bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elucidation of defense‐related signaling responses to spot blotch infection in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Sahu Ranabir , Sharaff Murali , Pradhan Maitree , Sethi Avinash , Bandyopadhyay Tirthankar , Mishra Vinod K. , Chand Ramesh , Chowdhury Apurba K. , Joshi Arun K. , Pandey Shree P.
Published: March 2016

Spot blotch disease, caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana, is an important threat to wheat, causing an annual loss of ~17%. Under epidemic conditions, these losses may be 100%, yet the molecular responses of wheat to spot blotch remain almost uncharacterized. Moreover, defense‐related phytohormone signaling genes have been poorly characterized in wheat. Here, we have identified 18 central components of salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), ethylene (ET), and enhanced disease susceptibility 1 (EDS1) signaling pathways as well as the genes of the phenylpropanoid pathway in wheat. In time‐course experiments, we characterized the reprogramming of expression of these pathways in two contrasting genotypes: Yangmai #6 (resistant to spot blotch) and Sonalika (susceptible to spot blotch). We further evaluated the performance of a population of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) by crossing Yangmai#6 and Sonalika (parents) and subsequent selfing to F10 under field conditions in trials at multiple locations. We characterized the reprogramming of defense‐related signaling in these RILs as a consequence of spot blotch attack. During resistance to spot blotch attack, wheat strongly elicits SA signaling (SA biogenesis as well as the NPR1‐dependent signaling pathway), along with WRKY33 transcription factor, followed by an enhanced expression of phenylpropanoid pathway genes. These may lead to accumulation of phenolics‐based defense metabolites that may render resistance against spot blotch. JA signaling may synergistically contribute to the resistance. Failure to elicit SA (and possibly JA) signaling may lead to susceptibility against spot blotch infection in wheat.
Genetic alteration of the metal/redox modulation of Cav3.2 T‐type calcium channel reveals its role in neuronal excitability
Authors: Voisin Tiphaine , Bourinet Emmanuel , Lory Philippe
Published: March 2016

Key points

In this study, we describe a new knock‐in (KI) mouse model that allows the study of the H191‐dependent regulation of T‐type Cav3.2 channels. Sensitivity to zinc, nickel and ascorbate of native Cav3.2 channels is significantly impeded in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons of this KI mouse. Importantly, we describe that this H191‐dependent regulation has discrete but significant effects on the excitability properties of D‐hair (down‐hair) cells, a sub‐population of DRG neurons in which Cav3.2 currents prominently regulate excitability.

Overall, this study reveals that the native H191‐dependent regulation of Cav3.2 channels plays a role in the excitability of Cav3.2‐expressing neurons. This animal model will be valuable in addressing the potential in vivo roles of the trace metal and redox modulation of Cav3.2 T‐type channels in a wide range of physiological and pathological conditions.

Cav3.2 channels are T‐type voltage‐gated calcium channels that play important roles in controlling neuronal excitability, particularly in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons where they are involved in touch and pain signalling. Cav3.2 channels are modulated by low concentrations of metal ions (nickel, zinc) and redox agents, which involves the histidine 191 (H191) in the channel's extracellular IS3–IS4 loop. It is hypothesized that this metal/redox modulation would contribute to the tuning of the excitability properties of DRG neurons. However, the precise role of this H191‐dependent modulation of Cav3.2 channel remains unresolved. Towards this goal, we have generated a knock‐in (KI) mouse carrying the mutation H191Q in the Cav3.2 protein. Electrophysiological studies were performed on a subpopulation of DRG neurons, the D‐hair cells, which express large Cav3.2 currents. We describe an impaired sensitivity to zinc, nickel and ascorbate of the T‐type current in D‐hair neurons from KI mice. Analysis of the action potential and low‐threshold calcium spike (LTCS) properties revealed that, contrary to that observed in WT D‐hair neurons, a low concentration of zinc and nickel is unable to modulate (1) the rheobase threshold current, (2) the afterdepolarization amplitude, (3) the threshold potential necessary to trigger an LTCS or (4) the LTCS amplitude in D‐hair neurons from KI mice. Together, our data demonstrate that this H191‐dependent metal/redox regulation of Cav3.2 channels can tune neuronal excitability. This study validates the use of this Cav3.2‐H191Q mouse model for further investigations of the physiological roles thought to rely on this Cav3.2 modulation.
Geometrical Optimization and Experimental Validation of a Tripod Film Cooling Hole With Asymmetric Side Holes
Authors: Chi Zhongran , Ren Jing , Jiang Hongde , Zang Shusheng
Published: March 2016

A tripod cylindrical film hole with asymmetric side holes is studied numerically and experimentally on a flat plate for higher film cooling effectiveness. First, the influences of geometrical parameters are studied and the optimum configurations of the asymmetric tripod hole are found in a design of experiments (DoE) optimization study based on an improved numerical model for film cooling prediction, in which more than 100 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are carried out. Then, one optimum configuration of the asymmetric tripod hole is examined experimentally using pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) measurements and compared to the experimental results of the simple cylindrical film hole and a well-designed shaped film hole. The flow and heat transferring characteristics of the asymmetric tripod holes were explored from the DoE results. The side holes can form a shear vortex system or an antikidney vortex system when proper spanwise distances between them are adopted, which laterally transports the coolant and form a favorable coolant coverage. According to the experimental results on flat plate, the optimal configuration of the asymmetric tripod hole is significantly better than cylindrical hole, especially at high blowing ratios. Furthermore, it can provide equivalent or even higher film cooling effectiveness than a well-designed shaped hole.
Effects of Water Inside Semiclosed Moon Pool on the Hydrodynamic Coefficients and Heaving Damping of a Truss Spar Platform
Authors: Liu Liqin , Qiu Yu , Li Yan
Published: March 2016

The hydrodynamic coefficients and heaving damping of a truss spar platform were studied by the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method with considering the semiclosed moon pool. A partial model was established to investigate the added mass and viscous damping of platform heaving; a full model and a simplified model were established to study the nonlinear damping of platform heaving. The influences of opening ratios of moon pool on the added mass and viscous damping of platform heaving were analyzed. It is found that the natural period and the heaving added mass of the platform increase if the semiclosed moon pool is considered. Different opening ratios of the moon pool will lead to different heaving damping of the platform and dynamic pressure acting on the guide plate of the moon pool. In practice, an optimal opening ratio of the moon pool can be designed. The numerical results were verified by comparing with the results of model experiments.
Large Eddy Simulation of High Reynolds Number Nonreacting and Reacting JP-8 Sprays in a Constant Pressure Flow Vessel With a Detailed Chemistry Approach
Authors: Bravo Luis , Wijeyakulasuriya Sameera , Pomraning Eric , Senecal Peter K. , Kweon Chol-Bum
Published: March 2016

In military propulsion applications, the characterization of internal combustion engines operating with jet fuel is vital to understand engine performance, combustion phasing, and emissions when JP-8 is fully substituted for diesel fuel. In this work, high-resolution large eddy simulation (LES) simulations have been performed in-order to provide a comprehensive analysis of the detailed mixture formation process in engine sprays for nozzle configurations of interest to the Army. The first phase examines the behavior of a nonreacting evaporating spray, and demonstrates the accuracy in predicting liquid and vapor transient penetration profiles using a multirealization statistical grid-converged approach. The study was conducted using a suite of single-orifice injectors ranging from 40 to 147 μm at a rail pressure of 1000 bar and chamber conditions at 900 K and 60 bar. The next phase models the nonpremixed combustion behavior of reacting sprays and investigates the submodel ability to predict auto-ignition and lift-off length (LOL) dynamics. The model is constructed using a Kelvin Helmholtz–Rayleigh Taylor (KH–RT) spray atomization framework coupled to an LES approach. The liquid physical properties are defined using a JP-8 mixture containing 80% n-decane and 20% trimethylbenzene (TMB), while the gas phase utilizes the Aachen kinetic mechanism (Hummer, et al., 2007, “Experimental and Kinetic Modeling Study of Combustion of JP-8, Its Surrogates, and Reference Components in Laminar Non Premixed Flows,” Proc. Combust. Inst., 31, pp. 393–400 and Honnet, et al., 2009, “A Surrogate Fuel for Kerosene,” Proc. Combust. Inst., 32, pp. 485–492) and a detailed chemistry combustion approach. The results are in good agreement with the spray combustion measurements from the Army Research Laboratory (ARL), constant pressure flow (CPF) facility, and provide a robust computational framework for further JP-8 studies of spray combustion.
Regeneration of a thiolated and antibody functionalized GaAs (001) surface using wet chemical processes
Authors: Lacour Vivien , Elie-Caille Céline , Leblois Thérèse , Dubowski Jan J.
Published: March 2016

Wet chemical processes were investigated to remove alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and regenerate GaAs (001) samples studied in the context of the development of reusable devices for biosensing applications. The authors focused on 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid (MHDA) SAMs that are commonly used to produce an interface between antibodies or others proteins and metallic or semiconductor substrates. As determined by Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy, among the investigated solutions of HCl, H2O2, and NH4OH, the highest efficiency in removing alkanethiol SAM from GaAs was shown by NH4OH:H2O2 (3:1 volume ratio) diluted in H2O. The authors observed that this result was related to chemical etching of GaAs that even in a weak solution of NH4OH:H2O2:H2O (3:1:100) proceeded at a rate of 130 nm/min. The surface revealed by a 2-min etching under these conditions allowed depositing successfully a new MHDA SAM with comparable quality and density to the initial coating. This work provides an important view on the perspective of the development of a family of cost-effective GaAs-based biosensors designed for repetitive detection of a variety of biomolecules immobilized with dedicated antibody architectures.
Secondary ions produced by electrospray droplet impact with m/z selection from 103 to 106
Authors: Ninomiya Satoshi , Chen Lee Chuin , Sakai Yuji , Hiraoka Kenzo
Published: March 2016

In the secondary ion mass spectrometry, cluster ion beams are used for efficient ionization and low-damage etching of organic materials. In earlier studies, the authors have suggested a new cluster ion beam method using electrospray droplet impacts in atmospheric pressure conditions. Recently, the authors have developed a technique for electrospraying aqueous solutions in vacuum, which improved the performance of this technique for practical use. In this study, the mass-to-charge (m/z) values of the electrospray droplets produced by vacuum electrospray were measured by the time-of-flight technique and were found to be between 103 and 106. In addition, the secondary ions produced by these droplets were measured on indium and arginine samples, and the effect that the m/z value of the primary droplets has upon the secondary ion emission was investigated.
Effects of a consistent target or masker voice on target speech intelligibility in two- and three-talker mixtures
Authors: Samson Fabienne , Johnsrude Ingrid S.
Published: March 2016

When the spatial location or identity of a sound is held constant, it is not masked as effectively by competing sounds. This suggests that experience with a particular voice over time might facilitate perceptual organization in multitalker environments. The current study examines whether listeners benefit from experience with a voice only when it is the target, or also when it is a masker, using diotic presentation and a closed-set task (coordinate response measure). A reliable interaction was observed such that, in two-talker mixtures, consistency of masker or target voice over 3–7 trials significantly benefited target recognition performance, whereas in three-talker mixtures, target, but not masker, consistency was beneficial. Overall, this work suggests that voice consistency improves intelligibility, although somewhat differently when two talkers, compared to three talkers, are present, suggesting that consistent-voice information facilitates intelligibility in at least two different ways. Listeners can use a template-matching strategy to extract a known voice from a mixture when it is the target. However, consistent-voice information facilitates segregation only when two, but not three, talkers are present.
Musician advantage for speech-on-speech perception
Authors: Başkent Deniz , Gaudrain Etienne
Published: March 2016

Evidence for transfer of musical training to better perception of speech in noise has been mixed. Unlike speech-in-noise, speech-on-speech perception utilizes many of the skills that musical training improves, such as better pitch perception and stream segregation, as well as use of higher-level auditory cognitive functions, such as attention. Indeed, despite the few non-musicians who performed as well as musicians, on a group level, there was a strong musician benefit for speech perception in a speech masker. This benefit does not seem to result from better voice processing and could instead be related to better stream segregation or enhanced cognitive functions.
Smart CRISPR-Cas9 liver delivery repairs a genetic defect
Authors: Dalkara Deniz
Published: March 2016

CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology efficiently corrects a defective liver enzyme in newborn mice with a severe metabolic disorder.
Could gut microbiota be the culprit?
Authors: Henriques-Forsythe Marshaleen
Published: March 2016

The gut microbiome may predict development of pulmonary complications following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Determining starting basal rates of insulin infusion for insulin pump users: a comparison between methods
Authors: Chow Nelson , Shearer Daniel , Tildesley Hamish G , Aydin Plaa Jessica , Pottinger Betty , Pawlowska Monika , White Adam , Priestman Anne , Ross Stuart A , Tildesley Hugh D
Published: March 2016

Objective

We aimed to assess the accuracy and safety of presently available methods of estimating starting basal insulin rates for patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes, and to compare them against an empirically derived standard basal rate and a newly developed regression formula.

Research design and methods

Data on 61 patients with type 1 diabetes on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy and 34 patients with type 2 diabetes on CSII were reviewed. Patient data were first analyzed for correlations between initial patient parameters and final basal rates. Starting basal rates were then retrospectively calculated for these patients according to the weight-based method (WB-M), the total daily dose (TDD) of insulin method (TDD-M), a flat empiric value, and a new formula developed by regression analysis of clinical data. These 4 methods were subsequently compared in their accuracy and potential risk of hypoglycemia.

Results

For type 1 diabetes, patient weight and TDD of long-acting insulin correlated with final basal rates. Both the regression formula and the TDD-M appeared safer than the WB-M and empirical estimates. For type 2 diabetes, only patient TDD of long-acting insulin correlated with final basal rates. The regression formula was significantly more accurate for patients with type 2 diabetes overall, but the TDD-M estimate was marginally safer.

Conclusions

The pre-existing TDD-M was found to be the safest presently recommended estimate of initial basal rates for pump initiation in both type 1 and 2 diabetes. The best-fit regression was found to have potential use for type 2 CSII initiation.
Effectiveness of disease-specific cognitive–behavioural therapy on depression, anxiety, quality of life and the clinical course of disease in adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease: study protocol of a multicentre randomised controlled trial (HAPPY-IBD)
Authors: van den Brink Gertrude , Stapersma Luuk , El Marroun Hanan , Henrichs Jens , Szigethy Eva M , Utens Elisabeth MWJ , Escher Johanna C
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) show a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety, compared to youth with other chronic diseases. The inflammation-depression hypothesis might explain this association, and implies that treating depression can decrease intestinal inflammation and improve disease course. The present multicentre randomised controlled trial aims to test the effectiveness of an IBD-specific cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) protocol in reducing symptoms of subclinical depression and anxiety, while improving quality of life and disease course in adolescents with IBD.

Methods and analysis

Adolescents with IBD (10–20 years) from 7 hospitals undergo screening (online questionnaires) for symptoms of depression and anxiety. Those with elevated scores of depression (Child Depression Inventory (CDI) ≥13 or Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) II ≥14) and/or anxiety (Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders: boys ≥26, girls ≥30) receive a psychiatric interview. Patients meeting criteria for depressive/anxiety disorders are referred for psychotherapy outside the trial. Patients with elevated (subclinical) symptoms are randomly assigned to medical care-as-usual (CAU; n=50) or CAU plus IBD-specific CBT (n=50). Main outcomes: (1) reduction in depressive and/or anxiety symptoms after 3 months and (2) sustained remission for 12 months. Secondary outcomes: quality of life, psychosocial functioning, treatment adherence. In addition, we will assess inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and whole blood RNA expression profiles. For analysis, multilevel linear models and generalised estimating equations will be used.

Ethics and dissemination

The Medical Ethics Committee of the Erasmus MC approved this study. If we prove that this CBT improves emotional well-being as well as disease course, implementation is recommended.

Trial registration number

NCT02265588.
Vulnerability for new episodes in recurrent major depressive disorder: protocol for the longitudinal DELTA-neuroimaging cohort study
Authors: Mocking Roel J T , Figueroa Caroline A , Rive Maria M , Geugies Hanneke , Servaas Michelle N , Assies Johanna , Koeter Maarten W J , Vaz Frédéric M , Wichers Marieke , van Straalen Jan P , de Raedt Rudi , Bockting Claudi L H , Harmer Catherine J , Schene Aart H , Ruhé Henricus G
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is widely prevalent and severely disabling, mainly due to its recurrent nature. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying MDD-recurrence may help to identify high-risk patients and to improve the preventive treatment they need. MDD-recurrence has been considered from various levels of perspective including symptomatology, affective neuropsychology, brain circuitry and endocrinology/metabolism. However, MDD-recurrence understanding is limited, because these perspectives have been studied mainly in isolation, cross-sectionally in depressed patients. Therefore, we aim at improving MDD-recurrence understanding by studying these four selected perspectives in combination and prospectively during remission.

Methods and analysis

In a cohort design, we will include 60 remitted, unipolar, unmedicated, recurrent MDD-participants (35–65 years) with ≥2 MDD-episodes. At baseline, we will compare the MDD-participants with 40 matched controls. Subsequently, we will follow-up the MDD-participants for 2.5 years while monitoring recurrences. We will invite participants with a recurrence to repeat baseline measurements, together with matched remitted MDD-participants. Measurements include questionnaires, sad mood-induction, lifestyle/diet, 3 T structural (T1-weighted and diffusion tensor imaging) and blood-oxygen-level-dependent functional MRI (fMRI) and MR-spectroscopy. fMRI focusses on resting state, reward/aversive-related learning and emotion regulation. With affective neuropsychological tasks we will test emotional processing. Moreover, we will assess endocrinology (salivary hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate) and metabolism (metabolomics including polyunsaturated fatty acids), and store blood for, for example, inflammation analyses, genomics and proteomics. Finally, we will perform repeated momentary daily assessments using experience sampling methods at baseline. We will integrate measures to test: (1) differences between MDD-participants and controls; (2) associations of baseline measures with retro/prospective recurrence-rates; and (3) repeated measures changes during follow-up recurrence. This data set will allow us to study different predictors of recurrence in combination.

Ethics and dissemination

The local ethics committee approved this study (AMC-METC-Nr.:11/050). We will submit results for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at (inter)national scientific meetings.

Trial registration number

NTR3768.
Aneuploid progeny of the American oyster, Crassostrea virginica, produced by tetraploid × diploid crosses: another example of chromosome instability in polyploid oysters
Authors: de Sousa Joana Teixeira , Allen Standish K. , Baker Haley , Matt Joseph L.
Published: March 2016

The commercial production of triploids, and the creation of tetraploid broodstock to support it, has become an important technique in aquaculture of the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. Tetraploids are produced by cytogenetic manipulation of embryos and have been shown to undergo chromosome loss (to become a mosaic) with unknown consequences for breeding. Our objective was to determine the extent of aneuploidy in triploid progeny produced from both mosaic and non-mosaic tetraploids. Six families of triploids were produced using a single diploid female and crossed with three mosaic and non-mosaic tetraploid male oysters. A second set of crosses was performed with the reciprocals. Chromosome counts of the resultant embryos were tallied at 2–4 cell stage and as 6-hour(h)-old embryos. A significant level of aneuploidy was observed in 6-h-old embryos. For crosses using tetraploid males, aneuploidy ranged from 53% to 77% of observed metaphases, compared to 36% in the diploid control. For crosses using tetraploid females, 51%–71% of metaphases were aneuploidy versus 53% in the diploid control. We conclude that somatic chromosome loss may be a regular feature of early development in triploids, and perhaps polyploid oysters in general. Other aspects of chromosome loss in polyploid oysters are also discussed.
Analyzing Data Changes using Mean Shift Clustering
Authors: Sharet Nir , Shimshoni Ilan
Published: March 2016

A nonparametric unsupervised method for analyzing changes in complex datasets is proposed. It is based on the mean shift clustering algorithm. Mean shift is used to cluster the old and new datasets and compare the results in a nonparametric manner. Each point from the new dataset naturally belongs to a cluster of points from its dataset. The method is also able to find to which cluster the point belongs in the old dataset and use this information to report qualitative differences between that dataset and the new one. Changes in local cluster distribution are also reported. The report can then be used to try to understand the underlying reasons which caused the changes in the distributions. On the basis of this method, a transductive transfer learning method for automatically labeling data from the new dataset is also proposed. This labeled data is used, in addition to the old training set, to train a classifier better suited to the new dataset. The algorithm has been implemented and tested on simulated and real (a stereo image pair) datasets. Its performance was also compared with several state-of-the-art methods.
ModFossa: A library for modeling ion channels using Python
Authors: Ferneyhough Gareth B. , Thibealut Corey M. , Dascalu Sergiu M. , Harris Frederick C.
Published: March 2016

The creation and simulation of ion channel models using continuous-time Markov processes is a powerful and well-used tool in the field of electrophysiology and ion channel research. While several software packages exist for the purpose of ion channel modeling, most are GUI based, and none are available as a Python library. In an attempt to provide an easy-to-use, yet powerful Markov model-based ion channel simulator, we have developed ModFossa, a Python library supporting easy model creation and stimulus definition, complete with a fast numerical solver, and attractive vector graphics plotting.
An efficient algorithm for planar drawing of RNA structures with pseudoknots of any type
Authors: Byun Yanga , Han Kyungsook
Published: March 2016

An RNA pseudoknot is a tertiary structural element in which bases of a loop pair with complementary bases are outside the loop. A drawing of RNA secondary structures is a tree, but a drawing of RNA pseudoknots is a graph that has an inner cycle within a pseudoknot and possibly outer cycles formed between the pseudoknot and other structural elements. Visualizing a large-scale RNA structure with pseudoknots as a planar drawing is challenging because a planar drawing of an RNA structure requires both pseudoknots and an entire structure enclosing the pseudoknots to be embedded into a plane without overlapping or crossing. This paper presents an efficient heuristic algorithm for visualizing a pseudoknotted RNA structure as a planar drawing. The algorithm consists of several parts for finding crossing stems and page mapping the stems, for the layout of stem-loops and pseudoknots, and for overlap detection between structural elements and resolving it. Unlike previous algorithms, our algorithm generates a planar drawing for a large RNA structure with pseudoknots of any type and provides a bracket view of the structure. It generates a compact and aesthetic structure graph for a large pseudoknotted RNA structure in O([Formula: see text]) time, where n is the number of stems of the RNA structure.
A statistic related to trees and words on a finite alphabet
Authors: Mansour Toufik , Shattuck Mark
Published: March 2016

Let [Formula: see text] denote the set of trees on [Formula: see text] labeled vertices. In this paper, we consider the statistic on [Formula: see text] which records the number of vertices of odd degree and count trees having a prescribed number of such vertices. In doing so, we make use of a well-known bijection between members of [Formula: see text] and the set of [Formula: see text]-ary words of length [Formula: see text]. In fact, we are able to study a generalization mod [Formula: see text] of the aforementioned statistic for all [Formula: see text]. In the cases when [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], further enumerative results for both words and trees may be given.
Bosom Buddies: The Symbiotic Relationship Between Infants and Bifidobacterium longum ssp. longum and ssp. infantis. Genetic and Probiotic Features
Authors: Arboleya Silvia , Stanton Catherine , Ryan C. Anthony , Dempsey Eugene , Ross Paul R.
Published: March 2016

The intestinal microbiota is a complex community that plays an important role in human health from the initial steps of its establishment. Its microbial composition has been suggested to result from selective pressures imposed by the host and is modulated by competition among its members. Bifidobacterium longum is one of the most abundant species of the Bifidobacterium genus in the gut microbiota of healthy breast-fed infants and adults. The recent advancements of ‘omics techniques have facilitated the genetic and functional studies of different gut microbiota members. They have revealed the complex genetic pathways used to metabolize different compounds that likely contribute to the competitiveness and persistence of B. longum in the colon. The discovery of a genomic island in B. longum ssp. infantis that encodes specific enzymes for the metabolism of human milk oligosaccharides suggests a specific ecological adaptation. Moreover, B. longum is widely used as probiotic, and beneficial effects in infant health have been reported in several studies.
Food Allergy
Authors: Sathe Shridhar K. , Liu Changqi , Zaffran Valerie D.
Published: March 2016

Food allergy is receiving increased attention in recent years. Because there is currently no known cure for food allergy, avoiding the offending food is the best defense for sensitive individuals. Type I food allergy is mediated by food proteins, and thus, theoretically, any food protein is a potential allergen. Variability of an individual's immune system further complicates attempts to understand allergen-antibody interaction. In this article, we briefly review food allergy occurrence, prevalence, mechanisms, and detection. Efforts aimed at reducing/eliminating allergens through food processing are discussed. Future research needs are addressed.
Heightened TWEAK-NF-κB signaling and inflammation-associated fibrosis in paralyzed muscles of men with chronic spinal cord injury
Authors: Yarar-Fisher Ceren , Bickel C. Scott , Kelly Neil A. , Stec Michael J. , Windham Samuel T. , McLain Amie B. , Oster Robert A. , Bamman Marcas M.
Published: March 2016

Individuals with long-standing spinal cord injury (SCI) often present with extreme muscle atrophy and impaired glucose metabolism at both the skeletal muscle and whole body level. Persistent inflammation and increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the skeletal muscle are potential contributors to dysregulation of glucose metabolism and atrophy; however, to date no study has assessed the effects of long-standing SCI on their expression or intracellular signaling in the paralyzed muscle. In the present study, we assessed the expression of genes (TNFαR, TNFα, IL-6R, IL-6, TWEAK, TWEAK R, atrogin-1, and MuRF1) and abundance of intracellular signaling proteins (TWEAK, TWEAK R, NF-κB, and p-p65/p-50/105) that are known to mediate inflammation and atrophy in skeletal muscle. In addition, based on the effects of muscle inflammation on promotion of skeletal muscle fibrosis, we assessed the degree of fibrosis between myofibers and fascicles in both groups. For further insight into the distribution and variability of muscle fiber size, we also analyzed the frequency distribution of SCI fiber size. Resting vastus lateralis (VL) muscle biopsy samples were taken from 11 men with long-standing SCI (≈22 yr) and compared with VL samples from 11 able-bodied men of similar age. Our results demonstrated that chronic SCI muscle has heightened TNFαR and TWEAK R gene expression and NF-κB signaling (higher TWEAK R and phospho-NF-κB p65) and fibrosis, along with substantial myofiber size heterogeneity, compared with able-bodied individuals. Our data suggest that the TWEAK/TWEAK R/NF-κB signaling pathway may be an important mediator of chronic inflammation and fibrotic adaptation in SCI muscle.
Leptin influences the excitability of area postrema neurons
Authors: Smith Pauline M. , Brzezinska Paulina , Hubert Fabien , Mimee Andrea , Maurice Donald H. , Ferguson Alastair V.
Published: March 2016

The area postrema (AP) is a circumventricular organ with important roles in central autonomic regulation. This medullary structure has been shown to express the leptin receptor and has been suggested to have a role in modulating peripheral signals, indicating energy status. Using RT-PCR, we have confirmed the presence of mRNA for the leptin receptor, ObRb, in AP, and whole cell current-clamp recordings from dissociated AP neurons demonstrated that leptin influenced the excitability of 51% (42/82) of AP neurons. The majority of responsive neurons (62%) exhibited a depolarization (5.3 ± 0.7 mV), while the remaining affected cells (16/42) demonstrated hyperpolarizing effects (−5.96 ± 0.95 mV). Amylin was found to influence the same population of AP neurons. To elucidate the mechanism(s) of leptin and amylin actions in the AP, we used fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to determine the effect of these peptides on cAMP levels in single AP neurons. Leptin and amylin were found to elevate cAMP levels in the same dissociated AP neurons (leptin: % total FRET response 25.3 ± 4.9, n = 14; amylin: % total FRET response 21.7 ± 3.1, n = 13). When leptin and amylin were coapplied, % total FRET response rose to 53.0 ± 8.3 ( n = 6). The demonstration that leptin and amylin influence a subpopulation of AP neurons and that these two signaling molecules have additive effects on single AP neurons to increase cAMP, supports a role for the AP as a central nervous system location at which these circulating signals may act through common intracellular signaling pathways to influence central control of energy balance.
Impact of calcium-activated potassium channels on NMDA spikes in cortical layer 5 pyramidal neurons
Authors: Bock Tobias , Stuart Greg J.
Published: March 2016

Active electrical events play an important role in shaping signal processing in dendrites. As these events are usually associated with an increase in intracellular calcium, they are likely to be under the control of calcium-activated potassium channels. Here, we investigate the impact of calcium-activated potassium channels on N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-dependent spikes, or NMDA spikes, evoked by glutamate iontophoresis onto basal dendrites of cortical layer 5 pyramidal neurons. We found that small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (SK channels) act to reduce NMDA spike amplitude but at the same time, also decrease the iontophoretic current required for their generation. This SK-mediated decrease in NMDA spike threshold was dependent on R-type voltage-gated calcium channels and indicates a counterintuitive, excitatory effect of SK channels on NMDA spike generation, whereas the capacity of SK channels to suppress NMDA spike amplitude is in line with the expected inhibitory action of potassium channels on dendritic excitability. Large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels had no significant impact on NMDA spikes, indicating that these channels are either absent from basal dendrites or not activated by NMDA spikes. These experiments reveal complex and opposing interactions among NMDA receptors, SK channels, and voltage-gated calcium channels in basal dendrites of cortical layer 5 pyramidal neurons during NMDA spike generation, which are likely to play an important role in regulating the way these neurons integrate the thousands of synaptic inputs they receive.
Dendritic spine remodeling following early and late Rac1 inhibition after spinal cord injury: evidence for a pain biomarker
Authors: Zhao Peng , Hill Myriam , Liu Shujun , Chen Lubin , Bangalore Lakshmi , Waxman Stephen G. , Tan Andrew M.
Published: March 2016

Neuropathic pain is a significant complication following spinal cord injury (SCI) with few effective treatments. Drug development for neuropathic pain often fails because preclinical studies do not always translate well to clinical conditions. Identification of biological characteristics predictive of disease state or drug responsiveness could facilitate more effective clinical translation. Emerging evidence indicates a strong correlation between dendritic spine dysgenesis and neuropathic pain. Because dendritic spines are located on dorsal horn neurons within the spinal cord nociceptive system, dendritic spine remodeling provides a unique opportunity to understand sensory dysfunction after SCI. In this study, we provide support for the postulate that dendritic spine profiles can serve as biomarkers for neuropathic pain. We show that dendritic spine profiles after SCI change to a dysgenic state that is characteristic of neuropathic pain in a Rac1-dependent manner. Suppression of the dysgenic state through inhibition of Rac1 activity is accompanied by attenuation of neuropathic pain. Both dendritic spine dysgenesis and neuropathic pain return when inhibition of Rac1 activity is lifted. These findings suggest the utility of dendritic spines as structural biomarkers for neuropathic pain.
A New Approach for Solving Fully Fuzzy Linear Programming by Using the Lexicography Method
Authors: Hosseinzadeh A. , Edalatpanah S. A.
Published: March 2016

The fully fuzzy linear programming (FFLP) problem has many different applications in sciences and engineering, and various methods have been proposed for solving this problem. Recently, some scholars presented two new methods to solve FFLP. In this paper, by considering theL-Rfuzzy numbers and the lexicography method in conjunction with crisp linear programming, we design a new model for solving FFLP. The proposed scheme presented promising results from the aspects of performance and computing efficiency. Moreover, comparison between the new model and two mentioned methods for the studied problem shows a remarkable agreement and reveals that the new model is more reliable in the point of view of optimality.
Gastric and Duodenal Pseudomelanosis: An Extended Unusual Finding in a Patient with End Stage Kidney Disease
Authors: Qureshi Noor Ul Ain , Younus Muhammad Faraz , Alavi Kourosh , Sheikh Muhammad Yasin
Published: March 2016

Gastric and duodenal pseudomelanosis is a rare endoscopic mucosal finding, characterized by the accumulation of iron in macrophages of the lamina propria of the stomach and duodenum. The clinical significance and long term sequelae have not been clarified yet. However, this benign condition is associated with a variety of clinical conditions, such as essential hypertension, chronic renal failure, diabetes mellitus, long term intake of iron supplements, and furosemide. Duodenal pseudomelanosis appears to be more common than gastric pseudomelanosis given the fact that a few cases of gastric pseudomelanosis have been reported in the literature so far. We report a case of 88-year-old lady with ESRD who is maintained on hemodialysis and presented with abdominal pain. An upper GI endoscopy showed discoloration of the antrum of the stomach and most portion of her duodenum. Histopathology report confirmed the presence of iron laden macrophages in the lamina propria of both stomach and duodenum.
Correlation of Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptor Expression in Tumor-Free Surgical Margin and at the Invasive Front of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Oliveira Denise Tostes , Bravo-Calderón Diego Mauricio , Lauand Gustavo Amaral , Assao Agnes , Suárez-Peñaranda José-Manuel , Pérez-Sayáns Mario , García-García Abel , Marana Aparecido Nilceu , Nonogaki Suely , Lauris José Roberto Pereira , Kowalski Luiz Paulo
Published: March 2016

Background. The beta-2 adrenergic receptor is expressed by neoplastic cells and is correlated with a wide spectrum of tumor cell mechanisms including proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, migration, and metastasis.Objectives. The present study aimed to analyze the expression of the beta-2 adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) in tumor-free surgical margins of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) and at the invasive front. Sixty-two patients diagnosed with OSCC, confirmed by biopsy, were selected for the study. The clinicopathological data and clinical follow-up were obtained from medical records and their association withβ2-AR expression was verified by the chi-square test or Fischer’s exact test. To verify the correlation ofβ2-AR expression in tumor-free surgical margins and at the invasive front of OSCCs, Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was applied.Results. The expression ofβ2-AR presented a statistically significant correlation between the tumor-free surgical margins and the invasive front of OSCC (r=0.383;p=0.002). The immunohistochemical distribution ofβ2-AR at the invasive front of OSCC was also statistically significant associated with alcohol (p=0.038), simultaneous alcohol and tobacco consumption (p=0.010), and T stage (p=0.014).Conclusions. The correlation ofβ2-AR expression in OSCC and tumor-free surgical margins suggests a role of this receptor in tumor progression and its expression in normal oral epithelium seems to be constitutive.
Biological Evaluation and Docking Analysis of Daturaolone as Potential Cyclooxygenase Inhibitor
Authors: Rauf Abdur , Maione Francesco , Uddin Ghias , Raza Muslim , Siddiqui Bina S. , Muhammad Naveed , Shah Syed Uzair Ali , Khan Haroon , De Feo Vincenzo , Mascolo Nicola
Published: March 2016

This study deals with the isolation of the active constituent(s) from a methanolic extract of Pistacia integerrima J. L. Stewart barks and it was also oriented to evaluate the in vivo and in silico anti‐inflammatory activity. By NMR and crystallography techniques, we have isolated a triterpenoid identified as daturaolone (compound 1). This compound showed in vivo a significant and dose dependent (1–30 mg/kg) anti‐inflammatory activity on carrageenan‐induced mouse paw oedema (ED50 = 10.1 mg/kg) and on acetic acid‐induced writhing responses in mice (ED50 = 13.8 mg/kg). In the in vivo experiments, the effect of tested compound was also evaluated in presence of the reference drug diclofenac (1–30 mg/kg). Moreover, in silico analysis of receptor ligand complex shows that compound 1 interacts with cyclooxygenases (COXs) binding sites displaying an interesting interaction with COX‐1. These findings suggest that compound 1 isolated from P. integerrima possesses in vivo anti‐inflammatory and antinociceptive potentials, which are supported in silico by an interaction with COXs receptors.
Noble Metal Decoration and Presulfation on TiO2: Increased Photocatalytic Activity and Efficient Esterification ofn-Butanol with Citric Acid
Authors: Niu Yu , Huang Pan , Li Fuying , Yang Kai , Yang Jinbei , Wang Renzhang , Lin Cheng , Qiu Ting
Published: March 2016

TiO2has been widely used as a key catalyst in photocatalytic reactions; it also shows good catalytic activity for esterification reactions. Different sulfated M-TiO2nanoparticles (M = Ag, Au, Rh, and Pt) were prepared by photodeposition and ultrasonic methods. The results show that the noble metal nanoparticles, which were loaded onto a TiO2surface, slightly affected the crystal phase and particle size of TiO2. Among all the catalysts,SO42-/Au-TiO2exhibited the best catalytic activity in the esterification reaction for the synthesis of citric acidn-butyl acetate and in the decomposition of methyl orange, as confirmed by a high conversion rate of up to 98.2% and 100% degradation rate, respectively. This can be attributed to an increase in the Lewis acidity of the catalyst and increased separation efficiency of electron-hole pairs. This superior catalyst has great potential applications in esterification reactions and wastewater treatments.
Study of theψ(1S,2S)andηc(1S,2S)Weak Decays intoDM
Authors: Sun Junfeng , Yang Yueling , Huang Jinshu , Chen Lili , Chang Qin
Published: March 2016

Inspired by the recent measurements on theJ/ψ(1S)→Dsρ,DuK⁎weak decays at BESIII and the potential prospects of charmonium at high-luminosity heavy-flavor experiments, we studyψ(1S,2S)andηc(1S,2S)weak decays into final states including one charmed meson plus one light meson, considering QCD corrections to hadronic matrix elements with QCD factorization approach. It is found that the Cabibbo-favoredψ(1S,2S)→Ds-ρ+,Ds-π+,D¯u0K¯⁎0decays have large branching ratios≳10-10, which might be accessible at future experiments.
Techno-Economic Feasibility of Small Scale Hydropower in Ethiopia: The Case of the Kulfo River, in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Girma Zelalem
Published: March 2016

This paper presents the technical and economic feasibility of grid connected small scale hydropower construction in selected site of the Kulfo River in southern Ethiopia. In doing so the paper presents the general overview of Ethiopia electric power situation; small scale hydropower situation and barriers and drivers for its development; site assessment and cost estimation methods and at the end presents techno-economic analysis of small scale hydropower development on the Kulfo River in southern Ethiopia. The technical and economic feasibility of the site have been studied by using HOMER, RETscreen, and SMART Mini-IDRO software. The result of simulation shows that the construction of small scale hydropower in the Kulfo River is technically and economically feasible with total net present cost of$13,345,150, cost of energy$0.028/kWh, simple payback period of 12.4 year, and internal rate of return 12.9%. The result also shows that construction of hydropower curtails greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide by 96,685,45 kg/year, sulfur dioxide by 4,1917 kg/year, and nitrogen dioxide by 20,500 kg/year.
Prospective Memory in Older Adults: Where We Are Now and What Is Next
Authors: Kliegel Matthias , Ballhausen Nicola , Hering Alexandra , Ihle Andreas , Schnitzspahn Katharina M. , Zuber Sascha
Published: March 2016

The interplay of cognitive abilities that constitute the process of ‘remembering to remember' is referred to as prospective memory. Prospective memory is an essential ability to meet everyday life challenges across the life span, constitutes a key element of autonomy and independence and is especially important in old age with increasing social and health-related prospective memory demands. The present paper first presents major findings from the current state of the art in research on age effects in prospective memory. In a second part, it presents four focus areas for future research outlining possible conceptual, methodological, and neuroscientific advancements.
Subclinical Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Experimentally Infected Apodemus agrarius
Authors: Egyed László , Zöldi Viktor , Szeredi Levente
Published: March 2016

Objectives: In this study, we investigated the dose dependence of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) infection in one of the reservoirs, i.e. Apodemus agrarius, a small rodent species. Methods: The animals were challenged with TBEV per os and intramuscularly with infectious doses ranging from 1 to 1,500 plaque-forming units (pfu). Clinical signs were recorded and clinical and pathological features were evaluated by histological, immunohistochemical, and serological methods. Results: High perorally administered infectious doses resulted in virus replication in the brain, which is the first sign of subclinical viral encephalitis in the Apodemus genus. The animals seroconverted at infectious doses greater than 100 pfu, and all animals remained asymptomatic. Conclusion: Our work shows the first evidence that subclinical TBEV encephalitis may occur in Apodemus species, depending on the virus load of the inoculum. The antiviral response of the local innate immune system may influence the resistance of Apodemus individuals to lower infectious doses. Per oral/nasal infection seems to be more dangerous for the host than other routes of infection.