bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ERαΔ4, an ERα splice variant missing exon4, interacts with caveolin‐3 and mGluR2/3
Authors: Wong Angela M. , Scott Alexandra K. , Johnson Caroline S. , Mohr Margaret A. , Mittelman‐Smith Melinda , Micevych Paul E.
Published: May 2019

The two isoforms of the nuclear estrogen receptor, ERα and ERβ are widely expressed in the central nervous system. Although they were first described as nuclear receptors, both isoforms have also been found at the cell membrane where they mediate cell signaling. Surface biotinylation studies using neuronal and glial primary cultures label an alternatively spliced form of ERα. The 52 kDa protein, ERαΔ4, is missing exon 4 and is highly expressed in membrane fractions derived from cultured cells. In vivo, both full‐length (66 kDa) ERα and ERαΔ4 are present in membrane fractions. In response to estradiol, full‐length ERα and ERαΔ4 are initially trafficked to the membrane, and then internalized in parallel. Previous studies determined that only the full‐length ERα associates with metabotropic glutamate receptor‐1a (mGluR1a), initiating cellular signaling. The role of ERαΔ4, remained to be elucidated. Here, we report ERαΔ4 trafficking, association with mGluR2/3, and downstream signaling in female rat arcuate nucleus (ARH). Caveolin (CAV) proteins are needed for ER transport to the cell membrane, and using co‐immunoprecipitation CAV‐3 was shown to associate with ERαΔ4. CAV‐3 was necessary for ERαΔ4 trafficking to the membrane: in the ARH, microinjection of CAV‐3 siRNA reduced CAV‐3 and ERαΔ4a in membrane fractions by 50%, and 60%, respectively. Moreover, co‐immunoprecipitation revealed that ERαΔ4 associated with inhibitory mGluRs, mGluR2/3. Estrogen benzoate (EB) treatment (5 μg; s.c.; every 4 days; three cycles) reduced levels of cAMP, an effect attenuated by antagonizing mGluR2/3. Following EB treatment, membrane levels of ERαΔ4 and mGluR2/3 were reduced implying ligand‐induced internalization. These results implicate ERαΔ4 in an estradiol‐induced inhibitory cell signaling in the ARH.
Innovative techniques for thread lifting of face and neck
Authors: Rezaee Khiabanloo Samad , Jebreili Rogieh , Aalipour Ezatollah , Eftekhari Hojat , Saljoughi Nazi , Shahidi Arian
Published: May 2019

Background

To investigate the efficacy and outcomes associated with eyebrow, midface, mandibular, and neck lifting using the innovative techniques.

Materials and Methods

In this prospective review chart study, a total of 151 patients, were included in the study from January 2016 to May 2017. All participants underwent thread lifting using our innovative thread‐lift technique for head and neck. The patients were followed up first week, first, third, and sixth month after lifting surgery. Outcomes were assessed by two surgeon and patients based on the GAIS score. All data were analyzed by SPSS‐17 software with chi‐square test.

Results

A total of 151 patients (mean age: 52.49 ± 10.67, range: 27‐78 years), 16 (10.6%) men and 135 (89.4%) women, were included in the study. The most common sites for the face‐lifting surgery were the mandible (49.7%), midface (37.1%), neck (7.9%), and eyebrow (5.3%), respectively. The level of satisfaction increased from 77.5% in the first week after surgery to 89.4% in the sixth month after surgery for patients, remained unchanged, 96% for the surgeon, and increased from 74.8% to 94.7% for the independent surgeon. The highest rate of potential complications after the lifting surgery was related to ecchymosis (23.2%), followed by complications of tumefaction (6.6%), pain (6.6%), and pain (5.2%).

Conclusion

The results showed that the level satisfaction of patients and surgeons increased over time. It seems that facial rejuvenation thread lifting with this innovative technique is effectiveness, safe, and cosmetically more acceptance with minor complications than other face‐lifting techniques.
First‐ever HSV‐1 recurrence following superficial facial chemical peel after 30‐year latency following neonatal primary infection
Authors: Johnson Nathan
Published: May 2019

Recurrence of orofacial herpes simplex infection is a well‐known potential complication of chemical peeling procedures. Risk of reactivation is believed to correlate with depth of peel, leading to the recommendation that all patients with history of primary orofacial herpes simplex infection or recurrent herpes labialis receive prophylactic antivirals prior to and after undergoing medium and deep peels. The following is a case of herpes labialis following a very superficial peeling procedure in an otherwise healthy 30‐year‐old male after primary infection as a neonate with no history of herpes simplex recurrence in the intervening 30 years. This case highlights the importance of history‐taking and consideration of prophylactic antivirals in peels of all depths in patients with any history of primary infection, regardless of length of disease free period.
Anti-inflammatory and antitumour activity of various extracts and compounds from the fruits of Piper longum L.
Authors: Guo Ziyan , Xu Jie , Xia Jianhua , Wu Zi , Lei Jiachuan , Yu Jianqing
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To explore effective extraction method and to find active constituents, we investigated the biological activity of three extracts and isolated active compounds from the fruits of Piper longum L.

Methods

Three extracts from the fruits were obtained by reflux, ultrasonic and supercritical fluid extraction, respectively. Active compounds were isolated by the bioassay-guided method. The anti-inflammatory activity, antiproliferation activity and cytotoxicity were evaluated. The apoptosis was detected by Hoechst 33258 staining assay. The relevant proteins were investigated by Western blot assay.

Key findings

The anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxicity of supercritical fluid extract (SE) were stronger than those of the other two extracts. Among all isolated compounds, the anti-inflammatory activity of eight compounds was stronger than that of indomethacin, and compounds 8, 9, 11, 14 and 15 were found to possess anti-inflammatory effect for the first time. Compounds 1, 2, 3 and 14 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against cancer cells. SE and piperine were found to reduce colony formation, inhibit cell migration and promote apoptosis through increasing cleaved PARP and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2.

Conclusions

The anti-inflammatory and antitumour effects of SE were better than those of the other two extracts. The compounds responsible for the activity were elucidated. SE and piperine inhibit cell growth through apoptosis.
Melatonin alleviates cognition impairment by antagonizing brain insulin resistance in aged rats fed a high‐fat diet
Authors: Xu Jiqu , Gao Hui , Zhang Li , Rong Shuang , Yang Wei , Ma Congcong , Chen Meng , Huang Qingde , Deng Qianchun , Huang Fenghong
Published: May 2019

Brain insulin resistance, induced by neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, contributes to neurodegeneration, that is, processes that are associated with Aβ accumulation and TAU hyperphosphorylation. Here, we tested the effect of chronic administration of melatonin (MLT) on brain insulin resistance and cognition deficits caused by a high‐fat diet (HFD) in aged rats. Results showed that MLT supplementation attenuated peripheral insulin resistance and lowered hippocampal oxidative stress levels. Activated microglia and astrocytes and hippocampal levels of TNF‐α in HFD‐fed rats were reduced by MLT treatment. Melatonin also prevented HFD‐induced increases in beta‐amyloid (Aβ) accumulation and TAU phosphorylation in the hippocampus. In addition, impairments of brain insulin signaling elicited by long‐term HFD were restored by MLT treatment, as confirmed by ex vivo insulin stimulation. Importantly, MLT reversed HFD‐induced cognitive decline as measured by a water maze test, normalized hippocampal LTP and restored CREB activity and BDNF levels as well as cholinergic neuronal activity in the hippocampus. Collectively, these findings indicate that MLT may exhibit substantial protective effects on cognition, via restoration of brain insulin signaling.
Physical characteristics of gastrointestinal content of llama (Lama glama)
Authors: Idalan Nadine , Martin Louise F. , Clauss Marcus
Published: May 2019

Changes in digesta dry matter (DM) and mean digesta particle size (MPS) along the gastrointestinal tract are well known in ruminants, but not in camelids. We collected digesta from the dorsal (d) and ventral (v) first forestomach compartment (C1), the second forestomach compartment (C2), three proximal segments and the subsequent glandular part of the third compartment (C3A‐D), the caecum and the faeces twelve llamas (Lama glama). DM analysis indicates the presence of digesta stratification in the C1, the presence of fluid in the C2 to facilitate the sorting function of this compartment, the fluid‐absorbing function of the proximal parts of the C3, the secretion of enzymes and digestive acids in the C3D, and the water‐resorbing function of the lower intestinal tract. These findings illustrate the functional resemblance between the gastrointestinal tract of camelids and cattle‐like ruminants (C1 equivalent to the rumen with stratified contents, C2 to the reticulum, C3A/B/C to the omasum and C3D to the abomasum). MPS analysis revealed a progressive reduction in MPS from the C1 to the distal C3. This gradual transition is different from the clear‐cut threshold in ruminants between the reticulum and the omasum and had so far only been described in dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius). These findings indicate that regardless of the convergent property of rumination and resemblance of general mechanisms involved in contents stratification and particle sorting, differences between ruminants and camelids exist that could be interpreted as a more efficient functionality of the ruminant forestomach.
Ecophysiological differences between vesicomyid species and metabolic capabilities of their symbionts influence distribution patterns of the deep‐sea clams
Authors: Cruaud Perrine , Decker Carole , Olu Karine , Arnaud‐Haond Sophie , Papot Claire , Le Baut Jocelyn , Vigneron Adrien , Khripounoff Alexis , Gayet Nicolas , Cathalot Cécile , Caprais Jean‐Claude , Pignet Patricia , Godfroy Anne , Cambon‐Bonavita Marie‐Anne
Published: May 2019

This study provides an analysis of vesicomyid bivalve–symbiont community distribution across cold seep and hydrothermal vent areas in the Guaymas Basin (Gulf of California, Mexico). Using a combination of morphological and molecular approaches including fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), and electronic microscopy observations, vesicomyid clam species and their associated symbionts were characterized and results were analyzed in light of geochemical conditions and other on‐site observations. A greater diversity of vesicomyids was found at cold seep areas, where three different species were present (Phreagena soyoae [syn. kilmeri], Archivesica gigas, and Calyptogena pacifica). In contrast, A. gigas was the only species sampled across the hydrothermal vent area. The same haplotype of A. gigas was found in both hydrothermal vent and cold seep areas, highlighting possible contemporary exchanges among neighboring vents and seeps. In either ecosystem, molecular characterization of the symbionts confirmed the specificity between symbionts and hosts and supported the hypothesis of a predominantly vertical transmission. In addition, patterns of clams could reflect potential niche preferences for each species. The occurrence of numerous traces of vesicomyid movements on sediments in the sites colonized by A. gigas seemed to indicate that this species might have a better ability to move. Furthermore, variation in gill sulfur content could reveal a higher plasticity and sulfur storage capacity in A. gigas. Thus, the distribution of vesicomyid species across the chemosynthetic areas of the Guaymas Basin could be explained by differences in biological traits of the vesicomyid species that would allow A. gigas to more easily exploit transient and punctual sources of available sulfide than P. soyoae.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of red blood cells in capillaries in layer I of the cerebral cortex and changes in arterial diameter during cortical spreading depression and response to hypercapnia in anesthetized mice
Authors: Unekawa Miyuki , Tomita Yutaka , Toriumi Haruki , Osada Takashi , Masamoto Kazuto , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Izawa Yoshikane , Itoh Yoshiaki , Kanno Iwao , Suzuki Norihiro , Nakahara Jin
Published: May 2019

Objective

Control of red blood cell velocity in capillaries is essential to meet local neuronal metabolic requirements, although changes of capillary diameter are limited. To further understand the microcirculatory response during cortical spreading depression, we analyzed the spatiotemporal changes of red blood cell velocity in intraparenchymal capillaries.

Methods

In urethane‐anesthetized Tie2‐green fluorescent protein transgenic mice, the velocity of fluorescence‐labeled red blood cells flowing in capillaries in layer I of the cerebral cortex was automatically measured with our Matlab domain software (KEIO‐IS2) in sequential images obtained with a high‐speed camera laser‐scanning confocal fluorescence microscope system.

Results

Cortical spreading depression repeatedly increased the red blood cell velocity prior to arterial constriction/dilation. During the first cortical spreading depression, red blood cell velocity significantly decreased, and sluggishly moving or retrograde‐moving red blood cells were observed, concomitantly with marked arterial constriction. The velocity subsequently returned to around the basal level, while oligemia after cortical spreading depression with slight vasoconstriction remained. After several passages of cortical spreading depression, hypercapnia‐induced increase of red blood cell velocity, regional cerebral blood flow and arterial diameter were all significantly reduced, and the correlations among them became extremely weak.

Conclusions

Taken together with our previous findings, these simultaneous measurements of red blood cell velocity in multiple capillaries, arterial diameter and regional cerebral blood flow support the idea that red blood cell flow might be altered independently, at least in part, from arterial regulation, that neuro‐capillary coupling plays a role in rapidly meeting local neural demand.
Drift and beaching patterns of sea otter carcasses and car tire dummies
Authors: Young Colleen , Eguchi Tomoharu , Ames Jack A. , Staedler Michelle , Hatfield Brian B. , Harris Mike , Golson‐Fisch Emily A.
Published: May 2019

Enumerating and examining marine animal carcasses is important for quantifying mortality rates and determining causes of mortality. Drifter experiments are one tool for estimating at‐sea mortality and determining factors affecting carcass drift, but they require validation to confirm drifters accurately replicate the drift characteristics of the species of interest. The goal of this study was to determine whether dummies constructed from car tires were appropriate substitutes for sea otter (Enhydra lutris) carcasses. We released 33 sets of targets (carcasses and dummies) in a one‐to‐one ratio on 15 randomly chosen dates between January 1995 and December 1996. They were telemetrically tracked until they beached or were no longer detected. Beaching rates were similar between carcasses (69.7%) and dummies (66.7%). Our results indicated that there was no statistical difference in the drifting pattern, as measured by distance traveled and location, between carcasses and dummies, and that cumulative wind speed, days since release, and release month were predictors of drift patterns. We concluded that dummies constructed from car tires do imitate sea otter carcasses and could be used to estimate at‐sea mortality of sea otters, or, if released during or after an oil spill, could be used to direct search efforts for carcasses.
Using Explicit Instruction About L1 to Reduce Crosslinguistic Effects in L2 Grammar Learning: Evidence From Oral Production in L2 French
Authors: MCMANUS KEVIN , MARSDEN EMMA
Published: May 2019

This study advances previous research about the effects of explicit instruction on second language (L2) development by examining learners’ use of verbal morphology following different types of explicit information (EI) and comprehension practice. We investigated the extent to which additional EI about the first language (L1) can reduce the effects of crosslinguistic influence in L2 oral production. Sixty‐nine English‐speaking learners of L2 French undertook either: (a) a ‘core’ treatment of EI about the L2 with L2 comprehension practice, (b) the same L2 core + L1 comprehension practice, (c) the same L2 core + L1 comprehension practice + EI about L1, or (d) outcome tests only. Results showed that providing additional EI about the L1 benefitted the accuracy of oral production immediately after the instruction and then 6 weeks later. These results suggest that tailoring instruction, specifically the nature of the EI, to the nature of the learning problem can facilitate L2 learning. In particular, EI about L1 can facilitate L2 learning by increasing learners’ awareness of similarities and differences in how L1 and L2 express the same meanings.
Practical Moore Sentences*
Authors: Mandelkern Matthew
Published: May 2019

I discuss what I call practical Moore sentences: sentences like ‘You must close your door, but I don't know whether you will’, which combine an order together with an avowal of agnosticism about whether the order will be obeyed. I show that practical Moore sentences are generally infelicitous. But this infelicity is surprising: it seems like there should be nothing wrong with giving someone an order while acknowledging that you do not know whether it will obeyed. I suggest that this infelicity points to a striking psychological fact, with potentially broad ramifications concerning the structure of norms of speech acts: namely, when giving an order, we must act as if we believe we will be obeyed.
Abscisic acid signalling mediates biomass trade‐off and allocation in poplar
Authors: Yu Dade , Wildhagen Henning , Tylewicz Szymon , Miskolczi Pal C. , Bhalerao Rishikesh P. , Polle Andrea
Published: May 2019

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a well known stress hormone regulating drought adaptation of plants. Here, we hypothesised that genetic engineering of genes involved in ABA stress signalling and photoperiodic regulation affected drought resistance by trade‐off with biomass production in perennial poplar trees.

We grew Populus tremula × tremuloides wild‐type (T89) and various transgenic lines (two transformation events of 35S::abi1‐1, 35S::RCAR, RCAR:RNAi, 35S::ABI3, 35S::AREB3, 35S::FDL1, FDL1:RNAi, 35S::FDL2 and FDL2:RNAi) outdoors and exposed them to drought in the second growth period.

After the winter, the surviving lines showed a huge variation in stomatal conductance, leaf size, whole‐plant leaf area, tree height, stem diameter, and biomass. Whole‐plant leaf area was a strong predictor for woody biomass production. The 35S::AREB3 lines were compromised in biomass production under well irrigated conditions compared with wild‐type poplars but were resilient to drought. ABA signalling regulated FDL1 and FDL2 expression under stress. Poplar lines overexpressing FDL1 or FDL2 were drought‐sensitive; they shed leaves and lost root biomass, whereas the FDL RNAi lines showed higher biomass allocation to roots under drought.

These results assign a new function in drought acclimation to FDL genes aside from photoperiodic regulation. Our results imply a critical role for ABA‐mediated processes in balancing biomass production and climate adaptation.
Common pulmonary vein on the recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia after pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Lee Wei‐Chieh , Lee Yi‐Wei , Fang Hsiu‐Yu , Chen Huang‐Chung , Chen Yung‐Lung , Tsai Tzu‐Hsien , Pan Kuo‐Li , Lin Yu‐Sheng , Chen Mien‐Cheng
Published: May 2019

Aims

Catheter ablation has become an effective treatment modality for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the relationship between common pulmonary vein (PV) and recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) after PV isolation (PVI) remains controversial. This study aimed to explore the function of common PV on the risk of recurrent ATA after PVI.

Methods

We identified a total of 191 patients who received radiofrequency catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF at our hospital between July 2010 and December 2017 for retrospective chart review. We collected the following data for analysis: results of preprocedural computed tomography, including the anatomy of PV and left atrial (LA) volume; the incidence of early‐ and late‐onset recurrence of ATA. We compared these characteristics between the two groups defined by the presence or absence of the late‐onset recurrence of ATA.

Results

 Compared to the no ATA recurrence group, the ATA recurrence group had larger LA size, larger LA end‐diastolic and systolic volumes, larger maximal diameter of PV, higher prevalence of common PV, and higher incidence of early‐onset recurrence of ATA. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, presence of common PV and early‐onset recurrence were independently associated with late‐onset recurrence of ATA. Compared to patients without common PV, patients with common PV had larger diameter of PV and higher incidence of late‐onset recurrent ATA.

Conclusion

In patients with paroxysmal AF, early‐onset recurrence of ATA and the presence of common PV were independently associated with late‐onset recurrent ATA after radiofrequency catheter ablation.
Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis due to ceftriaxone: Report of a pediatric case with recurrence after positive patch test
Authors: Salman Andac , Yucelten Deniz , Akin Cakici Ozlem , Kepenekli Kadayifci Eda
Published: May 2019

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is seen uncommonly in children and sometimes shows atypical clinical features in this population. Patch testing can be used effectively in children for the confirmation of the culprit drug in cases of multiple drug use. Here, we report a rare, pediatric case of ceftriaxone‐induced AGEP confirmed by patch testing with subsequent recurrence of the skin eruption.
The invasive tree staghorn sumac affects soil N2‐fixing bacterial communities in north China
Authors: Wu B. , Wang S. , Wei M. , Zhou J. , Jiang K. , Du D. , Wang C.
Published: May 2019

Soil N2‐fixing bacterial communities (SNB) can enhance soil N availability and the invasiveness of invaders. Some invaders display different degrees of invasion across different climate regions. Given that bacterial communities may change with different climate regions, it is important to understand soil micro‐ecological mechanisms driving the successful invasion of invaders across different climate regions.

This study performed cross‐site comparisons to comprehensively analyse effects of the invasive tree staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina L.) on the structure of SNB. In north China, we selected three sites within two sampling regions (a warm temperate region and a cold temperate region).

Staghorn sumac invasion did not significantly affect soil physicochemical properties and the diversity and richness of SNB. LEfSe analysis showed that numerous SNB taxa changed significantly during staghorn sumac invasion. This may be attributed in part to the selective effects of allelochemicals released by staghorn sumac via leaf litter and/or root exudates. Consequently, staghorn sumac invasion may alter the structure, rather than the diversity and richness, of SNB to facilitate its invasion process by establishing a favourable soil microenvironment in the invaded habitats. The number of species and richness of SNB under staghorn sumac invasion were significantly lower in the warm temperate region than in the cold temperate region. A possible reason for the increased diversity and richness of SNB under staghorn sumac invasion in the cold temperate region may be because staghorn sumac in the cold temperate region can provide more nutrients into the soil sub‐ecosystem, presumably to support a higher diversity and richness of SNB via the nutritional requirements of SNB.

The changed structure of SNB under staghorn sumac invasion, especially across different climate regions, may play an important role in its successful invasion across most regions of north China.
Smokescreen Politics? Ratcheting Up EU Emissions Trading in 2017
Authors: Wettestad Jørgen , Jevnaker Torbjørg
Published: May 2019

The reform of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) adopted in November 2017 was surprisingly strong, given the previous opposition from central member‐states like Poland and key stakeholders like the energy‐intensive industries. The carbon price has also increased substantially since then. To explain why such major reform was possible, we present several findings with wider relevance. Importantly, all the actors pushing for a more ambitious reform benefitted from having a central, “second‐best” mechanism in place—the Market Stability Reserve (MSR)—which could be further tightened. By focusing cancelation on allowances in the MSR and taking place only after 2023, policy entrepreneurs managed to make the distribution of costs obscure and diffuse, whereas the benefits (a probable higher carbon price and related greater auctioning revenues for member‐states) were more specific and closer in time. That is what we call “smokescreen politics.”
On Möbius‐invariant and symmetry‐integrable evolution equations and the Schwarzian derivative
Authors: Euler Marianna , Euler Norbert
Published: May 2019

We consider symmetry‐integrable evolution equations in 1 + 1 dimensions of order 3 and order 5. We show that there exist only three equations in this class that are invariant under the Möbius transformation, and we name those Schwarzian equations. We report an interesting relation between the recursion operators of the Schwarzian equations and the corresponding adjoint operators that generate hierarchies of Schwarzian systems in terms of the Schwarzian derivative. This indicates a deep relation between the Schwarzian equations and the Schwarzian derivative. A classification of the fully nonlinear third‐order Schwarzian equations is also reported.
Psychoprophylaxis for oral conscious sedation for dental care in Down syndrome adults with behavioral disorder
Authors: Ferrary Teresita , Sanchez Ratto Noelia , Martinez Daniel , Alvarez Mayra , Bianchi Maria Lis , Benitez Maria Belen , Armada Mariana , Echaide Maite , Scagnet Gabriela , Orman Betina
Published: May 2019

Down syndrome (DS) presents with prevalent diseases in the oral cavity and the need of constant dental care and follow‐up. The use of conscious sedation (CS) for dental care in adult DS with behavioral disorders is poorly documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of CS procedures with oral midazolam using previous psychoprophylaxis sessions in DS adult patients with behavioral disorders. Methods: Twenty‐nine DS adults with behavioral disorders. The patients were managed with psychoprophylaxis followed by oral CS using 15 or 30 mg midazolam. Vital parameters were monitored. The Houpt and Brietkopf and Buttner scales were used. Results: Patients under CS received an initial dose of 15 mg midazolam; however, 51.72% needed a 30 mg dose at the following sessions. Results showed that 71.4% treated with the 15 mg dose had Houpt scale overall behavior scores of 4 or 5, while 93.33% of those receiving 30 mg had scores of 5 or 6 (chi‐square = 15.95 p < .01). Conclusion: Psychoprophylaxis sessions followed by CS procedures using oral midazolam in adult DS with behavioral disorders were shown to be a useful strategy to perform routine dental treatment safely. Midazolam produces anterograde amnesia, and participants were more cooperative in the following visits.
Distribution of residual autocorrelations for multiplicative seasonal ARMA models with uncorrelated but nonindependent error terms
Authors: Boubacar Maïnassara Yacouba , Ilmi Amir Abdoulkarim
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we consider portmanteau tests for testing the adequacy of multiplicative seasonal autoregressive moving‐average models under the assumption that the errors are uncorrelated but not necessarily independent. We relax the standard independence assumption on the error terms in order to extend the range of applications of the seasonal autoregressive moving‐average models. We study the asymptotic distributions of residual and normalized residual empirical autocovariances and autocorrelations under weak assumptions on noise. We establish the asymptotic behavior of the proposed statistics. A set of Monte Carlo experiments and an application to monthly mean total sunspot number are presented.
Inactivation of yellow fever virus in plasma after treatment with methylene blue and visible light and in platelet concentrates following treatment with ultraviolet C light
Authors: Faddy Helen M. , Fryk Jesse J. , Hall Roy A. , Young Paul R. , Reichenberg Stefan , Tolksdorf Frank , Sumian Chryslain , Gravemann Ute , Seltsam Axel , Marks Denese C.
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Yellow fever virus (YFV) is endemic to tropical and subtropical areas in South America and Africa, and is currently a major public health threat in Brazil. Transfusion transmission of the yellow fever vaccine virus has been demonstrated, which is indicative of the potential for viral transfusion transmission. An approach to manage the potential YFV transfusion transmission risk is the use of pathogen inactivation (PI) technology systems, such as THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma and THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets (Macopharma). We aimed to investigate the efficacy of these PI technology systems to inactivate YFV in plasma or platelet concentrates (PCs).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

YFV spiked plasma units were treated using THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma system (visible light doses: 20, 40, 60, and 120 [standard] J/cm2) in the presence of methylene blue (approx. 0.8 μmol/L) and spiked PCs were treated using THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets system (ultraviolet C doses: 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 [standard] J/cm2). Samples were taken before the first and after each illumination dose and tested for residual virus using a modified plaque assay.

RESULTS

YFV infectivity was reduced by an average of 4.77 log or greater in plasma treated with the THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma system and by 4.8 log or greater in PCs treated with THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets system.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests the THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma and the THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets systems can efficiently inactivate YFV in plasma or PCs to a similar degree as that for other arboviruses. Given the reduction levels observed in this study, these PI technology systems could be an effective option for managing YFV transfusion‐transmission risk in plasma and PCs.
Expression and the molecular forms of neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin and matrix metalloproteinase 9 in canine mammary tumours
Authors: Chen Yi‐Chen , Chang Shih‐Chieh , Huang Yu‐Han , Lee Ya‐Jane , Chang Chao‐Chin , Liao Jiunn‐Wang , Hsu Wei‐Li
Published: May 2019

Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a new biomarker for renal injury. It is also involved in tumorigenesis of different human cancer types. The oncogenic role of NGAL is related to its molecular forms, and heterodimer formation with matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) promotes human breast cancer (HBC) invasion and metastasis. To date, the levels of NGAL and NGAL/MMP9 complex have not yet been explored in canine mammary tumours (CMTs). Hence, this study aimed to investigate whether NGAL and its molecular forms could be the biomarker for CMT diagnosis. To this end, expression profile of NGAL and MMP9 in mammary epithelial cells as well as in urine samples were detected. By immunohistochemistry staining, NGAL was expressed at variable levels. Unlike HBC, a significant reduction in NGAL expression was demonstrated in benign and malignant CMTs as compared with normal controls. Additionally, NGAL expression was significantly reduced in dogs with metastatic CMTs. By contrast, the mean score of MMP9 expression in ascending order was normal groups, benign, and malignant CMTs. Interestingly, analysis of the molecular form revealed the NGAL/MMP9 complex presents in most mammary tissues and urine of dogs with benign or malignant CMTs, whereas the complex was absent in samples from dogs without CMTs. In conclusion, NGAL and MMP9 are ubiquitously expressed in canine mammary epithelial cells in normal and cancerous status. However, the NGAL/MMP9 complex exclusively presents in mammary tissues and urine of dogs with tumours.
Ultrasonographic and histopathological features in 8 cats with fibrotic small intestinal stricture
Authors: Holloway Andrew , Pivetta Mauro , Rasotto Roberta
Published: May 2019

Benign stricture is an uncommon cause of chronic small intestinal obstruction in the cat. The purpose of this retrospective case series was to describe the ultrasonographic features, histopathological findings, and clinical presentation in a group of cats with benign small intestinal stricture. Inclusion criteria were cats presenting during the period 2010‐2017, and that had ultrasonography and small intestinal stricture confirmed at surgery. For each cat, clinical data and ultrasonographic findings were retrieved from the medical record, and histopathology, where available, was reviewed. Eight cats met the inclusion criteria. The location of strictures was duodenum (1/8), mid‐ to distal jejunum (4/8), and ileum (3/8). Ultrasonographic findings included gastric distension (8/8) and generalized (3/8) or segmental (5/8) intestinal dilation consistent with mechanical obstruction. Ingesta did not propagate beyond the strictured segment. Wall thickening was mild to moderate (3‐6 mm). Normal wall layering was disrupted in all cats. Strictures were predominantly hypoechoic (7/8) and associated with hyperechoic peri‐intestinal mesentery (6/8). Annular strictures (5/8) were less than 15 mm in length whereas long‐segment strictures (3/8) were greater than 15 mm in length. Histopathology showed transmural disease with fibrosis and inflammation (8/8), often (6/8) extending into the bordering mesentery. The mucosa was the most severely affected layer and epithelial injury accompanied the mucosal fibrosis/inflammation. Clinical presentation reflected delayed diagnosis of chronic bowel obstruction with debilitation (8/8), marked weight loss (8/8), and prerenal azotemia (5/8). Benign fibrostenotic stricture should be considered a differential diagnosis in debilitated young cats presenting with chronic bowel disease and ultrasonographic features of intestinal obstruction.
Early physiological and biochemical responses of soyabean to neighbouring weeds under resource‐independent competition
Authors: McKenzie‐Gopsill A G , Amirsadeghi S , Earl H J , Jones A M P , Lukens L , Lee E , Swanton C J
Published: May 2019

The mechanisms by which weeds compete with crop plants are poorly understood. To gain insight into these mechanisms, we characterised early physiological responses of soyabean to neighbouring weeds using a biological weedy system that generated a consistent far‐red‐enriched light environment and excluded direct resource competition. Neighbouring weeds decreased superoxide dismutase activity in unifoliate leaves. This coincided with increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and oxidized ascorbate levels, while the steady‐state level of superoxide, catalase activity and lipid peroxidation remained unchanged. These responses suggested increased leaf production of singlet oxygen (1O2), which was demonstrated by detection of increased Singlet Oxygen Sensor Green (SOSG) fluorescence within 3 h after staining of unifoliate leaves. This finding was further supported by increased ratios of the photosensitiser protochlorophyllide to both chlorophyllide a, and total chlorophyll in the dark as well as enhanced sensitivity to cell death by a 1O2‐generating compound in the light. These responses coincided with dramatic changes in photosynthesis, carbon partitioning and biomass allocation with a persistent decline in leaf sucrose level and biomass production at later growth stages. This study provides direct experimental evidence that under resource‐independent competition, far‐red‐enriched light reflected by neighbouring weeds can alter the balance between ROS production and detoxification and thereby generate an oxidative stress signal in soyabean leaves.
Dopamine D2 receptors regulate the action potential threshold by modulating T‐type calcium channels in stellate cells of the medial entorhinal cortex
Authors: Jin Xueqin , Chen Qian , Song Yan , Zheng Jie , Xiao Kuo , Shao Shan , Fu Zibing , Yi Ming , Yang Yang , Huang Zhuo
Published: May 2019

Key points

Activation of axonal dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs) increases action potential (AP) threshold, and thus decreases neuronal excitability in layer II stellate cells of medial entorhinal cortex.

Endogenous dopamine release increases the AP threshold of stellate cells by activating D2Rs.

Activation of D2Rs shifts the activation curve of T‐type Ca2+ channels in a positive direction in a protein kinase A‐dependent manner.

Immunofluorescence staining reveals the presence of T‐type Ca2+ channels and D2Rs in the axon initial segments (AISs).

This research makes the pioneering discovery of D2R‐induced AP threshold plasticity in AISs of stellate cells. The findings are likely to have significant implications for understanding the cellular processes by which dopamine influences neuronal intrinsic excitability.

Stellate cells in the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) are considered to constitute the largest population of grid cells, which provide spatial representation to support animal estimation of location. Although dopaminergic fibres from the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra pars compacta innervate the majority of the cortex, including the MEC, little is known about how dopamine modulates the function of MEC stellate cells. Because dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs) are involved in spatial cognition and MEC contains high levels of D2Rs, we investigated how D2R activation modulates the neuronal intrinsic excitability of stellate cells. Electrophysiological recordings, optogenetics and molecular biology experiments were performed to investigate the mechanism in mice. Activation of axonal D2Rs, not dendritic or somatic D2Rs, elevated the action potential (AP) threshold and decreased the intrinsic excitability of stellate cells, which was caused by shifting rightward the activation properties of T‐type Ca2+ channels in a D2R–protein kinase A‐dependent manner without affecting their steady‐state inactivation curve. In support, immunofluorescence assays revealed colocalization of D2Rs and Cav3.2 calcium channels within the axon initial segment. These findings are likely to have significant implications for understanding the cellular processes by which dopamine influences neuronal excitability and they may also be applicable to other hippocampal and cortical regions as dopaminergic fibres innervate wide brain regions. Taken together, these findings provide a novel cellular mechanism by which D2Rs modulate AP threshold of stellate cells through T‐type Ca2+ channels in MEC, indicating that D2Rs of MEC play a vital role in modulating the information processing of stellate cells.
Heat Transfer in Internal Cooling Channels of Gas Turbine Blades: Buoyancy and Density Ratio Effects
Authors: Saravani Mandana S. , DiPasquale Nicholas J. , Beyhaghi Saman , Amano Ryoichi S.
Published: May 2019

The present work investigates the effects of buoyancy and wall heating condition on the thermal performance of a rotating two-pass square channel with smooth walls. The U-bend channel has a square cross section with a hydraulic diameter of 5.08 cm (2 in.). The lengths of the first and second passes are 514 mm and 460 mm, respectively. The turbulent flow entered the channel with Reynolds numbers of up to 34,000. The rotational speed varied from 0 to 600 rpm with rotational numbers up to 0.75. For this study, two approaches were considered for tracking the buoyancy effect on heat transfer. In the first case, the density ratio was set constant, and the rotational speed was varied. In the second case, the density ratio was changed in the stationary case, and the effect of density ratio was discussed. The range of buoyancy number along the channel is 0–6. The objective was to investigate the impact of buoyancy forces on a broader range of rotation number (0–0.75) and buoyancy number scales (0–6), and their combined effects on heat transfer coefficient for a channel with an aspect ratio of 1 : 1. Results showed that increasing the density ratio increased the heat transfer ratio in both stationary and rotational cases. Furthermore, in rotational cases, buoyancy force effects were very significant. Increasing the rotation number induced more buoyancy forces, which led to an enhancement in heat transfer. The buoyancy effect was more visible in the turning region than any other region.
Dirac nodal surfaces and nodal lines in ZrSiS
Authors: Fu B.-B. , Yi C.-J. , Zhang T.-T. , Caputo M. , Ma J.-Z. , Gao X. , Lv B. Q. , Kong L.-Y. , Huang Y.-B. , Richard P. , Shi M. , Strocov V. N. , Fang C. , Weng H.-M. , Shi Y.-G. , Qian T. , Ding H.
Published: May 2019

Photoemission demonstrates that the Dirac-like band crossings form 1D nodal lines and 2D nodal surfaces in the bulk of ZrSiS.
Dynamically controllable polarity modulation of MoTe
2
field-effect transistors through ultraviolet light and electrostatic activation
Authors: Wu Enxiu , Xie Yuan , Zhang Jing , Zhang Hao , Hu Xiaodong , Liu Jing , Zhou Chongwu , Zhang Daihua
Published: May 2019

We enabled ultrafast, nonvolatile, and reversible band modulation of MoTe
2
with spatial resolution by optoelectrical activation.
First demonstration of antimatter wave interferometry
Authors: Sala S. , Ariga A. , Ereditato A. , Ferragut R. , Giammarchi M. , Leone M. , Pistillo C. , Scampoli P.
Published: May 2019

We have demonstrated wave-particle duality of single positrons in a double-slit-like experiment.
Holographic imaging of electromagnetic fields via electron-light quantum interference
Authors: Madan I. , Vanacore G. M. , Pomarico E. , Berruto G. , Lamb R. J. , McGrouther D. , Lummen T. T. A. , Latychevskaia T. , García de Abajo F. J. , Carbone F.
Published: May 2019

The quantum interference between ultrafast light and electron pulses enables the holographic reconstruction of nanoscale fields.
Novel Central Nervous System (CNS)-Targeting Protease Inhibitors for Drug-Resistant HIV Infection and HIV-Associated CNS Complications
Authors: Amano Masayuki , Salcedo-Gómez Pedro Miguel , Yedidi Ravikiran S. , Zhao Rui , Hayashi Hironori , Hasegawa Kazuya , Nakamura Tomofumi , Martyr Cuthbert D. , Ghosh Arun K. , Mitsuya Hiroaki
Published: May 2019

There is currently no specific therapeutics for the HIV-1-related central nervous system (CNS) complications. Here we report that three newly designed CNS-targeting HIV-1 protease inhibitors (PIs), GRL-083-13, GRL-084-13, and GRL-087-13, which contain a P1-3,5-
bis
-fluorophenyl or P1-
para
-monofluorophenyl ring, and P2-
bis
-tetrahydrofuran (
bis
-THF) or P2-tetrahydropyrano-tetrahydrofuran (
Tp
-THF), with a sulfonamide isostere, are highly active against wild-type HIV-1 strains and primary clinical isolates (50% effective concentration [EC
50
], 0.0002 to ∼0.003 μM), with minimal cytotoxicity.
Spatial Distribution of Salmonella enterica in Poultry Shed Environments Observed by Intensive Longitudinal Environmental Sampling
Authors: Crabb Helen K. , Allen Joanne Lee , Devlin Joanne Maree , Wilks Colin Reginald , Gilkerson James Rudkin
Published: May 2019

Routine epidemiological surveillance for salmonellae in poultry relies initially on environmental sampling. Intensive, spatially homogenous sampling, as conducted within this study, confirmed that the sampling methodology conducted within a poultry environment is a nontrivial part of sampling design. The frequency of sampling is especially important when the prevalence of
Salmonella
spp. is low. These factors must be taken into consideration in the design of studies for the detection of salmonellae in poultry sheds.
Immunizations with Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Heat-Stable Toxin Conjugates Engender Toxin-Neutralizing Antibodies in Mice That Also Cross-React with Guanylin and Uroguanylin
Authors: Diaz Yuleima , Govasli Morten L. , Zegeye Ephrem Debebe , Sommerfelt Halvor , Steinsland Hans , Puntervoll Pål
Published: May 2019

Infection with enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) is a common cause of childhood diarrhea in low- and middle-income countries, as well as of diarrhea among travelers to these countries. In children, ETEC strains secreting the heat-stable toxin (ST) are the most pathogenic, and there are ongoing efforts to develop vaccines that target ST.
Adolescents’ perceptions of tobacco accessibility and smoking norms and attitudes in response to the tobacco point-of-sale display ban in Scotland: results from the DISPLAY Study
Authors: Kuipers Mirte AG , Best Catherine , Wilson Michael , Currie Dorothy , Ozakinci Gozde , MacKintosh Anne-Marie , Stead Martine , Eadie Douglas , MacGregor Andy , Pearce Jamie , Amos Amanda , Haw Sally
Published: May 2019

Background

Scotland implemented a ban on open display of tobacco products in supermarkets in April 2013, and small shops in April 2015. This study aimed to quantify changes in perceived tobacco accessibility, smoking norms and smoking attitudes among adolescents in Scotland, following the implementation of partial and comprehensive point-of-sale (POS) tobacco display bans.

Methods

From the Determining the Impact of Smoking Point of Sale Legislation Among Youth (DISPLAY) Study’s 2013–2017 annual surveys we retrieved data comprising 6202 observations on 4836 12–17-year-old adolescents from four schools. Applying generalised estimating equations, associations between time (postban: 2016–2017 vs preban:2013) and three outcomes were estimated. Outcomes were perceived commercial access to tobacco, perceived positive smoking norm (friends think it’s OK to smoke) and positive smoking attitude (you think it’s OK to smoke). Analyses were adjusted for sociodemographics, smoking status, family smoking, friend smoking and e-cigarette use.

Results

Crude trends showed an increase over time in perceived accessibility, norms and attitudes. However, after adjustment for confounders, mainly e-cigarette use, we found significant declines in perceived access (OR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.90) and in positive smoking attitude (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.49 to 0.91), but no change in perceived positive smoking norm (OR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.29). Current/past occasional or regular e-cigarette use was associated with higher odds of perceived access (OR = 3.12, 95% CI 2.32 to 4.21), positive norm (OR = 2.94, 95% CI 2.16 to 4.02) and positive attitude (OR = 3.38, 95% CI 2.35 to 4.87).

Conclusion

Only when taking into account that the use of e-cigarettes increased in 2013–2017 did we find that the POS tobacco display ban in supermarkets and small shops in Scotland was followed by reductions in adolescents’ perceived accessibility of tobacco and positive attitudes towards smoking.