bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marine mammal sightings around oil and gas installations in the central North Sea
Authors: Delefosse Matthieu , Rahbek Malene Louise , Roesen Lars , Clausen Karin Tubbert
Published: June 2017

Relatively little is known about the distribution and diversity of marine mammals around offshore anthropogenic structures. We present results obtained from incidental sightings of marine mammals around oil and gas installations located 200 km off the Danish coast. A total of 131 sightings corresponding to about 288 animals were reported between May 2013 and May 2016. A total of seven marine mammal species were identified, five cetaceans: harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), white-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris), killer whale (Orcinus orca), pilot whales (Globicephalaspp.) and two species of pinnipeds: harbour (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus). The most sighted species were harbour porpoise (41%) and minke whale (31%). Relative counts and biodiversity of marine mammals observed around installations corresponded well with the expected distribution in the central North Sea. Several taxon-specific correlations were identified between number of sightings and environmental parameters (depth and latitude) or installation characteristics (installation aerial footprint). Furthermore, 85% of sightings were made during spring and summer and it is unclear whether the pattern observed reflected a natural seasonal occurrence of marine mammals in the area or an effect of reduced effort during autumn and winter. Despite the potential caveats, results obtained during this programme provide an insight into the relationship between marine mammals and oil and gas offshore installations in the North Sea.
Early establishment and survival of the neotropical dry deciduous forest treeLysiloma microphyllumfrom mountainous Bajio Queretano, Mexico
Authors: Hernández-Oria José Guadalupe , Hawkins Richard I. Yeaton , Tostado Eduardo Castaño , Barradas Víctor L.
Published: June 2017

The tropical dry deciduous forest (TDF) of the semi-arid region of Bajio in Mexico is dominated by successional communities, in whichLysiloma microphyllumis irregularly distributed, however the environmental factors influencing its establishment have been poorly studied. We conducted field experiments to isolate the impact of three factors on the early life-history stages of this tree. Over a 2-y period, we monitored the effects of (1) predation, (2) understorey light and (3) aspect on germination, seed-to-seedling transition (establishment) and seedling survival, and we found that open space negatively affected germination (14.9 ± 1.5% vs 96 ± 1.5% in shade; mean ± SE), while shade increased seedling establishment and survival (36.9 ± 8.2% vs 4.7 ± 3.8% in open sites). Predation decreased survival and was strongest in open conditions (0 vs 62.7 ± 9.4% in shaded exclosures). In contrast, aspect had little influence on germination and survival. The results suggest that shaded microsites positively affect the early life stages ofL. microphyllum, a key process in TDF recovery.
TWO-CLASS ROUTING WITH ADMISSION CONTROL AND STRICT PRIORITIES
Authors: Chong Kenneth C. , Henderson Shane G. , Lewis Mark E.
Published: June 2017

We consider the problem of routing and admission control in a loss system featuring two classes of arriving jobs (high-priority and low-priority jobs) and two types of servers, in which decision-making for high-priority jobs is forced, and rewards influence the desirability of each of the four possible routing decisions. We seek a policy that maximizes expected long-run reward, under both the discounted reward and long-run average reward criteria, and formulate the problem as a Markov decision process. When the reward structure favors high-priority jobs, we demonstrate that there exists an optimal monotone switching curve policy with slope of at least −1. When the reward structure favors low-priority jobs, we demonstrate that the value function, in general, lacks structure, which complicates the search for structure in optimal policies. However, we identify conditions under which optimal policies can be characterized in greater detail. We also examine the performance of heuristic policies in a brief numerical study.
Prescribing an automated external defibrillator for children at increased risk of sudden arrhythmic death
Authors: McLeod Karen A. , Fern Eileen , Clements Fiona , McGowan Ruth
Published: June 2017

Background

Automated external defibrillators can be life-saving in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Objective

Our aim was to review our experience of prescribing automated external defibrillators for children at increased risk of sudden arrhythmic death.

Methods

We reviewed all automated external defibrillators issued by the Scottish Paediatric Cardiac Electrophysiology Service from 2005 to 2015. All parents were given resuscitation training according to the Paediatric Resuscitation Guidelines, including the use of the automated external defibrillator.

Results

A total of 36 automated external defibrillators were issued to 36 families for 44 children (27 male). The mean age at issue was 8.8 years. Diagnoses at issue included long QT syndrome (50%), broad complex tachycardia (14%), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (11%), and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (9%). During the study period, the automated external defibrillator was used in four (9%) children, and in all four the automated external defibrillator correctly discriminated between a shockable rhythm – polymorphic ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation in three patients with one or more shocks delivered – and non-shockable rhythm – sinus rhythm in one patient. Of the three children, two of them who received one or more shocks for ventricular fibrillation/polymorphic ventricular tachycardia survived, but one died as a result of recurrent torsades de pointes. There were no other deaths.

Conclusion

Parents can be taught to recognise cardiac arrest, apply resuscitation skills, and use an automated external defibrillator. Prescribing an automated external defibrillator should be considered for children at increased risk of sudden arrhythmic death, especially where the risk/benefit ratio of an implantable defibrillator is unclear or delay to defibrillator implantation is deemed necessary.
Massive aortic root aneurysm in an infant with the Loeys–Dietz syndrome
Authors: Molina-Sánchez Tatiana , Calderón-Colmenero Juan , Sandoval Juan Pablo
Published: June 2017

A 10-month-old girl with type I Loeys–Dietz syndrome developed a conspicuous aortic root aneurysm that was well demonstrated on chest X-ray/CT reconstruction. She underwent successful valve-spare repair of the ascending aorta.
No Calm After the Storm: A Systematic Review of Human Health Following Flood and Storm Disasters
Authors: Saulnier Dell D. , Brolin Ribacke Kim , von Schreeb Johan
Published: June 2017

Introduction

How the burden of disease varies during different phases after floods and after storms is essential in order to guide a medical response, but it has not been well-described. The objective of this review was to elucidate the health problems following flood and storm disasters.

Methods

A literature search of the databases Medline (US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, Maryland USA); Cinahl (EBSCO Information Services; Ipswich, Massachusetts USA); Global Health (EBSCO Information Services; Ipswich, Massachusetts USA); Web of Science Core Collection (Thomson Reuters; New York, New York USA); Embase (Elsevier; Amsterdam, Netherlands); and PubMed (National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, Maryland USA) was conducted in June 2015 for English-language research articles on morbidity or mortality and flood or storm disasters. Articles on mental health, interventions, and rescue or health care workers were excluded. Data were extracted from articles that met the eligibility criteria and analyzed by narrative synthesis.

Results

The review included 113 studies. Poisonings, wounds, gastrointestinal infections, and skin or soft tissue infections all increased after storms. Gastrointestinal infections were more frequent after floods. Leptospirosis and diabetes-related complications increased after both. The majority of changes occurred within four weeks of floods or storms.

Conclusion

Health changes differently after floods and after storms. There is a lack of data on the health effects of floods alone, long-term changes in health, and the strength of the association between disasters and health problems. This review highlights areas of consideration for medical response and the need for high-quality, systematic research in this area.

SaulnierDD,Brolin RibackeK,von SchreebJ.No calm after the storm: a systematic review of human health following flood and storm disasters.Prehosp Disaster Med.2017;32(5):568–579.
INHERITED TASTES AND ENDOGENOUS LONGEVITY
Authors: Fanti Luciano , Gori Luca , Mammana Cristiana , Michetti Elisabetta
Published: June 2017

This article aims at studying a general equilibrium model with overlapping generations that incorporates inherited tastes (aspirations) and endogenous longevity. The existence of standard-of-living aspirations transmitted between two subsequent generations in a context where the individual state of health depends on public investments in health has some remarkable consequences at the macroeconomic level. First, aspirations allow escaping from the well-known poverty trap scenario described by Chakraborty (2004). Second, the steady-state equilibrium may be destabilized through a super-critical Neimark–Sacker bifurcation when the health tax rate is set at too high or too low a level. This causes endogenous fluctuations in income and longevity.
Specialized palliative care in advanced cancer: What is the efficacy? A systematic review
Authors: Holmenlund Kristina , Sjøgren Per , Nordly Mie
Published: June 2017

Objective:

Due to the multiple physical, psychological, existential, and social symptoms involved, patients with advanced cancer often have a reduced quality of life (QoL), which requires specialized palliative care (SPC) interventions. The primary objective of the present systematic review was to review the existing literature about SPC and its effect on QoL, on physical and psychological symptoms, and on survival in adult patients with advanced cancer.

Method:

We utilized a search strategy based on the PICO (problem/population, intervention, comparison, and outcome) framework and employed terminology related to cancer, QoL, symptoms, mood, and palliative care. The search was performed in Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Selected studies were analyzed and categorized according to methods, results, quality of evidence, and strength of recommendation.

Results:

Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected for analysis (out of a total of 1,115 studies). Two other studies were found by hand search, one of which was only published in conference abstract form. The RCTs differed in terms of aims, interventions, control groups, and outcomes; however, the primary aim of all of them was to investigate the effect of SPC on patient QoL. Five studies found improved QoL in the intervention group. Physical symptom intensity decreased in two studies, and three studies found improved mood in the intervention group. However, physical and psychological symptoms were secondary outcomes in these studies. Survival was improved in two studies. All the studies offered generalizability, but the level of evidence validity varied among them.

Significance of results:

Due to several methodological limitations, the evidence offered in these studies ranged from low to high. The evidence in this field of study in general is still nascent, but there is growing support for the utilization of SPC to improve the quality of life of adult patients with advanced cancer. The evidence that SPC reduces physical and psychological symptoms is moderate, while the evidence that it prolongs survival is low.
Institutions and place: bringing context back into the study of the resource curse
Authors: ORIHUELA JOSÉ CARLOS
Published: June 2017

Scholars across the social sciences have debated whether resource dependence curses or blesses national development prospects, with a growing consensus on mixed outcomes and the centrality of institutions. Mainstream literature, however, falls short in depicting what the resource curse entails: the claim that “institutions matter” usually has a narrow meaning that largely overlooks the significance of place. A review of the paved road in research reveals a need to critically integrate approaches to studying the curse, as well as more insightful research onwhichinstitutions matter,how, andwhere. Expounding six governance challenges and thirteen development traps, I set out a simple yet crucial lesson: resource-based development presents both blessings and curses for any given resource-rich country in any given time period, and institutions are likely to be part of the explanation. I sketch how a “context matters” framework could guide future research, with illustrations from the Latin American experience.
The impact of Populist Radical Right Parties on socio-economic policies
Authors: Röth Leonce , Afonso Alexandre , Spies Dennis C.
Published: June 2017

Because they are now members of most Western European parliaments, Populist Radical Right Parties (PRRPs) have the potential to influence the formulation of socio-economic policies. However, scholarly attention so far has nearly exclusively focussed on the impact of PRRPs on what is considered their ‘core issue’, that is migration policy. In this paper, we provide the first mixed methods comparative study of the impact of PRRPs on redistributive and (de-)regulative economic policies. Combining quantitative data with qualitative case studies, our results show that the participation of PRRPs in right-wing governments has noteworthy implications for socio-economic policies. Due to the heterogeneous constituencies of PRRPs, these parties not only refrain from welfare state retrenchment but are also less inclined to engage in deregulation compared with right-wing governments without PRRP participation.
Waveform diversity for SAR ECCM based on random phase and code rate transition
Authors: Lee Kee-Woong , Lee Woo-Kyung
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we propose an effective waveform diversity scheme that can be applicable to synthetic aperture radar (SAR) operations affected by interfering signals. A novel approach is taken to achieve fully adaptive SAR waveform diversity that generates sufficient number of orthogonal signals with modest performance trade-off. To this purpose, multiple phased-code waveforms are arbitrarily generated with mutually low cross-correlations. They exhibit a highly flexible characteristic as their code lengths are not limited and Doppler tolerance is well preserved throughout SAR imaging. Various SAR jamming simulations are carried out to demonstrate that the proposed waveform diversity has a good potential for electronic counter-countermeasures applications.
Antenatal depressed mood and child cognitive and physical growth at 18-months in South Africa: a cluster randomised controlled trial of home visiting by community health workers
Authors: Tomlinson M. , Rotheram-Borus M. J. , Scheffler A. , le Roux I.
Published: June 2017

Aim.

To examine the child outcomes at 18-months post-birth of a population cohort of women with antenatal depressed mood, half of whom were randomly chosen to receive perinatal home visits from community health workers during pregnancy.

Method.

Pregnant women in 24 neighbourhoods (98% participation) were randomised by neighbourhood to: (1) standard clinic care (SC; 12 neighbourhoods;n= 594) or (2) the Philani Intervention Program, a home visiting intervention plus standard care (12 neighbourhoods;n= 644). The physical and cognitive outcomes of children of mothers with antenatally depressed mood (Edinburg Perinatal Depression Scale >13) in the intervention condition were compared at 18-months post-birth to children of mothers without depressed mood in pregnancy in both conditions.

Results.

More than a third of mothers had heightened levels of antenatal depressed mood (35%), similar across conditions. Antenatal depressed mood was significantly associated with being a mother living with HIV, using alcohol and food insecurity. At 18-months, the overall cognitive and motor scale scores on the Bayley Scales of Development were similar. However, 10.3% fewer children of mothers with antenatal depressed mood in the intervention condition had cognitive scores on the Bayley Scales that were less than 85 (i.e.,s.d.= 2 lower than normal) compared with children of mothers with antenatal depressed mood in the SC condition. Intervention children of mothers with antenatal depressed mood were also significantly less likely to be undernourished (Weight-for-Age Z-scores < −2).

Conclusion.

Cognitive development and child growth among children born to mothers with antenatal depressed mood can be improved by mentor mother home visitors, probably resulting from better parenting and care received early in life.
Field Report from a Visit to Ifakara Health Institute/St. Francis Referral Hospital, Tanzania
Authors: Stieger Roland
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung. Der vorgestellte Erfahrungsbericht beschreibt einen inoffiziellen Besuch in Ifakara, Kilombero Bezirk, Süd-Zentral-Tansania vom 28.02. bis 05.03.2017 durch Roland Stieger, der aktuell in Kenia sich für eine mobile Ultraschall-Klinik engagiert. Ziel war, einen engagierten afrikanischen Partner der Ultraschall-Trainings der Stiftung für medizinischen Wissenstransfer (SmW) zu besuchen und mit ihm zu interagieren und Informationen über die Auswirkungen der durchgeführten SmW-Ultraschall-Trainings und die benötigte Nachsorge für optimierte Ergebnisse zu erhalten. Zudem sollten Erfahrungen gesammelt werden über die Umsetzung des Ultraschall-Projekts in einer ländlichen afrikanischen Umgebung, das von Dr. M. Rohacek am IHI (Ifakara Health Institute)/STI (Swiss Tropical Institute) realisiert worden war.
CME: Die konstriktive Perikarditis – eine ungewöhnliche Form der schweren diastolischen Herzinsuffizienz
Authors: Papageorgiou Karolina , Schmithausen Julia , Kahr Peter , Ruschitzka Frank , Maisano Francesco , Benussi Stefano , Müggler Simon Andreas
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung. Die konstriktive Perikarditis stellt als seltene und gefürchtete Komplikation einer akuten Perikarditis eine schwere und ungewöhnliche Form einer diastolischen Herzinsuffizienz dar bei primär erhaltener systolischer Pumpfunktion. Häufigste Ursache ist die virale/idiopathische Perikarditis, gefolgt von spezifischen Ursachen (postoperativ nach herzchirurgischer Operation, postaktinisch nach mediastinaler Radiotherapie und weitere Ursachen). Durch das steife, unelastische Perikard ist die diastolische Füllung des Herzens eingeschränkt, was zum klinischen Bild einer Rechtsherzinsuffizienz führt und sich mit erhöhten Füllungsdrücken und spezifischen respiratorischen Phänomenen in der klinischen und apparativ-technischen Untersuchung manifestiert (Kussmaul-Zeichen, Pulsus paradoxus, vermehrte interventrikuläre Interdependenz, Annulus reversus, Quadratwurzelzeichen). Differenzialdiagnostisch müssen die restriktive Kardiomyopathie, die schwere Trikuspidalinsuffizienz und die Perikardtamponade ausgeschlossen werden. Die Therapie der Wahl ist zumeist eine chirurgische Perikardektomie, in Einzelfällen kann auch eine spezifische Therapie oder eine medikamentös-antiinflammatorische Therapie erfolgen. Obwohl die konstriktive Perikarditis unbehandelt eine schlechte Prognose hat, ist die Erkrankung potenziell kurativ therapierbar. Die Prognose ist vor allem von der Ursache der konstriktiven Perikarditis abhängig.
Experimental evidence of Willis coupling in a one-dimensional effective material element
Authors: Muhlestein Michael B. , Sieck Caleb F. , Wilson Preston S. , Haberman Michael R.
Published: June 2017

The primary objective of acoustic metamaterial research is to design subwavelength systems that behave as effective materials with novel acoustical properties. One such property couples the stress–strain and the momentum–velocity relations. This response is analogous to bianisotropy in electromagnetism, is absent from common materials, and is often referred to as Willis coupling after J.R., Willis, who first described it in the context of the dynamic response of heterogeneous elastic media. This work presents two principal results: first, experimental and theoretical demonstrations, illustrating that Willis properties are required to obtain physically meaningful effective material properties resulting solely from local behaviour of an asymmetric one-dimensional isolated element and, second, an experimental procedure to extract the effective material properties from a one-dimensional isolated element. The measured material properties are in very good agreement with theoretical predictions and thus provide improved understanding of the physical mechanisms leading to Willis coupling in acoustic metamaterials.
Asymmetric Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of heterocycles via Rhodium-catalysed allylic arylation of racemates
Authors: Schäfer Philipp , Palacin Thomas , Sidera Mireia , Fletcher Stephen P.
Published: June 2017

Using asymmetric catalysis to simultaneously form carbon–carbon bonds and generate single isomer products is strategically important. Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling is widely used in the academic and industrial sectors to synthesize drugs, agrochemicals and biologically active and advanced materials. However, widely applicable enantioselective Suzuki-Miyaura variations to provide 3D molecules remain elusive. Here we report a rhodium-catalysed asymmetric Suzuki-Miyaura reaction with important partners including aryls, vinyls, heteroaromatics and heterocycles. The method can be used to couple two heterocyclic species so the highly enantioenriched products have a wide array of cores. We show that pyridine boronic acids are unsuitable, but they can be halogen-modified at the 2-position to undergo reaction, and this halogen can then be removed or used to facilitate further reactions. The method is used to synthesize isoanabasine, preclamol, and niraparib—an anticancer agent in several clinical trials. We anticipate this method will be a useful tool in drug synthesis and discovery.
Routing of the RAB6 secretory pathway towards the lysosome related organelle of melanocytes
Authors: Patwardhan Anand , Bardin Sabine , Miserey-Lenkei Stéphanie , Larue Lionel , Goud Bruno , Raposo Graça , Delevoye Cédric
Published: June 2017

Exocytic carriers convey neo-synthesized components from the Golgi apparatus to the cell surface. While the release and anterograde movement of Golgi-derived vesicles require the small GTPase RAB6, its effector ELKS promotes the targeting and docking of secretory vesicles to particular areas of the plasma membrane. Here, we show that specialized cell types exploit and divert the secretory pathway towards lysosome related organelles. In cultured melanocytes, the secretory route relies on RAB6 and ELKS to directly transport and dock Golgi-derived carriers to melanosomes. By delivering specific cargos, such as MART-1 and TYRP2/ DCT, the RAB6/ELKS-dependent secretory pathway controls the formation and maturation of melanosomes but also pigment synthesis. In addition, pigmentation defects are observed in RAB6 KO mice. Our data together reveal for the first time that the secretory pathway can be directed towards intracellular organelles of endosomal origin to ensure their biogenesis and function.
Analytical solutions of the radiative transport equation for turbid and fluorescent layered media
Authors: Liemert André , Reitzle Dominik , Kienle Alwin
Published: June 2017

Accurate and efficient solutions of the three dimensional radiative transport equation were derived in all domains for the case of layered scattering media. Index mismatched boundary conditions based on Fresnel’s equations were implemented. Arbitrary rotationally symmetric phase functions can be applied to characterize the scattering in the turbid media. Solutions were derived for an obliquely incident beam having arbitrary spatial profiles. The derived solutions were successfully validated with Monte Carlo simulations and partly compared with analytical solutions of the diffusion equation.
Multicolor two-photon imaging of endogenous fluorophores in living tissues by wavelength mixing
Authors: Stringari Chiara , Abdeladim Lamiae , Malkinson Guy , Mahou Pierre , Solinas Xavier , Lamarre Isabelle , Brizion Sébastien , Galey Jean-Baptiste , Supatto Willy , Legouis Renaud , Pena Ana-Maria , Beaurepaire Emmanuel
Published: June 2017

Two-photon imaging of endogenous fluorescence can provide physiological and metabolic information from intact tissues. However, simultaneous imaging of multiple intrinsic fluorophores, such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(phosphate) (NAD(P)H), flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and retinoids in living systems is generally hampered by sequential multi-wavelength excitation resulting in motion artifacts. Here, we report on efficient and simultaneous multicolor two-photon excitation of endogenous fluorophores with absorption spectra spanning the 750–1040 nm range, using wavelength mixing. By using two synchronized pulse trains at 760 and 1041 nm, an additional equivalent two-photon excitation wavelength at 879 nm is generated, and achieves simultaneous excitation of blue, green and red intrinsic fluorophores. This method permits an efficient simultaneous imaging of the metabolic coenzymes NADH and FAD to be implemented with perfect image co-registration, overcoming the difficulties associated with differences in absorption spectra and disparity in concentration. We demonstrate ratiometric redox imaging free of motion artifacts and simultaneous two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) of NADH and FAD in living tissues. The lifetime gradients of NADH and FAD associated with different cellular metabolic and differentiation states in reconstructed human skin and in the germline of live C. Elegans are thus simultaneously measured. Finally, we present multicolor imaging of endogenous fluorophores and second harmonic generation (SHG) signals during the early stages of Zebrafish embryo development, evidencing fluorescence spectral changes associated with development.
Modelling the effects of global climate change on Chikungunya transmission in the 21st century
Authors: Tjaden Nils B. , Suk Jonathan E. , Fischer Dominik , Thomas Stephanie M. , Beierkuhnlein Carl , Semenza Jan C.
Published: June 2017

The arrival and rapid spread of the mosquito-borne viral disease Chikungunya across the Americas is one of the most significant public health developments of recent years, preceding and mirroring the subsequent spread of Zika. Globalization in trade and travel can lead to the importation of these viruses, but climatic conditions strongly affect the efficiency of transmission in local settings. In order to direct preparedness for future outbreaks, it is necessary to anticipate global regions that could become suitable for Chikungunya transmission. Here, we present global correlative niche models for autochthonous Chikungunya transmission. These models were used as the basis for projections under the representative concentration pathway (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 climate change scenarios. In a further step, hazard maps, which account for population densities, were produced. The baseline models successfully delineate current areas of active Chikungunya transmission. Projections under the RCP 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios suggest the likelihood of expansion of transmission-suitable areas in many parts of the world, including China, sub-Saharan Africa, South America, the United States and continental Europe. The models presented here can be used to inform public health preparedness planning in a highly interconnected world.
Activation of D1R/PKA/mTOR signaling cascade in medial prefrontal cortex underlying the antidepressant effects of l-SPD
Authors: Zhang Bing , Guo Fei , Ma Yuqin , Song Yingcai , Lin Rong , Shen Fu-Yi , Jin Guo-Zhang , Li Yang , Liu Zhi-Qiang
Published: June 2017

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by diverse symptoms. Although several antidepressants can influence dopamine system in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), but the role of D1R or D2R subtypes of dopamine receptor during anti-depression process is still vague in PFC region. To address this question, we investigate the antidepressant effect of levo-stepholidine (l-SPD), an antipsychotic medication with unique pharmacological profile of D1R agonism and D2R antagonism, and clarified its molecular mechanisms in the mPFC. Our results showed that l-SPD exerted antidepressant-like effects on the Sprague-Dawley rat CMS model of depression. Mechanism studies revealed that l-SPD worked as a specific D1R agonist, rather than D2 antagonist, to activate downstream signaling of PKA/mTOR pathway, which resulted in increasing synaptogenesis-related proteins, such as PSD 95 and synapsin I. In addition, l-SPD triggered long-term synaptic potentiation (LTP) in the mPFC, which was blocked by the inhibition of D1R, PKA, and mTOR, supporting that selective activation of D1R enhanced excitatory synaptic transduction in PFC. Our findings suggest a critical role of D1R/PKA/mTOR signaling cascade in the mPFC during the l-SPD mediated antidepressant process, which may also provide new insights into the role of mesocortical dopaminergic system in antidepressant effects.
Myocardial Deformation in Cardiac Amyloid Light-chain Amyloidosis: Assessed with 3T Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking
Authors: Li Rui , Yang Zhi-gang , Xu Hua-yan , Shi Ke , Liu Xi , Diao Kai-yue , Guo Ying-kun
Published: June 2017

Clinically, assessment of myocardial function is essential in patients with amyloid light-chain cardiac amyloidosis (AL-CA) to predict outcome and determine therapeutic approach. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived feature tracking algorithm for assessing left ventricular (LV) myocardial deformation in AL-CA, and to determine if these abnormal myocardial deformation parameters are correlated to impaired LV myocardial microvascular dysfunction. A total of 42 AL-CA patients, including 26 with preserved systolic function and 16 with impaired LVEF, and 35 healthy controls were enrolled and underwent CMR examination. Our result indicated that AL-CA patients had significantly reduced global peak strain (PS) (longitudinal, circumferential, and radial) (all P < 0.05). AL-CA patients with normal LVEF showed preserved longitudinal PS at apical and significantly reduced longitudinal PS at mid and basal segments. By Spearman’s rank correlation analysis, the LV regional radial, circumferential, and longitudinal myocardial deformation values were correlated to myocardial upslope and MaxSI in CA, regardless of LVEF. This study indicated that the abnormal LV myocardial deformation of AL-CA patients can be monitored using feature tracking CMR, even in those with preserved LVEF; and the myocardial deformation was associated with coronary microvascular dysfunction.
HCF-1 encoded by baculovirus AcMNPV is required for productive nucleopolyhedrovirus infection of non-permissive Tn368 cells
Authors: Tachibana Ami , Hamajima Rina , Tomizaki Moe , Kondo Takuya , Nanba Yoshie , Kobayashi Michihiro , Yamada Hayato , Ikeda Motoko
Published: June 2017

Baculovirus Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) replicates in both Spodoptera frugiperda Sf21 and Trichoplusia ni Tn368 cells, whereas AcMNPV defective in hcf-1 (host cell-factor 1) gene productively infects only Sf21 cells, indicating that HCF-1 is indispensable for the AcMNPV productive infection of Tn368 cells. Here, we demonstrated that HCF-1 protein transiently expressed in Tn368 cells promotes the DNA synthesis of Hyphantria cunea MNPV ﻿(HycuMNPV), Orygia pseudotsugata MNPV and Bombyx mori NPV, which are normally unable to replicate in Tn368 cells. We also demonstrated that a recombinant HycuMNPV harboring the hcf-1 gene successfully replicates in Tn368 cells, generating substantial yields of progeny viruses and polyhedra. These results indicate that HCF-1 encoded by AcMNPV is an essential viral factor for productive NPV infection of Tn368 cells. Taken together with the previous findings on HRF-1 (host range factor 1), the present results provide strong evidence that viral genes acquired through horizontal gene transfer play an important role in baculovirus evolution, serving to expand the host range of baculoviruses.
Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii replicates, diversifies, and co-occurs with Trichomonas vaginalis in the oral cavity of a premature infant
Authors: Costello Elizabeth K. , Sun Christine L. , Carlisle Erica M. , Morowitz Michael J. , Banfield Jillian F. , Relman David A.
Published: June 2017

Genital mycoplasmas, which can be vertically transmitted, have been implicated in preterm birth, neonatal infections, and chronic lung disease of prematurity. Our prior work uncovered 16S rRNA genes belonging to a novel, as-yet-uncultivated mycoplasma (lineage ‘Mnola’) in the oral cavity of a premature neonate. Here, we characterize the organism’s associated community, growth status, metabolic potential, and population diversity. Sequencing of genomic DNA from the infant’s saliva yielded 1.44 Gbp of high-quality, non-human read data, from which we recovered three essentially complete (including ‘Mnola’) and three partial draft genomes (including Trichomonas vaginalis). The completed 629,409-bp ‘Mnola’ genome (Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii str. UC-B3) was distinct at the strain level from its closest relative, vaginally-derived Ca. M. girerdii str. VCU-M1, which is also associated with T. vaginalis. Replication rate measurements indicated growth of str. UC-B3 within the infant. Genes encoding surface-associated proteins and restriction-modification systems were especially diverse within and between strains. In UC-B3, the population genetic underpinnings of phase variable expression were evident in vivo. Unique among mycoplasmas, Ca. M. girerdii encodes pyruvate-ferredoxin oxidoreductase and may be sensitive to metronidazole. This study reveals a metabolically unique mycoplasma colonizing a premature neonate, and establishes the value of genome-resolved metagenomics in tracking phase variation.
Minimal control power of controlled dense coding and genuine tripartite entanglement
Authors: Oh Changhun , Kim Hoyong , Jeong Kabgyun , Jeong Hyunseok
Published: June 2017

We investigate minimal control power (MCP) for controlled dense coding defined by the channel capacity. We obtain MCPs for extended three-qubit Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) states and generalized three-qubit W states. Among those GHZ states, the standard GHZ state is found to maximize the MCP and so does the standard W state among the W-type states. We find the lower and upper bounds of the MCP and show for pure states that the lower bound, zero, is achieved if and only if the three-qubit state is biseparable or fully separable. The upper bound is achieved only for the standard GHZ state. Since the MCP is nonzero only when three-qubit entanglement exists, this quantity may be a good candidate to measure the degree of genuine tripartite entanglement.
Progesterone prevents epithelial-mesenchymal transition of ovine amniotic epithelial cells and enhances their immunomodulatory properties
Authors: Canciello Angelo , Russo Valentina , Berardinelli Paolo , Bernabò Nicola , Muttini Aurelio , Mattioli Mauro , Barboni Barbara
Published: June 2017

The in vitro expansion is detrimental to therapeutic applications of amniotic epithelial cells (AEC), an emerging source of fetal stem cells. This study provides molecular evidences of progesterone (P4) role in preventing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in ovine AEC (oAEC). oAEC amplified under standard conditions spontaneously acquired mesenchymal properties through the up-regulation of EMT-transcription factors. P4 supplementation prevented phenotype shift by inhibiting the EMT-inducing mechanism such as the autocrine production of TGF-β and the activation of intracellular-related signaling. The effect of P4 still persisted for one passage after steroid removal from culture as well as steroid supplementation promptly reversed mesenchymal phenotype in oAEC which have experienced EMT during amplification. Furthermore, P4 promoted an acute up-regulation of pluripotent genes whereas enhanced basal and LPS-induced oAEC anti-inflammatory response with an increase in anti-inflammatory and a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines expression. Altogether, these results indicate that P4 supplementation is crucial to preserve epithelial phenotype and to enhance biological properties in expanded oAEC. Therefore, an innovative cultural approach is proposed in order to improve therapeutic potential of this promising source of epithelial stem cells.
Colony adaptive response to simulated heat waves and consequences at the individual level in honeybees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Bordier Célia , Dechatre Hélène , Suchail Séverine , Peruzzi Mathilde , Soubeyrand Samuel , Pioz Maryline , Pélissier Michel , Crauser Didier , Conte Yves Le , Alaux Cédric
Published: June 2017

Since climate change is expected to bring more severe and frequent extreme weather events such as heat waves, assessing the physiological and behavioural sensitivity of organisms to temperature becomes a priority. We therefore investigated the responses of honeybees, an important insect pollinator, to simulated heat waves (SHW). Honeybees are known to maintain strict brood thermoregulation, but the consequences at the colony and individual levels remain poorly understood. For the first time, we quantified and modelled colony real-time activity and found a 70% increase in foraging activity with SHW, which was likely due to the recruitment of previously inactive bees. Pollen and nectar foraging was not impacted, but an increase in water foragers was observed at the expense of empty bees. Contrary to individual energetic resources, vitellogenin levels increased with SHW, probably to protect bees against oxidative stress. Finally, though immune functions were not altered, we observed a significant decrease in deformed wing virus loads with SHW. In conclusion, we demonstrated that honeybees could remarkably adapt to heat waves without a cost at the individual level and on resource flow. However, the recruitment of backup foraging forces might be costly by lowering the colony buffering capacity against additional environmental pressures.
Effect of DNA sequence of Fab fragment on yield characteristics and cell growth of E. coli
Authors: Kulmala Antti , Huovinen Tuomas , Lamminmäki Urpo
Published: June 2017

Codon usage is one of the factors influencing recombinant protein expression. We were interested in the codon usage of an antibody Fab fragment gene exhibiting extreme toxicity in the E. coli host. The toxic synthetic human Fab gene contained domains optimized by the “one amino acid-one codon” method. We redesigned five segments of the Fab gene with a “codon harmonization” method described by Angov et al. and studied the effects of these changes on cell viability, Fab yield and display on filamentous phage using different vectors and bacterial strains. The harmonization considerably reduced toxicity, increased Fab expression from negligible levels to 10 mg/l, and restored the display on phage. Testing the impact of the individual redesigned segments revealed that the most significant effects were conferred by changes in the constant domain of the light chain. For some of the Fab gene variants, we also observed striking differences in protein yields when cloned from a chloramphenicol resistant vector into an identical vector, except with ampicillin resistance. In conclusion, our results show that the expression of a heterodimeric secretory protein can be improved by harmonizing selected DNA segments by synonymous codons and reveal additional complexity involved in heterologous protein expression.
Dietary mastic oil extracted from Pistacia lentiscus var. chia suppresses tumor growth in experimental colon cancer models
Authors: Spyridopoulou Katerina , Tiptiri-Kourpeti Angeliki , Lampri Evangeli , Fitsiou Eleni , Vasileiadis Stavros , Vamvakias Manolis , Bardouki Haido , Goussia Anna , Malamou-Mitsi Vasiliki , Panayiotidis Mihalis I. , Galanis Alex , Pappa Aglaia , Chlichlia Katerina
Published: June 2017

Plant-derived bioactive compounds attract considerable interest as potential chemopreventive anticancer agents. We analyzed the volatile dietary phytochemicals (terpenes) present in mastic oil extracted from the resin of Pistacia lentiscus var. chia and comparatively investigated their effects on colon carcinoma proliferation, a) in vitro against colon cancer cell lines and b) in vivo on tumor growth in mice following oral administration. Mastic oil inhibited - more effectively than its major constituents- proliferation of colon cancer cells in vitro, attenuated migration and downregulated transcriptional expression of survivin (BIRC5a). When administered orally, mastic oil inhibited the growth of colon carcinoma tumors in mice. A reduced expression of Ki-67 and survivin in tumor tissues accompanied the observed effects. Notably, only mastic oil -which is comprised of 67.7% α-pinene and 18.8% myrcene- induced a statistically significant anti-tumor effect in mice but not α-pinene, myrcene or a combination thereof. Thus, mastic oil, as a combination of terpenes, exerts growth inhibitory effects against colon carcinoma, suggesting a nutraceutical potential in the fight against colon cancer. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing that orally administered mastic oil induces tumor-suppressing effects against experimental colon cancer.
HIF-1-mediated suppression of mitochondria electron transport chain function confers resistance to lidocaine-induced cell death
Authors: Okamoto Akihisa , Sumi Chisato , Tanaka Hiromasa , Kusunoki Munenori , Iwai Teppei , Nishi Kenichiro , Matsuo Yoshiyuki , Harada Hiroshi , Takenaga Keizo , Bono Hidemasa , Hirota Kiichi
Published: June 2017

The local anesthetic lidocaine induces cell death by altering reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial electron transport chain function. Because hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is involved in determining oxygen metabolism and mitochondria function, we investigated the involvement of HIF-1 activity in lidocaine-induced cell death. We investigated the role of HIF activation on lidocaine-induced caspase activation and cell death in renal cell-derived RCC4 cells lacking functional von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) protein. We demonstrate that HIF-1 suppressed oxygen consumption and facilitated glycolysis in a pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-1-dependent manner and that activation of HIF-1 conferred resistance to lidocaine-induced cell death. We also demonstrated that exogenous HIF-1 activation, through HIFα-hydroxylase inhibition or exposure to hypoxic conditions, alleviates lidocaine toxicity by suppressing mitochondria function and generating ROS, not only in RCC4 cells, but also in the neuronal SH-SY5Y cells. In conclusion, we demonstrate that HIF-1 activation due to VHL deletion, treatment with small molecule HIFα-hydroxylase inhibitors, and exposure to hypoxic conditions suppresses mitochondrial respiratory chain function and confers resistance to lidocaine toxicity.
Assessment of the role of intracranial hypertension and stress on hippocampal cell apoptosis and hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction after TBI
Authors: Tan Huajun , Yang Weijian , Wu Chenggang , Liu Baolong , Lu Hao , Wang Hong , Yan Hua
Published: June 2017

In recent years, hypopituitarism caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been explored in many clinical studies; however, few studies have focused on intracranial hypertension and stress caused by TBI. In this study, an intracranial hypertension model, with epidural hematoma as the cause, was used to explore the physiopathological and neuroendocrine changes in the hypothalamic–pituitary axis and hippocampus. The results demonstrated that intracranial hypertension increased the apoptosis rate, caspase-3 levels and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the hippocampus, hypothalamus, pituitary gland and showed a consistent rate of apoptosis within each group. The apoptosis rates of hippocampus, hypothalamus and pituitary gland were further increased when intracranial pressure (ICP) at 24 hour (h) were still increased. The change rates of apoptosis in hypothalamus and pituitary gland were significantly higher than hippocampus. Moreover, the stress caused by surgery may be a crucial factor in apoptosis. To confirm stress leads to apoptosis in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, we used rabbits to establish a standard stress model. The results confirmed that stress leads to apoptosis of neuroendocrine cells in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, moreover, the higher the stress intensity, the higher the apoptosis rate in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
Utilization of a Wheat660K SNP array-derived high-density genetic map for high-resolution mapping of a major QTL for kernel number
Authors: Cui Fa , Zhang Na , Fan Xiao-li , Zhang Wei , Zhao Chun-hua , Yang Li-juan , Pan Rui-qing , Chen Mei , Han Jie , Zhao Xue-qiang , Ji Jun , Tong Yi-ping , Zhang Hong-xia , Jia Ji-zeng , Zhao Guang-yao , Li Jun-ming
Published: June 2017

In crop plants, a high-density genetic linkage map is essential for both genetic and genomic researches. The complexity and the large size of wheat genome have hampered the acquisition of a high-resolution genetic map. In this study, we report a high-density genetic map based on an individual mapping population using the Affymetrix Wheat660K single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array as a probe in hexaploid wheat. The resultant genetic map consisted of 119 566 loci spanning 4424.4 cM, and 119 001 of those loci were SNP markers. This genetic map showed good collinearity with the 90 K and 820 K consensus genetic maps and was also in accordance with the recently released wheat whole genome assembly. The high-density wheat genetic map will provide a major resource for future genetic and genomic research in wheat. Moreover, a comparative genomics analysis among gramineous plant genomes was conducted based on the high-density wheat genetic map, providing an overview of the structural relationships among theses gramineous plant genomes. A major stable quantitative trait locus (QTL) for kernel number per spike was characterized, providing a solid foundation for the future high-resolution mapping and map-based cloning of the targeted QTL.
Simulated responses of permafrost distribution to climate change on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Lu Qing , Zhao Dongsheng , Wu Shaohong
Published: June 2017

Climate warming causes changes in permafrost distribution, which affects the surface energy balance, hydrologic cycle and carbon flux in cold regions. In this study, the Surface Frost Number model was applied to examine permafrost distribution on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) under the four RCPs (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0, and RCP8.5). The Kappa statistic was used to evaluate model results by comparing simulations of baseline permafrost distribution (1981–2010) with the existing frozen soil maps. The comparison shows that the Surface Frost Number model is suitable for simulating the general characteristics of permafrost distribution on the QTP. Simulated results suggest that areas of permafrost degradation would be the smallest in the near-term (2011‒2040) with the rates of 17.17%, 18.07%, 12.95% and 15.66% under RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0 and RCP8.5, respectively. The rate of permafrost degradation would be faster in the mid-term (2041‒2070), especially under the RCP8.5 scenario (about 41.42%). Areas of permafrost degradation would be the largest in the long-term (2071‒2099) relative to baseline conditions, with a modelled 64.31% decrease in permafrost distribution using the RCP8.5 scenario. Our results would help the decision‒making for engineering construction program on the QTP, and support local units in their efforts to adapt climate change.