bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of vertebrate core PCP protein localization and dynamics by Prickle2
Authors: Butler Mitchell T. , Wallingford John B.
Published: August 2015

Planar cell polarity (PCP) is a ubiquitous property of animal tissues and is essential for morphogenesis and homeostasis. In most cases, this fundamental property is governed by a deeply conserved set of “Core PCP” proteins, which includes the transmembrane proteins Van Gogh-like (Vangl) and Frizzled (Fzd), as well as the cytoplasmic effectors Prickle (Pk) and Dishevelled (Dvl). Asymmetric localization of these proteins is thought to be central to their function, and understanding the dynamics of these proteins is an important challenge in developmental biology. Among the processes that are organized by the core PCP proteins is the directional beating of cilia, such as those in vertebrate node, airway and brain. Here, we exploit the live imaging capabilities of Xenopus to chart the progressive asymmetric localization of fluorescent reporters of Dvl1, Pk2 and Vangl1 in a planar polarized ciliated epithelium. Using this system, we also characterize the influence of Pk2 on asymmetric dynamics of Vangl1 at the cell cortex, and we define regions of Pk2 that control its own localization and those impacting Vangl1. Finally, our data reveal a striking uncoupling of Vangl1 and Dvl1 asymmetry. This study advances our understanding of conserved PCP protein functions and also establishes a rapid, tractable platform to facilitate future in vivo studies of vertebrate PCP protein dynamics.
Defining the three cell lineages of the human blastocyst by single-cell RNA-seq
Authors: Blakeley Paul , Fogarty Norah M.E. , del Valle Ignacio , Wamaitha Sissy E. , Hu Tim Xiaoming , Elder Kay , Snell Philip , Christie Leila , Robson Paul , Niakan Kathy K.
Published: August 2015

Here we provide fundamental insights into early human development by single-cell RNA-sequencing of human and mouse preimplantation embryos. We elucidate conserved transcriptional programs along with those that are human-specific. Importantly, we validate our RNA-sequencing findings at the protein level, which further reveals differences in human and mouse embryo gene expression. For example, we identify several genes exclusively expressed in the human pluripotent epiblast including the transcription factor KLF17. Key components of the TGF-β signaling pathway including NODAL, GDF3, TGFBR1/ALK5, LEFTY1, SMAD2, SMAD4 and TDGF1 are also enriched in the human epiblast. Intriguingly, inhibition of TGF-β signaling abrogates NANOG expression in human epiblast cells, consistent with a requirement for this pathway in pluripotency. Although key trophectoderm factors Id2, Elf5, and Eomes are exclusively localized to this lineage in the mouse, the human orthologues are either absent or expressed in alternative lineages. Importantly, we also identify genes with conserved expression dynamics including Foxa2/FOXA2, which we show is restricted to the primitive endoderm in both human and mouse embryos. Comparisons of the human epiblast to existing embryonic stem cells (hESCs) reveals conservation of pluripotency but also additional pathways more enriched in hESCs. Our analysis highlights significant differences in human preimplantation development compared to mouse and provides a molecular blueprint to understand human embryogenesis and its relationship to stem cells.
An Nfic-hedgehog signaling cascade regulates tooth root development
Authors: Liu Yang , Feng Jifan , Li Jingyuan , Zhao Hu , Ho Thach-Vu , Chai Yang
Published: August 2015

Coordination between the Hertwig's Epithelial Root Sheath (HERS) and apical papilla (AP) is crucial for proper tooth root development. The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway and Nfic are both involved in tooth root development, however their relationship has yet to be elucidated. Here we establish a time course of mouse molar root development by histological staining of sections and demonstrate that Hh signaling is active before and during root development in the AP and HERS using Gli1 reporter mice. The proper pattern of Hh signaling activity in the AP is critical for the proliferation of dental mesenchymal cells, because either inhibition with Hh inhibitors or constitutive activation of Hh signaling activity in transgenic mice leads to decreased proliferation in the AP and shorter roots. Moreover, Hh activity is elevated in Nfic−/− mice, a root defect model, whereas RNA sequencing and in situ hybridization show that Hh attenuator Hhip is down-regulated. ChIP and RNAscope analyses suggest that Nfic binds to the promoter region of Hhip. Treatment of Nfic−/− mice with Hh inhibitor partially restores cell proliferation, AP growth and root development. Taken together, our results demonstrate that an Nfic-Hhip-Hh signaling pathway is critical for apical papilla growth and proper root formation. This discovery provides insight into the molecular mechanisms regulating tooth root development.
Depot Indocyanine green dye forin vivovisualization of infiltrating leukocytes
Authors: Sim Dawn A. , Chu Colin J. , Powner Michael B. , Selvam Senthil , Keane Pearse A. , Tufail Adnan , Egan Catherine A. , Bainbridge James W.B. , Lee Richard , Dick Andrew , Fruttiger Marcus
Published: August 2015

We have developed a method to label and image myeloid cells infiltrating the mouse retina and choroid in vivo, using a single depot injection of Indocyanine green dye (ICG). This was demonstrated using different ocular mouse models of inflammation and angiogenesis – endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU), experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) and laser-induced choroidal neovascularisation (CNV). A near-infrared scanning laser ophthalmoscope was used for in vivo imaging of the eye and flow cytometry was used on blood and spleen to assess the number and phenotype of labelled cells. We found that in vivo intravenous administration failed to label any leukocytes, whereas depot injection, either intraperitoneal or subcutaneous, was successful in labelling CD11b+ myeloid cells. Progression of inflammation in the retina could be traced over a period of 14 days following a single depot injection of ICG. Additionally, flow cytometric analysis revealed that the predominant population of cells stained by ICG are circulating and splenic reservoir CD11b+ myeloid cells. The translation of this approach into clinical practice would enable visualisation of immune cells in situ. This will not only provide a greater understanding of pathogenesis, monitoring and assessment of therapy in many human ocular diseases but also open the ability to image immunity live for neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disease and systemic immune mediated disorders.
T-cell number and subtype influence the disease course of primary chronic lymphocytic leukaemia xenografts in alymphoid mice
Authors: Oldreive Ceri E. , Skowronska Anna , Davies Nicholas J. , Parry Helen , Agathanggelou Angelo , Krysov Sergey , Packham Graham , Rudzki Zbigniew , Cronin Laura , Vrzalikova Katerina , Murray Paul , Odintsova Elena , Pratt Guy , Taylor A. Malcolm R. , Moss Paul , Stankovic Tatjana
Published: August 2015

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) cells require micorenvironmental support for their proliferation. This can be recapitulated in highly immunocompromised hosts in the presence of T-cells and other supporting cells. Current primary CLL xenograft models suffer from limited duration of tumour cell engraftment coupled with gradual T-cell outgrowth. Thus, a greater understanding of the interaction between CLL and T-cells could improve their utility. In this study, using two distinct xenograft models, we investigated whether xenografts recapitulate CLL biology including natural environmental interactions with B-cell receptors and T-cells and whether manipulation of autologous T-cells can expand the duration of CLL engraftment. We observed that primary CLL xenografts recapitulated both the tumour phenotype and T-cell repertoire observed in patients and that engraftment was significantly shorter for progressive tumours. Reduction of patients’ T-cells to 2-5% of the initial T-cell number or specific depletion of CD8+ cells extended the limited xenograft duration of progressive cases to that characteristic of indolent disease. We conclude that manipulation of T-cells can enhance current CLL xenograft models expanding their utility for investigation of tumour biology and pre-clinical drug assessment.
Dynamic Epistemic Logic and Logical Omniscience
Authors: Rasmussen Mattias Skipper
Published: August 2015

Epistemic logics based on the possible worlds semantics suffer from the problem of logical omniscience, whereby agents are described as knowing all logical consequences of what they know, including all tautologies. This problem is doubly challenging: on the one hand, agents should be treated as logically non-omniscient, and on the other hand, as moderately logically competent. Many responses to logical omniscience fail to meet this double challenge because the concepts of knowledge and reasoning are not properly separated. In this paper, I present a dynamic logic of knowledge that models an agent’s epistemic state as it evolves over the course of reasoning. I show that the logic does not sacrifice logical competence on the altar of logical non-omniscience.
Punishment of Serious Human Rights Violations by Changing Internal Moral Codes
Authors: Williams Katherine S.
Published: August 2015

The modern era has awoken a period of extreme terror used both by states and against them to attack peoples or their way of life. Modernity also gave rise to human rights, humanitarian ideals and with the rule of law; a growing belief in the power of law to deliver safety and justice. Unfortunately, neither internal state nor international law has yet delivered a just system of dealing with these problems. Even when called to account punishment falls short of what many expect. Law and punishment have been unable to deal with the fractured locus of power and legal requirements and the torn moral allegiance that often accompany human rights atrocities. International law fails to deliver either retribution or deterrence. Law (international and state) and punishment need to search for a different focus, one designed to sustain and promote human rights, one which might restore communities and individuals back into the rights family. Duff's expressive theory of punishment offers a solution. It expects clear and wide condemnation of atrocities to be expressed whilst guiding perpetrators to face their moral guilt, to publicly repent and improve their moral standing so permitting reintegration into the international community.
E. Stanley and J. McCulloch (EDS),
State Crime and Resistance
Authors: Blagg Harry
Published: August 2015

None
A case of neonatal toxic shock syndrome-like exanthematous disease concurrent with maternal toxic shock syndrome
Authors: Honda Yoshitaka , Mizumoto Hiroshi , Hata Atsuko , Hata Daisuke
Published: August 2015

Background:Neonatal toxic shock syndrome-like exanthematous disease (NTED) and toxic shock syndrome (TSS) are both caused by the bacterial superantigen, toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1), which is mainly produced by methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA). However, the coincidence of NTED and maternal TSS has yet to be reported.

Cases:A 4-day-old full-term infant showed a typical clinical profile and laboratory findings that matched the criteria for the diagnosis of NTED, resulting in complete remission after 7 days. Fever and a skin rash were observed in the mother of the infant 3 days postpartum. In both cases, marked expansion and activation of Vβ2+ T cells in the peripheral blood was confirmed by flow cytometry. Anti-TSST-1 antibody was not detected in the mother nor in the infant.

Conclusion:Obstetricians should consider TSS for the differential diagnosis of puerperal fever and systemic erythema if the infant develops NTED.
Mathematical Modeling of Thin-Layer Solar Drying for Yarrow, Coriander and Hollyhock
Authors: Amanlou Yasaman , Tavakoli Hashjin Teymour , Ghobadian Barat , Najafi Gholamhassan
Published: August 2015

The objective of this study is to investigate the drying kinetics of Yarrow, Coriander and Hollyhock flowers. These three medicinal products were dried using a solar hybrid photovoltaic-thermal dryer. The drying process was examined at the air temperatures of 40°C, 50°C and 60°C and air velocities of 0.5, 1 and 1.5 m/s. The experimental drying data were fitted to different theoretical models to predict the drying kinetics. Nonlinear regression analysis was performed to relate the parameters of the model with the drying conditions. The performance of these models was evaluated by comparing the correlation coefficient (

R
2

$${R^2}$$

), root mean square error (RMSE) and the chi-square (

χ
2

$${\chi ^2}$$

) between the observed and the predicted moisture ratios. Among all the models, the exponential two-term was found to have the best fit in this study. Also the influence of plant type, air temperature and velocity was investigated.
Synthesis and properties of high temperature resistant and salt tolerant filtrate reducer N,N-dimethylacrylamide 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propyl dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride N-vinylpyrrolidone quadripolymer
Authors: Zhao Zhengguo , Pu Xiaolin , Xiao Luo , Wang Gui , Su Junlin , He Mingmin
Published: August 2015

N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAA), 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propyl (AMPS), dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (DMDAAC) and N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) monomers were copolymerized to synthesize a zwitterionic copolymer filtrate reducer. The results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) indicated that the molecular structure and chemical compositions of the quadripolymer matched with the design, and the result of the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)-thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the polymer had good thermal stability. The effects of the quadripolymer on the properties and salt tolerance of drilling fluids were investigated. The environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) was used to observe the microstructure of the DMAA/AMPS/DMDAAC/NVP quadripolymer-bentonite system and filter cake of the drilling fluid added the copolymer. Results showed that a one space grid structure was formed by the molecular film with a hydrophobic association effect and electrostatic interaction between the groups in the positive and negative charges of the quadripolymer. It adsorbed and coated clay particles, and kept the particles distributing multilevels which contributed to forming a compact filter cake to reduce fluid loss. The spatial structure of the quadripolymer in drilling fluid could be destroyed partly by high temperatures, sodium and calcium, but the polymer still had a good effect on reducing fluid filtration.
UV-VIS Absorption Spectra of Molten AgCl and AgBr and of their Mixtures with Group I and II Halide Salts
Authors: Greening Giorgio G.W.
Published: August 2015

The UV-VIS absorption spectra of (Ag1-X[Li-Cs, Ba]X)Cl and of (Ag1-X[Na, K, Cs]X)Br at 823 K at the concentrations X=0.0, 0.1, 0.2 have been measured. The findings show that on adding the respective halides to molten silver chloride and silver bromide, shifts of the fundamental absorption edge to shorter wavelengths result. A correlation between the observed shifts and the expansion of the silver sub-lattice is found, which is valid for both silver halide systems studied in this work.
Synthesis and structural characterization of a novel copper(II)/lead(II) heterometallic organic–inorganic hybrid
Authors: Wang Gao-Feng , Zhang Xiao , Sun Shu-Wen , Yao Chen-Zhong , Liu Zhao-Rong , Wang Yu-Chun , Liu Yuan-Zhong
Published: August 2015

A new copper(II)/lead(II) complex [(terpy)3CuPb5Br12] (1) (terpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) has been synthesized and characterized by IR, elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The copper(II) and lead(II) ions in the title complex are in distorted six- (Cu(II), Pb(II)) and eight-fold (Pb(II)) coordination environments, in which the donor atoms are provided by bromide anions and nitrogen atoms of the 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine ligands. Complex 1 contains [(terpy)4Pb9Br20]2– building blocks. These bromoplumbate(II) clusters are connected by (terpy)2Cu2Br4 units along the crystallographic b axis and by PbBr6 units along the a axis, thereby forming an extended sheet structure.
Large-Scale Phenotype-Based Antiepileptic Drug Screening in a Zebrafish Model of Dravet Syndrome
Authors: Dinday Matthew T. , Baraban Scott C.
Published: August 2015

Mutations in a voltage-gated sodium channel (SCN1A) result in Dravet Syndrome (DS), a catastrophic childhood epilepsy. Zebrafish with a mutation inscn1Labrecapitulate salient phenotypes associated with DS, including seizures, early fatality, and resistance to antiepileptic drugs. To discover new drug candidates for the treatment of DS, we screened a chemical library of ∼1000 compounds and identified 4 compounds that rescued the behavioral seizure component, including 1 compound (dimethadione) that suppressed associated electrographic seizure activity. Fenfluramine, but not huperzine A, also showed antiepileptic activity in our zebrafish assays. The effectiveness of compounds that block neuronal calcium current (dimethadione) or enhance serotonin signaling (fenfluramine) in our zebrafish model suggests that these may be important therapeutic targets in patients with DS. Over 150 compounds resulting in fatality were also identified. We conclude that the combination of behavioral and electrophysiological assays provide a convenient, sensitive, and rapid basis for phenotype-based drug screening in zebrafish mimicking a genetic form of epilepsy.
Informatics Systems and Tools to Facilitate Patient-centered Care Coordination
Authors: Kneale L. , Demiris G.
Published: August 2015

Introduction: There is a growing international focus on patient-centered care. A model designed to facilitate this type of care in the primary care setting is the patient-centered medical home. This model of care strives to be patient-focused, comprehensive, team-based, coordinated, accessible, and focused on quality and safety of care.

Objective: The objective of this paper is to identify the current status and future trends of patient-centered care and the role of informatics systems and tools in facilitating this model of care. Methods: In this paper we review recent scientific literature of the past four years to identify trends and state of current evidence when it comes to patient-centered care overall, and more specifically medical homes.

Results: There are several studies that indicate growth and development in seven informatics areas within patient-centered care, namely clinical decision support, registries, team care, care transitions, personal health records, telehealth, and measurement. In some cases we are still lacking large randomized clinical trials and the evidence base is not always solid, but findings strongly indicate the potential of informatics to support patient-centered care.

Conclusion: Current evidence indicates that advancements have been made in implementing and evaluating patient-centered care models. Technical, legal, and practical challenges still remain. Further examination of the impact of patient-centered informatics tools and systems on clinical outcomes is needed.
Bioinformatics Methods and Tools to Advance Clinical Care
Authors: Lecroq T. , Soualmia L. F. ,   Section Editors for the IMIA Yearbook Section on Bioinformatics and Translational Informatics
Published: August 2015

Objectives: To summarize excellent current research in the field of Bioinformatics and Translational Informatics with application in the health domain and clinical care.

Method: We provide a synopsis of the articles selected for the IMIA Yearbook 2015, from which we attempt to derive a synthetic overview of current and future activities in the field. As last year, a first step of selection was performed by querying MEDLINE with a list of MeSH descriptors completed by a list of terms adapted to the section. Each section editor has evaluated separately the set of 1,594 articles and the evaluation results were merged for retaining 15 articles for peer-review.

Results: The selection and evaluation process of this Yearbook’s section on Bioinformatics and Translational Informatics yielded four excellent articles regarding data management and genome medicine that are mainly tool-based papers. In the first article, the authors present PPISURV a tool for uncovering the role of specific genes in cancer survival outcome. The second article describes the classifier PredictSNP which combines six performing tools for predicting disease-related mutations. In the third article, by presenting a high-coverage map of the human proteome using high resolution mass spectrometry, the authors highlight the need for using mass spectrometry to complement genome annotation. The fourth article is also related to patient survival and decision support. The authors present datamining methods of large-scale datasets of past transplants. The objective is to identify chances of survival.

Conclusions: The current research activities still attest the continuous convergence of Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics, with a focus this year on dedicated tools and methods to advance clinical care. Indeed, there is a need for powerful tools for managing and interpreting complex, large-scale genomic and biological datasets, but also a need for user-friendly tools developed for the clinicians in their daily practice. All the recent research and development efforts contribute to the challenge of impacting clinically the obtained results towards a personalized medicine.
Information Technology for Clinical, Translational and Comparative Effectiveness Research
Authors: Choquet R. , Daniel C. ,   Section Editors for the IMIA Yearbook Section on Clinical Research Informatics
Published: August 2015

Objectives: To select and summarize key constributions to current research and to select best papers published in 2014 in the field of Clinical Research Informatics (CRI).

Method: A bibliographic search using a combination of MeSH and free terms search over PubMed on Clinical Research Informatics (CRI) was performed followed by a double-blind literature review.

Results: The review process yielded four papers, illustrating various aspects of current research efforts done in the area of CRI. The first paper exemplifies the process of developping a domain ontology for integrating structured, unstructured, and signal data into a coherent structure for patient care as well as clinical research. In the second paper, the authors analysed in five sites’ hospital information system environments in Germany the possibility of implementing a patient recruitment process and provided recommendations for the development of dedicated patient recruitment modules. The third paper describes the IMI EHR4CR project which developed an instance of a platform, providing communication, security and semantic interoperability services to the eleven participating hospitals and ten pharmaceutical companies located in seven European countries. The last paper describes the relation between health status severity and the availability of data in EHR systems. They demonstrate that it introduces a biasis in patient selection for clinical research.

Conclusions: Distributed research networks are growing in importance for clinical research and population health surveillance and current research demonstartes that different projects and initiatives could be well placed to deliver international scale solutions to enable the reuse of hospital EHR data to support clinical research studies. Selected articles demonstrate the potential of formal representation of multimodal and multi-level data in supporting data interoperability across clinical research and care domains. With the development of pragmatic research, designed with input from health systems and producing evidence that can be readily used to improve care, a key issue for “learning health care organizations” is to systematically assess the quality of their data.
Findings from the Clinical Information Systems Perspective
Authors: Ganslandt T. , Hackl W.O. ,   Section Editors for the IMIA Yearbook Section on Clinical Information Systems
Published: August 2015

Objective: To summarize recent research and to propose a selection of best papers published in 2014 in the field of Clinical Information Systems (CIS).

Method: A query with search terms from the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) catalog as well as additional free text search terms was designed to identify relevant publications in the field of clinical information systems from PubMed and Web of Science®. The retrieved articles were then categorized in a multi-pass review carried out separately by the section editors. The final selection of 15 candidate papers was then peer-reviewed by Yearbook editors and external reviewers. Based on the review results the four best papers were then selected at the best papers selection meeting with the IMIA Yearbook editorial board.

Results: The query was carried out in mid-January 2015, yielding a combined result set of 1525 articles which were published in 722 different journals. Among these articles two main thematic sections were identified: i) Interoperability from a syntactical and semantic point of view as well as from a long-term preservation and organizational/legal point of view and ii) secondary use of existing health data in all its shades. Here, patient safety was a major scope of application.

Conclusions: CIS have become mature over the last years. The focus has now moved beyond data acquisition for just supporting the local care workflows. Actual research efforts in the CIS domain comprise the breakdown of information silos, the reduction of barriers between different systems of different care providers and secondary use of accumulated health data for multiple purposes.
Knowledge Representation and Management. From Ontology to Annotation
Authors: Darmoni S.J. , Charlet J. ,   Section Editors for the IMIA Yearbook Section on Knowledge Representation and Management
Published: August 2015

Objective: To summarize the best papers in the field of Knowledge Representation and Management (KRM).

Methods: A comprehensive review of medical informatics literature was performed to select some of the most interesting papers of KRM published in 2014.

Results: Four articles were selected, two focused on annotation and information retrieval using an ontology. The two others focused mainly on ontologies, one dealing with the usage of a temporal ontology in order to analyze the content of narrative document, one describing a methodology for building multi-lingual ontologies.

Conclusion: Semantic models began to show their efficiency, coupled with annotation tools.
Promoter-specific regulation of PPARGC1A gene expression in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Popov Daniil V , Lysenko Evgeny A , Vepkhvadze Tatiana F , Kurochkina Nadia S , Maknovskii Pavel A , Vinogradova Olga L
Published: August 2015

The goal of this study was to identify unknown transcription start sites of thePPARGC1A(PGC-1α) gene in human skeletal muscle and investigate the promoter-specific regulation ofPGC-1αgene expression in human skeletal muscle. Ten amateur endurance-trained athletes performed high- and low-intensity exercise sessions (70 min, 70% or 50%o2max). High-throughput RNA sequencing and exon–exon junction mapping were applied to analyse muscle samples obtained at rest and after exercise.PGC-1αpromoter-specific expression and activation of regulators of PGC-1α gene expression (AMPK, p38 MAPK, CaMKII, PKA and CREB1) after exercise were evaluated using qPCR and western blot. Our study has demonstrated that during post-exercise recovery, human skeletal muscle expresses thePGC-1αgene via two promoters only. As previously described, the additional exon 7a that contains a stop codon was found in all samples. Importantly, only minor levels of other splice site variants were found (and not in all samples). Constitutive expressionPGC-1αgene occurs via the canonical promoter, independent of exercise intensity and exercise-induced increase of AMPKThr172phosphorylation level. Expression ofPGC-1αgene via the alternative promoter is increased of two orders after exercise. This post-exercise expression is highly dependent on the intensity of exercise. There is an apparent association between expression via the alternative promoter and activation of CREB1.
Starting to fill the gap: first record of Tantilla supracincta (Peters, 1863) (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Colombia
Authors: Hurtado-Gómez Juan Pablo , Grisales-Martínez Freddy Alexander , Rendón-Valencia Beatriz Elena
Published: August 2015

We report for the first time the occurrence of Tantilla supracincta in Colombia based on a road killed specimen found in the Pacific foothills of the Andes in the department of Antioquia, filling a gap of approximately 870 km in its distribution and extending by 473 m its altitudinal range.
Elaphoglossum discolor (Kuhn) C.Chr. (Dryopteridaceae, Polypodiales, Monilophyta): first record for the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Lehn Carlos Rodrigo , Assis Elton Luis Monteiro de , Neves Danilo Mesquita
Published: August 2015

Elaphoglossum discolor was recently discovered and collected on the Urucum plateau of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, lying in the western outskirts of the Pantanal flood plain. This is the southernmost distribution of E. discolor in Brazil.
First record of the myxomycete genus Colloderma in Central America
Authors: Rojas Alvarado Carlos , Lado Rodríguez Carlos , Valverde González Randall
Published: August 2015

The myxomycete genus Colloderma and the species Colloderma oculatum are reported for the first time in Central America. The species was recorded in the high elevations of the Talamanca Mountain Range in Costa Rica during 2014 in a location where the structure of myxomycete assemblages has been historically associated with temperate rather than tropical communities. Comments on the geographical distribution and ecology of the species are included. This record has increased the number of Costa Rican myxomycetes to 213 according to the most updated checklist.
Progressively approaching the distribution of Passiflora ischnoclada (Passifloraceae) from a single occurrence record
Authors: Giovanni Renato De , Bernacci Luís Carlos
Published: August 2015

Until recently, Passiflora ischnoclada was only known from a single occurrence record. In this paper we describe how different ecological niche modelling techniques were successively used to generate better potential distribution models for the species and guide field work. At each step, new records were found until the species’ real distribution was approximated based on a model ensemble created with five different algorithms. The estimated distribution is concentrated on a single area of 84 km2 where the species is considered endangered.
Tree species of the Himalayan Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, India: a checklist
Authors: Bajpai Omesh , Kumar Anoop , Srivastava Awadhesh Kumar , Kushwaha Arun Kumar , Pandey Jitendra , Chaudhary Lal Babu
Published: August 2015

The study catalogues a sum of 278 tree species belonging to 185 genera and 57 families from the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh. The family Fabaceae has been found to exhibit the highest generic and species diversity with 23 genera and 44 species. The genus Ficus of Moraceae has been observed the largest with 15 species. About 50% species exhibit deciduous nature in the forest. Out of total species occurring in the region, about 63% are native to India. Almost all tree species have some importance in one and another way for the local people. In the study area about 80 species flower in the spring, 74 in the summer, 73 in the winter and 30 in rainy season. As per the existing IUCN Red List, 24 species of the area fall under different categories. Presence of these red listed trees in the study area enhances the importance of their proper management and conservation plan.
Krock mellan representativ demokrati och partidemokrati
Authors: Hagevi Magnus
Published: August 2015

Abstract saknas
Evaluating Autologous Lipofilling for Parry-Romberg Syndrome–Associated Defects: A Systematic Literature Review and Case Report
Authors: Rodby Katherine A. , Kaptein Yvonne E. , Roring James , Jacobs Ryan J. , Kang Vicky , Quinn Karina P. , Antony Anuja K.
Published: August 2015

Background

Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS) is a rare craniofacial disease that causes progressive hemifacial atrophy of the soft tissue before spontaneously entering remission. Autologous fat grafting may provide a less invasive alternative, producing aesthetically pleasing results while avoiding the need for traditional microsurgical free flap coverage.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. The case report highlights the technique using two-dimensional and three-dimensional photography.

Results

Our review yielded 31 articles in addition to our case describing 147 cases of lipofilling to correct PRS soft-tissue defects. Patients underwent an average of 2.2 procedures, receiving on average 95 mL of grafted fat. Disease severity was classified into mild (41%), moderate (42%), and severe (17%) in the identified patients. Increasing disease severity correlated with an increasing number of procedures and fat-grafting volumes to achieve adequate aesthetic outcomes (mean, 1.5 and 38 mL; 2.3 and 81 mL; 3.7 and 129 mL, respectively). Reported benefits over flap-based reconstructions included reductions in cost (40%), operative time (50%), donor-site morbidity (52%), and rate of complications (33%). Aesthetic benefits cited included improved skin quality (65%), more natural contours (1%), and more natural facial expressions (10%).

Conclusion

Fat grafting for correction of PRS-associated soft-tissue defects is receiving heightened acceptance for its ability to restore natural facial contours. While additional fat-grafting procedures may be required with increased disease severity, autologous fat grafting may be a beneficial option as a sole modality to correct PRS-associated soft-tissue atrophy.
Malt Barley Yield and Quality Affected by Irrigation, Tillage, Crop Rotation, and Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Stevens William B. , Sainju Upendra M. , Caesar‐TonThat Thecan , Iversen William M.
Published: August 2015

Little is known about the comparison of management practices on malt barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) yield and quality in irrigated and non‐irrigated cropping systems. We evaluated the effects of irrigation, tillage, cropping system, and N fertilization on malt barley yield and quality in a sandy loam soil from 2005 to 2011 in croplands converted from Conservation Reserve Program in western North Dakota. Treatments were two irrigation practices (irrigated vs. non‐irrigated) and five cropping systems (conventional till malt barley with nitrogen fertilizer [CTBN], conventional till malt barley without nitrogen fertilizer [CTBO], no‐till malt barley–pea [Pisum sativum L.] with nitrogen fertilizer [NTB–P], no‐till malt barley with nitrogen fertilizer [NTBN], and no‐till malt barley without nitrogen fertilizer [NTBO]). Malt barley biomass and grain yields were greater with NTB–P, CTBN, and NTBN than CTBO and NTBO in the irrigated and non‐irrigated practices. Compared with CTBO and NTBO, grain protein concentration was greater with CTBN in the irrigated practice and greater with NTB‐P in the non‐irrigated practice. Grain plumpness was greater with CTBO than CTBN in the irrigated practice and greater with CTBN than NTB–P in the non‐irrigated practice. Plant stand and test weight were greater with CTBO than CTBN in the irrigated practice and harvest index greater with NTBO than other treatments in the non‐irrigated practice. Because of similar or superior yield and quality, NTB–P may be used to sustain malt barley yield and quality compared with the traditional CTBN in the irrigated condition and during years with adequate precipitation in the non‐irrigated condition.
ATES: a geo-informatics decision aid tool for the integration of groundwater into land planning
Authors: Lavoie Roxane , Joerin Florent , Rodriguez Manuel
Published: August 2015

Groundwater is the primary source of drinking water for small municipalities and individuals. However, groundwater can be polluted by almost any land use. Consequently, many governments have acquired groundwater information in the aim of protecting the resource. Nevertheless, the resulting data are often ill-fitted to planning needs. In a previous study, a method was developed to help planners interpret hydrogeological data. It combines land planning and hydrogeological data through multicriteria analysis, in order to obtain groundwater contamination risk maps. The method proved efficient and useful. However, it could not be easily implemented by land planners, who do not always have training with these types of data and geographical information system (GIS). This paper presents how the method was integrated into a web-based interface called Aménagement du Territoire et Eau Souterraine (ATES). ATES allows planners to view groundwater basic maps, evaluate the present contamination risk for groundwater, and analyse new planning scenarios. ATES also suggests mitigation measures and offers tools to discuss the possible solutions. The tool has been developed, tested and validated with land planners. To our knowledge, it is the first geo-informatics tool developed especially for planners that aims at facilitating the incorporation of groundwater into planning. Moreover, an innovative approach called MACBETH was used for data aggregation, a novelty in groundwater management and spatial data integration.
A novel hybrid neural network based on continuity equation and fuzzy pattern-recognition for downstream daily river discharge forecasting
Authors: Chen Xiao-yun , Chau Kwok-wing , Wang Wen-chuan
Published: August 2015

Forecasting of river discharge is crucial in hydrology and hydraulic engineering owing to its use in the design and management of water resource projects. The problem is customarily settled with data-driven models. In this research, a novel hybrid model which combines continuity equation and fuzzy pattern-recognition concept with artificial neural network (ANN), is presented for downstream river discharge forecasting in a river network. Time-varying water storage in a river station and fuzzy feature of river flow are considered accordingly. To verify the proposed model, traditional ANN model, fuzzy pattern-recognition neural network model, and hydrological modeling network model have been employed as the benchmark models. The root mean squared error, Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient and accuracy are adopted as evaluation criteria. The proposed hybrid model is applied to compute downstream river discharge in the Yellow River, Georgia, USA. Results indicate that the proposed hybrid model delivers better performance, which can effectively improve forecasting capability at the studied station. It is, therefore, proposed as a novel model for downstream river discharge forecasting because of its highly nonlinear, fuzzy and non-stationary properties.
Using SWAT to simulate streamflow in Huifa River basin with ground and Fengyun precipitation data
Authors: Zhu Honglei , Li Ying , Liu Zhaoli , Shi Xiaoliang , Fu Bolin , Xing Zefeng
Published: August 2015

High-resolution satellite precipitation products, which can provide a reasonable depiction of the spatial extent of rainfall, have been increasingly used to model hydrological processes. In this study, we introduced important satellite rainfall data – Fengyun (FY) precipitation product, and evaluated the data through streamflow simulation using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool model in Huifa River basin, China. Three precipitation inputs were conducted to investigate the simulation performance of the FY precipitation product: (1) available rain gauges within the watershed; (2) pixel values of FY-2 precipitation products nearest to the geographic centers of the subbasins; and (3) mean values of FY-2 precipitation pixels within the subbasins. The results showed that good model performance (deﬁned as: NSE > 0.75; Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency: NSE) was achieved for all precipitation inputs both in the calibration and validation period. Best streamflow simulation was obtained when the model was calibrated with the third precipitation input, with NSE 0.86 and 0.84, R2 0.86 and 0.86 in the calibration and validation period. This study reveals that the FY precipitation product is a significant data source in modeling hydrological processes. Moreover, it is reasonable to use the mean values of the satellite precipitation pixels within the subbasins.
A comparative evaluation of shear stress modeling based on machine learning methods in small streams
Authors: Genç Onur , Gonen Bilal , Ardıçlıoğlu Mehmet
Published: August 2015

Predicting shear stress distribution has proved to be a critical problem to solve. Hence, the basic objective of this paper is to develop a prediction of shear stress distribution by machine learning algorithms including artificial neural networks, classification and regression tree, generalized linear models. The data set, which is large and feature-rich, is utilized to improve machine learning-based predictive models and extract the most important predictive factors. The 10-fold cross-validation approach was used to determine the performances of prediction methods. The predictive performances of the proposed models were found to be very close to each other. However, the results indicated that the artificial neural network, which has the R value of 0.92 ± 0.03, achieved the best classification performance overall accuracy on the 10-fold holdout sample. The predictions of all machine learning models were well correlated with measurement data.
Notch1 and Notch2 in Podocytes Play Differential Roles During Diabetic Nephropathy Development
Authors: Sweetwyne Mariya T. , Gruenwald Antje , Niranjan Thiruvur , Nishinakamura Ryuichi , Strobl Lothar J. , Susztak Katalin
Published: August 2015

Notch pathway activation in podocytes has been shown to play an important role in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) development; however, the receptors and ligands involved in the process have not been identified. Here, we report that conditional deletion of Notch1 in podocytes using NPHS2creNotch1flox/flox animals resulted in marked amelioration of DKD. On the contrary, podocyte-specific genetic deletion of Notch2 had no effect on albuminuria and mesangial expansion. Notch1-null podocytes were protected from apoptosis and dedifferentiation in vitro, likely explaining the protective phenotype in vivo. Deletion of Notch1 in podocytes also resulted in an increase in Notch2 expression, indicating an interaction between the receptors. At the same time, transgenic overexpression of Notch2 in podocytes did not induce phenotypic changes, while constitutive expression of Notch1 caused rapid development of albuminuria and glomerulosclerosis. In summary, our studies indicate that Notch1 plays a distinct (nonredundant) role in podocytes during DKD development.
Anti-CD3/Anti-CXCL10 Antibody Combination Therapy Induces a Persistent Remission of Type 1 Diabetes in Two Mouse Models
Authors: Lasch Stanley , Müller Peter , Bayer Monika , Pfeilschifter Josef M. , Luster Andrew D. , Hintermann Edith , Christen Urs
Published: August 2015

Anti-CD3 therapy of type 1 diabetes results in a temporary halt of its pathogenesis but does not constitute a permanent cure. One problem is the reinfiltration of islets of Langerhans with regenerated, autoaggressive lymphocytes. We aimed at blocking such a reentry by neutralizing the key chemokine CXCL10. Combination therapy of diabetic RIP-LCMV and NOD mice with anti-CD3 and anti-CXCL10 antibodies caused a substantial remission of diabetes and was superior to monotherapy with anti-CD3 or anti-CXCL10 alone. The combination therapy prevented islet-specific T cells from reentering the islets of Langerhans and thereby blocked the autodestructive process. In addition, the local immune balance in the pancreas was shifted toward a regulatory phenotype. A sequential temporal inactivation of T cells and blockade of T-cell migration might constitute a novel therapy for patients with type 1 diabetes.
On-site veterinary medical evaluation and care of working dogs and horses at the 2012 Republican National Convention
Authors: Chatfield Jenifer A. , Dewell Reneé , Miranda Astrid J. , Wilcox Stefania , Vannieuwenhoven Ty J.
Published: August 2015

Objective—To describe on-site veterinary medical care for working dogs and horses deployed for the 2012 Republican National Convention (RNC) in Tampa, Fla, August 24 to 30, 2012.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Sample—130 dogs and 45 horses.

Procedures—Data collected included breed, age, history, task assignment, reason for evaluation, and physical examination findings. A patient encounter report was recorded each time an animal was seen by veterinary staff for a physical evaluation.

Results—46 of the 130 (35%) dogs and all 45 (100%) horses underwent at least 1 on-site veterinary evaluation, for a total of 478 patient encounters. The most common reason for an on-site veterinary evaluation was a wellness check (446 patient encounters). On the basis of veterinary recommendations, 1 dog and 4 horses were removed from continued service for the duration of the event. In addition, 1 dog and 1 horse were removed from active service for 12 to 24 hours but allowed to return to service for the duration of the event following a veterinary reevaluation.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that working dogs and horses deployed for large planned events face different health concerns, compared with concerns previously reported for animals deployed following disasters. Pre-event planning and training of handlers and riders may have helped reduce the number of health concerns, particularly health concerns related to high heat. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2015;247:539–541)
Association of IL13R Alpha 1 + 1398A/G Polymorphism in a North Indian Population with Asthma: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Sinha Shweta , Singh Jagtar , Kumar Jindal Surinder , Birbian Niti
Published: August 2015

Background

Interleukin 13 (IL13) is directly involved in the secretion of total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), which plays a major role in the asthma pathogenesis.

Objective

One of the polymorphic receptor of IL13 is IL13Rα1, which after binding to IL13, initiates signal transduction that results in mucin secretion, airway hyperreactivity, fibrosis, and chitinase up-regulation, which increases asthma risk.

Methods

In the present study, the role of IL13Rα1 + 1398A/G gene polymorphisms in asthma was detected with a total of 964 individuals, including 483 healthy controls and 481 asthma patients from a North Indian population using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method.

Results

Statistical analysis revealed that the mutant allele (G) is predominant in asthma patients (42.7%) than the controls (38.2%), which shows an increased risk toward asthma with odds ratio = 1.21, 95% confidence interval (1.00 −1.45), χ2 = 4.10 and p = 0.043. Furthermore, the phenotypic characteristics also reveal a significant association with the disease (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This is the first study conducted in India and + 1398A/G polymorphism in noncoding region of IL13Rα1 confer risk toward asthma in the studied population.