bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between patient‐reported hearing and visual impairments and functional, psychological, and cognitive status among older adults with cancer
Authors: Soto‐Perez‐de‐Celis Enrique , Sun Can‐Lan , Tew William P. , Mohile Supriya Gupta , Gajra Ajeet , Klepin Heidi D. , Owusu Cynthia , Gross Cary Philip , Muss Hyman B. , Lichtman Stuart M. , Chapman Andrew E. , Cohen Harvey Jay , Dale William , Kim Heeyoung , Fernandes Simone , Katheria Vani , Hurria Arti
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Hearing and visual impairments are common among community‐dwelling older adults, and are associated with psychological, functional, and cognitive deficits. However, to the authors' knowledge, little is known regarding their prevalence among older patients with cancer.

METHODS

The current study was a secondary analysis combining 2 prospective cohorts of adults aged ≥65 years with solid tumors who were receiving chemotherapy. The authors assessed the association between patient‐reported hearing and/or visual impairment (defined as fair/poor grading by self‐report) and physical function, instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), anxiety, depression, and cognition. Descriptive analyses were conducted to summarize patient and treatment characteristics. One‐way analysis of variance and chi‐square tests were conducted as appropriate to examine differences between patients with and without sensory impairments. Logistic regression was used to analyze associations between sensory impairments and outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 750 patients with a median age of 72 years who had solid tumors (29% with breast/gynecological tumors, 28% with lung tumors, and 27% with gastrointestinal tumors), approximately 18% reported hearing impairment alone, 11% reported visual impairment alone, and 7% reported dual sensory impairment. Hearing impairment was associated with IADL dependence (odds ratio [OR], 1.9), depression (OR, 1.6), and anxiety (OR, 1.6). Visual impairment was associated with IADL dependence (OR, 1.9), poor physical function (OR, 1.9), and depression (OR, 2.5). Dual impairment was associated with IADL dependence (OR, 2.8), anxiety (OR, 2.3), depression (OR, 2.5), and cognitive impairment (OR, 3.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Sensory impairment is common among older adults with cancer. Patients with sensory impairment are more likely to have functional, psychological, and cognitive deficits. Interventions aimed at improving the vision and hearing of older adults with cancer should be studied. Cancer 2018. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Energy‐aware strategies for task‐parallel sparse linear system solvers
Authors: Aliaga José I. , Barreda María , Castaño Asunción
Published: May 2018

We present several energy‐aware strategies to improve the energy efficiency of a task‐parallel preconditioned Conjugate Gradient (PCG) iterative solver on a Haswell‐EP Intel Xeon. These techniques leverage the power‐saving states of the processor, promoting the hardware into a more energy‐efficient C‐state and modifying the CPU frequency (P‐states of the processors) of some operations of the PCG. We demonstrate that the application of these strategies during the main operations of the iterative solver can reduce its energy consumption considerably, especially for memory‐bound computations.
Isolation‐induced ultrasonic vocalizations in pups: A comparison between Long‐Evans, Sprague–Dawley, and Wistar rats
Authors: Schwarting Rainer K. W. , Wöhr Markus
Published: May 2018

Rat pup ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) are usually studied in outbred rats belonging to either Long‐Evans, Sprague–Dawley, or Wistar stocks, but these were not compared so far. We therefore performed a stock comparison and analyzed USV of male pups (postnatal day 11) belonging to these three stocks. Pups of all three stocks showed substantial isolation‐induced USV, but differed in various call features, like call numbers, peak frequency, and frequency modulation. Also, three different call types were identified by means of a quantitative approach based on peak frequency and frequency modulation, and it was found that their proportions differed between stocks. These results are discussed with respect to functional aspects of pup USV.
Petrogenesis of Mesozoic volcanic rocks in the Zha'ertai area, Inner Mongolia: Constraints from trace elements and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes
Authors: Kang Ming , Siqin Bilige , Tong Ruiling , Tang Zijian , Yue Changcheng , Gao Chao , Yuan Ye , Liu Xiaofeng , Chen Yu
Published: May 2018

The Mesozoic acid volcanic rocks of the Zha'ertai area, located in Inner Mongolia, were formed in the late Early Cretaceous and resulted in polymetallic deposits of gold, silver, and other precious metals with huge commercial value. The more developed acid volcanic rocks include subvolcanic and pyroclastic rocks and volcanic lava, with SiO2 of 73.18–83.82%, Na2O + K2O of 6.17–9.03%, and K2O/Na2O of 1.28–70.27%. These rocks are enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements and high‐field strength elements. They are also enriched in light rare earth elements (REEs), with light to heavy REE ratios of 2.91–14.30; light to heavy REE fractionation is significant, and there are obvious negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.02–0.25). The acid volcanic rocks have extremely low TiO2, MgO, P2O5, and TFe2O3 contents, exhibit significant enrichment in Th, U, and Pb, and are strongly depleted in Ba and Sr, showing the trace elements feature of A‐type rhyolite. The rocks have smaller (87Sr/86Sr)i, lower εNd (t), younger TDM2, lower (206Pb/204Pb)i,(207Pb/204Pb)i, and (208Pb/204Pb)i. The acid volcanic rocks differ considerably from the intermediate to basic volcanic rocks in geochemical composition, and there is a compositional hiatus present in the succession. This indicates that neither endmember of these Mesozoic bimodal volcanic rocks is cogenetic and that rhyolitic rocks might not be a product of basaltic magma crystallization differentiation. Instead, they may result from partial melting of crust‐derived rock, stemming from partial melting of rocks in the pre‐existing crust underplated by mantle‐derived magma. This suggests that the acid volcanic rocks were formed in a lithospheric extensional setting during the Early Cretaceous.
The impact of lung function case‐finding tests on smoking behaviour: A nested randomised trial within a case‐finding cohort
Authors: Ronaldson Sarah J. , Dyson Lisa , Clark Laura , Hewitt Catherine E. , Torgerson David J. , Cooper Brendan G. , Kearney Matt , Laughey William , Raghunath Raghu , Steele Lisa , Rhodes Rebecca , Adamson Joy ,   on behalf of the DOC study team
Published: May 2018

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Increasing awareness of people's lung health through the use of lung function tests or symptom‐based questionnaires is a potential method to aid smoking cessation. We investigated the impact of case‐finding lung function tests for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on smoking behaviour.

Methods

Our trial used a novel waiting list randomised controlled trial design, nested within a case‐finding cohort study. The cohort comprised current smokers aged 35 years or more, from general practices in Yorkshire and Humberside, who were randomised to receive lung function tests (spirometry, microspirometry, peak flow meter measurement, and a WheezoMeter) and case‐finding questionnaires either immediately (“tests now”) or later (“waiting list” control). Outcome measures included self‐reported smoking cessation and number of cigarettes smoked at follow‐up (at 2, 3, or 6 months after randomisation, depending on study site), with 409 participants included in the primary analysis.

Results

Six hundred seventy‐four participants were randomised using stratified block randomisation to the 2 groups (340 to “tests now” and 334 to “waiting list”), with 409 included in the primary analysis (194 in “tests now” and 215 in “waiting list” groups). Smoking cessation at follow‐up was very similar across groups (8.8% in the “tests now” group, compared with 9.2% in the “waiting list” group). Completing case‐finding lung function tests did not significantly impact smoking cessation (OR 1.00, 95% CI, 0.57‐1.77, adjusting for age, sex, baseline number of cigarettes smoked, and study site). A sensitivity analysis, assuming that participants with missing data were still smoking, gave similar results (OR 0.86, 95% CI, 0.47‐1.56). Analysis of the number of cigarettes smoked at follow‐up using negative binomial regression adjusting for the same factors above gave an incidence rate ratio of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.88‐1.03).

Conclusions

There is no evidence from this trial of an effect of lung function tests on smoking cessation among a population of smokers aged 35 years or over. Indeed, when assuming that those with missing data were smokers, a slightly lower odds of smoking cessation was observed in the “test now” group compared with the “waiting list” group.
Interpretation of El Niño–Southern Oscillation‐related precipitation anomalies in north‐western Borneo using isotopic tracers
Authors: Kurita Naoyuki , Horikawa Mayumi , Kanamori Hironari , Fujinami Hatsuki , Kumagai Tomo'omi , Kume Tomonori , Yasunari Tetsuzo
Published: May 2018

We examined rainfall anomalies associated with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in northern Sarawak, Malaysia, using the oxygen isotopic composition of rainfall. Two precipitation‐sampling campaigns were conducted for isotope analysis: (a) at the Lambir Hill National Park (4.2° N, 114.0° E) from July 2004 to October 2006 and (b) at the Gunung Mulu National Park (3.9° N, 114.8° E) from January 2006 to July 2008. The records from these campaigns were merged with a previously published rainfall isotope dataset from Gunung Mulu site to create a 7‐year‐long record of the oxygen isotopic composition of Sarawak rainfall. The record exhibits clear intraseasonal variations (ISVs) with periods ranging from 10 to 70 days. The ISVs of 10‐ to 90‐day band‐pass filtered oxygen isotopic composition are linked to the synoptic‐scale precipitation anomalies over the southern South China Sea (SCS). The lead–lag correlation map of precipitation with the filtered oxygen isotope anomalies shows that an anomalous wet condition responsible for the decrease in oxygen isotopic composition appears over the SCS in association with the passage of north‐eastward propagation of the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO) in the summer monsoon season. The anomalous wet condition in spring is connected with eastward‐propagating Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), whereas the sustained wet condition in winter is responsible for the occurrence of the Borneo vortex (BV) over the SCS. ENSO modulates the frequency of these synoptic conditions on a seasonal and longer time scale, showing a strong correlation between the seasonal isotopic anomalies and the Southern Oscillation index. We therefore discern, from the significant correlation between the isotope anomalies and area‐averaged Sarawak rainfall anomalies (R = −0.65, p < 0.01), that ENSO‐related precipitation anomalies are linked to the seasonal modulation of the BSISO and MJO activity and BV genesis.
New approach to predict photoallergic potentials of chemicals based on murine local lymph node assay
Authors: Maeda Yosuke , Hirosaki Haruka , Yamanaka Hidenori , Takeyoshi Masahiro
Published: May 2018

Photoallergic dermatitis, caused by pharmaceuticals and other consumer products, is a very important issue in human health. However, S10 guidelines of the International Conference on Harmonization do not recommend the existing prediction methods for photoallergy because of their low predictability in human cases. We applied local lymph node assay (LLNA), a reliable, quantitative skin sensitization prediction test, to develop a new photoallergy prediction method. This method involves a three‐step approach: (1) ultraviolet (UV) absorption analysis; (2) determination of no observed adverse effect level for skin phototoxicity based on LLNA; and (3) photoallergy evaluation based on LLNA. Photoallergic potential of chemicals was evaluated by comparing lymph node cell proliferation among groups treated with chemicals with minimal effect levels of skin sensitization and skin phototoxicity under UV irradiation (UV+) or non‐UV irradiation (UV−). A case showing significant difference (P < .05) in lymph node cell proliferation rates between UV− and UV+ groups was considered positive for photoallergic reaction. After testing 13 chemicals, seven human photoallergens tested positive and the other six, with no evidence of causing photoallergic dermatitis or UV absorption, tested negative. Among these chemicals, both doxycycline hydrochloride and minocycline hydrochloride were tetracycline antibiotics with different photoallergic properties, and the new method clearly distinguished between the photoallergic properties of these chemicals. These findings suggested high predictability of our method; therefore, it is promising and effective in predicting human photoallergens.
Gypenoside inhibits RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis by regulating NF‐κB, AKT, and MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Han Jiakai , Gao Wei , Su Dongyue , Liu Yang
Published: May 2018

Gypenoside (GP) is one of the most pharmacologically active components in Gynostemma pentaphyllum and possesses neuroprotective, anticancer, anti‐oxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐diabetic, and anti‐osteoarthritis effects. However, the involvement of GP the osteoclast differentiation has not yet been investigated. In the present study, we examined the effect of GP on receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclast formation. Our results demonstrated that GP significantly inhibited the formation of osteoclast, as well as suppressed the expression of osteoclastogenesis‐related marker proteins in RANKL‐stimulated bone marrow macrophages (BMMs). For molecular mechanisms, GP inhibited RANKL‐induced NF‐κB and MAPK activation and AKT phosphorylation in BMMs. Collectively, these findings suggest that GP inhibits RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis via regulating NF‐κB, AKT, and MAPK signaling pathways. Therefore, GP may be a potential agent in the treatment of osteoclast‐related diseases such as osteoporosis.
Mcl‐1 targeting could be an intriguing perspective to cure cancer
Authors: De Blasio Anna , Vento Renza , Di Fiore Riccardo
Published: May 2018

The Bcl‐2 family, which plays important roles in controlling cancer development, is divided into antiapoptotic and proapoptotic members. The change in the balance between these members governs the life and death of the cells. Mcl‐1 is an antiapoptotic member of this family and its distribution in normal and cancerous tissues strongly differs from that of Bcl‐2. In human cancers, where upregulation of antiapoptotic proteins is common, Mcl‐1 expression is regulated independent of Bcl‐2 and its inhibition promotes senescence, a major barrier to tumorigenesis. Cancer chemotherapy determines various kinds of responses, such as senescence and autophagy; however, the ideal response to chemotherapy is apoptosis. Mcl‐1 is a potent oncogene that is regulated at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and posttranslational levels. Mcl‐1 is a short‐lived protein that, in the NH2 terminal region, contains sites for posttranslational regulation that can lead to proteasomal degradation. The USP9X Mcl‐1 deubiquitinase regulates Mcl‐1 and the levels of these two proteins are strongly correlated. Mcl‐1 has three splicing variants (the antiapoptotic protein Mcl‐1L and the proapoptotic proteins Mcl‐1S and Mcl‐1ES), each contributing toward apoptosis regulation. In cancers responsible for the most deaths in the world, the presence of Mcl‐1 is associated with malignant cell growth and evasion of apoptosis. Mcl‐1 is also one of the key regulators of cancer stem cells’ self‐renewal that contributes to tumor survival. A great number of indirect and selective Mcl‐1 inhibitors have been produced and some of these have shown efficacy in several clinical trials. Thus, therapeutic manipulation of Mcl‐1 can be a useful strategy to combat cancer.
Interaction between quinoline yellow and human serum albumin: spectroscopic, chemometric and molecular docking studies
Authors: Wang Rui , Hu Xing , Pan Junhui , Gong Deming , Zhang Guowen
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Quinoline yellow (QY), a synthetic colourant widely used in the food industry, has caused extensive concerns because of its potentially harmful effects on human health. In the present work, the interactions between QY and human serum albumin (HSA) were characterized by multiple spectroscopic methods, a chemometric algorithm, and molecular modelling studies.

RESULTS

The concentration profiles and pure spectra obtained for the components (QY, HSA and QY–HSA complex) from analyses of the expanded UV‐visible absorption data matrices by multivariate curve resolution alternating least squares confirmed the QY–HSA interaction process. QY quenched the fluorescence of HSA through formation of a QY–HSA complex that was stabilized by moderate affinity. Hydrophobic forces and hydrogen bonding play major roles in the binding of QY to HSA. Site‐specific marker‐induced displacement results suggest that QY binds to subdomain IIA of HSA. This was corroborated by the molecular docking results. Decreases in HSA surface hydrophobicity and free sulfhydryl group content indicate that QY causes a contraction of the peptide strand in HSA, hiding the hydrophobic patches of the protein. Analyses by UV‐visible absorption, circular dichroism, and three‐dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy found that QY causes microenvironmental perturbations around the fluorophores and secondary structure changes in HSA.

CONCLUSION

This work shows that QY binds to HSA, affecting its structural and functional properties, and provides new insights into the binding mechanism and a comprehensive understanding of the toxicity of QY to biological processes. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Tillage system change affects soil organic carbon storage and benefits land restoration on loess soil inNorthChina
Authors: Wang Hao , Wang Shulan , Zhang Yujiao , Wang Xiaoli , Wang Rui , Li Jun
Published: May 2018

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a core indicator of soil quality. A proper tillage system can improve SOC accumulation and benefit land restoration. This improvement is especially significant in loess soil, which is undergoing serious degradation in China. In this study, we chose a field that was used for crop production and used a traditional moldboard plow with crop residue removal (CT) for over 10 years. We then carried out a long‐term field experiment (2007–2015) and changed the tillage system from a moldboard plow with crop residue removal to either a moldboard plow with buried straw system (BT), a no‐tillage with straw mulch system (NT), or a subsoiling with straw mulch system (ST) to evaluate the effect of tillage system change and the effects of tillage systems on SOC storage. Tillage system change influenced SOC content, NT, ST, and BT showed higher values of SOC content and increased 8.34, 7.83, and 1.64 Mg·C·ha−1, respectively, compared with CT. Among the 3 changed tillage systems, NT and ST showed a 12.5% and 11.6% increase in SOC content then BT, respectively. Tillage system change influenced SOC stratification ratio values, with higher value observed in BT and NT compared CT but ST. Therefore, in loess soil, changing tillage system can significantly improve SOC storage and change profile distribution. The NT and ST treatments showed a more marked SOC increase, but the increase value in stratification ratio with NT still needs attention, and our results is meaningful for soil quality improvement and land restoration.
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) density may not be the only determinant for the efficacy of EGFR‐targeted photoimmunotherapy in human head and neck cancer cell lines
Authors: Peng Wei , de Bruijn Henriette S. , Farrell Eric , Sioud Mouldy , Mashayekhi Vida , Oliveira Sabrina , van Dam Go M. , Roodenburg Jan L. N. , Witjes Max J. H. , Robinson Dominic J.
Published: May 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of targeted photoimmunotherapy (PIT) in vitro on cell lines with various expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) using an anti‐EGFR targeted conjugate composed of Cetuximab and IR700DX, phthalocyanine dye.

Materials and Methods

Relative EGFR density and cell binding assay was conducted in three human head & neck cancer cell lines (scc‐U2, scc‐U8, and OSC19) and one reference cell line A431. After incubation with the conjugate for 1 or 24 hours, cellular uptake and localization were investigated by confocal laser scanning microscopy and quantified by image analysis. Cell survival was determined using the MTS assay and alamarBlue assay after PIT with a 690 nm laser to a dose of 7 J.cm−2 (at 5 mW.cm−2). The mode of cell death was examined with flow cytometry using apoptosis/necrosis staining by Annexin V/propidium iodide, together with immunoblots of anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 family proteins Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL.

Results

A431 cells had the highest EGFR density followed by OSC19, and then scc‐U2 and scc‐U8. The conjugates were localized both on the surface and in the cytosol of the cells after 1‐ and 24‐hour incubation. After 24‐hour incubation the granular pattern was more pronounced and in a similar pattern of a lysosomal probe, suggesting that the uptake of conjugates by cells was via receptor‐mediated endocytosis. The results obtained from the quantitative imaging analysis correlate with the level of EGFR expression. Targeted PIT killed scc‐U8 and A431 cells efficiently; while scc‐U2 and OSC19 were less sensitive to this treatment, despite having similar EGFR density, uptake and localization pattern. Scc‐U2 cells showed less apoptotic cell dealth than in A431 after 24‐hour targeted PIT. Immunoblots showed significantly higher expression of anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL proteins in scc‐U2 cell lines compared to scc‐U8.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that the effectiveness of EGFR targeted PIT is not only dependent upon EGFR density. Intrinsic biological properties of tumor cell lines also play a role in determining the efficacy of targeted PIT. We have shown that in scc‐U2 cells this difference may be caused by differences in the apoptopic pathway. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:513–522, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Holomorphic differentials of certain solvable covers of the projective line over a perfect field
Authors: Marques Sophie , Ward Kenneth
Published: May 2018

We provide a Boseck‐type basis of the space of holomorphic differentials for a large class of solvable covers of the projective line with perfect field of constants of characteristic . Within this class, we also describe the Galois module structure of holomorphic differentials for abelian covers.
Decreased noradrenaline transporter density in the motor cortex of Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Sommerauer Michael , Hansen Allan K , Parbo Peter , Fedorova Tatyana D. , Knudsen Karoline , Frederiksen Yoon , Nahimi Adjmal , Barbe Michael T. , Brooks David J. , Borghammer Per
Published: May 2018

Reduced noradrenaline levels have been reported to occur in the motor cortices of PD patients postmortem. Imaging techniques have recently become available to specifically study noradrenergic terminal function in vivo using PET. The objective of this study was to evaluate cortical 11C‐MeNER binding in PD patients. Thirty PD patients and 12 healthy control subjects comparable in age, sex, and cognitive performance underwent PET imaging with 11C‐MeNER, a specific ligand of the noradrenaline transporter. Cortical noradrenaline transporter binding was compared at a voxel level using Statistical Parametric Mapping, whereas cortical thickness was assessed using FreeSurfer software with MRI. PD patients showed reduced 11C‐MeNER binding in the primary motor cortex unrelated to cortical thickness; other cortical regions did not differ between groups. In a subgroup analysis, patients with higher Hoehn & Yahr stage exhibited more pronounced 11C‐MeNER binding reductions. Loss of cortical noradrenergic projections to the primary motor cortex occurs in PD associated with disease stage. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Improvement of fracture toughness and glass transition temperature of DGEBA‐based epoxy systems using toughening and crosslinking modifiers
Authors: Utaloff Katja , Kothmann Martin Heinz , Ciesielski Michael , Döring Manfred , Neumeyer Thomas , Altstädt Volker , Gorman Irene , Henningsen Michael
Published: May 2018

Several toughening and crosslinking modifiers were tested in two epoxy resin systems based on the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) with the objective to improve the critical stress intensity factor KIC and the glass transition temperature (Tg) simultaneously. An amine hardener (isophorone diamine (IPD)) and a homopolymerization initiator (1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate (EMIM Ac)) were used as curing agents. The highest effect on the KIC value of the resin system DGEBA/IPD (KIC = 0.72 MPa1/2; Tg = 164°C) was achieved with the dendric polymer Boltorn P501 (10 wt%), but it decreased the Tg (KIC = 1.39 MPa1/2; Tg = 136°C). A high toughening effect with a low decrease of Tg was achieved with a combination of a self‐organized block copolymer (Nanostrength M22N) and silica nanoparticles (Nanopox F400) (KIC =1.15 MPa1/2; Tg =157°C). The KIC value of the resin system DGEBA/EMIM Ac was improved from 0.44 to 0.66 MPa1/2. An improvement of both, the thermal and mechanical properties was established for a combination of a poly(tetrahydrofuran) as toughening modifier (PolyTHF2000) with the post‐crosslinking modifier diethylphosphite (DEP) in the resin system DGEBA/IPD (KIC = 0.86 MPa1/2; Tg = 180°C). A system with chemical linkages between both modifiers was investigated for comparison but yielded inferior results. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:86–95, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
CL‐20 based Explosive Ink of Emulsion Binder System for Direct Ink Writing
Authors: Li Qianbing , An Chongwei , Han Xun , Xu Chuanhao , Song Changkun , Ye Baoyun , Wu Bidong , Wang Jingyu
Published: May 2018

An emulsion is a multiphase dispersion system in which one or more liquids are dispersed in the form of particles in another immiscible liquid. Emulsion method has been applied for preparation of binder system via oil in water (O/W) emulsions. The formulation contains: 40 g 12 % a solution of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in water, 15 g 7.5 % a solution of Viton A (vinylidene hexafluoropropene copolymer) in ethyl acetate, 0.25 g sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and 0.25 g Tween‐80.The emulsion as a binder system, sub‐micro CL‐20 (prepared by the ball milling method) as the body explosives to prepared CL‐20 based explosive ink (CL‐20 88 % concentration). Deposition of explosive inks via DIW technology and its properties were characterized. The results showed that the composite has fewer internal defects and low impact sensitivity, the crystal type has no change, critical detonation size is around 1×0.17 mm and detonation velocity is 8079 m/s.
The regulation of three new members of the cytochrome P450 CYP6 family and their promoters in the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii by plant allelochemicals
Authors: Li Fen , Ma Kangsheng , Chen Xuewei , Zhou Jing‐Jiang , Gao Xiwu
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

The expression of P450 genes in insects can be induced by plant allelochemicals. To understand the induction mechanisms, we measured the expression profiles of three P450 genes and their promoter activities under the induction of plant allelochemicals.

RESULTS

The inducible expression of CYP6CY19 was the highest among three genes, followed by those of CYP6CY22 and CYP6DA1. The regions from −687 to +586 bp of CYP6DA1, from −666 to +140 bp of CYP6CY19 and from −530 to +218 bp of CYP6CY22 were essential for basal transcriptional activity. The cis‐elements for plant allelochemicals induction were identified between −193 and +56 bp of CYP6DA1, between −157 and +140 bp of CYP6CY19 and between −108 and +218 bp of CYP6CY22. These promoter regions were found to contain a potential aryl hydrocarbon receptor element binding site with a conservative sequence motif 5′‐C/TAC/ANCA/CA‐3′. All these four plant allelochemicals were able to induce the expression of these P450 genes. Tannic acid had a better inductive effect than other three plant allelochemicals.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identified the plant allelochemical responsive cis‐elements. This provides further research targets aimed at understanding the regulatory mechanisms of P450 genes expression and their interactions with plant allelochemicals in insect pests. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Repressed Beauveria bassiana infections in Delia antiqua due to associated microbiota
Authors: Zhou Fangyuan , Wu Xiaoqing , Xu Letian , Guo Shuhai , Chen Guanhong , Zhang Xinjian
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Insects form both mutualistic and antagonistic relationships with microbes, and some antagonistic microbes have been used as biocontrol agents (BCAs) in pest management. Contextually, BCAs may be inhibited by beneficial insect symbionts, which can become potential barriers to entomopathogen‐dependent pest biocontrol. Using the symbioses formed by one devastating dipteran pest, Delia antiqua, and its associated microbes as a model system, we sought to determine whether the antagonistic interaction between BCAs and microbial symbionts could affect the outcome of entomopathogen‐dependent pest biocontrol.

RESULTS

The result showed that in contrast to non‐axenic D. antiqua larvae, i.e., onion maggots, axenic larvae lost resistance to the entomopathogenic Beauveria bassiana, and the re‐inoculation of microbiota increased the resistance of axenic larvae to B. bassiana. Furthermore, bacteria frequently isolated from larvae, including Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter ludwigii, Pseudomonas protegens, Serratia plymuthica, Sphingobacterium faecium and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, suppressed B. bassiana conidia germination and hyphal growth, and the re‐inoculation of specific individual bacteria enhanced the resistance of axenic larvae to B. bassiana.

CONCLUSION

Bacteria associated with larvae, including C. freundii, E. ludwigii, P. protegens, S. plymuthica, S. faecium and S. maltophilia, can inhibit B. bassiana infection. Removing the microbiota can suppress larval resistance to fungal infection. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
From Bones to Brain: 50 Years of Star Trek and Changes in the Stigmatization of Psychological Disorders
Authors: Basilowski M. , Schönfeld B. , Esser S. , Jatho A. , Kownatka M. , Signerski-Krieger J. , Esselmann H. , Grabemann M. , Mette C. , Strunz L. , Zimmermann M. , Lajcsak E. , Scherbaum N. , Wiltfang J. , Kis B. , Abdel-Hamid M.
Published: May 2018

The Star Trek franchise currently includes five spin-off series and 13 motion pictures. Star Trek’s central theme is the utopian future of mankind, but the series does not disregard issues that were socially relevant for its time of production. Therefore, Star Trek has functioned as a representation of history throughout its 50-year lifespan. This paper conducts a comparative analysis of fictional representations of psychological disorders and corresponding treatments to retrace the cultural changes in the portrayal and treatment of psychological disorders from the 1960s to the turn of the millennium. Video material produced between 1966 and 1999 was analysed with a focus on psychological disorders and coded according to the ICD-10. The results of the quantitative analysis indicate that the different Star Trek series demonstrate similar patterns of percentage distributions for psychological disorders. The qualitative analysis shows that psychological disorders were portrayed and treated in an increasingly realistic fashion. Changes in society’s attitude towards psychological disorders can be comprehensively illustrated through Star Trek episodes produced through 1999. Psychological phenomena are increasingly destigmatized, and the necessity of treatment has not been disregarded.
Big Brain Data: On the Responsible Use of Brain Data from Clinical and Consumer-Directed Neurotechnological Devices
Authors: Kellmeyer Philipp
Published: May 2018

The focus of this paper are the ethical, legal and social challenges for ensuring the responsible use of “big brain data”—the recording, collection and analysis of individuals’ brain data on a large scale with clinical and consumer-directed neurotechnological devices. First, I highlight the benefits of big data and machine learning analytics in neuroscience for basic and translational research. Then, I describe some of the technological, social and psychological barriers for securing brain data from unwarranted access. In this context, I then examine ways in which safeguards at the hardware and software level, as well as increasing “data literacy” in society, may enhance the security of neurotechnological devices and protect the privacy of personal brain data. Regarding ethical and legal ramifications of big brain data, I first discuss effects on the autonomy, the sense of agency and authenticity, as well as the self that may result from the interaction between users and intelligent, particularly closed-loop, neurotechnological devices. I then discuss the impact of the “datafication” in basic and clinical neuroscience research on the just distribution of resources and access to these transformative technologies. In the legal realm, I examine possible legal consequences that arises from the increasing abilities to decode brain states and their corresponding subjective phenomenological experiences on the hitherto inaccessible privacy of these information. Finally, I discuss the implications of big brain data for national and international regulatory policies and models of good data governance.
Developing neurites from mouse basal forebrain gonadotropin‐releasing hormone neurons use Sonic hedgehog to modulate their growth
Authors: Tan C.L. , Sheard P.W. , Jasoni C.L.
Published: May 2018

Hypothalamic gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons are required for fertility in all mammalian species studied to date. GnRH neuron cell bodies reside in the basal forebrain, and most extend long neurites in the caudal direction to terminate at the median eminence (ME), the site of hormone secretion.

Using in vitro neurite growth assays, histological methods, and genetic deletion strategies in mice we have analysed the role of the morphogen and neurite growth and guidance molecule, Sonic hedgehog (Shh), in the growth of GnRH neurites to their target. Immunohistochemistry revealed that Shh was present in the basal forebrain, the preoptic area (POA) and mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) at gestational day 14.5 (GD 14.5), a time when GnRH neurites grow towards the ME. Furthermore, in situ hybridization revealed that mRNA encoding the Shh receptor, Smoothened (Smo), was present in GnRH neurons from GD 15.5, when the first GnRH neurites are extending towards the MBH. In vitro neurite growth assays using hypothalamic explants from GD 15.5 fetuses in 3‐D collagen gels showed that Shh was able to significantly stimulate GnRH neurite outgrowth. Finally, genetic deletion of Smo specifically from GnRH neurons in vivo, using Cre‐loxP technology, resulted in a significant decrease in GnRH neurites innervating the ME.

These experiments demonstrate that GnRH neurites use Shh for their neurite development, provide further understanding of the mechanisms by which GnRH nerve terminals arrive at their site of hormone secretion, and identify an additional hypothalamic neuronal population for which Shh/Smo signaling is developmentally important.
Testosterone and Cardiovascular Risk: Meta-Analysis of Interventional Studies
Authors: Corona Giovanni , Rastrelli Giulia , Di Pasquale Giuseppe , Sforza Alessandra , Mannucci Edoardo , Maggi Mario
Published: May 2018

Background

The relationship between testosterone (T) and cardiovascular (CV) risk in men is conflicting.

Aim

To verify whether T therapy (TTh) represents a possible risk factor for CV morbidity and mortality.

Methods

We conducted a random effect meta-analysis considering all available data from pharmaco-epidemiological studies as well as randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs).

Outcomes

CV mortality and morbidity were investigated.

Results

After screening, 15 pharmaco-epidemiological and 93 RCT studies were considered. The analysis of pharmaco-epidemiological studies documented that TTh reduces overall mortality and CV morbidity. Conversely, in RCTs, TTh had no clear effect, either beneficial or detrimental, on the incidence of CV events. However, a protective role of TTh on CV morbidity was observed when studies enrolling obese (body mass index >30 kg/m2) patients were scrutinized (Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio 0.51 [95% CI 0.27–0.96]; P = .04), although this association disappeared when only high-quality RCTs were considered (Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio 0.64 [95% CI 0.22–1.88]; P = .42). Finally, an increased risk of CV diseases was observed in RCTs when T preparations were prescribed at dosages above those normally recommended, or when frail men were considered.

Clinical Implications

Pharmaco-epidemiological studies showed that TTh might reduce CV risk, but this effect was not confirmed when RCTs were considered.

Strengths & Limitations

Meta-analysis of pharmaco-epidemiological studies indicates that TTh reduces overall mortality and CV morbidity. In addition, even in RCTs, a protective role of TTh on CV morbidity was envisaged when studies enrolling obese (body mass index >30 kg/m2) patients were considered. Pharmaco-epidemiological studies should be considered with caution due to the lack of completeness of follow-up and of the management of missing data. In addition, properly powered placebo-controlled RCTs with a primary CV end point, in men with late-onset hypo-gonadism, are not yet available. Finally, the duration of all studies evaluated in the present meta-analysis is relatively short, reaching a maximum of 3 years.

Conclusions

Data from RCTs suggest that treatment with T is not effective in reducing CV risk, however, when TTh is correctly applied, it is not associated with an increase in CV risk and it may have a beneficial effect in some sub-populations.
Reinforcing Energy Governance under the EU Energy Diplomacy: A Proposal for Strengthening Energy Frameworks in Africa
Authors: BARRA Matteo , SVEC Martin
Published: May 2018

This article, initially discussed at a conference organised in March 2017 by the Belgian Commission for Electricity and Gas Regulation (CREG) on the new governance structures in the EU energy sector, deals with energy governance structures in the EU energy and climate diplomacy and in development cooperation between the EU, its member states and third countries.

It is understood that, at large, the existing tools of EU energy and climate diplomacy create governance structures: bilateral partnerships, trade agreements, regional and multilateral orders are per se instruments to govern the underlying relationship between the EU, its member states and third countries. The focus in this paper revolves around those instruments of EU energy and climate diplomacy which aim at reinforcing energy governance structures (referred to also as institutional and normative energy frameworks) and promoting solid transparent frameworks in the field of energy in partner countries.

In particular, the paper aims at identifying – among the existing tools of the energy and climate diplomacy –instruments and opportunities in favour of African countries which contribute to strengthening those institutional and normative energy frameworks and facilitate investment towards universal energy access and energy transition. To do so, the paper reviews the existing policy and legal instruments of EU external energy action in general and in Africa and concludes proposing policy recommendations on further development cooperation and energy diplomacy initiatives in favour of African countries.

The first section reviews the principles of EU energy and climate diplomacy and their alignment with development objectives, including the emphasis on strengthening institutional and normative frameworks in the energy sector. The second section considers the internal coordination between the EU and its member states which is necessary to carry out the external energy and climate diplomacy as well as development cooperation. The third section describes the existing tools of the EU energy diplomacy that aim to strengthen energy institutions and frameworks in partner countries. The fourth section reviews a selection of existing EU initiatives in favour of African countries and brings forward a proposal for EU action to reinforce energy governance structures of partner countries in Africa.
Promoting Undergraduate Research at MESA
Authors: VanDenBerg Jeff
Published: May 2018

In November 2017, the Middle East Studies Association (MESA) sponsored the fourth annual Undergraduate Research Workshop in Washington, D.C. Organized by MESA's Committee for Undergraduate Middle East Studies, the workshop provides an opportunity for talented undergraduate students to present their scholarship in a professional context. Participants are selected through a competitive application process, and, since the program's inception have come from universities in Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Singapore, Canada, Mexico, France, and across the United States.
Şerif Mardin 1927–2017
Authors: Altınordu Ateş
Published: May 2018

Şerif Mardin, the preeminent Turkish social scientist of his generation who left a deep mark on the study of Ottoman and Turkish society, passed away on 6 September 2017 in Istanbul.
The Prequel: Setting the Analytic Stage
Authors: Zilfi Madeline C.
Published: May 2018

Outside the disciplines of communication and cultural studies, scholarly interest in television programming, especially scripted entertainment, has been overshadowed by attention to digital media, reality TV, and smart phone connectivity. A 2017 University of Maryland conference offered a reconsideration of popular Middle East-produced television dramas and their surprising impacts on national and transnational politics and culture. As conference papers showed, social and historical themes resonated in unexpected ways inside and outside national borders, with state authorities responding, not just with the usual censoring, but with investment in social and historical dramas of their own.
Quantitative analyses of decapod crustaceans at a rocky intertidal shore in the Gulf of Oman, Iran: diversity, zonation and monsoonal fluctuations
Authors: Ebrahimnezhad Saeed , Naderloo Reza
Published: May 2018

This paper provides data on diversity, zonation and seasonal fluctuations of decapod crustaceans at the northern Gulf of Oman coast, based on quantitative and qualitative samplings. A total of 75 species belonging to four infraorders, 27 families and 48 genera were identified. These species include 20 new records for the entire Gulf of Oman and 13 new records for its Iranian coast. The mid-intertidal zone showed a higher mean diversity and abundance than high- and low-intertidal zones. The mean diversity and abundance in the high-intertidal zone showed significant differences with the mid- and low-intertidal zones. The indices of species richness (Margalef), diversity (Shannon) and evenness (Pielou) showed significant differences among the intertidal zones. Most of the identified species (>60%) that had high values in their frequency of occurrence and relative abundance showed an overlapping vertical distribution, and were present in all three or just in two of the three defined zones. Other species were found only in one of the three zones (non-overlapping vertical distribution). The decapod community in the mid-intertidal zone showed a higher dissimilarity with the high-intertidal zone than with the low-intertidal. Both abundance and diversity were found to be lowest and highest during south-west and north-east monsoons, respectively. During south-west monsoon, the abundance of decapods declined dramatically, but species diversity and ecological indices did not show any statistically significant difference among the sampling periods.
Understanding the science of portion control and the art of downsizing
Authors: Hetherington Marion M. , Blundell-Birtill Pam , Caton Samantha J. , Cecil Joanne E. , Evans Charlotte E. , Rolls Barbara J. , Tang Tang
Published: May 2018

Offering large portions of high-energy-dense (HED) foods increases overall intake in children and adults. This is known as the portion size effect (PSE). It is robust, reliable and enduring. Over time, the PSE may facilitate overeating and ultimately positive energy balance. Therefore, it is important to understand what drives the PSE and what might be done to counter the effects of an environment promoting large portions, especially in children. Explanations for the PSE are many and diverse, ranging from consumer error in estimating portion size to simple heuristics such as cleaning the plate or eating in accordance with consumption norms. However, individual characteristics and hedonic processes influence the PSE, suggesting a more complex explanation than error or heuristics. Here PSE studies are reviewed to identify interventions that can be used to downsize portions of HED foods, with a focus on children who are still learning about social norms for portion size. Although the scientific evidence for the PSE is robust, there is still a need for creative downsizing solutions to facilitate portion control as children and adolescents establish their eating habits.
The mereology of Latin Trinitarianism
Authors: MOLTO DANIEL
Published: May 2018

In this article, I propose a new Latin account of the Trinity, according to which each of the persons of the Trinity is an improper part of the Godhead.
The incubation period of hepatitis E genotype 1: insights from pooled analyses of travellers
Authors: Azman A. S. , Ciglenecki I. , Oeser C. , Said B. , Tedder R. S. , Ijaz S.
Published: May 2018

Hepatitis E virus genotype 1 (HEV G1) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa and Asia. HEV G1's natural history, including the incubation period, remains poorly understood, hindering surveillance efforts and effective control. Using individual-level data from 85 travel-related HEV G1 cases in England and Wales, we estimate the incubation period distribution using survival analysis methods, which allow for appropriate inference when only time ranges, rather than exact times are known for the exposure to HEV and symptom onset. We estimated a 29.8-day (95% confidence interval (CI) 24.1–36.0) median incubation period with 5% of people expected to develop symptoms within 14.3 days (95% CI 10.1–21.7) and 95% within 61.9 days (95% CI 47.4–74.4) of exposure. These estimates can help refine clinical case definitions and inform the design of disease burden and intervention studies.
Adversarial Legalism and Biodiversity Protection in the United States and the European Union
Authors: Epstein Yaffa
Published: May 2018

This article compares the use of litigation to enforce species protection law in the European Union (EU) with that of the United States (US). Recent legal disputes over wolf hunting on both continents offer useful case studies. Focusing on three aspects of litigation – namely, (i) against whom claims are brought, (ii) who can bring claims, and (iii) the types of claim that can be brought – the analysis contrasts US-style adversarial legalism with its European counterpart, or ‘Eurolegalism’, and assesses what each approach is able to deliver in terms of the legal protection of wolves. It is argued that Eurolegalism helps to explain the development of species protection law in the EU and its similarities to and differences from the American experience.