bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
22q11.2 deletion syndrome in diverse populations
Authors: Kruszka Paul , Addissie Yonit A. , McGinn Daniel E. , Porras Antonio R. , Biggs Elijah , Share Matthew , Crowley T. Blaine , Chung Brian H. Y. , Mok Gary T. K. , Mak Christopher C. Y. , Muthukumarasamy Premala , Thong Meow‐Keong , Sirisena Nirmala D. , Dissanayake Vajira H. W. , Paththinige C. Sampath , Prabodha L. B. Lahiru , Mishra Rupesh , Shotelersuk Vorasuk , Ekure Ekanem Nsikak , Sokunbi Ogochukwu Jidechukwu , Kalu Nnenna , Ferreira Carlos R. , Duncan Jordann‐Mishael , Patil Siddaramappa Jagdish , Jones Kelly L. , Kaplan Julie D. , Abdul‐Rahman Omar A. , Uwineza Annette , Mutesa Leon , Moresco Angélica , Obregon María Gabriela , Richieri‐Costa Antonio , Gil‐da‐Silva‐Lopes Vera L. , Adeyemo Adebowale A. , Summar Marshall , Zackai Elaine H. , McDonald‐McGinn Donna M. , Linguraru Marius George , Muenke Maximilian
Published: March 2017

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2 DS) is the most common microdeletion syndrome and is underdiagnosed in diverse populations. This syndrome has a variable phenotype and affects multiple systems, making early recognition imperative. In this study, individuals from diverse populations with 22q11.2 DS were evaluated clinically and by facial analysis technology. Clinical information from 106 individuals and images from 101 were collected from individuals with 22q11.2 DS from 11 countries; average age was 11.7 and 47% were male. Individuals were grouped into categories of African descent (African), Asian, and Latin American. We found that the phenotype of 22q11.2 DS varied across population groups. Only two findings, congenital heart disease and learning problems, were found in greater than 50% of participants. When comparing the clinical features of 22q11.2 DS in each population, the proportion of individuals within each clinical category was statistically different except for learning problems and ear anomalies (P < 0.05). However, when Africans were removed from analysis, six additional clinical features were found to be independent of ethnicity (P ≥ 0.05). Using facial analysis technology, we compared 156 Caucasians, Africans, Asians, and Latin American individuals with 22q11.2 DS with 156 age and gender matched controls and found that sensitivity and specificity were greater than 96% for all populations. In summary, we present the varied findings from global populations with 22q11.2 DS and demonstrate how facial analysis technology can assist clinicians in making accurate 22q11.2 DS diagnoses. This work will assist in earlier detection and in increasing recognition of 22q11.2 DS throughout the world.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Spiropyrazolones by Rhodium‐Catalyzed C(sp2)−H Functionalization/Annulation Reactions
Authors: Zheng Jun , Wang Shao‐Bo , Zheng Chao , You Shu‐Li
Published: March 2017

Rhodium‐catalyzed C(sp2)−H functionalization reactions of 4‐aryl‐5‐pyrazolones followed by [3+2] annulation reactions with alkynes provide rapid access to highly enantioenriched five‐membered‐ring 4‐spiro‐5‐pyrazolones. The use of a chiral SCpRh catalyst enabled the synthesis of a large range of spiropyrazolones with all‐carbon quaternary stereogenic centers in up to 99 % yield and 98 % ee from readily available substrates.
Mindfulness and Spirituality in Couple Therapy: The Use of Meditative Dialogue to Help Couples Develop Compassion and Empathy for Themselves and Each Other
Authors: Lord Susan A.
Published: March 2017

This article offers an overview of selected literature on spirituality and mindfulness in couple therapy. It describes a simple and innovative Meditative Dialogue practice that is used in session to help couples develop compassion and empathy for themselves and each other as they work to strengthen and heal their relationships from the inside out. An illustration is offered to demonstrate the use of Meditative Dialogue in therapy with a gay male couple. The practice of engaging in Meditative Dialogue together has helped them move to a place of deep and connected healing, developing an increased flexibility and resilience in their marriage.
Restoring Mana and Taking Care of Wairua: A Story of Māori Whānau Healing
Authors: NiaNia Wiremu , Mana  , Rangi  , Bush Allister , Epston David
Published: March 2017

Wairua (spirituality) is a central focus in indigenous Māori healing. This article describes Māori healing with a Māori and Samoan family told from the viewpoints of the teenager presenting with depression and suicidal thoughts; her mother; the Māori healer; and the Pākehā (New Zealand European) child and adolescent psychiatrist involved. While elements of the treatment intervention may resemble Western family therapy approaches, the essence of the Māori healer's approach is all about wairua. During the session he explains concepts of mana (spiritual authority), mauri (life force), and tapu (something sacred or forbidden) and the importance of taking particular care of these aspects when a young person may have finely tuned spiritual awareness. In his discussion he outlines how aroha (love) strengthens the mana of the whānau (family), contributing to the healing this young person experiences. These concepts are common to many Pacific cultures and are widely recognised as important components for family healing. With indigenous families for whom spirituality is of paramount importance, successful resolution of family problems may require indigenous spiritual healing approaches. Partnerships between indigenous healers and family therapists or other mental health workers provide an opportunity for indigenous families to benefit from the healing expertise of both indigenous and Western traditions.
Te Waka Kuaka and Te Waka Oranga. Working with Whānau to Improve Outcomes
Authors: Elder Hinemoa
Published: March 2017

The role of whānau (extended families) is recognised as an essential aspect of hauora (wellbeing) for Māori, who are over represented in populations where there is injury or insult to the brain. Whānau mātauranga (knowledge systems) are a potent resource for enhancing recovery outcomes. This approach, based on Rangahau Kaupapa Māori (research by Māori for Māori) takes the view that by locating the whānau within their own culturally determined knowledge systems and optimising their intergral role in the delivery of culturally required interventions, the recovery experience will be enhanced, and they will feel a greater sense of ease and self‐determination in the process of their own healing. Te Waka Oranga describes a process of bringing together whānau knowledge, skills, and feelings, with health workers' knowledge, skills, and feelings in the context of identifying recovery destinations they collectively want to bring forward in order to improve the experience of recovery and to improve outcomes for whānau using the metaphor of a waka. It is also hypothesised that this approach will improve the experience of the health workers. Te Waka Kuaka is a Māori cultural needs assessment tool that has been developed to further guide this work, which uses the metaphor of a flock of godwits. This paper describes the development of a combined approach, using these two tools, with whānau at the centre. This illustrates in both theory and praxis a culturally defined way of bringing whānau resources to the fore to promote whānau healing. While originally designed to address issues in the area of traumatic brain injury, it is likely that this way of working may also have wider application in the areas of insult to the brain such as mental health, addictions, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Unveiling multiple AGN activity in galaxy mergers
Authors: De Rosa A. , Bianchi S. , Bogdanović T. , Decarli R. , Heidt J. , Herrero‐Illana R. , Husemann B. , Komossa S. , Kun E. , Loiseau N. , Guainazzi M. , Paragi Z. , Perez‐Torres M. , Piconcelli E. , Schawinski K. , Vignali C.
Published: March 2017

In this paper we present an overview of the MAGNA (Multiple AGN Activity) project aiming at a comprehensive study of multiple super‐massive black hole systems. With the main goal of characterizing the sources in merging systems at different stages of evolution, we selected a sample of objects optically classified as multiple systems on the basis of emission line diagnostics and started a massive multiband observational campaign. Here we report on the discovery of the exceptionally high active galactic nuclei (AGN) density compact group SDSS (Sloan Digital Sky Survey) J0959+1259. A multiband study suggests that strong interactions are taking place among its galaxies through tidal forces, and therefore this system represents a case study for physical mechanisms that trigger nuclear activity and star formation. We also present a preliminary analysis of the multiple AGN system SDSS J1038+3921.
The role of XMM‐Newton for present and next‐generation Sunyaev–Zeldovich experiments
Authors: Pointecouteau E.
Published: March 2017

A strong synergy exists between observations of the hot gas trapped in the potential well of galaxy clusters at X‐ray wavelengths and through the Sunyaev–Zeldovich (SZ) effect. XMM‐Newton has been a major asset in joint scientific analysis with data from the current generation of SZ instruments such as Planck, SPT, or ACT. I review the main X‐ray and SZ results from the past years. I discuss the expectations and perspectives for upcoming and future measurements of the SZ signal and their combination with X‐ray data, focusing on the role to be played by XMM‐Newton in these studies.
High‐Resolution NMR Spectroscopy for the Classification of Beer
Authors: Jeong Ji‐Ho , Cho Sung‐Jin , Kim Yongae
Published: March 2017

High‐resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has many applications in the analysis of food and beverage products, especially in combination with multivariate analysis. Most studies have focused on the composition, raw materials, geographical origin, and quality control of these products. Since the
1H NMR spectrum of beer contains huge water and ethanol resonances with higher signal intensities of them than those of the compounds of interest, it becomes problematic to assign a spectrum. So, these obstacles must be overcome in order to define chemical components in beer and to analyze or obtain meaningful data. In this paper, we will analyze the
1H NMR spectra of different lagers and ales with principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) methods. The results of multivariate analysis of
1H NMR spectra of lyophilized and raw samples obtained using a standard solvent suppression pulse program are compared and discussed for more exact technique as an informative quality control tool.
Locally controlled as‐rigid‐as‐possible deformation for 2D characters
Authors: Chen Jiaxu , Zhang Long , Li Xiaoxu , Zhang Bo , Ye Zhongfu
Published: March 2017

Due to its practical use in animation and image editing, two‐dimensional shape deformation has received great attention during the past decades. The traditional paradigms, spreading local modifications over the whole shape, will cause a global deformation. For the simultaneous realization of the local control and preservation of the rigidity of the shape, a novel deformation method is proposed for point, skeleton, and cage handles. Our framework can be accomplished in terms of the minimization of the improved as‐rigid‐as‐possible energy with local and smooth penalties, named locally controlled as‐rigid‐as‐possible energy. The visually pleasing experiment results demonstrate the success of our method in two‐dimensional character deformation.
MicroRNA‐206 regulates vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switch and vascular neointimal formation
Authors: Sun Huiyan , Cai Songzhi , Zhang Mei , Zhao Juan , Wei Shuping , Luo Yuyu , Meng Xiangyan , Zhou Xin , Li Yuming , Zhang Wencheng
Published: March 2017

MiR‐206 has been found to play a critical role in skeletal muscle proliferation, differentiation, and regeneration. However, little is known about the function of miR‐206 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) biology. In this study, we will investigate its roles in phenotypic switching of VSMCs and neointimal lesion formation. First, we identified the expression of miR‐206 in VSMCs treated with various concentrations of TGFβ1 and in rat carotid arteries after angioplasty by using qPCR. TGFβ1 inhibited the expression of miR‐206 and TGFβ1 inhibitor induced miR‐206 expression. In VSMCs of injured vascular walls, miR‐206 expression was upregulated. Then, we overexpressed miR‐206 using lentivirus Lv‐rno‐mir‐206 and knocked down miR‐206 using LV‐rno‐mir‐206‐inhibitor in rat carotid arteries after angioplasty. Overexpression of miR‐206 resulted in decreasing SM22α expression in VSMCs in vitro and knockdown of miR‐206 suppressed neointimal lesion formation in vivo. Finally, ZFP580 (zinc finger protein 580) was identified as the direct target of miR‐206 in VSMCs by using luciferase report assay. The results indicate that miR‐206 is involved in phenotypic switching of VSMCs and neointimal lesion formation after angioplasty through targeting ZFP580. These findings may provide a novel therapeutic target in post‐angioplasty restenosis.
Catalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of Protecting‐Group‐Free 1,5‐Benzothiazepines
Authors: Meninno Sara , Volpe Chiara , Lattanzi Alessandra
Published: March 2017

A one‐pot enantioselective route to N‐unprotected 2,3‐dihydro‐1,5‐benzothiazepinones, by an organocatalyzed sulfa‐Michael reaction of readily available α,β‐unsaturated N‐acyl pyrazoles with 2‐aminothiophenols followed by silica‐gel‐catalyzed lactamization, has been developed. The method proceeds under mild conditions at room temperature and it requires only 1 mol % catalyst loading, to give 2‐aryl/alkyl‐substituted 1,5‐benzothiazepines in generally good to excellent yields and enantioselectivities. The process, used for a short synthesis of antidepressant drug (R)‐(−)‐thiazesim, represents the first method to access enantioenriched unprotected 1,5‐benzothiazepines, which are useful for rapid derivatization in drug discovery.
Removal of fine and ultrafine particles by means of a condensational growth assisted bubble column
Authors: La Motta Francesco , Di Natale Francesco , Carotenuto Claudia , Lancia Amedeo
Published: March 2017

The paper shows experimental findings aimed to prove the effectiveness of a concept design for fine and ultrafine particle capture called condensational growth assisted bubble column. Experiments were carried out with a gas at ambient temperature and pressure polluted with calibrated polystyrene nanoparticles (mean numeric diameter 113 nm, standard deviation 120 nm). The laboratory scale equipment included the sequence of a growth tube and a bubble column. In the growth tube, the heterogeneous condensation of water vapour took place over the particles, producing a liquid‐solid aerosol of size larger than the original particles. Experiments showed that the condensational growth pre‐treatment improved the bubble column removal efficiency from nearly 25 % up to 90 %. The growth tube also contributed to particle capture so that the overall system reached particle removal efficiency above 95 %. The particle removal efficiency of the entire unit was higher than the sum of the single growth tube and bubble column contributions, suggesting the occurrence of favourable synergic effect between them.
Shear‐induced aggregation of colloidal particles: A comparison between two different approaches to the modelling of colloidal interactions
Authors: Frungieri Graziano , Vanni Marco
Published: March 2017

The process of shear‐induced aggregation of fully destabilized colloidal suspensions has been investigated by adopting a mixed deterministic‐stochastic modelling method. This method is based on a combination of a Monte Carlo algorithm, used to solve in a stochastic way the population balance equation for a purely aggregating suspension, and a Discrete Element Method, employed to simulate aggregation events in a fully predictive manner. The DEM was built in the framework of the well‐established Stokesian dynamics technique to get an accurate prediction of the hydrodynamic forces acting on the primary particles. Two different approaches were instead used to describe colloidal interactions: the first assumes primary particles to interact only by means of central forces; a second model assumes also tangential interactions to act on primary particles upon contact. To describe such interactions we adopted a spring‐like force model recently proposed by Becker and Briesen. Simulations were performed to ascertain the effect of these two different modelling approaches on the process of aggregation, showing that substantial differences appear in the predicted cluster morphology.
Dual‐Functionalized Hollow Polymer Particle as a pH‐Responsive Adsorbent for Selective Removal of Basic Dye
Authors: Chen Dong , Liu Yang , Qin Yan , Wang Li , Ma Yuhong , Yang Wantai
Published: March 2017

In the present work, novel dual‐functionalized hollow polymer particles (DF‐HPP) with high density of carboxylate and amino dual functional groups have been specially designed and fabricated to serve as high‐performance adsorbent for selective removal of basic dye (methylene blue, b‐MB, as a model dye). Due to both the high surface area and the extremely high density of carboxylate and amino groups, the DF‐HPPs exhibited excellent adsorption property for methylene blue (b‐MB), including high adsorption capacity, fast adsorption/desorption rates, unique pH‐sensitivity and easy recovery. The equilibrium adsorption data of b‐MB on the DF‐HPPs were evaluated using Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models, and the equilibrium isotherm was better fit with Langmuir model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 538.8 mg/g at pH 12. More interestingly, the DF‐HPPs showed a significant pH‐dependent equilibrium adsorption capacity, which decreased dramatically from 516.1 mg/g to 24 mg/g as the solution pH decreased from 12 to 3. The dye‐adsorbed DF‐HPPs can be facilely and rapidly regenerated under mild condition (under weak acidic solution, pH 3, in 30 min) to recover both b‐MB and the DF‐HPPs, and the regenerated DF‐HPPs can be reused for dye removal with high efficiency, indicating the exceptional recyclability of the DF‐HPPs.
Soluble, Antibaterial, and Anticorrosion Studies of Sulfonated Polystyrene/Polyaniline/Silver Nanocomposites Prepared with the Sulfonated Polystyrene Template
Authors: Liao Guangfu , Gong Yan , Yi Changfeng , Xu Zushun
Published: March 2017

In this work, multifunctional sulfonated polystyrene/polyaniline/silver (SPS/PANI/Ag) nanocomposites are prepared through using sulfonated polystyrene (SPS) spheres as templates and utilizing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as reducing agent and stabilizing agent. Our method is an environmentally friendly method because no toxic reagents are added during the preparation process. Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy disperse spectroscopy (EDX) results confirmed the formation of PS spheres, SPS spheres, SPS/PANI nanocomposites, and SPS/PANI/Ag nanocomposites. Powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicate that the obtained Ag nanoparticles are crystalline. Solubilities measurements show that SPS/PANI/Ag nanocomposites have improved solubilities when compared to pure PANI in common organic solvents and deionized water. Antibacterial studies show that SPS/PANI/Ag nanocomposites can greatly inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Anticorrosion studies show that the incorporation of SPS/PANI/Ag nanocomposites in waterborne alkyd resin can greatly promote the anticorrosive efficiency of waterborne alkyd resin.
Proton‐anion Ion‐pair Recognition by a Hexaazatriphenylene‐Hexaurea Receptor
Authors: Zhan Tianguang , Lin Mengdi , Wu Lin , Zhang Xiang , Zhang Liang , Zhao Xin , Zhang Kangda
Published: March 2017

Recognition behavior of a hexaazatriphenylene (HAT) derivative toward different acids in THF solution was investigated through 1H NMR, UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopic experiments, as well as SEM image and semi‐empirical calculations, which revealed that this propeller‐like HAT receptor could co‐assemble into a layered complex by sandwiching protons and halogen (chloride or bromide) anions synergistically between the receptor molecules. What's more, reversible and remarkable color changes visible to the naked eye could be observed, when the halogen acid and base were introduced alternatively.
PCSK9 inhibitor access barriers—issues and recommendations: Improving the access process for patients, clinicians and payers
Authors: Baum Seth J. , Toth Peter P. , Underberg James A. , Jellinger Paul , Ross Joyce , Wilemon Katherine
Published: March 2017

The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies likely represent the greatest advance in lipid management in 30 years. In 2015 the US Food and Drug Administration approved both alirocumab and evolocumab for high‐risk patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease requiring additional lowering of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Though many lipid specialists, cardiovascular disease prevention experts, endocrinologists, and others prescribed the drugs on label, they found their directives denied 80% to 90% of the time. The high frequency of denials prompted the American Society for Preventive Cardiology (ASPC), to gather multiple stakeholder organizations including the American College of Cardiology, National Lipid Association, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), and FH Foundation for 2 town hall meetings to identify access issues and implement viable solutions. This article reviews findings recognized and solutions suggested by experts during these discussions. The article is a product of the ASPC, along with each author writing as an individual and endorsed by the AACE.
The 13th Winter Conference on Medicinal and Bioorganic Chemistry
Authors: Williams Scott D.
Published: March 2017

The Medicinal and Bioorganic Chemistry Foundation (MBCF) hosted its 13th biannual Winter Conference on Medicinal and Bioorganic Chemistry (WCMBC) this past January 22nd–26th in Steamboat Springs, Colorado (USA). The gathering this year kept true to the tradition of this conference series, with an impressive lineup of presenters from both academia and industry. With about 125 delegates, the conference took all the advantages of a mid‐sized gathering: a sufficiently wide spectrum of scientists in attendance, yet an intimate atmosphere conducive to solid networking and frank, open discussions. This conference report summarizes the presentations that were given this year.
Face shield design against blast‐induced head injuries
Authors: Tan Long Bin , Tse Kwong Ming , Tan Yuan Hong , Sapingi Mohamad Ali Bin , Tan Vincent Beng Chye , Lee Heow Pueh
Published: March 2017

Blast‐induced traumatic brain injury has been on the rise in recent years because of the increasing use of improvised explosive devices in conflict zones. Our study investigates the response of a helmeted human head subjected to a blast of 1 atm peak overpressure, for cases with and without a standard polycarbonate (PC) face shield and for face shields comprising of composite PC and aerogel materials and with lateral edge extension. The novel introduction of aerogel into the laminate face shield is explored and its wave‐structure interaction mechanics and performance in blast mitigation is analysed. Our numerical results show that the face shield prevented direct exposure of the blast wave to the face and help delays the transmission of the blast to reduce the intracranial pressures (ICPs) at the parietal lobe. However, the blast wave can diffract and enter the midface region at the bottom and side edges of the face shield, resulting in traumatic brain injury. This suggests that the bottom and sides of the face shield are important regions to focus on to reduce wave ingress. The laminated PC/aerogel/PC face shield yielded higher peak positive and negative ICPs at the frontal lobe, than the original PC one. For the occipital and temporal brain regions, the laminated face shield performed better than the original. The composite face shield with extended edges reduced ICP at the temporal lobe but increases ICP significantly at the parietal lobe, which suggests that a greater coverage may not lead to better mitigating effects.
Protocol for a systematic review and meta‐analysis of experimental models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Gregory J. M. , Waldron F. M. , Soane T. , Fulton L. , Leighton D. , Chataway J. , Pal S. , Chandran S. , Macleod M. R.
Published: March 2017

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease with no cure and limited treatment options. There is therefore an urgent need for effective therapeutic interventions in this disease. This protocol outlines the strategy for a systematic review and meta‐analysis to identify, from in vivo animal and human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) studies, potential therapeutic interventions for ALS. Our aim is to perform a comprehensive review of the ALS literature to compile a list of (1) candidate interventions and (2) target pathways that may be of therapeutic benefit in patients with ALS.
Intra‐trophic isotopic discrimination of 15N/14N for amino acids in autotrophs: Implications for nitrogen dynamics in ecological studies
Authors: Takizawa Yuko , Dharampal Prarthana S. , Steffan Shawn A. , Takano Yoshinori , Ohkouchi Naohiko , Chikaraishi Yoshito
Published: March 2017

The differential discrimination of nitrogen isotopes (15N/14N) within amino acids in consumers and their diets has been routinely used to estimate organismal tropic position (TP). Analogous isotopic discrimination can occur within plants, particularly in organs lacking chloroplasts. Such discrimination likely arises from the catabolic deamination of amino acids, resulting in a numerical elevation of estimated TP, within newly synthesized biomass. To investigate this phenomenon, we examined the 15N/14N of amino acids (δ15NAA) in spring leaves and flowers from eight deciduous and two annual plants. These plants were classified on the basis of their time of bloom, plants that bloomed when their leaves were absent (Type I) versus plants that bloomed while leaves were already present (Type II). Based on the δ15NAA values from leaves, both plant types occupied comparable and ecologically realistic mean TPs (=1.0 ± 0.1, mean ± 1σ). However, the estimated TPs of flowers varied significantly (Type I: 2.2 ± 0.2; Type II: 1.0 ± 0.1). We hypothesize that these results can be interpreted by the following sequence of events: (1) Type I floral biomass is synthesized in absence of active photosynthesis; (2) the catabolic deamination of amino acids in particular, leaves behind 15N in the residual pool of amino acids; and (3) the incorporation of these 15N‐enriched amino acids within the biomass of Type I flowers results in the numerical elevation of the TPs. In contrast, the actively photosynthesizing Type II leaves energetically sustain the synthesis of Type II flower biomass, precluding any reliance on catabolic deamination of amino acids. Amino acids within Type II flowers are therefore isotopically comparable to the Type II leaves. These findings demonstrate the idiosyncratic nature of the δ15NAA values within autotrophic organs and have implications for interpreting trophic hierarchies using primary producers and their consumers.
Pathogen‐induced maternal effects result in enhanced immune responsiveness across generations
Authors: Rosengaus Rebeca B. , Hays Nicole , Biro Colette , Kemos James , Zaman Muizz , Murray Joseph , Gezahegn Bruck , Smith Wendy
Published: March 2017

Parental investment theory postulates that adults can accurately perceive cues from their surroundings, anticipate the needs of future offspring based on those cues, and selectively allocate nongenetic resources to their progeny. Such context‐dependent parental contributions can result in phenotypically variable offspring. Consistent with these predictions, we show that bacterially exposedManduca sextamothers oviposited significantly more variable embryos (as measured by mass, volume, hatching time, and hatching success) relative to naïve and control mothers. By using an in vivo “clearance of infection” assay, we also show that challenged larvae born to heat‐killed‐ or live‐Serratia‐injected mothers, supported lower microbial loads and cleared the infection faster than progeny of control mothers. Our data support the notion that mothers can anticipate the future pathogenic risks and immunological needs of their unborn offspring, providing progeny with enhanced immune protection likely through transgenerational immune priming. Although the inclusion of liveSerratiainto oocytes does not appear to be the mechanism by which mothers confer protection to their young, other mechanisms, including epigenetic modifications in the progeny due to maternal pathogenic stress, may be at play. The adaptive nature of maternal effects in the face of pathogenic stress provides insights into parental investment, resource allocation, and life‐history theories and highlights the significant role that pathogen‐induced maternal effects play as generators and modulators of evolutionary change.
Hydroclimatic and ecohydrological resistance/resilience conditions across tropical biomes of Costa Rica
Authors: Esquivel‐Hernández Germain , Sánchez‐Murillo Ricardo , Birkel Christian , Good Stephen P. , Boll Jan
Published: March 2017

Water resources management in the tropics is challenged by climate variability and unregulated land use change and their impacts on the complex interactions between vegetation, soil, and atmosphere. This study focuses on the analysis of hydroclimatic and ecohydrological conditions across 6 major biomes in Costa Rica. Using the Budyko and the Tomer–Schilling frameworks, 31 reanalysis data points located across the Caribbean and Pacific domains were classified according to their ecohydrological resistance and resilience between 1989 and 2005. Observed data were used to evaluate the reanalysis products. Resistance was defined as the standard deviation in the water excess (Q/P), whereas resilience was defined as the standard deviation of the energy (AET/PET) to the water excess. A strong orographic separation was obtained between the water‐limited Pacific slope and the energy‐limited Caribbean slope. The Caribbean slope is characterized by low resistance and high resilience to changes in the hydroclimatic conditions, with small relative changes in water excess (−18% to 2.0%), whereas the Northern Pacific slope has high resistance and low resilience and exhibited strong changes in water excess (−34% to 0%). Some regions of the Northern Pacific region covered by lower and premontane forests have recently suffered significant increments in the dryness index (PET/P). This study demonstrates the need for national–regional strategies to effectively optimize water use efficiency and water storage and to include a climate vulnerability component in future water management plans.
Selective Late‐Stage Hydrodefluorination of Trifluoromethylarenes: A Facile Access to Difluoromethylarenes
Authors: Munoz Socrates B. , Ni Chuanfa , Zhang Zhe , Wang Fang , Shao Nan , Mathew Thomas , Olah George A. , Prakash G. K. Surya
Published: March 2017

A selective reductive monodefluorination reaction of trifluoromethyl arenes was developed. Mediated by magnesium metal, various difluoromethylated aromatics were accessed at room temperature in the presence of acetic acid. This protocol shows tolerance to a wide range of functional groups and it was applicable in late‐stage hydrodefluorination of complex pharmaceutical compounds, affording the corresponding CF2H analogues and their deuterated (CF2D) counterparts.
Capacitive DNA sensor for rapid and sensitive detection of whole genome human herpesvirus‐1 dsDNA in serum
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Oueslati Rania , Wu Jayne , Chen Jiangang , Eda Shigetoshi
Published: March 2017

This work presents a rapid, highly sensitive, low‐cost, and specific capacitive DNA sensor for detection of whole genome human herpesvirus‐1 DNA. This sensor is capable of direct DNA detection with a response time of 30 s, and it can be used to test standard buffer or serum samples. The sensing approach for DNA detection is based on alternating current (AC) electrokinetics. By applying an inhomogeneous AC electric field on sensor electrodes, positive dielectrophoresis is induced to accelerate DNA hybridization. The same applied AC signal also directly measures the hybridization of target with the probe on the sensor surface. Experiments are conducted to optimize the AC signal, as well as the buffers for probe immobilization and target DNA hybridization. The assay is highly sensitive and specific, with no response to human herpesvirus‐2 DNA at 5 ng/mL and a LOD of 1.0 pg/mL (6.5 copies/μL or 10.7 aM) in standard buffer. When testing the double stranded (ds) DNA spiked in human serum samples, the sensor yields a LOD of 20.0 pg/mL (129.5 copies/μL or 0.21 femtomolar (fM)) in neat serum. In this work, the target is whole genome dsDNA, consequently the test can be performed without the use of enzyme or amplification, which considerably simplifies the sensor operation and is highly suitable for point of care disease diagnosis.
Be ready for the enrollment manager's black swan event for the 2017–18 academic year
Authors: Wymbs Clifford
Published: March 2017

In the first week of his administration, President Trump created uncertainty in the area of international relations by withdrawing from the Trans‐Pacific Partnership, threatening to stop issuing visas to countries that will not take back deported undocumented immigrants, and advising his trade officials to plan for the imposition of high tariffs on Chinese goods. If any of these actions lead to trade becoming a strategy weapon in global politics, there is one U.S. sector that may be extremely vulnerable — educational services.
Add energy to your career strategy with conference plans
Authors: Potts Hilary
Published: March 2017

There's nothing like attending a conference to give you strategies for addressing challenging issues. Plus, the contacts you'll make will help you do your job long after the closing plenary ends. Check our listing below to find an event that meets your needs, location, and budget.
Studies on PEMFC Stack for SO2 Contamination at Air Cathode
Authors: Prithi J. A. , Sasank Viswanath B. , Rajalakshmi N. , Dhathathreyen K. S.
Published: March 2017

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a common atmospheric contaminant which has a deleterious effect on performance of fuel cells. In the present paper, we are reporting the performance of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack exposed to SO2 as a contaminant, introduced in air stream and the process of recovery. The stack is exposed to a non‐continuous step wise poisoning of 10ppm of SO2 in air for about 100 minutes. The response of stack to the contaminant exposure is observed to understand the immediate effect of SO2 on stack performance and its distribution profile among individual cells. Successive polarization recovery technique, by cycling between two voltages, is adopted to recover the stack after contamination. The sulfur adsorption onto platinum can also be associated to weak and strong adhesion of sulfur species leading to drop in catalyst utilization. The recovery suggests that the sulfur is irreversibly adsorbed on to platinum sites at low current density regions. However, at higher current densities, in the presence of H2O, this undergoes rapid hydrolysis to form H2SO4, leading to partial recovery. The recovered performance of the stack is also presented.
Autophagy maintains the integrity of endothelial barrier in LPS‐induced lung injury
Authors: Zhang Dan , Zhou Jian , Ye Le Chi , Li Jing , Wu Zhenzhou , Li Yuping , Li Chichi
Published: March 2017

Understanding the role and underlying regulation mechanism of autophagy in lipopolysaccharide‐induced lung injury (LPS‐LI) may provide potentially new pharmacological targets for treatment of acute lung injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the functional significance of autophagy in LPS‐LI. The autophagy of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMVECs) and mice was inhibited before they were challenged with LPS. In vitro, permeability, vitality, and the LDH release rate of the cells were detected, the zonula occluden‐1 (ZO‐1) expression and the stress fiber formation were determined. In vivo, the lung injury was assessed. We found LPS caused high permeability and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release rate, lowered viability of the cells, inhibited the ZO‐1 expression and induced stress fiber formation, these effects were further aggravated by prohibiting the level of autophagy. Consistently, in in vivo experiments, LPS‐induced serious lung injury, which was reflected as edema, leukocyte infiltration and hemorrhage in lung tissue, and the high concentration of pro‐inflammation cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐1β in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Inhibiting autophagy further exacerbated LPS‐LI. It appears that autophagy played a protective role in LPS‐LI in part through restricting the injury of lung microvascular barrier.
Identification of novel variants in HLA class II region related to HLA DPB1 expression and disease progression in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Hiramatsu Katsushi , Matsuda Hidetaka , Nemoto Tomoyuki , Nosaka Takuto , Saito Yasushi , Naito Tatsushi , Takahashi Kazuto , Ofuji Kazuya , Ohtani Masahiro , Suto Hiroyuki , Yasuda Toshihiro , Hida Yukio , Kimura Hideki , Soya Yoshihiro , Nakamoto Yasunari
Published: March 2017

Recent genome‐wide studies have demonstrated that HLA class II gene may play an important role in viral hepatitis. We studied genetic polymorphism and RNA expression of HLA class II genes in HCV‐related liver diseases. The study was performed in groups consisting of 24 patients with HCV‐related liver disease (12 of persistent normal ALT: PNALT group and 12 of advanced liver disease: ALD group) and 26 patients without HCV infection (control group). In PBMC samples, RNA expression of HLA class II genes (HLA‐DPA1, DPB1, DQA1, DQB1, and DRB1) was analyzed by real‐time RT‐PCR. Furthermore, 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in HLA class II gene and two SNPs in IL28B gene were genotyped by genetic analyzer (GENECUBE®). In expression analysis, only DPB1 level was significantly different. Mean expression level of DPB1gene in control group was 160.0, PNALT group 233.8, and ALD group 465.0 (P < 0.01). Of 24 SNPs, allele frequencies were statistically different in two SNPs (rs2071025 and rs3116996) between PNALT groups and ALD group (P < 0.01). In rs2071025, TT genotype was frequently detected in ALD group and expression level was significantly higher than the other genotypes (449.2 vs 312.9, P < 0.01). In rs3116996, TA or TT (non AA) genotype was frequently detected in ALD group and expression level was significantly higher than genotype AA (457.1 vs 220.9, P < 0.01). Genotyping and expression analysis in HLA class II gene revealed that two SNPs of HLA‐DPB1 (rs2071025 and rs3116996) were significantly correlated to RNA expression and progression of HCV‐related liver diseases.
Large‐scale ocean‐atmospheric processes and seasonal rainfall variability in South Australia: potential for improving seasonal hydroclimatic forecasts
Authors: Tozer C. R. , Kiem A. S. , Verdon‐Kidd D. C.
Published: March 2017

Seasonal rainfall forecasts are an important tool for risk management across many sectors. However, significant challenges arise in the development of skilful and practically useful seasonal forecasts for regions where the temporal and spatial variability of rainfall is large and/or knowledge about what causes this variability is in its infancy. This is evident in the state of South Australia (SA), where seasonal rainfall currently has low predictive skill. The key climate processes have yet to be fully identified in SA and therefore may not be adequately represented in forecast models. The aim of this paper is to identify and quantify relationships between large‐scale ocean‐atmospheric processes and seasonal rainfall variability across SA. We identify two distinct climate zones: (1) the arid northern region, where rainfall is mostly influenced by climate processes stemming from the tropical Indian and/or Pacific Oceans and (2) southern SA, which is dominated by Southern Ocean processes. The average percent of variability of SA rainfall accounted for by any single large‐scale climate process (i.e. linear regression using a single predictor) is 8% in summer, 19% in autumn, 33% in winter and 24% in spring. However, when two or more processes are considered in combination (through multiple linear regression), this rises to 13, 26, 46, and 33%, respectively, highlighting the importance of capturing the interaction among multiple climate processes. Importantly, the findings from this study provide a set of metrics against which existing statistical and dynamical forecasting schemes can be tested and highlight processes that should be focused on in order to improve (or develop new) forecasting schemes. The study also recommends the need for further investigations into non‐linear relationships between rainfall and large‐scale ocean‐atmospheric processes and the development of more objective methods for determining which climate process, or combination of processes, are most important for a certain season or location.
Non‐stationarities in the occurrence rate of heavy precipitation across China and its relationship to climate teleconnection patterns
Authors: Gu Xihui , Zhang Qiang , Singh Vijay P. , Shi Peijun
Published: March 2017

The variability of occurrence rate of heavy precipitation (HPOR) across China was analysed to examine if the change in heavy precipitation satisfied the stationarity assumption.HPORobtained by peaks‐over‐threshold (POT) sampling can be interpreted as a realisation of a point process, which can be represented as a Poisson process. A number of methods, including kernel density estimation method, Cox regression model, Poisson regression model and Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape (GAMLSS), were used to evaluate the nonstationarity inHPOR. Nonstationarity was also assessed forHPORdefined by different thresholds which indicate different levels of severity of heavy precipitation. Our results indicated that: (1)HPORin northwestern China, a typical arid region, is subject to the most uneven temporal distribution and a significantly increasing trend in terms of inter‐annual variability. Moreover, this uneven temporal distribution is increasing for greater heavy precipitation events defined by higher percentiles, and the changing pattern is opposite in eastern, central and southwestern China; (2) the seasonal variability ofHPORis significantly related to climate indices during the year, which shows that theHPORis not independent and exhibits nonstationary with seasonality. However, as the thresholds increase, the impacts of climate indices onHPORare found to be weakening; (3) the annual number of greater heavy precipitation is subject to over‐dispersion, however, under‐dispersion can be identified for the annual number of heavy precipitation events defined by lower thresholds. Higher Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) may trigger an increase in the frequency of heavy precipitation in northeastern and eastern China. These findings show the challenges of flood preventions and water resources management in a changing climate.
Minimising fracture risk in older people taking long‐term oral corticosteroids
Authors: Westaway Kerrie , Frank Oliver , Husband Alan , McClure Anna , Shute Russell , Curtis Jane
Published: March 2017

Corticosteroids have potent anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressant properties but are associated with a number of serious adverse events. When taken orally for longer than 3 months, particularly at prednisolone‐equivalent doses greater than 5 mg per day, corticosteroids are associated with a high incidence of bone loss, muscle atrophy and weakness. Fracture risk is increased as a result of corticosteroid‐induced bone loss and muscle weakness. Corticosteroid‐related fractures are a serious complication of long‐term oral corticosteroid therapy. The aim of this article is to provide practical information to help clinicians to minimise fracture risk in older people taking long‐term oral corticosteroids. When therapy is instigated for longer than 1 month, identify at‐risk patients promptly and consider a calcium and vitamin D supplement and fracture prevention therapy. Patients at risk include those receiving prednisolone‐equivalent doses of more than 5 mg per day for longer than 3 months and patients receiving frequent short courses of high‐dose corticosteroids.
Winter weather and lake‐watershed physical configuration drive phosphorus, iron, and manganese dynamics in water and sediment of ice‐covered lakes
Authors: Joung DongJoo , Leduc Meagan , Ramcharitar Benjamin , Xu Yaoyang , Isles Peter D. F. , Stockwell Jason D. , Druschel Gregory K. , Manley Tom , Schroth Andrew W.
Published: March 2017

While decreasing occurrence and duration of lake ice cover is well‐documented, biogeochemical dynamics in frozen lakes remain poorly understood. Here, we interpret winter physical and biogeochemical time series from eutrophic Missisquoi Bay (MB) and hyper‐eutrophic Shelburne Pond (SP) to describe variable drivers of under ice biogeochemistry in systems of fundamentally different lake‐watershed physical configurations (lake area, lake : watershed area). The continuous cold of the 2015 winter drove the MB sediment‐water interface to the most severe and persistent suboxic state ever documented at this site, promoting the depletion of redox‐sensitive phases in sediments, and an expanding zone of bottom water enriched in reactive species of Mn, Fe, and P. In this context, lake sediment and water column inventories of reactive chemical species were sensitive to the severity and persistence of subfreezing temperatures. During thaws, event provenance and severity impact lake thermal structure and mixing, water column enrichment in P and Fe, and thaw capability to suppress redox front position and internal chemical loading. Nearly identical winter weather manifest differently in nearby SP, where the small surface and watershed areas promoted a warmer, less stratified water column and active phytoplankton populations, impacting biogeochemical dynamics. In SP, Fe and P behavior under ice were decoupled due to active biological cycling, and thaw impacts were different in distribution and composition due to SP's physical structure and related antecedent conditions. We find that under ice biogeochemistry is highly dynamic in both time and space and sensitive to a variety of drivers impacted by climate change.