bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual cyclin‐dependent kinase 4/6 inhibition by PD‐0332991 induces apoptosis and senescence in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Chen Liang , Pan Jingxuan
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose

Aberrant activation of the cyclin D1‐cyclin‐dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6)‐Rb signalling pathway is common in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). PD‐0332991, a highly specific inhibitor of CDK4/6, has potent antitumour activity against many types of cancer. The purpose of this study was to examine the in vitro and in vivo antineoplastic effect of PD‐0332991 against the growth and metastasis of ESCC cells.

Experimental Approach

Cell viability and any synergy between PD‐0332991 and 5‐fluorouracil or cisplatin were measured by MTS assay and CalcuSyn software respectively. Cell migration and invasion were detected by wound healing and transwell assays. Apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry after staining annexin V‐FITC/PI. Cellular senescence was assessed by measuring SA‐β‐gal activity. Nude mouse xenograft models of ESCC were employed to determine the in vivo activity of PD‐0332991 against tumour growth and lung metastasis.

Key Results

PD‐0332991 inhibited cellular growth and induced mitochondrial‐dependent apoptosis in ESCC cells. PD‐0332991 also suppressed migration, invasion and the expression of MMP‐2 in ESCC cells. Furthermore, PD‐0332991 treatment caused cell senescence in a FOXM1‐dependent manner. In addition, there was synergy between PD‐0332991 and cisplatin or 5‐fluorouracil. Importantly, the xenografted tumour experiments demonstrated that PD‐0332991 potently inhibits ESCC cell growth and lung metastasis.

Conclusions and Implications

PD‐0332991 can elicit a strong antitumour activity against ESCC growth and metastasis and may be a promising candidate drug for the treatment of patients with ESCC. Our results warrant a clinical trial to further evaluate the efficacy of PD‐0332991 in ESCC patients, even those with metastasis.
Factors influencing biased agonism in recombinant cells expressing the human α1A‐adrenoceptor
Authors: da Silva Junior Edilson Dantas , Sato Masaaki , Merlin Jon , Broxton Natalie , Hutchinson Dana S , Ventura Sabatino , Evans Bronwyn A , Summers Roger J
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose

Agonists acting at GPCRs promote biased signalling via Gα or Gβγ subunits, GPCR kinases and β‐arrestins. Since the demonstration of biased agonism has implications for drug discovery, it is essential to consider confounding factors contributing to bias. We have examined bias at human α1A‐adrenoceptors stably expressed at low levels in CHO‐K1 cells, identifying off‐target effects at endogenous receptors that contribute to ERK1/2 phosphorylation in response to the agonist oxymetazoline.

Experimental Approach

Intracellular Ca2+ mobilization was monitored in a Flexstation® using Fluo 4‐AM. The accumulation of cAMP and ERK1/2 phosphorylation were measured using AlphaScreen® proximity assays, and mRNA expression was measured by RT‐qPCR. Ligand bias was determined using the operational model of agonism.

Key Results

Noradrenaline, phenylephrine, methoxamine and A61603 increased Ca2+ mobilization, cAMP accumulation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. However, oxymetazoline showed low efficacy for Ca+2 mobilization, no effect on cAMP generation and high efficacy for ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The apparent functional selectivity of oxymetazoline towards ERK1/2 was related to off‐target effects at 5‐HT1B receptors endogenously expressed in CHO‐K1 cells. Phenylephrine and methoxamine showed genuine bias towards ERK1/2 phosphorylation compared to Ca2+ and cAMP pathways, whereas A61603 displayed bias towards cAMP accumulation compared to ERK1/2 phosphorylation.

Conclusion and Implications

We have shown that while adrenergic agonists display bias at human α1A‐adrenoceptors, the marked bias of oxymetazoline for ERK1/2 phosphorylation originates from off‐target effects. Commonly used cell lines express a repertoire of endogenous GPCRs that may confound studies on biased agonism at recombinant receptors.
Trajectory of social inequalities in the treatment of dental caries among preschool children in Japan
Authors: Aida Jun , Matsuyama Yusuke , Tabuchi Takahiro , Komazaki Yuko , Tsuboya Toru , Kato Tsuguhiko , Osaka Ken , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: April 2017

Objectives

The longitudinal trend of dental health inequalities among preschool children has not been described. In this study, we aimed to measure the trajectory of both relative and absolute inequalities in caries treatment among preschool children in Japan.

Methods

We used data from the Longitudinal Survey of Babies in the 21st Century (LSB21), which is an ongoing national representative longitudinal study. The target population was families residing in Japan with newborn baby/babies born between 10 January and 17 January or 10 July and 17 July 2001. Data regarding caries treatment history and socioeconomic status (SES) were collected using a self‐reported questionnaire. SES was assessed on the basis of the parents’ educational attainment. In total, 35 260 children were followed from 2.5 to 5.5 years through annual surveys. To evaluate absolute and relative inequalities, we calculated the slope index of inequality (SII) and relative index of inequality (RII), respectively.

Results

The rate of caries treatment at the age of 2.5 years was <10% for all SES groups; this increased to more than 30% at 5.5 years of age. Children with lower SES received more frequent caries treatment, and both absolute and relative social inequalities were statistically significant. SII showed a significant increase throughout the follow‐up period, with values of 4.13% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.16; 5.09) and 15.50% (95% CI, 13.68; 17.32) at 2.5 and 5.5 years of age, respectively. In contrast, RII decreased with an increase in the treatment rate for all groups, with values of 1.83 (95% CI, 1.59; 2.11) and 1.53 (95% CI, 1.46; 1.61) at 2.5 and 5.5 years of age, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the rate of caries treatment is higher for preschool children with lower SES in Japan, with significant widening of absolute inequalities along with the growth of the children.
The Influence of Women's Neighborhood Resources on Perceptions of Social Disorder
Authors: Jackson Aubrey L. , Soller Brian , Browning Christopher R.
Published: April 2017

Research links neighborhood social disorder with poorer health. But factors beyond observed disorder may influence perceptions that social disorder is problematic. This study investigates whether women's aggregate socioeconomic resources relative to men's in the broader neighborhood context attenuate the extent to which more prevalent observed social disorder within the immediate residential neighborhood contributes to perceptions of more problematic social disorder. This attenuation likely is pronounced among women, for whom sexual harassment in public spaces is a more salient concern compared to men. Using data from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods, multilevel models analyze individual perceptions of problematic social disorder ( N = 3,107) regressed on the interactive effect of observed social disorder within the census block group ( N = 525) and women's relative resources within the neighborhood cluster ( N = 80). The results show that women's relative resources within the broader neighborhood context protect against women's perceptions that typically undesirable neighborhood conditions are problematic.
Carcinoembryonic antigen directed PET−CECT scanning for postoperative surveillance of colorectal cancer
Authors: Vallam K. C. , Guruchannabasavaiah B. , Agrawal A. , Rangarajan V. , Ostwal V. , Engineer R. , Saklani A.
Published: April 2017

Aim

During the follow‐up of surgically resected colorectal cancer (CRC), positron emission tomography–contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (PET–CECT) is indicated for asymptomatic elevation of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) > 5 ng/ml and no obvious site of recurrence on clinical examination and basic imaging. As an institutional policy, a PET–CECT scan was performed at our institute whenever (1) CEA levels rose above 5 ng/ml and (2) CEA values were doubled (even if the CEA level was < 5 ng/ml). Our aim was to correlate the range of CEA elevation with recurrence rates and to evaluate the diagnostic utility of PET–CECT scanning in this setting.

Method

We retrospectively analysed all cases where a PET–CECT scan was performed for elevated CEA levels during surveillance visits after complete resection of the primary tumour followed by adjuvant therapy. This study was conducted from 1 January 2013 to 31 July 2015.

Results

In all, 104 patients underwent a PET–CECT scan for rising CEA values, and 62 patients (59.6%) were found to have recurrent disease. At CEA levels < 5, 5.1–10, 10.1–15, 15.1–50 and > 50 ng/ml, disease recurred in 10%, 45%, 70%, 94% and 100% patients, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the PET–CECT scan were 92.7%, 95.2%, 96.2% and 90.9%, respectively. Elevation of CEA levels during follow‐up was indicative of recurrence in 68% of the secretors and 45% of the non‐secretors (based on baseline CEA status).

Conclusion

In the setting of rising CEA levels during follow‐up of patients with CRC, a PET–CECT scan is a valuable tool to detect recurrence, irrespective of the baseline CEA secretor status. The likelihood of recurrence of disease was directly proportional to the value of the raised CEA level.
Automated ultrasound edge‐tracking software comparable to established semi‐automated reference software for carotid intima‐media thickness analysis
Authors: Shenouda Ninette , Proudfoot Nicole A. , Currie Katharine D. , Timmons Brian W. , MacDonald Maureen J.
Published: April 2017

Many commercial ultrasound systems are now including automated analysis packages for the determination of carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT); however, details regarding their algorithms and methodology are not published. Few studies have compared their accuracy and reliability with previously established automated software, and those that have were in asymptomatic adults. Therefore, this study compared cIMT measures from a fully automated ultrasound edge‐tracking software (EchoPAC PC, Version 110.0.2; GE Medical Systems, Horten, Norway) to an established semi‐automated reference software (Artery Measurement System (AMS) II, Version 1.141; Gothenburg, Sweden) in 30 healthy preschool children (ages 3–5 years) and 27 adults with coronary artery disease (CAD; ages 48–81 years). For both groups, Bland–Altman plots revealed good agreement with a negligible mean cIMT difference of −0·03 mm. Software differences were statistically, but not clinically, significant for preschool images (P = 0·001) and were not significant for CAD images (P = 0·09). Intra‐ and interoperator repeatability was high and comparable between software for preschool images (ICC, 0·90–0·96; CV, 1·3–2·5%), but slightly higher with the automated ultrasound than the semi‐automated reference software for CAD images (ICC, 0·98–0·99; CV, 1·4–2·0% versus ICC, 0·84–0·89; CV, 5·6–6·8%). These findings suggest that the automated ultrasound software produces valid cIMT values in healthy preschool children and adults with CAD. Automated ultrasound software may be useful for ensuring consistency among multisite research initiatives or large cohort studies involving repeated cIMT measures, particularly in adults with documented CAD.
Predictors of outcome among patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to lung transplantation
Authors: Banga Amit , Batchelor Elizabeth , Mohanka Manish , Bollineni Srinivas , Kaza Vaidehi , Mullins Jessica , Tran Melissa , Bajona Pietro , Peltz Matthias , Wait Michael , Torres Fernando
Published: April 2017

Background

There is a lack of data regarding clinical variables associated with successful bridge to lung transplantation (LT) using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support.

Methods

We reviewed the institutional database for patients supported with veno‐venous (VV) or veno‐arterial ECMO as a bridge to LT (n=25; mean age: 50.6±14.2 years). We recorded clinical and laboratory variables, findings on echocardiogram and development of organ dysfunction along with hospital and one‐year survival. Variables were compared between patients successfully bridged to LT versus those who were not.

Results

The most common diagnostic group was interstitial lung disease (18/25, 72%). VV‐ECMO was used in the majority (84%). Fifteen patients (60%) were successfully bridged to LT, and the majority were alive at 1 year (14/15, 93.3%). The presence of right ventricular systolic dysfunction on pre‐ECMO echocardiogram was associated with increased risk of unsuccessful bridging (OR, 95% CI: 2.67, 1.01‐6.99, P=.041). While on ECMO, trough albumin levels <2.5 gm%, peak blood urea nitrogen levels >35 mg/dL and positive fluid balance were also associated with failure to bridge to LT.

Conclusions

Among patients awaiting LT, the presence of RV systolic dysfunction before ECMO initiation along with worsening renal functions, low albumin levels, and volume overload is associated with poor outcomes.
Real‐time activation of central cholinergic circuits during recognition memory
Authors: Bonnì Sonia , Ponzo Viviana , Di Lorenzo Francesco , Caltagirone Carlo , Koch Giacomo
Published: April 2017

Short latency afferent inhibition (SAI) is a paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocol that consists in the inhibition of the motor evoked potentials (MEPs) by afferent sensory impulses. SAI is thought to be mediated by cholinergic projections over M1 and can be considered a putative marker of central cholinergic activity. It is known that memory processes are regulated by acetylcholine. Nonetheless, the influence of memory tasks on SAI has not been investigated. Here we tested changes in SAI circuits in healthy subjects performing a computerized non‐verbal recognition memory task (RMT) requiring to recognize previously encoded faces. SAI protocol was recorded during five phases of the RMT: baseline, encoding, consolidation, retrieval, and post‐task. In the control task, subjects were asked to judge a visual feature of not previously presented faces. SAI protocol was applied over the same conditions as in the RMT. We found that SAI remarkably increases during the retrieval phase of the RMT as compared to baseline. On the other hand no change was observed during the control task. These findings show that SAI can be modulated by ongoing memory processes and support the hypothesis that SAI can be considered as a neurophysiological marker of central cholinergic activity.
Direct and indirect effects of attention and visual function on gait impairment in Parkinson's disease: influence of task and turning
Authors: Stuart Samuel , Galna Brook , Delicato Louise S. , Lord Sue , Rochester Lynn
Published: April 2017

Gait impairment is a core feature of Parkinson's disease (PD) which has been linked to cognitive and visual deficits, but interactions between these features are poorly understood. Monitoring saccades allows investigation of real‐time cognitive and visual processes and their impact on gait when walking. This study explored: (i) saccade frequency when walking under different attentional manipulations of turning and dual‐task; and (ii) direct and indirect relationships between saccades, gait impairment, vision and attention. Saccade frequency (number of fast eye movements per‐second) was measured during gait in 60 PD and 40 age‐matched control participants using a mobile eye‐tracker. Saccade frequency was significantly reduced in PD compared to controls during all conditions. However, saccade frequency increased with a turn and decreased under dual‐task for both groups. Poorer attention directly related to saccade frequency, visual function and gait impairment in PD, but not controls. Saccade frequency did not directly relate to gait in PD, but did in controls. Instead, saccade frequency and visual function deficit indirectly impacted gait impairment in PD, which was underpinned by their relationship with attention. In conclusion, our results suggest a vital role for attention with direct and indirect influences on gait impairment in PD. Attention directly impacted saccade frequency, visual function and gait impairment in PD, with connotations for falls. It also underpinned indirect impact of visual and saccadic impairment on gait. Attention therefore represents a key therapeutic target that should be considered in future research.
Optimal ownership structure in private equity
Authors: Liu Bo , Liu Yang , Yang Jinqiang
Published: April 2017

We develop a tractable model to analyse the valuation of a general partner (GP) and the ownership allocation in a private equity (PE) fund. Our results indicate that holding ownership will increase GP's value. We further explore the influential factors that affect GP's optimal ownership decision. Our model predicts that GP's managerial skill has positive effects on GP's shareholding choice. Factors such as leverage, unspanned risks, GP's compensation have negative impacts on GP ownership decision. The fund's maturity has a non‐monotonic and concave influence. Moreover, the widely used performance measures implied by our model are consistent with empirical findings.
Integration PCK: Modeling the Knowledge(s) Underlying a World Language Teacher's Implementation of CBI
Authors: Troyan Francis J. , Cammarata Laurent , Martel Jason
Published: April 2017

This case study enabled researchers to understand the knowledge embedded in a world language teacher's enactment of content‐based instruction (CBI) through the lens of a theoretical model inspired by Shulman's (1987) construct of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). The model, called integration pedagogical content knowledge (I–PCK), represents an adaptation of PCK that explicitly addresses the expanded set of content knowledge that is necessary for teachers to effectively implement CBI. Through descriptions of the participant's knowledge and experiences, the case study documents the I–PCK model in action, highlighting her strengths when integrating both academic content and world language learning and allowing specific areas that were in need of further development to be pinpointed. Findings suggest that the model can inform the work of language teacher education and professional development focused on CBI.
What makes evidence‐based policy making such a useful myth? The case of NICE guidance on bariatric surgery in the United Kingdom
Authors: Boswell John
Published: April 2017

There is widespread skepticism among policy scholars and practitioners about the move to rationalize policy making: The naive vision of “evidence‐based policy” is often contrasted with the reality of “policy‐based evidence.” Yet, the language of evidence‐based policy making (EBPM) continues to dominate policy debate about complex and contested issues. In this paper, I explore this apparent paradox by looking at what makes EBPM such a useful myth for all sorts of policy actors. I do so with reference to the pioneering work of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), focusing specifically on its work in relation to bariatric surgery, a suite of controversial and drastic weight loss procedures. I show that the myth of EBPM has political, pragmatic, and procedural utility in practice, allowing the organization to set and administer guidelines on this uncertain, complex, and contested treatment in ways that sustain buy‐in and enable ongoing contestation.
Disparities in HIV‐1 transmitted drug resistance detected by ultradeep sequencing between men who have sex with men and heterosexual populations
Authors: Todesco E , Charpentier C , Bertine M , Wirden M , Storto A , Desire N , Grude M , Nguyen T , Sayon S , Yazdanpanah Y , Katlama C , Descamps D , Calvez V , Marcelin AG
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Transmitted drug resistance (TDR) can impair the response to first‐line antiretroviral therapy. In treatment‐naïve patients chronically infected with HIV type 1 (HIV‐1), it was previously shown through Sanger sequencing that TDR was more common in men who have sex with men (MSM) than in other transmission risk groups. We aimed to compare two HIV‐1 transmission groups in terms of the presence of TDR mutations.

Methods

We investigated, through Sanger sequencing and ultradeep sequencing (UDS), the presence of resistance mutations, both in majority (> 20%) and in minority (1−20%) proportions, in 70 treatment‐naïve MSM and 70 treatment‐naïve heterosexual patients who recently screened positive for HIV‐1.

Results

The global prevalence of TDR was not significantly different between the two groups, either by Sanger or by UDS. Nevertheless, a higher frequency of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor TDR was observed among heterosexual patients (P = 0.04). There was also a trend for a higher frequency of TDR among MSM infected with HIV‐1 subtype B compared with MSM infected with HIV‐1 non‐B subtypes (P = 0.06).

Conclusions

Ultradeep sequencing UDS allowed sensitive monitoring of TDR, and highlighted some disparities between transmission groups.
Response of confection sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) grown in a semi‐arid environment to planting date and early termination of irrigation
Authors: Joshi V. R. , Heitholt J. J. , Garcia y Garcia A.
Published: April 2017

Adjustments on planting date and on the time to terminate irrigation may reduce agricultural water use. However, such management practices in regions with extreme weather conditions have the potential to negatively affect yield. A 3‐year (2012–2014) study was conducted on a clay‐loam soil in a cool, semi‐arid environment to (i) determine the response of confection sunflower to planting date and irrigation termination timing and (ii) identify the relative importance of yield components in irrigated confection sunflower across planting dates. Early May planting had considerable negative effects on all studied variables, except on the percentage of large seeds. The highest yield of total and large seeds was obtained from the late May plantings, averaging 3,777 and 3,379 kg/ha, respectively. None of the irrigation strategies affected the measured variables. However, the interaction between planting date and termination of irrigation significantly affected the 1,000‐seed weight. Our study revealed the last week of May as suitable planting period for confection sunflower in the semi‐arid north‐western region of Wyoming, USA, and that irrigation on heavy soils may be terminated as early as at R5.5 stage without a significant yield reduction. The path‐coefficient analysis indicated head diameter and the number of seeds per head as important traits that significantly influence the yield of confection sunflower across planting dates.
Endoscopic meatus scoring scale versus sniff test to predict insertability before transnasal endoscopy: A prospective, randomized study
Authors: Hu Chi‐Tan , Lei Wei‐Yi , Lin Jen‐Shung , Hung Jui‐Sheng
Published: April 2017

Background and Aim

Sniff test is a common method before unsedated transnasal esophago‐gastro‐duodenoscopy (UT‐EGD) to select a nostril insertion site. Yet there is no objective method to select a more specific meatus insertion tract for anesthesia and insertion. We devised an endoscopic meatus scoring scale by anterior meatuscopy to select the most optimal meatus insertion tract. We hypothesized that meatuscopy instead of sniff test might improve tolerance and reduce adverse events during nasal anesthesia and UT‐EGD.

Methods

A prospective randomized controlled trial to compare patient tolerance and adverse events.

Results

A total of 359 patients were assessed and finally 310 patients were analyzed. There were no statistical differences in patient characteristics and insertion failure rates. Pain scores during nasal anesthesia, nasal insertion/exsertion, UT‐EGD, and overall tolerance were significantly lower in the meatuscopy group than sniff test group. Compared with the sniff tested patients, the meatuscopied patients had significantly lower epistaxis rates during insertion/exsertion, better visual capacity after decongestive anesthesia, and shorter total procedure time. A significantly higher proportion of the meatuscopied than sniff tested patients would like to receive the same procedure next time. Nasal discharge, nasal pain, epistaxis, and blowing out blood clots occurred significantly less frequent in the meatuscopy group than sniff test group. More sniff tested than meatuscopied patients had headache, delayed epistaxis, and sinusitis although they were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Selection of an optimal meatus insertion tract by an anterior meatuscopy causes lesser nasal pain, epistaxis, and post‐procedural side effects in nasal anesthesia and UT‐EGD than the conventional sniff test.
Public expenditure distribution, voting, and growth
Authors: Burlon Lorenzo
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we study why the misallocation of resources across different productive sectors tends to persist over time. To this end, we propose a general equilibrium model that delivers two structural relations. On one hand, the public expenditure distribution influences the future sectoral composition of the economy. On the other hand, the distribution of vested interests across sectors determines public policy decisions. The model predicts that different initial sectoral compositions entail different future streams of public expenditure and therefore different development paths.
Oestrone-targeted liposomes for mitoxantrone delivery via oestrogen receptor – synthesis, physicochemical characterization and in-vitro evaluation
Authors: Hao Qiang , Xu Guoxing , Yang Yue , Sun Yuxin , Cong Dengli , Li Hongrui , Liu Xin , Wang Zeng , Zhang Zheng , Chen Jinglin , Li Yao , Luan Xue , Wang Lin , Tian Lin , Liu Kun , Li Yan , Jiao Qianru , Pei Jin
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Targeted delivery of mitoxantrone (MTO, an anthraquinone drug with high antitumour effect) may be achieved using a novel nanoparticulate delivery system via binding the oestrogen receptor (ER, highly expressed in a variety of human tumours).

Methods

A novel liposomal nanoparticle (NP) was developed using a conjugate derived from 1, 2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[amino (polyethylene glycol)-2000] (DSPE-PEG2000-NH2) and oestrone (ES, is known to bind the ER) to produce an ES-targeted PEGylated liposome (ES-SSL). The resulting targeted NP was loaded with MTO to produce a targeted liposome-MTO formulation (ES-SSL-MTO).

Key findings

The targeted formulation (~140 nm, 1.5 mV) achieved over 95% drug encapsulation efficiency and a favourable stability at 4, 25 and 37 °C up to 48 h. The flow cytometric data indicated that cellular uptake of ES-SSL into human leukaemia HL-60 cells was mediated via binding the oestrogen receptor. In addition, the ES-SSL-MTO significantly reduced the growth of HL-60 cells.

Conclusions

Our results provide a proof of principle that ES-modified PEGylated liposomes can target the ER, thereby potentially improving the therapeutic benefits in ER-overexpressed tumours.
Trialling nutrient recommendations for slow lorises (Nycticebus spp.) based on wild feeding ecology
Authors: Cabana F. , Dierenfeld E. , Wirdateti W. , Donati G. , Nekaris K. A. I.
Published: April 2017

Slow loris (Nycticebus spp.) captive diets have been based on routine and anecdotes rather than scientific fact. The growing body of evidence contradicts the high fruit diet supported by such anecdotes. Non‐human primate nutrient requirements are grouped into new (based on the common marmoset Callithrix jacchus) or old world (based on rhesus macaques Macaca mulatta) primates. Slow lorises are known to suffer from many health ailments in captivity such as dental disease, obesity, wasting and kidney issues all of which have been linked to diet. This study aimed to estimate nutrient intake from free‐ranging slow lorises and to determine whether this intake can be used as nutrient recommendations. We collected data of nutrient intake, food passage rate and digestibility of captive slow lorises on three diet treatments 1: current captive type diet which is mostly fruits, 2: wild‐type diet made only of food items from their natural diet, 3: new diet made to reflect wild slow loris nutrient intake. In order to validate our nutrient recommendations, diets 2 and 3 would have to be significantly different to Diet 1 in terms of nutrients, but not different from each other. Captive diets were significantly higher in soluble carbohydrates and lower in minerals and fibre fractions than both diets 2 and 3. Diets 2 and 3 led to a significantly increased food passage time and to more effective fibre and calcium digestion compared to Diet 1. We also observed obese individuals lost weight and underweight individuals gained weight. Our nutrient recommendations have been validated by our trials, and new or old world monkey nutrient recommendations are not consistent with our results. Diets should be high in protein and fibre and low in soluble carbohydrates and fats.
Persicaria changhuaensis sp. nov. (Polygonaceae) from northwestern Zhejiang, China
Authors: Zhang Hong‐Wei , Xiong Xian‐Hua , Lu Yi‐Fei , Jin Xiao‐Feng
Published: April 2017

Persicaria changhuaensis sp. nov., belonging to P. sect. Echinocaulon (Polygonaceae), from Zhejiang, eastern China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to P. senticosa (Meisn.) H. Gross ex Nakai and P. sagittata (L.) H. Gross ex Nakai var. sieboldii (Meisn.) Nakai, but differs from the former in having an ocrea without a reniform‐orbicular wing at apex, pubescent peduncle, triangular bracteoles, white perianth, and stamens exserted from the perianth. Compared to P. sagittata var. sieboldii, it differs in having the leaf blade triangular‐hastate, sparsely retrorsely‐prickled on abaxial veins, sparsely ciliate at the margin, pubescent peduncle, triangular bracteoles, and stamens exserted from the perianth.
A bell pepper cultivar tolerant to chilling enhanced nitrogen allocation and stress‐related metabolite accumulation in the roots in response to low root‐zone temperature
Authors: Aidoo Moses Kwame , Sherman Tal , Lazarovitch Naftali , Fait Aaron , Rachmilevitch Shimon
Published: April 2017

Two bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) cultivars, differing in their response to chilling, were exposed to three levels of root‐zone temperatures. Gas exchange, shoot and root phenology, and the pattern of change of the central metabolites and secondary metabolites caffeate and benzoate in the leaves and roots were profiled. Low root‐zone temperature significantly inhibited gaseous exchange, with a greater effect on the sensitive commercial pepper hybrid (Canon) than on the new hybrid bred to enhance abiotic stress tolerance (S103). The latter was less affected by the treatment with respect to plant height, shoot dry mass, root maximum length, root projected area, number of root tips and root dry mass. More carbon was allocated to the leaves of S103 than nitrogen at 17°C, while in the roots at 17°C, more nitrogen was allocated and the ratio between C/N decreased. Metabolite profiling showed greater increase in the root than in the leaves. Leaf response between the two cultivars differed significantly. The roots accumulated stress‐related metabolites including γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), proline, galactinol and raffinose and at chilling (7°C) resulted in an increase of sugars in both cultivars. Our results suggest that the enhanced tolerance of S103 to root cold stress, reflected in the relative maintenance of shoot and root growth, is likely linked to a more effective regulation of photosynthesis facilitated by the induction of stress‐related metabolism.
Dissociation between the neural correlates of conscious face perception and visual attention
Authors: Navajas Joaquin , Nitka Aleksander W. , Quian Quiroga Rodrigo
Published: April 2017

Given the higher chance to recognize attended compared to unattended stimuli, the specific neural correlates of these two processes, attention and awareness, tend to be intermingled in experimental designs. In this study, we dissociated the neural correlates of conscious face perception from the effects of visual attention. To do this, we presented faces at the threshold of awareness and manipulated attention through the use of exogenous prestimulus cues. We show that the N170 component, a scalp EEG marker of face perception, was modulated independently by attention and by awareness. An earlier P1 component was not modulated by either of the two effects and a later P3 component was indicative of awareness but not of attention. These claims are supported by converging evidence from (a) modulations observed in the average evoked potentials, (b) correlations between neural and behavioral data at the single‐subject level, and (c) single‐trial analyses. Overall, our results show a clear dissociation between the neural substrates of attention and awareness. Based on these results, we argue that conscious face perception is triggered by a boost in face‐selective cortical ensembles that can be modulated by, but are still independent from, visual attention.
Endobronchial ultrasound elastography for the differentiation of benign and malignant lymph nodes – Reply
Authors: Korrungruang Potjanee , Boonsarngsuk Viboon
Published: April 2017

See Letter

See article, page 972
Modified brow suspension technique for the treatment of pseudoptosis due to redundant frontal skin in the dog: a retrospective study of 25 cases
Authors: Cairó Martí , Leiva Marta , Costa Daniel , Peña Maria Teresa
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To describe the outcome of modified brow suspension technique for the treatment of upper eyelid pseudoptosis in canine patients with redundant frontal skin folds.

Methods

Medical records from 1999 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Only dogs that underwent modified brow suspension for treating bilateral pseudoptosis were included in the study. Recorded data included breed, age, gender, main ophthalmic complaint, ocular findings, suture material used for brow suspension, number of slings placed, postoperative treatment, complications, follow‐up time, and outcome.

Results

Twenty‐five adult dogs of different gender and breed fulfilled the inclusion criteria, with the Shar‐Pei being overrepresented (19/25;76%). The main complaint at first presentation was mucopurulent discharge (10/25;40%) and blepharospasm (10/25;40%). Concurrent corneal disease was diagnosed in 47 eyes (47/50;94%). Monofilament polyamide was the most frequently used suture material (46/50;92%). Number of slings placed varied, with one in two eyes (4%), two in 28 eyes (56%), three in 17 eyes (34%), and four in three eyes (6%). Complications were seen in three eyes (6%): suture rupture (one eye; 2%) and skin abscess (two eyes; 4%). Mean follow‐up time was 17.6 months (1–84 months), with no cases of fold dermatitis or dermatologic disease observed within this period. Good esthetic and functional outcomes were obtained in 47 eyes at first intervention (97%) and in all patients after re‐intervention.

Conclusions

The modified brow suspension technique described offers a surgical alternative for dogs with pseudoptosis secondary to redundant frontal skin folds that potentially reduces anesthetic time and facial changes.
Information Trading en términos de cognición funcional de los corredores: un estudio exploratorio experimental de un solo participante
Authors: Laskov-Peled Ronit , Wolf Yuval
Published: April 2017

Information trading (henceforth IT) is a criminal offense in the vicinity of mega stock markets. It gives an unfair and illegal advantage to the buyer of related information. The national and global damage caused by this sort of delinquency is immense, in a yearly scale of trillions. On top of the applied importance of such offenses, they pose

a meaningful theoretical and empirical challenge. The present proposal offers an attempt to exemplify the viability of the Functional Theory of Cognition and the methodological counterpart of the theory, Functional Measurement, as a means to establish a basis for related profiling attempts in terms of the functional way IT is coded in the beholders’ (i.e., senior brokers) cognitive system. An exemplary single-participant functional measurement is presented along with a demo empirical illustration of the way the distinction between Type A and Type B brokers can contribute to due profiling. Possible future related scientific ventures are pointed at briefly.
Microstructure Stability of a Fine-Grained AZ31 Magnesium Alloy Processed by Constrained Groove Pressing During Isothermal Annealing
Authors: Soon Fong Kai , Jen Tan Ming , Lan Ng Fern , Danno Atsushi , Wah Chua Beng
Published: April 2017

In this study, an AZ31 magnesium alloy plate was processed by constrained groove pressing (CGP) under three deformation cycles at temperatures from 503 to 448 K. The process resulted in a homogeneous fine grain microstructure with an average grain size of 1.8 μm. The as-processed microstructure contained a high fraction of low-angle grain boundaries (LAGB) of subgrains and dislocation boundaries that remained in the structure due to incomplete dynamic recovery and recrystallization. The material's yield strength was found to have increased from 175 to 242 MPa and with a significant weakening of its initial basal texture. The microstructure stability of the CGP-processed material was further investigated by isothermal annealing at temperature from 473 to 623 K and for different time. Abnormal grain growth was observed at 623 K, and this was associated with an increased in nonbasal grains at the expense of basal grains. The effect of annealing temperature and time on the grain growth kinetics was interpreted by using the grain growth equation,  Dn+D0n=kt, and Arrhenius equation, k=k0 exp (−(Q/RT)). The activation energy (Q) was estimated to be 27.8 kJ/mol which was significantly lower than the activation energy for lattice self-diffusion (QL = 135 kJ/mol) and grain boundary diffusion (Qgb = 92 kJ/mol) in pure magnesium. The result shows that grain growth is rapid but average grain size still remained smaller than the as-received material, especially at the shorter annealing time.
Evaluation of Simplified Creep Design Methods Based on the Case Analysis of Tee Joint at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Gong Jian-Guo , Xia Qi-Wei , Xuan Fu-Zhen
Published: April 2017

Based on a tee joint, the simplified creep design methods of ASME code, elastic-perfectly plastic (EPP) analysis of Code Case N-861 (CC N-861) and the inelastic analysis by isochronous stress strain (ISS) curve, were evaluated and compared to nonlinear finite element creep analysis (FECA). Results indicate that both EPP and FECA lead to a greater inelastic strain than ISS curve-based results. By contrast, the ISS-based analysis induces a smaller usage fraction (damage) than FECA due to the underestimated inelastic strain. In addition, the smallest usage fraction (damage) is obtained by using EPP analysis of CC N-861 in which case the remarkable bending strain is involved.
Optimal Transmission Ratio Selection for Electric Motor Driven Actuators With Known Output Torque and Motion Trajectories
Authors: Bartlett Harrison L. , Lawson Brian E. , Goldfarb Michael
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a method for selecting the optimal transmission ratio for an electric motor for applications for which the desired torque and motion at the transmission output are known a priori. Representative applications for which the desired output torque and motion are periodic and known include robotic manipulation, robotic locomotion, powered prostheses, and exoskeletons. Optimal transmission ratios are presented in two senses: one that minimizes the root-mean-square (RMS) electrical current and one that minimizes the RMS electrical power. An example application is presented in order to demonstrate the method for optimal transmission ratio selection.
Observer-Based Boundary Control Design for the Suppression of Stick–Slip Oscillations in Drilling Systems With Only Surface Measurements
Authors: Ibrahim Basturk Halil
Published: April 2017

We develop an observer-based boundary controller for the rotary table to suppress stick–slip oscillations and to maintain the angular velocity of the drill string at a desired value during a drilling process despite unknown friction torque and by using only surface measurements. The control design is based on a distributed model of the drill string. The obtained infinite dimensional model is converted to an ordinary differential equation–partial differential equation (ODE–PDE) coupled system. The observer-based controller is designed by reformulating the problem as the stabilization of an linear time-invariant (LTI) system which is affected by a constant unknown disturbance and has simultaneous actuator and sensor delays. The main contribution of the controller is that it requires only surface measurements. We prove that the equilibrium of the closed-loop system is exponentially stable, and that the angular velocity regulation is achieved with the estimations of unknown friction torque and drill bit velocity. The effectiveness of the controller is demonstrated using numerical simulations.
Sample-Based Synthesis of Functionally Graded Material Structures
Authors: Liu Xingchen , Shapiro Vadim
Published: April 2017

Spatial variation of material structures is a principal mechanism for creating and controlling spatially varying material properties in nature and engineering. While the spatially varying homogenized properties can be represented by scalar and vector fields on the macroscopic scale, explicit microscopic structures of constituent phases are required to facilitate the visualization, analysis, and manufacturing of functionally graded material (FGM). The challenge of FGM structure modeling lies in the integration of these two scales. We propose to represent and control material properties of FGM at macroscale using the notion of material descriptors, which include common geometric, statistical, and topological measures, such as volume fraction, correlation functions, and Minkowski functionals. At microscale, the material structures are modeled as Markov random fields (MRFs): we formulate the problem of design and (re)construction of FGM structure as a process of selecting neighborhoods from a reference FGM, based on target material descriptors fields. The effectiveness of the proposed method in generating a spatially varying structure of FGM with target properties is demonstrated by two examples: design of a graded bone structure and generating functionally graded lattice structures with target volume fraction fields.
Exact Modeling of n-Link Spatial Serial Structures Using Transfer Matrices
Authors: Kivila Arto , Book Wayne , Singhose William
Published: April 2017

Finding natural frequencies and mode shapes for flexible structures can be a challenging problem. Although well-known approaches exist for single flexible links, the problem becomes increasingly more complex when dealing with multiple links. Spatial configurations add an additional layer of difficulty. This work presents a systematic method for finding the natural frequencies and mode-shapes for n-link serial structures using a transfer matrix approach. The method is validated by finite element analysis and experiments.
A Unified Approach for Second-Order Control of the Manipulator With Joint Physical Constraints
Authors: Jiang Pei , Huang Shuihua , Xiang Ji , Chen Michael Z. Q.
Published: April 2017

Kinematic control of manipulators with joint physical constraints, such as joint limits and joint velocity limits, has received extensive studies. Many studies resolved this problem at the second-order kinematic level, which may suffer from the self-motion instability in the presence of persistent self-motion or unboundedness of joint velocity. In this paper, a unified approach is proposed to control a manipulator with both joint limits and joint velocity limits at the second-order kinematic level. By combining the weighted least-norm (WLN) solution in the revised joint space and the clamping weighted least-norm (CWLN) solution in the real joint space, the unified approach ensures the joint limits and joint velocity limits at the same time. A time-variant clamping factor is incorporated into the unified approach to suppress the self-motion when the joint velocity diverges, or the end-effector stops, which improves the stability of self-motion. The simulations in contrast to the traditional dynamic feedback control scheme and the new minimum-acceleration-norm (MAN) scheme have been made to demonstrate the advantages of the unified approach.
Effects of virtual acoustics on dynamic auditory distance perception
Authors: Rungta Atul , Rewkowski Nicholas , Klatzky Roberta , Lin Ming , Manocha Dinesh
Published: April 2017

Sound propagation encompasses various acoustic phenomena including reverberation. Current virtual acoustic methods ranging from parametric filters to physically accurate solvers can simulate reverberation with varying degrees of fidelity. The effects of reverberant sounds generated using different propagation algorithms on acoustic distance perception are investigated. In particular, two classes of methods for real time sound propagation in dynamic scenes based on parametric filters and ray tracing are evaluated. The study shows that ray tracing enables more distance accuracy as compared to the approximate, filter-based method. This suggests that accurate reverberation in virtual reality results in better reproduction of acoustic distances.
Smartphone-controlled optogenetically engineered cells enable semiautomatic glucose homeostasis in diabetic mice
Authors: Shao Jiawei , Xue Shuai , Yu Guiling , Yu Yuanhuan , Yang Xueping , Bai Yu , Zhu Sucheng , Yang Linfeng , Yin Jianli , Wang Yidan , Liao Shuyong , Guo Sanwei , Xie Mingqi , Fussenegger Martin , Ye Haifeng
Published: April 2017

Optogenetically engineered cells maintain blood glucose homeostasis in mice by semiautonomous, wirelessly regulated exposure to far-red light.
Transient CDK4/6 inhibition protects hematopoietic stem cells from chemotherapy-induced exhaustion
Authors: He Shenghui , Roberts Patrick J. , Sorrentino Jessica A. , Bisi John E. , Storrie-White Hannah , Tiessen Renger G. , Makhuli Karenann M. , Wargin William A. , Tadema Henko , van Hoogdalem Ewoud-Jan , Strum Jay C. , Malik Rajesh , Sharpless Norman E.
Published: April 2017

The concomitant use of CDK4/6 inhibitors with cytotoxic agents may prevent chemotherapy-induced bone marrow exhaustion in cancer patients.
Photoactivated cells link diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Gomelsky Mark
Published: April 2017

A semiautonomous system enables implanted photoactivated cells to produce glucose-lowering hormones and maintain glucose homeostasis in diabetic mice (Shao
et al
., this issue).