bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Red mason bees cannot compete with honey bees for floral resources in a cage experiment
Authors: Hudewenz Anika , Klein Alexandra‐Maria
Published: October 2015

Intensive beekeeping to mitigate crop pollination deficits and habitat loss may cause interspecific competition between bees. Studies show negative correlations between flower visitation of honey bees (Apis mellifera) and wild bees, but effects on the reproduction of wild bees were not proven. Likely reasons are that honey bees can hardly be excluded from controls and wild bee nests are generally difficult to detect in field experiments. The goal of this study was to investigate whether red mason bees (Osmia bicornis) compete with honey bees in cages in order to compare the reproduction of red mason bees under different honey bee densities. Three treatments were applied, each replicated in four cages of 18 m³ with 38 red mason bees in all treatments and 0, 100, and 300 honey bees per treatment with 10–20% being foragers. Within the cages, the flower visitation and interspecific displacements from flowers were observed. Niche breadths and resource overlaps of both bee species were calculated, and the reproduction of red mason bees was measured. Red mason bees visited fewer flowers when honey bees were present. Niche breadth of red mason bees decreased with increasing honey bee density while resource overlaps remained constant. The reproduction of red mason bees decreased in cages with honey bees. In conclusion, our experimental results show that in small and isolated flower patches, wild bees can temporarily suffer from competition with honey bees. Further research should aim to test for competition on small and isolated flower patches in real landscapes.
Specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) inhibit human B‐cell IgE production
Authors: Kim Nina , Ramon Sesquile , Thatcher Thomas H. , Woeller Collynn F. , Sime Patricia J. , Phipps Richard P.
Published: October 2015

Specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) constitute a recently recognized class of bioactive molecules thatpromote the resolution of inflammation. We recently reported that the SPMs resolvin D1 (RvD1) and 17‐hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid (17‐HDHA) promote the differentiation of IgG‐secreting B cells and enhance antibody‐mediated immune responses. However, there is an important knowledge gap regarding whether or not SPMs regulate human B‐cell IgE production, which is the key effector in diseases such as asthma and allergy. Therefore, we investigated whether a panel of diverse SPMs influences B‐cell IgE production. An important finding was that 17‐HDHA and RvD1 inhibit IgE production by human B cells and suppress the differentiation of naïve B cells into IgE‐secreting cells by specifically blocking epsilon germline transcript. This effect is specific to human IgE, as the SPMs do not inhibit production of IgM and IgG and did not suppress other IL‐4‐upregulated genes. 17‐HDHA and RvD1 act by stabilizing the transcriptional repressor B‐cell lymphoma 6, which competes with STAT6 for binding at the epsilon germline transcript promoter. Overall, these new findings demonstrate that certain SPMs inhibit the differentiation of IgE‐producing B cells, without being broadly immune suppressive, representing a novel class of potential therapeutics for IgE‐driven diseases such as asthma and allergy.
Chronic bacterial infection activates autoreactive B cells and induces isotype switching and autoantigen‐driven mutations
Authors: Jung Sophie , Schickel Jean‐Nicolas , Kern Aurélie , Knapp Anne‐Marie , Eftekhari Pierre , Da Silva Sylvia , Jaulhac Benoît , Brink Robert , Soulas‐Sprauel Pauline , Pasquali Jean‐Louis , Martin Thierry , Korganow Anne‐Sophie
Published: October 2015

The links between infections and the development of B‐cell‐mediated autoimmune diseases are still unclear. In particular, it has been suggested that infection‐induced stimulation of innate immune sensors can engage low affinity autoreactive B lymphocytes to mature and produce mutated IgG pathogenic autoantibodies. To test this hypothesis, we established a new knock‐in mouse model in which autoreactive B cells could be committed to an affinity maturation process. We show that a chronic bacterial infection allows the activation of such B cells and the production of nonmutated IgM autoantibodies. Moreover, in the constitutive presence of their soluble antigen, some autoreactive clones are able to acquire a germinal center phenotype, to induce Aicda gene expression and to introduce somatic mutations in the IgG heavy chain variable region on amino acids forming direct contacts with the autoantigen. Paradoxically, only lower affinity variants are detected, which strongly suggests that higher affinity autoantibodies secreting B cells are counterselected. For the first time, we demonstrate in vivo that a noncross‐reactive infectious agent can activate and induce autoreactive B cells to isotype switching and autoantigen‐driven mutations, but on a nonautoimmune background, tolerance mechanisms prevent the formation of consequently dangerous autoimmunity.
Facile Rearrangement of the 6,11‐Diphenyldibenzo[b,f][1,4]diazocine Skeleton into a Substituted 2‐(2‐Aminophenyl)‐1,3‐diphenylisoindole via Anomalous Carbo­lithiation or Hydrolithiation: Corroboration of Operative SET Processes
Authors: Eisch John J. , Liu Wei , Zhu Lisheng , Rheingold Arnold L.
Published: October 2015

The starting 6,11‐diphenyldibenzo[b,f][1,4]diazocine has been individually treated with R–Li reagents in THF, where R = AlH4, PhCH2, Ph2CH, Ph3C, CH3, CH3(CH2)3, C6H5 or Ph–C≡C, to learn whether an expected 1,2‐ or 1,4‐addition would cleanly occur. Contrary to such an assumption based on nucleophilic attack, this [1,4]diazocine with PhCH2Li yielded only the enantiomers of (4b,11R)‐11‐benzyl‐4b,11‐diphenyl‐4b,11‐dihydro‐5H‐benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1‐a]isoindole; with Ph2CHLi yielded 2‐[1‐(4‐benzhydrylphenyl)‐phenyl‐2H‐isoindol‐2‐yl]analine; and with LiAlH4 2‐(2‐aminophenyl)‐1,3‐diphenylisoindole. Finally, individual reactions of the [1,4]diazocine with CH3Li, nBuLi or PhLi gave 4–5 inseparable products, instead of any simple 1,2 or 1,4 adduct. The anomalous carbolithiations and hydrolithiation observed are irreconcilable with a nucleophilic mechanism but in excellent accord with a SET radical‐anion pathway.
Gold Surface Functionalization with S‐containing Organic Compounds and Gold Nanoparticles for Ethylene Glycol Electrooxidation
Authors: Łuczak Teresa , Bułat Kornela
Published: October 2015

In this work a gold electrode modified with self‐assembled layers (SAMs) composed with organic S‐containing compound and gold nanoparticles was prepared. The electrode with SAMs endowed with gold nanoparticles gave the high catalytic effect for ethylene glycol (EG) electrooxidation in solution at pH 7. For this novel sensor a linear relationship between the current response of EG at the potential of peak maximum (jp) and the concentration of this compound in solution (cEG) was found over the range 0.1 µM to 0.7 M with the detection sensitivity jp/cEG equal to about 5 A cm−2 mol−1 dm3 (at v=0.1 V s−1) and the detection limit of 0.046 µM.
Treatment of pig manure liquid digestate in horizontal flow constructed wetlands: Effect of aeration
Authors: Wu Shubiao , Lei Ming , Lu Qimin , Guo Luchen , Dong Renjie
Published: October 2015

With the rapid development of scaled anaerobic digestion of pig manure, the generation of liquid anaerobic digestate exceeds the farmland loading capacity, causing serious environmental pollution. Three laboratory‐scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (CWs; planted + aeration, planted, and unplanted) were set up to investigate the feasibility of liquid digestate treatment in wetlands. Treatment capacity in different wetlands was evaluated under different influent concentrations (chemical oxygen demand [COD], 5 days biochemical oxygen demand [BOD5], and nitrogen forms). The effect of aeration and effluent recirculation on organic matter and total nitrogen removal was investigated. Results showed that integrating intermittent aeration in CWs significantly improved the oxygen condition (p < 0.01) in the wetland bed and promoted BOD5 removal to 90% in aerated CWs as compared with <15% in the unaerated CWs. Meanwhile, COD removal between these three wetlands did not show any difference and varied from 52 to 72% under influent concentration of 200–820 mg/L because of the high content of hard‐degradable organic matter in the liquid digestate. Intermittent aeration resulted in high ammonium removal (>98%) although the influent loading varied from 65 to 350 mg/L. However, intermittent aeration caused nitrate accumulation of 300 mg/L and limited total nitrogen (TN) removal of 33%. To intensify the TN removal, we verified effluent recirculation to increase the removal efficiency of TN to 78%. These results not only show the potential application of CWs for treatment of high‐strength liquid anaerobic digested slurry, but also indicate the significance of intermittent aeration on the enhanced removal of organic matter and ammonium.
Long‐Term Stability of (Ti/Zr/Hf)CoSb1−xSnx Thermoelectric p‐Type Half‐Heusler Compounds Upon Thermal Cycling
Authors: Rausch Elisabeth , Balke Benjamin , Ouardi Siham , Felser Claudia
Published: October 2015

The effect of thermal cycling upon the thermoelectric performance of state‐of‐the‐art p‐type half‐Heusler materials was investigated and correlated with the impact on the structural properties. We simulated a heat treatment of the material similar to actual applications in the mid‐temperature range, such as occurs during the energy conversion from an automotive exhaust pipe. We compared three different compositions based on the (Ti/Zr/Hf)CoSb1−xSnx system. The best and most reliable performance was achieved using Ti0.5Hf0.5CoSb0.85Sn0.15, which reached a maximum figure of merit ZT of 1.1 at 700 °C. The intrinsic phase separation and resulting microstructuring, which are responsible for the outstanding thermoelectric performance, were stable even after 500 heating and cooling cycles. The standard deviation of the obtained ZT values lies within 2–3 %, which is significantly smaller than the measurement errors.
Hierarchical Microcellular Microporous Carbon from Polyamic Acid Cryogel and its Electrochemical Capacitance
Authors: Choi Yong‐Mun , Singh Kiran Pal , Park Jong Deok , You Nam‐Ho , Yang Cheol‐Min , Goh Munju , Yu Jong‐Sung
Published: October 2015

The obtainment of a high specific surface area (SSA) without disrupting the conductivity of carbon is very challenging. Herein, an as‐synthesized polyamic acid (PAA) derivative dissolved in 1,4‐dioxane solvent was freeze dried to prepare a PAA cryogel, which allowed homogenous shrinkage of the texture and a high carbon yield upon carbonization. This work presents the successful template‐free preparation of a high‐surface area microporous carbon with a unique microcellular structure by simple carbonization treatment of a PAA cryogel. Upon increasing the carbonization temperature, the N content decreased, which was unfavorable for capacitance, but simultaneously, both the surface area and the crystallinity increased, which was beneficial in increasing the capacitance; these results are indicative of an interesting trade‐off relationship between surface area, conductivity, and the N content of the carbon. In particular, C‐PAA (1000) prepared by carbonization at 1000 °C from the PAA cryogel showed a high porosity of approximately 90.8 % and a remarkably high SSA of 2038 m2 g−1 along with high crystallinity and effective N doping favorable for good conductivity; this material thus illustrates a high specific capacitance of 248 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and excellent stability in inorganic electrolyte.
Physiological effects of essential metals on two detritivores: Atyaephyra desmarestii (Millet) and Echinogammarus meridionalis (Pinkster)
Authors: Quintaneiro Carla , Ranville James F. , Nogueira António J. A.
Published: October 2015

Freshwater ecosystems are essential for humans; however, input of several types of contamination has led to the degradation of these ecosystems. Thus, it is urgent to assess their health to allow actions for prevention and remediation. The level of trace metals can be enhanced by natural or anthropogenic sources. Essential metals, such as copper and zinc, become toxic when present in the environment above threshold concentrations. To evaluate the physiological effects of these 2 essential metals for 2 freshwater detritivores, the shrimp Atyaephyra desmarestii and the amphipod Echinogammarus meridionalis, acute tests were performed. Forty-eight hour median lethal concentration (LC50) values were estimated for these species using static bioassays with copper and zinc. Sublethal assays for both metals with several phases were also done to evaluate the effects on feeding behavior. The LC50 values of copper for the shrimp A. desmarestii and amphipod E. meridionalis were 0.128 mg/L and 0.050 mg/L and those of zinc were 7.951 mg/L and 11.860 mg/L, respectively. The results indicated that copper is more toxic to both species. Only E. meridionalis showed deleterious effects of copper on feeding rate. Zinc showed some tendency for feeding inhibition in both species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1442–1448. © 2015 SETAC
Chronic toxicity of an environmentally relevant mixture of pharmaceuticals to three aquatic organisms (alga, daphnid, and fish)
Authors: Watanabe Haruna , Tamura Ikumi , Abe Ryoko , Takanobu Hitomi , Nakamura Ataru , Suzuki Toshinari , Hirose Akihiko , Nishimura Tetsuji , Tatarazako Norihisa
Published: October 2015

Principles of concentration addition and independent action have been used as effective tools to predict mixture toxicity based on individual component toxicity. The authors investigated the toxicity of a pharmaceutical mixture composed of the top 10 detected active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in the Tama River (Tokyo, Japan) in a relevant concentration ratio. Both individual and mixture toxicities of the 10 APIs were evaluated by 3 short-term chronic toxicity tests using the alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, the daphnid Ceriodaphnia dubia, and the zebrafish Danio rerio. With the exception of clarithromycin toxicity to alga, the no-observed-effect concentration of individual APIs for each test species was dramatically higher than the highest concentration of APIs found in the environment. The mixture of 10 APIs resulted in toxicity to alga, daphnid, and fish at 6.25 times, 100 times, and 15 000 times higher concentrations, respectively, than the environmental concentrations of individual APIs. Predictions by concentration addition and independent action were nearly identical for alga, as clarithromycin was the predominant toxicant in the mixture. Both predictions described the observed mixture toxicity to alga fairly well, whereas they slightly underestimated the observed mixture toxicity in the daphnid test. In the fish embryo test, the observed toxicity fell between the predicted toxicity by concentration addition and independent action. These results suggested that the toxicity of environmentally relevant pharmaceutical mixtures could be predicted by individual toxicity using either concentration addition or independent action. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:996–1006. © 2015 SETAC
Developing a hybrid flux function suitable for hypersonic flow simulation with high‐order methods
Authors: Wang Dongfang , Deng Xiaogang , Wang Guangxue , Dong Yidao
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we develop a new hybrid Euler flux function based on Roe's flux difference scheme, which is free from shock instability and still preserves the accuracy and efficiency of Roe's flux scheme. For computational cost, only 5% extra CPU time is required compared with Roe's FDS. In hypersonic flow simulation with high‐order methods, the hybrid flux function would automatically switch to the Rusanov flux function near shock waves to improve the robustness, and in smooth regions, Roe's FDS would be recovered so that the advantages of high‐order methods can be maintained. Multidimensional dissipation is introduced to eliminate the adverse effects caused by flux function switching and further enhance the robustness of shock‐capturing, especially when the shock waves are not aligned with grids. A series of tests shows that this new hybrid flux function with a high‐order weighted compact nonlinear scheme is not only robust for shock‐capturing but also accurate for hypersonic heat transfer prediction. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of γ radiation processing on fungal growth and quality characteristcs of millet grains
Authors: Mahmoud Nagat S. , Awad Sahar H. , Madani Rayan M. A. , Osman Fahmi A. , Elmamoun Khalid , Hassan Amro B.
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of gamma radiation processing of millet grains on fungal incidence, germination, free fatty acids content, protein solubility, digestible protein, and antinutritional factors (tannin and phytic acid). The grains were exposed to gamma radiation at doses 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, and 2.0 kGy. Obtained results revealed that radiation of millet grains at a dose level higher than 0.5 kGy caused significant (P < 0.05) reduction on the percentage of fungal incidence and the free fatty acid of the seeds, while, no significant change in the germination capacity was observed of the grains after radiation. Additionally, the radiation process caused significant (P < 0.05) reduction on both tannins and phytic acid content and gradual increment on in vitro protein digestibility of the grains. On the other hand, the treatments significantly (P < 0.05) increased the protein solubility of the grains. Obtained results indicate that gamma irradiation might improve the quality characteristics of millet grains, and can be used as a postharvest method for disinfestations and decontamination of millet grains.
Treatment of hepatitis C virus–associated mixed cryoglobulinemia with direct‐acting antiviral agents
Authors: Sise Meghan E. , Bloom Allyson K. , Wisocky Jessica , Lin Ming V. , Gustafson Jenna L. , Lundquist Andrew L. , Steele David , Thiim Michael , Williams Winfred W. , Hashemi Nikroo , Kim Arthur Y. , Thadhani Ravi , Chung Raymond T.
Published: October 2015

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common cause of mixed cryoglobulinemia syndrome (MCS). The efficacy and safety of all‐oral direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy in HCV‐associated MCS (HCV‐MCS) is largely unknown. The authors studied case series of patients with HCV‐MCS who were treated with sofosbuvir‐based regimens and historical controls treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin in a single health care network. HCV‐MCS was defined by circulating cryoglobulin associated with systemic vasculitis symptoms. Renal involvement (n = 7) was established by kidney biopsy (n = 5) or by two or more of the following clinical findings: reduced kidney function, proteinuria, or hematuria with other causes excluded (n = 2). Twelve patients received DAA therapy between December 2013 and September 2014. Median age was 61 years, 58% were male, and 50% had cirrhosis. Median baseline serum creatinine was 0.97 mg/dL (range 0.7‐2.47). Four patients received rituximab concurrent with DAA therapy. Sustained virological response rate at 12 weeks (SVR12) was 83% overall. Patients with glomerulonephritis who achieved SVR12 experienced an improvement in serum creatinine and a reduction in proteinuria. Cryoglobulin levels decreased in 89% of patients, with median percent decreasing from 1.5% to 0.5% and completely disappearing in four of nine cases who had cryoglobulins measured after treatment. Serious adverse events were infrequent (17%). In contrast, the historical cohort treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin experienced only 10% SVR12, with 100% experiencing at least one adverse event and 50% experiencing premature discontinuation due to adverse events. Conclusion: SVR12 rates for sofosbuvir‐based DAA regimens in HCV‐MCS were 83%, significantly higher than historical controls treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin; patients with glomerulonephritis experienced improvement in renal function, including those not concomitantly treated with immunosuppression. (Hepatology 2016;63:408–417)
A functional classification of ABCB4 variations causing progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3
Authors: Delaunay Jean‐Louis , Durand‐Schneider Anne‐Marie , Dossier Claire , Falguières Thomas , Gautherot Julien , Davit‐Spraul Anne , Aït‐Slimane Tounsia , Housset Chantal , Jacquemin Emmanuel , Maurice Michèle
Published: October 2015

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 is caused by biallelic variations of ABCB4, most often (≥70%) missense. In this study, we examined the effects of 12 missense variations identified in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 patients. We classified these variations on the basis of the defects thus identified and explored potential rescue of trafficking‐defective mutants by pharmacological means. Variations were reproduced in the ABCB4 complementary DNA and the mutants, thus obtained, expressed in HepG2 and HEK293 cells. Three mutants were either fully (I541F and L556R) or largely (Q855L) retained in the endoplasmic reticulum, in an immature form. Rescue of the defect, i.e., increase in the mature form at the bile canaliculi, was obtained by cell treatments with cyclosporin A or C and, to a lesser extent, B, D, or H. Five mutations with little or no effect on ABCB4 expression at the bile canaliculi caused a decrease (F357L, T775M, and G954S) or almost absence (S346I and P726L) of phosphatidylcholine secretion. Two mutants (T424A and N510S) were normally processed and expressed at the bile canaliculi, but their stability was reduced. We found no defect of the T175A mutant or of R652G, previously described as a polymorphism. In patients, the most severe phenotypes appreciated by the duration of transplant‐free survival were caused by ABCB4 variants that were markedly retained in the endoplasmic reticulum and expressed in a homozygous status. Conclusion: ABCB4 variations can be classified as follows: nonsense variations (I) and, on the basis of current findings, missense variations that primarily affect the maturation (II), activity (III), or stability (IV) of the protein or have no detectable effect (V); this classification provides a strong basis for the development of genotype‐based therapies. (Hepatology 2016;63:1620‐1631)
Salinomycin encapsulated nanoparticles as a targeting vehicle for glioblastoma cells
Authors: Tığlı Aydın R. Seda , Kaynak Gökçe , Gümüşderelioğlu Menemşe
Published: October 2015

Salinomycin has been introduced as a novel alternative to traditional anti‐cancer drugs. The aim of this study was to test a strategy designed to deliver salinomycin to glioblastoma cells in vitro. Salinomycin‐encapsulated polysorbate 80‐coated poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) nanoparticles (P80‐SAL‐PLGA) were prepared and characterized with respect to particle size, morphology, thermal properties, drug encapsulation efficiency and controlled salinomycin‐release behaviour. The in vitro cellular uptake of P80‐SAL‐PLGA (5 and 10 µM) or uncoated nanoparticles was assessed in T98G human glioblastoma cells, and the cell viability was investigated with respect to anti‐growth activities. SAL, which was successfully transported to T98G glioblastoma cells via P80 coated nanoparticles (∼14% within 60 min), greatly decreased (p < 0.01) the cellular viability of T98G cells. Substantial morphological changes were observed in the T98G cells with damaged actin cytoskeleton. Thus, P80‐SAL‐PLGA nanoparticles induced cell death, suggesting a potential therapeutic role for this salinomycin delivery system in the treatment of human glioblastoma. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 455–464, 2016.
Drug‐Induced Liver Injury Associated With Antidepressive Psychopharmacotherapy: An Explorative Assessment Based on Quantitative Signal Detection Using Different MedDRA Terms
Authors: Gahr Maximilian , Zeiss René , Lang Dirk , Connemann Bernhard J. , Hiemke Christoph , Schönfeldt‐Lecuona Carlos
Published: October 2015

Drug‐induced liver injury is a major problem of pharmacotherapy and is also frequent with antidepressive psychopharmacotherapy. However, there are only few studies using a consistent methodologic approach to study hepatotoxicity of a larger group of antidepress ants. We performed a quantitative signal detection analysis using data from the Uppsala Monitoring Centre from the WHO that records adverse drug reaction (ADR) data from worldwide sources; we retrieved substance‐ and country‐specific (Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States) ADR data and calculated reporting odds ratios as measures for disproportionality within a case/noncase approach. To allow for identification of agents that cause severe forms of hepatotoxic ADRs, we used 2 terms of the MedDRA (“drug‐related hepatic disorders‐comprehensive search” [DRHD‐CS] and “… ‐severe events only” [DRHD‐SEO]). Distribution of signals was heterogeneous throughout the different data sets, and consistent findings were present for only a few substances: agomelatine (AGM) and tianeptine as well as both positive control agents (amineptine, nefazodone) generated signals related to DRHD‐CS and DRHD‐SEO in all analyzed data sets. Tri‐ and tetracyclic antidepressants (here amitriptyline, clomipramine, mianserin, mirtazapine, trimipramine) were associated with hepatotoxicity in several data sets. Using 2 MedDRA terms did not allow for detection of agents that cause severe hepatotoxic ADR. Our results support the findings of previous, primarily literature‐based, systematic analyses of hepatotoxicity related to antidepressive psychopharmacotherapy. No new safety information could be generated. Application of 2 MedDRA terms did not increase the substance‐specific safety information.
Expression and distribution of neuropeptides in the nervous system of the crab Carcinus maenas and their roles in environmental stress
Authors: Zhang Yuzhuo , Buchberger Amanda , Muthuvel Gajanthan , Li Lingjun
Published: October 2015

Environmental fluctuations, such as salinity, impose serious challenges to marine animal survival. Neuropeptides, signaling molecules involved in the regulation process, and the dynamic changes of their full complement in the stress response have yet to be investigated. Here, a MALDI‐MS‐based stable isotope labeling quantitation strategy was used to investigate the relationship between neuropeptide expression and adaptability of Carcinus maenas to various salinity levels, including high (60 parts per thousand [p.p.t.]) and low (0 p.p.t.) salinity, in both the crustacean pericardial organ (PO) and brain. Moreover, a high salinity stress time course study was conducted. MS imaging (MSI) of neuropeptide localization in C. maenas PO was also performed. As a result of salinity stress, multiple neuropeptide families exhibited changes in their relative abundances, including RFamides (e.g. APQGNFLRFamide), RYamides (e.g. SSFRVGGSRYamide), B‐type allatostatins (AST‐B; e.g. VPNDWAHFRGSWamide), and orcokinins (e.g. NFDEIDRSSFGFV). The MSI data revealed distribution differences in several neuropeptides (e.g. SGFYANRYamide) between color morphs, but salinity stress appeared to not have a major effect on the localization of the neuropeptides.
Partial unfolding and refolding for structure refinement: A unified approach of geometric simulations and molecular dynamics
Authors: Kumar Avishek , Campitelli Paul , Thorpe M. F. , Ozkan S. Banu
Published: October 2015

The most successful protein structure prediction methods to date have been template‐based modeling (TBM) or homology modeling, which predicts protein structure based on experimental structures. These high accuracy predictions sometimes retain structural errors due to incorrect templates or a lack of accurate templates in the case of low sequence similarity, making these structures inadequate in drug‐design studies or molecular dynamics simulations. We have developed a new physics based approach to the protein refinement problem by mimicking the mechanism of chaperons that rehabilitate misfolded proteins. The template structure is unfolded by selectively (targeted) pulling on different portions of the protein using the geometric based technique FRODA, and then refolded using hierarchically restrained replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations (hr‐REMD). FRODA unfolding is used to create a diverse set of topologies for surveying near native‐like structures from a template and to provide a set of persistent contacts to be employed during re‐folding. We have tested our approach on 13 previous CASP targets and observed that this method of folding an ensemble of partially unfolded structures, through the hierarchical addition of contact restraints (that is, first local and then nonlocal interactions), leads to a refolding of the structure along with refinement in most cases (12/13). Although this approach yields refined models through advancement in sampling, the task of blind selection of the best refined models still needs to be solved. Overall, the method can be useful for improved sampling for low resolution models where certain of the portions of the structure are incorrectly modeled. Proteins 2015; 83:2279–2292. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Record books do not capture population trends in horn length of bighorn sheep
Authors: Festa‐Bianchet Marco , Schindler Susanne , Pelletier Fanie
Published: October 2015

Many agencies and researchers use data from harvested animals to study temporal trends in phenotype. For large mammals, complete harvest records are typically only available for the past few decades, but records of the largest trophies have been collected for over a century. To examine whether record books and data from male bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) harvested under a minimum‐curl regulation could detect temporal trends in horn length, we simulated populations of trophy‐harvested male bighorn sheep where horn length was modeled to increase, remain stable, and decrease over time. All populations experienced a simulated harvest based on a minimum horn length, but only horns in the longest 5% of the initial distribution were entered in a fictional record book. We then assessed whether monitoring of harvested and “record” males detected temporal trends. Data from selective harvest underestimated declines and initially underestimated increases, but qualitatively detected both trends. Record‐book entries, however, severely underestimated increases and did not detect declines, suggesting that they should not be used to monitor population trends. When these biases are taken into account, complete trophy harvest records can provide useful biological information. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Intracranial arterial four‐dimensional flow is associated with metrics of brain health and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Berman Sara E. , Rivera‐Rivera Leonardo A. , Clark Lindsay R. , Racine Annie M. , Keevil Jon G. , Bratzke Lisa C. , Carlsson Cynthia M. , Bendlin Barbara B. , Rowley Howard A. , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Asthana Sanjay , Turski Patrick , Johnson Sterling C. , Wieben Oliver
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Although cerebrovascular disease has long been known to co‐occur with Alzheimer's disease (AD), recent studies suggest an etiologic contribution to AD pathogenesis. We used four dimensional (4D)‐flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate blood flow and pulsatility indices in the circle of Willis. We hypothesized decreased mean blood flow and increased pulsatility, metrics indicative of poor vascular health, would be associated with cerebral atrophy and an AD cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) profile.

Methods

A total of 312 patients along the AD continuum (172 middle aged, 60 cognitively healthy older, 44 mild cognitive impairment, and 36 AD) underwent MRI, CSF, and medical examinations. Regression was used to predict CSF biomarkers and atrophy from 4D‐flow and analysis of covariance to compare vascular health between groups.

Results

Decreased mean flow in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and superior portion of the internal carotid artery (sICA) and increased pulsatility in the MCA were associated with greater brain atrophy. Decreased mean flow in the sICA was associated with lower amyloid beta 1–42 (Aβ42) in the CSF, a pathologic biomarker profile associated with AD. Interestingly, although metrics of flow and pulsatility differed markedly across the AD spectrum, there were no significant differences in cardiovascular risk score, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure across the three age‐matched older cohorts.

Discussion

By measuring intracranial arterial health directly with 4D‐flow MRI, these data suggest that intracranial arterial health is compromised in symptomatic AD. Even after accounting for disease stage, cerebral artery health is associated with atrophy and an AD Aβ42 profile, suggesting neurovascular health may contribute to the etiopathogenesis of AD.
Results of sling surgery in a non‐selected population
Authors: Hogewoning Cornelis R.C. , Oostrom Anne J.B. , Hogewoning Cornelis J.A. , Pelger Rob C.M. , Bekker Milou D. , Putter Hein , Elzevier Henk W.
Published: October 2015

Objective

To evaluate sling surgery in terms of effectiveness and quality of life, and describe the effects of confounding variables on outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study using multiple validated questionnaires was conducted in a specialized pelvic floor center in the Netherlands. Women were enrolled after undergoing sling surgery between January 1, 2010, and January 31, 2012. In addition to the preoperative questionnaire, participants completed a questionnaire a minimum of 6 weeks after surgery to assess outcomes.

Results

Of 255 eligible participants, 228 (89.4%) returned the postoperative questionnaire after a mean follow‐up of 14.9 months (range 2–32). At the time of follow‐up, 158 (69.3%) patients considered themselves cured, and an improvement was observed in 155 (68.9%) patients; 70 (31.1%) patients rated their postoperative situation as little improved, unchanged, or deteriorated. Compared with patients who had no history of previous related surgery, patients with prior sling surgery benefited significantly less from surgery, whereas those with concomitant vaginal surgery showed similar scores in all outcome parameters. A high body mass index was found to have a negative effect on the results of surgery.

Conclusion

midurethral sling surgery is both efficient and effective in curing stress urinary incontinence. However, patient characteristics and confounding variables can influence the outcome of surgery and should therefore always be discussed with the patient.
Obstetric care of women with female genital mutilation attending a specialized clinic in a tertiary center
Authors: Abdulcadir Jasmine , Dugerdil Adeline , Yaron Michal , Irion Olivier , Boulvain Michel
Published: October 2015

Objective

To study the obstetric outcomes of women attending a specialized clinic for women with female genital mutilation (FGM).

Methods

The medical charts of women with FGM who consecutively attended a specialized clinic between 2010 and 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. The present study focused on women attending for obstetric reasons. The outcome measures were type of delivery, reason for cesarean delivery or assisted delivery, blood loss, episiotomy, perineal tear, duration of the second stage of labor, postpartum complications, weight of the neonate, and Apgar score. Outcomes were compared between women with FGM type III who underwent defibulation, and patients with FGM type I and II.

Results

The clinic was attended by 129 women, 84 perinatally. Obstetric outcomes were similar to average outcomes for women without FGM presenting at the same department and in Switzerland generally. Specifically, 20 women had a cesarean delivery. An assisted delivery was performed for 18 patients; among these, only eight had experienced obstructed labor. No statistically significant differences were found for the outcome measures when women with FGM type III were compared to FGM type I and II.

Conclusions

Routine obstetric follow‐up combined with specialized care for women with FGM, including defibulation, can avoid inappropriate obstetric practices and reduce obstetric complications known to be associated with FGM.
Civilian Helicopter Search and Rescue Accidents in the United States: 1980 Through 2013
Authors: Worley Gordon H.
Published: October 2015

Objective

Helicopters are commonly used in search and rescue operations, and accidents have occurred during helicopter search and rescue (HSAR) missions. The purposes of this study were to investigate whether the HSAR accident rate in the United States could be determined and whether any common contributing factors or trends could be identified.

Methods

Searches were conducted of the National Transportation Safety Board aviation accident database, the records of the major search and rescue and air medical organizations, and the medical and professional literature for reports of HSAR accidents.

Results

A total of 47 civilian HSAR accidents were identified during the study. Of these, 43% involved fatal injuries, compared with a 19% fatality rate for US helicopter general aviation accidents during the same time period and a 40% rate for helicopter emergency medical services. The HSAR accidents carried a significantly higher risk of fatal outcomes when compared with helicopter general aviation accidents (2-tailed Fisher’s exact test , P < .0005). Accidents that occurred at night and under instrument meteorological conditions did not have a statistically significant increase in percentage of fatal outcomes ( P > .05). The number of HSAR missions conducted annually could not be established, so an overall accident rate could not be calculated.

Conclusions

Although the overall number of HSAR accidents is small, the percentage of fatal outcomes from HSAR accidents is significantly higher than that from general helicopter aviation accidents and is comparable to that seen for helicopter emergency medical services operations. Further study could help to improve the safety of HSAR flights.
New Atmospheric Wave May Shape Venus's Clouds
Authors: Calderone Julia
Published: October 2015

A novel model suggests that a new wave may be responsible for Venus's iconic Y pattern.
This Winter's El Niño Might Only Dent Western U.S. Drought
Authors: Sullivan Cody
Published: October 2015

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its winter weather outlook, which predicts a warm and wet winter in California but not enough rain to eliminate the state's pernicious drought.
Practice-Based Research: Another Pathway for Closing the Research–Practice Gap
Authors: Crooke Pamela J. , Olswang Lesley B.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

Practice-based research is proposed as an additional way to bridge the divide between research and practice.

Method

The article compares the traditional, laboratory-based research with research that is generated from practice: practice-based research. The defining features of each are described, with an emphasis on contrasting internal and external validity. Retrospective and prospective practice-based studies are described. Guidelines for designing a retrospective study are provided along with a specific example from practice focusing on social communication learning. Last, the authors discuss the value of information generated from practice-based research for contributing to the knowledge base of not only a practice, but also a discipline.

Conclusion

The argument is made that approaching research from more than one perspective is necessary for ultimately improving the quality of client and patient care. Practice-based research acknowledges the value of understanding clinical decision making in everyday contexts as an important complement to evidence generated in laboratories. This article is intended to invigorate interest in the uniqueness of practice-based research as a way of encouraging the talents of researchers and practitioners as they work together to gather evidence for improving the lives of individuals with communication disorders.
Implementation Science: Buzzword or Game Changer?
Authors: Douglas Natalie F. , Campbell Wenonah N. , Hinckley Jacqueline J.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this supplement article is to provide a resource of pertinent information concerning implementation science for immediate research application in communication sciences and disorders.

Method

Key terminology related to implementation science is reviewed. Practical suggestions for the application of implementation science theories and methodologies are provided, including an overview of hybrid research designs that simultaneously investigate clinical effectiveness and implementation as well as an introduction to approaches for engaging stakeholders in the research process. A detailed example from education is shared to show how implementation science was utilized to move an intervention program for autism into routine practice in the public school system. In particular, the example highlights the value of strong partnership among researchers, policy makers, and frontline practitioners in implementing and sustaining new evidence-based practices.

Conclusions

Implementation science is not just a buzzword. This is a new field of study that can make a substantive contribution in communication sciences and disorders by informing research agendas, reducing health and education disparities, improving accountability and quality control, increasing clinician satisfaction and competence, and improving client outcomes.
3D magnetic field configuration of small-scale reconnection events in the solar plasma atmosphere
Authors: Shimizu T.
Published: October 2015

The outer solar atmosphere, i.e., the corona and the chromosphere, is replete with small energy-release events, which are accompanied by transient brightening and jet-like ejections. These events are considered to be magnetic reconnection events in the solar plasma, and their dynamics have been studied using recent advanced observations from the Hinode spacecraft and other observatories in space and on the ground. These events occur at different locations in the solar atmosphere and vary in their morphology and amount of the released energy. The magnetic field configurations of these reconnection events are inferred based on observations of magnetic fields at the photospheric level. Observations suggest that these magnetic configurations can be classified into two groups. In the first group, two anti-parallel magnetic fields reconnect to each other, yielding a 2D emerging flux configuration. In the second group, helical or twisted magnetic flux tubes are parallel or at a relative angle to each other. Reconnection can occur only between anti-parallel components of the magnetic flux tubes and may be referred to as component reconnection. The latter configuration type may be more important for the larger class of small-scale reconnection events. The two types of magnetic configurations can be compared to counter-helicity and co-helicity configurations, respectively, in laboratory plasma collision experiments.
The extension of variability properties in gamma-ray bursts to blazars
Authors: Wu Qingwen , Zhang Bing , Lei Wei-Hua , Zou Yuan-Chuan , Liang En-Wei , Cao Xinwu
Published: October 2015

Both gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and blazars have relativistic jets pointing at a small angle from our line of sight. Several recent studies suggested that these two kinds of sources may share similar jet physics. In this work, we explore the variability properties for GRBs and blazars as a whole. We find that the correlation between minimum variability time-scale (MTS) and Lorentz factor, Γ, as found only in GRBs by Sonbas et al. can be extended to blazars with a joint correlation of MTS∝Γ−4.7±0.3. The same applies to the $\rm MTS\propto \it L_{\gamma }^{\rm -1.0\pm 0.1}$ correlation as found in GRBs, which can be well extended into blazars as well. These results provide further evidence that the jets in these two kinds of sources are similar despite of the very different mass scale of their central engines. Further investigations of the physical origin of these correlations are needed, which can shed light on the nature of the jet physics.
Increased Rates of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Among Older Adults in US Emergency Departments, 2009-2010
Authors: Albrecht Jennifer S. , Hirshon Jon Mark , McCunn Maureen , Bechtold Kathleen T. , Rao Vani , Simoni-Wastila Linda , Smith Gordon S.
Published: October 2015

Objective:

To estimate rates of emergency department (ED) visits for mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) among older adults. We defined possible mild TBI cases to assess underdiagnoses.

Design:

Cross-sectional.

Setting:

National sample of ED visits in 2009-2010 captured by the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey.

Participants:

Aged 65 years and older.

Measurements:

Mild TBI defined by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, codes (800.0x-801.9x, 803.xx, 804.xx, 850.xx-854.1x, 950.1x-950.3x, 959.01) and a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 14 or more or missing, excluding those admitted to the hospital. Possible mild TBI was defined similarly among those without mild TBI and with a fall or motor vehicle collision as cause of injury. We calculated rates of mild TBI and examined factors associated with a diagnosis of mild TBI.

Results:

Rates of ED visits for mild TBI were 386 per 100 000 among those aged 65 to 74 years, 777 per 100 000 among those aged 75 to 84 years, and 1205 per 100 000 among those older than 84 years. Rates for women (706/100 000) were higher than for men (516/100 000). Compared with a possible mild TBI, a diagnosis of mild TBI was more likely in the West (odds ratio = 2.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-5.24) and less likely in the South/Midwest (odds ratio = 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-0.96) than in the Northeast.

Conclusions:

This study highlights an upward trend in rates of ED visits for mild TBI among older adults.
Sports-Related Concussion Results in Differential Expression of Nuclear Factor-κB Pathway Genes in Peripheral Blood During the Acute and Subacute Periods
Authors: Gill Jessica , Merchant-Borna Kian , Lee Hyunhwa , Livingston Whitney S. , Olivera Anlys , Cashion Ann , Wang Dan , Bazarian Jeffrey J.
Published: October 2015

Objective:

To determine changes in global gene expression in peripheral leukocytes in the acute and subacute periods following a sports-related concussion in athletes.

Setting:

Samples were collected at 2 universities in Rochester, New York.

Participants:

Fifteen contact sport athletes who experienced a sports-related concussion, and 16 nonconcussed teammates served as controls.

Design:

Blood samples were collected at the start of the season (baseline), within 6 hours of injury (acute), and at 7 days (subacute) postinjury. Differential gene expression was measured using the GeneChip 3' in vitro transcription Expression kit and Affymetrix microarrays, and genes with fold difference of 2 or more were identified using Partek.

Main Measures:

Whole genome differential gene expression, and cognitive and balance measures to asses for clinical symptoms pre- and postinjury.

Results:

In the concussed athletes, we observed 67 downregulated and 4 upregulated genes in the acute period and 63 downregulated and 2 upregulated genes in the subacute period compared with baseline. Of these, there were 28 genes from both time points involved in the inflammatory response. No significant differences in gene expression were detected in the control group.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that recovery from sports-related concussion relates to modulation of inflammation through cytokine and chemokine gene pathways, which can contribute to future development of personalized therapeutic agents.