bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of different dietary protein levels and rumen-protected folic acid on ruminal fermentation, degradability, bacterial populations and urinary excretion of purine derivatives in beef steers
Authors: WANG C. , LIU Q. , GUO G. , HUO W. J. , LIANG Y. , PEI C. X. , ZHANG S. L. , YANG W. Z. , WANG H.
Published: August 2017

The current experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different dietary protein levels and rumen-protected folic acid (RPFA) supplementation on ruminal fermentation, microbial enzyme activity, bacterial populations and urinary excretion of purine derivatives (PD) in growing beef steers. Low-protein (LP) or high-protein (HP) diets were fed to eight ruminally cannulated first-generation cross-bred (Blonde d'Aquitaine × Simmental) beef steers with or without RPFA supplementation. Steers were fed a total mixed ration, and dietary concentrate to maize silage ratio was 50 : 50 (dry matter (DM) basis). No interaction between dietary crude protein (CP) levels and RPFA supplementation was observed during the experiment. Ruminal pH was unaffected by RPFA supplementation, but decreased with increasing dietary CP levels. Ruminal total volatile fatty acid concentration increased with increasing dietary CP levels or RPFA supplementation. Molar proportion of acetate increased with RPFA supplementation, but tended to decrease with increasing dietary CP levels. The proportion of propionate decreased with RPFA supplementation, but was unaffected by dietary CP levels. As a result, the acetate to propionate ratio increased with RPFA supplementation, but tended to be lower for the HP diets than the LP diets. Ammonia-nitrogen content decreased with RPFA supplementation, but increased with increasing dietary CP levels.In situruminal degradability of maize straw and concentrate increased with increasing dietary CP levels or RPFA supplementation. Microbial enzyme (carboxymethyl-cellulase, cellobiase, xylanase, pectinase,α-amylase and protease) activity, bacterial populations (Ruminococcus albus,Ruminococcus flavefaciens,Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens,Prevotella ruminicola,Fibrobacter succinogenesandRuminobacter amylophilus) and urinary PD excretion increased with increasing dietary CP levels or RPFA supplementation. The current study showed that increasing dietary CP levels from 109·1 to 130·7 g/kg DM or supplementing 75 mg RPFA improved ruminal fermentation and microbial protein synthesis by increasing bacterial population and microbial enzyme activity.
Common Macro Factors and Currency Premia
Authors: Filippou Ilias , Taylor Mark P.
Published: August 2017

We study the role of domestic and global factors in the payoffs of portfolios mimicking carry, dollar-carry, and momentum strategies. Using factors summarizing large data sets of macroeconomic and financial variables, we find that global equity-market factors are predictive for carry-trade returns, whereas U.S. inflation and consumption variables drive dollar-carry-trade payoffs, momentum returns are predominantly driven by U.S. inflation factors, and global factors capture the countercyclical nature of currency premia. We also find predictability in the exchange-rate component of each strategy and demonstrate strong economic value for risk-averse investors with mean-variance preferences, regardless of base currency.
Relationship between chronic otitis media with effusion and overweight or obesity in children
Authors: Kaya S , Selimoğlu E , Cureoğlu S , Selimoğlu M A
Published: August 2017

Objectives:

Otitis media with effusion and obesity are both common in childhood and might share some immunological alterations. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between chronic otitis media with effusion and childhood overweight or obesity, including the potential effects of adenoid or tonsillar hypertrophy on that relationship.

Methods:

This study included 60 children with chronic otitis media with effusion and 86 healthy children aged from 2 to 10 years. Measures of height and weight were used to calculate the body mass index, weight for height and weight z score.

Results:

The prevalence of overweight or obesity was higher in children with chronic otitis media with effusion, according to the weight for height percentiles (p = 0.012). However, neither the presence of adenoid or tonsillar hypertrophy nor the degree of adenoid hypertrophy was associated with overweight or obesity.

Conclusion:

Overweight and obesity might be risk factors for developing chronic otitis media with effusion, or vice versa.
Hearing status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ahmadzadeh A , Daraei M , Jalessi M , Peyvandi A A , Amini E , Ranjbar L A , Daneshi A
Published: August 2017

Objective:

Rheumatoid arthritis is thought to induce conductive hearing loss and/or sensorineural hearing loss. This study evaluated the function of the middle ear and cochlea, and the related factors.

Methods:

Pure tone audiometry, speech reception thresholds, speech discrimination scores, tympanometry, acoustic reflexes, and distortion product otoacoustic emissions were assessed in rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy volunteers.

Results:

Pure tone audiometry results revealed a higher bone conduction threshold in the rheumatoid arthritis group, but there was no significant difference when evaluated according to the sensorineural hearing loss definition. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions related prevalence of conductive or mixed hearing loss, tympanometry values, acoustic reflexes, and speech discrimination scores were not significantly different between the two groups. Sensorineural hearing loss was significantly more prevalent in patients who used azathioprine, cyclosporine and etanercept.

Conclusion:

Higher bone conduction thresholds in some frequencies were detected in rheumatoid arthritis patients that were not clinically significant. Sensorineural hearing loss is significantly more prevalent in refractory rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Cochlear implantation in Malawi: report of the first four cases
Authors: Mulwafu W , Strachan D R , Bartlett R , Caron C
Published: August 2017

Objective:

This paper reports on the first four cochlear implant cases in Malawi.

Case reports:

Three patients were deafened from infectious diseases and one from an unknown cause. They all had post-lingual deafness. Six months after the last implant, they are all progressing well.

Conclusion:

Despite significant practical difficulties, it has proved possible, with the right support, to carry out cochlear implantation in one of the world's poorest countries. The project has also raised awareness of deafness in Malawi and highlighted significant public health issues relating to the aetiology of deafness in developing countries.
Clavicle fracture with osteomyelitis after neck dissection and post-operative radiotherapy: case report
Authors: Shodo R , Sato Y , Ota H , Horii A
Published: August 2017

Background:

Non-traumatic bone fractures in cancer patients are usually pathological fractures due to bone metastases. In head and neck cancer patients, clavicle stress fractures may occur as a result of atrophy of the trapezius muscle after neck dissection in which the accessory nerve becomes structurally or functionally damaged.

Case report:

A 71-year-old man underwent modified radical neck dissection with accessory nerve preservation and post-operative radiotherapy for submandibular lymph node metastases of tongue cancer. Four weeks after the radiotherapy, a clavicle fracture, with osteomyelitis and abscess formation in the pectoralis major muscle, occurred. Unlike in simple stress fracture, long-term antibiotic administration and drainage surgery were required to suppress the inflammation.

Conclusion:

As seen in the present patient, clavicle stress fractures may occur even after neck dissection in which the accessory nerve is preserved, and may be complicated by osteomyelitis and abscess formation owing to risk factors such as radiotherapy, tracheostomy and contiguous infection.
THE “ECLIPSE GLYPH” IN MAYA TEXT AND ICONOGRAPHY: A CENTURY OF MISINTERPRETATION
Authors: Love Bruce
Published: August 2017

The “eclipse glyph,” as it is called by most people in our field, is not referring to eclipses, but rather to the darkened sun and moon associated with heavy rainfall or darkened skies. This glyph is composed of the sun sign or moon sign (occasionally others) between two flanking fields, usually one light and one dark, and is found principally in the Postclassic divinatory almanacs of the Maya codices. Evidence for this proposal comes from iconography as well as texts. Rain pours from “eclipse glyphs” in pictures accompanied by hieroglyphic captions explicitly dealing with rain; they also appear in calendrical sequences that could not possibly be referring to eclipses. Even in the lunar or eclipse pages in theDresden Codexthat deal with solar eclipses, the texts that accompany the “eclipse glyphs” are about rain. A search of Classic-period antecedents suggests a linguistic valueyihk'in, meaning “darkened” or “darkening.”
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Mycosis due to Exposure toEurotium herbariorumafter the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Oshikata Chiyako , Watanabe Maiko , Saito Akemi , Ishida Masatsugu , Kobayashi Seiichi , Konuma Rumi , Kamata Yoichi , Terajima Jun , Cho Junichi , Yanai Masaru , Tsurikisawa Naomi
Published: August 2017

Background

Indoor mold levels typically increase after natural disasters, flooding, and water damage.Eurotium herbariorumis the sexual stage ofAspergillus glaucus.

Case Presentation

A 66-year-old, Japanese male, ex-smoker had been diagnosed with bronchial asthma when he was five years old; he achieved remission at the age of 13 years. He was displaced from his home during the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011 and moved to temporary housing in Miyagi Prefecture in June 2011. He experienced the first episode of chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing in February 2012, when he again was diagnosed as having bronchial asthma. Mycofloral surveillance detected high counts ofEurotiumin the air of his bedroom, kitchen, and living room, with a maximal fungal count of 163,200 colony-forming units per cubic meter (CFU/m3). AlthoughCladosporiumandPenicilliumtypically predominate in the indoor air of residential dwellings, only low levels of these organisms were present in the patient’s home. Morphologic identification confirmed the isolates asE. herbariorum. The patient had positive reactions toE. herbariorumin skin prick testing and the presence of antigen-specific precipitating antibodies toE. herbariorum. Computed tomography of the chest in August 2013 revealed central bronchiectasis and bronchial wall thickening. The patient experienced late reactions after provocation testing withE. herbariorum.

Conclusion

This report presents the rare case of a patient who developed allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis (ABPM) due to exposure toE. herbariorumduring temporary housing after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

OshikataC,WatanabeM,SaitoA,IshidaM,KobayashiS,KonumaR,KamataY,TerajimaJ,ChoJ,YanaiM,TsurikisawaN.Allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis due to exposure toeurotium herbariorumafter the Great East Japan Earthquake.Prehosp Disaster Med.2017;32(6):688–690.
Transmission Electron Microscopy Studies of Electron-Selective Titanium Oxide Contacts in Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Ali Haider , Yang Xinbo , Weber Klaus , Schoenfeld Winston V. , Davis Kristopher O.
Published: August 2017

In this study, the cross-section of electron-selective titanium oxide (TiO2) contacts for n-type crystalline silicon solar cells were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. It was revealed that the excellent cell efficiency of 21.6% obtained on n-type cells, featuring SiO2/TiO2/Al rear contacts and after forming gas annealing (FGA) at 350°C, is due to strong surface passivation of SiO2/TiO2 stack as well as low contact resistivity at the Si/SiO2/TiO2 heterojunction. This can be attributed to the transformation of amorphous TiO2 to a conducting TiO2−x phase. Conversely, the low efficiency (9.8%) obtained on cells featuring an a-Si:H/TiO2/Al rear contact is due to severe degradation of passivation of the a-Si:H upon FGA.
Orientation Relationships in Al0.7CoCrFeNi High-Entropy Alloy
Authors: de Jeer Leo T.H. , Ocelík Václav , De Hosson Jeff T.M.
Published: August 2017

A detailed microstructural evaluation was executed on the crystallographic texture as well as the mechanisms for nucleation, phase transformation, and grain growth in a Al0.7CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy. The microstructure and crystallographic orientations were characterized by electron backscatter diffraction, and the chemical composition variations by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The cast Al0.7CoCrFeNi alloy started in the BCC phase and partially transformed into the FCC phase. It was found that the Pitsch orientation relationship (OR) dominates the nucleation mechanism of the FCC phase; however, deviations with respect to the Pitsch OR are observed and are attributed to the differently sized atoms forming an ordered B2 phase in the alloy causing lattice distortions. The dual phase BCC–FCC microstructure contains FCC Widmanstätten plates oriented parallel to the {110}BCC planes of the parent grain. It was found that the crystal orientation distribution after the BCC–FCC phase transformation is confined and is explained as a product of the governing mechanisms.
The Effect of Reduced Light Intensity on Grass Weeds
Authors: Yasin Muhammad , Rosenqvist Eva , Andreasen Christian
Published: August 2017

The effect of reduced light intensity on the growth and development of three common grass weeds, blackgrass, silky windgrass, and annual bluegrass, was studied. Two identical greenhouse experiments displaced in time were performed with six light levels aiming at 0%, 20%, 50%, 80%, 90%, and 95% shade corresponding to a mean daily light integral (DLI) of 12.4, 9.63, 7.13, 2.74, 0.95, and 0.69 mol m−2d−1in experiment 1 and 21.2, 18.0, 10.7, 3.71, 1.64, 1.20 mol m−2d−1in experiment 2. Climate screens of acrylic fabric were used to create the light levels. A DLI of 0.69 to 3.71 mol m−2d−1substantially reduced the plant height, the number of leaves, leaf chlorophyll content index, stomatal conductance, maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II, and dry matter of blackgrass. It also reduced plant height, the number of leaves, and dry matter and delayed flowering of windgrass and annual bluegrass. Annual bluegrass reacted most rapidly when light levels increased from the lowest levels by producing more leaves. DLI thresholds for blooming were estimated to be about 7.13 mol m−2d−1for windgrass and 1.64 mol m−2d−1for annual bluegrass. Annual bluegrass was able to bloom and sustain biomass even at a DLI of 1.64 mol m−2d−1. This ability may contribute to an explanation of why annual bluegrass is among the most common weed species in highly competitive and well-fertilized crops even though it is much smaller than the two other grass species.
Chemically Contaminated Eel Fed to Pregnant and Lactating Mouse Dams Causes Hyperactivity in Their Offspring
Authors: Dridi Imen , Soualeh Nidhal , Bohn Torsten , Soulimani Rachid , Bouayed Jaouad
Published: August 2017

Abstract.This study examined whether perinatal exposure to polluted eels (Anguilla anguilla L.) induces changes in the locomotor activity of offspring mice across lifespan (post-natal days (PNDs) 47 – 329), using the open field and the home cage activity tests. Dams were exposed during gestation and lactation, through diets enriched in eels naturally contaminated with pollutants including PCBs. Analysis of the eel muscle focused on the six non-dioxin-like (NDL) indicator PCBs (Σ6 NDL-PCBs: 28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180). Four groups of dams (n = 10 per group) received either a standard diet without eels or eels (0.8 mg/kg/day) containing 85, 216, or 400 ng/kg/day of ϵ6 NDL-PCBs. The open field test showed that early-life exposure to polluted eels increased locomotion in female offspring of exposed dams but not in males, compared to controls. This hyperlocomotion appeared later in life, at PNDs 195 and 329 (up to 32 % increase, p < 0.05). In addition, overactivity was observed in the home cage test at PND 305: exposed offspring females showed a faster overall locomotion speed (3.6 – 4.2 cm/s) than controls (2.9 cm/s, p <0.05); again, males remained unaffected. Covered distances in the home cage test were only elevated significantly in offspring females exposed to highest PCB concentrations (3411 ± 590 cm vs. 1377 ± 114 cm, p < 0.001). These results suggest that early-life exposure to polluted eels containing dietary contaminants including PCBs caused late, persistent and gender-dependent neurobehavioral hyperactive effects in offspring mice. Furthermore, female hyperactivity was associated with a significant inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity in the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex.
Tailoring Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for Older Children: A Case Study
Authors: Briegel Wolfgang
Published: August 2017

Abstract. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based intervention designed for families of 2- to 6-year-old children with disruptive behavior disorders. This article illustrates the application of PCIT in a 10-year-old boy with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Both parents and the patient attended PCIT sessions. The course of therapy included minor changes to the PCIT protocol. After 13 PCIT sessions, the patient displayed disruptive behaviors within normal limits, and 12 months later he no longer met diagnostic criteria for ODD. Results remained stable at a 17-month follow-up assessment. This case study suggests that the use of PCIT in families of children with ODD markedly older than the recommended age range might be a promising approach for improving family functioning and reducing behavior problems. Further research with larger samples of older children with ODD is needed to replicate and elaborate the findings of this case study.
Psychische Gesundheit von Pflegekindern im Vorschulalter: Wie stark hängt die Bewältigung traumatischer Erfahrungen von der Pflegefamilie ab?
Authors: Vasileva Mira , Petermann Franz
Published: August 2017

Zusammenfassung. Wie stark sich psychische Auffälligkeiten bei Vorschulkindern mit traumatischen Erlebnissen entwickeln, hängt stark von Merkmalen und dem Verhalten ihrer Bezugspersonen ab. Es ist noch unklar, in welcher Form sich traumatische Erlebnisse und Merkmale der Pflegefamilie auf die psychische Gesundheit eines Kindes auswirken. In dieser Studie wurden das Stresserleben und das Erziehungsverhalten der Pflegeeltern als Moderatoren und Mediatoren im Kontext traumatischer Erfahrungen untersucht. Pflegeeltern von 286 Kindern zwischen 3 und 7 Jahren nahmen an einer postalischen oder Onlinebefragung teil. Die Ergebnisse deuten auf Wechselwirkungen zwischen traumatischen Erfahrungen des Pflegekindes und dem Stressniveau sowie dem Erziehungsverhalten der Pflegeeltern hin. Während Weitschweifigkeit und Nachsichtigkeit in der Erziehung den Effekt des Traumas auf die externalisierenden Auffälligkeiten des Kindes moderiert, hat Stresserleben einen mediierenden Effekt zwischen traumatischen Erlebnissen und einer internalisierenden oder externalisierenden Problematik. Die erzielten Ergebnisse unterstreichen die Notwendigkeit einer systematischen Vorbereitung und Unterstützung der Pflegeeltern von Kindern mit traumatischen Erfahrungen. Durch eine solche Betreuung der Pflegeeltern können unbeabsichtigte negative Auswirkungen der traumatischen Erfahrungen begrenzt werden.
Flow-induced elongation of von Willebrand factor precedes tension-dependent activation
Authors: Fu Hongxia , Jiang Yan , Yang Darren , Scheiflinger Friedrich , Wong Wesley P. , Springer Timothy A.
Published: August 2017

Von Willebrand factor, an ultralarge concatemeric blood protein, must bind to platelet GPIbα during bleeding to mediate hemostasis, but not in the normal circulation to avoid thrombosis. Von Willebrand factor is proposed to be mechanically activated by flow, but the mechanism remains unclear. Using microfluidics with single-molecule imaging, we simultaneously monitored reversible Von Willebrand factor extension and binding to GPIbα under flow. We show that Von Willebrand factor is activated through a two-step conformational transition: first, elongation from compact to linear form, and subsequently, a tension-dependent local transition to a state with high affinity for GPIbα. High-affinity sites develop only in upstream regions of VWF where tension exceeds ~21 pN and depend upon electrostatic interactions. Re-compaction of Von Willebrand factor is accelerated by intramolecular interactions and increases GPIbα dissociation rate. This mechanism enables VWF to be locally activated by hydrodynamic force in hemorrhage and rapidly deactivated downstream, providing a paradigm for hierarchical mechano-regulation of receptor–ligand binding.
Breast cancer chemoprevention pharmacogenomics: Deep sequencing and functional genomics of the ZNF423 and CTSO genes
Authors: Liu Duan , Ho Ming-Fen , Schaid Daniel J. , Scherer Steven E. , Kalari Krishna , Liu Mohan , Biernacka Joanna , Yee Vivien , Evans Jared , Carlson Erin , Goetz Matthew P. , Kubo Michiaki , Wickerham D. Lawrence , Wang Liewei , Ingle James N. , Weinshilboum Richard M.
Published: August 2017

Our previous GWAS using samples from the NSABP P-1 and P-2 selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) breast cancer prevention trials identified SNPs in ZNF423 and near CTSO that were associated with breast cancer risk during SERM chemoprevention. We have now performed Next Generation DNA sequencing to identify additional SNPs that might contribute to breast cancer risk and to extend our observation that SNPs located hundreds of bp from estrogen response elements (EREs) can alter estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) binding in a SERM-dependent fashion. Our study utilized a nested case-control cohort selected from patients enrolled in the original GWAS, with 199 cases who developed breast cancer during SERM therapy and 201 matched controls who did not. We resequenced approximately 500 kb across both ZNF423 and CTSO, followed by functional genomic studies. We identified 4079 SNPs across ZNF423 and 3876 across CTSO, with 9 SNPs in ZNF423 and 12 in CTSO with p < 1E-02 that were within 500 bp of an ERE motif. The rs746157 (p = 8.44E-04) and rs12918288 SNPs (p = 3.43E-03) in intron 5 of ZNF423, were in linkage equilibrium and were associated with alterations in ER-binding to an ERE motif distant from these SNPs. We also studied all nonsynonymous SNPs in both genes and observed that one nsSNP in ZNF423 displayed decreased protein expression. In conclusion, we identified additional functional SNPs in ZNF423 that were associated with SNP and SERM-dependent alternations in ER binding and transcriptional regulation for an ERE at a distance from the SNPs, thus providing novel insight into mechanisms of SERM effect.
Taste of breath: the temporal order of taste and smell synchronized with breathing as a determinant for taste and olfactory integration
Authors: Kakutani Yuya , Narumi Takuji , Kobayakawa Tatsu , Kawai Takayuki , Kusakabe Yuko , Kunieda Satomi , Wada Yuji
Published: August 2017

Many studies have reported that subjective taste intensity is enhanced by odors which are congruent, for example a sweet taste and a vanilla odor. Some reports have suggested that subjective taste is more strongly enhanced by retronasal than by orthonasal odors; others have suggested that taste enhancements by both odor routes are identical. Differences between the two routes include the direction of airflow accompanying breath. Thus, it is possible that the order of gustatory and olfactory stimuli when breathing through either route while drinking is a determining factor for taste-odor integration. To reveal the natural relationship between taste intensity enhancement by odors and breath, synchronization of odor stimulation with the breath is necessary. Here, we examined whether the enhancement of a sweet taste is induced by a vanilla odor presented in various combinations of odor routes, immediately before and immediately after drinking. The results showed that a retronasal odor after drinking enhanced taste, but an orthonasal odor before drinking did not. The retronasal odor before drinking and the orthonasal odor after drinking did not enhance the sweet taste. These results show that congruency with the natural order of stimulus and kinetic sensation is a determining factor for odor-induced taste enhancement.
A Machine Learning Approach Using Survival Statistics to Predict Graft Survival in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Yoo Kyung Don , Noh Junhyug , Lee Hajeong , Kim Dong Ki , Lim Chun Soo , Kim Young Hoon , Lee Jung Pyo , Kim Gunhee , Kim Yon Su
Published: August 2017

Accurate prediction of graft survival after kidney transplant is limited by the complexity and heterogeneity of risk factors influencing allograft survival. In this study, we applied machine learning methods, in combination with survival statistics, to build new prediction models of graft survival that included immunological factors, as well as known recipient and donor variables. Graft survival was estimated from a retrospective analysis of the data from a multicenter cohort of 3,117 kidney transplant recipients. We evaluated the predictive power of ensemble learning algorithms (survival decision tree, bagging, random forest, and ridge and lasso) and compared outcomes to those of conventional models (decision tree and Cox regression). Using a conventional decision tree model, the 3-month serum creatinine level post-transplant (cut-off, 1.65 mg/dl) predicted a graft failure rate of 77.8% (index of concordance, 0.71). Using a survival decision tree model increased the index of concordance to 0.80, with the episode of acute rejection during the first year post-transplant being associated with a 4.27-fold increase in the risk of graft failure. Our study revealed that early acute rejection in the first year is associated with a substantially increased risk of graft failure. Machine learning methods may provide versatile and feasible tools for forecasting graft survival.
Amniogenic somatopleure: a novel origin of multiple cell lineages contributing to the cardiovascular system
Authors: Asai Rieko , Haneda Yuka , Seya Daiki , Arima Yuichiro , Fukuda Kimiko , Kurihara Yukiko , Miyagawa-Tomita Sachiko , Kurihara Hiroki
Published: August 2017

The somatopleure is the amniotic primordium in amniote development, but its boundary to the embryonic body at early embryonic stages and the fate of cells constituting this structure are not well characterized. It also remains unclear how cells behave during the demarcation between intra- and extra-embryonic tissues. Here we identify cellular alignments, which indicate two streams towards the sites of dorsal amniotic closure and ventral thoracic wall formation. A subpopulation of mesodermal cells moving ventrally from the somatopleural region adjacent to the base of the head fold enter the body of the embryo and distribute to the thoracic wall, pharyngeal arches and heart. These cells are induced to differentiate into vascular endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes possibly by FGF and BMP signaling, respectively. These results indicate that the somatopleure acting as the amniotic primordium also serves as a source of embryonic cells, which may contribute to cardiovascular development.
Arp2/3 complex controls T cell homeostasis by maintaining surface TCR levels via regulating TCR+ endosome trafficking
Authors: Zhang Ye , Shen Hao , Liu Haifeng , Feng Haiyun , Liu Yan , Zhu Xiaoyan , Liu Xiaolong
Published: August 2017

T cell receptor (TCR) signaling is important for T cell homeostasis and function. However, how surface TCR levels are regulated and its biological significance on T cells remains largely unknown. Here, we show that the T cell-specific deletion of Arpc2, a component of Arp2/3 complex, results in compromised peripheral T cell homeostasis. Arp2/3 complex-nucleated actin filaments are essential for maintaining surface TCR levels by regulating TCR+ endosome trafficking in resting state and controlling polarization of TCR+ endosomes during immune synapse formation in T cells. Additionally, Arpc2-TKO T cells are unable to form immune synapse. Interestingly, defected T cell homeostasis is caused by reduced surface TCR levels but not impaired immune synapse formation. Collectively, our findings suggest that Arp2/3 complex-nucleated actin filaments are required for maintaining surface TCR levels via regulating TCR+ endosome trafficking which is essential for T cell homeostasis.
Isoliquiritigenin modulates miR-374a/PTEN/Akt axis to suppress breast cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis
Authors: Peng Fu , Tang Hailin , Liu Peng , Shen Jiangang , Guan Xinyuan , Xie Xiaofang , Gao Jihai , Xiong Liang , Jia Lei , Chen Jianping , Peng Cheng
Published: August 2017

Breast cancer is one of the most frightful causes of death among females worldwide. Accumulating evidence attached the importance of microRNAs negative regulation to tumorigenesis in breast cancer, suggesting novel cancer therapies targeting microRNAs modulation. Recent studies demonstrated that isoliquiritigenin could inhibit breast cancer cells proliferation and migration, but the underlying mechanism is still limited. In this study, the anti-cancer effects as well as the detailed mechanisms of isoliquiritigenin were explored. The results proved that isoliquiritigenin could negatively regulate breast cancer growth through the induction of apoptosis. We also verified the anti-cancer effect of isoliquiritigenin on migration and invasion, and identified highly expressed miR-374a as one of the main microRNAs down-regulated by isoliquiritigenin treatment in breast cancer. Further study displayed that isoliquiritigenin increased PTEN expression through the decrease of miR-374a expression to inhibit the aberrant Akt signaling. Our findings suggest isoliquiritigenin as a novel anti-cancer candidate significantly regulating miR-374a/PTEN/Akt axis in microRNA-based breast cancer therapies.
Self-sacrificed template synthesis of ribbon-like hexagonal boron nitride nano-architectures and their improvement on mechanical and thermal properties of PHA polymer
Authors: Zhao Yan , Liu Zhenya , Cao Chaochao , Wang Chong , Fang Yi , Huang Yang , Yu Chao , Zhang Jun , Li Lanlan , Hu Long , Tang Chengchun
Published: August 2017

Two-dimensional (2-D) boron nitride (BN) nanomaterials have received intensive attention because of their attractive mechanical, thermal and chemical stability. Here we demonstrate, for the first time, the synthesis of ribbon-like hexagonal boron nitride nano-architectures (RLBN) through a simple self-sacrificed template method using the cheap boric acid and melamine as raw materials. After the freeze-drying and thermal decomposition process, uniform ultrathin RLBN with width of 200–500 nm and thick of a few nanometers can be obtained. The RLBN with high quality tremendously improves the mechanical and thermal properties of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) polymer. The decomposition temperature (Td) of PHA increases from 368 °C to 390 °C, while the thermal conductivity increases by 46.0% with RLBN doped. The ductility (strain at break), yield strength and tensile strength of PHA@RLBN composite are also enhanced by 52.3%, 49.4% and 6.01% respectively.
Optical µ-Printing of Cellular-Scale Microscaffold Arrays for 3D Cell Culture
Authors: Ouyang Xia , Zhang Kunyu , Wu Jushuai , Wong Dexter Siu-Hong , Feng Qian , Bian Liming , Zhang A. Ping
Published: August 2017

Guiding cell culture via engineering extracellular microenvironment has attracted tremendous attention due to its appealing potentials in the repair, maintenance, and development of tissues or even whole organs. However, conventional biofabrication technologies are usually less productive in fabricating microscale three-dimensional (3D) constructs because of the strident requirements in processing precision and complexity. Here we present an optical µ-printing technology to rapidly fabricate 3D microscaffold arrays for 3D cell culture and cell-scaffold interaction studies on a single chip. Arrays of 3D cubic microscaffolds with cubical sizes matching the single-cell size were fabricated to facilitate cell spreading on suspended microbeams so as to expose both apical and basal cell membranes. We further showed that the increasing of the cubical size of the microscaffolds led to enhanced spreading of the seeded human mesenchymal stem cells and activation of mechanosensing signaling, thereby promoting osteogenesis. Moreover, we demonstrated that the spatially selective modification of the surfaces of suspended beams with a bioactive coating (gelatin methacrylate) via an in-situ printing process allowed tailorable cell adhesion and spreading on the 3D microscaffolds.
40Ar/39Ar dating of Glacial Termination VI: constraints on the duration of Marine Isotopic Stage 13
Authors: Marra Fabrizio , Florindo Fabio , Jicha Brian R.
Published: August 2017

We present four new 40Ar/39Ar ages of tephra layers from an aggradational succession (Valle Giulia Formation) near the mouth of the Tiber Valley in Rome that was deposited in response to sea-level rise during Marine Isotopic Stage (MIS) 13. These new ages, integrated with seven previously determined ages, provide the only extant independent, radioisotopic age constraint on glacial termination VI and on the duration of MIS 13 sea-level rise. The new geochronologic constraints suggest a long duration for the period of sea-level rise (533 ± 2 through 498 ± 2 ka) encompassing two consecutive positive peaks of the δ18O curve (substages 13.3 and 13.1). Consistently, the litho-stratigraphic features of the sedimentary record account for two aggradational phases separated by an intervening erosional phase. Moreover, the ages obtained for this study give us the opportunity to compare the timing of the sea-level fluctuations inferred from the stratigraphic record and that provided by the astrochronologic calibration of the Oxygen isotopic curves, and to assess the calibrations of 40Ar/39Ar standards. Results of this comparison indicate that the best match is for an age of 1.186 Ma for the Alder Creek Rhyolite sanidine and 28.201 Ma for the Fish Canyon Tuff sanidine.
Orphan GPR61, GPR62 and GPR135 receptors and the melatonin MT2 receptor reciprocally modulate their signaling functions
Authors: Oishi Atsuro , Karamitri Angeliki , Gerbier Romain , Lahuna Olivier , Ahmad Raise , Jockers Ralf
Published: August 2017

Understanding the function of orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), whose cognate ligand is unknown, is of major importance as GPCRs are privileged drug targets for many diseases. Recent phylogenetic studies classified three orphan receptors, GPR61, GPR62 and GPR135 among the melatonin receptor subfamily, but their capacity to bind melatonin and their biochemical functions are not well characterized yet. We show here that GPR61, GPR62 and GPR135 do not bind [3H]-melatonin nor 2-[125I]iodomelatonin and do not respond to melatonin in several signaling assays. In contrast, the three receptors show extensive spontaneous ligand-independent activities on the cAMP, inositol phosphate and ß-arrestin pathways with distinct pathway-specific profiles. Spontaneous ß-arrestin recruitment internalizes all three GPRs in the endosomal compartment. Co-expression of the melatonin binding MT2 receptor with GPR61, GPR62 or GPR135 has several consequences such as (i) the formation of receptor heteromers, (ii) the inhibition of melatonin-induced ß-arrestin2 recruitment to MT2 and (iii) the decrease of elevated cAMP levels upon melatonin stimulation in cells expressing spontaneously active GPR61 and GPR62. Collectively, these data show that GPR61, GPR62 and GPR135 are unable to bind melatonin, but show a reciprocal regulatory interaction with MT2 receptors.
Cellular responses induced by multi-walled carbon nanotubes: in vivo and in vitro studies on the medicinal leech macrophages
Authors: Girardello Rossana , Baranzini Nicolò , Tettamanti Gianluca , de Eguileor Magda , Grimaldi Annalisa
Published: August 2017

The core characteristics of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are impressive and attractive for technology however, since their production and use is steadily increasing, their environmental dispersion could be potentially hazardous to animal and human health. For this reason, the identification of new methods and of reliable models to better understand MWCNT effects is essential. Here we propose the medicinal leech as an alternative model to assess the effects of MWCNTs on immune system. Our previous studies have already demonstrated that in vivo MWCNT treatment induces the activation of leech’s macrophages. Here we will focus on the direct effects of MWCNTs on these cells by isolating and culturing leech's macrophages by means of the consolidated Matrigel technique, followed by MWCNT in vitro treatment. Our results indicate that MWCNT administration causes both the decrease of cell proliferation rate and the increase of the apoptotic rate. Furthermore, since oxidative stress is linked with inflammation, reactive oxygen species has been evaluated confirming that their production rate increases after MWCNT treatment. Our experimental approaches demonstrate the ability of MWCNTs inducing a powerful inflammatory response and confirm that the medicinal leech is a good alternative model to study the possible harmful effects of any nanomaterial.
Extracellular calcium modulates brown adipocyte differentiation and identity
Authors: Pramme-Steinwachs Ines , Jastroch Martin , Ussar Siegfried
Published: August 2017

Brown adipocytes are important in regulating non-shivering thermogenesis, whole body glucose and lipid homeostasis. Increasing evidence supports an important role of metabolites as well as macro- and micronutrients in brown adipocyte differentiation and function. Calcium is one of the most abundant ions in the body regulating multiple cellular processes. We observed that increasing extracellular calcium concentration during brown adipocyte differentiation blocks lipid accumulation and suppresses induction of major adipogenic transcription factors such as PPARγ and C/EBPα. In contrast, the depletion of calcium in the medium enhances adipogenesis and expression of brown adipocyte selective genes, such as UCP1. Mechanistically, we show that elevated extracellular calcium inhibits C/EBPβ activity through hyperactivation of ERK, a process that is independent of intracellular calcium levels and reversibly halts differentiation. Moreover, increased extracellular calcium solely after the induction phase of differentiation specifically suppresses gene expression of UCP1, PRDM16 and PGC1-α. Notably, depleting extracellular calcium provokes opposite effects. Together, we show that modulating extracellular calcium concentration controls brown adipocyte differentiation and thermogenic gene expression, highlighting the importance of tissue microenvironment on brown adipocyte heterogeneity and function.
A Bio-mechanical Model for Elbow Isokinetic and Isotonic Flexions
Authors: Wang Xi , Tao Xiaoming , So Raymond C. H.
Published: August 2017

A new bio-mechanical model for elbow flexions is proposed to quantify the elbow torque generated as a function of the upper-arm circumferential strain and influencing factors of elbow angle and angular velocity. The upper-arm circumferential strain is used to represent the contractile intensity of the dominant flexor, biceps brachii, whose behavior is described by Hill’s theory. Experiments with thirteen healthy subjects were conducted to determine the influencing factors. The temporal distributions of torque and elbow angle were measured by Biodex ®3 simultaneously, while the upper-arm circumference was obtained by a wearable anthropometric measurement device. Within the experimental range, the change of angular velocity has been found to have no effect on the torque generated. The new model was further verified experimentally with reasonable agreements obtained. The mean relative error of the torque estimated from the model is 15% and 22%, for isokinetic and isotonic flexions, respectively. The verified model establishes the relationship between the torque generated and circumference strain of the upper arm, for the first time, thus provide a scientific foundation for the anthropometric measurement technology as an alternative to sEMG for monitoring force/torque generation during elbow flexions.
Link predication based on matrix factorization by fusion of multi class organizations of the network
Authors: Jiao Pengfei , Cai Fei , Feng Yiding , Wang Wenjun
Published: August 2017

Link predication aims at forecasting the latent or unobserved edges in the complex networks and has a wide range of applications in reality. Almost existing methods and models only take advantage of one class organization of the networks, which always lose important information hidden in other organizations of the network. In this paper, we propose a link predication framework which makes the best of the structure of networks in different level of organizations based on nonnegative matrix factorization, which is called NMF3 here. We first map the observed network into another space by kernel functions, which could get the different order organizations. Then we combine the adjacency matrix of the network with one of other organizations, which makes us obtain the objective function of our framework for link predication based on the nonnegative matrix factorization. Third, we derive an iterative algorithm to optimize the objective function, which converges to a local optimum, and we propose a fast optimization strategy for large networks. Lastly, we test the proposed framework based on two kernel functions on a series of real world networks under different sizes of training set, and the experimental results show the feasibility, effectiveness, and competitiveness of the proposed framework.
Ergot alkaloids contribute to virulence in an insect model of invasive aspergillosis
Authors: Panaccione Daniel G. , Arnold Stephanie L.
Published: August 2017

Neosartorya fumigata (Aspergillus fumigatus) is the most common cause of invasive aspergillosis, a frequently fatal lung disease primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals. This opportunistic fungal pathogen produces several classes of specialised metabolites including products of a branch of the ergot alkaloid pathway called fumigaclavines. The biosynthesis of the N. fumigata ergot alkaloids and their relation to those produced by alternate pathway branches in fungi from the plant-inhabiting Clavicipitaceae have been well-characterised, but the potential role of these alkaloids in animal pathogenesis has not been studied extensively. We investigated the contribution of ergot alkaloids to virulence of N. fumigata by measuring mortality in the model insect Galleria mellonella. Larvae were injected with conidia (asexual spores) of two different wild-type strains of N. fumigata and three different ergot alkaloid mutants derived by previous gene knockouts and differing in ergot alkaloid profiles. Elimination of all ergot alkaloids significantly reduced virulence of N. fumigata in G. mellonella (P < 0.0001). Mutants accumulating intermediates but not the pathway end product fumigaclavine C also were less virulent than the wild type (P < 0.0003). The data indicate that ergot alkaloids contribute to virulence of N. fumigata in this insect model and that fumigaclavine C is important for full virulence.
Deep time perspective on turtle neck evolution: chasing the Hox code by vertebral morphology
Authors: Böhmer Christine , Werneburg Ingmar
Published: August 2017

The unparalleled ability of turtle neck retraction is possible in three different modes, which characterize stem turtles, living side-necked (Pleurodira), and hidden-necked (Cryptodira) turtles, respectively. Despite the conservatism in vertebral count among turtles, there is significant functional and morphological regionalization in the cervical vertebral column. Since Hox genes play a fundamental role in determining the differentiation in vertebra morphology and based on our reconstruction of evolutionary genetics in deep time, we hypothesize genetic differences among the turtle groups and between turtles and other land vertebrates. We correlated anterior Hox gene expression and the quantifiable shape of the vertebrae to investigate the morphological modularity in the neck across living and extinct turtles. This permitted the reconstruction of the hypothetical ancestral Hox code pattern of the whole turtle clade. The scenario of the evolution of axial patterning in turtles indicates shifts in the spatial expression of HoxA-5 in relation to the reduction of cervical ribs in modern turtles and of HoxB-5 linked with a lower morphological differentiation between the anterior cervical vertebrae observed in cryptodirans. By comparison with the mammalian pattern, we illustrate how the fixed count of eight cervical vertebrae in turtles resulted from the emergence of the unique turtle shell.
Phytotoxic dioxolanones are potential virulence factors in the infection process of Guignardia bidwellii
Authors: Buckel Iris , Andernach Lars , Schüffler Anja , Piepenbring Meike , Opatz Till , Thines Eckhard
Published: August 2017

Phytotoxic dioxolanones from Guignardia bidwellii can be described as potential virulence factors which cause the formation of lesions upon an infection by G. bidwellii. The toxin guignardic acid was found in planta of G. bidwellii-infected Vitis vinifera leaves, whereas no phytotoxic dioxolanones were detected in uninfected leaf material. Secondary metabolism analyses of further phytopathogenic fungi from the genus Guignardia led to the observation that all species investigated can produce the phytotoxins known from G. bidwellii. In addition to these studies, it was demonstrated that phenguignardic acid is biosynthetically derived from two molecules of phenylalanine and that phenylalanine is a key precursor in the biosynthesis of the two other phytotoxins – alaguignardic acid and guignardic acid.
T follicular helper cells and antibody response to Hepatitis B virus vaccine in HIV-1 infected children receiving ART
Authors: Bekele Yonas , Yibeltal Desalegn , Bobosha Kidist , Andargie Temesgen E. , Lemma Mahlet , Gebre Meseret , Mekonnen Eyasu , Habtewold Abiy , Nilsson Anna , Aseffa Abraham , Howe Rawleigh , Chiodi Francesca
Published: August 2017

HBV vaccine has 95% efficacy in children to prevent HBV infection and related cancer. We conducted a prospective study in HIV-1 infected children receiving ART (n = 49) and controls (n = 63) to assess humoral and cellular responses to HBV vaccine provided with three doses under an accelerated schedule of 4 weeks apart. At 1 month post-vaccination all children, except 4 HIV-1 infected, displayed protective antibody (ab) titers to HBV vaccine; ab titers were lower in infected children (P < 0.0001). Ab titers decreased (P < 0.0001) in both HIV-1 infected and control children at 6 months. The frequency of circulating Tfh (cTFh) cells was 20.3% for controls and 20.8% for infected children prior to vaccination and remained comparable post-vaccination. Cytokine expression by cTfh cells upon activation with HBV antigen was comparable in the two groups at baseline and 1 month post-vaccination. Higher plasma levels (P < 0.0001) of CXCL13 were found in infected children which correlated with cTfh cell frequency at baseline. In conclusion, a lower ab response to HBV vaccine was measured in HIV-1 infected children. The frequency and activation profile of cTfh cells was comparable in infected children and controls suggesting that cells other than Tfh cells are responsible for impaired ab response to HBV vaccine.