bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuromuscular Adaptations in Elderly Adults Are Task-Specific during Stepping and Obstacle Clearance Tasks
Authors: Bice Matthew , Hanson Nicholas , Eldridge James , Reneau Paul , Powell Douglas
Published: September 2024

Elderly adults have a diminished movement capacity due to physiological and neurological declines associated with advancing age. Previous research suggests that elderly adults use altered neuromuscular patterns to conduct activities of daily living (ADLs). Limited research has addressed these altered activation strategies in obstacle clearance, stair ascent and stair descent. The purpose of this study was to compare neuromuscular activation patterns in young and elderly adults during these tasks. Eleven young and 10 healthy elderly adults performed five downward stepping, upward stepping and obstacle clearance trials. Surface EMG was measured from the quadriceps, hamstrings, gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles. A 2x3 (group x condition) repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine significant differences in muscle activation intensity. An apriori alpha level was set at p<0.05. The results showed that elderly adults exhibited greater activation intensity than the young adults in all movement conditions. The significant differences in muscle activation intensity in the elderly adults were limited to the musculature driving the tested movement. The findings of the current study support previous research that elderly adults perform ADLs at a greater relative intensity than young adults. Furthermore, the current study shows that the disproportionate increase in muscle activation intensity is limited to the muscles that functionally drive the required task.
Cadence, Stride Rate and Stride Length During Triathlon Competition
Authors: Landers Grant , Blanksby Brian , Ackland Timothy
Published: September 2024

Triathlon research shows cycling alters the physiological response of subsequent running but, at present, biomechanical changes are unresolved. This study examined cycling cadence and running stride rate (SR) and length (SL) used by senior elite triathletes during competition. These variables were then compared to running and triathlon performance. Data from 51 elite male World Championships triathletes were analysed via video recordings and Video Expert II Coach. Triathletes revealed consistent cadences throughout the majority of the cycle (96.8 +2.7 rpm) and run (90.9 +2.4 rpm) disciplines. However, a cadence increase (99.6 +5.7 rpm) was recorded at the completion of the cycle prior to running. Running SR and SL was significantly lower at the end of the run indicating a level of fatigue (p<0.01). Running SL was significantly and positively correlated with running and triathlon performance (p<0.01) suggesting those that could maintain a longer SL had a faster run and better final finishing position.
Accuracy of the Omron HBF-500 Body Composition Monitor in Male and Female College Students
Authors: Pribyl Michael , Smith John , Grimes Richard
Published: September 2024

The Omron HBF-500 is an inexpensive body composition monitor that incorporates both hand-to-hand and foot-to-foot electrical impedance technology. At this time, studies examining the accuracy of the HBF-500 when estimating percent body fat (%BF) are scarce and if this instrument gains popularity due to its claimed precision, comparisons against validated techniques should be conducted. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of the Omron HBF-500 body composition monitor using the BOD POD as a criterion. Forty-eight men and 33 women participated in the study (24.3±6.9 years, 171.0±10.0 cm, 78.4±18.0 kg, 26.6±5.1 kg/m2). Participants were asked to refrain from exercise and caffeine on the day of testing, not eat a heavy meal three hours prior to measurement (a meal that would typically constitute breakfast, lunch or dinner), and to remain normally hydrated. Participants removed all jewelry and garments down to skintight clothing such as swimsuits or cycling shorts and were assessed on the BOD POD and Omron according to manufacturer’s guidelines. The Omron significantly overestimated %BF compared to the BOD POD in males (24.4±8.0 % and 22.9±9.1 %, respectively), and females (35.5±7.7 % and 30.1±7.9 %), p = .001. The Omron was significantly correlated with the BOD POD when assessing body fat, r= .95. The estimates of %BF produced by the BOD POD and HBF-500 differ considerably. Consequently, caution should be taken when using the Omron HBF-500 as a measure of body fat. However, given the difference of only 1.5% BF between the two methods, perhaps males could use the HBF-500 to gain a general idea of body composition status. For females, the degree of overestimation is too high to be suitable for this purpose and incorrect categorization of %BF status could result. In cases where an accurate estimate of %BF is crucial, using a more established method than the Omron is recommended.
Call Accuracy and Distance from the Play: A Study with Brazilian Soccer Referees
Authors: Oliveira Mario , Orbetelli Rogério , Neto Turíbio
Published: September 2024

Refereeing decisions in soccer has always been a controversial issue. In order to better understand this subject, foul calls made by Brazilian soccer referees were evaluated to determine the potential relationship between the distance from the referee to a foul play and the accuracy of the call. Soccer matches supervised by the São Paulo State Football Federation were recorded and 321 foul calls were analyzed. No significant association was found between the referee’s distance from a foul play and accuracy of the call (p = 0.561). However, there was a significant increase in the number of correct calls in the last 15 minutes of the second half compared with the number of correct calls in the first 30 minutes of the same half (p = 0.003).
Comparison between Anterior Nasal Space (ANS) Packing Versus Trans-septal Suturing Method after Septoplasty
Authors: Islam M S
Published: September 2024

Objective: The trans-septal suturing method has been developed in septoplasty as an alternative to packing. This study was carried out to compare the postoperative results of trans-septal suturing with the Anterior Nasal Space packing technique on selected variables of interest (pain, hemorrhage, complications, perforation & hematoma).

Method: This was a Cross sectional comparative study carried out in department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery of Sir Salimullah medical college and Mitford hospital, Dhaka. The study involved 60 patients who underwent septoplasty. Following surgery, patients were randomly divided into two groups, one with trans-septal suturing and the other with ANS packing. Patients were interviewed to record pain levels using a visual analogue scale. Postoperative symptoms and complications were compared.

Result: A total of 60 nasal operations were evaluated in the postoperative period considering pain, bleeding, hematoma, nasal synechiae and septal perforation. The results for hemorrhage, hematoma, synechiae and perforation were not statistically different (p > 0.05) between groups. In contrast, the level of postoperative pain in patients undergoing trans-septal suturing was significantly less than in the group who received Anterior Nasal Space Packing (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Patients with ANS packing had significantly more pain and nasal discomfort as assessed one week after intervention. Therefore, the trans-septal suturing technique may be considered the preferred option to provide higher patient satisfaction.
Community Based Medical Education: An Approach and Challenges towards Deep Learning
Authors: Asaduzzaman A K M
Published: September 2024

The goal of medical education is to produce such graduates who is an educated, human person, who demonstrate a capacity forcontinuing self-education, who shows evidence of having sufficient knowledge & understanding, skills and attitudes to takesome responsibility, the standard of medical education must be relate to the level of performance and expertise of the country.Medical education must be relevant to the needs of the society in which it exists. The health needs are changing rapidly in manysocieties, so the medical education policy must be responsive to the changing needs. Community Based Medical Education(CBME) is now recognized as an important addition to the methods available in medical education in the community becausethe skills of the graduates are needed in the community more than tertiary hospital. Unfortunately medical education as it ispractical in most of educational institution for the health professions is quite skewed forward the live of individuals in tertiarycare whose problems represents only the tip of the ice berg of the prevailing community. Community Based Education CBE) isclosely related to but not the same as Community Oriented Medical Education (COME). The distinction between communityoriented & community based education is not very clear. Community oriented medical education is a type of training of healthpersonnel that focuses on both population groups and individuals and that takes into account the health needs of the communityconcerned. It refers to the objectives of the school and their relevance to community health needs. Those objectives arereflected in the content of the curriculum. This means that the subject studied by the students has direct relevance with regard tothe priority health problems of the society for which these students are trained. Community based education on the other hand,refers to learning activities that take place in a particulars setting the community setting. This review article is an attempt toexplore the idea of CBE types & approaches, its principles, importance & advantages including its implementation challenges,difficulties & constraints. The paper will also explore the matter of CBE planning considerations as well as criteria's for siteselection in addition to student's assessment procedures in particular. Several problems creating in approaches & classifyingCBE has also been explored adequately.
The Hiddean Hunger
Authors: Biswas BK
Published: September 2024

Pediatricians have becoming familiar not very infrequentlywith the scenario that an apparently healthy child beingtested for a complete blood count for other clinicalconditions showing moderate to very low Hb% level, laterdiagnosed due to Iron deficiency. When the fact is exposedthe parents reacts with an exclamation because of theirstatement have been offering very nutritious foods (e.g.meats, eggs, polaou / biriany, very costly items from luxuryrestaurants and JUNC foods etc) to their kids, thennutritional anemia occurred. This is one of the verycommon examples of Hidden Hunger in mid-incomegroups. The cause of this condition in the children belongsto low income group is obvious.

The children who are not growing and as well as notdeveloping well, are the victims of apparently silent butsteadily progressing, of the three strands of the tripleburden of Malnutrition that is rapidly emerging incommunities around the world. Globally almost 200hundred million children under 5 suffer from stunting,wasting, or both and at least 340 million from hiddenhunger of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. At the sametime, 40 million children under 5 are overweight and thetoll from overweight and obesity keeps rising, even inlower-income countries. These patterns reflect a profoundtriple burden of malnutrition that threatens the survival,growth and development children and nations
Incidence of reproductive pathogens in breeding pigs in the Republic of Srpska
Authors: Savić Đorđe , Jotanović Stoja , Čolović Srđan , Sladojević Željko , Kasagić Dragan
Published: September 2024

The aim of the study was to examine the incidence of reproductive pathogens in the breeding pig populations on selected farms in the Republic of Srpska. The study included a total of 11 farms from the territory of the Republic of Srpska (Bijeljina - 4, Gradiška - 3, Prnjavor - 2, Foča - 1, Ljubinje - 1), from which a total of 50 blood samples of breeding sows and boars were taken. All blood samples were serologically negative for the causative agents of leptospirosis and brucellosis. The presence of the PRRS virus was found on 54.55% of examined farms and 40% of blood samples, circovirus on 81.18% farms and 66% blood samples, and Aujecki's disease virus on 9.09% of the farms and 10% of blood samples. The results of this study indicate the presence of mixed infections with the mentioned causative agents, which results in an unclear clinical picture in the pigs on the examined farms, as well as the need to implement systematic monitoring and active surveillance of these diseases, with the aim of reducing their negative impact on the production and reproductive parameters of pigs. Also, the results of this study indicate an insufficient level of knowledge and awareness of farmers about the importance of applying preventive measures in controlling the presence of the mentioned and other pathogens in farm pigs, and in the following period it is necessary to work on educating farmers in this regard.
Prophage-encoded Hm-oscar gene recapitulates Wolbachia-induced male killing in the tea tortrix moth Homona magnanima
Authors: Arai Hiroshi , Katsuma Susumu , Matsuda-Imai Noriko , Lin Shiou-Ruei , Inoue Maki N , Kageyama Daisuke
Published: September 2024

Wolbachia
are maternally transmitted bacterial symbionts that are ubiquitous among arthropods. They can hijack host reproduction in various ways, including male killing (MK), where the sons of infected mothers are killed during development. The recent discovery of MK-associated
Wolbachia
genes, i.e.,
oscar
in
Ostrinia
moths and
wmk
in
Drosophila
flies, stimulates our interest in the diversity and commonality of MK mechanisms, which remain largely unclear. We recently discovered that a
Wolbachia
symbiont of the moth
Homona magnanima
carries an MK-associated prophage region encoding homologs of
oscar
(
Hm-oscar
) and
wmk
(
wmk-
1–4). Here, we investigated the effects of these genes in the native host. Upon transient overexpression,
Hm-oscar
, but not
wmk
, induced male lethality in
H. magnanima
, in contrast to our observations in
Drosophila
, where the
wmk
homologs, but not
Hm-oscar
, killed the males.
Hm-oscar
disrupted sex determination in male embryos by inducing a female-type
doublesex
splicing and impaired dosage compensation, recapitulating the
Wolbachia
phenotype. Cell-based transfection assays confirmed that
Hm-oscar
suppressed the function of
masculinizer
, the primary male sex determinant involved in lepidopteran dosage compensation. Our study highlights the conserved roles of
oscar
homologs in
Wolbachia
-induced lepidopteran MK and argues that
Wolbachia
have evolved multiple MK mechanisms in insects.
Prophage-encoded Hm-oscar gene recapitulates Wolbachia-induced male killing in the tea tortrix moth Homona magnanima
Authors: Arai Hiroshi , Katsuma Susumu , Matsuda-Imai Noriko , Lin Shiou-Ruei , Inoue Maki N , Kageyama Daisuke
Published: September 2024

Wolbachia
are the maternally transmitted bacterial symbionts that are ubiquitous among arthropods. They can hijack host reproduction in various ways, including male killing (MK), where the sons of infected mothers are killed during development. The recent discovery of MK-associated
Wolbachia
genes, i.e.,
oscar
in
Ostrinia
moths and
wmk
in
Drosophila
flies, stimulates our interest in the diversity and commonality of MK mechanisms, which remain largely unclear. We recently discovered that a
Wolbachia
symbiont of the moth
Homona magnanima
carries an MK-associated prophage region encoding homologs of
oscar
(
Hm-oscar
) and
wmk
(
wmk-
1–4). Here, we investigated the effects of these genes in the native host. Upon transient overexpression,
Hm-oscar
, but not
wmk
, induced male lethality in
H. magnanima
, in contrast to our observations in
Drosophila
, where the
wmk
homologs, but not
Hm-oscar
, killed the males.
Hm-oscar
disrupted sex determination in male embryos by inducing a female-type
doublesex
splicing and impaired dosage compensation, recapitulating the
Wolbachia
phenotype. Cell-based transfection assays confirmed that
Hm-oscar
suppressed the function of
masculinizer
, the upstream male sex determinant involved in lepidopteran dosage compensation. Our study highlights the conserved roles of
oscar
homologs in
Wolbachia
-induced lepidopteran MK and argues that
Wolbachia
have evolved multiple MK mechanisms in insects.
The protein domains of vertebrate species in which selection is more effective have greater intrinsic structural disorder
Authors: Weibel Catherine A , Wheeler Andrew L , James Jennifer E , Willis Sara M , McShea Hanon , Masel Joanna
Published: September 2024

The nearly neutral theory of molecular evolution posits variation among species in the effectiveness of selection. In an idealized model, the census population size determines both this minimum magnitude of the selection coefficient required for deleterious variants to be reliably purged, and the amount of neutral diversity. Empirically, an ‘effective population size’ is often estimated from the amount of putatively neutral genetic diversity and is assumed to also capture a species’ effectiveness of selection. A potentially more direct measure of the effectiveness of selection is the degree to which selection maintains preferred codons. However, past metrics that compare codon bias across species are confounded by among-species variation in %GC content and/or amino acid composition. Here, we propose a new Codon Adaptation Index of Species (CAIS), based on Kullback–Leibler divergence, that corrects for both confounders. We demonstrate the use of CAIS correlations, as well as the Effective Number of Codons, to show that the protein domains of more highly adapted vertebrate species evolve higher intrinsic structural disorder.
Intergenerational transport of double-stranded RNA in C. elegans can limit heritable epigenetic changes
Authors: Shugarts Devanapally Nathan M , Sathya Aishwarya , Yi Andrew L , Chan Winnie M , Marre Julia A , Jose Antony M
Published: September 2024

RNAs in circulation carry sequence-specific regulatory information between cells in plant, animal, and host-pathogen systems. Such RNA can cross generational boundaries, as evidenced by somatic double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans silencing genes of matching sequence in progeny. Here we dissect the intergenerational path taken by dsRNA from parental circulation and discover that cytosolic import through the dsRNA importer SID-1 in the parental germline and/or developing progeny varies with developmental time and dsRNA substrates. Loss of SID-1 enhances initiation of heritable RNA silencing within the germline and causes changes in the expression of the sid-1-dependent gene sdg-1 that last for more than 100 generations after restoration of SID-1. The SDG-1 protein is enriched in perinuclear germ granules required for heritable RNA silencing but is expressed from a retrotransposon targeted by such silencing. This auto-inhibitory loop suggests how retrotransposons could persist by hosting genes that regulate their own silencing.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) are associated with the PI3K-AKT pathway activation
Authors: Lin Wenjing , Wang Yuting , Zheng Lei
Published: September 2024

Aims

We aimed to elucidate the mechanism leading to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA).

Background

PCOS is an endocrine disorder. Patients with RSA also have a high incidence rate of PCOS, implying that PCOS and RSA may share the same pathological mechanism.

Objective

The single-cell RNA-seq datasets of PCOS (GSE168404 and GSE193123) and RSA GSE113790 and GSE178535) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database.

Methods

Datasets of PSCO and RSA patients were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The “WGCNA” package was used to determine the module eigengenes associated with the PCOS and RSA phenotypes and the gene functions were analyzed using the “DAVID” database. The GSEA analysis was performed in “clusterProfiler” package, and key genes in the activated pathways were identified using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was conducted to determine the mRNA level. Cell viability and apoptosis were measured by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry, respectively.

Results

The modules related to PCOS and RSA were sectioned by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and positive correlation modules of PCOS and RSA were all enriched in angiogenesis and Wnt pathways. The GSEA further revealed that these biological processes of angiogenesis, Wnt and regulation of cell cycle were significantly positively correlated with the PCOS and RSA phenotypes. The intersection of the positive correlation modules of PCOS and RSA contained 80 key genes, which were mainly enriched in kinase-related signal pathways and were significant high-expressed in the disease samples. Subsequently, visualization of these genes including PDGFC, GHR, PRLR and ITGA3 showed that these genes were associated with the PI3K-AKT signal pathway. Moreover, the experimental results showed that PRLR had a higher expression in KGN cells, and that knocking PRLR down suppressed cell viability and promoted apoptosis of KGN cells.

Conclusion

This study revealed the common pathological mechanisms between PCOS and RSA and explored the role of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in the two diseases, providing a new direction for the clinical treatment of PCOS and RSA.
Widespread occurrence of fecal indicator bacteria in oligotrophic tropical streams. Are common culture-based coliform tests appropriate?
Authors: Chavarria Karina , Batista Jorge , Saltonstall Kristin
Published: September 2024

Monitoring of stream water quality is a key element of water resource management worldwide, but methods that are commonly used in temperate habitats may not be appropriate in humid tropical systems. We assessed the influence of four land uses on microbial water quality in 21 streams in the Panama Canal Watershed over a one-year period, using a common culture-based fecal indicator test and 16S rDNA metabarcoding. Each stream was located within one of four land uses: mature forest, secondary forest, silvopasture, and traditional cattle pasture. Culturing detected total coliforms and Escherichia coli across all sites but found no significant differences in concentrations between land uses. However, 16S rDNA metabarcoding revealed variability in the abundance of coliforms across land uses and several genera that can cause false positives in culture-based tests. Our results indicate that culture-based fecal indicator bacteria tests targeting coliforms may be poor indicators of fecal contamination in Neotropical oligotrophic streams and suggest that tests targeting members of the Bacteroidales would provide a more reliable indication of fecal contamination.
Impact of project leaders’ emotional intelligence on project management and employees
Authors: Langowski Gisela Astrid Bello Gomes , Freitas Beatriz Cristina de
Published: September 2024

Although the literature on emotional intelligence has been investigated for many years, little is still known about the impact of leaders' emotional intelligence on employees. The synthesis of evidence on this topic will allow managers to better understand the topic. In this way, the objective was to analyze the impacts of the emotional intelligence of the manager, project leader, on the performance of employees through scientific literature. A scoping review was carried out in accordance with the Joana Brigs Institute. 1,334 articles were found, of which 25 were included in this review. Research carried out in 19 different countries and involving 7,400 participants was identified. The studies involved research in different areas of knowledge, among which health, administration and education stood out. The impacts of project management leaders' emotional intelligence on their employees mainly involved job satisfaction. Furthermore, improvements in team harmony and engagement, team effectiveness, development and retention of talented team members, improvements in performance, prevention of team burnout and stress, facilitating the achievement of goals were highlighted. Organizational structures and the construction of meaningful and trusting relationships, which promote the ability to resolve conflicts between team members and interested parties. It is concluded that the emotional intelligence of the project management leader plays an important role in the performance and satisfaction of employees and in the success of projects.
Micronutrient Formulations for Cocoa on the DTPA Extractable Micronutrient Status in Coconut Intercropping Systems
Authors: Sudhalakshmi C. , Lekhavarshinee J.
Published: September 2024

Cocoa is an inevitable intercrop of coconut plantations in southern states of India. Micronutrient deficiency in cocoa plantations is a potential yield depressing factor which warrants immediate attention. Ubiquitous deficiency of micronutrients is noticed to the tune of 17% of DTPA Fe, DTPA Mn in 7.5%, DTPA Zn in 71.2% and DTPA Cu in 32.5% in the cocoa growing locations. Hence micronutrient mixture was developed at Coconut Research Station, Aliyarnagar so as to elicit the impact of application of micronutrient mixture on DTPA extractable micronutrient status and on the productivity of cocoa. Experiments included testing various grades of micronutrient formulations applied in soil along with foliar spray. Results revealed that micronutrient mixture grade 3 resulted in higher available DTPA status by 10-35% compared to other formulations. However grade 3 showed higher status of DTPA extractable micronutrients and it showed statistical parlance with grade 4. Foliar application of micronutrients did not create noteworthy impact on soil fertility status.
Constraints on an exosphere at Ceres from Hubble Space Telescope observations
Authors: Roth Lorenz , Ivchenko Nickolay , Retherford Kurt D. , Cunningham Nathaniel J. , Feldman Paul D. , Saur Joachim , Spencer John R. , Strobel Darrell F.
Published: March 2016

We report far ultraviolet observations of Ceres obtained with the Cosmic Origin Spectrograph (COS) of the Hubble Space Telescope in the search for atomic emissions from an exosphere. The derived brightnesses at the oxygen lines at 1304 Å and 1356 Å are consistent with zero signals within the 1σ propagated statistical uncertainties. The OI 1304 Å brightness of 0.12 ± 0.20 Rayleighs can be explained by solar resonant scattering from an atomic oxygen column density of (8.2 ± 13.4) × 1010 cm−2. Assuming that O is produced by photodissociation of H2O, we derive an upper limit for H2O abundance and compare it to previous observations. Our upper limit is well above the expected O brightness for a tenuous sublimated H2O exosphere, but it suggests that H2O production with a rate higher than 4 × 1026 molecules s−1 was not present at the time of the COS observation. Additionally, we derive an extremely low geometric albedo of ∼1% in the 1300 Å to 1400 Å range.
New insight of Arctic cloud parameterization from regional climate model simulations, satellite‐based, and drifting station data
Authors: Klaus D. , Dethloff K. , Dorn W. , Rinke A. , Wu D. L.
Published: March 2016

Cloud observations from the CloudSat and CALIPSO satellites helped to explain the reduced total cloud cover (Ctot) in the atmospheric regional climate model HIRHAM5 with modified cloud physics. Arctic climate conditions are found to be better reproduced with (1) a more efficient Bergeron‐Findeisen process and (2) a more generalized subgrid‐scale variability of total water content. As a result, the annual cycle of Ctot is improved over sea ice, associated with an almost 14% smaller area average than in the control simulation. The modified cloud scheme reduces the Ctot bias with respect to the satellite observations. Except for autumn, the cloud reduction over sea ice improves low‐level temperature profiles compared to drifting station data. The HIRHAM5 sensitivity study highlights the need for improving accuracy of low‐level (<700 m) cloud observations, as these clouds exert a strong impact on the near‐surface climate.
Coupling of charged particles via Coulombic interactions: Numerical simulations and resultant kappa‐like velocity space distribution functions
Authors: Randol Brent M. , Christian Eric R.
Published: March 2016

A parametric study is performed using the electrostatic simulations of Randol and Christian () in which the number density, n, and initial thermal speed, θ, are varied. The range of parameters covers an extremely broad plasma regime, all the way from the very weak coupling of space plasmas to the very strong coupling of solid plasmas. The first result is that simulations at the same ΓD, where ΓD (
n1/3θ−2) is the plasma coupling parameter, but at different combinations of n and θ, behave exactly the same. As a function of ΓD, the form of p(v), the velocity distribution function of v, the magnitude of v, the velocity vector, is studied. For intermediate to high ΓD, heating is observed in p(v) that obeys conservation of energy, and a suprathermal tail is formed, with a spectral index that depends on ΓD. For strong coupling (ΓD≫1), the form of the tail is v−5, consistent with the findings of Randol and Christian (). For weak coupling (ΓD≪1), no acceleration or heating occurs, as there is no free energy. The dependence on N, the number of particles in the simulation, is also explored. There is a subtle dependence in the index of the tail, such that v−5 appears to be the
limit.
Volcanic ash as an oceanic iron source and sink
Authors: Rogan Nicholas , Achterberg Eric P. , Le Moigne Frédéric A. C. , Marsay Chris M. , Tagliabue Alessandro , Williams Richard G.
Published: March 2016

Volcanic ash deposition to the ocean forms a natural source of iron (Fe) to surface water microbial communities. Inputs of lithogenic material may also facilitate Fe removal through scavenging. Combining dissolved Fe (dFe) and thorium‐234 observations alongside modeling, we investigate scavenging of Fe in the North Atlantic following the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption. Under typical conditions biogenic particles dominate scavenging, whereas ash particles dominate during the eruption. The size of particles is important as smaller scavenging particles can become saturated with surface‐associated ions. Model simulations indicate that ash deposition associated with Eyjafjallajökull likely led to net Fe removal. Our model suggests a threefold greater stimulation of biological activity if ash deposition had occurred later in the growing season when the region was Fe limited. The implications of ash particle scavenging, eruption timing, and particle saturation need to be considered when assessing the impact of ash deposition on the ocean Fe cycle and productivity.
A comparative proteomics study of a synovial cell line stimulated with TNF‐α
Authors: Shibasaki Seiji , Karasaki Miki , Aburaya Shunsuke , Morisaka Hironobu , Takeda Yumiko , Aoki Wataru , Kitano Sachie , Kitano Masayasu , Ueda Mitsuyoshi , Sano Hajime , Iwasaki Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2016

To elucidate the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we used proteomic analysis to determine the protein profile in a synovial cell line, MH7A, established from patients with RA. Proteins were extracted from MH7A cells that were or were not stimulated with tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and then analyzed on a liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry system equipped with a unique long monolithic silica capillary. On the basis of the results of this proteomic analysis, we identified 2650 proteins from untreated MH7A cells and 2688 proteins from MH7A cells stimulated with TNF‐α. Next, we selected 269 differentially produced proteins that were detected only under TNF‐α stimulation, and classified these proteins by performing gene ontology analysis by using DAVID as a functional annotation tool. In TNF‐α‐stimulated MH7A cells, we observed substantial production of plasminogen‐activator inhibitor 2 and apoptosis‐regulating proteins such as BH3‐interacting domain death agonist, autophagy protein 5, apolipoprotein E, and caspase‐3. These results indicate that the upregulation of plasminogen‐activator inhibitor 2 and apoptosis‐regulating proteins in synovial cells in response to TNF‐α stimulation might represent a predominant factor that contributes to the pathogenesis of RA.
Tattooing to “Toughen up”: Tattoo experience and secretory immunoglobulin A
Authors: Lynn Christopher D. , Dominguez Johnna T. , DeCaro Jason A.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

A costly signaling model suggests tattooing inoculates the immune system to heightened vigilance against stressors associated with soft tissue damage. We sought to investigate this “inoculation hypothesis” of tattooing as a costly honest signal of fitness. We hypothesized that the immune system habituates to the tattooing stressor in repeatedly tattooed individuals and that immune response to the stress of the tattooing process would correlate with lifetime tattoo experience.

Methods

Participants were 24 women and 5 men (aged 18–47). We measured immune function using secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and cortisol (sCORT) in saliva collected before and after tattoo sessions. We measured tattoo experience as a sum of number of tattoos, lifetime hours tattooed, years since first tattoo, percent of body covered, and number of tattoo sessions. We predicted an inverse relationship between SIgA and sCORT and less SIgA immunosuppression among those with more tattoo experience. We used hierarchical multiple regression to test for a main effect of tattoo experience on post‐tattoo SIgA, controlling for pretest SIgA, tattoo session duration, body mass, and the interaction between tattoo experience and test session duration.

Results

The regression model was significant (P = 0.006) with a large effect size (r2 = 0.711) and significant and positive main (P = 0.03) and interaction effects (P = 0.014).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the body habituates over time to the tattooing stressor. It is possible that individuals with healthy immune systems heal faster, making them more likely to get multiple tattoos. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:603–609, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Importance of the geographic barriers to promote gene drift and avoid pre‐ and post‐Columbian gene flow in Mexican native groups: Evidence from forensic STR Loci
Authors: Rangel‐Villalobos Héctor , Martínez‐Sevilla Víctor Manuel , Martínez‐Cortés Gabriela , Aguilar‐Velázquez José Alonso , Sosa‐Macías Martha , Rubi‐Castellanos Rodrigo , González‐Martín Antonio
Published: March 2016

Objective

To analyze the origin, structure, relationships, and recent admixture in Mexican Native groups based on 15 STRs commonly used in human identification.

Methods

We analyzed 39 Mexican Native population samples using STR databases based on the AmpFlSTR® Identifiler kit (n = 3,135), including Mexican‐Mestizos (admixed), European and African populations, as reference.

Results

Based upon effective population size (Ne) differences, Native groups were clustered into three regions: i) Center‐Southeast groups, characterized by larger Ne, migration rate (Nm), genetic diversity (He), and relative homogeneity principally in the Yucatan Peninsula; ii) Isolated southern groups from Chiapas and Oaxaca, characterized by lower Ne, Nm, and He (i.e. higher isolation and genetic differentiation); iii) North‐Northwest groups, which are similar to the previous group but are characterized by generating the widest gene flow barrier in the Pre‐Hispanic Mexican territory, and currently by elevated admixture in some northern Native groups. Despite the relative congruence between genetic relationships with cultural, linguistic, geographic criteria, these factors do not explain the present‐day population structure of Native groups, excepting in those linguistically related to the Mayan that show higher homogeneity. The Isolation by distance model was demonstrated at long distances (>1,500 km), whereas geographic isolation stands as a determining factor to avoid both non‐indigenous admixture and bottleneck processes.

Conclusions

Different dynamics of gene flow and drift were observed among Mexican Native groups, highlighting the geographic barriers (mountains, canyons and jungle regions) as the main factor differentiating Pre‐Hispanic populations, and eventually helping to avoid Post‐European contact admixture and population bottleneck. Am J Phys Anthropol 160:298–316, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Toll‐like Receptor 9 Signaling Is Augmented in Systemic Sclerosis and Elicits Transforming Growth Factor β–Dependent Fibroblast Activation
Authors: Fang Feng , Marangoni Roberta Goncalves , Zhou Xingchun , Yang Yang , Ye Boping , Shangguang Anna , Qin Wenjie , Wang Wenxia , Bhattacharyya Swati , Wei Jun , Tourtellotte Warren G. , Varga John
Published: March 2016

Objective

Although transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is recognized as being a key trigger of fibroblast activation in systemic sclerosis (SSc), prominent innate immunity suggests that additional pathways contribute to disease persistence. Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9) is implicated in autoimmunity and fibrosis; however, the expression, mechanism of action, and pathogenic role of TLR9 signaling in SSc remain uncharacterized. The aim of this study was to explore the expression, activity, and potential pathogenic role of TLR9 in the context of skin fibrosis in SSc and in mouse models of experimental fibrosis.

Methods

Expression and localization of TLR9 were evaluated in SSc skin biopsy specimens and explanted skin fibroblasts. Fibrotic responses elicited by type A CpG oligonucleotide and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were examined in human skin fibroblasts by a combination of real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, transient transfection, immunofluorescence microscopy, and functional assays. Expression of TLR9 was examined in 2 distinct mouse models of experimental fibrosis.

Results

Skin biopsy specimens obtained from 2 independent cohorts of SSc patients showed up‐regulation of TLR9, and myofibroblasts were the major cellular source. Moreover, SSc skin biopsy specimens showed evidence of TLR9 pathway activation. CpG induced robust TLR9‐dependent fibrotic responses in explanted normal fibroblasts that could be blocked by bortezomib and were mediated through the action of endogenous TGFβ. Mice with experimental fibrosis showed a time‐dependent increase in TLR9 localized primarily to myofibroblasts in the dermis.

Conclusion

In isolated fibroblasts, TLR9 elicits fibrotic responses mediated via endogenous TGFβ. In patients with SSc, mtDNA and other damage‐associated TLR9 ligands in the skin might trigger localized activation of TLR9 signaling, TGFβ production, and consequent fibroblast activation. Disrupting this fibrotic process with inhibitors targeting TLR9 or its downstream signaling pathways might therefore represent a novel approach to SSc therapy.
Platelet‐Derived S100A8/A9 and Cardiovascular Disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Lood Christian , Tydén Helena , Gullstrand Birgitta , Jönsen Andreas , Källberg Eva , Mörgelin Matthias , Kahn Robin , Gunnarsson Iva , Leanderson Tomas , Ivars Fredrik , Svenungsson Elisabet , Bengtsson Anders A.
Published: March 2016

Objective

Levels of S100A8/A9, a proinflammatory and prothrombotic protein complex, are increased in several diseases, and high levels predispose to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recently, platelet S100A8/A9 synthesis was described in mice and humans in relation to CVD. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of platelet S100A8/A9 in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease with markedly increased cardiovascular morbidity, as well as the exact platelet distribution of the S100A8/A9 proteins.

Methods

The occurrence and distribution of platelet S100A8/A9 protein were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, electron microscopy, Western blotting, and flow cytometry in healthy controls (n = 79) and in 2 individual cohorts of SLE patients (n = 148 and n = 318, respectively) and related to cardiovascular morbidity.

Results

We observed that human platelets expressed S100A8/A9 proteins, and that these were localized in close proximity to intracellular membranes and granules as well as on the cell surface upon activation with physiologic and pathophysiologic stimuli. Interestingly, S100A8/A9 was enriched at sites of membrane interactions, indicating a role of S100A8/A9 in cell–cell communication. S100A8/A9 levels were highly regulated by interferon‐α, both in vivo and in vitro. Patients with SLE had increased platelet S100A8/A9 content compared with healthy individuals. Increased levels of platelet S100A8/A9 were associated with CVD, particularly myocardial infarction (odds ratio 4.8, 95% confidence interval 1.5–14.9, P = 0.032 [adjusted for age, sex, and smoking]).

Conclusion

Platelets contain S100A8/A9 in membrane‐enclosed vesicles, enabling rapid cell surface deposition upon activation. Furthermore, platelet S100A8/A9 protein levels were increased in SLE patients, particularly in those with CVD, and may be a future therapeutic target.
Facilitate Collaborations among Synthetic Biology, Metabolic Engineering and Machine Learning
Authors: Wu Stephen Gang , Shimizu Kazuyuki , Tang Joseph Kuo‐Hsiang , Tang Yinjie J.
Published: March 2016

Metabolic engineering (ME) and synthetic biology (SynBio) are two intersecting fields with different focal points. While SynBio focuses more on genomic aspects to build novel cell devices, ME emphasizes the phenotypic outputs (e.g., production). SynBio has the potential to revolutionize the bio‐productions; however, the introduction of synthetic devices/pathways often consumes significant cellular resources and incurs fitness costs. Currently, SynBio applications still lack guidelines in re‐allocating cellular carbon and energy fluxes. To resolve this, ME principles may help the SynBio community. First, 13C MFA (metabolic flux analysis) can characterize the burdens of genetic infrastructures and reveal optimal strategies for distributing cellular resources. Second, novel microbial chassis should be explored to employ their unique metabolic features for product synthesis. Third, standardization and classification of bio‐production papers will not only improve the communication between ME and SynBio, but also facilitate text mining and machine learning to harness information for rational strain design. Ultimately, the data‐driven modeling and 13C MFA will be integral components of the SynBio design‐build‐test‐learn cycle for generating novel microbial cell factories.
TP‐2Rho Is a Sensitive Solvatochromic Red‐Shifted Probe for Monitoring the Interactions between CDK4 and Cyclin D
Authors: Pellerano Morgan , Naud‐Martin Delphine , Peyressatre Marion , Prével Camille , Teulade‐Fichou Marie‐Paule , Morris May , Mahuteau‐Betzer Florence
Published: March 2016

Understanding the intricate steps of protein kinase regulation requires characterization of protein–protein interactions between the catalytic subunit, its regulatory partners and the substrate. Fluorescent probes are useful tools with which to study such interactions and to gain insight into their affinities and specificities. Solvatochromic probes, which display changes in their fluorescence emission in response to changes in the polarity of the medium, are particularly attractive. Here we describe conjugation of a switchable fluorescent dye, TP‐2Rho, to peptide and protein derivatives of cyclin‐dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and its application to characterization of the interactions between the catalytic subunit of this kinase, its regulatory partner cyclin D1 and a peptide substrate. We demonstrate the sensitivity of TP‐2Rho in relation to of those other dyes used for monitoring peptide–protein and protein–protein interactions. Moreover, we show that TP‐Rho‐labelled peptides can be introduced into living cells to probe endogenous CDK4/cyclin D.
Transfemoral aortic valve implantation of Edwards SAPIEN 3 without predilatation
Authors: Kim Won‐Keun , Praz Fabien , Blumenstein Johannes , Liebetrau Christoph , Gaede Luise , Van Linden Arnaud , Hamm Christian , Walther Thomas , Windecker Stephan , Möllmann Helge
Published: March 2016

Objectives

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether transfemoral implantation of the balloon‐expandable Edwards SAPIEN 3 device without prior balloon valvuloplasty is feasible.

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) without predilatation may be advantageous and is feasible with various transcatheter heart valves.

Methods

A total of 163 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transfemoral TAVI were enrolled at two sites. We assessed whether the crossing of the native aortic valve with the prosthesis without prior pre‐dilation was feasible and evaluated for procedural success according to VARC‐2 criteria.

Results

Direct implantation without pre‐dilatation was feasible in 154 patients (94.5%), whereas in nine patients predilatation was required due to difficulties while crossing the native aortic valve. Procedural success was achieved in 85.6%. A large proportion of the procedural failures was mainly driven by increased post‐procedural gradients ≥20 mm Hg, which almost exclusively concerned the smaller prostheses sizes (23‐mm 10/39 (25.6%) vs. 26‐mm 5/72 (6.9%) vs. 29‐mm 1/52 (1.9%); P < 0.001). Patients in the pre‐ballooning group had higher calcium scores of the aortic valve (5,335 [4,421–7,807] vs. 2,893 [1,879–3,993]), more advanced age, higher transvalvular gradients, and smaller aortic valve area.

Conclusions

The transfemoral implantation of the balloon‐expandable SAPIEN 3 prosthesis without pre‐dilatation is feasible in the majority of cases. In the presence of severe aortic valve calcification and critical aortic stenosis, however, predilatation may still be necessary. Furthermore, the significance of increased post‐procedural gradients requires further verification. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ChemInform Abstract: BA2NITEO6, EINE NEUE VERBINDUNG IN DER REIHE DER HEXAGONALEN PEROWSKITE
Authors: KOEHL PETER , MUELLER ULRICH , REINEN DIRK
Published: March 2016

Die Struktur der Titelverbindung wurde röntgenographisch bestimmt.
ChemInform Abstract: ELEKTRISCHE EIGENSCHAFTEN VON MIT CADMIUM, INDIUM ODER ZINN DOTIERTEN BI(1‐X)SB(X)LEG. (X=0‐20)
Authors: BELOTSKII D. P. , DUNDICH M. S. , SAVITSKII A. V.
Published: March 2016

Leitfähigkeit, Hall‐Konstante und Thermo‐EMK der genannten Halbleiterlegierungen wurden in Abhängigkeit von der Temperatur gemessen.
ChemInform Abstract: POLYTHERMER SCHNITT GAAS‐ZN
Authors: PELEVIN O. V. , GIMEL'FARB F. A. , MIL'VIDSKII M. G. , ZHERDEV B. P.
Published: March 2016

Im Zusammenhang mit Problemen der.
ChemInform Abstract: KOMPLEXE PHASENBILDUNG IM QUASIBINAEREN SYST. CE2SE3‐GESE2
Authors: RUSTAMOV P. G. , NASIBOV I. O. , ALIEVA M. M. , SULTANOV T. I.
Published: March 2016

Das Zustandsdiagramm des Titelsystems wird durch DTA, Röntgenbeugung und Dichtemessungen bestimmt.
ChemInform Abstract: SYST. IN2SE3‐SB2TE3
Authors: BELOTSKII D. P. , LEGETA L. V.
Published: March 2016

Das Zustandsdiagramm des Titelsystems wird durch thermische und Gefügeanalyse ermittelt.
ChemInform Abstract: DIE ROTIERENDE SCHEIBENELEKTRODE MIT RING UND IHRE ANWENDUNGSMOEGLICHKEITEN
Authors: MUELLER LOTHAR
Published: March 2016

In einer Literaturübersicht wird die Anwendung der rotierenden Scheibenelektrode zur Aufklärung komplexer elektrochemischer Reaktionen, zur Bestimmung der Geschwindigkeitskonstanten homogener Folgereaktionen bei EC‐, ECE‐ und katalytischen Prozessen und zur Untersuchung von Adsorptionsreaktionen zusammenfassend diskutiert.
ChemInform Abstract: ELEKTROCHEMISCHE METHODE ZUR REINIGUNG VON KRISTALLINEM SILICIUMDIOXID
Authors: CHURBAKOV V. F.
Published: March 2016

Ein Elektrodiffusionsverfahren zur Reinigung von Quarz von Beimengungen wie Fe, Al, Ti, Ca usw.