bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production of functionalized oligo‐isoprenoids by enzymatic cleavage of rubber
Authors: Röther Wolf , Birke Jakob , Grond Stephanie , Beltran Jose Manuel , Jendrossek Dieter
Published: July 2017

In this study, we show the proof of concept for the production of defined oligo‐isoprenoids with terminal functional groups that can be used as starting materials for various purposes including the synthesis of isoprenoid‐based plastics. To this end, we used three types of rubber oxygenases for the enzymatic cleavage of rubber [poly(cis‐1,4‐isoprene)]. Two enzymes, rubber oxygenase RoxAXsp and rubber oxygenase RoxBXsp, originate from Xanthomonas sp. 35Y; the third rubber oxygenase, latex‐clearing protein (LcpK30), is derived from Gram‐positive rubber degraders such as Streptomyces sp. K30. Emulsions of polyisoprene (latex) were treated with RoxAXsp, RoxBXsp, LcpK30 or with combinations of the three proteins. The cleavage products were purified by solvent extraction and FPLC separation. All products had the same general structure with terminal functions (CHO‐CH2‐ and ‐CH2‐COCH3) but differed in the number of intact isoprene units in between. The composition and m/z values of oligo‐isoprenoid products were determined by HPLC‐MS analysis. Our results provide a method for the preparation of reactive oligo‐isoprenoids that can likely be used to convert polyisoprene latex or rubber waste materials into value‐added molecules, biofuels, polyurethanes or other polymers.
The dynamics of the bacterial communities developed in maize silage
Authors: Gharechahi Javad , Kharazian Zohreh Akhavan , Sarikhan Sajjad , Jouzani Gholamreza Salehi , Aghdasi Mahnaz , Hosseini Salekdeh Ghasem
Published: July 2017

Ensilage provides an effective means of conserving summer‐grown green forage to supply as winter feed to ruminants. The fermentation process involved in the ensilage process relies on lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Here, 16S ribosomal DNA amplicon pyrosequencing was used to follow the dynamic behaviour of the LAB community during the ensilage of maize biomass, with a view to identify the key species involved in the process. The biomass used for ensilage was a single‐cross maize hybrid, harvested at the milk‐line stage. The crop was grown at three contrasting locations. Aspects of the physico‐chemical composition of the material and the LAB species present were sampled at 0, 3, 6, 14, 21 and 32 days after ensilage was initiated. In all three cases, members of the Leuconostocaceae family dominated the epiphytic bacterial community, notably Leuconostoc and Weissella, but some variation was noted in the abundance of certain Leuconostocaceae and Lactobacillaceae species, as well as that of some Acetobacteraceae, Enterobacteriaceae and Moraxellaceae species. The constellation of the microbiome which developed during the ensilage process differed markedly from that of the epiphytic one, with Lactobacillaceae, particularly Lactobacillus and Pediococcus spp. dominating. The abundance of heterofermentative Leuconostocaceae spp. in the epiphytic community and the extent of the transition from hetero‐ to homo‐fermentation during the initial ensilage period are important factors in determining silage quality.
The role of invertebrates in seedling establishment in a heterocarpic plant, Atriplex sagittata
Authors: Honek A. , Martinkova Z. , Koprdova S. , Saska P.
Published: July 2017

Seed heteromorphism is a marked character of many Chenopodioideae (Amaranthaceae). Seed morphs differ in dormancy, germination and seedling biology, but differences in their predation have not yet been studied. Atriplex sagittata produces small black dormant and large brown non‐dormant seeds. In this study, the timing of seed release and seedling establishment were ascertained, and their consumption by invertebrates (carabids, isopods and slugs) was studied. Seeds dispersed in the autumn passed the winter on the ground surface, protected from invertebrate predation by low temperatures. In the following vegetative season, ungerminated black seeds exposed to predation on ground surface were preferred by a large carabid species, Pseudoophonus rufipes. Some black and all brown seeds escaped predation by germinating in early spring. The seedlings were little endangered by carabids and isopods but were preferred by an invasive slug, Arion vulgaris, the feeding of which can exterminate seedlings at places in which slugs are abundant. Invertebrate predation is important factor of seed and seedling mortality of A. sagittata and seed heteromorphism modifies its intensity and timing.
All drinking is not equal: how a social practice theory lens could enhance public health research on alcohol and other health behaviours
Authors: Meier Petra Sylvia , Warde Alan , Holmes John
Published: July 2017

Background

The social meanings, settings and habitual nature of health‐related activities and their integration into our daily lives are often overlooked in quantitative public health research. This reflects an overly individualized approach to epidemiological surveillance and evaluations of public health interventions, based on models of behaviour that are rooted in social cognition and rational choice theories. This paper calls for a new approach to alcohol epidemiology and intervention research informed by theories of practice.

Argument

Practices are conceptualized as routinized types of human activity that are made up of, and can be recognized by, the coming together of several interwoven elements in the same situation (e.g. materials, meanings, skills, locations, timings). Different practices are interconnected—they can occur simultaneously (e.g. drinking and eating), hold each other in place (e.g. after‐work drinks) or compete for time (e.g. parenting versus socializing). Applying these principles to alcohol research means shifting attention away from individuals and their behaviours and instead making drinking practices an important unit of analysis. Studying how drinking practices emerge, persist and decay over time, how they spread through populations and local or social networks and how they relate to other activities of everyday life promises new insights into how, why, where, when and with whom drinking and getting drunk occur.

Conclusions

Theories of practice provide a framework for generating new explanations of stability and change in alcohol consumption and other health behaviours. This framework offers potential for novel insights into the persistence of health inequalities, unanticipated consequences of policies and interventions and new interventions targets through understanding which elements of problematic practices are likely to be most modifiable. We hope this will generate novel insights into the emergence and decay of drinking practices over time and into the geographical and socio‐demographic patterning of drinking. Theories of practice‐informed research would consider how alcohol policies and population‐level interventions might differentially affect different drinking practices.
Morbidity and mortality of elderly patients following cytoreductive surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)
Authors: Wong Evelyn Y.T. , Tan Grace H.C. , Chia Claramae S.L. , Kumar Mrinal , Soo Khee Chee , Teo Melissa C.C.
Published: July 2017

Aim

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is known to improve survival in selected patients with peritoneal metastasis. However, there is limited data supporting the role of CRS and HIPEC in elderly patients (≥65 years old).

Methods

A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent CRS‐HIPEC between April 2001 and July 2015 from a single institution was performed. Patients were divided into two groups non‐elderly (<65 years old), and elderly (≥65 years old). Clinico‐ pathological parameters, morbidity and overall (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) of the patients were compared.

Results

A total of 177 patients (median age 52, range 9–74) underwent CRS‐HIPEC with curative intent. There were 159 non‐elderly patients and 18 elderly patients. Median PCI scores were 12 (0–39) for the non‐ elderly patients and 11 (1–29) for the elderly patients (p=0.77). High‐grade complications occurred in 39 non‐elderly patients (24.5%) and 8 elderly patients (44.4%) (p=0.79), while 58 non‐elderly patients (38.7%) and 7 elderly patients (41.2%) stayed in ICU for more than 1 day (p=0.69). There was no difference in the 30‐day mortality between the two groups (0% vs. 0%, p=1). After a median follow‐up of 16 months for all patients, there was no difference in 5‐years OS (51.0% vs. 59.6%, p=0.88) and 5‐years DFS (23.3% vs. 53.3%, p=0.60) between non‐elderly and elderly patients.

Conclusions

Surgical outcomes after CRS‐HIPEC do not differ significantly between non‐elderly and elderly patients. Hence, age should not be a contraindication in selecting patients for CRS and HIPEC.
Dental patch testing in patients with undifferentiated oral lichen planus
Authors: Tiwari Shevya M , Gebauer Kurt , Frydrych Agnieszka M , Burrows Sally
Published: July 2017

Background/Objectives

Distinguishing between oral lichen planus (LP) and lichenoid reactions to dental restorations can be impossible on clinical and histopathological grounds. Epicutaneous patch testing is an investigation that may guide patients and physicians in making timely and costly decisions to replace or cover existing dental restorations. This study aimed to assess the role of epicutaneous patch testing with a battery of dental allergens in patients with undifferentiated oral LP.

Methods

A retrospective review of the medical records of patients with biopsy‐proven oral LP referred by an oral medicine specialist and who presented for dental epicutaneous patch testing at a dermatology clinic in Perth, Western Australia between 2009 and 2016 was performed.

Results

In total, 68 patients were included, of whom 54 (79%) had positive patch tests. Gold 26 (48%), mercury 24 (44%), nickel 22 (41%), copper 19 (35%), potassium dichromate 14 (26%) and methylhydroquinone 13 (24%) were the most common allergens for which patients tested positive. Hypothyroidism and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs were associated with negative patch tests (P = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively). Smoking history, other medications and comorbidities, the location of the dental restorations and unilateral or bilateral disease were not significantly associated with the patch test results. Restorations were removed in 23 patients: 21 of these (91%) had positive epicutaneous patch tests. Of the 20 patients followed up, 19 (95%) experienced some improvement, among whom 11 (58%) had complete remission.

Conclusion

Epicutaneous patch testing disclosed a high proportion of relevant positives. This guided the clinical decision to change dental restorations, with high rate of clinical improvement.
Clinical experience with a single‐nucleotide polymorphism‐based non‐invasive prenatal test for five clinically significant microdeletions
Authors: Martin K. , Iyengar S. , Kalyan A. , Lan C. , Simon A.L. , Stosic M. , Kobara K. , Ravi H. , Truong T. , Ryan A. , Demko Z.P. , Benn P.
Published: July 2017

Single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐based non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) can currently predict a subset of submicroscopic abnormalities associated with severe clinical manifestations. We retrospectively analyzed the performance of SNP‐based NIPT in 80 449 referrals for 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and 42 326 referrals for 1p36, cri‐du‐chat, Prader‐Willi, and Angelman microdeletion syndromes over a 1‐year period, and compared the original screening protocol with a revision that reflexively sequenced high‐risk calls at a higher depth of read. The prevalence of these microdeletion syndromes was also estimated in the referral population. The positive predictive value of the original test was 15.7% for 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, and 5.2% for the other 4 disorders combined. With the revised protocol, these values increased to 44.2% for 22q11.2 and 31.7% for the others. The 0.33% false‐positive rate (FPR) for 22q11.2 deletion syndrome decreased to 0.07% with the revised protocol. Similarly, the FPR for the other 4 disorders combined decreased from 0.56% to 0.07%. Minimal prevalences were estimated to be 1 in 1255 for 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and 1 in 1464 for 1p36, cri‐du‐chat, and Angelman syndromes combined. Our results show that these microdeletions are relatively common in the referral population, and that the performance of SNP‐based NIPT is improved with high‐depth resequencing.
A systematic review of reviews: exploring the relationship between obesity, weight loss and health‐related quality of life
Authors: Kolotkin R. L. , Andersen J. R.
Published: July 2017

This is the first systematic review of reviews to assess the effect of obesity and weight loss on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). We identified 12 meta‐analyses/systematic reviews published between January 2001 and July 2016. They addressed the following themes: (i) the relationship between weight/body mass index and HRQoL (baseline/pre‐intervention; n = 2). (ii) HRQoL after weight loss (varied interventions and/or study design; n = 2). (iii) HRQoL after weight loss (randomized controlled trials only; n = 2). (iv) HRQoL after bariatric surgery (n = 6). We found that in all populations, obesity was associated with significantly lower generic and obesity‐specific HRQoL. The relationship between weight loss and improved HRQoL was consistently demonstrated after bariatric surgery, perhaps due to a greater than average weight loss compared with other treatments. Improved HRQoL was evident after non‐surgical weight loss, but was not consistently demonstrated, even in randomized controlled trials. This inconsistency may be attributed to variation in quality of reporting, assessment measures, study populations and weight‐loss interventions. We recommend longer‐term studies, using both generic and obesity‐specific measures, which go beyond HRQoL in isolation to exploring mediators of HRQoL changes and interactions with other variables, such as comorbidities, fitness level and body image.
Variation in aluminium patch test reactivity over time
Authors: Siemund Ingrid , Mowitz Martin , Zimerson Erik , Bruze Magnus , Hindsén Monica
Published: July 2017

Background

Contact allergy to aluminium has been reported more frequently in recent years. It has been pointed out that positive patch test reactions to aluminium may not be reproducible on retesting.

Objectives

To investigate possible variations in patch test reactivity to aluminium over time.

Methods

Twenty‐one adults, who had previously reacted positively to aluminium, were patch tested with equimolar dilution series in pet. of aluminium chloride hexahydrate and aluminium lactate, four times over a period of 8 months.

Results

Thirty‐six of 84 (43%) serial dilution tests with aluminium chloride hexahydrate and 49 of 84 (58%) serial dilution tests with aluminium lactate gave negative results. The range of reactivity varied between a negative reaction to aluminium chloride hexahydrate at 10% and/or to aluminium lactate at 12%, and a positive reaction to aluminium chloride hexahydrate at 0.1% and/or to aluminium lactate at 0.12%. The highest individual difference in test reactivity noticed was 320‐fold when the two most divergent minimal eliciting concentrations were compared.

Conclusions

The patch test reactivity to aluminium varies over time. Aluminium‐allergic individuals may have false‐negative reactions. Therefore, retesting with aluminium should be considered when there is a strong suspicion of aluminium contact allergy.
Patient‐reported outcomes in multiple sclerosis: a systematic comparison of available measures
Authors: Khurana V. , Sharma H. , Afroz N. , Callan A. , Medin J.
Published: July 2017

Multiple patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) are currently being used in multiple sclerosis (MS) but their application is inconsistent and guidance on the appropriateness of each tool is lacking. The objective of our study was to identify MS‐specific PROs and systematically to assess the development process and the reliability and validity of various instruments. A systematic literature search was conducted on multiple data sources, including MEDLINE, Embase (using the Ovid platform) and Google Scholar, from 1996 to March 2015. Search terms included combinations of MS, PROs and quality of life. Randomized controlled trials or observational studies conducted on patients with MS and published in English were included. In addition, the PROQOLID database was explored. The MS‐specific PROs were systematically assessed using the Evaluating the Measurement of Patient‐Reported Outcomes tool. In total, 8094 articles were screened and 405 PROs were identified from 1102 relevant articles. PROs were classified into MS‐specific (n = 82) and non‐MS‐specific (n = 323). The results for the eight PROs that are most commonly used in MS clinical trials are presented here. For these eight PROs, the overall summary scores ranged between 50.1 and 68.7. The Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale‐29 had the best overall mean score (68.7), followed by the Leeds Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life (67.0). This is the first study to provide a standardized assessment of all PROs for MS. There is a lack of data on content validity for PROs used in MS research, which indicates the need for a robust instrument in MS developed according to the US Food and Drug Administration guidelines.
Persistency of the momentum effect
Authors: Chen Hong‐Yi , Chou Pin‐Huang , Hsieh Chia‐Hsun
Published: July 2017

The intermediate‐term momentum persistency is not universal among all stocks. More than 40% of winners and losers immediately fall out of their respective groups in the month following formation, resulting in a monthly loss of more than 17% for a momentum strategy constructed on such stocks. By contrast, persistent winners and losers, defined as those staying in their groups for at least one more month, exhibit much stronger momentum persistency. Further analysis indicates that, consistent with the delayed reaction hypothesis for price momentum, the persistency is stronger for stocks with greater information asymmetry and more extensively heterogeneous investor beliefs.
From bone to pixel—fossil restoration and reconstruction with digital techniques
Authors: Lautenschlager Stephan
Published: July 2017

Fossils represent the only physical evidence for the existence of extinct life, and hold a vast potential to reconstruct organisms and ecosystems vanished a long time ago. Yet fossils are not as complete as they might appear in museum exhibits, documentaries or Hollywood blockbusters. Millions of years of fossilization have left their marks on the fossils, which might no longer resemble the condition of the organism when it was alive. A key challenge in palaeontology is therefore to restore and reconstruct the morphology of fossils. Luckily, novel digital visualization and reconstruction techniques offer powerful tools to bring extinct organisms back to life in unprecedented detail.
Potential Use of Multimodels in Consulting to Improve Model Acceptance and Decision Making
Authors: MacMillan Gordon J.
Published: July 2017

Article impact statement: Multimodels will improve hydrogeologic modeling in consulting but further awareness is required before they are widely adopted.
Survival impact of lymphocyte infiltration into the tumor of hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis B virus‐positive or non‐B non‐C patients who underwent curative resection
Authors: Nakagawa Shigeki , Umezaki Naoki , Yamao Takanobu , Kaida Takayoshi , Okabe Hirohisa , Mima Kosuke , Imai Katsunori , Hashimoto Daisuke , Yamashita Yo‐ichi , Ishiko Takatoshi , Chikamoto Akira , Baba Hideo
Published: July 2017

Aim

The prognostic value of lymphocyte infiltration into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still controversial, and it has not been reported in hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐positive or non‐B non‐C (NBNC) HCC. The aim of this study is to assess the prognostic significance of lymphocyte infiltrate in tumor for HBV‐positive and NBNC HCC patients.

Methods

This study investigated 145 HBV‐positive or NBNC patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC between January 2001 and May 2009. Cumulative recurrence rate, overall survival (OS), and clinicopathological parameters were analyzed according to lymphocyte infiltration in tumor.

Results

In patients with low lymphocyte infiltration, the 5‐year recurrence rate was higher and OS was poor (86.4 and 44.1%, respectively) than that of the patients with high lymphocyte infiltration (55.3 and 83.7%, respectively). Multivariate analyses revealed that independent risk factors for recurrence were low albumin value (hazard ratio [HR] 2.33, P = 0.009), high American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) T stage (HR 2.31, P < 0.0001), high α‐fetoprotein (AFP) value (HR 2.06, P = 0.005), and low lymphocyte infiltration (HR 2.50, P = 0.0001). The independent risk factors for OS were low albumin value (HR 3.69, P = 0.003), high AJCC T stage (HR 2.10, P = 0.049), high AFP value (HR 3.98, P < 0.001), and low lymphocyte infiltration (HR 3.47, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Lymphocyte infiltrate in tumor is significantly associated high recurrence rate and poor overall survival. Evaluation of the infiltrating lymphocyte could improve the prediction of prognosis in HCC patients after curative resection.
Dynamics of genetic and morphological diversification in an incipient intra‐island radiation of Philippine rodents (Muridae: Bullimus)
Authors: Kyriazis Christopher C. , Bates John M. , Heaney Lawrence R.
Published: July 2017

Aim

To investigate patterns of genetic and morphological differentiation in a ‘New Endemic’ Philippine rodent (Bullimus) and examine the dynamics on intra‐island speciation on oceanic islands.

Location

The Philippine archipelago, focusing on Luzon Island.

Methods

We examined patterns of genetic differentiation by sequencing one mitochondrial and three nuclear loci for an archipelago‐wide sampling of Bullimus, which we analysed using phylogenetic, population genetic, and coalescent‐based methods. We also measured 16 craniodental features for Bullimus luzonicus to examine morphological differentiation on Luzon.

Results

Time‐calibrated species tree analysis indicated that Bullimus colonized the southern Philippines during the late Pliocene or Pleistocene and diversified on Luzon during the last c. 540 kyr. We found substantial phylogeographical structure in B. luzonicus, most completely developed in the southern part of the island, where colonization initially occurred. Coalescent species delimitation analysis indicated strong support for genetic isolation among eight B. luzonicus populations, however, morphometric analyses suggested that only two or three of these populations were morphologically distinctive.

Main conclusions

Phylogeographical structure in B. luzonicus largely corresponded to Luzon's numerous isolated mountain ranges, which likely played a major role in driving diversification in central/northern Luzon over the last c. 230 kyr. The majority of B. luzonicus populations appear to be in the process of speciation, with only the furthest south population from Camarines Sur warranting elevation to species status. We found little evidence for diversification in B. bagobus on Mindanao, suggesting that Luzon may be an exceptional setting for murid rodent diversification.
Assessment of a liquid larval diet for rearing Dacus species and Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Anato F. M. , Bokonon‐Ganta A. H. , Gnanvossou D. , Hanna R. , Chang C. L.
Published: July 2017

Species of the genus Dacus are important insect pests of fruits and vegetables. Two Dacus species, Dacus punctatifrons Karsch and Dacus vertebratus Bezzi, as well as Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), were reared on a liquid artificial diet, a carrot (Daucus carota L.)‐based solid artificial diet, and a natural fruit host to assess the suitability of the liquid diet for small‐scale rearing of these species. Egg hatch, pupal production, adult emergence and F1 productivity were recorded to evaluate performance of the three species on each diet. Egg hatch on the three diets was more than 50% for D. punctatifrons and B. dorsalis, but for D. vertebratus, egg hatch was less than 40% when they were introduced to the liquid artificial diet. Pupal production for both Dacus species was very low or nil on the liquid artificial diet and the carrot‐based artificial diet, respectively. Adult emergence was low for D. punctatifrons and nil for D. vertebratus on the liquid artificial diet. This study showed that the two Dacus species did not develop well on either the liquid or solid carrot‐based artificial diet whereas B. dorsalis performed well on the liquid diet. Cucumber, the natural host of both Dacus species, was better for small‐scale rearing of these species than the liquid and carrot‐based artificial diets. Nutrients found in cucumber need to be identified to formulate alternative rearing media for Dacus species that are economical and easy to use.
The pitfalls of qualified moral veganism. A critique of Jan Deckers′ holistic health approach to animal ethics
Authors: Paez Eze
Published: July 2017

I critically examine Jan Deckers′ position in Animal (De)liberation, where he defends two main views. The first is “qualified moral veganism”: Most humans have a duty to abstain from consuming animal products, even if there are circumstances in which doing so is justified. The author argues, on the one hand, from a pan‐sentientist view that attributes sentience to all elementary entities and their compounds. Thus, all living things (such as animals and plants) have a capacity for positive and negative experiences. On the other hand, he develops a consequentialist view that assigns moral agents the unconditional duty to promote their own “holistic health.” This is partly constituted by the agent's “moral health,” that is, her acting in a morally justified way. On Deckers′ view, moral agents must care for the health of all living entities, give greater weight to the interests of organisms to which they are more closely biologically related, and respect the integrity of nature. Diets containing animal products have a very high negative health impact, because of how they affect the environment, human food security, and the well‐being of nonhuman animals. In addition, even though plants are sentient, they are likely less so than animals, and their interests must be given less weight. Therefore, most humans should shift to a vegan diet. Deckers′ second proposal is that a qualified ban on the consumption of animal products should be enacted. After discarding other alternative strategies, Deckers defends its feasibility relying on data obtained via a series of surveys. Though the argument partly succeeds in developing a coherent account accommodating the author's intuitions, I conclude that his ontological and normative frameworks remain too underdeveloped, his appeal to biological relatedness has implausible implications, and the methodology he uses in defence of his political position is problematic.
Seed dispersal by hornets: An unusual insect‐plant mutualism
Authors: Chen Gao , Wang Zheng‐Wei , Qin Yan , Sun Wei‐Bang
Published: July 2017

Vespicochory, seed dispersal by hornets, is a rare seed dispersal mechanism in angiosperms and, to date, there are few records of this phenomenon. Through field investigations and behavioral assays conducted in four populations of Stemona tuberosa from 2011–2016, we demonstrate that hornets are the primary seed dispersers of S. tuberosa and play an important role in “long‐distance” seed dispersal in this species. Furthermore, some ant species act as secondary dispersers and may transport the seeds to safe sites. Hornets and ants provide complementary seed dispersal at different spatial scales. This unique example of insect‐plant mutualism may be an underestimated but important strategy to ensure “long‐distance” seed dispersal in other myrmecochorous plants.
Müller glia and phagocytosis of cell debris in retinal tissue
Authors: Bejarano‐Escobar Ruth , Sánchez‐Calderón Hortensia , Otero‐Arenas Josué , Martín‐Partido Gervasio , Francisco‐Morcillo Javier
Published: July 2017

Müller cells are the predominant glial cell type in the retina of vertebrates. They play a wide variety of roles in both the developing and the mature retina that have been widely reported in the literature. However, less attention has been paid to their role in phagocytosis of cell debris under physiological, pathological or experimental conditions. Müller glia have been shown to phagocytose apoptotic cell bodies originated during development of the visual system. They also engulf foreign molecules that are injected into the eye, cone outer segments and injured photoreceptors. Phagocytosis of photoreceptor cell debris in the light‐damaged teleost retina is primarily carried out by Müller cells. Once the microglial cells become activated and migrate to the photoreceptor cell layer, the phagocytic activity of Müller cells progressively decreases, suggesting a possible mechanism of communication between Müller cells and neighbouring microglia and photoreceptors. Additionally, it has been shown that phagocytic Müller cells acquire proliferating activity in the damaged teleost retina, suggesting that engulfment of apoptotic photoreceptor debris might stimulate the Müller glia to proliferate during the regenerative response. These findings highlight Müller glia phagocytosis as an underlying mechanism contributing to degeneration and regeneration under pathological conditions.
Gamma irradiation‐induced disease resistance of pear (Pyrus pyrifolia “Niitaka”) against Penicillium expansum
Authors: Jeong Rae‐Dong , Jeong Mi‐Ae , Park Mi‐Ri
Published: July 2017

In this study, the effects of gamma irradiation on the resistance of pear fruit against Penicillium expansum, the causal agent of blue mould disease, were investigated. A low dose of gamma irradiation for 14 days increased the disease resistance and firmness of pear fruits. Remarkably, exposure to 200 Gy of gamma irradiation significantly maintained fruit firmness, markedly reduced disease incidence and enhanced the activity of defence‐related enzymes (e.g., β‐1,3‐glucanase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase) and expression of pathogenesis‐related (PR) genes (e.g., PR‐1, PR‐3 and PR‐4). Therefore, the gamma irradiation‐induced resistance against P. expansum involves both metabolic changes and the induction of expression of defence‐related genes. In addition, scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed that gamma irradiation significantly inhibits the growth of P. expansum. These results suggest that exposure of mature harvested pear fruits to artificial gamma irradiation confers fungal disease resistance; therefore, gamma irradiation represents an important strategy for controlling postharvest diseases in pear fruit.
Pharmaco‐parasitological evaluation of the ricobendazole plus levamisole nematodicidal combination in cattle
Authors: Canton C. , Ceballos L. , Domínguez M. P. , Moreno L. , Fiel C. , Bernat G. , Farías C. , Lanusse C. , Alvarez L.
Published: July 2017

The goals of the current study were to evaluate the potential pharmacokinetic (PK) interactions and the clinical efficacy occurring after the subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of ricobendazole (RBZ) and levamisole (LEV) given both separately and co‐administered to calves naturally infected with susceptible gastrointestinal nematodes. The clinical efficacy was shown in two seasons, winter and spring, with predominance of different nematode populations. Groups of 15 calves were treated with RBZ alone, LEV alone and RBZ + LEV combination, and an untreated group was kept as a Control. RBZ and LEV plasma concentrations were quantified by HPLC. The clinical efficacy was determined by the faecal egg count reduction test. RBZ and LEV have similar plasma persistence, being detected in plasma over 24 hr post‐treatment. No PK interactions were observed after the combined treatment, with similar PK parameters (p > .05) obtained for the single‐drug and the combination‐based strategy. In winter, the observed clinical efficacies were 96%, 99% and 100% for groups treated with RBZ, LEV and RBZ + LEV, respectively; however, in spring, the efficacies were 95%, 93% and 96% for the same groups. Remarkably, the combination was the only treatment that achieved 100% clinical efficacy against both Haemonchus spp and Ostertagia spp in winter; but the increased presence of Ostertagia spp. in spring (28% in untreated group) determined a tendency to reduced efficacies compared to winter time (only 10% of Ostertagia spp. in untreated group), even for the combined treatment. Overall, in a scenario where the nematode population is susceptible, the RBZ + LEV treatment may be a valid combination in cattle to delay the development of resistance, especially in winter when this combination achieved 100% of efficacy. Thus, selection of anthelmintic resistance will never occur. In fact, this is one of the greatest challenges for the whole cattle production system: to be one step ahead of anthelmintic resistance.
Orally administered Chrysin improves post‐thawed sperm quality and fertility of rooster
Authors: Zhandi M , Ansari M , Roknabadi P , Zare Shahneh A , Sharafi M
Published: July 2017

Contents

Chrysin is a bioflavonoid compound found in passion flower, chamomile, propolis and honey at high levels. Post‐thawed sperm quality and fertility of Chrysin‐fed roosters were assessed in this study. Twenty 40‐week‐old male broiler breeders were randomly divided into four groups and fed basal diet supplemented with different levels of Chrysin including 0 (Ch‐0), 25 (Ch‐25), 50 (Ch‐50) or 75 (Ch‐75) mg/day for 12 consecutive weeks. Semen samples were weekly collected from 6th to 9th week of experiment to evaluate some sperm quality parameters including total and progressive motility, plasma membrane integrity and functionality (in fresh and post‐thawed samples) and mitochondrial activity (only in post‐thawed samples). Also, collected semen samples from 10th, 11th and 12th week of experiment were frozen and then artificially inseminated to test fertility rate. According to the results, an improvement in both fresh and post‐thawed sperm quality including total [fresh: 88.00 ± 0.58 and 87.25 ± 0.67 (p < .01); post‐thawed: 51.07 ± 2.05 and 52.72 ± 1.96 (p < .01)] and progressive motility [fresh: 76.00 ± 0.58 and 78.25 ± 0.65 (p < .01); post‐thawed: 40.61 ± 2.01 and 39.88 ± 2.01 (p < .01)], plasma membrane integrity [fresh: 91.60 ± 0.58 and 89.85 ± 0.59 (p < .01); post‐thawed: 56.99 ± 1.86 and 54.39 ± 1.86 (p < .01)] and functionality [fresh: 75.40 ± 0.42 and 77.90 ± 0.96 (p < .01); post‐thawed: 45.69 ± 1.71 and 46.35 ± 1.71 (p < .01)] was noted for both Ch‐50 and Ch‐75, respectively, groups compared to control group. Despite no significant change in mitochondrial activity, fertility rate of post‐thawed spermatozoa was significantly improved in all Chrysin‐fed groups compared to Ch‐0 group. In conclusion, oral Chrysin administration to roosters could ameliorate cryopreservation‐induced impairment of sperm quality and fertility rate.
El trabajo de la materia (1923-1959). Alfonso Reyes, materialista
Authors: Plaza Parrochia Juan Esteban
Published: July 2017

Esta investigación explora el pensamiento materialista presente en la obra de Alfonso Reyes. Visión de mundo y disposición intuitiva, el materialismo le confiere a la obra su coherencia y su movimiento. La misma unidad orgánica describe las transformaciones de la materia y actúa sobre sí misma para la producción de obras escritas. Filosofía de la materia, pensamiento del trabajo y poética forman aquí un continuo en el que tiene lugar la escritura, animada por la aprehensión sensible: esfuerzo introspectivo y mundano; habituación del cuerpo a la escritura de la experiencia.
Stochastic Fatigue Crack Growth Analysis for Space System
Reliability
Authors: Salimi Hossein , Kiad Saeed , Pourgol-Mohammad Mohammad
Published: July 2017

In this study, stochastic analysis is aimed for space structures (satellite in low earth orbit, made of aluminum 2024-T3), with the focus on fatigue failure. Primarily, the deterministic fatigue simulation is conducted using Walker and Forman models with constant amplitude loading. Deterministic crack growth was numerically simulated by the authors developed algorithm and is compared with commercial software for accuracy verification as well as validation with the experimental data. For the stochastic fatigue analysis of this study, uncertainty is estimated by using the Monte Carlo simulation. It is observed that by increasing the crack length, the standard deviation (the measure of uncertainty) increases. Also, it is noted that the reduction in stress ratio has the similar effect. Then, stochastic crack growth model, proposed by Yang and Manning, is employed for the reliability analysis. This model converts the existing deterministic fatigue models to stochastic one by adding a random coefficient. Applicability of this stochastic model completely depends on accuracy of base deterministic function. In this study, existing deterministic functions (power and second polynomial) are reviewed, and three new functions, (i) fractional, (ii) global, and (iii) exponential, are proposed. It is shown that the proposed functions are potentially used in the Yang and Manning model for better results.
Ultraminiaturized Three-Dimensional IPAC Packages With 100 μm Thick Glass Substrates for Radio Frequency Front-End Modules
Authors: Wu Zihan , Min Junki , Smet Vanessa , Raj Pulugurtha Markondeya , Sundaram Venky , Tummala Rao R.
Published: July 2017

This paper presents innovative compact three-dimensional integrated passive and active components (3D IPAC) packages with ultrathin glass substrates for radio frequency (RF) long-term evolution (LTE) front-end modules (FEMs). High component density was achieved through double-side integration of substrate-embedded passives for impedance matching networks and three-dimensional (3D) double-side assembly of filters onto glass substrates. Glass with 100 μm thickness formed the core of the package, while four build-up layers with 15 μm thickness each were used to embed passives and form redistribution layers (RDLs). Advanced panel-scale double-side assembly processes were developed with low-cost mass reflow. Board-level assembly was realized with paste-printed solder balls and reflow on printed circuit board (PCB) with no intermediate substrates. Electrical performance of filters with substrate-embedded impedance matching networks was characterized and compared to simulations.
Vaginal Changes Due to Varying Degrees of Rectocele Prolapse: A Computational Study
Authors: Chanda Arnab , Meyer Isuzu , Richter Holly E. , Lockhart Mark E. , Moraes Fabia R. D. , Unnikrishnan Vinu
Published: July 2017

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP), downward descent of the pelvic organs resulting in a protrusion of the vagina, is a highly prevalent condition, responsible for 300,000 surgeries in the U.S. annually. Rectocele, a posterior vaginal wall (PVW) prolapse of the rectum, is the second most common type of POP after cystocele. A rectocele usually manifests itself along with other types of prolapse with multicompartment pelvic floor defects. To date, the specific mechanics of rectocele formation are poorly understood, which does not allow its early stage detection and progression prediction over time. Recently, with the advancement of imaging and computational modeling techniques, a plethora of finite element (FE) models have been developed to study vaginal prolapse from different perspectives and allow a better understanding of dynamic interactions of pelvic organs and their supporting structures. So far, most studies have focused on anterior vaginal prolapse (AVP) (or cystocele) and limited data exist on the role of pelvic muscles and ligaments on the development and progression of rectocele. In this work, a full-scale magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based three-dimensional (3D) computational model of the female pelvic anatomy, comprising the vaginal canal, uterus, and rectum, was developed to study the effect of varying degrees (or sizes) of rectocele prolapse on the vaginal canal for the first time. Vaginal wall displacements and stresses generated due to the varying rectocele size and average abdominal pressures were estimated. Considering the direction pointing from anterior to posterior side of the pelvic system as the positive Y-direction, it was found that rectocele leads to negative Y-direction displacements, causing the vaginal cross section to shrink significantly at the lower half of the vaginal canal. Besides the negative Y displacements, the rectocele bulging was observed to push the PVW downward toward the vaginal hiatus, exhibiting the well-known “kneeling effect.” Also, the stress field on the PVW was found to localize at the upper half of the vaginal canal and shift eventually to the lower half with increase in rectocele size. Additionally, clinical relevance and implications of the results were discussed.
Can High-Intensity Exercise Be More Pleasant? Attentional Dissociation Using Music and Video
Authors: Jones Leighton , Karageorghis Costas I. , Ekkekakis Panteleimon
Published: July 2017

Theories suggest that external stimuli (e.g., auditory and visual) may be rendered ineffective in modulating attention when exercise intensity is high. We examined the effects of music and parkland video footage on psychological measures during and after stationary cycling at two intensities: 10% of maximal capacity below ventilatory threshold and 5% above. Participants (N = 34) were exposed to four conditions at each intensity: music only, video only, music and video, and control. Analyses revealed main effects of condition and exercise intensity for affective valence and perceived activation (p < .001), state attention (p < .05), and exercise enjoyment (p < .001). The music-only and music-and-video conditions led to the highest valence and enjoyment scores during and after exercise regardless of intensity. Findings indicate that attentional manipulations can exert a salient influence on affect and enjoyment even at intensities slightly above ventilatory threshold.
Blackouts cast Australia's green energy in dim light
Authors: Reese April
Published: July 2017

South Australia has led the nation in effort to meet Paris climate commitments.
Photonic doping of epsilon-near-zero media
Authors: Liberal Iñigo , Mahmoud Ahmed M. , Li Yue , Edwards Brian , Engheta Nader
Published: July 2017

Doped photonics

Doping semiconductor materials with impurity atoms enables control of the optoelectronic properties that enhance functionality. Liberal
et al.
describe numerically and experimentally an analogous doping effect for a group of photonic materials. They introduced a dielectric into an otherwise nonmagnetic material, which produced a magnetic response. The generality of the method should allow the design of photonic materials with enhanced and controlled electromagnetic response.

Science
, this issue p.
1058
The geologic history of seawater pH
Authors: Halevy I. , Bachan A.
Published: July 2017

The long view of ocean pH

The acid-base balance of the oceans has been critical in maintaining Earth's
habitability and allowing the emergence of early life. Despite this importance,
systematic estimates of historical seawater pH are lacking. Halevy and Bachan
developed a model of seawater chemistry and pH over time scales exceeding
∼100 million years. Their highly robust probabilistic history of seawater
pH and chemistry reflects evolving properties of Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and
crust. Seawater pH increased from early Archean values of ∼6.5 to 7.0 to
more recent values of ∼7.5 to 9.0 mostly as a result of solar brightening
and decreasing interaction between seawater and oceanic crust.

Science
, this issue p.
1069
Time for nonaddictive relief of pain
Authors: Grosser Tilo , Woolf Clifford J. , FitzGerald Garret A.
Published: July 2017

Greater insight into the biology of pain will likely identify potential drug targets
ERC—the next 10 years
Authors: Nowotny Helga
Published: July 2017

Ten years into its existence, the European Research Council (ERC) has undoubtedly become a European success story. Its mission is “excellent science,” and its achievements in funding fundamental research are widely admired. Today, more than ever, European science and research must be ready to fully exploit the creative ecosystem that the ERC has helped to bring about. What does this mean for the ERC?
Evaluation of Combination Drug Therapy for Treatment of Antibiotic-Resistant Inhalation Anthrax in a Murine Model
Authors: Heine H. S. , Shadomy S. V. , Boyer A. E. , Chuvala L. , Riggins R. , Kesterson A. , Myrick J. , Craig J. , Candela M. G. , Barr J. R. , Hendricks K. , Bower W. A. , Walke H. , Drusano G. L.
Published: July 2017

Bacillus anthracis
is considered a likely agent to be used as a bioweapon, and the use of a strain resistant to the first-line antimicrobial treatments is a concern. We determined treatment efficacies against a ciprofloxacin-resistant strain of
B. anthracis
(Cip
r
Ames) in a murine inhalational anthrax model. Ten groups of 46 BALB/c mice were exposed by inhalation to 7 to 35 times the 50% lethal dose (LD
50
) of
B. anthracis
Cip
r
Ames spores. Commencing at 36 h postexposure, groups were administered intraperitoneal doses of sterile water for injections (SWI) and ciprofloxacin alone (control groups), or ciprofloxacin combined with two antimicrobials, including meropenem-linezolid, meropenem-clindamycin, meropenem-rifampin, meropenem-doxycycline, penicillin-linezolid, penicillin-doxycycline, rifampin-linezolid, and rifampin-clindamycin, at appropriate dosing intervals (6 or 12 h) for the respective antibiotics. Ten mice per group were treated for 14 days and observed until day 28. The remaining animals were euthanized every 6 to 12 h, and blood, lungs, and spleens were collected for lethal factor (LF) and/or bacterial load determinations. All combination groups showed significant survival over the SWI and ciprofloxacin controls: meropenem-linezolid (
P
= 0.004), meropenem-clindamycin (
P
= 0.005), meropenem-rifampin (
P
= 0.012), meropenem-doxycycline (
P
= 0.032), penicillin-doxycycline (
P
= 0.012), penicillin-linezolid (
P
= 0.026), rifampin-linezolid (
P
= 0.001), and rifampin-clindamycin (
P
= 0.032). In controls, blood, lung, and spleen bacterial counts increased to terminal endpoints. In combination treatment groups, blood and spleen bacterial counts showed low/no colonies after 24-h treatments. The LF fell below the detection limits for all combination groups yet remained elevated in control groups. Combinations with linezolid had the greatest inhibitory effect on mean LF levels.