bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Would an RRS by any other name sound as RAD?
Authors: Campbell Erin O. , Brunet Bryan M. T. , Dupuis Julian R. , Sperling Felix A. H.
Published: June 2018

Sampling markers throughout a genome with restriction enzymes emerged in the 2000s as reduced representation shotgun sequencing (RRS). Rapid advances in sequencing technology have since spurred modifications of RRS, giving rise to many derivatives with unique names, such as restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RADseq). But naming conventions have often been more creative than consistent and criteria for recognizing unique methods have been unclear, resulting in a proliferation of names characterized by ambiguity.

We give an overview of methodological and etymological relationships among 36 restriction enzyme‐based methods, and survey the consistency of references to five prominent methods in the literature.

We identified several instances of methodological convergence, and note that many published derivatives have modified only minor elements of parent protocols. Misattribution through ambiguous or inconsistent literature references was observed in 8.4% of journal articles citing the original one and two‐enzyme RADseq and GBS, as well as SBG publications.

The rapid expansion of names associated with derivative protocols is confusing and, in many cases, unwarranted. We urge greater restraint in naming derivative methods and suggest general guidelines for naming that promote a balance between clarity, descriptiveness, and recognition of scientific innovation.
Chains of Love? Global Production and the Firm‐Level Diffusion of Labor Standards
Authors: Malesky Edmund J. , Mosley Layna
Published: June 2018

Under what conditions does the global economy serve as a means for the diffusion of labor standards and practices? We anticipate variation among internationally engaged firms in their propensity to improve labor standards. Upgrading is most likely when a firm's products exhibit significant cross‐market differences in markups, making accessing high‐standards overseas markets particularly profitable. Additionally, upgrading is more likely when lead firms attach a high salience to labor standards. Therefore, while participation in global production induces “trading up” behaviors among firms overall, the effect strength varies across industries. We test our expectations via a survey experiment, which queries foreign firms operating in Vietnam about their willingness to invest in labor‐related upgrading. We find strong evidence for the effect of markups on upgrading choices and suggestive evidence for the saliency mechanism.
Maternal snuff use and cotinine in late pregnancy—A validation study
Authors: Gunnerbeck Anna , Raaschou Pauline , Cnattingius Sven , Edstedt Bonamy Anna‐Karin , Wickström Ronny
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Oral moist snuff is widely used in Sweden including during pregnancy. Maternal snuff use has been associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes in epidemiological studies. Self‐reported maternal snuff use has not been validated previously. The main objective of this study was to validate self‐reported snuff use in pregnancy in a prospective cohort study and in the Medical Birth Register.

Material and methods

A prospective Swedish cohort study, 2005‐2011, in which 572 women were asked to participate. Of 474 recruited women, 381 non‐smokers (263 snuff users and 118 non‐tobacco users) were included in the main analyses. Participants prospectively reported snuff use through questionnaires. Medical Birth Register data on the participants was obtained. Maternal urine cotinine was collected in late pregnancy and was used as a biomarker.

Results

Cotinine levels in maternal urine confirmed a high validity of self‐reported snuff use through questionnaires in late pregnancy; sensitivity and specificity values were 98% and 96%, respectively. In the Medical Birth Register, 45% of the snuff users were misclassified as nonusers in late pregnancy. There were significant differences in median cotinine levels between users of mini pouches and users of standard pouches, but there was a great difference of cotinine levels among users with similar number of pouches used daily.

Conclusions

Self‐reported snuff use through questionnaires has high validity. In the Medical Birth Register, in late pregnancy, many snuff users were misclassified as nonusers. As a consequence, there is a risk of underestimating the harmful effects of snuff use when using late pregnancy Medical Birth Register data.
Women's experiences with water birth: A matched groups prospective study
Authors: Lathrop Anthony , Bonsack Carrie F. , Haas David M.
Published: June 2018

Background

Water birth has become an increasingly popular childbirth option, but has also come under scrutiny because of its possible risks and benefits. The primary objective of this study was to explore potential benefits of water birth by comparing the experiences of women who gave birth in water versus conventionally. We also compared maternal and newborn outcomes.

Methods

We performed a prospective study of 66 women who had water births and 132 who had conventional births. Data collected included demographics, labor and birth characteristics, perinatal outcomes, and maternal scores on the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ). Groups were matched for variables known to influence CEQ scores.

Results

Women in the water birth group had more positive childbirth experiences compared with the conventional birth group (P < .001), and also compared with the subgroup of women who had epidural anesthesia (P = .002). After controlling for potential confounders, water birth was associated with a decreased likelihood of perineal lacerations requiring repair (P = .001) and a higher rate of breastfeeding initiation in the delivery room (P < .001). Adverse outcomes such as neonatal intensive care unit admission, blood loss >500 mL, 3rd/4th degree lacerations, and perinatal infections were rare. The study was not sufficiently powered to detect differences in rare outcomes.

Conclusion

Water birth was associated with more positive maternal childbirth experiences as represented by CEQ scores. Adverse outcomes were rare in both the water birth and conventional birth groups.
Insight into the Last Glacial Maximum climate and environments of the Baikal region
Authors: Tarasov Pavel E. , Ilyashuk Boris P. , Leipe Christian , Müller Stefanie , Plessen Birgit , Hoelzmann Philipp , Kostrova Svetlana S. , Bezrukova Elena V. , Meyer Hanno
Published: June 2018

This study presents a multi‐proxy record from Lake Kotokel in the Baikal region at decadal‐to‐multidecadal resolution and provides a reconstruction of terrestrial and aquatic environments in the area during a 2000‐year interval of globally harsh climate often referred to as the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The studied lake is situated near the eastern shoreline of Lake Baikal, in a climatically sensitive zone that hosts boreal taiga and cold deciduous forests, cold steppe associations typical for northern Mongolia, and mountain tundra vegetation. The results provide a detailed picture of the period in focus, indicating (i) a driest phase (c. 24.0–23.4 cal. ka BP) with low precipitation, high summer evaporation, and low lake levels, (ii) a transitional interval of unstable conditions (c. 23.4–22.6 cal. ka BP), and (iii) a phase (c. 22.6–22.0 cal. ka BP) of relatively high precipitation (and moisture availability) and relatively high lake levels. One hotly debated issue in late Quaternary research is regional summer thermal conditions during the LGM. Our chironomid‐based reconstruction suggests at least 3.5 °C higher than present summer temperatures between c. 22.6 and 22.0 cal. ka BP, which are well in line with warmer and wetter conditions in the North Atlantic region inferred from Greenland ice‐cores. Overall, it appears that environments in central Eurasia during the LGM were affected by much colder than present winter temperatures and higher than present summer temperatures, although the effects of temperature oscillations were strongly influenced by changes in humidity.
Noradrenaline up‐regulates volume‐regulated chloride current by PKA‐independent cAMP/exchange protein activated by cAMP pathway in human atrial myocytes
Authors: Xiao Guo‐Sheng , Zhang Yan‐Hui , Wang Yan , Sun Hai‐Ying , Baumgarten Clive M , Li Gui‐Rong
Published: June 2018

Background and Purpose

Adrenergic regulation of cell volume‐regulated chloride current (ICl.vol) is species‐dependent. The present study investigates the mechanism underlying adrenergic regulation of ICl.vol in human atrial myocytes.

Experimental Approach

Conventional whole‐cell patch voltage‐clamp techniques were used to record membrane current in human atrial myocytes. ICl.vol was evoked by hyposmotic bath solution (0.6 times isosmotic, 0.6 T).

Key Results

ICl.vol was augmented by noradrenaline (1 μM) during cell swelling in 0.6 T but not under isosmotic (1 T) conditions. Up‐regulation of ICl.vol in 0.6 T was blocked by the β‐adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol (2 μM), but not by the α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (2 μM). This β‐adrenergic response involved cAMP but was independent of PKA; the protein kinase inhibitor H‐89 (2 μM) or PKI (10 μM in pipette solution) failed to prevent ICl.vol up‐regulation by noradrenaline. Moreover, the PI3K/PKB inhibitor LY294002 (50 μM) and the PKG inhibitor KT5823 (10 μM) did not affect noradrenaline‐induced increases in ICl.vol. Interestingly, the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) agonist 8‐pCPT‐2′‐O‐Me‐cAMP (50 μM) also up‐regulated ICl.vol, and the noradrenaline‐induced increase of ICl.vol in 0.6 T was reversed or prevented by the Epac inhibitor ESI‐09 (10 μM).

Conclusion and Implications

These data show that ICl.vol evoked by cell swelling of human atrial myocytes is up‐regulated by noradrenaline via a PKA‐independent cAMP/Epac pathway in human atrial myocytes. cAMP/Epac‐induced ICl.vol is expected to shorten action potential duration during human atrial myocytes swelling and may be involved in abnormal cardiac electrical activity during cardiac pathologies that evoke β‐adrenoceptor signalling.
Mutualistic acacia ants exhibit reduced aggression and more frequent off‐tree movements near termite mounds
Authors: Henry Lucas P. , Tokita Christopher K. , Misra Mayank , Forrow Avery B. , Rubenstein Daniel I.
Published: June 2018

In many ant–plant mutualisms, ants establish colonies in hollow thorns, leaf pouches, or other specialized structures on their host plants, which they then defend from herbivores. Resource heterogeneity could affect the maintenance of these mutualisms if it leads to one or both partners altering their investment in the interaction. Such a phenomenon may be especially pertinent to the Acacia–ant mutualism found in East African savannas, where termite mounds have a profound effect on the spatial structuring of resources used by both plants and ants. Here, we examined whether the proximity to termite mounds of Acacia drepanolobium trees is associated with variation in the behavior of one of their ant associates, Crematogaster nigriceps. We found that ant colonies near termite mounds had decreased aggressive responses to simulated herbivory as well as increased off‐tree movement. We hypothesize that these changes are the result of resident ant colonies near termite mounds shifting investment from defense of their host plant to foraging for nearby resources.
Canadian geopolitical culture: Climate change and sustainability
Authors: Dalby Simon
Published: June 2018

Key Messages

Canadian nationalist rhetoric is still premised on resource extraction despite discussions of climate change by the Liberal government since 2015.

Taking earth system science seriously requires rethinking national identity and the conventional geopolitical premises on which it is based.

Meeting Paris Agreement on Climate Change commitments requires much more fundamental changes than Canadian Federal government rhetoric so far acknowledges.
Nab‐paclitaxel interrupts cancer‐stromal interaction through C‐X‐C motif chemokine 10‐mediated interleukin‐6 downregulation in vitro
Authors: Feng Rui , Morine Yuji , Ikemoto Tetsuya , Imura Satoru , Iwahashi Shuichi , Saito Yu , Shimada Mitsuo
Published: June 2018

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAF), derived from stroma of cancer tissues, interact with cancer cells and play an important role in cancer initiation, growth, and metastasis. Nab‐paclitaxel (nab‐PTX) is a 130 nm albumin‐binding paclitaxel and recommended for many types of cancer chemotherapy. The nab‐PTX stromal‐disrupting effect during pancreatic cancer treatment has been reported. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of nab‐PTX in cancer cells and CAF interaction. Cancer cells (MIA PaCa‐2 and Panc‐1) were cocultured with CAF or treated with CAF conditioned medium, after which their migration and invasion ability, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related marker expression and C‐X‐C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) expression and secretion were detected. Nab‐PTX treatment was carried out during the coculture system or during preparation of CAF conditioned medium. Then cancer cell migration and invasion ability, EMT‐related marker expression, CXCL10 expression and secretion, and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) expression and secretion by CAF were checked After coculture with CAF, migration and invasion ability of cancer cells increased. CAF also downregulated E‐cadherin and upregulated N‐cadherin and vimentin expression in cancer cells. During coculture or stimulation with cancer cell‐cultured medium, CAF significantly increased IL‐6 expression and secretion. However, nab‐PTX in the coculture system canceled CAF‐induced migration and invasion promotion and EMT‐related gene changes. Moreover, nab‐PTX increased CXCL10 expression of cancer cells which blocked CAF IL‐6 expression and secretion. Nab‐PTX treatment could increase CXCL10 expression of cancer cells which blocks CAF cancer cell migration and invasion‐promoting effect by inhibiting IL‐6 expression.
Local allergic rhinitis: Implications for management
Authors: Campo P. , Eguiluz‐Gracia I. , Bogas G. , Salas M. , Plaza Serón C. , Pérez N. , Mayorga C. , Torres M. J. , Shamji M.H. , Rondon C.
Published: June 2018

A significant proportion of rhinitis patients without systemic IgE‐sensitisation tested by skin prick test and serum allergen‐specific IgE (sIgE) display nasal reactivity upon nasal allergen provocation test (NAPT). This disease phenotype has been termed local allergic rhinitis (LAR). LAR is an underdiagnosed entity affecting children and adults from different parts of the world, with moderate‐to‐severe symptoms, impairment of quality of life and rapid progression to symptom worsening. LAR is a stable phenotype and not merely an initial state of AR. Allergic rhinitis and LAR share many clinical features including a positive NAPT response, markers of type 2 nasal inflammation including sIgE in nasal secretions and a significant rate of asthma development. LAR should be considered as a differential diagnosis in those subjects of any age with symptoms suggestive of AR but no evidence of systemic atopy. Although LAR pathophysiology is partially unknown, in some patients sIgE can be demonstrated directly in the nasal secretions and/or indirectly via positive responses in basophil activation test (BAT). LAR can coexist with other rhinitis phenotypes, especially AR. The diagnosis currently relies on the positivity of NAPT to a single or multiple allergens. NAPT has high sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility, and it is considered the gold standard. BAT and the measurement of nasal sIgE can also contribute to LAR diagnosis. LAR patients benefit from the same therapeutic strategies than AR individuals, including the avoidance of allergen exposure and the pharmacotherapy. Moreover, several recent studies support the effectiveness and safety of allergen immunotherapy for LAR, which opens a window of treatment opportunity in these patients.
Role Conflict among Family Childcare Providers in the Bronx
Authors: Fernandez Josephine , Mootoo Candace J. , Romero Sara , Rasmussen Andrew
Published: June 2018

Family childcare (FCC) providers provide childcare for many low‐income families in the United States, and the literature suggests they take on several other support roles as well. The current study consisted of focus groups and interviews in which FCC providers (N = 22) shared successes and challenges in their profession. Using grounded theory we identified four primary FCC roles: teacher, caregiver, social worker and business owner. Conflict within and between roles was related to considerable stress. Because roles varied across a spectrum from entangled to rigid professional relationship boundaries, many FCC providers struggled with the limits of their daily work. Suggestions are made to limit role conflict, re‐establish boundaries and promote FCC providers’ well‐being.
The Recruitment of Shifting and Inhibition in On‐line Science and Mathematics Tasks
Authors: Vosniadou Stella , Pnevmatikos Dimitrios , Makris Nikos , Lepenioti Despina , Eikospentaki Kalliopi , Chountala Anna , Kyrianakis Giorgos
Published: June 2018

Prior research has investigated the recruitment of inhibition in the use of science/mathematics concepts in tasks that require the rejection of a conflicting, nonscientific initial concept. The present research examines if inhibition is the only EF skill recruited in such tasks and investigates whether shifting is also involved. It also investigates whether inhibition and/or shifting are recruited in tasks in which the use of science/mathematics concepts does not require the rejection of an initial concept, or which require only the use of initial concepts. One hundred and thirty‐three third‐ and fifth‐grade children participated in two inhibition and shifting tasks and two science and mathematics conceptual understanding and conceptual change (CU&C) tasks. All the tasks were on‐line, and performance was measured in accuracy and RTs. The CU&C tasks involved the use of initial concepts and of science/mathematics concepts which required conceptual changes for their initial formation. Only in one of the tasks the use of the science/mathematics concepts required the concurrent rejection of an initial concept. The results confirmed that in this task inhibition was recruited and also showed that the speed of shifting was a significant predictor of performance. Shifting was a significant predictor of performance in all the tasks, regardless of whether they involved science/mathematics or initial concepts. It is argued that shifting is likely to be recruited in complex tasks that require multiple comparisons of stimuli and the entertainment of different perspectives. Inhibition seems to be a more selective cognitive skill likely to be recruited when the use of science/mathematics concepts requires the rejection of a conflicting initial concept.
Drinking patterns vary by gender, age and country‐level income: Cross‐country analysis of the International Alcohol Control Study
Authors: Chaiyasong Surasak , Huckle Taisia , Mackintosh Anne‐Marie , Meier Petra , Parry Charles D. H. , Callinan Sarah , Viet Cuong Pham , Kazantseva Elena , Gray‐Phillip Gaile , Parker Karl , Casswell Sally
Published: June 2018

Introduction and Aims

Gender and age patterns of drinking are important in guiding country responses to harmful use of alcohol. This study undertook cross‐country analysis of drinking across gender, age groups in some high‐and middle‐income countries.

Design and Methods

Surveys of drinkers were conducted in Australia, England, Scotland, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis (high‐income), Thailand, South Africa, Mongolia and Vietnam (middle‐income) as part of the International Alcohol Control Study. Drinking pattern measures were high‐frequency, heavier‐typical quantity and higher‐risk drinking. Differences in the drinking patterns across age and gender groups were calculated. Logistic regression models were applied including a measure of country‐level income.

Results

Percentages of high‐frequency, heavier‐typical quantity and higher‐risk drinking were greater among men than in women in all countries. Older age was associated with drinking more frequently but smaller typical quantities especially in high‐income countries. Middle‐income countries overall showed less frequent but heavier typical quantities; however, the lower frequencies meant the percentages of higher risk drinkers were lower overall compared with high‐income countries (with the exception of South Africa).

Discussion and Conclusions

High‐frequency drinking was greater in high‐income countries, particularly in older age groups. Middle‐income countries overall showed less frequent drinking but heavier typical quantities. As alcohol use becomes more normalised as a result of the expansion of commercial alcohol it is likely frequency of drinking will increase with a likelihood of greater numbers drinking at higher risk levels.
Study of hardening and cyclic plastic behaviour around the crack tip of C(T) specimen made by as‐received and annealed copper
Authors: Hosseini R. , Seifi R.
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this research is determining experimentally the characteristics of tension and cyclic plastic behaviours of as‐received and annealed coppers and studying distribution of stress/strain field near the crack tip. Samples made by pure copper were annealed at 420°C for 40 minutes in electric furnace. To determine the properties of the cyclic plastic behaviour, proper tests with symmetric strain‐controlled conditions were performed on standard samples. Chaboche nonlinear hardening model was used to determine the cyclic plastic behaviour of both materials. According to results, annealing process creates isotropic hardening in the copper and also changes its initial kinematic hardening behaviour. Effects of the annealing and hardening on the variations of the stresses and strains around the crack tip were investigated. Also, ratcheting and mean stress relaxations versus number of cycles, inside the plastic region, were studied.
A crucible salt saturation method for determining sulfur solubility in glass melt
Authors: Jin Tongan , Kim Dongsang , Darnell Lori P. , Weese Brigitte L. , Canfield Nathan L. , Bliss Mary , Schweiger Michael J. , Vienna John D. , Kruger Albert A.
Published: June 2018

Experiments were conducted to determine sulfur solubility in Hanford low‐activity waste (LAW) glass melts by a sulfur saturation method. Sulfur‐incorporated glass melts were prepared by salt saturation and bubbling methods. The salt saturation method was performed by mixing crushed premelted baseline glasses with an excess amount of Na2SO4prior to melting the mixture at 1150°C for 1 hour. The bubbling method involved bubbling the glass melt at 1150°C in a Pt crucible with anSO2/O2/N2gas mix to equilibrate the melt at a known pressure ofSO3. Preliminary results suggested that performing 1 cycle of mixing and melting was not sufficient to saturate the glass. The bubbling method successfully incorporated sulfur into the glass but caused significant losses of sodium from the melt. In order to saturate the glass melt with sulfate without causing noticeable sodium loss, a modified crucible salt saturation method was developed by repeating the mixing and melting of the glass and salt mixture. For all 3 representativeLAWglasses tested in this study, it was found that after 3 mixing and melting cycles, the sulfur concentration reaches a plateau, indicating reasonable sulfur saturation.
Antecedent rest may not be necessary for automated office blood pressure at lower treatment targets
Authors: Colella Tracey J. F. , Tahsinul Anam , Gatto Hannah , Oh Paul , Myers Martin G.
Published: June 2018

In SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial), use of the Omron 907XL blood pressure (BP) monitor set at 5 minutes of antecedent rest to record BP produced an automated office BP value 7/6 mm Hg lower than awake ambulatory BP at 27 months. The authors studied the impact on automated office BP of setting the Omron 907XL to 0 minutes instead of 5 minutes of rest in patients with readings in the lower normal BP range, similar to on‐treatment BP in the SPRINT intensive therapy group. Patients (n = 100) in cardiac rehabilitation were randomized to three BP readings at 1‐minute intervals using an Omron 907XL BP device set for 5 or 0 minutes of antecedent rest. Mean (±standard deviation) automated office BP (mm Hg) after 5 minutes of rest (120.2 ± 14.6/66.9 ± 8.6 mm Hg) was lower (P < .001/P < .01) than without rest (124.2 ± 16.4/67.9 ± 9.1 mm Hg). When target BP is in the lower normal range, automated office BP recorded without antecedent rest using an Omron 907XL device should be higher and closer to the awake ambulatory BP, compared with readings taken after 5 minutes of rest.
Occurrence, performance and shoot damage of Tomicus piniperda in pine stands in southern Sweden after storm‐felling
Authors: Öhrn Petter , Björklund Niklas , Långström Bo
Published: June 2018

The pine shoot beetle, Tomicus piniperda (L.), is considered one of the most destructive pests of Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris (L.), in Europe. At high population densities, its feeding in the shoots of living pine trees may lead to substantial shoot and subsequent growth losses. After a storm‐felling in southern Sweden in January 2005, there were high amounts of breeding material and a subsequent risk for bark beetle outbreaks. To study the beetle's reproductive success, population levels and risks for growth losses, we analysed bark samples of colonized trees, and counted fallen pine shoots. During the first season after the storm‐felling, the pine shoot beetle population level was low. However, due to high reproductive success beetle numbers markedly increased in the second season, and there were high rates of successful colonization of available host material in following years. Shoot damage levels concomitantly rose in 2005–2006, then declined in 2007 and 2008. However, the accumulated shoot losses do not indicate any subsequent growth losses, as the recorded shoot damage levels were below those earlier seen in connection with growth reductions in damaged pine stands.
Elevated CO2 and temperature alter specific‐species population dynamic and interspecific competition of three wheat aphids
Authors: Wang Long , Li Li‐Kun , Song Ying‐Ying , Han Tong , Li Zhuo , Wan Gui‐Jun , Chen Fa‐Jun
Published: June 2018

Atmospheric warming, combined with projected atmospheric carbon dioxide (ab. CO2) level arising, may have marked ecological effects on growth of agricultural crop plants, and in turn affect the higher trophic level of insect herbivores. In this study, the effects of elevated CO2 (i.e., 650 μL/L vs. ambient 400 μL/L) and temperature (ab. T; ambient vs. ambient +0.6°C) on the population abundance and the interspecific competition among three co‐occurring species of wheat aphids (Sitobion avenae, Rhopalosiphum padi and Schizaphis graminum) were studied. The results indicated that wheat plants had higher biomass and yields when grown under elevated CO2 in contrast to ambient CO2, and elevated T had no significant effect on the biomass and yields of wheat plants. Elevated CO2 significantly decreased the population dynamic level of S. avenae, and increased the population dynamic levels of R. padi and S. graminum; Elevated T significantly decreased the population dynamic level of S. avenae and significantly increased the population dynamic level of R. padi. Moreover, elevated T significantly decreased the niche breadth of S. avenae and S. graminum, respectively, while elevated CO2 had no significant effect on the three species niche breadth. Furthermore, elevated CO2 and T both significantly increased the niche overlap index (ab. NOI) between S. avenae and R. padi, as well as between R. padi and S. graminus, elevated T significantly reduced the NOI between S. avenae and S. graminus. This study provides evidence that elevated CO2 and T can alter the species‐specific population abundance of three wheat aphids, and aggravate two major interspecific competition among these three co‐occurring species of wheat aphids by increasing their spatial overlap.
Absence of infiltrating peripheral myeloid cells in the brains of mouse models of lysosomal storage disorders
Authors: Cho Soo Min , Vardi Ayelet , Platt Nicolas , Futerman Anthony H.
Published: June 2018

Approximately 70 lysosomal storage diseases are currently known, resulting from mutations in genes encoding lysosomal enzymes and membrane proteins. Defects in lysosomal enzymes that hydrolyze sphingolipids have been relatively well studied. Gaucher disease is caused by the loss of activity of glucocerebrosidase, leading to accumulation of glucosylceramide. Gaucher disease exhibits a number of subtypes, with types 2 and 3 showing significant neuropathology. Sandhoff disease results from the defective activity of β‐hexosaminidase, leading to accumulation of ganglioside GM2. Niemann‐Pick type C disease is primarily caused by the loss of activity of the lysosomal membrane protein, NPC1, leading to storage of cholesterol and sphingosine. All three disorders display significant neuropathology, accompanied by neuroinflammation. It is commonly assumed that neuroinflammation is the result of infiltration of monocyte‐derived macrophages into the brain; for instance, cells resembling lipid‐engorged macrophages (‘Gaucher cells’) have been observed in the brain of Gaucher disease patients. We now review the evidence that inflammatory macrophages are recruited into the brain in these diseases and then go on to provide some experimental data that, at least in the three mouse models tested, monocyte‐derived macrophages do not appear to infiltrate the brain. Resident microglia, which are phenotypically distinct from infiltrating macrophages, are the only myeloid population present in significant numbers within the brain parenchyma in these authentic mouse models, even during the late symptomatic stages of disease when there is substantial neuroinflammation.

Open science badges

This article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. The complete Open Science Disclosure form for this article can be found at the end of the article. More information about the Open Practices badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.

image

This article is part of the Special Issue “Lysosomal Storage Disorders”.
Cyclophilin D regulates neuronal activity‐induced filopodiagenesis by fine‐tuning dendritic mitochondrial calcium dynamics
Authors: Sui Shaomei , Tian Jing , Gauba Esha , Wang Qi , Guo Lan , Du Heng
Published: June 2018

Recent studies have highlighted the role of mitochondria in dendritic protrusion growth and plasticity. However, the detailed mechanisms that mitochondria regulate dendritic filopodia morphogenesis remain elusive. Cyclophilin D (CypD, gene name: Ppif) controls the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Although the pathological relevance of CypD has been intensively investigated, little is known about its physiological function in neurons. Here, we have found that genetic depletion of or pharmaceutical inhibition of CypD blunts the outgrowth of dendritic filopodia in response to KCl‐stimulated neuronal depolarization. Further cell biological studies suggest that such inhibitory effect of CypD loss‐of‐function is closely associated with compromised flexibility of dendritic mitochondrial calcium regulation during neuronal depolarization, as well as the resultant changes in intradendritic calcium homeostasis, calcium signaling activation, dendritic mitochondrial motility and redistribution. Interestingly, loss of CypD attenuates oxidative stress‐induced mitochondrial calcium perturbations and dendritic protrusion injury. Therefore, our study has revealed the physiological function of CypD in dendritic plasticity by acting as a fine‐tuner of mitochondrial calcium homeostasis. Moreover, CypD plays distinct roles in neuronal physiology and pathology.

image

Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14189.
Rent‐to‐Own Pricing: Theory and Empirical Evidence
Authors: Jaggia Sanjiv , Roche Hervé , Anderson Michael H.
Published: June 2018

The rent‐to‐own (RTO) industry given its emphasis on subprime or, at least, financially constrained consumers is often seen as exploitative with excessive financing costs. This paper develops a rational‐expectations competitive equilibrium model to explore the pricing mechanism of an RTO agreement. The model accounts for the contract's embedded options and several bundled services. Using detailed transactional data, we infer how customers exercise these options to calibrate our model for several product categories, contractual lengths and payment periodicity. The resulting predictions provide a justification for the high financing costs observed in the marketplace.
Melatonin expression in periodontitis and obesity: An experimental in‐vivo investigation
Authors: Virto L. , Haugen H. J. , Fernández‐Mateos P. , Cano P. , González J. , Jiménez‐Ortega V. , Esquifino A. I. , Sanz M.
Published: June 2018

Background and Objective

Melatonin deficiency has been associated with obesity and systemic inflammation. This study aims to evaluate whether melatonin could interfere with the mechanisms of co‐morbidity linking obesity and periodontitis.

Material and Methods

Twenty‐eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided in 4 groups: control group (Con) (fed with standard diet); high‐fat diet group (HFD) (fed with a diet containing 35.2% fat); Con group with induced periodontitis (Con‐Perio) and HFD group with induced periodontitis (HFD‐Perio). To induce periodontitis, the method of oral gavages with Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC W83K1 and Fusobacterium nucleatum DMSZ 20482 was used. Circulating melatonin levels were analyzed by multiplex immunoassays. Periodontitis was assessed by alveolar bone loss (micro‐computed tomography and histology) and by surrogate inflammatory outcomes (periodontal pocket depth, modified gingival index and plaque dental index).

Results

Plasma melatonin levels were significantly decreased (P < .05) in the obese rats with periodontitis when compared with controls or with either obese or periodontitis rats. Alveolar bone loss increased 27.71% (2.28 µm) in HFD‐Perio group compared with the Con group. The histological analysis showed marked periodontal tissue destruction with osteoclast activity, particularly in the HFD‐Perio group. A significant negative correlation (P < .05) was found between periodontal pocket depth, modified gingival index and circulating melatonin levels.

Conclusion

Obese and periodontitis demonstrated significantly lower melatonin concentrations when compared with controls, but in obese rats with periodontitis these concentrations were even significantly lower when compared with either periodontitis or obese rats. These results may indicate that melatonin deficiency could be a key mechanism explaining the co‐morbidity effect in the association between obesity and periodontitis.
Microbiota and Dose Response: Evolving Paradigm of Health Triangle
Authors: Coleman Margaret , Elkins Christopher , Gutting Bradford , Mongodin Emmanuel , Solano‐Aguilar Gloria , Walls Isabel
Published: June 2018

SRA Dose‐Response and Microbial Risk Analysis Specialty Groups jointly sponsored symposia that addressed the intersections between the “microbiome revolution” and dose response. Invited speakers presented on innovations and advances in gut and nasal microbiota (normal microbial communities) in the first decade after the Human Microbiome Project began. The microbiota and their metabolites are now known to influence health and disease directly and indirectly, through modulation of innate and adaptive immune systems and barrier function. Disruption of healthy microbiota is often associated with changes in abundance and diversity of core microbial species (dysbiosis), caused by stressors including antibiotics, chemotherapy, and disease. Nucleic‐acid‐based metagenomic methods demonstrated that the dysbiotic host microbiota no longer provide normal colonization resistance to pathogens, a critical component of innate immunity of the superorganism. Diverse pathogens, probiotics, and prebiotics were considered in human and animal models (in vivo and in vitro). Discussion included approaches for design of future microbial dose–response studies to account for the presence of the indigenous microbiota that provide normal colonization resistance, and the absence of the protective microbiota in dysbiosis. As NextGen risk analysis methodology advances with the “microbiome revolution,” a proposed new framework, the Health Triangle, may replace the old paradigm based on the Disease Triangle (focused on host, pathogen, and environment) and germophobia. Collaborative experimental designs are needed for testing hypotheses about causality in dose–response relationships for pathogens present in our environments that clearly compete in complex ecosystems with thousands of bacterial species dominating the healthy superorganism.
Self‐harm by Sharp Foreign Body Ingestion
Authors: Robertson Alexander R.
Published: June 2018

Objective

Ingestion of sharp foreign bodies is a less frequently encountered method of selfharm. This study aims to follow up patients presenting with foreign body (FB) ingestion requiring urgent endoscopic intervention under general anaesthetic in theatre, characterise each patient and establish whether admission or removal of the FB promotes further self‐harm.

Method

Eleven adult patients, totalling 38 presentations over a 28‐month period were identified. Each was followed up from an initial presentation requiring endoscopy.

Result

9/11 (81.9%) where transferred either from prison or psychiatric care with an extensive history of multimodal and usually violent self‐harm. Of these 8/9 (88.9%) had a formal psychiatric diagnosis linked to their previous self‐harm. Objects retrieved included pens, razor blades, cutlery, wiring, batteries, a metal screw and a TV aerial. The median time between presentations with self‐harm was 11 days. Those discharged from the emergency department re‐presented after a median of 7.5 days. This was longer, at 14 days, if admitted to hospital; with those having endoscopic procedures re‐presenting after a median of 11 days.

Conclusions

Inpatient endoscopic removal of the FB was not associated with an earlier presentation with further self‐harm when compared with discharge straight form A+E, but was frequently repeated, often in a characterised manner.
LITTLELEAF (LL) encodes a WD40 repeat domain‐containing protein associated with organ size variation in cucumber
Authors: Yang Luming , Liu Hanqiang , Zhao Jianyu , Pan Yupeng , Cheng Siyuan , Lietzow Calvin D. , Wen Changlong , Zhang Xiaolan , Weng Yiqun
Published: June 2018

Plants employ tight genetic control to integrate intrinsic growth signals and environmental cues to enable organs to grow to a defined size. Many genes contributing to cell proliferation and/or cell expansion, and consequently organ size control, have been identified, but the regulatory pathways are poorly understood. Here we have characterized a cucumber littleleaf (ll) mutant which exhibits smaller organ sizes but more lateral branches than the wild type. The small organ size in ll was due to a reduction of both cell number and cell size. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses revealed co‐localization of major‐effect QTLs for fruit size, fruit and seed weight, as well as number of lateral branches, with the LL locus indicating pleiotropic effects of the ll mutation. We demonstrate that LL is an ortholog of Arabidopsis STERILE APETALA (SAP) encoding a WD40 repeat domain‐containing protein; the mutant protein differed from the wild type by a single amino acid substitution (W264G) in the second WD40 repeat. W264 was conserved in 34 vascular plant genomes examined. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that LL originated before the emergence of flowering plants but was lost in the grass genome lineage. The function of LL in organ size control was confirmed by its overexpression in transgenic cucumbers and ectopic expression in Arabidopsis. Transcriptome profiling in LL and ll bulks revealed a complex regulatory network for LL‐mediated organ size variation that involves several known organ size regulators and associated pathways. The data support LL as an important player in organ size control and lateral branch development in cucumber.
Chemical quenching of singlet oxygen by plastoquinols and their oxidation products in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ferretti Ursula , Ciura Joanna , Ksas Brigitte , Rác Marek , Sedlářová Michaela , Kruk Jerzy , Havaux Michel , Pospíšil Pavel
Published: June 2018

Prenylquinols (tocochromanols and plastoquinols) serve as efficient physical and chemical quenchers of singlet oxygen (1O2) formed during high light stress in higher plants. Although quenching of 1O2 by prenylquinols has been previously studied, direct evidence for chemical quenching of 1O2 by plastoquinols and their oxidation products is limited in vivo. In the present study, the role of plastoquinol‐9 (PQH2‐9) in chemical quenching of 1O2 was studied in Arabidopsis thaliana lines overexpressing the SOLANESYL DIPHOSPHATE SYNTHASE 1 gene (SPS1oex) involved in PQH2‐9 and plastochromanol‐8 biosynthesis. In this work, direct evidence for chemical quenching of 1O2 by plastoquinols and their oxidation products is presented, which is obtained by microscopic techniques in vivo. Chemical quenching of 1O2 was associated with consumption of PQH2‐9 and formation of its various oxidized forms. Oxidation of PQH2‐9 by 1O2 leads to plastoquinone‐9 (PQ‐9), which is subsequently oxidized to hydroxyplastoquinone‐9 [PQ(OH)‐9]. We provide here evidence that oxidation of PQ(OH)‐9 by 1O2 results in the formation of trihydroxyplastoquinone‐9 [PQ(OH)3‐9]. It is concluded here that PQH2‐9 serves as an efficient 1O2 chemical quencher in Arabidopsis, and PQ(OH)3‐9 can be considered as a natural product of 1O2 reaction with PQ(OH)‐9. The understanding of the mechanisms underlying 1O2 chemical quenching provides information on the role of plastoquinols and their oxidation products in the response of plants to photooxidative stress.
Vascular endothelial growth factor as early biomarker for hypoxia in Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Hamdy Soha M. , Shaban Amany M. , Mahmoud Amany A. , Gad Nahed S. , Ibrahim Wael A.
Published: June 2018

Aquatic pollution is a serious problem causing fish hypoxia. This study is conducted to assess the effects of environmental pollutants entering Lake Qaroun using vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) biomarker on Oreochromis niloticus. Water and fish samples were collected from contaminated sites to be compared with a reference relatively unpolluted site. Water physicochemical parameters, the oxidative stress biomarkers and histological studies of liver and gills were determined. Highly significant differences in water quality parameters were observed. Fish sampled from contaminated sites showed highly significant changes in oxidative stress and hypoxia‐related biomarkers compared to the reference site. These changes were accompanied by the existence of histological damages in liver and gill tissues. Moreover, there were differences in the banding pattern of fish serum proteins from the same sites. These results provide evidence that stress biomarkers and VEGF are useful for the assessment of hypoxia in aquatic environments influenced by multiple pollution sources.
A Review of Cold-Formed Stainless Steel Properties and Design for Rail Vehicle Applications
Authors: Mayville Ronald A.
Published: June 2018

Cold-formed stainless steel is often used in the design and fabrication of passenger rail vehicle car body structures. It is attractive because of its corrosion resistance and the high yield strength in the quarter- and half-hard conditions. One of the complications in designing with this material is its anisotropic properties: the yield strength and stress-strain curve depend upon whether the material is loaded in tension or compression and upon the loading direction relative to the material rolling direction. This phenomenon has been known for some time in the rail industry, and is also well known in the general structural community. This paper is a review of the mechanical and metallurgical properties of cold-formed stainless steel and of current design approaches related to buckling of members made from this product form.
Environmental and Track Factors That Contribute to Abrasion Damage
Authors: Riding Kyle A. , Peterman Robert J. , Guthrie Spencer , Brueseke Matthew , Mosavi Hossein , Daily Koby , Risovi-Hendrickson Wyatt
Published: June 2018

Sites with known occurrences of mud pumping or other track concerns were investigated to determine the prevalence of concrete bottom tie abrasion and environmental and track conditions that could contribute to its occurrence. Field investigations showed that it occurs in diverse geographic locations around the U.S. and is a source of continued maintenance concern for railroads. Water appeared to be a significant factor involved in concrete bottom tie abrasion. Ballast fouling, center-binding cracking, rail surface profile variations, and large track movement during loading was seen in locations with concrete bottom tie abrasion. Bumps or track stiffness changes were often found at locations of abrasion damage. Specifically, some locations with known stiff track conditions exhibited significant abrasion damage.
Train Energy and Dynamics Simulator (TEDS) Revenue Service Validation
Authors: Stewart Monique F. , Andersen David R. , Booth Graydon F. , Buel Tanner , Singh Som P.
Published: June 2018

The Train Energy and Dynamics Simulator (TEDS) is state-of-the-art simulation software, developed by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), to study train operation safety and performance as affected by a wide variety of rolling stock, track, train handling and operating configurations. As part of developing TEDS, existing and published data on braking, draft systems and train performance were used for initial validation of TEDS.

This paper describes two revenue service tests conducted to further validate TEDS. The first test was on a loaded unit train, while the second test was on a mixed train with empty and loaded cars and included distributed power in which the remote brake valve was cut in. Collected test data included throttle position, train speed, locomotive power, brake system pressures and coupler forces. Several events from these tests, representing typical train operating scenarios, were selected for comparison with TEDS predicted results. The TEDS predictions matched the measured test data for all of the scenarios simulated, further validating the performance of the software and offering additional assurance on the use of TEDS for simulating performance and safety critical train dynamic behavior.
Improving Collision Post Crashworthiness of Legacy Locomotives
Authors: Gordon Jeff , Swamy Srini , Cakdi Sabri , Radovich Matthew , Prabhakaran Anand , Singh Som P.
Published: June 2018

Modern freight locomotives are built to crashworthiness standards that are defined in Subpart D of Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 229 and Association of American Railroads (AAR) S-580 standards [1, 2]. The first freight locomotive crashworthiness standard, AAR S-580, was released in 1989 and became effective as of August 1990 [3]. Locomotives that were manufactured before the 1990, so-called “legacy”, lack the crew protection offered by the modern “crashworthy” locomotives [4]. While legacy locomotives, such as narrow-nose designs that were manufactured before 1990s, are generally relegated to non-lead locomotive service in Class I railroads, these units are sometimes used in mainline service. Even though the number of narrow-nose locomotives has declined, there remains a risk of injuries and fatalities for the crew for the next several years.

The scope of this study is the following;

• The assessment of injuries and fatalities from collisions involving legacy locomotives,

• The crashworthiness evaluation of collision posts for a sample legacy (narrow-nose, legacy) locomotive assembled in the 1960s and rebuilt in 2001,

• Analysis of alternative collision post designs to meet and exceed the collision post requirements in the 2001 version of AAR S-580.