bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural killer group 2D and CD28 receptors differentially activate mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin to alter murine effector CD8+ T‐cell differentiation
Authors: McQueen Bryan , Trace Kelsey , Whitman Emily , Bedsworth Taylor , Barber Amorette
Published: December 2015

Memory CD8+ T cells are an essential component of anti‐tumour and anti‐viral immunity. Activation of the mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway has been implicated in regulating the differentiation of effector and memory T cells. However, the mechanisms that control mTOR activity during immunity to tumours and infections are not well known. Activation of co‐stimulatory receptors, including CD28 and natural killer group 2D (NKG2D), activate phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase and subsequently may activate the mTOR pathway in CD8+ T cells. This study compared the activation of the mTOR signalling pathway after co‐stimulation through CD28 or NKG2D receptors in murine effector CD8+ T cells. Compared with CD28 co‐stimulation, activation through CD3 and NKG2D receptors had weaker activation of mTORc1, as shown by decreased phosphorylation of mTORc1 targets S6K1, ribosomal protein S6 and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1. NKG2D co‐stimulation also showed increased gene expression of tuberous sclerosis protein 2, a negative regulator of mTORc1, whereas CD28 co‐stimulation increased gene expression of Ras homologue enriched in brain, an activator of mTORc1, and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and vascular endothelial growth factor‐α, pro‐angiogenic factors downstream of mTORc1. Strong mTORc1 activation in CD28‐co‐stimulated cells also increased expression of transcription factors that support effector cell differentiation, namely T‐bet, B lymphocyte‐induced maturation protein (BLIMP‐1), interferon regulatory factor 4, and inhibitor of DNA binding 2, whereas low levels of mTORc1 activation allowed for the expression of Eomes, B‐cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6), and inhibitor of DNA binding 3 during NKG2D stimulation, and increased expression of memory markers CD62 ligand and CD127. These data show that compared with CD28, co‐stimulation through the NKG2D receptor leads to the differential activation of the mTOR signalling pathway and potentially supports memory CD8+ T‐cell differentiation.
Selecting Adaptive Survey Design Strata with Partial R‐indicators
Authors: Schouten Barry , Shlomo Natalie
Published: December 2015

Recent survey literature shows an increasing interest in survey designs that adapt data collection to characteristics of the survey target population. Given a specified quality objective function, the designs attempt to find an optimal balance between quality and costs. Finding the optimal balance may not be straightforward as corresponding optimisation problems are often highly non‐linear and non‐convex. In this paper, we discuss how to choose strata in such designs and how to allocate these strata in a sequential design with two phases. We use partial R‐indicators to build profiles of the data units where more or less attention is required in the data collection. In allocating cases, we look at two extremes: surveys that are run only once, or infrequent, and surveys that are run continuously. We demonstrate the impact of the sample size in a simulation study and provide an application to a real survey, the Dutch Crime Victimisation Survey.
An Extended Mohr–Coulomb Model for Fracture Strength of Intact Brittle Materials Under Ultrahigh Pressures
Authors: Shafiq Muhammad , Subhash Ghatu
Published: December 2015

An extended Mohr–Coulomb model is proposed to represent the pressure‐dependent strength of intact structural ceramics under quasi‐static and dynamic loading rates at high pressures. A plot of normalized shear stress versus hydrostatic pressure for a range of structural ceramics revealed that despite the differences in material properties, test methods, and strain rates, the failure strength data fall in a narrow range, which can be represented by a unified model. The overall deformation behavior of structural ceramics and their strain rate dependence of strength in multiaxial loading at high pressure beyond Hugoniot elastic limit (HEL) can be explained by an exponential pressure dependence in the Mohr–Coulomb model. The analysis also suggests that the influence of strain rate on strength of a ceramic diminishes with increase in confinement pressure.
Significant Improvement of Superconducting Properties in Nano‐NiFe2O4‐Doped Y–Ba–Cu–O Single‐Grain Superconductor
Authors: Li Guo‐Zheng , Dong Lei , Deng Xiang‐Yun
Published: December 2015

Introduction of refined second‐phase particles in superconducting YBa2Cu3O7−x (Y‐123) matrix is known to be an effective route to improve the δl‐type pinning and the performance of Y–Ba–Cu–O (YBCO) single‐grain superconductors, while the δTc‐type pinning induced by spatial fluctuations in matrix composition is also important and contributes to the in‐field Jc performance and high‐field applications of bulk superconductors. In this communication, chemical doping of nano‐sized NiFe2O4 (mean size 50 nm) in single‐grain YBCO superconductor is performed using a novel top‐seeded infiltration growth (TSIG) technique based on a solid source pellet (SSP) of nano‐Y2O3 + BaCuO2. The results indicate that, significant improvement of bulk performances including levitation force (33.93 N) and trapped field (0.3628 T) has been observed in the 0.2 wt% nano‐NiFe2O4‐doped sample, which are much higher than the undoped sample (28.81 N and 0.2754 T). Tc measurement indicates that, a decreased onset Tc of about 87.5 K and a broadened transition width of about 5 K are observed in the NiFe2O4‐doped sample, indicating appearance of weak superconducting regions in superconducting matrix caused by Ni and Fe substitutions in Y‐123 crystal lattice. This study supplies a practical approach to increase the YBCO bulk performance significantly.
Synthesis of [10Ῑ]‐Oriented (Na1−xKx)NbO3 Platelets by Using Hydrothermally Produced (K8−8xNa8x)Nb6O19·nH2O Precursor
Authors: Xu HaiBo , Seo In‐Tae , Hwang Bo‐Hee , Lee Tae‐Gon , Park Su‐Jin , Kim Bo‐Yun , Oh Joon‐hak , Nahm Sahn
Published: December 2015

Micrometer size [10] (N1−xKx)NbO3 (NKN) platelets were synthesized by annealing (K8−8xNa8x)Nb6O19·nH2O (KNNH) precursors at 500°C. The plate‐like KNNH precursors were produced from (1−y)NaOH‐yKOH + Nb2O5 specimens using the hydrothermal process at 160°C. The size of the NKN platelets was similar to that of the KNNH precursor, but the surfaces of the NKN platelets were rough while the KNNH precursor had a smooth surface. The formation of a rough surface is related to the vigorous evaporation of the H2O from the KNNH platelets during the annealing process at high temperatures. NKN platelets with smooth surfaces could be synthesized using KNNH platelets, which were heated to 150°C to evaporate H2O before annealing at 500°C. These NKN platelets can be used for the fabrication of textured NKN ceramics.
Functional Properties of Nd:YAG Polycrystalline Ceramics Processed by High‐Pressure Spark Plasma Sintering (HPSPS)
Authors: Sokol Maxim , Kalabukhov Sergey , Kasiyan Vladimir , Dariel Moshe P. , Frage Nachum
Published: December 2015

High‐pressure spark plasma sintering (HPSPS) was employed to fabricate polycrystalline Nd:YAG specimens with desired functional properties. Specimens fabricated under a uniaxial pressure of 300 MPa at 1300°C at a heating rate of 50°C/min and holding time of 60 min displayed submicrometer microstructure and elevated mechanical properties, including resistance to thermal shock. Optical properties (i.e., spectral transmittance, fluorescence emission spectra and fluorescence lifetime) of the HPSPS‐processed specimens were close to those obtained with specimens fabricated by conventional sintering procedure. Specifically, remarkable differences in threshold power and laser slope efficiency were found and attributed to the variance in Nd concentration in the specimens tested. The results of this study indicate that the low cost and timesaving HPSPS process allows for the fabrication of polycrystalline Nd:YAG specimens with optical properties suitable for laser applications.
NIR Enhancement Based on Energy Transfer Process of Ce3+–Yb3+ in Inverse Opal Photonic Crystals
Authors: Wang Qi , Qiu Jianbei , Song Zhiguo , Yang Zhengwen , Yin Zhaoyi , Zhou Dacheng , Wang Siqin
Published: December 2015

In this article, we fabricated Ce3+, Yb3+‐coped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) inverse opal photonic crystals by a self‐assembly technique in combination with a sol–gel method. The photonic band gap was located at 545 nm. With the influence of the photonic band gap, cooperative down‐conversion energy transfer process of Ce3+‐Yb3+ was investigated. It is significant that the energy transfer efficiency between Ce3+ and Yb3+ is enhanced from 29.6% to 47.6% by suppression of the yellow spontaneous emission of Ce3+. The mechanisms for the influence of the photonic band gap on cooperative down‐conversion process of Ce3+ and Yb3+ are discussed.
Mechanical Properties and Microstructural Characterization of Amorphous SiCxNy Thin Films After Annealing Beyond 1100°C
Authors: Ctvrtlik Radim , Kulikovsky Valeriy , Vorlicek Vladimir , Tomastik Jan , Drahokoupil Jan , Jastrabik Lubomir
Published: December 2015

The effect of thermal annealing on structure and mechanical properties of amorphous SiCxNy (y ≥ 0) thin films was investigated up to 1500°C in air and Ar. The SiCxNy films (2.2–3.4 μm) were deposited by reactive DC magnetron sputtering on Si, Al2O3 and α‐SiC substrates without intentional heating and at 600°C. The SiC target with small excess of carbon was sputtered at various N2/Ar gas flow ratios (0–0.48). The nitrogen content in the films changes in the range 0–43 at.%. Hardness and elastic modulus (nanoindentation), change in film thickness, film composition, and structure (Raman spectroscopy, XRD) were investigated in dependence on annealing temperature and nitrogen content. All SiCxNy films preserve their amorphous structure up to 1500°C. The hardness of all as‐deposited and both air‐ and Ar‐annealed SiCxNy films decreases with growth of nitrogen content. The annealing in Ar at temperatures of 1100°C–1300°C results in noticeable hardness growth despite the ordering of graphite‐like structure in carbon clusters in nitrogen free films. Unlike the SiC, this graphitization leads to hardness saturation of SiCN films starting above 900°C, especially for films with higher nitrogen content (deposited at higher N2/Ar). This indicates the practical hardness limit achievable by thermal treatment for SiCxNy films deposited on unheated substrates. The ordering in carbon phase is facilitated by the presence of nitrogen in the films and its extent is controlled by the N/C atomic ratio. The suppression of graphitization was observed for N/C ranging between 0.5–0.7. Films deposited at 600°C show higher hardness and oxidation resistance after annealing in comparison with those deposited on unheated substrates. Hardness reaches 40 GPa for SiC and ~28 GPa for SiCxNy (35 at.% of nitrogen). Such a high hardness of SiC film stems from its partial crystallization. Annealing of SiCxNy film (35 at.% of N) in Ar at 1400°C is accompanied by formation of numerous hillocks (indicating heterogeneous structure of amorphous films) and redistribution of film material.
A bridge too far: dispersal barriers and cryptic speciation in an Arabian Peninsula grouper (Cephalopholis hemistiktos)
Authors: Priest Mark A. , DiBattista Joseph D. , McIlwain Jennifer L. , Taylor Brett M. , Hussey Nigel E. , Berumen Michael L.
Published: December 2015

Aim

We use genetic and age‐based analyses to assess the evidence for a biogeographical barrier to larval dispersal in the yellowfin hind, Cephalopholis hemistiktos, a commercially important species found across the Arabian Peninsula.

Location

Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman and Arabian Gulf.

Methods

Mitochondrial DNA cytochrome‐c oxidase subunit‐I and nuclear DNA (S7) sequences were obtained for C. hemistiktos sampled throughout its distributional range. Phylogeographical and population‐level analyses were used to assess patterns of genetic structure and to identify barriers to dispersal. Concurrently, age‐based demographic analyses using otoliths determined differences in growth and longevity between regions.

Results

Our analyses revealed significant genetic structure congruent with growth parameter differences observed across sampling sites, suggesting cryptic speciation between populations in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden versus the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Gulf. Coalescence analyses indicated these two regions have been isolated for > 800,000 years.

Main conclusions

Our results indicate historical disruption to gene flow and a contemporary dispersal barrier in the Arabian Sea, which C. hemistiktos larvae are unable to effectively traverse. This provides yet another example of a (cryptic) species with high dispersive potential whose range is delimited by a lack of suitable habitat between locations or an inability to successfully recruit at the range edge.
Predictors and Reference Values of Pulse Wave Velocity in Prepubertal Angolan Children
Authors: Silva Amílcar B.T. , Capingana Daniel P. , Magalhães Pedro , Molina Maria del Carmen B. , Baldo Marcelo P. , Mill José Geraldo
Published: December 2015

Carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) has been used as the gold standard method to estimate arterial stiffness. However, its use in clinical practice is still limited because reference values for specific groups, such as black children, remain unknown. The authors aimed to investigate predictors and to propose preliminary reference values of PWV in this population. Prepubertal schoolchildren (N=157; mean age, 9.36±1.41 year) from Luanda (Angola) with normal blood pressure values and without obesity were included. Mean PWV was 5.73±0.68 m/s, with no difference between the sexes. Univariate regression analysis showed a significant (P<.05) positive correlation between PWV and height, age, body weight, lean body weight, and blood pressure. In multivariate analysis, however, only height remained an independent predictor of PWV [PWV=0.018×height (cm)+3.230]. Curves of PWV percentiles as a function of height are proposed, thus identifying normal PWV in black children.
Training in different brushing techniques in relation to efficacy of oral hygiene in young adults: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Harnacke Daniela , Stein Kathrin , Stein Patrick , Margraf‐Stiksrud Jutta , Deinzer Renate
Published: December 2015

Aim

This study aims to assess plaque scores after oral hygiene in an unselected sample of young German adults and to compare the effects of computer‐based training of the Fones versus the modified Bass technique on these scores.

Material and Methods

Seventy 18‐ to 19‐year olds received computer‐based training of the Fones technique, the modified Bass technique or basic instructions of oral hygiene alone (control group). The marginal plaque index (MPI; percentage of sections adjacent to the gingiva showing plaque) and BOP were assessed at baseline and after 6, 12 and 28 weeks. MPI was assessed immediately after participants had been asked to perform oral hygiene to the best of their abilities.

Results

At baseline, MPI levels of 83.3% ± 12.5 (mean ± SD) were observed. After 12 weeks, groups differed significantly (p < 0.05) with respect to MPI: Fones group: 70.3% ± 14.7; Bass group: 77.91 ± 14.37; control group: 79.3% ± 9.2. No differences in BOP were found.

Conclusions

High plaque levels at gingival margins after oral hygiene were observed in an unselected sample of young German adults. After 12 weeks, plaque levels after oral hygiene were slightly reduced in the group who had received training of the Fones technique but effects trailed off afterwards. The study failed to prove effects of the training on signs of gingival inflammation.
Predicting dyslexia using prereading skills: the role of sensorimotor and cognitive abilities
Authors: Carroll Julia M. , Solity Jonathan , Shapiro Laura R.
Published: December 2015

Background

It is well established that phonological awareness, print knowledge and rapid naming predict later reading difficulties. However, additional auditory, visual and motor difficulties have also been observed in dyslexic children. It is examined to what extent these difficulties can be used to predict later literacy difficulties.

Method

An unselected sample of 267 children at school entry completed a wide battery of tasks associated with dyslexia. Their reading was tested 2, 3 and 4 years later and poor readers were identified (n = 42). Logistic regression and multiple case study approaches were used to examine the predictive validity of different tasks.

Results

As expected, print knowledge, verbal short‐term memory, phonological awareness and rapid naming were good predictors of later poor reading. Deficits in visual search and in auditory processing were also present in a large minority of the poor readers. Almost all poor readers showed deficits in at least one area at school entry, but there was no single deficit that characterised the majority of poor readers.

Conclusions

Results are in line with Pennington's () multiple deficits view of dyslexia. They indicate that the causes of poor reading outcome are multiple, interacting and probabilistic, rather than deterministic.
Cluster‐randomized trial to improve the quality of diabetes management: The study for the efficacy assessment of the standard diabetes manual (SEAS‐DM)
Authors: Noto Hiroshi , Tanizawa Yukio , Aizawa Toru , Sone Hirohito , Yoshioka Narihito , Terauchi Yasuo , Inagaki Nobuya , Noda Mitsuhiko
Published: December 2015

Aims/Introduction

‘The Standard Diabetes Manual’ has been developed by clinical researchers from multiple major institutions in Japan, such as the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, as a comprehensive disease management program, including collaboration between primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialist services. The present study evaluated the efficacy of the manual as a quality improvement strategy in diabetes care by PCPs.

Materials and Methods

A total of 42 PCPs in eight domestic districts of the Japan Medical Association were allocated to either the intervention group or the control group in a cluster‐randomized design. The PCPs in both groups were provided with a copy of the Diabetes Treatment Guide published by the Japan Diabetes Society, and the PCPs in the intervention group additionally received a copy of the manual and a 30‐min relevant seminar at the inception of the intervention. The primary end‐point was the adherence to the following performances as quality indicators: evaluation of retinopathy, and urinary albumin excretion measurements and serum creatinine measurements, as recommended by the Japan Medical Association.

Results

A total of 416 patients were enrolled by 36 PCPs. During the 1‐year follow‐up period, the proportion of PCPs who adhered to recommendation‐concordant measurements of urinary albumin excretion was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (adherence: 17.9% vs 5.3%, P = 0.016). The other parameters were not statistically different between the two groups.

Conclusions

Implementation of ‘The Standard Diabetes Manual’ potentially leads to an improved quality of diabetes management by PCPs.
Combination therapy with liraglutide and insulin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: A 36‐week, randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group trial
Authors: Seino Yutaka , Kaneko Shizuka , Fukuda Shuichi , Osonoi Takeshi , Shiraiwa Toshihiko , Nishijima Keiji , Bosch‐Traberg Heidrun , Kaku Kohei
Published: December 2015

Aims/Introduction

To assess efficacy and safety of liraglutide in combination with insulin compared with insulin monotherapy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and methods

This was a 36‐week, multicenter, double‐blind, parallel‐group trial, where patients on stable insulin therapy (basal/premixed/basal–bolus) were randomized 1:1 to additional liraglutide 0.9 mg/day (n = 127) or placebo (n = 130). The insulin dose was fixed for 16 weeks, and titrated based on self‐measured plasma glucose thereafter. The primary end‐point was change in glycosylated hemoglobin after 16 weeks.

Results

Superiority of liraglutide plus insulin versus insulin monotherapy was confirmed based on estimated mean difference in glycosylated hemoglobin after 16 weeks of −1.30% (−14 mmol/mol; 95% confidence interval −1.47 to −1.13 [−16, −12]; P < 0.0001). Statistical significance was maintained to week 36. More patients on liraglutide achieved a glycosylated hemoglobin target of <7.0% (<53 mmol/mol) at week 16 (estimated odds ratio 50.57; 95% confidence interval 16.59 to 154.16; P < 0.0001). Improvements in seven‐point self‐measured plasma glucose and fasting plasma glucose were significantly greater with liraglutide than the placebo at week 16. Insulin dose after 36 weeks was lower with liraglutide than the placebo (estimated treatment ratio: 0.82 [95% confidence interval 0.76–0.90; P < 0.0001]). Occurrence of adverse events was similar in the two groups (85.8 and 81.5%, respectively); most were mild in severity. There were no significant differences in the number of hypoglycemic episodes during the 36 weeks.

Conclusions

Adding liraglutide to insulin results in superior glycemic control compared with insulin alone in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes, and is generally well tolerated.
Dietary and physical activity of adult patients with type 2 diabetes in Zhejiang province of eastern China: Data from a cross‐sectional study
Authors: He Xiaowen , Pan Jie , Pan Mingxia , Wang Jiawei , Dong Jingfen , Yuan Hongdi , Zhou Lei , Chen Minhua , Chen Yunfen , Lu Yiping , Gu Huiqin , Chen Yanshu , Wu Liqin , Chen Yajuan , Jin Fubi , Li Bijun , Gu Wei
Published: December 2015

Aims/Introduction

Lifestyle management helps improve the clinical outcome of patients with type 2 diabetes. The present study aimed to obtain lifestyle data on the dietary and physical activity of adult type 2 diabetes patients in Zhejiang province of eastern China for better patient education and improvement of clinical management.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of 607 adult type 2 diabetes patients was carried out in 12 hospitals within eight cities of Zhejiang province. Data were collected for sex, age, basic physical measurement (blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference and hip circumference), dietary favor and habit (vegetarian diets vs meat diets, preference of salty or light flavors), detailed dietary intake (24‐h recall method), as well as the weekly physical activity.

Results

The mean age of the patients in the analysis was 56.39 ± 12.29 years, and 38.71% of the patients had higher levels of body mass index than recommended. The average daily total energy intake was 1887.71 ± 575.10 kcal. The percentage of calories from carbohydrate, protein and fat were 61.36 ± 11.59%, 13.29 ± 3.37% and 25.35 ± 11.16%, respectively. For physical activity, the patients generally spent most of their daily time sitting and sleeping, and the time for moderate vigorous activity was limited.

Conclusions

Adult patients with type 2 diabetes in Zhejiang province have a relatively high carbohydrate and low protein diet, with very limited physical activity. Patient education to achieve a better lifestyle intervention needs to improve in this region.
Multicellular group formation in response to predators in the alga Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: Fisher R. M. , Bell T. , West S. A.
Published: December 2015

A key step in the evolution of multicellular organisms is the formation of cooperative multicellular groups. It has been suggested that predation pressure may promote multicellular group formation in some algae and bacteria, with cells forming groups to lower their chance of being eaten. We use the green alga Chlorella vulgaris and the protist Tetrahymena thermophila to test whether predation pressure can initiate the formation of colonies. We found that: (1) either predators or just predator exoproducts promote colony formation; (2) higher predator densities cause more colonies to form; and (3) colony formation in this system is facultative, with populations returning to being unicellular when the predation pressure is removed. These results provide empirical support for the hypothesis that predation pressure promotes multicellular group formation. The speed of the reversion of populations to unicellularity suggests that this response is due to phenotypic plasticity and not evolutionary change.
Female discrimination thresholds frequently exceed local male display variation: implications for mate choice dynamics and sexual selection
Authors: Höbel G.
Published: December 2015

Among the factors that can influence female mate choice decisions is the degree to which females differentiate among similar displays: as differences decrease, females are expected to eventually stop discriminating. This discrimination threshold, in conjunction with the magnitude of male trait variation females regularly encounter while making mate choice decisions, may have important consequences for sexual selection. If local display variation is above the discrimination threshold, female preferences should translate into higher mating success for the more attractive male. But if display variation is frequently below the threshold, the resulting increased pattern of random mating may obscure the existence of female mate choice. I investigated the interplay between female discrimination and male display variation in green treefrogs (Hyla cinerea) and found that call trait differences between nearest neighbour males were frequently smaller than what females are expected to discriminate. This finding has two important consequences for our understanding of sexual selection in the wild: first, low display variation should weaken the strength of selection on male display traits, but the direction of selection should mirror the one predicted from females choice trials. Second, caution is needed when interpreting data on realized mating success in the wild: a pattern of random mating with respect to male display traits does not always mean that female preferences are weak or that conditions are too challenging for females to express their preferences. Rather, insufficient display variation can generate the same pattern.
Correlation between miR‐21 expression and laryngeal carcinoma risks: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhou Peng , Zeng Fan , Liu Jun , Lv Dan , Liu Shixi
Published: December 2015

Objective

To evaluate the expression and clinical significance of miR‐21 in the tissues of laryngeal carcinoma using meta‐analysis.

Methods

Literature databases including PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the British Library. Two reviewers independently identified the literature according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the included studies. Meta‐analysis was performed using Stata 12.0 and RevMan 5.0 software.

Results

A total of four studies involving 160 cases were included. No significant heterogeneity was found between studies. The results of meta‐analysis showed high miR‐21 expression was found in Laryngeal cancer than non‐neoplasm tissue (odds ratio = 4.47, 95%CI 2.59 to 7.73, P = 0.02). Only one study reported the expression of miR‐21 between TMN (tumor, metastasis, node) I to II and TMN III to IV.

Conclusion

miR‐21expression is notably correlated to laryngeal carcinoma and its clinically pathologic features. It suggests that higher miR‐21 expression may be a risk factor of laryngeal carcinoma and a potential molecular biomarker. For the quantity and quality limitation of the included studies, the conclusion still needs to be further proved by performing more high‐quality studies.
Experimental Evidence that Fungi are Dominant Microbes in Carbon Content and Growth Response to Added Soluble Organic Carbon in Moss‐rich Tundra Soil
Authors: Anderson O. Roger , Lee Jee Min , McGuire Krista
Published: December 2015

Global warming significantly affects Arctic tundra, including permafrost thaw and soluble C release that may differentially affect tundra microbial growth. Using laboratory experiments, we report some of the first evidence for the effects of soluble glucose‐C enrichment on tundra soil prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) and fungi, with comparisons to microbial eukaryotes. Fungal increase in C‐biomass was equivalent to 10% (w/w) of the added glucose‐C, and for prokaryote biomass 2% (w/w), the latter comparable to prior published results. The C‐gain after 14 d was 1.3 mg/g soil for fungi, and ~200 μg/g for prokaryotes.
Morphology and Small Subunit rDNA Phylogeny of Two New Marine Urostylid Ciliates, Caudiholosticha marina sp. nov. and Nothoholosticha flava sp. nov. (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia)
Authors: Li Ju , Chen Xumiao , Xu Kuidong
Published: December 2015

Two marine urostylid ciliates, Caudiholosticha marina sp. nov. and Nothoholosticha flava sp. nov., isolated from intertidal sediment in the Yellow Sea, are investigated using morphological and small subunit rDNA phylogenetic analyses. Caudiholosticha marina is 210‒310 μm × 40‒55 μm in vivo, and has 10‒20 macronuclear nodules, 23‒37 midventral cirral pairs extending to 5‒8 transverse cirri, and two caudal cirri. It differs from congeners by its marine habitat, larger size, macronuclear arrangement pattern and high number of midventral pairs. Molecular phylogenetic analyses indicate a polyphyly of Caudiholosticha. Nothoholosticha flava is yellow to brownish and 240‒320 μm × 40‒60 μm sized, and has a bipartite adoral zone, six frontal cirri in atypical bicorona, usually four frontoterminal, one buccal and 5‒7 transverse cirri and 28‒54 midventral pairs. Phylogenetic analyses allocate N. flava as sister of N. fasciola, type of the genus. The two Nothoholosticha species differ distinctly by the presence/absence of frontoterminal cirri, a feature often used to define genera in the Hypotrichia. However, the SSU rDNA sequence similarity between these two species is 99.3%, which weakens the justification for separating the new isolate at genus level. The taxonomic significance of frontoterminal cirri is discussed based on morphological and molecular data.
Does Greater Continuity of Veterans Administration Primary Care Reduce Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalization in Older Veterans?
Authors: Katz David A. , McCoy Kim D. , Vaughan‐Sarrazin Mary S.
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the association between longitudinal continuity of primary care and use of emergency department (ED) and inpatient care in older veterans.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) primary care clinics in 15 regional health networks, ED and inpatient facilities.

Participants

Medicare‐eligible veterans aged 65 and older with three or more VA primary care visits during fiscal year 2007–08 (baseline period) (N = 243,881).

Measurements

Two measures of longitudinal continuity were estimated using merged VA–Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrative data: Usual Provider of Continuity (UPC) and Modified Modified Continuity Index (MMCI). Negative binomial and multivariable logistic regression models were used to predict ED use and inpatient hospitalization during fiscal year 2009, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, medical and psychiatric comorbidity, and baseline use of health services.

Results

The incidence rate ratio (IRR) of ED visits was greater in patients with high (IRR = 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–1.07), intermediate (IRR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.02–1.07), and low (IRR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.03–1.09) UPC than in those with very high UPC (0.9–1.0). Patients with high (odds ratio (OR) = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.07), intermediate (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00–1.06), and low (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.07) UPC were also more likely to be hospitalized during follow‐up. Results were similar for MMCI continuity scores.

Conclusion

Even slightly lower primary care provider (PCP) continuity was associated with modestly greater ED use and inpatient hospitalization in older veterans. Additional efforts should be made to schedule older adults with their assigned PCP whenever possible.
A Quantification of the Injury‐Induced Changes in Central Aromatase, Oestrogenic Milieu and Steroid Receptor Expression in the Zebra Finch
Authors: Mehos C. J. , Nelson L. H. , Saldanha C. J.
Published: December 2015

In songbirds and mammals, brain injury results in the up‐regulation of aromatase (oestrogen synthase) expression in astroglia. The resulting presumed synthesis of neural oestradiol (E2) has neuroprotective effects including a decrease in neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation and apoptosis. The development of therapeutic tools that exploit oestrogenic neuroprotection in the treatment of neurotrauma requires a precise quantification of the endogenous changes in neural aromatase and E2 following brain injury. Surprisingly, the expected increase in neural oestrogens following brain injury has not been demonstrated. Furthermore, we are just beginning to unravel the mechanisms behind the protective effects of centrally synthesised E2. In the present study, levels of aromatase immunoprotein, neural E2 and steroid receptor mRNA were quantified in adult male and female zebra finches 48 h following a unilateral penetrating brain injury. Both aromatase and E2 were up‐regulated in the injured hemisphere of the brain compared to the uninjured hemisphere, demonstrating for the first time a robust increase in neural E2 levels following injury. We did not detect an effect of injury on mRNA expression of the oestrogen receptors (ER)‐α, ER‐β or GPER‐1, but observed a significant decrease in androgen receptor transcription in the injured lobe relative to the contralateral uninjured hemisphere. We conclude that mechanical damage causes a dramatic increase in local aromatisation, and the resultant high levels of central E2 are available to modulate steroid sensitive targets. Studies using alternate methods of receptor detection and/or time points may be necessary to understand the complete suite of mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of induced oestrogen synthesis in this animal model.
Des‐Acyl Ghrelin Directly Targets the Arcuate Nucleus in a Ghrelin‐Receptor Independent Manner and Impairs the Orexigenic Effect of Ghrelin
Authors: Fernandez G. , Cabral A. , Cornejo M. P. , De Francesco P. N. , Garcia‐Romero G. , Reynaldo M. , Perello M.
Published: December 2015

Ghrelin is a stomach‐derived octanoylated peptide hormone that plays a variety of well‐established biological roles acting via its specific receptor known as growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). In plasma, a des‐octanoylated form of ghrelin, named des‐acyl ghrelin (DAG), also exists. DAG is suggested to be a signalling molecule that has specific targets, including the brain, and regulates some physiological functions. However, no specific receptor for DAG has been reported until now, and, consequently, the potential role of DAG as a hormone has remained a matter of debate. In the present study, we show that DAG specifically binds to and acts on a subset of arcuate nucleus (ARC) cells in a GHSR‐independent manner. ARC cells labelled by a DAG fluorescent tracer include the neuropeptide Y (NPY) and non‐NPY neurones. Given the well‐established role of the ARC in appetite regulation, we tested the effect of centrally administered DAG on food intake. We found that DAG failed to affect dark phase feeding, as well as food intake, after a starvation period; however, it impaired the orexigenic actions of peripherally administered ghrelin. Thus, we conclude that DAG directly targets ARC neurones and antagonises the orexigenic effects of peripherally administered ghrelin.
AGGLOMERATION EFFECTS IN COLOMBIA
Authors: Duranton Gilles
Published: December 2015

I estimate an elasticity of wages with respect to city population of about 5 percent for Colombian cities. This finding is robust to a number of econometric concerns. The second main finding is a negative effect of market access on wages. Third main finding regards stronger agglomeration effects in the informal sector. In turn, this explains a range of other negative findings, including only weak evidence in favor of human capital externalities, no evidence of a complementarity between cities and skills, and an absence of learning effects. I do not find measurable effects of roads or amenities on wages either.
Understanding Treatment Gaps for Mental Health, Alcohol, and Drug Use in South Dakota: A Qualitative Study of Rural Perspectives
Authors: Broffman Lauren , Spurlock Margaret , Dulacki Kristen , Campbell Amy , Rodriguez Fanny , Wright Bill , McConnell K. John , Warne Donald , Davis Melinda M.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

More than 25% of US adults experience mental health or substance use conditions annually, yet less than half receive treatment. This study explored how rural participants with behavioral health conditions pursue and receive care, and it examined how these factors differed across American Indian (AI) and geographic subpopulations.

Methods

We undertook a qualitative follow‐up study from a statewide survey of unmet mental health and substance use needs in South Dakota. We conducted semistructured phone interviews with a purposive sample of key informants with varying perceptions of need for mental health and substance use treatment.

Results

We interviewed 33 participants with mental health (n = 18), substance use (n = 9), and co‐occurring disorders (n = 6). Twenty participants (61.0%) lived in rural communities that did not overlap with AI tribal land. Twelve participants (34.3%) were AI, 8 of whom lived on a reservation (24.2%). The discrepancy between actual and perceived treatment need was related to how participants defined mental health, alcohol, and drug use “problems.” Mental health disorders and excessive alcohol consumption were seen as a normal part of life in rural and reservation communities; seeking mental health care or maintaining sobriety was viewed as the result of an individual's willpower and frequently related to a substantial life event (eg, childbirth). Participants recommended treatment gaps be addressed through multicomponent community‐level interventions.

Discussion

This study describes how rural populations view mental health, alcohol, and drug use. Enhancing access to care, addressing discordant perceptions, and improving community‐based interventions may increase treatment uptake.
Ovarian remnant removal using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques in four dogs
Authors: Phipps W. E. , Goodman A. R. , Sullivan M.
Published: December 2015

Four partially intact, female dogs with a median age of 6 · 5 years were presented to Angell Animal Medical Center for laparoscopic treatment of ovarian remnant syndrome. Dogs were positioned in dorsal recumbency and a three‐port laparoscopic technique was used to identify and remove en bloc any abnormal tissue in the area of the ovarian pedicles. None of the dogs required conversion to open coeliotomy and there were no major complications. Abnormal tissue, including granulosa thecal cell tumour (n = 1), was identified bilaterally in three dogs and unilaterally in one dog. Clinical signs associated with ovarian remnant syndrome resolved in all dogs following surgery.
Direct PCR of indigenous and invasive mosquito species: a time‐ and cost‐effective technique of mosquito barcoding
Authors: WERBLOW A. , FLECHL E. , KLIMPEL S. , ZITTRA C. , LEBL K. , KIESER K. , LACINY A. , SILBERMAYR K. , MELAUN C. , FUEHRER H.‐P.
Published: December 2015

Millions of people die each year as a result of pathogens transmitted by mosquitoes. However, the morphological identification of mosquito species can be difficult even for experts. The identification of morphologically indistinguishable species, such as members of the Anopheles maculipennis complex (Diptera: Culicidae), and possible hybrids, such as Culex pipiens pipiens/Culex pipiens molestus (Diptera: Culicidae), presents a major problem. In addition, the detection and discrimination of newly introduced species can be challenging, particularly to researchers without previous experience. Because of their medical importance, the clear identification of all relevant mosquito species is essential. Using the direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method described here, DNA amplification without prior DNA extraction is possible and thus species identification after sequencing can be achieved. Different amounts of tissue (leg, head; larvae or adult) as well as different storage conditions (dry, ethanol, −20 and −80 °C) and storage times were successfully applied and showed positive results after amplification and gel electrophoresis. Overall, 28 different indigenous and non‐indigenous mosquito species were analysed using a gene fragment of the COX1 gene for species differentiation and identification by sequencing this 658‐bp fragment. Compared with standard PCR, this method is time‐ and cost‐effective and could thus improve existing surveillance and control programmes.
Common and divergent shoot–root signalling in legume symbioses
Authors: Foo Eloise , Heynen Eveline M. H. , Reid James B.
Published: December 2015

The role of shoot–root signals in the control of nodulation and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) development were examined in the divergent legume species pea and blue lupin. These species were chosen as pea can host both symbionts, whereas lupin can nodulate but has lost the ability to form AM.

Intergeneric grafts between lupin and pea enabled examination of key long‐distance signals in these symbioses. The role of strigolactones, auxin and elements of the autoregulation of nodulation (AON) pathway were investigated. Grafting studies were combined with loss‐of‐function mutants to monitor symbioses (nodulation, AM) and hormone effects (levels, gene expression and application studies).

Lupin shoots suppress AM colonization in pea roots, in part by downregulating strigolactone exudation involving reduced expression of the strigolactone biosynthesis gene PsCCD8. By contrast, lupin shoots enhance pea nodulation, independently of strigolactones, possibly due to a partial incompatibility in AON shoot–root signalling between pea and lupin.

This study highlights that nodulation and AM symbioses can be regulated independently and this may be due to long‐distance signals, a phenomenon we were able to uncover by working with divergent legumes. We also identify a role for strigolactone exudation in determining the status of non‐AM hosts.
Hematopoietic stem cell–independent B‐1a lineage
Authors: Ghosn Eliver Eid Bou , Yang Yang
Published: December 2015

The accepted dogma has been that a single long‐term hematopoietic stem cell (LT‐HSC) can reconstitute all components of the immune system. However, our single‐cell transfer studies have shown that highly purified LT‐HSCs selectively fail to reconstitute B‐1a cells in otherwise fully reconstituted hosts (i.e., LT‐HSCs fully reconstitute follicular, marginal zone, and B‐1b B cells, but not B‐1a cells). These results suggest that B‐1a cells are a separate B cell lineage that develops independently of classical LT‐HSCs. We provide an evolutionary two‐pathway development model (HSC independent versus HSC dependent), and suggest that this lineage separation is employed not only by B cells but by all hematopoietic lineages. Collectively, these findings challenge the current notion that LT‐HSCs can reconstitute all components of the immune system and raise key questions about human HSC transplantation. We discuss the implications of these findings in light of our recent studies demonstrating the ability of B‐1a cells to elicit antigen‐specific responses that differ markedly from those mounted by follicular B cells. These findings have implications for vaccine development, in particular vaccines that may elicit the B‐1a repertoire.
Molecular landscapes of human hematopoietic stem cells in health and leukemia
Authors: Vedi Aditi , Santoro Antonella , Dunant Cyrille F. , Dick John E. , Laurenti Elisa
Published: December 2015

Blood cells are organized as a hierarchy with hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) at the root. The advent of genomic technologies has opened the way for global characterization of the molecular landscape of HSCs and their progeny, both in mouse and human models, at the genetic, transcriptomic, epigenetic, and proteomics levels. Here, we outline our current understanding of the molecular programs that govern human HSCs and how dynamic changes occurring during HSC differentiation are necessary for well‐regulated blood formation under homeostasis and upon injury. A large body of evidence is accumulating on how the programs of normal hematopoiesis are modified in acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive adult malignancy driven by leukemic stem cells. We summarize these findings and their clinical implications.
Exposure to mould allergens and rhinoconjunctivitis in Korean children
Authors: Hahm Myung‐Il , Kim Jihyun , Kwon Ho‐Jang , Chae Yoomi , Ahn Kangmo , Lee Hoo‐Yeon
Published: December 2015

Background

Although rhinitis is the most common allergic disease in children, few studies have explored the causal relationships between mould allergens and rhinitis. Thus, this study aimed to identify factors, especially prior exposure to mould allergens, related to rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis in Korean children.

Methods

Subjects in this study were 12‐ to 13‐year‐old children from 40 national middle schools who were participants of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) study in Korea. A total of 3852 children who completed the ISAAC questionnaire in 2010 and underwent a skin prick test (SPT) and blood test were enrolled in this study.

Results

The prevalence of symptoms suggestive of rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis in last 12 months was 42.7% and 19.4%, respectively. A parental history of allergies (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.75–2.35; OR = 2.55, 95% CI = 2.13–3.06), visible mould or dampness (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.09–1.51; OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.00–1.51), previous exposure to mould allergens (OR = 4.53, 95% CI = 2.32–8.84; OR = 4.98, 95% CI = 2.43–10.20), total IgE levels ≥78 kU/l (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.22–1.69; OR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.60–2.48) were risk factors for rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis.

Conclusions

This study suggested that previous exposure to mould allergens more influenced rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis than visible mould or dampness, and that total IgE levels of ≥78 kU/l, which was the criterion suggested in a study of Asian children, were risk factors for rhinitis diseases.