bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations reveal the structural and molecular properties of levan-type fructo-oligosaccharides of various chain lengths
Authors: Kanjanatanin Pongsakorn , Pichyangkura Rath , Chunsrivirot Surasak
Published: August 2016

Background

Levan and levan-type fructo-oligosaccharides (LFOs) have various potential applications in pharmaceutical and food industries due to their beneficial properties such as their low intrinsic viscosity and high water solubility. Previous studies showed that they exhibited prebiotic effects, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities against Sarcoma-180 tumor cells of human. Despite their various potential applications, the structural and molecular properties of LFOs of various chain lengths are not well understood.

Results

We employed the replica-exchange molecular dynamics simulations method (REMD) in AMBER14 to elucidate structural and molecular properties of LFOs with chain lengths of 5 (LFO5), 10 (LFO10) and 15 (LFO15) residues in two models of generalized Born implicit solvent (GBHCT and GBOBC1). For LFO10 and LFO15, four distinct conformations (helix-like, partial helix, zig-zag and random structures) were characterized by their upper-middle and lower-middle torsions. For LFO5, two distinct conformations (partial helix and random structures) were characterized by their middle torsion and molecular angle of residues 1, 3 and 5. To determine hydrogen bonds important for the formation of helix-like structures of LFO10 and LFO15, occurrence frequencies of hydrogen bonds were analyzed, and the O6(i)--H3O(i+1) hydrogen bond was found with the highest frequency, suggesting its importance in helix formation. Among three dihedral angles between two fructosyl units [ϕ (O5’-C2’-O6-C6), ψ (C2’-O6-C6-C5) and ω (O6-C6-C5-C4)], dihedral angle distributions showed that ω was the most flexible dihedral angle and probably responsible for conformational differences of LFOs.

Conclusions

Our study provides important insights into the structural and molecular properties of LFOs, which tend to form helical structures as the chain length increases from 5 to 15 residues. This information could be beneficial for the selection of LFOs with appropriate lengths and properties for pharmaceutical and biological applications.
Footwear characteristics in people with inflammatory arthritis in Singapore
Authors: Carter K. , Lahiri M. , Cheung P. P. , Santosa A. , Rome K.
Published: August 2016

Background

Foot problems are common in people with inflammatory arthritis. Despite suitable footwear having the potential to alleviate pain, improve mobility and maintain independence, previous studies have found many people with inflammatory arthritis wearing poorly fitting and inappropriate footwear. Footwear styles and characteristics have not been reported in a Singapore inflammatory arthritis population. The objective of this study was to identify current footwear styles and characteristics of footwear worn by people with inflammatory arthritis in Singapore.

Methods

One‐hundred‐and‐one participants with inflammatory arthritis were recruited from the rheumatology outpatient clinic of a large public hospital in Singapore. Disease and clinical characteristics were recorded. A patient‐reported outcome included current foot pain. An objective footwear assessment of style, age of shoe, fit and construction was conducted.

Results

The majority of participants were Chinese women with a mean (SD) age was 52.0 (15.0) years old and a mean (SD) disease duration of 9.3 (0.3) years. We found 50 % of participants (n = 51) reported footwear problems. Sandals (n = 27, 26 %), flip‐flops (n = 19, 19 %) and moccasin type (n = 19, 19 %) was the most common footwear choice. Evaluation of footwear characteristics found that there was a lack of motion control features. Only 32 (32 %) participants had correctly fitting footwear with regard to length, width and depth. No participant was wearing therapeutic footwear.

Conclusion

This study provides the first insight into footwear preferences of people with inflammatory arthritis in Singapore. Use of slip‐on and poorly fitting footwear was found to be common in people with inflammatory arthritis. Further research on footwear preferences in Southeast‐Asian communities needs to take into account cultural habit and preference, socio‐economic status, footwear options and affordability.
In vivo functional analysis of Drosophila Robo1 immunoglobulin-like domains
Authors: Reichert Marie C. , Brown Haley E. , Evans Timothy A.
Published: August 2016

Background

In animals with bilateral symmetry, midline crossing of axons in the developing central nervous system is regulated by Slit ligands and their neuronal Roundabout (Robo) receptors. Multiple structural domains are present in an evolutionarily conserved arrangement in Robo family proteins, but our understanding of the functional importance of individual domains for midline repulsive signaling is limited.

Methods

We have examined the functional importance of each of the five conserved immunoglobulin-like (Ig) domains within the Drosophila Robo1 receptor. We generated a series of Robo1 variants, each lacking one of the five Ig domains (Ig1-5), and tested each for their ability to bind Slit when expressed in cultured Drosophila cells. We used a transgenic approach to express each variant in robo1’s normal expression pattern in wild-type and robo1 mutant embryos, and examined the effects of deleting each domain on receptor expression, axonal localization, regulation, and midline repulsive signaling in vivo.

Results

We show that individual deletion of Ig domains 2–5 does not interfere with Robo1’s ability to bind Slit, while deletion of Ig1 strongly disrupts Slit binding. None of the five Ig domains (Ig1-5) are individually required for proper expression of Robo1 in embryonic neurons, for exclusion from commissural axon segments in wild-type embryos, or for downregulation by Commissureless (Comm), a negative regulator of Slit-Robo repulsion in Drosophila. Each of the Robo1 Ig deletion variants (with the exception of Robo1∆Ig1) were able to restore midline crossing in robo1 mutant embryos to nearly the same extent as full-length Robo1, indicating that Ig domains 2–5 are individually dispensable for midline repulsive signaling in vivo.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that four of the five Ig domains within Drosophila Robo1 are dispensable for its role in midline repulsion, despite their strong evolutionary conservation, and highlight a unique requirement for the Slit-binding Ig1 domain in the regulation of midline crossing.
Periodic and fixed points of the Leader-type contractions in quasi-triangular spaces
Authors: Włodarczyk Kazimierz
Published: August 2016

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and $\exists _{w^{0}\in X}\forall_{\alpha\in\mathcal{A}}\forall_{\varepsilon >0}\exists_{\eta>0}\exists_{r\in\mathbb{N}} \forall_{s,l\in \mathbb{N}}\{J_{\alpha}(T^{[s]}(w^{0}), T^{[l]}(w^{0}))<\eta+\varepsilon \Rightarrow C_{\alpha}J_{\alpha }(T^{[s+r]}(w^{0}),T^{[l+r]}(w^{0}))<\varepsilon\}$

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, respectively. The spaces $(X,\mathcal{P}_{C;\mathcal{A}})$
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, in particular, generalize metric, ultrametric, quasi-metric, ultra-quasi-metric, b-metric, partial metric, partial b-metric, pseudometric, quasi-pseudometric, ultra-quasi-pseudometric, partial quasi-pseudometric, topological, uniform, quasi-uniform, gauge, ultra gauge, partial gauge, quasi-gauge, ultra-quasi-gauge, and partial quasi-gauge spaces. Results are new in all these spaces. Examples are provided.
SiglecF+Gr1hi eosinophils are a distinct subpopulation within the lungs of allergen-challenged mice
Authors: Percopo Caroline M , Brenner Todd A , Ma Michelle , Kraemer Laura S , Hakeem Reem M A , Lee James J , Rosenberg Helene F
Published: August 2016

Although eosinophils as a group are readily identified by their unique morphology and staining properties, flow cytometry provides an important means for identification of subgroups based on differential expression of distinct surface Ags. Here, we characterize an eosinophil subpopulation defined by high levels of expression of the neutrophil Ag Gr1 (CD45+CD11c−SiglecF+Gr1hi). SiglecF+Gr1hi eosinophils, distinct from the canonical SiglecF+Gr1− eosinophil population, were detected in allergen-challenged wild-type and granule protein-deficient (EPX−/− and MBP-1−/−) mice, but not in the eosinophil-deficient ΔdblGATA strain. In contrast to Gr1+ neutrophils, which express both cross-reacting Ags Ly6C and Ly6G, SiglecF+Gr1hi eosinophils from allergen-challenged lung tissue are uniquely Ly6G+. Although indistinguishable from the more-numerous SiglecF+Gr1− eosinophils under light microscopy, FACS-isolated populations revealed prominent differences in cytokine contents. The lymphocyte-targeting cytokines CXCL13 and IL-27 were identified only in the SiglecF+Gr1hi eosinophil population (at 3.9 and 4.8 pg/106 cells, respectively), as was the prominent proinflammatory mediator IL-13 (72 pg/106 cells). Interestingly, bone marrow-derived (SiglecF+), cultured eosinophils include a more substantial Gr1+ subpopulation (∼50%); Gr1+ bmEos includes primarily a single Ly6C+ and a smaller, double-positive (Ly6C+Ly6G+) population. Taken together, our findings characterize a distinct SiglecF+Gr1hi eosinophil subset in lungs of allergen-challenged, wild-type and granule protein-deficient mice. SiglecF+Gr1hi eosinophils from wild-type mice maintain a distinct subset of cytokines, including those active on B and T lymphocytes. These cytokines may facilitate eosinophil-mediated immunomodulatory responses in the allergen-challenged lung as well as in other distinct microenvironments.
Taking the STING out of TLR-driven autoimmune diseases: good, bad, or indifferent?
Authors: Pawaria Sudesh , Sharma Shruti , Baum Rebecca , Nündel Kerstin , Busto Patricia , Gravallese Ellen M , Fitzgerald Katherine A , Marshak-Rothstein Ann
Published: August 2016

Both endosomal and cytosolic-nucleic acid–sensing receptors can detect endogenous ligands and promote autoimmunity and autoinflammation. These responses involve a complex interplay among and between the cytosolic and endosomal sensors involving both hematopoietic and radioresistant cells. Cytosolic sensors directly promote inflammatory responses through the production of type I IFNs and proinflammatory cytokines. Inflammation-associated tissue damage can further promote autoimmune responses indirectly, as receptor-mediated internalization of the resulting cell debris can activate endosomal Toll-like receptors (TLR). Both endosomal and cytosolic receptors can also negatively regulate inflammatory responses. A better understanding of the factors and pathways that promote and constrain autoimmune diseases will have important implications for the development of agonists and antagonists that modulate these pathways.
Differential effects of HIV transmission from monocyte-derived dendritic cells vs. monocytes to IL-17+CD4+ T cells
Authors: Mitsuki Yu-ya , Tuen Michael , Hioe Catarina E
Published: August 2016

HIV infection leads to CD4 helper T cell (Th) loss, but not all Th cells are equally depleted. The contribution of other immune cells in the Th depletion also remains unclear. This study investigates HIV transmission from monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) vs. monocytes to Th17 and Th1 cells using an allogeneic coculture model. The addition of HIV to MDDCs increased the expression of the negative regulatory molecule PD-L1 and decreased the expression of the activation markers HLA-DR and CD86, whereas the virus up-regulated HLA-DR and CD86, but not PD-L1, on monocytes. Coculturing of CD4+ T cells with MDDCs pretreated with HIV led to the decline of Th17, but not Th1, responses. In contrast, pretreatment of monocytes with HIV increased Th17 without affecting Th1 responses. The enhanced Th17 responses in the cocultures with HIV-treated monocytes were also accompanied by high numbers of virus-infected CD4+ T cells. The Th17 expansion arose from memory CD4+ T cells with minimal contribution from naïve CD4+ T cells. The Th17-enhancing activity was mediated by the HIV envelope and did not require productive virus infection. Comparison of MDDCs and monocytes further showed that, although HIV-treated MDDCs reduced Th proliferation and increased the activation of the apoptosis mediator caspase-3, HIV-treated monocytes enhanced Th proliferation without increasing the active caspase-3 levels. This study indicates the potential role of distinct myeloid cell populations in shaping Th17 responses during HIV infection.
Increased anticipatory but decreased consummatory brain responses to food in sisters of anorexia nervosa patients
Authors: Horndasch Stefanie , O'Keefe Sophie , Lamond Anneka , Brown Katie , McCabe Ciara
Published: August 2016

Background

We have previously shown increased anticipatory and consummatory neural responses to rewarding and aversive food stimuli in women recovered from anorexia nervosa (AN).

Aims

To determine whether these differences are trait markers for AN, we examined the neural response in those with a familial history but no personal history of AN.

Method

Thirty-six volunteers were recruited: 15 who had a sister with anorexia nervosa (family history) and 21 control participants. Using fMRI we examined the neural response during an anticipatory phase (food cues, rewarding and aversive), an effort phase and a consummatory phase (rewarding and aversive tastes).

Results

Family history (FH) volunteers showed increased activity in the caudate during the anticipation of both reward and aversive food and in the thalamus and amygdala during anticipation of aversive only. FH had decreased activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, the pallidum and the superior frontal gyrus during taste consumption.

Conclusions

Increased neural anticipatory but decreased consummatory responses to food might be a biomarker for AN. Interventions that could normalise these differences may help to prevent disorder onset.
Role of Versican in the Pathogenesis of Peritoneal Endometriosis
Authors: Tani Hirohiko , Sato Yukiyasu , Ueda Masashi , Miyazaki Yumiko , Suginami Koh , Horie Akihito , Konishi Ikuo , Shinomura Tamayuki
Published: August 2016

Context:

Sampson’s theory cannot explain why only some cycling women develop peritoneal endometriosis. Few studies have focused on the pelvic peritoneum, which receives regurgitated endometrial tissues. We hypothesized that molecular alterations in the peritoneum are involved in the development of peritoneal endometriosis and conducted a microarray analysis to compare macroscopically normal peritoneum sampled from women with peritoneal endometriosis (endometriotic peritoneum) and those without (non-endometriotic peritoneum). Versican, a major proteoglycan component of the extracellular matrix, is one of the molecules up-regulated in endometriotic peritoneum.

Objective:

To investigate the role of versican in peritoneal endometriosis.

Design, Patients, and Main Outcome Measure:

Endometriotic peritoneum and non-endometriotic peritoneum were subjected to RT-PCR, immunostaining, and Western blotting. The versican V1 isoform was stably transfected into Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-V1), and the effects of CHO-V1-derived conditioned medium (V1-CM) on primary human endometrial stromal cells were investigated with attachment, invasion, and proliferation assays. The effects of peritoneal fluid collected from endometriotic women (endometriotic PF) or cytokines/growth factors, which were shown to be elevated in endometriotic PF, on versican expression in a human peritoneal cell line (HMrSV5) were also examined.

Results:

Versican V1 expression levels were significantly higher in endometriotic peritoneum. In vitro, V1-CM promoted attachment to the HMrSV5 cell monolayer as well as the Matrigel invasion of endometrial stromal cells. Although versican V1 expression was up-regulated by TGF-β1 in HMrSV5 cells, it remained unchanged in endometriotic PF.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest the involvement of peritoneal versican in the development of peritoneal endometriosis.
Active and Passive Optical Imaging Modality for Unobtrusive Cardiorespiratory Monitoring and Facial Expression Assessment
Authors: Blazek Vladimir , Blanik Nikolai , Blazek Claudia R. , Paul Michael , Pereira Carina , Koeny Marcus , Venema Boudewijn , Leonhardt Steffen
Published: August 2016

Because of their obvious advantages, active and passive optoelectronic sensor concepts are being investigated by biomedical research groups worldwide, particularly their camera-based variants. Such methods work noninvasively and contactless, and they provide spatially resolved parameter detection. We present 2 techniques: the active photoplethysmography imaging (PPGI) method for detecting dermal blood perfusion dynamics and the passive infrared thermography imaging (IRTI) method for detecting skin temperature distribution. PPGI is an enhancement of classical pulse oximetry. Approved algorithms from pulse oximetry for the detection of heart rate, heart rate variability, blood pressure-dependent pulse wave velocity, pulse waveform-related stress/pain indicators, respiration rate, respiratory variability, and vasomotional activity can easily be adapted to PPGI. Although the IRTI method primarily records temperature distribution of the observed object, information on respiration rate and respiratory variability can also be derived by analyzing temperature change over time, for example, in the nasal region, or through respiratory movement. Combined with current research areas and novel biomedical engineering applications (eg, telemedicine, tele-emergency, and telemedical diagnostics), PPGI and IRTI may offer new data for diagnostic purposes, including assessment of peripheral arterial and venous oxygen saturation (as well as their differences). Moreover, facial expressions and stress and/or pain-related variables can be derived, for example, during anesthesia, in the recovery room/intensive care unit and during daily activities. The main advantages of both monitoring methods are unobtrusive data acquisition and the possibility to assess vital variables for different body regions. These methods supplement each other to enable long-term monitoring of physiological effects and of effects with special local characteristics. They also offer diagnostic advantages for intensive care patients and for high-risk patients in a homecare/outdoor setting. Selected applications have been validated at our laboratory using optical PPGI and IRTI techniques in a stand-alone or hybrid configuration. Additional research and validation is required before these preliminary results can be introduced for clinical applications.
Expiratory Flow Limitation as a Risk Factor for Pulmonary Complications After Major Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Spadaro Savino , Caramori Gaetano , Rizzuto Chiara , Mojoli Francesco , Zani Gianluca , Ragazzi Riccardo , Valpiani Giorgia , Dalla Corte Francesca , Marangoni Elisabetta , Volta Carlo Alberto
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND:

Postoperative pulmonary complications are major causes of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Although several risk factors have been associated with postoperative pulmonary complications, they are not consistent between studies and, even in those studies in which these factors were identified, the predictive power is low. We hypothesized that postoperative pulmonary complications would correlate with the presence of intraoperative expiratory flow limitation.

METHODS:

Candidates for this prospective observational study were patients undergoing general anesthesia for major abdominal surgery. Preoperative data collection included age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, smoking and dyspnea history, and room air Po
2. Expiratory flow limitation was assessed intraoperatively using the positive end-expiratory pressure test. Postoperative data collection included the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications.

RESULTS:

Of the 330 patients we enrolled, 31% exhibited expiratory flow limitation. On univariate analysis, patients with expiratory flow limitation were more likely to have postoperative pneumonia (5% vs 0%, P < .001) and acute respiratory failure (11% vs 1%, P < .001) and a longer length of hospital stay (7 vs 9 days, P < .01). Multivariate analysis identified that expiratory flow limitation increased the risk of developing postoperative pulmonary complications by >50% (risk ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–4.2). Age and Medical Research Council dyspnea score were also significant multivariate risk factors for pulmonary complications.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results show that intraoperative expiratory flow limitation correlates with that of postoperative pulmonary complication after major abdominal surgery. Further work is needed to better understand the relevance of expiratory flow limitation on postoperative pulmonary outcomes.
Prevention of Spinal Anesthesia-Induced Hypotension During Cesarean Delivery by 5-Hydroxytryptamine-3 Receptor Antagonists: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis and Meta-regression
Authors: Heesen Michael , Klimek Markus , Hoeks Sanne E. , Rossaint Rolf
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND:

Hypotension remains a frequent complication of spinal anesthesia, increasing the risk of nausea and vomiting, altered mental status, and aspiration. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine whether 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists, administered before the initiation of spinal anesthesia, mitigate hypotension.

METHODS:

After a systematic literature search in various databases, randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trials studying the preventive effect of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists were included. A random-effects model was applied, risk ratio (RR, binary variables) or weighted mean difference (continuous variables) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The primary outcome was the incidence of hypotension.

RESULTS:

Seventeen trials (8 obstetric, 9 non-obstetric) reporting on 1604 patients were identified. Ondansetron in doses from 2 to 12 mg was studied in 12 trials. Prophylactic 5-HT3 administration significantly reduced the risk of hypotension in the combined analysis of 17 trials, RR 0.54 (95% CI 0.36–0.81, I
2 = 79%). In obstetric trials, the RR was 0.52, 95% CI 0.30–0.88, I
2 = 87% (number needed to treat 4). In non-obstetric studies, the 95% CIs were wide and included a clinically relevant reduction in the risk of hypotension (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.22–1.16; I
2 = 66%). Contour-enhanced funnel plots confirmed publication bias. Meta-regression showed a significant ondansetron dose response in non-obstetric patients (β = −0.355, P = .04). In the combined and in the obstetric-only analysis, the risk of bradycardia was significantly reduced as was the use of phenylephrine equivalents.

CONCLUSIONS:

5-HT3 antagonists are effective in reducing the incidence of hypotension and bradycardia; the effects are moderate and are only significant in the subgroup of patients undergoing cesarean delivery. The effects in the non-obstetric population are not significant.
(Population) Health Law in Theory
Authors: Gatter Robert
Published: August 2016

This essay explores the viability of using the population health legal norm developed by Professor Wendy Parmet in her book Populations, Public Health, and the Law as a basis for theorizing health law. Based on the application of five criteria, the essay concludes that a population health legal norm has potential as a framework for theorizing health law, especially in comparison to other proposed health law theories. Yet, its potential turns on the ability of theorists to provide a detailed account of individual rights under a population health framework.
The LINC and NPC relationship – it's complicated!
Authors: Jahed Zeinab , Soheilypour Mohammad , Peyro Mohaddeseh , Mofrad Mohammad R. K.
Published: August 2016

The genetic information of eukaryotic cells is enclosed within a double-layered nuclear envelope, which comprises an inner and outer nuclear membrane. Several transmembrane proteins locate to the nuclear envelope; however, only two integral protein complexes span the nuclear envelope and connect the inside of the nucleus to the cytoplasm. The nuclear pore complex (NPC) acts as a gateway for molecular exchange between the interior of the nucleus and the cytoplasm, whereas so-called LINC complexes physically link the nucleoskeleton and the cytoskeleton. In this Commentary, we will discuss recent studies that have established direct functional associations between these two complexes. The assembly of NPCs and their even distribution throughout the nuclear envelope is dependent on components of the LINC complex. Additionally, LINC complex formation is dependent on the successful localization of inner nuclear membrane components of LINC complexes and their transport through the NPC. Furthermore, the architecture of the nuclear envelope depends on both protein complexes. Finally, we will present recent evidence showing that LINC complexes can affect nucleo-cytoplasmic transport through the NPC, further highlighting the importance of understanding the associations of these essential complexes at the nuclear envelope.
Swimming activity and energetic costs of adult lake sturgeon during fishway passage
Authors: Thiem Jason D. , Dawson Jeff W. , Hatin Daniel , Danylchuk Andy J. , Dumont Pierre , Gleiss Adrian C. , Wilson Rory P. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: August 2016

Fish migrations through riverine systems can be energetically demanding, and the presence of fishways to facilitate upstream passage can add an additional energetic cost that may directly affect fitness. Successful fishway passage is a function of the ability of fish to select appropriate paths and swimming strategies that do not exceed their swimming capacity. Triaxial accelerometers were used to estimate the energetic expenditure of adult lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) swimming through a vertical slot fishway, to determine whether individual behaviour or path selection, resulting in differences in cumulative energy use, explain fishway passage success. Most individuals attempted to pass the fishway (n=30/44; 68%), although successful passage only occurred for a subset of those attempting (n=7/30; 23%). High-speed swimming was rarely observed during upstream passage through fishway basins, and was of short duration. Two turning basins delayed passage, subsequently resulting in a higher energetic cost. The rate at which energy was expended did not differ among successful and unsuccessful individuals, although successful sturgeon exhibited higher costs of transport (42.75 versus 25.85 J kg−1 m−1). Energy expenditure metrics were not predictive of successful fishway passage, leading us to conclude that other endogenous or exogenous factors influence passage success. In a practical application of field measurements of energy expenditure, we demonstrate that fishway passage through a structure designed to facilitate migration does result in an energetic loss for lake sturgeon (3249–16,331 J kg−1), equivalent to individuals travelling 5.8–28.2 km in a lentic system.
Telomere dynamics in free-living edible dormice (Glis glis): the impact of hibernation and food supply
Authors: Hoelzl Franz , Cornils Jessica S. , Smith Steve , Moodley Yoshan , Ruf Thomas
Published: August 2016

We studied the impact of hibernation and food supply on relative telomere length (RTL), an indicator for aging and somatic maintenance, in free-living edible dormice. Small hibernators such as dormice have ∼50% higher maximum longevity than non-hibernators. Increased longevity could theoretically be due to prolonged torpor directly slowing cellular damage and RTL shortening. However, although mitosis is arrested in mammals at low body temperatures, recent evidence points to accelerated RTL shortening during periodic re-warming (arousal) from torpor. Therefore, we hypothesized that these arousals during hibernation should have a negative effect on RTL. Here, we show that RTL was shortened in all animals over the course of ∼1 year, during which dormice hibernated for 7.5–11.4 months. The rate of periodic arousals, rather than the time spent euthermic during the hibernation season, was the best predictor of RTL shortening. This finding points to negative effects on RTL of the transition from low torpor to high euthermic body temperature and metabolic rate during arousals, possibly because of increased oxidative stress. The animals were, however, able to elongate their telomeres during the active season, when food availability was increased by supplemental feeding in a year of low natural food abundance. We conclude that in addition to their energetic costs, periodic arousals also lead to accelerated cellular damage in terms of RTL shortening. Although dormice are able to counteract and even over-compensate for the negative effects of hibernation, restoration of RTL appears to be energetically costly.
To crash or not to crash: how do hoverflies cope with free-fall situations and weightlessness?
Authors: Goulard Roman , Vercher Jean-Louis , Viollet Stéphane
Published: August 2016

Insects’ aptitude to perform hovering, automatic landing and tracking tasks involves accurately controlling their head and body roll and pitch movements, but how this attitude control depends on an internal estimation of gravity orientation is still an open question. Gravity perception in flying insects has mainly been studied in terms of grounded animals' tactile orientation responses, but it has not yet been established whether hoverflies use gravity perception cues to detect a nearly weightless state at an early stage. Ground-based microgravity simulators provide biologists with useful tools for studying the effects of changes in gravity. However, in view of the cost and the complexity of these set-ups, an alternative Earth-based free-fall procedure was developed with which flying insects can be briefly exposed to microgravity under various visual conditions. Hoverflies frequently initiated wingbeats in response to an imposed free fall in all the conditions tested, but managed to avoid crashing only in variably structured visual environments, and only episodically in darkness. Our results reveal that the crash-avoidance performance of these insects in various visual environments suggests the existence of a multisensory control system based mainly on vision rather than gravity perception.
Advances in gene therapy for muscular dystrophies
Authors: Abdul-Razak Hayder , Malerba Alberto , Dickson George
Published: August 2016

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a recessive lethal inherited muscular dystrophy caused by mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin, a protein required for muscle fibre integrity. So far, many approaches have been tested from the traditional gene addition to newer advanced approaches based on manipulation of the cellular machinery either at the gene transcription, mRNA processing or translation levels. Unfortunately, despite all these efforts, no efficient treatments for DMD are currently available. In this review, we highlight the most advanced therapeutic strategies under investigation as potential DMD treatments.
Types of the moss names based on Glaziou's collections from Brazil
Authors: da Costa Denise Pinheiro , Peralta Denilson Fernandes , Carvalho-Silva Micheline , Câmara Paulo E.A.S.
Published: August 2016

Moss collections made by Auguste François Marie Glaziou between 1864 and 1895 in Brazil and now housed in BM and PC were critically examined. Information about the types, nomenclature, and taxonomy of 134 names based on Glaziou's collections is provided here. One hundred and three lectotypes are designated, and ten new synonyms proposed.
Idea Generation, Creativity, and Prototypicality
Authors: Toubia Olivier , Netzer Oded
Published: August 2016

We explore the use of big data tools to shed new light on the idea generation process, automatically “read” ideas to identify promising ones, and help people be more creative. The literature suggests that creativity results from the optimal balance between novelty and familiarity, which can be measured based on the combinations of words in an idea. We build semantic networks where nodes represent word stems in a particular idea generation topic, and edge weights capture the degree of novelty versus familiarity of word stem combinations (i.e., the weight of an edge that connects two word stems measures their scaled co-occurrence in the relevant language). Each idea contains a set of word stems, which form a semantic subnetwork. The edge weight distribution in that subnetwork reflects how the idea balances novelty with familiarity. Based on the “beauty in averageness” effect, we hypothesize that ideas with semantic subnetworks that have a more prototypical edge weight distribution are judged as more creative. We show this effect in eight studies involving over 4,000 ideas across multiple domains. Practically, we demonstrate how our research can be used to automatically identify promising ideas and recommend words to users on the fly to help them improve their ideas.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2016.0994 .
Optimising nutritional intake in people living with dementia
Authors: Mendes Aysha , Palmer Sarah
Published: August 2016

Proper nutrition is integral to providing the best possible care for older people living with dementia. In this article, Aysha Mendes and Sarah Palmer explore how a residential home can maximise the nutritional benefit of meal times for people living in its care
Using validation to understand the experience of dementia
Authors: Pitkin Julia
Published: August 2016

Person-centred validation can be used to explore an individual's experience of dementia. Julia Pitkin describes a case study, drawing on strengths and life themes to restore self-worth, and reduce a resident's distress and resistive behaviour
Experiences of those going into care: the role of the nurse
Authors: Barber Chris
Published: August 2016

The third and final article in a short series looking at the people who are moving into long-term residential care. In this article, Chris Barber describes the support that staff can offer to families and those they care for before, during and after a move
Using the supply chain to support better care outcomes
Authors: Finch Tom
Published: August 2016

Businesses are under constant pressure to make tighter budgets go further than ever. In this article, Tom Finch describes how re-examining a home's supply chain can not only help cut costs, but also aid during an inspection from the Care Quality Commission
Implementing the Care Certificate: infection prevention
Authors: Ashurst Adrian
Published: August 2016

Preventing infections in the care home is of the utmost importance in the eyes of the Care Quality Commission. Consultant Editor Adrian Ashurst discusses how care home staff can stop infection from occurring in the workplace
Germination Traits of Millettia Pinnata (L.) in Response to Salinity
Authors: Nasrin Shamima , Hossain Mahmood , Alam Rabiul , Rubaiot Abdullah S. M. , Saha Sanjoy , Hasan Siddique Mohammad Raqibul
Published: August 2016

Millettia pinnata is a mangrove associates and found to occur in the Sundarbans mangrove forest of Bangladesh. We have examined the effect of salinity on seed germination of this species. Seed germination experiment was conducted with different salinity levels (0 to 35 ppt) at 5 ppt interval. Throughout the experiment Cumulative Germination Percentage (CGP) varied from 73.89% to 27.78% among 0 to 10 ppt and from 17.22% to 4.44% between 15 to 20 ppt salinity. Final germination percentage (FGP) of M. pinnatta seeds varied significantly (p
Work-Family Conflict and the Role of Economic Crisis under the Perspective of both Eco-Systemic and Family Psychodynamic Model: A Case-Study
Authors: Kounenou K.
Published: August 2016

Research in the family field has identified the family-work conflict as an important relationship which affects both a person’s career and parental/marital roles. The Eco-systemic model (Voydanoff, 2002) has introduced the understanding of this relationship through the exploration of work, family, and individual characteristics. The present paper, based on a case-study methodology, has attempted to explore the role of economic crisis in the work-family relationship for a three member family involved in family and couple therapy based on both eco-systemic and psychodynamic model (Scharff and Scharff, 1998). The eco-systemic model was used during therapy in order to describe and explore the ways that work, family, and individual characteristics interact with each other in regard to economic crisis, while the family psychodynamic model offered a deeper understanding of the above mentioned interactions by focusing on the families’ and members’ defensive mechanisms, unconscious expectations, unconscious desires and emotions, early traumatic experiences as well as the impact of early important relationships on adults’ family and work roles. The present paper describes both techniques and interventions used during therapeutic process. Concluding, the process showed that economic crisis revealed hidden systemic/structural inadequacies related to family-work interaction that were based on family (as a whole), marital, and individual unconscious maladaptive mechanisms.
Soluble transferrin receptor levels in obese and non obese adolescents
Authors: Febrianti Zul , Oenzil Fadil , Arbi Firman , Lubis Gustina
Published: August 2016

Background Iron deficiency in children and adolescents maybe dueto an inadequate supply of iron as well as increased iron requirementsfor growth and developmental processes. The incr easing prevalence ofobesity puts children at risk of iron deficiency. Studies on the effectsof obesity on iron deficiency have focused on low grade systemicinflammation as well as examining soluble transferrin receptor levels(sTfR) as an indicator ofiron deficiency.Objective To compare sT fR levels in obese and non-obeseadolescents, assess for correlations between BMI, sTfR and obesity,and determine the risk of iron deficiency in obese adolescents .Method T his cross sectional study was conducted on 20 obeseand 20 non-obese adolescents aged 15-17 in East Aceh District,from September to December 20 11. Subject were chosen throughcluster sampling. The obese subjects had BMI > 95th percentileand the non-obese subjects had BMI s:851h percentile based onthe 2000 National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). Exclusioncriteria were blood disorders, chronic diseases, and a history ofbleeding. Data were analyzed by Chi-square test and T test witha significance level of P < 0.05, and Pearson's correlation.Results The mean s TfR levels in obese adolescents was higher thanin non-obese adolescents, [2.59 (SD 0.76) vs 2.14 (SD 0.45) μg/mL(P = 0.030)]. Iron deficiency (sTfR> 2.5 μgimL) was more commonin obese than in non-obese adolescents [ (55% vs . 15%, respectively,(P = 0.019) ]. Analysis of the relationship between obesity accordingto BMI andsTfRrevealedan OR of 6.93; 95% CI 1.53 to3 1.38. Ther elationship between the BMI and sTfR levels indicated a positive,moderate strength of association (r = 0.392) .Conclusion The mean sT fR levels in obese adolescents is significantlyhigher than in non-obese individuals. Obese adolescentshave a 6.93 times higher risk of iron deficiency than non-obeseadolescents. Body mass index has a positive and moderate associationwith sTfR.
New efficiency algorithm for solving fractional order differential-algebraic system
Authors: Hasan Sameer , Namah Eman
Published: August 2016

This work provided the evolution of the algorithm for analytic solution of system of fractional differential-algebraic equations (FDAEs).The algorithm referred to good effective method for combination the Laplace Iteration method with general Lagrange multiplier (LLIM). Through this method we have reached excellent results in comparison with exact solution as we illustrated in our examples.
Seeing (from) Digital Peripheries: Technology and Transparency in Kenya’s Silicon Savannah
Authors: Poggiali Lisa
Published: August 2016

This article focuses on how the recent proliferation of digital technologies in Nairobi, Kenya—a place many refer to as Silicon Savannah—is shaping the aspirations and anxieties of the city’s poor. Taking as its point of departure an NGO project that enlisted settlement residents to digitally map their own neighborhood, I explore how geospatial technologies came to embody the shared dreams that animated Kenya’s ambitious development plans and became implicated in debates about expertise, transparency, visibility, and truth. In particular, I discuss how utopian ideologies about technology, transparency, and mediation structured beliefs about the maps and mapmakers, and how the symbolic and material qualities of the digital form alternately enabled and challenged settlement residents’ self-actualization. By foregrounding the ways in which subjectivity and social relations of power inform understandings of transparency, I suggest that settlement residents invoked transparency discourse as a form of claim-making about technological expertise; through making their neighborhood visible through digital mapping, the mappers also attempted to make themselves visible as technical experts. In their struggle to become socially visible, however, the mapmakers’ status as technical experts was thrown into question. I argue that to see the inequalities (re)produced through technological imaginaries and sociotechnical engagements, we must analyze new media technologies as both potential vectors of sociopolitical recognition—that is, as technologies that make social relations of power visible—and as battlegrounds on which the urban poor’s claims to transparency and expertise are affirmed or ignored, heeded or disregarded.
Biblizmy we współczesnej literaturze popularnej na przykładzie „Kolekcji Kryminałów” Joanny Chmielewskiej
Authors: Gorzelana Joanna
Published: August 2016

The aim of the work is to highlight the vitality and functional diversity of biblisms in contemporary ‘low’ literature imitating everyday language. This article presents the results of the use dozens of lexical units. Sometimes biblisms are modified- most often they are mentioning modifications (eg. Man cannot live by bed alone ← Man cannot live by bread alone). Less frequently we meet shortening modifications (eg. pluck hair ←pluck the hair out) and developing ones(have some remains of oil in the head ← have oil in the head). These modifications can often be justified contextually. Biblisms used in crime novels usually emphasize the seriousness of the situation and they can also introduce an element of humor.
A critical review of bioelectrochemical membrane reactor (BECMR) as cutting-edge sustainable wastewater treatment
Authors: Nakhate Pranav H. , Joshi Nandkumar T. , Marathe Kumudini V.
Published: August 2016

Reclamation of wastewater along with minimum energy utilization has been the paramount concern today. Tremendous industrialization and corresponding demographic resulted in elevated water and energy demand; however, scarcity of sufficient water and energy resource triggers rigorous research for sustainable water treatment technology. Recent technologies like activated sludge, filtration, adsorption, coagulation, and oxidation have been considered as promising sustainable technologies, but high cost, low efficiency, and efficacy are the major concerns so far. Wastewater is food for billions of bacteria, where some exceptional bacterial species have the ability to transport electrons that are produced during metabolism to outside the cell membrane. Indeed, wastewater can itself be considered as a prominent candidate to resolve the problem of sustainability. Bioelectrochemical membrane reactor is a promising technology, which is an integration of microbial fuel cell (MFC) to membrane bioreactor (MBR). It promises the benefit of harvesting electricity while biologically treating any type of wastewater to the highest extent while passing wastewater through anaerobic, aerobic, and integrated membrane compartments in successive manner. In this review, we provide critical rethinking to take this idea of integration of MFC-MBR and apply them to produce a fully functional prototype of bioelectrochemical membrane reactor that could be used commercially.
Κανών and Scripture according to the Letter of Peter to James
Authors: Crawford Matthew R.
Published: August 2016

Recent scholarship has argued that the