test data. The findings have been prepared in a form which may be used as input parameters in design studies for solid‐like agricultural products (such as potato tubers) processing machinery systems used in food/agricultural industries.
Recovery of bruteridin and melitidin from clarified bergamot juice by membrane operations
Authors: Ruby‐Figueroa René , Conidi Carmela , Di Donna Leonardo , Cassano Alfredo
Published: September 2018

Four commercial spiral‐wound membranes with nominal molecular weight cut‐off (NMWCO) from 150–300 to 3,500 Da were tested in order to evaluate their performance in the recovery of brutieridin and melitidin from clarified bergamot juice. Filtration experiments in batch concentration mode were performed on a laboratory filtration membrane equipment in selected operating conditions up to a weight reduction factor (WRF) of 5. The performance of selected membranes was evaluated in terms of permeate flux and rejection coefficients for melitidin, brutieridin, glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Experimental results indicated that the rejection of selected membranes toward melitidin and brutieridin was strictly correlated to their NMWCO. Among the selected membranes, the Desal GE membrane (NMWCO 1,000 Da) offered the best performance in terms of separation between sugars and brutieridin/melitidin in the clarified juice with high retentions toward flavonoids (>67% for melitidin and >82% for brutieridin) and lower retention toward glucose (21.9%) and fructose (10.6%).

Practical applications

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) juice has not found a real use in the food industry due to its bitter taste and it is considered a waste of the essential oil production. On the other hand, flavonoid diglycosides of the juice, such as brutieridin and melitidin, have been recently recognized for their hypocholesterolemic action. The proposed membrane‐based technology offers a valid alternative to the use of conventional purification methodologies for the recovery of this phenolic fraction from the clarified juice and its reuse for the production of fortified juices and functional foods.
Molecular detection of Enterobacter spp. and other related species in powdered milk infant formula and milk powder
Authors: El‐Zamkan Mona A. , Mohamed Hams M.A.
Published: September 2018

A total of 60 powdered milk infant formula and milk powder samples were obtained from different localities in Qena Governorate, Egypt, to be evaluated for presence of Enterobacter and closely related species using FDA procedure. Ten out of 60 samples were contaminated with Enterobacter spp. and other Enterobacteriaceae. The obtained isolates were biochemically identified as Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Citrobacter spp. Further characterization was performed using 16S rRNA sequence analysis; it was a pivotal to confirm the identity of the isolates especially in imprecise identification of phenotypic method in some isolates like Enterobacter hormaechei, Klebsiella quasipneumoniae, and Acinetobacter vivianii. Results revealed the contamination of powdered milk infant formula with E. hormaechei which makes it a matter of concern. According to the best of our knowledge, Enterobacter hormaechei and Klebsiella quasipneumonia were isolated for the first time in Egypt. The phylogenetic analysis proved the close relation between our isolates in amplification of partial 16S rRNA gene.

Practical applications

As many neonates depend on powdered infant formula in their feeding as well as milk powder is a fundamental component of many infants diet, our study evaluated these products for the presence of pathogens of safety concern. This study focused on Enterobacteriaceae family members other than Salmonella and Cronobacter sakazakii using 16S rRNA gene for identification and differentiation of the closely related species.
Comparison of a novel predictor of venous thromboembolic complications in inflammatory bowel disease with current predictors
Authors: Ohta Yuki , Arai Makoto , Nakagawa Tomoo , Akizue Naoki , Ishikawa Kentaro , Hamanaka Shinsaku , Koseki Hirotaka , Taida Takashi , Okimoto Kenichiro , Saito Keiko , Yoshihama Sayuri , Maruoka Daisuke , Matsumura Tomoaki , Katsuno Tatsuro , Kato Naoya
Published: September 2018

Background and Aim

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of the present study was to identify predictors of VTE in hospitalized patients with IBD.

Methods

Patients with IBD who were hospitalized from February 2015 to March 2016 at the Chiba University Hospital were included. VTE was detected using enhanced computed tomography, and VTE onset within 2 months after admission was assessed. Predictors of VTE onset were investigated with clinical factors during hospitalization. Availability of the Caprini risk assessment model and Padua prediction score at the time of admission was also assessed.

Results

Seventy‐two patients with IBD were hospitalized, and central venous catheters were placed in 43 of the 72 patients. During the observation period, VTE occurred in six patients (8.3%); however, none died as a result of the condition. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis identified D‐dimer values on admission as a risk factor that was highly associated with VTE onset (hazard ratio = 1.590; 95% confidence interval, 1.132–2.233; P = 0.007) and significantly predicted the occurrence of VTE using the receiver operating characteristic curve (P = 0.005, area under the curve = 0.893). However, Caprini risk assessment model and Padua prediction scores were not useful tools for predicting VTE onset in patients with IBD.

Conclusion

In hospitalized patients with IBD, D‐dimer values were highly associated with VTE onset. Therefore, measurement of D‐dimer values on admission is critical for the management of thromboembolic complications in patients with IBD.
TaZIM‐A1 negatively regulates flowering time in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Liu Hong , Li Tian , Wang Yamei , Zheng Jun , Li Huifang , Hao Chenyang , Zhang Xueyong
Published: September 2018

Flowering time is a critical determinant of regional adaptation for crops and has strong effects on crop yields. Here, we report that TaZIM‐A1, an atypical GATA‐like transcription factor, is a negative regulator of flowering in wheat. TaZIM‐A1 possessed weak transcriptional repression activity, with its CCT domain functioning as the major inhibitory region. TaZIM‐A1 expression exhibited a typical circadian oscillation pattern under various light regimes. Overexpression of TaZIM‐A1 caused a delay in flowering time and a decrease in thousand‐kernel weight (TKW) in wheat under long‐day conditions. Moreover, TaZIM‐A1 directly bound to the promoters of TaCO‐1 and TaFT‐1 and downregulated their expression. Sequence analysis of a collection of common wheat cultivars identified three and two haplotypes for TaZIM‐A1 and TaZIM‐B1, respectively. Association analysis revealed that TaZIM‐A1‐HapI/‐HapIII and TaZIM‐B1‐HapI have undergone strong positive selection during modern wheat breeding, likely due to their association with earlier heading and higher TKW. Diagnostic markers were developed for these haplotypes that can be used for wheat cultivar improvement, via marker‐assisted breeding.
Mujeres Indígenas: ¿un actor político? ¿Una fórmula neoliberal?
Authors: Castelnuovo Natalia
Published: September 2018

Desde una perspectiva etnográfica, intento comprender las formas que asumen las políticas de desarrollo dirigidas a comunidades indígenas del norte argentino y vehiculizadas por ONGs, para centrar la atención en el proceso que dio lugar a la conformación de una organización de mujeres indígenas en su imbricación con agentes de desarrollo local. Para dar cuenta de las relaciones tensas y conflictivas entre estado, ONGs y comunidades indígenas se apela a la idea de ‘fricción’ que abarca la presencia simultánea de movimiento y resistencia, solidaridad y rechazo, autonomía y absorción. Atendiendo a los ‘riesgos y las potencialidades inesperadas’ que surgen en encuentros heterogéneos y desiguales, exploro en qué medida las relaciones y acciones promovidas por agentes de desarrollo pueden encuadrarse como meras intervenciones neoliberales, o si en cambio, puede considerarse que dan lugar a nuevas configuraciones de la cultura y el poder. Asumo que algunas intervenciones se convierten en prácticas más bien difusas, fragmentadas y dispersas y que esto da lugar a que en sus intersticios se generen condiciones adecuadas para disputar y confrontar el poder. Sin soslayar los efectos contradictorios y perversos que producen las intervenciones gubernamentales rutinizadas, busco poner de relieve los modos en que las personas se movilizan para resistir las verdades en nombre de las cuales se los gobierna y cambiar las condiciones en las que viven.
Deletion of exons encoding carboxypeptidase domain of Nna1 results in Purkinje cell degeneration (pcd) phenotype
Authors: Zhou Li , Hossain M. Ibrahim , Yamazaki Maya , Abe Manabu , Natsume Rie , Konno Kohtaro , Kageyama Shun , Komatsu Masaaki , Watanabe Masahiko , Sakimura Kenji , Takebayashi Hirohide
Published: September 2018

Purkinje cell degeneration (pcd) was first identified in a spontaneous mouse mutant showing cerebellar ataxia. In addition to cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs), retinal photoreceptors, mitral cells in the olfactory bulb, and a discrete subpopulation of thalamic neurons also degenerate in the mutant brains. The gene responsible for the pcd mutant is Nna1, also known as ATP/GTP binding protein 1 or cytosolic carboxypeptidase‐like 1, which encodes a zinc carboxypeptidase protein. To investigate pathogenesis of the pcd mutation in detail, we generated a conditional Nna1 allele targeting the carboxypeptidase domain at C‐terminus. After Cre recombination and heterozygous crossing, we generated Nna1 knockout (KO) mice and found that the Nna1 KO mice began to show cerebellar ataxia at postnatal day 20 (P20). Most PCs degenerated until 4‐week‐old, except lobule X. Activated microglia and astrocytes were also observed in the Nna1 KO cerebellum. In the mutant brain, the Nna1 mRNA level was dramatically reduced, suggesting that nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay occurs in it. Since the Nna1 protein acts as a de‐glutamatase on the C‐terminus of α‐tubulin and β‐tubulin, increased polyglutamylated tubulin was detected in the Nna1 KO cerebellum. In addition, the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), was up‐regulated in the mutant PCs. We report the generation of a functional Nna1 conditional allele and possible mechanisms of PC death in the Nna1 KO in the cerebellum.

Open Practices

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Activity‐dependent central nervous system myelination throughout life
Authors: de Faria Omar , Gonsalvez David G. , Nicholson Madeline , Xiao Junhua
Published: September 2018

Myelin, the multilayered membrane surrounding many axons in the nervous system, increases the speed by which electrical signals travel along axons and facilitates neuronal communication between distant regions of the nervous system. However, how neuronal signals influence the myelinating process in the CNS is still largely unclear. Recent studies have significantly advanced this understanding, identifying important roles for neuronal activity in controlling oligodendrocyte development and their capacity of producing myelin in both developing and mature CNS. Here, we review these recent advances, and discuss potential mechanisms underpinning activity‐dependent myelination and how remyelination may be stimulated via manipulating axonal activity, raising new questions for future research.

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The digital human forearm and hand
Authors: Kerkhof Faes D. , van Leeuwen Timo , Vereecke Evie E.
Published: September 2018

How changes in anatomy affect joint biomechanics can be studied using musculoskeletal modelling, making it a valuable tool to explore joint function in healthy and pathological joints. However, gathering the anatomical, geometrical and physiological data necessary to create a model can be challenging. Very few integrated datasets exist and even less raw data is openly available to create new models. Therefore, the goal of the present study is to create an integrated digital forearm and make the raw data available via an open‐access database. An un‐embalmed cadaveric arm was digitized using 7T MRI and CT scans. 3D geometrical models of bones, cartilage, muscle and muscle pathways were created. After MRI and CT scanning, physiological muscle parameters (e.g. muscle volume, mass, length, pennation angle, physiological cross‐sectional area, tendon length) were obtained via detailed dissection. After dissection, muscle biopsies were fixated and confocal microscopy was used to visualize and measure sarcomere lengths. This study provides an integrated anatomical dataset on which complete and accurate musculoskeletal models of the hand can be based. By creating a 3D digital human forearm, including all relevant anatomical parameters, a more realistic musculoskeletal model can be created. Furthermore, open access to the anatomical dataset makes it possible for other researchers to use these data in the development of a musculoskeletal model of the hand.
In vivo dynamic thermal imaging of skin radiofrequency treatment
Authors: Wilczyński Sławomir , Stolecka‐Warzecha Anna , Deda Anna , Koprowski Robert , Flasz Karolina , Błoński Bartosz , Musioł Małgorzata
Published: September 2018

In recent years, popularity of radiofrequency (RF) has increased significantly. They are characterized by a low risk of complications and relatively high effectiveness. RF use high‐frequency currents causing oscillating motion of ions resulting in temperature rise stimulating skin regeneration processes. The aim of this work was the thermographic evaluation of the skin exposed to RF of different intensity. The dynamic thermal imaging was used to study the temperature of the skin exposed to RF. The research was carried out in two locations with different adipose tissue content: abdomen (ROI1) and forearm (ROI2). In the ROI1 area, RF was applied at nominal power range from 250 to 1750 W, while in ROI2 area: from 250 to 1000 W. The obtained thermographic data were fitted to exponential functions. A clear dependence of obtained thermokinetic parameters with the anatomical location of exposure to RF was demonstrated. Thicker layer of adipose tissue directly under the skin resulted in obtaining higher maximum temperatures of the skin surface during the procedure (maximum obtained temperature equaled 40.8°C). The temperature of the skin under the head of the device does not translate to subjective patient experiences. In anatomic locations filled with less adipose tissue mass, tolerance to RF is much lower. The dynamics of skin temperature changes, after the RF treatment, can be described by means of a single exponential function where the key parameter is the time constant t1 defining the dynamics of skin temperature changes. The depth of the RF influence is slightly correlated with the RF power.
Comparison of novel dual mode vs conventional single pass of a 1450‐nm diode laser in the treatment of acne vulgaris for Korean patients: A 20‐week prospective, randomized, split‐face study
Authors: Kwon Hyuck Hoon , Choi Sun Chul , Jung Jae Yoon , Bae You In , Park Gyeong‐Hun
Published: September 2018

Background

Although a 1450‐nm diode laser has been shown to be effective for acne, the conventional high‐energy stamp‐only regimen is often associated with pain and hyperpigmentation, especially for dark‐skinned individuals.

Aims

To evaluate whether the novel dual regimen has clinical advantages for acne treatments compared with conventional regimen in Asian patients.

Patients and Methods

Twenty‐four Korean patients with facial acne were treated with a 1450‐nm diode laser through a 20‐week, randomized, split‐face study. The patients were treated with three consecutive sessions at 4‐week intervals. One half of the face received a dual regimen consisting of low‐fluence stamping mode (5‐6 J/cm2) for inflammatory acne lesions only, followed by 4‐5 passes of moving mode for the full face. The other side received a single‐pass treatment of conventional high‐fluence stamp mode (14‐15 J/cm2). Evaluations for acne, sebum secretion measurements, and safety profiles were performed.

Results

At the final 12‐week follow‐up evaluations, the dual‐mode side demonstrated better improvements in both inflammatory and noninflammatory lesion counts, acne severity assessments, and reduction in sebum secretion compared with stamp‐only side. Subjective satisfaction for the improvement for acne, seborrhea, and texture correlated well with objective assessments. In addition, degrees of pain and treatment‐related side effects were remarkably decreased in the novel dual mode.

Conclusion

This novel dual regimen of the 1450‐nm laser demonstrated improved efficacies for acne and seborrhea with satisfactory safety profiles. Therefore, this regimen would be a viable option for acne treatments either as monotherapy or as combination therapy.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement: The year in review 2017
Authors: Thakur Kamia , Nazif Tamim M. , Khalique Omar K. , Paradis Jean‐Michel , Harjai Kishore J.
Published: September 2018

This article is a continuation of our previously published annual reviews of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). In 2017, TAVR further established a foothold in the management of intermediate risk patients with the publication of SURTAVI trial. Randomized trials also addressed the use of cerebral protection during TAVR and single versus dual antiplatelet therapy after TAVR. Newer generation valve systems continued to be studied for their efficacy and safety. This paper summarizes the major studies published in 2017.
Effect of dietary supplementation with Yarrowia lipolytica or Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast and probiotic additives on growth performance, basic nutrients digestibility and biochemical blood profile in piglets
Authors: Czech Anna , Smolczyk Aleksandra , Grela Eugeniusz R. , Kiesz Martyna
Published: September 2018

The objective of the study was to compare the efficiency of dietary supplementation of two species of yeast, Yarrowia lipolytica (YL) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC), with or without the addition of a probiotic, on growth performance, basic nutrients digestibility and blood profile in piglets. The experiment was conducted on 360 weaned piglets (180 barrows and 180 gilts). Each treatment comprised 60 piglets. The piglets (27‐day‐old) were assigned to the following dietary treatments: (a) basal control (C) diet, (b) C diet + probiotic (Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis—2 × 109 CFU/kg of feed), (c) C diet + 3% Y. lipolytica (YL—2 × 1010 CFU/g), (d) C diet + 3%YL + probiotic, (e) C diet + 3% S. cerevisiae (SC—3 × 1010 CFU/g) and (f) C diet + 3% SC + probiotic. Blood for analysis was collected from a total of 36 piglets at the end of the experiment, that is, 56 days after weaning. During the entire experiment, significantly greater weight gain was observed in the piglets receiving YL. The addition of the probiotic supplement and SC yeast reduced the daily feed intake during day 16–56 and from day 0 to 56 of the experiment. A better feed conversion ratio (FCR) during day 0–56 of the experiment was noted after addition of the probiotic and yeast. The use of YL yeast in diets for piglets had a more beneficial effect on weight gain and FCR than SC. Moreover, the addition of YL modulates lipid metabolism in piglets, as indicated by the reduced levels of TCH, LDL and TG and increased level of HDL in the plasma. The combined use of either YL or SC with a probiotic is not recommended in piglet rearing, as it does not substantially improve growth performance and health in comparison with yeast alone.
New pollen classification of Chenopodiaceae for exploring and tracing desert vegetation evolution in eastern arid central Asia
Authors: Lu Kai‐Qing , Li Min , Wang Guo‐Hong , Xu Lian‐Sheng , Ferguson David K. , Trivedi Anjali , Xuan Jing , Feng Ying , Li Jin‐Feng , Xie Gan , Yao Yi‐Feng , Wang Yu‐Fei
Published: September 2018

Members of the Chenopodiaceae are the most dominant elements in the central Asian desert. The different genera and species within this family are common in desert vegetation types. Should it prove possible to link pollen types in this family to specific desert vegetation, it would be feasible to trace vegetation successions in the geological past. Nevertheless, the morphological similarity of pollen grains in the Chenopodiaceae rarely permits identification at the generic level. Although some pollen classifications of Chenopodiaceae have been proposed, none of them tried to link pollen types to specific desert vegetation types in order to explore their ecological significance. Based on the pollen morphological characters of 13 genera and 24 species within the Chenopodiaceae of eastern central Asia, we provide a new pollen classification of this family with six pollen types and link them to those plant communities dominated by Chenopodiaceae, for example, temperate dwarf semi‐arboreal desert (Haloxylon type), temperate succulent halophytic dwarf semi‐shrubby desert (Suaeda, Kalidium, and Atriplex types), temperate annual graminoid desert (Kalidium type), temperate semi‐shrubby and dwarf semi‐shrubby desert (Kalidium, Iljini, and Haloxylon types), and alpine cushion dwarf semi‐shrubby desert (Krascheninnikovia type). These findings represent a new approach for detecting specific desert vegetation types and deciphering ecosystem evolution in eastern central Asia.
Inter‐ and intraspecific differences in leaf beetle attachment on rigid and compliant substrates
Authors: Voigt D. , de Souza E. J. , Kovalev A. , Gorb S.
Published: September 2018

The influence of substrate stiffness on the attachment ability of insects has been largely neglected so far. In the present study, traction experiments with adult beetles Gastrophysa viridula and Leptinotarsa decemlineata were carried out to study the influence of smooth, non‐structured surfaces, having different stiffness, on beetle attachment. Force measurements were performed with tethered walking adult insects, both males and females, intact and after removal of claws, on hydrophilic (normal) and hydrophobic (silanized) glass and four polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates ranging from 0.3 to 20 MPa in elastic modulus. Adult G. viridula generated higher safety factors (force/body weight) than L. decemlineata, 4.6–54.0 and 0.5–15.8 (min.–max.) respectively. The results show that the amputation of claws had no significant influence on the force generation by beetles on these smooth substrates. Males and females of both species performed best on stiffer surfaces having elastic moduli larger than 5 MPa. On the softer substrates, forces and safety factors significantly decreased. This effect was more prominent in L. decemlineata compared to the ten times lighter G. viridula. Since some natural substrates are rather soft, it is assumed that the effect of decrease in attachment ability of leaf beetles on soft substrata is of potential importance for the biology of leaf beetles.