bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoparticles prepared from porcine cells support the healing of cutaneous inflammation in mice and wound re‐epithelialization in human skin
Authors: Kunz Natalia , Hauenschild Eva , Maass Sebastian , Kalies Kai‐Uwe , Klinger Matthias , Barra Melanie , Hecht Lars , Helbig Franz , Soellner Stefan , Caldwell Charles C. , Ludwig Ralf J. , Westermann Jürgen , Kalies Kathrin
Published: September 2017

Previous reports have demonstrated that cell‐derived nanoparticles (CDNPs) composed of bovine or porcine protein complexes exerted therapeutic effects against viral infections and cancer in mice and humans. Based on these observations, we asked whether CDNPs would improve inflammatory skin disorders. To address this, we utilized two distinct mouse models of cutaneous inflammation: the autoimmune skin‐blistering disease epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) as an example of an autoantibody‐induced cutaneous inflammation, and Leishmania major (L. major) infection as an example of a pathogen‐induced cutaneous inflammation. In both models, we observed that CDNPs increased mRNA expression of the Th2 cytokine IL‐4. Clinically, CDNPs decreased inflammation due to EBA and increased L. major‐specific IgG1 levels without major effects on infected skin lesions. In addition, CDNPs supported the growth of keratinocytes in human skin cultures. In vitro studies revealed that CDNPs were taken up predominantly by macrophages, leading to a shift towards the expression of anti‐inflammatory cytokine genes. Altogether, our data demonstrate that treatment with porcine CDNPs may be a new therapeutic option for the control of autoimmune‐mediated inflammatory skin disorders.
Complex effect of projected sea temperature and wind change on flatfish dispersal
Authors: Lacroix Geneviève , Barbut Léo , Volckaert Filip A. M.
Published: September 2017

Climate change not only alters ocean physics and chemistry but also affects the biota. Larval dispersal patterns from spawning to nursery grounds and larval survival are driven by hydrodynamic processes and shaped by (a)biotic environmental factors. Therefore, it is important to understand the impacts of increased temperature rise and changes in wind speed and direction on larval drift and survival. We apply a particle‐tracking model coupled to a 3D‐hydrodynamic model of the English Channel and the North Sea to study the dispersal dynamics of the exploited flatfish (common) sole (Solea solea). We first assess model robustness and interannual variability in larval transport over the period 1995–2011. Then, using a subset of representative years (2003–2011), we investigate the impact of climate change on larval dispersal, connectivity patterns and recruitment at the nursery grounds. The impacts of five scenarios inspired by the 2040 projections of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change are discussed and compared with interannual variability. The results suggest that 33% of the year‐to‐year recruitment variability is explained at a regional scale and that a 9‐year period is sufficient to capture interannual variability in dispersal dynamics. In the scenario involving a temperature increase, early spawning and a wind change, the model predicts that (i) dispersal distance (+70%) and pelagic larval duration (+22%) will increase in response to the reduced temperature (−9%) experienced by early hatched larvae, (ii) larval recruitment at the nursery grounds will increase in some areas (36%) and decrease in others (−58%) and (iii) connectivity will show contrasting changes between areas. At the regional scale, our model predicts considerable changes in larval recruitment (+9%) and connectivity (retention −4% and seeding +37%) due to global change. All of these factors affect the distribution and productivity of sole and therefore the functioning of the demersal ecosystem and fisheries management.
Chalcogenide glasses with embedded ZnS nanocrystals: Potential mid‐infrared laser host for divalent transition metal ions
Authors: Lu Xiaosong , Zhang Yindong , Ren Jing , Lewis Elfed , Farrell Gerald , Yang Anping , Yang Zhiyong , Wang Pengfei
Published: September 2017

Chalcogenide glasses (ChGs) containing II‐VI chalcogenide (ChG) nanocrystals such as ZnS/Se have recently been intensively studied as promising mid‐infrared nonlinear optics and laser materials, yet preparation of pure‐phase II‐VI nanocrystals embedded in ChGs via controlled crystallization is still very challenging. In this study, a new system of ChGs and glass ceramics (GCs), viz., (100−x)As2S3–xZnSe (x = 0 ~ 30 mol%), is synthesized, and its physical and optical properties including density, molar volume, microhardness, glass transition temperature, glass network structure, transmission, and refractive index are comprehensively characterized. Significantly, it is initially demonstrated that pure ZnS nanocrystals can be precipitated in GCs simply by a thermal treatment process. The composition and thermal treatment temperature dependencies of crystallization are studied using X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, and the morphology of the nanocrystals by high‐resolution transmission electron microscope. The ChG GCs with embedded ZnS nanocrystals retaining good transparency can be a potential host laser material for divalent transition metals (e.g., Cr2+/Fe2+, etc.), and thus used for ultrabroadband tunable continuous or ultra‐short‐pulsed mid‐infrared fiber lasers.
Luminescence properties and tunable emission of Ag NCs in oxyfluoride glass through REF3 (RE = Y, La and Gd) doping
Authors: Guo Zhuang , Ye Song , Qiao Xvsheng , Wang Deping
Published: September 2017

In this research, series of Ag nanoclusters (Ag NCs) contained oxyfluoride glasses were prepared using the melt quenching method, in which the REF3 (RE = Y, La, and Gd) were selected as dopants to control their size distribution. The absorption, steady and time‐resolved PL spectra were carried to investigate the size dependent luminescence properties of Ag NCs. The spectral results indicated that the super broadband emission of Ag NCs is contributed by the spin‐allowed (blue side) and the spin‐forbidden (red side) transitions, respectively. Besides, the introduction of REF3 (RE = Y, La, and Gd) can promote the formation of Ag NCs with different sizes and therefore modulated their luminescence properties. The maximum external quantum yields of Ag NCs with emissions at 430, 510, 520, and 570 nm were evaluated to be 24.6%, 40.7%, 56.3% and 30.7%, respectively, which can be obtained in SAg, SAgLa, SAgGd, and SAgY.
Effects of calcium on setting mechanism of metakaolin‐based geopolymer
Authors: Chen Xu , Sutrisno Andre , Struble Leslie J.
Published: September 2017

Geopolymer setting is seen to be substantially accelerated by addition of calcium and the objective of this study was to determine the mechanism for this effect by examining metakaolin geopolymers with and without calcium. Solid‐state27Al NMR tests were used to examine the dissolution extent both qualitatively and quantitatively. Solid‐state29Si NMR tests were conducted to determine the amount and structure of each phase. Prior to the quantitative tests, chemical extractions were used to facilitate assignment of peaks in each spectrum. On addition of calcium, it was found that both the rate and the extent of metakaolin dissolution were enhanced. Accelerating dissolution increases the Al concentration in solution, thus reducing Si/Al available for geopolymer gel formation and further accelerating the gel formation to cause faster setting. Although C‐A‐S‐H was observed in the calcium mix, no evidence indicated that it is directly involved in setting.
Effect of a Multimodal Educational Intervention on Use of Urinary Catheters in Hospitalized Individuals
Authors: Norman Richard E. , Ramsden Rebecca , Ginty Leanne , Sinha Samir K.
Published: September 2017

Background/Objectives

Urinary catheters are frequently used in hospital inpatients despite their association with greater morbidity and mortality. Reducing their unnecessary use can improve patient care. The objective of the current study was to determine the effectiveness of a multimodal nursing and physician education intervention to reduce the unnecessary use of urinary catheters in adult inpatients.

Design

Quasi‐experimental interrupted time series study.

Setting

General internal medicine and surgical services of a large urban teaching hospital.

Participants

Admissions to the services under study during the study period (September 2009 to February 2013) (N = 21,550).

Intervention

A multimodal educational intervention incorporating educational posters, small‐group teaching sessions, and changes to the hospital's electronic health records and nursing clinical documentation systems were introduced to nurses and physicians.

Measurements

Mean catheter days per patient (CDPP) and incidence of urinary catheterization, measured at monthly intervals throughout the study period.

Results

A decrease in mean CDPP of 5.6 and 6.5 days (P < .001) respectively was observed on the medical and surgical services following the intervention. The monthly incidence of catheterization decreased by 3.0 percentage points on medical units and 6.4 percentage points on surgical units immediately after the intervention, from an average of 14.5% and 15.0%, respectively, before the intervention. Similar degrees of improvement were observed for individuals of all ages, although older adults remained more likely to be catheterized. The effect persisted over nearly 3 years of observed follow‐up.

Conclusions

A relatively simple multimodal educational intervention targeting nurses and physicians resulted in a significant and sustained reduction in CDPP and the proportion of participants catheterized.
γ‐Secretase in microglia – implications for neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation
Authors: Walter Jochen , Kemmerling Nadja , Wunderlich Patrick , Glebov Konstantin
Published: September 2017

γ‐Secretase is an intramembrane cleaving protease involved in the generation of the Alzheimer's disease (AD)‐associated amyloid β peptide (Aβ). γ‐Secretase is ubiquitously expressed in different organs, and also in different cell types of the human brain. Besides the involvement in the proteolytic generation of Aβ from the amyloid precursor protein, γ‐secretase cleaves many additional protein substrates, suggesting pleiotropic functions under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Microglia exert important functions during brain development and homeostasis in adulthood, and accumulating evidence indicates that microglia and neuroinflammatory processes contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies demonstrate functional implications of γ‐secretase in microglia, suggesting that alterations in γ‐secretase activity could contribute to AD pathogenesis by modulation of microglia and related neuroinflammatory processes during neurodegeneration. In this review, we discuss the involvement of γ‐secretase in the regulation of microglial functions, and the potential relevance of these processes under physiological and pathophysiological conditions.

image

This article is part of the series “Beyond Amyloid”.
Correlation between direction and severity of temporomandibular joint disc displacement and reduction ability during mouth opening
Authors: Litko M. , Berger M. , Szkutnik J. , Różyło‐Kalinowska I.
Published: September 2017

The most common temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement is an abnormal relationship of the disc with respect to the mandibular condyle, articular eminence and glenoid fossa‐disc displacement. The aim of our study was to analyse the correlation between partial/complete disc displacement in the intercuspal position (IP) and its reduction in the open‐mouth position (OMP) in both oblique sagittal and coronal planes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with temporomandibular disorders. Multisection MRI analysis of 382 TMJs was conducted in 191 patients with disc displacement according to the RDC/TMD criteria (148 women, 43 men; aged 14‐60 years). The disc position was evaluated on all oblique sagittal and coronal images in the IP and the OMP. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the severity of disc displacement in the sagittal plane is a statistically significant predictor of reduction ability during mouth opening (B = 3.118; P < .001). Moreover, the severity of disc displacement in both planes is also a significant predictor of disc reduction in OMP (B = 2.200; P < .05). In conclusion, reduction ability during mouth opening is associated with the severity of disc displacement in IP, in both sagittal and coronal planes. Multisection analysis of all MR images allows distinguishing the correct disc position from disc displacement and can improve the ability to distinguish between various stages of TMJ internal derangement.
Effects of Physical and Emotional Maternal Hostility on Adolescents’ Depression and Reoffending
Authors: Thomas April Gile , Ozbardakci Nina , Fine Adam , Steinberg Laurence , Frick Paul J. , Cauffman Elizabeth
Published: September 2017

This study examines whether (1) mothers vary in the way they express hostility toward their delinquent adolescent offspring, (2) different types of maternal hostility differentially affect adolescents’ depression and recidivism, and (3) adolescent depression serves as a mechanism through which maternal hostility predicts later reoffending. The sample consists of 1,216 male first‐time offenders, aged 13–17 years (M = 15.80, SD = 1.29). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the premise that maternal hostility could be distinguished into two subtypes: emotional and physical hostility. Adolescent offenders who experienced emotional or physical hostility by their mothers reported greater depressive symptoms and reoffending 6 months later. Further, the relation between maternal hostility (of each type) and adolescent reoffending was partially explained by depressive symptomology.
Financial and Health Barriers and Caregiving‐Related Difficulties Among Rural and Urban Caregivers
Authors: Bouldin Erin D. , Shaull Lynn , Andresen Elena M. , Edwards Valerie J. , McGuire Lisa C.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To assess whether financial or health‐related barriers were more common among rural caregivers and whether rural caregivers experienced more caregiving‐related difficulties than their urban peers.

Methods

We used data from 7,436 respondents to the Caregiver Module in 10 states from the 2011‐2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Respondents were classified as caregivers if they reported providing care to a family member or friend because of a long‐term illness or disability. We classified respondents as living in a rural area if they lived outside of a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). We defined a financial barrier as having an annual household income <$25,000 or not being able see a doctor when needed in the past year because of cost. We defined a health barrier as having multiple chronic health conditions, a disability, or fair or poor self‐rated health.

Findings

Rural caregivers more frequently had financial barriers than urban caregivers (38.1% vs 31.0%, P = .0001), but the prevalence of health barriers was similar (43.3% vs 40.6%, P = .18). After adjusting for demographic differences, financial barriers remained more common among rural caregivers. Rural caregivers were less likely than their urban peers to report that caregiving created any difficulty in both unadjusted and adjusted models (adjusted prevalence ratio = 0.90; P < .001).

Conclusions

Informal caregivers, particularly in rural areas, face financial barriers. Rural caregivers were less likely than urban caregivers to report caregiving‐related difficulties. Rural caregivers’ coping strategies or skills in identifying informal supports may explain this difference, but additional research is needed to explore this hypothesis.
Beat Gestures and Syntactic Parsing: An ERP Study
Authors: Biau Emmanuel , Fromont Lauren A. , Soto‐Faraco Salvador
Published: September 2017

We tested the prosodic hypothesis that the temporal alignment of a speaker's beat gestures in a sentence influences syntactic parsing by driving the listener's attention. Participants chose between two possible interpretations of relative‐clause (RC) ambiguous sentences, while their electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded. We manipulated the alignment of the beat within sentences where auditory prosody was removed. Behavioral performance showed no effect of beat placement on the sentences’ interpretation, while event‐related potentials (ERPs) revealed a positive shift of the signal in the windows corresponding to N100 and P200 components. Additionally, post hoc analyses of the ERPs time locked to the RC revealed a modulation of the P600 component as a function of gesture. These results suggest that beats modulate early processing of affiliate words in continuous speech and potentially have a global impact at the level of sentence‐parsing components. We speculate that beats must be synergistic with auditory prosody to be fully consequential in behavior.
Self‐Efficacy, Attitudes, and Choice of Strategies for English Pronunciation Learning
Authors: Sardegna Veronica G. , Lee Juhee , Kusey Crystal
Published: September 2017

This article proposes a structural model of English language learners’ self‐efficacy beliefs, attitudes toward learning pronunciation skills, and choice of pronunciation learning strategies. Participants’ responses (N = 704) to two self‐reported questionnaires—Strategies for Pronunciation Improvement (SPI) inventory and Learner Attitudes for Pronunciation (LAP) inventory—were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to determine the direct and indirect relationships among the latent variables. The results showed that perceived practical and linguistic values related to pronunciation learning led students to be concerned about their pronunciation and thus increased their intentional behavior to improve their pronunciation skills. Also, the greater the intentional behavior, the more likely students were to select strategies to advance their pronunciation skills. Furthermore, a multigroup SEM analysis revealed that self‐efficacy about pronunciation skills significantly influenced girls’ emotions, whereas self‐efficacy had a negligible effect on boys’ emotions. Pedagogical implications of these findings and possible avenues for future research are discussed.

Open Practices

This article has been awarded an Open Materials badge. All materials are publicly accessible via the Open Science Framework at https://osf.io/6a3we. Learn more about the Open Practices badges from the Center for Open Science: https://osf.io/tvyxz/wiki.
Cystatin C predicts acute kidney injury and mortality in cirrhotics: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Maiwall Rakhi , Kumar Awinash , Bhardwaj Ankit , Kumar Guresh , Bhadoria Ajeet S. , Sarin Shiv K.
Published: September 2017

Background & Aims

Acute kidney injury is a frequent and ominous complication in cirrhosis. An episode of AKI damages the functional nephron mass, compromising the renal functional reserve. We aimed to study the incidence of AKI, probability of subsequent episodes, whether AKI itself predisposes to future AKI and the reliability of serum cystatin C(sCyC) as a biomarker in a prospective cohort of cirrhotics.

Patients and Methods

Five hundred and thirty‐one cirrhotics without ongoing AKI were followed for development/resolution of AKI. Predictive models for AKI and mortality were developed and validated (Gr. A, Derivative cohort [n = 273], Gr. B, Validation Cohort [n = 258]).

Results

365 episodes of AKI occurred in 233 patients; yielding a mean of 1.56 episodes of AKI per patient. In Gr. A and B, 97 (35.5%) and 78 (30%) patients had prior AKI episodes and were predisposed to further attacks (Gr. A, HR 3.9, 95% CI 2.7‐5.6, Gr. B, HR 3.6, 95% CI 2.5‐5.4). AKI was thus an independent predictor of the development of new AKI(P < .05) and this risk increased significantly with increase in the number of AKI episodes (P < .001). S.CysC but not s.Cr was an independent predictor of new AKI on multivariate analysis. “AKI‐Score” incorporating CysC; and the addition of Cyst into components of MELD, that is the “MELD‐Cystatin” score predicted the development of AKI and mortality, respectively, and performed significantly better than the MELD and CTP scores.

Conclusions

An episode of AKI itself predisposes to subsequent attacks of AKI in cirrhotics. Scores incorporating CysC can accurately predict the development of AKI and mortality in these patients.
Studies on the Neutralizing Antibody to Herpes Simplex Virus
Authors: OHASHI Masami , OZAKI Yoshikatsu
Published: September 2017

The type‐specific antibody responses in rabbits immunized with both types of herpes simplex virus (HSV), measured by complement‐requiring neutralizing (CRN) and slow‐reacting CRN (s‐CRN) antibody assays were compared. Titers of type‐specific antibody measured by s‐CRN antibody assay were always markedly higher than those measured by CRN antibody assay. The s‐CRN antibody assay was so sensitive that even an undetectable level of CRN antibody could be readily detected by this method. The detection of type‐specific antibody by s‐CRN antibody assay may be useful when attempting to analyze human HSV infection.
Expression of Target Antigen for Epstein‐Barr Virus‐Specific Cytotoxic T Cells on BJAB Cells Freshly Infected with EBV
Authors: SUGAMURA Kazuo , TANAKA Yuetsu , HINUMA Yorio
Published: September 2017

The target antigen for Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐specific cytotoxic T cells (Tc) was expressed on BJAB cells exposed to the B95‐8 strain of EBV for at least one hour. Ultraviolet‐light (UV)‐irradiated noninfectious B95‐8 virus also induced the target antigen on BJAB cells. Cold target competition tests suggested that the target antigen expressed on EBV‐infected BJAB cells was distinct from the lymphocyte‐detected membrane antigen (LYDMA) which was also recognized by the EBV‐specific Tc and expressed on autologous EBV‐transformed lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) cells. Neither of these target antigens for EBV‐specific Tc was detected on the surface of EBV‐genome positive BJAB cells which had been kept in a long‐term culture after EBV‐infection. Thus, the virion antigen, especially the EBV‐membrane antigen (MA), is a possible candidate for the target antigen expressed on EBV‐infected BJAB cells.

Lysis of EBV‐infected BJAB cells was inhibited by target cell treatment with anti‐β2 microglobulin (anti‐β2M) antibody and induction of the effector Tc was dependent on the donor individual. These resalts suggested the possibility that the Tc recognizing EBV‐infected BJAB cells are restricted by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC).
A Monoclonal Antibody that Binds Preferentially to Human Suppressor T Cells
Authors: KATO Kotaro , TERASIIIMA Masazumi , OSAWA Toshiaki
Published: September 2017

A monoclonal antibody termed JM3‐3‐3A was produced by somatic cell hybridization. The reactivity was assessed by indirect immunofluorescence. JM3‐3‐3A was reactive with 41% human peripheral blood T cells and 48% non‐T cells. Among various human lymphoblastoid cell lines (MOLT 4F, JM, and TALL‐I), TALL‐I was found not to be reactive with JM‐13‐3‐3A. Human peripheral blood Tcells fractionated by JM3‐3‐3A‐coated dish panning were submitted to functional studies. JM3‐3‐3A positive T cells responded to mitogens, concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin‐P much better than JM3‐3‐3A negative T cells in the presence or absence of adherent cells. JM3‐3‐3A positive T cells showed suppressor activity and JM3‐3‐3A negative T cells showed helper activity in pokeweed mitogen‐induced Ig production. More than fifty percent of the JM3‐3‐3A positive T cells were reactive with OKT8 which binds to suppressor/ cytotoxic T cells, whereas 18% of JM3‐3‐3A negative T cells were reactive with OKTIl. In addition, immunoprecipitation experiments identified a protein with an approximate molecular weight of 43,000 as a cell surface antigen for JM3‐3‐3A.

Thus, the reactivity of JM3‐3‐3A showed a wide distribution but human peripheral blood T cells could be dissected functionally by this antibody.
Selective pressure for rapid membrane integration constrains the sequence of bacterial outer membrane proteins
Authors: Peterson Janine H. , Plummer Ashlee M. , Fleming Karen G. , Bernstein Harris D.
Published: September 2017

Almost all bacterial outer membrane proteins (OMPs) contain a β barrel domain that serves as a membrane anchor, but the assembly and quality control of these proteins are poorly understood. Here, we show that the introduction of a single lipid‐facing arginine residue near the middle of the β barrel of the Escherichia coli OMPs OmpLA and EspP creates an energy barrier that impedes membrane insertion. Although several unintegrated OmpLA mutants remained insertion‐competent, they were slowly degraded by the periplasmic protease DegP. Two EspP mutants were also gradually degraded by DegP but were toxic because they first bound to the Bam complex, an essential heteroligomer that catalyzes the membrane insertion of OMPs. Interestingly, another EspP mutant likewise formed a prolonged, deleterious interaction with the Bam complex but was protected from degradation and eventually inserted into the membrane in a native conformation. The different types of interactions between the EspP mutants and the Bam complex that we observed may correspond to distinct stages in OMP assembly. Our results show that sequences that significantly delay assembly are disfavored not only because unintegrated OMPs are subjected to degradation, but also because OMPs that assemble slowly can form dominant‐negative interactions with the Bam complex.
The CysB motif of Rev3p involved in the formation of the four‐subunit DNA polymerase ζ is required for defective‐replisome‐induced mutagenesis
Authors: Szwajczak Ewa , Fijalkowska Iwona J. , Suski Catherine
Published: September 2017

Eukaryotic DNA replication is performed by high‐fidelity multi‐subunit replicative B‐family DNA polymerases (Pols) α, δ and ɛ. Those complexes are composed of catalytic and accessory subunits and organized in multicomplex machinery: the replisome. The fourth B‐family member, DNA polymerase zeta (Pol ζ), is responsible for a large portion of mutagenesis in eukaryotic cells. Two forms of Pol ζ have been identified, a hetero‐dimeric (Pol ζ2) and a hetero‐tetrameric (Pol ζ4) ones and recent data have demonstrated that Pol ζ4 is responsible for damage‐induced mutagenesis. Here, using yeast Pol ζ mutant defective in the assembly of the Pol ζ four‐subunit form, we show in vivo that [4Fe‐4S] cluster in Pol ζ catalytic subunit (Rev3p) is also required for spontaneous (wild‐type cells) and defective‐replisome‐induced mutagenesis – DRIM (pol3‐Y708A, pol2‐1 or psf1‐100 cells), when cells are not treated with any external damaging agents.
The patterns of birthmarks suggest a novel population of melanocyte precursors arising around the time of gastrulation
Authors: Kinsler Veronica A. , Larue Lionel
Published: September 2017

Systematic work in the mouse and chicken has mapped out two neural crest‐derived pathways of melanocyte precursor migration. With these in mind, this study reappraises the patterns of congenital pigmentary disorders in humans and identifies three recurrent patterns consistent across genetically different diseases. Only two of these are seen in diseases known to be melanocyte cell‐autonomous. The segmental pattern correlates well with the classical dorsolateral population from animal studies, demonstrating respect of the midline, cranio‐caudal axial mixing, unilateral migration and involvement of key epidermally derived structures. Importantly however, the melanocyte precursors responsible for the non‐segmental pattern, which demonstrates circular, bilateral migration centred on the midline, and not involving key epidermally derived structures, have not been identified previously. We propose that this population originates around the time of gastrulation, most likely within the mesoderm, and ultimately resides within the dermis. Whether it contributes to mature melanocytes in non‐disease states is not known; however, parallels with the patterns of acquired vitiligo would suggest that it does. The third pattern, hypo‐ or hyperpigmented fine and whorled Blaschko's lines, is proposed to be non‐cell‐autonomous.
An open‐label extension long‐term study of the safety and efficacy of aripiprazole for irritability in children and adolescents with autistic disorder in Japan
Authors: Ichikawa Hironobu , Hiratani Michio , Yasuhara Akihiro , Tsujii Noa , Oshimo Takashi , Ono Hiroaki , Tadori Yoshihiro
Published: September 2017

Aim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long‐term safety and efficacy of aripiprazole in treating irritability in pediatric patients (6–17 years) with autistic disorder (AD) in Japan.

Methods

In this open‐label extension study, patients who had completed a previous randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled 8‐week study were enrolled and were flexibly dosed with aripiprazole (1–15 mg/day) until the new indication of irritability in pediatric autism spectrum disorder was approved in Japan.

Results

Seventy (81%) out of 86 enrolled patients completed week‐48 assessments. The mean duration of treatment was 694.9 days. The mean daily dose of aripiprazole over the treatment period was 7.2 mg and the mean of the final dose was 8.5 mg. The most common treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAE; ≥20%) included nasopharyngitis, somnolence, influenza, and increased weight. The majority of these TEAE were mild or moderate in severity, and there were no deaths, and no clinically relevant findings in laboratory values except prolactin decrease, vital signs, height, or ECG parameters. At week 48 (observed case), the mean change from baseline in the Irritability subscale score for the Aberrant Behavior Checklist Japanese Version was −6.3 in prior placebo patients and −2.6 in prior aripiprazole patients.

Conclusion

Aripiprazole was generally safe, well tolerated, and effective in the long‐term treatment of irritability associated with AD in Japanese pediatric patients.
Long‐term survival of blast pathogen in infected rice residues as major source of primary inoculum in high altitude upland ecology
Authors: Raveloson H. , Ratsimiala Ramonta I. , Tharreau D. , Sester M.
Published: September 2017

Magnaporthe oryzae is the fungal plant pathogen that causes rice blast. The sources of primary inoculum and overwintering mode of the fungus remain largely unknown. The effect of rice residues on the onset of blast epidemics and the potential for survival of M. oryzae in the residues were studied in upland conditions in Madagascar. Blast disease was observed in a 3‐year field experiment in three treatments: with either infected or uninfected rice residues on the soil surface, or without rice residues. Leaf blast incidence was significantly higher in the treatment with infected rice residues than in the two other treatments at the early stages of the epidemic. In a second set of trials, the survival of M. oryzae on rice residues was monitored. Infected rice stems were placed by lots in three places: on the mulch of rice residues, under the mulch, and buried at a depth of 10 cm in the soil. Each month, samples were taken from the field and tested for sporulation. The survival of the blast fungus decreased rapidly on the stems buried in the soil but remained high for the other conditions. Sporulation of the fungus was observed on stems left on the mulch for up to 18 months. It is concluded that under field conditions, the presence of infected rice residues could initiate an epidemic of blast. The results of this study may help in designing effective management strategies for rice residues infected by M. oryzae.
Inference of the phylogenetic diversity and population structure of Xanthomonas campestris affecting Brassicaceae using a multilocus sequence typing‐based approach
Authors: Cruz J. , Tenreiro R. , Cruz L.
Published: September 2017

Xanthomonas campestris pathovars are widely distributed throughout the globe and have a broad host range, causing severe economic losses in the food and ornamental crucifers markets. Using an approach based on multilocus sequence typing, phylogenetic diversity and population structure of a set of 75 Portuguese and other Xanthomonas campestris isolates from several cruciferous hosts were assessed. Although this population displayed a major clonal structure, neighbour‐net phylogenetic analysis highlighted the presence of recombinational events that may have driven the ecological specialization of X. campestris with different host ranges within the Brassicaceae family. A high level of genetic diversity within and among X. campestris pathovars was also revealed, through the establishment of 46 sequence types (STs). This approach provided a snapshot of the global X. campestris population structure in cruciferous host plants, correlating the existing pathovars with three distinct genetic lineages. Phylogenetic relationships between the founder genotype and remaining isolates that constitute the X. campestris pv. campestris population were further clarified using goeBURST algorithm. Identification of an intermediate link between X. campestris pv. campestris and X. campestris pv. raphani provided new insights into the mechanisms driving the differentiation of both pathovars. Wide geographic distribution of allelic variants suggests that evolution of X. campestris as a seedborne pathogen was not shaped by natural barriers. However, as Portuguese isolates encompass 26 unique STs and this country is an important centre of domestication of Brassica oleracea crops, a strong case is made for its role as a diversification reservoir, most probably through host–pathogen coevolution.
The Dual Role of Treg in Cancer
Authors: Frydrychowicz M. , Boruczkowski M. , Kolecka‐Bednarczyk A. , Dworacki G.
Published: September 2017

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) represent a small subpopulation of CD4+ cells. Tregs are characterized by the expression of transcription factor Forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3), also known as scurfin. Tregs are modulators of adaptive immune responses and play an important role in maintaining tolerance to self‐antigens, providing the suppression associated with tumour microenvironment as well. These immunomodulatory properties are the main reason for the development of numerous therapeutic strategies, designed to inhibit the activity of cancer cells. However, due to Treg subpopulation diversity and its many functional pathways, the role of these cells in the cancer development and progression is still not fully understood.
Chagas disease and liver transplantation: Experience in Argentina using real‐time quantitative PCR for early detection and treatment
Authors: Balderramo Domingo , Bonisconti Florencia , Alcaraz Alvaro , Giordano Enzo , Sánchez Ariel , Barrabino Martín , Caeiro Juan Pablo , Alvarellos Teresita , Maraschio Martín
Published: September 2017

Background

Chagas disease (CD) is an endemic zoonosis that occurs in Latin America and is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Early detection of T. cruzi in liver transplant recipients at risk may avoid complications from CD. The aim of this study was to examine the pre‐operative evaluation and follow‐up of CD after liver transplantation (LT) of patients at risk of CD using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for T. cruzi.

Methods

Between January 2009 and June 2016, 13 (12.7%) of 102 LTs performed in recipients at risk for CD without specific postoperative prophylaxis were prospectively evaluated using qPCR for T. cruzi. Four seronegative patients received livers from seropositive donors (R−/D+) and 9 seropositive recipients received livers from seronegative donors (R+/D−). A cohort of 89 patients without risk for CD during the same time period was analyzed as controls.

Results

A positive qPCR for T. cruzi prior to LT was found in 2/9 (22.2%) seropositive recipients, and both achieved early response after therapy. The cumulative incidence of positive parasitemia after LT was higher in R+/D− than R−/D+ (37.7% vs 0%, P = .17). R+/D− transplant patients with positive qPCR achieved therapeutic response without manifestations of acute CD. LT outcomes at 1 year were similar in patients at risk of CD and in controls not at risk for CD.

Conclusion

A small proportion of T. cruzi‐seropositive candidates presented positive parasitemia before LT. After LT, qPCR allowed detection of parasitemia leading to use of preemptive therapy in all R+/D− with T. cruzi replication. No cases of T. cruzi parasitemia occurred in R−/D+.
The Cognitive‐Evolutionary Model of Surprise: A Review of the Evidence
Authors: Reisenzein Rainer , Horstmann Gernot , Schützwohl Achim
Published: September 2017

Research on surprise relevant to the cognitive‐evolutionary model of surprise proposed by Meyer, Reisenzein, and Schützwohl (1997) is reviewed. The majority of the assumptions of the model are found empirically supported. Surprise is evoked by unexpected (schema‐discrepant) events and its intensity is determined by the degree if schema‐discrepancy, whereas the novelty and the valence of the eliciting events probably do not have an independent effect. Unexpected events cause an automatic interruption of ongoing mental processes that is followed by an attentional shift and attentional binding to the events, which is often followed by causal and other event analysis processes and by schema revision. The facial expression of surprise postulated by evolutionary emotion psychologists has been found to occur rarely in surprise, for as yet unknown reasons. A physiological orienting response marked by skin conductance increase, heart rate deceleration, and pupil dilation has been observed to occur regularly in the standard version of the repetition‐change paradigm of surprise induction, but the specificity of these reactions as indicators of surprise is controversial. There is indirect evidence for the assumption that the feeling of surprise consists of the direct awareness of the schema‐discrepancy signal, but this feeling, or at least the self‐report of surprise, is also influenced by experienced interference. In contrast, facial feedback probably does contribute substantially to the feeling of surprise and the evidence for the hypothesis that surprise is affected by the difficulty of explaining an unexpected event is, in our view, inconclusive. Regardless of how the surprise feeling is constituted, there is evidence that it has both motivational and informational effects. Finally, the prediction failure implied by unexpected events sometimes causes a negative feeling, but there is no convincing evidence that this is always the case, and we argue that even if it were so, this would not be a sufficient reason for regarding this feeling as a component, rather than as an effect of surprise.
The bottle gourd genome provides insights into Cucurbitaceae evolution and facilitates mapping of a Papaya ring‐spot virus resistance locus
Authors: Wu Shan , Shamimuzzaman Md , Sun Honghe , Salse Jerome , Sui Xuelian , Wilder Alan , Wu Zujian , Levi Amnon , Xu Yong , Ling Kai‐Shu , Fei Zhangjun
Published: September 2017

Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) is an important vegetable crop as well as a rootstock for other cucurbit crops. In this study, we report a high‐quality 313.4‐Mb genome sequence of a bottle gourd inbred line, USVL1VR‐Ls, with a scaffold N50 of 8.7 Mb and the longest of 19.0 Mb. About 98.3% of the assembled scaffolds are anchored to the 11 pseudomolecules. Our comparative genomic analysis identifies chromosome‐level syntenic relationships between bottle gourd and other cucurbits, as well as lineage‐specific gene family expansions in bottle gourd. We reconstructed the genome of the most recent common ancestor of Cucurbitaceae, which revealed that the ancestral Cucurbitaceae karyotypes consisted of 12 protochromosomes with 18 534 protogenes. The 12 protochromosomes are largely retained in the modern melon genome, while have undergone different degrees of shuffling events in other investigated cucurbit genomes. The 11 bottle gourd chromosomes derive from the ancestral Cucurbitaceae karyotypes followed by 19 chromosomal fissions and 20 fusions. The bottle gourd genome sequence has facilitated the mapping of a dominant monogenic locus, Prs, conferring Papaya ring‐spot virus (PRSV) resistance in bottle gourd, to a 317.8‐kb region on chromosome 1. We have developed a cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) marker tightly linked to the Prs locus and demonstrated its potential application in marker‐assisted selection of PRSV resistance in bottle gourd. This study provides insights into the paleohistory of Cucurbitaceae genome evolution, and the high‐quality genome sequence of bottle gourd provides a useful resource for plant comparative genomics studies and cucurbit improvement.
A novel approach to improving efficiency and cost saving in preoperative blood preparation
Authors: Patel Sephalie Y. , Edwards David A. , Boulware David C. , Serdiuk Andrew , Cook Susan J. , Benson Kaaron , Rice Mark J.
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Preoperative ordering of blood products has been an area of optimization due to considerable variability among physicians; overpreparation can lead to extra costs and underpreparation of blood can potentially compromise patient safety.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We examined the potential cost savings of extending the storage interval of a presurgical type‐and‐screen sample from 7 to 14 days, thereby reducing the need for a new specimen on the day of surgery.

RESULTS

Sensitivity analysis showed annual cost savings for our institution to be an estimated $38,770 ($22,420‐$73,120).

CONCLUSION

These results are even more robust when incorporating the additional potential savings from improved operating room efficiency.
Invariant NKT cells promote skin wound healing by preventing a prolonged neutrophilic inflammatory response
Authors: Tanno Hiromasa , Kawakami Kazuyoshi , Kanno Emi , Suzuki Aiko , Takagi Naoyuki , Yamamoto Hideki , Ishii Keiko , Imai Yoshimichi , Maruyama Ryoko , Tachi Masahiro
Published: September 2017

The wound‐healing process consists of the inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling phases. In chronic wounds, the inflammation phase is prolonged with persistent neutrophil infiltration. The inflammatory response is critically regulated by cytokines and chemokines that are secreted from various immune cells. Recently, we showed that skin wound healing was delayed and the healing process was impaired under conditions lacking invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, an innate immune lymphocyte with potent immuno‐regulatory activity. In the present study, we investigated the effect of iNKT cell deficiency on the neutrophilic inflammatory response during the wound healing process. Neutrophil infiltration was prolonged in wound tissue in mice genetically lacking iNKT cells (Jα18KO mice) than in wild‐type (WT) control mice on days 1 and 3 after wounding. MIP‐2, KC, and IL‐17A were produced at a significantly higher level in Jα18KO mice than in WT mice. In addition, neutrophil apoptosis was significantly reduced in the wound tissue in Jα18KO mice than in WT mice. Treatment with anti‐IL‐17A mAb, anti‐Gr‐1 mAb, or neutrophil elastase inhibitor reversed the impaired wound healing in Jα18KO mice. These results suggest that iNKT cells may promote the wound healing process through preventing the prolonged inflammatory response mediated by neutrophils.
A customizable class of colloidal-quantum-dot metallic lasers and amplifiers
Authors: Kress Stephan J. P. , Cui Jian , Rohner Patrik , Kim David K. , Antolinez Felipe V. , Zaininger Karl-Augustin , Jayanti Sriharsha V. , Richner Patrizia , McPeak Kevin M. , Poulikakos Dimos , Norris David J.
Published: September 2017

Colloidal quantum dots are robust, efficient, and tunable emitters now used in lighting, displays, and lasers. Consequently, when the spaser—a laser-like source of high-intensity, narrow-band surface plasmons—was first proposed, quantum dots were specified as the ideal plasmonic gain medium for overcoming the significant intrinsic losses of plasmons. Many subsequent spasers, however, have required a single material to simultaneously provide gain and define the plasmonic cavity, a design unable to accommodate quantum dots and other colloidal nanomaterials. In addition, these and other designs have been ill suited for integration with other elements in a larger plasmonic circuit, limiting their use. We develop a more open architecture that decouples the gain medium from the cavity, leading to a versatile class of quantum dot–based metallic lasers that allow controlled generation, extraction, and manipulation of electromagnetic waves. We first create aberration-corrected plasmonic cavities with high quality factors at desired locations on an ultrasmooth silver substrate. We then incorporate quantum dots into these cavities via electrohydrodynamic printing or drop-casting. Photoexcitation under ambient conditions generates monochromatic light (0.65-nm linewidth at 630 nm,
Q
~ 1000) above threshold. This signal is extracted, directed through an integrated amplifier, and focused at a nearby nanoscale tip, generating intense electromagnetic fields. More generally, our device platform can be straightforwardly deployed at different wavelengths, size scales, and geometries on large-area chips for fundamental studies and applications.
Borate esters: Simple catalysts for the sustainable synthesis of complex amides
Authors: Sabatini Marco T. , Boulton Lee T. , Sheppard Tom D.
Published: September 2017

A commercially available borate ester catalyzes amide formation from carboxylic acids and amines with very high efficiency.
Stratified ubiquitination of RIG-I creates robust immune response and induces selective gene expression
Authors: Xian Huifang , Xie Weihong , Yang Shuai , Liu Qingxiang , Xia Xiaojun , Jin Shouheng , Sun Tingzhe , Cui Jun
Published: September 2017

Stratified multisite ubiquitination of RIG-I provides a robust and optimal control of innate antiviral responses.
Atomic-scale visualization of surface-assisted orbital order
Authors: Kim Howon , Yoshida Yasuo , Lee Chi-Cheng , Chang Tay-Rong , Jeng Horng-Tay , Lin Hsin , Haga Yoshinori , Fisk Zachary , Hasegawa Yukio
Published: September 2017

First real-space visualization of an orbital order in the atomic scale by orbital-sensitive scanning tunneling microscopy.