bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gossypol‐induced fitness gain and increased resistance to deltamethrin in beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner)
Authors: Hafeez Muhammad , Liu Sisi , Jan Saad , Ali Bahar , Shahid Muhammad , Fernández‐Grandon G Mandela , Nawaz Muhammad , Ahmad Aqeel , Wang Mo
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

In plant–insect interactions, phytotoxins such as gossypol, exert a defensive role on behalf of the plant by interfering with the essential metabolic, biochemical and physiological pathways of herbivorous insects. The beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), is a key pest for many important crops including a range of vegetables, ornamentals, and cotton. In this study, we investigated how resistance to deltamethrin relates to enzyme activity in gossypol‐pretreated larvae of S. exigua.

RESULTS

Following selection with deltamethrin insecticides on gossypol‐pretreated larvae for 10 generations, the Gos‐SEL population developed a 113.29‐fold resistance. Under the same conditions, the Delta‐SEL selected population showed a 69.76‐fold increase in resistance along with corresponding levels of xenobiotic defense enzyme activity. Similarly, the fecundity of the Delta‐SEL population together with male and female longevity were found to be significantly lower when compared with the Gos‐SEL population and the laboratory susceptible‐strain group (SS‐Strain). In addition, the activities of cytochrome P450s in S. exigua were significantly enhanced when the insects were fed on a deltamethrin and gossypol‐pretreated diet compared with being fed on deltamethrin alone.

CONCLUSION

The reproductive capacity of S. exigua is significantly reduced in Delta‐SEL and Gos‐SEL populations compared with the control group (SS‐Strain). Elevation of the major detoxification enzyme cytochrome P450 monooxygenase and esterase might have an important role in inducing tolerance to deltamethrin in gossypol‐fed S. exigua populations. This study enhances our understanding of detoxification enzyme pathways for S. exigua gene expression and their role in responses to insecticides and plant secondary metabolites. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The effects of temperature on the development, fecundity and mortality of Eretmocerus warrae: is Eretmocerus warrae better adapted to high temperatures than Encarsia formosa?
Authors: Wang Tao , Keller Michael Anthony , Hogendoorn Katja
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Eretmocerus warrae (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) is a parasitoid of the glasshouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). Here, we compare its potential as a biological control agent at high temperatures to that of Encarsia formosa (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), a wasp which is widely sold for control of T. vaporariorum.

RESULTS

Eretmocerus warrae attained the highest estimated developmental rate at 31.4 °C and the maximum oviposition rate at 30.5 °C. Developmental times of E. warrae at fluctuating temperatures that simulate night‐day patterns were similar to those predicted based on constant temperatures. Above the optimum temperature, E. warrae tolerated higher constant temperatures than En. formosa during development and as adults. Using a ramping temperature approach, the critical thermal maximum for adult E. warrae was significantly higher than that of adult En. formosa.

CONCLUSION

Eretmocerus warrae is better adapted to high temperatures than En. formosa, and could therefore be a complementary or superior biological control agent during summer months in hot regions. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Ensemble sensitivity analysis of Greenland blocking in medium‐range forecasts
Authors: Parker Tess , Woollings Tim , Weisheimer Antje
Published: August 2018

The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is the leading mode of variability in the large‐scale circulation over the North Atlantic in winter, and strongly influences the weather and climate of Europe. On synoptic time‐scales, the negative phase of the NAO often corresponds to the occurrence of a blocking episode over Greenland. Hence, the dynamics and predictability of these blocking events is of interest for the prediction of the NAO and its related impacts over a wide region.

Ensemble sensitivity analysis utilises the information contained in probabilistic forecast ensembles to calculate a statistical relationship between a forecast metric and some precursor condition. Here the method is applied to 15‐day forecasts of a set of 26 Greenland blocking events using the state‐of‐the‐art European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) forecasting system. The ensemble sensitivity analysis shows that Greenland blocking does not develop in isolation in these forecasts, but instead the blocking is sensitive to remote precursors, such as 500 and 50 hPa geopotential height, particularly in the low‐frequency flow. In general, there are more significant sensitivities to anomalies in the Tropics than in the polar regions. Stratospheric sensitivities tend to emerge at later lead times than tropospheric sensitivities. The strongest and most robust sensitivities correspond to a Rossby wave precursor reaching from the Pacific basin across North America.
Integration of accessibility design patterns with the software implementation process of ISO/IEC 29110
Authors: Sanchez‐Gordon Sandra , Sánchez‐Gordón Mary , Yilmaz Murat , O'Connor Rory V.
Published: August 2018

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines was developed by World Wide Web Consortium with a goal of providing a single shared standard for web content accessibility that meets the needs of individuals, organizations, and governments. Given that there is a large percentage of very small entities that develop software who also utilize the ISO/IEC software process standard, the purpose of this study is the development of software design patterns for users with visual disabilities. As a result, four accessibility design patterns are defined: Authentication adapter, Blindness adapter, Dichromatic color vision adapter, and Blurry vision adapter. These patterns will help to improve the design of the web applications built using them while being compliant with the ISO/IEC 29110 standard. The use of design patterns also enables the transfer of design experience to programming practices and improves the software documentation. To validate the set of patterns, an online course for Spanish speakers was developed, and the evaluation was carried out using simulators, automated tools, experts, and users. Simulators and automated tools showed no accessibility errors and experts evaluated 10 heuristics principles and did not identify any severity issues. Taken together, our results provide positive evidence that users with visual disabilities could benefit from the proposed features.
Earnings Gaps for Conspicuous Characteristics: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Ahsan Md Nazmul , Kelly Inas Rashad
Published: August 2018

Recent research has begun to analyze the effects of height on earnings in Indonesia, a developing country with a large population. Little has been done on the potential effects of weight and general health status on earnings. Using a household production function, Grossman and Benham (1974) provide empirical evidence of the positive effect of good health on earnings. Carefully accounting for selection into the workforce and the potential endogeneity of our health variables, we use a sample of individuals between the ages of 25 and 55 from the Indonesian Family Longitudinal Survey (IFLS) to identify the effect of health on earnings and conduct Oaxaca‐Blinder decompositions to identify possible discrimination. We compare these results to those using less conspicuous health measures such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and chest pain. Endogeneity of our health measures is subsequently addressed using several econometric methodologies. Results suggest that overweight males in Indonesia earn an income premium, while underweight females are subject to an income penalty.
Evaluating the effect of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles on morphology, thermal stability and dynamic mechanical properties of multicomponent blend systems based on polylactic acid/Starch/Polycaprolactone
Authors: Yavarpanah Shakiba , Seyfi Javad , Davachi Seyed Mohammad , Hejazi Iman , Khonakdar Hossein Ali
Published: August 2018

A hybrid of hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles and encapsulated triclosan (LATC) was utilized to improve the overall performance of Polylactic acid/Starch/Polycaprolactone ternary blends. The morphological evaluations demonstrated that the starch component becomes gelatinized during the melt mixing process in the absence of LATC particles. However, once encapsulated triclosan particles were also added to the formulation, the granular structure of starch phase was retained indicating no gelatinization during the preparation process. In the case of nanocomposite samples, only 1 wt% of HA nanoparticles was found to exhibit a uniform distribution throughout the whole system whereas the higher concentrations resulted in the aggregation of nanoparticles dividing the system into HA‐poor and HA‐rich areas. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was utilized to prove that those HA‐rich areas were formed around the starch domains due to the strong chemical affinity. Moreover, TGA also showed that only 1 wt% of HA nanoparticles acts efficiently in delaying the initiation of thermal decomposition. Dynamic mechanical analysis results also confirmed that HA nanoparticles had a strong tendency to be absorbed onto the starch domains within the system. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:E83–E90, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
A combined growth and remodeling framework for the approximation of residual stresses in arterial walls
Authors: Zahn Anna , Balzani Daniel
Published: August 2018

A combined model of multiplicative growth and fiber remodeling in the sense of a reorientation of the collagen fibers is proposed for the simulation of adaptation processes in arterial tissues, where both mechanisms are supposed to be governed by the intensity and the direction of the principal stresses. The generalized formulation of the growth tensor includes up to three perpendicular anisotropy directions, which are defined based on the local principal stress state. Remodeling is incorporated in a straightforward manner by formulating a scalar evolution equation for the angle between the existing and the target fiber orientation vectors. In numerical examples on idealized arterial segments, the fiber remodeling algorithm is illustrated and a comparison of different approaches for the growth tensor with respect to stresses in the loaded state, fiber angles and residual stresses is conducted.
Effects of Thoracic Epidural Anaesthesia on the Serosal Microcirculation of the Human Small Intestine
Authors: Tavy A. L. M. , de Bruin A. F. J. , van der Sloot K. , Boerma E. C. , Ince C. , Noordzij P. G. , Boerma D. , van Iterson M.
Published: August 2018

Background

The effect of thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) on splanchnic blood flow during abdominal surgery remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the hemodynamic effects of TEA resulted in microcirculatory alterations to the intestinal serosa, which was visualized using incident dark‐field (IDF) videomicroscopy.

Methods

An observational cohort study was performed. In 18 patients, the microcirculation of the intestinal serosa was visualized with IDF. Microcirculatory and hemodynamic measurements were performed prior to (T1) and after administering a bolus of levobupivacaine (T2). If correction of blood pressure was indicated, a third measurement was performed (T3). The following microcirculatory parameters were calculated: microvascular flow index, proportion of perfused vessels, perfused vessel density and total vessel density. Data are presented as median [IQR].

Results

Mean arterial pressure decreased from 73 mmHg (68–83) at T1 to 63 mmHg (±11) at T2 (p = 0.001) with a systolic blood pressure of 114 mmHg (98–128) and 87 (81–97), respectively (p = 0.001). The microcirculatory parameters of the bowel serosa, however, were unaltered. In seven patients, blood pressure was corrected to baseline values from a MAP of 56 mmHg (55–57), while microcirculatory parameters remained constant.

Conclusion

We examined the effects of TEA on the intestinal serosal microcirculation during abdominal surgery using IDF imaging for the first time in patients. Regardless of a marked decrease in hemodynamics, microcirculatory parameters of the bowel serosa were not significantly affected.

Trial registry number

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02688946.
Implementation of Current ENETS Guidelines for Surgery of Small (≤2 cm) Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms in the German Surgical Community: An Analysis of the Prospective DGAV StuDoQ|Pancreas Registry
Authors: Mintziras Ioannis , Keck Tobias , Werner Jens , Fichtner‐Feigl Stefan , Wittel Uwe , Senninger Norbert , Vowinkel Thorsten , Köninger Jörg , Anthuber Matthias , Geißler Bernd , Bartsch Detlef Klaus ,   for the StuDoQ|Pancreas study group of the German Society for General and Visceral Surgery (DGAV), Ghadimi Michael , Post Stefan , Wilhelm Torsten J. , Germer Christoph‐Thomas , Uhl Waldemar , Belyaev Orlin , Kraus Thomas , Witzigmann Helmut , Hommann Merten , Klar Ernst , Glanemann Matthias , Gutt Carsten , Manger Thomas , Krämling Hans‐Jörg , Kalff Jörg C. , Glowka Tim R. , Nüssler Natascha C. , Ritz Jörg‐Peter , Padberg Winfried , Kroesen Anton J. , Stier Albrecht , Lorenz Dietmar , Bechstein Wolf Otto , Oldhafer Karl‐Jürgen , Eisold Sven , Tröbs Ute , Reith Hans‐Bernd , Schumacher Franz‐Josef , Wagler Elke , Farkas Stefan , Klammer Frank , Schwarzbach Matthias , Niedergethmann Marco , Runkel Norbert , Piso Pompiliu , Lorenz Eric P. M. , Mönch Christian , Bieck Steffanie , Grützmann Robert , Brunner Max , Friess Helmut
Published: August 2018

Background

ENETS guidelines recommend parenchyma‐sparing procedures without formal lymphadenectomy, ideally with a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach for sporadic small pNENs (≤2 cm). Non‐functioning (NF) small pNENs can also be observed. The aim of the study was to evaluate how these recommendations are implemented in the German surgical community.

Methods

Data from the prospective StuDoQ|Pancreas registry of the German Society of General and Visceral Surgery were analyzed regarding patient’s demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical procedures, histology and perioperative outcomes.

Results

Eighty‐four (29.2%) of 287 patients had sporadic pNENs ≤2 cm. Forty‐three (51.2%) patients were male, and the mean age at diagnosis was 58.8 ± 15.6 years. Twenty‐five (29.8%) pNENs were located in the pancreatic head. The diagnosis pNEN was preoperatively established in 53 (65%) of 84 patients. Sixty‐two (73.8%) patients had formal pancreatic resections, including partial pancreaticoduodenectomy or total pancreatectomy (21.4%). Only 22 (26.2%) patients underwent parenchyma‐sparing resections and 23 (27.4%) patients had minimally invasive procedures. A lymphadenectomy was performed in 63 (75.4%) patients, and lymph node metastases were diagnosed in 6 (7.2%) patients. Eighty‐two (97.7%) patients had an R0 resection. Sixty (72%) tumors were classified G1, 24 (28%) tumors G2. Twenty‐seven (32.2%) of 84 patients had postoperative relevant Clavien–Dindo grade ≥3 complications. Thirty‐ and 90‐day mortalities were 2.4% and 3.6%.

Conclusions

ENETS guidelines for surgery of small pNENs are yet not well accepted in the German surgical community, since the rate of formal resections with standard lymphadenectomy is high and the minimally invasive approach is underused. The attitude to operate small NF tumors seems to be rather aggressive.
Apolipoproteins and Alzheimer's pathophysiology
Authors: Koch Manja , DeKosky Steven T. , Fitzpatrick Annette L. , Furtado Jeremy D. , Lopez Oscar L. , Kuller Lewis H. , Mackey Rachel H. , Hughes Timothy M. , Mukamal Kenneth J. , Jensen Majken K.
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Apolipoproteins of demonstrated importance to brain cholesterol and ß‐amyloid metabolism may serve as novel risk markers for Alzheimer's pathology.

Methods

We measured apolipoproteins (apoE, apoJ, apoA‐I, and apoC‐III and their uniquely defined subspecies) by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in plasma collected in 2000 and 2008 from 176 dementia‐free participants of the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory Study and related these to ß‐amyloid on positron emission tomography scans, hippocampal volume, and white matter lesion volume in 2009.

Results

Higher apoE was associated with lower ß‐amyloid deposition. Despite apoA‐I being unrelated to hippocampal volume, subspecies of apoA‐I containing or lacking apoJ or apoC‐III showed opposite associations with hippocampal volume. Higher apoJ and apoE lacking apoJ were associated with higher hippocampal volume and higher white matter lesion volume, respectively. Associations were similar in participants without cognitive impairment or APOE ε4 noncarrier and when analyzing apolipoproteins in 2000–2002.

Discussion

Apolipoproteins may be important minimally invasive biomarkers indicative of Alzheimer's pathology.
The Context and Consequences of Sexual Harassment in Southeastern Archaeology
Authors: Meyers Maureen S. , Horton Elizabeth T. , Boudreaux Edmond A. , Carmody Stephen B. , Wright Alice P. , Dekle Victoria G.
Published: August 2018

In 2014, the Southeastern Archaeological Conference (SEAC) conducted a sexual harassment survey of its membership. The survey's goal was to investigate whether sexual harassment had occurred among its members, and if so, to document the rate and demographics of harassment. Our findings include a high (66%) level of harassment, primarily among women, with an additional 13% of respondents reporting sexual assault. This article provides an overview of the survey and responses. Additionally, we analyze survey data aimed at capturing change over time in harassment and assault, correlation between field and non-field tasks and harassment and assault, and correlation between gender of supervisor and harassment and assault. We also discuss the effects of harassment and assault on careers. We conclude with suggestions for decreasing the rate of harassment and assault and urge professional archaeological organizations to document sexual harassment and assault to mitigate the effects on their members and on the discipline as a whole.
On uniform distribution of polynomials and good universality
Authors: NAIR RADHAKRISHNAN , NASR ENTESAR
Published: August 2018

Suppose $(k_{n})_{n\geq 1}$ is Hartman uniformly distributed and good universal. Also suppose $\unicode[STIX]{x1D713}$ is a polynomial with at least one coefficient other than $\unicode[STIX]{x1D713}(0)$ an irrational number. We adapt an argument due to Furstenberg to prove that the sequence $(\unicode[STIX]{x1D713}(k_{n}))_{n\geq 1}$ is uniformly distributed modulo one. This is used to give some new families of Poincaré recurrent sequences. In addition we show these sequences are also intersective and Glasner.
A minimal distal map on the torus with sub-exponential measure complexity
Authors: HUANG WEN , XU LEIYE , YE XIANGDONG
Published: August 2018

In this paper the notion of sub-exponential measure complexity for an invariant Borel probability measure of a topological dynamical system is introduced. Then a minimal distal skew product map on the torus with sub-exponential measure complexity is constructed.
Explaining the Paradox of Plebiscites
Authors: Qvortrup Matt , O’Leary Brendan , Wintrobe Ronald
Published: August 2018

Recent referendums show that autocratic regimes consult voters even if the outcome is a foregone conclusion. They have been doing so with increasing frequency since Napoleon consulted French citizens in 1800. Why and when do dictatorial regimes hold referendums they are certain they will win? Analysing the 162 referendums held in autocratic and non-free states in the period 1800–2012, the article shows that referendums with a 99% yes-vote tend to occur in autocracies with high ethnic fractionalization and, in part, in sultanistic (tinpot or tyrannical) regimes, but generally not in communist (totalitarian) states. An explanation is proposed for this variation.
Bilingualism as a desirable difficulty: Advantages in word learning depend on regulation of the dominant language
Authors: BOGULSKI CARI A. , BICE KINSEY , KROLL JUDITH F.
Published: August 2018

Bilingualism imposes costs to language processing but benefits to word learning. We test a new hypothesis that relates costs in language processing at study to benefits in learning at test as desirable difficulties. While previous studies have taught vocabulary via bilinguals’ native language (L1), recent evidence suggests that bilinguals acquire regulatory skill in the L1 to coordinate the use of each language. We hypothesized that L1 regulation underlies the observed costs and benefits, with word learning advantages depending on learning via the L1. Four groups learned novel Dutch words via English translations: English monolinguals, and English–Spanish, Spanish–English, and Chinese–English bilinguals. Only English–Spanish bilinguals demonstrated a word learning advantage, but they adopted a costly study strategy compared to monolinguals. The results suggest that bilingual advantages in vocabulary learning depend on learning via the L1 or dominant language because learning via the L1 allows bilinguals to engage regulatory skills that benefit learning.
The Precise Alignment and Auto-fusion of Correlative Cryo-SXT and Cryo-FM.
Authors: Bai Haobo , Guan Yong , Chen Liang , Liu Gang , Tian Yangchao
Published: August 2018

Cell's sub-cellular architecture and function can be revealed by Cryo soft X-ray tomography (Cryo-SXT) and Cryo-fluorescence microscopy (Cryo-FM) respectively. To understand the connection between cells' structure and function, correlative Cryo-SXT and Cryo-FM has been applied. Here we introduce a semiautomatic precise alignment and fusion technology of Cryo-SXT and Cryo-fluorescence microscopy.
Constraint-Based Inference in Probabilistic Logic Programs
Authors: NAMPALLY ARUN , ZHANG TIMOTHY , RAMAKRISHNAN C. R.
Published: August 2018

Probabilistic Logic Programs (PLPs) generalize traditional logic programs and allow the encoding of models combining logical structure and uncertainty. In PLP, inference is performed by summarizing the possible worlds which entail the query in a suitable data structure, and using this data structure to compute the answer probability. Systems such as ProbLog, PITA, etc., use propositional data structures like explanation graphs, BDDs, SDDs, etc., to represent the possible worlds. While this approach saves inference time due to substructure sharing, there are a number of problems where a more compact data structure is possible. We propose a data structure called Ordered Symbolic Derivation Diagram (OSDD) which captures the possible worlds by means of constraint formulas. We describe a program transformation technique to construct OSDDs via query evaluation, and give procedures to perform exact and approximate inference over OSDDs. Our approach has two key properties. Firstly, the exact inference procedure is a generalization of traditional inference, and results in speedup over the latter in certain settings. Secondly, the approximate technique is a generalization of likelihood weighting in Bayesian Networks, and allows us to perform sampling-based inference with lower rejection rate and variance. We evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed techniques through experiments on several problems.
Increased vitamin B12 levels in children with zinc deficiency
Authors: Betul Ergul Ayse , Turanoglu Cem , Karakukcu Cigdem , Guler Kazanci Elif , Altuner Torun Yasemin
Published: August 2018

Abstract. Additional nutritional deficiencies may accompany zinc deficiency. We determined the vitamin B12 levels in patients with zinc (Zn) deficiency. This retrospective study enrolled 256 patients age 6 months to 16 years (176 females and 80 males) in whom Zn levels in hair samples were measured concurrently with serum vitamin B12 and ferritin levels. For all patients, we retrospectively assessed the hair Zn levels, serum ferritin and vitamin B12 levels, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and red cell distribution levels. Data were analyzed to determine whether there was a significant difference between any of these parameters and the presence of vitamin B12 deficiency between patients with and without Zn deficiency. In all 118 patients had Zn levels < 100 μg/g and 138 patients had levels > 100 μg/g. No significant differences were observed in ferritin levels, red blood cell parameters, or presence of iron deficiency or anemia between the two groups (p > 0.05). The median vitamin B12 level was 323 (range 238–440) pg/mL in the Zn-deficient group and 276 (range 208–382) pg/mL in those with normal Zn levels. Vitamin B12 levels were significantly higher in the Zn-deficient group (p = 0.02). A significant negative correlation was detected between vitamin B12 levels and Zn levels (r = –0.17, p = 0.004). Vitamin B12 levels are higher in patients with Zn deficiency; thus, Zn may have a negative effect on vitamin B12 levels.
Wie verändert Technik das Alter(n) und die Gerontologie?
Authors: Schmidt Laura , Wahl Hans-Werner
Published: August 2018

Zusammenfassung. Das noch junge Feld der gero-technologischen Forschung ist durch die Überlagerung der gesellschaftlichen Trends des demographischen Wandels und der zunehmenden Technisierung begründet und geprägt. Wir stellen relevante theoretische Zugänge und einige ausgewählte empirische Befunde dar und diskutieren den Beitrag und die Bedeutung von Technik für das Altern und die Gerontologie.
Altersgerechtes Webdesign
Authors: Seifert Alexander , Darvishy Alireza , Roth Stephan
Published: August 2018

Zusammenfassung. Webseiten sollten «altersgerecht und für alle nutzbar sein». Dieser Forderung wurde in einem interdisziplinären Forschungsprojekt nachgegangen. Entstanden ist eine hilfreiche Broschüre für die Praxis.
Vivre chez soi plus longtemps, en sécurité et de manière autonome avec un iPad
Authors: Mueller Schmid Nadja
Published: August 2018

Récapitulation. Afin que les personnes âgées puissent vivrre en sécurité dans leur propre maison, la Verein für Altersbetreuung im Oberen Fricktal (Association pour la prise en charge des personnes âgées dans le Haut Fricktal, VAOF) a développé une application de sécurité pour iPad. L’auteure a accompagné le projet et identifié ses facteurs de succès dont fait partie la connaissance selon laquelle les compétences sociales sont tout aussi importantes que les compétences techniques pour mettre en place des solutions technologiques.
Alterung und Technologie: Vom Labor in die echte Welt
Authors: Sixsmith Andrew
Published: August 2018

Zusammenfassung. AGE-WELL ist ein neues kanadisches Forschungsnetzwerk, das älteren Menschen helfen will, durch zugängliche Technologien ihre Unabhängigkeit, Gesundheit und soziale Teilhabe aufrechtzuerhalten. In diesem Beitrag werden die wichtigsten Forschungsbereiche angesprochen, er konzentriert sich aber darauf, wie dies Innovationen vorantreiben kann.
Technology and old age in Japan
Authors: Gondo Yasuyuki
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The population of older people has been increasing in the last few decades in Japan. This larger demographical shift provided new business opportunities to companies. Innovative technologies and services for older people have been developing. Some of these are already at work; further technological revolution seems to promise “successful” aging for the future super-aging society. This report provides an overview of technologies currently applied with older people and introduces some examples of new technologies developing in Japan.
Technologie et âge avancé au Japon
Authors: Gondo Yasuyuki
Published: August 2018

Récapitulation. La population des personnes âgées a augmenté au cours des dernières décennies au Japon, une évolution démographique importante qui a fourni de nouvelles opportunités commerciales aux entreprises. Les technologies et services innovants pour les personnes âgées se sont développés et certains sont déjà en cours d’utilisation. De plus, la révolution technologique semble promettre à la future société super-vieillissante de réussir à bien vieillir. Le présent rapport fournit une vue d’ensemble des technologies actuellement appliquées auprès des personnes âgées et donne quelques exemples de nouvelles technologies qui se développent au Japon.
Alt und sexy – Thema oder Tabu?
Authors: Tschanz Nora , Uehlinger Céline
Published: August 2018

Zusammenfassung. Sexualität ist das Normalste der Welt und heute in den Medien allgegenwärtig. Doch die Verbindung von Sexualität und Alter wird zur Herausforderung. Wer hat sich schon mit den eigenen (Gross-)Eltern über deren Sexualleben unterhalten? Die Autorinnen haben in der Pflegepraxis Alterssexualität als Tabu erlebt und entschieden sich in ihrer Bachelorarbeit Sexualität in Alterspflegeinstitutionen zu thematisieren.
Âgé et sexy : un sujet tabou ?
Authors: Tschanz Nora , Uehlinger Céline
Published: August 2018

Récapitulation. La sexualité est la chose la plus normale au monde et est omniprésente aujourd’hui dans tous les médias. Pourtant la relation entre sexualité et vieillesse relève du défi. Qui s’est déjà entretenu avec ses (grands-) parents au sujet de leur vie sexuelle ? Dans leur pratique de soins, les auteures ont vécu la question de la sexualité au 3e âge comme tabou et ont décidé de faire de la sexualité dans les institutions de soins aux personnes âgées le sujet de leur travail de Bachelor.
Angehörige von Menschen mit Demenz sagen «JA» zur Technik
Authors: Radenovic Natascha
Published: August 2018

Zusammenfassung. Technikeinsatz für Menschen mit Demenz gehört zu den umstrittensten ethischen Fragen der Betreuung der Betroffenen. Im Rahmen einer Masterarbeit haben Interviews mit Angehörigen von Betroffenen gezeigt, dass Technik niemals Ersatz für menschliche Nähe, jedoch eine angenehme Abwechslung im Alltag der Menschen mit Demenz und auch der Angehörigen selbst sein kann. Dabei kommt vor allem der individuellen Anpassung wesentliche Bedeutung zu.
Etre âgé à l’âge du numérique, défis et opportunités
Authors: Geissbuhler Antoine
Published: August 2018

Récapitulation. A l’ère du numérique, les patients et les professionnels découvrent de nouveaux outils qui modifient les attitudes et comportements vis-à-vis des soins et de la santé. Ces outils de la cybersanté offrent de nouvelles possibilités d’autonomiser les patients et de sécuriser les transitions dans nos systèmes de santé complexes (Topol, 2014 ; Geissbuhler, 2012). Ils se déploient à plusieurs niveaux.
Le design pour tous : attrayant et utile
Authors: Knigge Mathias
Published: August 2018

Récapitulation. Les produits, l’architecture et les prestations peuvent être difficiles à utiliser en raison des changements liés à l’âge. L’évolution démographique exige en effet une nouvelle approche : à la place de solutions spéciales/orientées sur les déficiences pour un petit nombre de consommateurs, qui sont fréquemment ressenties comme stigmatisantes, il est judicieux de créer des plus-values claires pour de grands groupes. Le concept « Design pour tous » propose en ce sens une démarche afin de développer des offres attractives indépendamment de l’âge ou du handicap.
2018 Class of AGU Fellows Announced
Authors: Davidson Eric , Holmes Mary
Published: August 2018

AGU is proud to have chosen 62 new Fellows and will honor them at the upcoming Fall Meeting 2018 in Washington, D. C.
SOX2 recruits KLF4 to regulate nasopharyngeal carcinoma proliferation via PI3K/AKT signaling
Authors: Tang Jianming , Zhong Guansheng , Wu Jianhui , Chen Haiyan , Jia Yongshi
Published: August 2018

Abstact

SOX2 is a transcription factor that contributes to transcription modification and cancer, but the mechanism by which SOX2 regulates nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell proliferation is not well understood. Here, we identify a SOX2 signaling pathway that facilitates nasopharyngeal carcinoma, where it is upregulated. SOX2 expression was associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient survival. SOX2 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, and tumorigenesis in an subcutaneous mouse xenograft model system. Six hundred and ninety-nine candidate SOX2 downstream dysregulated genes were identified in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells through cDNA microarray analysis. SOX2 recruited the nuclear transcription factor KLF4 to bind to the PIK3CA promoter upregulate PIK3CA expression, acting to enhance PI3K/AKT signaling and tumorigenesis by upregulating PIK3CA expression. Besides, overexpressing activated AKT or PIK3CA rescued the growth inhibition of cells due to SOX2 knockdown. Together, our study suggest that SOX2 exhibits oncogenic properties and may be a reliable molecular biomarker in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Targeting SOX2 might be a promising treatment strategy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment.
Integrative analysis of fitness and metabolic effects of plasmids in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1
Authors: San Millan Alvaro , Toll-Riera Macarena , Qi Qin , Betts Alex , Hopkinson Richard J , McCullagh James , MacLean R Craig
Published: August 2018

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) mediated by the spread of plasmids fuels evolution in prokaryotes. Although plasmids provide bacteria with new adaptive genes, they also produce physiological alterations that often translate into a reduction in bacterial fitness. The fitness costs associated with plasmids represent an important limit to plasmid maintenance in bacterial communities, but their molecular origins remain largely unknown. In this work, we combine phenomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics to study the fitness effects produced by a collection of diverse plasmids in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Using this approach, we scan the physiological changes imposed by plasmids and test the generality of some main mechanisms that have been proposed to explain the cost of HGT, including increased biosynthetic burden, reduced translational efficiency, and impaired chromosomal replication. Our results suggest that the fitness effects of plasmids have a complex origin, since none of these mechanisms could individually provide a general explanation for the cost of plasmid carriage. Interestingly, our results also showed that plasmids alter the expression of a common set of metabolic genes in PAO1, and produce convergent changes in host cell metabolism. These surprising results suggest that there is a common metabolic response to plasmids in P. aeruginosa PAO1.
Distribution and population structure of endobacteria in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi at North Atlantic dunes
Authors: Lastovetsky Olga A , Ahn Ezekiel , Mondo Stephen J , Toomer Kevin H , Zhang Aolin , Johnson Lynn M , Pawlowska Teresa E
Published: August 2018

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF, Glomeromycotina), in addition to forming symbioses with the majority of land plants, harbor vertically transmitted endosymbiotic bacteria ‘Candidatus Glomeribacter gigasporarum’ (CaGg) and ‘Candidatus Moeniiplasma glomeromycotorum’ (CaMg). CaGg is a nonessential mutualist of AMF, whereas the lifestyle of CaMg is unknown. To start unraveling the interactions between AMF and their endosymbionts in nature, we examined diversity and distribution of AMF-associated endobacteria in North Atlantic dunes at Cape Cod. Of nearly 500 foredune AMF isolates successfully genotyped during a systematic study, 94% were classified as Gigasporaceae. Two percent of all AMF spores harbored CaGg, and 88% contained CaMg. CaGg was found only in the Gigasporaceae, whereas CaMg was present in Gigasporaceae, Acaulosporaceae, and Diversisporaceae. Incidence of CaGg across AMF was not affected by any of the environmental parameters measured, whereas distribution of CaMg in one of the fungal hosts was impacted by plant density. CaMg populations associated with AMF individuals displayed high levels of genetic diversity but no evidence of gene flow, suggesting that host physical proximity is not sufficient to facilitate horizontal transmission of CaMg. Finally, in addition to a novel lineage of CaGg, we discovered that AMF likely harbor Burkholderia-related bacteria with close phylogenetic affinity to free-living Burkholderia and endobacteria of other Mucoromycota fungi.
Local structure in deeply supercooled liquids exhibits growing lengthscales and dynamical correlations
Authors: Hallett James E. , Turci Francesco , Royall C. Patrick
Published: August 2018

Glasses are among the most widely used of everyday materials, yet the process by which a liquid’s viscosity increases by 14 decades to become a glass remains unclear, as often contradictory theories provide equally good descriptions of the available data. Knowledge of emergent lengthscales and higher-order structure could help resolve this, but this requires time-resolved measurements of dense particle coordinates—previously only obtained over a limited time interval. Here we present an experimental study of a model colloidal system over a dynamic window significantly larger than previous measurements, revealing structural ordering more strongly linked to dynamics than previously found. Furthermore we find that immobile regions and domains of local structure grow concurrently with density, and that these regions have low configurational entropy. We thus show that local structure plays an important role at deep supercooling, consistent with a thermodynamic interpretation of the glass transition rather than a principally dynamic description.
Surveying silicon nitride nanopores for glycomics and heparin quality assurance
Authors: Karawdeniya Buddini Iroshika , Bandara Y. M. Nuwan D. Y. , Nichols Jonathan W. , Chevalier Robert B. , Dwyer Jason R.
Published: August 2018

Polysaccharides have key biological functions and can be harnessed for therapeutic roles, such as the anticoagulant heparin. Their complexity—e.g., >100 monosaccharides with variety in linkage and branching structure—significantly complicates analysis compared to other biopolymers such as DNA and proteins. More, and improved, analysis tools have been called for, and here we demonstrate that solid-state silicon nitride nanopore sensors and tuned sensing conditions can be used to reliably detect native polysaccharides and enzymatic digestion products, differentiate between different polysaccharides in straightforward assays, provide new experimental insights into nanopore electrokinetics, and uncover polysaccharide properties. We show that nanopore sensing allows us to easily differentiate between a clinical heparin sample and one spiked with the contaminant that caused deaths in 2008 when its presence went undetected by conventional assays. The work reported here lays a foundation to further explore polysaccharide characterization and develop assays using thin-film solid-state nanopore sensors.
Prevalence of Transmitted HIV drug resistance in antiretroviral treatment naïve newly diagnosed individuals in China
Authors: Zhao Shuai , Feng Yi , Hu Jing , Li Yang , Zuo Zhongbao , Yan Jing , Zhang Jing , Cao Pi , Xu Wei , Li Fan , Li Yuxueyun , Liao Lingjie , Ruan Yuhua , Shao Yiming , Xing Hui
Published: August 2018

To investigate the prevalence and temporal trend of transmitted drug resistance (TDR), a nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted among 5627 ART naïve newly diagnosed HIV-infected individuals in 2015 in China. Totally 4704 partial pol sequences were obtained. Among them, the most common HIV-1 circulating recombinant form (CRF) or subtype was CRF01_AE (39.0%), followed by CRF07_BC (35.6%), CRF08_BC (8.9%), and subtype B (5.5%). TDR mutations were found in 3.6% of the cases, with 1.1% harboring TDR to protease inhibitors (PIs), 1.3% having TDR to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), and 1.6% to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). No significant difference was found in the prevalence of TDR, as compared with the results of another nationwide survey performed among ART naïve HIV-infected people in between 2004 and 2005, except in the 16–25 year-old group. In addition, four drug-resistant transmission clusters were identified in phylogenetic trees, accounting for 6.2% (9/145) of the individuals with TDR. Although the rate of TDR remained relatively low in the past 10 years in China, surveillance is still needed to monitor the trend of TDR and to optimize the first-line regimens.
Primary prevention of atherosclerosis by pretreatment of low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice with sesame oil and its aqueous components
Authors: Aluganti Narasimhulu Chandrakala , Burge Kathryn Young , Doomra Mitsushita , Riad Aladdin , Parthasarathy Sampath
Published: August 2018

Pharmacological intervention using statins and PCSK9 inhibitors have become first-line therapy in the prevention of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. Currently, no agent is available for the primary prevention of atherosclerosis. However, there is an emerging hypothesis that atherosclerosis could be driven by inflammation. In this study, we tested whether pretreatment with an aqueous extract from sesame oil (SOAE), which showed potent anti-inflammatory properties without hypocholesterolemic actions, would prevent subsequent atherosclerosis development in a mouse model. RAW 264.7 macrophages and female low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLR−/−) mice were used forin vitroandin vivostudies, respectively. Plasma lipids, cytokines and atherosclerotic lesions were quantified at the end of the study. RNA was extracted from the liver and aortic tissues and used for gene analysis. Pre-treatment of SOAE prevented Ox-LDL uptake by RAW macrophages and further inflammationin vitro. SOAE pre-treatment significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesions and pro-inflammatory gene expressions in LDLR−/−mice as compared to control mice. No significant change in plasma cholesterol levels was observed. A significant reduction in plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1 and VCAM1 was observed in the SOAE pre-treated animals. This is the first study that demonstrates that pre-treatment with anti-inflammatory agents, could delay/decrease atherosclerosis.
Insight into the molecular mechanism behind PEG-mediated stabilization of biofluid lipases
Authors: Pérez Bianca , Coletta Andrea , Pedersen Jannik N. , Petersen Steen V. , Periole Xavier , Pedersen Jan Skov , Sessions Richard B. , Guo Zheng , Perriman Adam , Schiøtt Birgit
Published: August 2018

Bioconjugates established between anionic polyethylene glycol (PEG) based polymers and cationic proteins have proven to be a promising strategy to engineer thermostable biocatalysts. However, the enzyme activity of these bioconjugates is very low and the mechanism of non-covalent PEG-stabilization is yet to be understood. This work presents experimental and molecular dynamics simulation studies, using lipase-polymer surfactant nanoconjugates from mesophile Rhizomucor miehei (RML), performed to evaluate the effect of PEG on enzyme stability and activity. Results demonstrated that the number of hydrogen bonds between the cationized RML and PEG chain correlates with enzyme thermostability. In addition, an increase of both the number of PEG-polymers units and cationization degree of the enzyme leads to a decrease of enzyme activity. Modelling with SAXS data of aqueous solutions of the biofluid lipases agrees with previous hypothesis that these enzymes contain a core constituted of folded protein confined by a shell of surfactants. Together results provide valuable insight into the mechanism of non-covalent PEG mediated protein stabilization relevant for engineering active and thermostable biofluids. Furthermore, the first biofluids RML with activity comparable to their cationized counterpart are presented.
The Chinese Medicine Wu-Tou Decoction Relieves Neuropathic Pain by Inhibiting Hippocampal Microglia Activation
Authors: Zhu Chunyan , Xu Qionghong , Mao Zhiyun , Lin Na
Published: August 2018

The comorbidity between the nociceptive and mental syndromes adds to the refractoriness of neuropathic pain (NP). Wu-Tou decoction (WTD) has been prescribed for chronic pain for thousands of years in China. Recently, we reported that WTD was helpful for hippocampus and co-curative for the nociceptive, depressive and anxiety behaviors in the spinal cord ligation (SNL) mice. However, the mechanism underlying the rescue of hippocampus, as well as the roles hippocampus assumed in co-curation remain unexplored. In this study, we validated that in SNL mice, the long-lasting damages to limbic system were mainly limited to hippocampus. In addition, hippocampal neurons were proven sensitive to harms induced by microglia and rescued by WTD, which in sum indicated hippocampal microglia as the critical modulator of co-curation. To validate this hypothesis the hippocampal microglia were mal-activated in shamed mice, in which the atrophy of hippocampus and the development of NP syndromes were consolidated and proven rescued by WTD. On the contrary, in the SNL mice, the failure to control hippocampal microglia was sufficient to void all the rescues mediated by WTD. In sum, our study points out that the effective modulation of microglia in hippocampus is of pivotal importance for the co-curation by WTD.
Long-term bat abundance in sagebrush steppe
Authors: Whiting Jericho C. , Doering Bill , Wright Gary , Englestead Devin K. , Frye Justin A. , Stefanic Todd , Sewall Brent J.
Published: August 2018

Bats of western North America face many threats, but little is known about current population changes in these mammals. We compiled 283 surveys from 49 hibernacula over 32 years to investigate population changes of Townsend’s big-eared bats (Corynorhinus townsendii townsendii) and western small-footed myotis (Myotis ciliolabrum) in Idaho, USA. This area comprises some of the best bat habitat in the western USA, but is threatened by land-use change. Bats in this area also face invasion by the pathogen causing white-nose syndrome. Little is known about long-term trends of abundance of these two species. In our study, estimated population changes for Townsend’s big-eared bats varied by management area, with relative abundance increasing by 186% and 326% in two management areas, but decreasing 55% in another. For western small-footed myotis, analysis of estimated population trend was complicated by an increase in detection of 141% over winter. After accounting for differences in detection, this species declined region-wide by 63% to winter of 1998–1999. The population fully recovered by 2013–2014, likely because 12 of 23 of its hibernacula were closed to public access from 1994 to 1998. Our data clarify long-term population patterns of two bat species of conservation concern, and provide important baseline understanding of western small-footed myotis prior to the arrival of white-nose syndrome in this area.