bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IgE sensitization to Anisakis pegreffii in Italy: Comparison of two methods for the diagnosis of allergic anisakiasis
Authors: Mattiucci S. , Colantoni A. , Crisafi B. , Mori‐Ubaldini F. , Caponi L. , Fazii P. , Nascetti G. , Bruschi F.
Published: May 2017

IgE sensitization to Anisakis pegreffii in Italian subjects suffering from gastro‐allergic anisakiasis (GAA) (N=5), or showing chronic urticaria (CU+) after fish consumption (N=100), was investigated. A control group (N=5) was also included. IgE response was analysed by immunoblotting (WB) assay, using both excretory/secretory products (ESPs) and crude extract (CE) of A. pegreffii larvae. The results were compared with those achieved by the conventional immunological method for Anisakis allergy (ie, immunoCAP). Among the 110 subjects, 28 showed IgE positivity with both WB and iCAP methods; 13 proved IgE reactivity, in WB assay, to ESP antigens of A. pegreffii, here provisionally indicated as Ani s 1‐like, Ani s 7‐like, Ani s 13‐like; only 15 sera have shown IgE‐WB reaction to Ani s 7‐like and Ani s 13‐like. iCAP and WB exhibited a high concordance value (κ=1.00) when iCAP value was <0.35 (negative result) and >50.0 (positive result). In the sera samples recorded as positive to Anisakis allergy, Ani s 1‐like was responsible for 46.4% of the sensitivity, while Ani s 7‐like and Ani s 13‐like for 100%. They could be considered as major antigens in the diagnosis of allergic anisakiasis caused by A. pegreffii.
Increases in Caesarean Delivery Rates and Change of Perinatal Outcomes in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries: A Hospital‐Level Analysis of Two WHO Surveys
Authors: Zhao Yanjun , Zhang Jun , Zamora Javier , Vogel Joshua Peter , Souza João P. , Jayaratne Kapila , Ganchimeg Togoobaatar , Ortiz‐Panozo Eduardo , Hernandez Bernardo , Oladapo Olufemi T. , Torloni Maria R. , Morisaki Naho , Mori Rintaro , Pileggi‐Castro Cynthia , Tunçalp Özge , Shen Xiaoming , Betrán Ana Pilar
Published: May 2017

Background

Maternal and neonatal outcomes have improved substantially. During the same period, the caesarean delivery rate soared. The aim of this analysis was to determine whether an increase in caesarean rate was associated with an improvement in perinatal outcome at an institutional level in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Methods

The WHO Global Survey on Maternal and Perinatal Health (WHOGS) and the WHO Multi‐Country Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health (WHOMCS) were two multi‐country, facility‐based, cross‐sectional surveys conducted in 2004–08 and 2010–11, respectively. The increase in caesarean rate and the change of prevalence of adverse perinatal outcomes were calculated using a two‐point estimator of percent change annualized (PCA) method. Maternal, perinatal, and neonatal composite indexes were used as the outcomes. A linear mixed model was used to assess the association between the change of caesarean rate and the change of perinatal outcome.

Results

A total of 259 facilities in 20 countries participated in both surveys, with 217 844 women in WHOGS and 227 734 women in WHOMCS. The caesarean rate in these facilities increased, on average, by 4.0% annually, while the prevalence of adverse perinatal outcomes decreased by 4.6% annually. However, after adjustments for potential confounders, no association was found between the increase in caesarean rate and the change of adverse outcome indexes, regardless of whether starting caesarean rates were already high (above 10%) or not.

Conclusions

In low‐ and middle‐income countries, the increases in caesarean rates were not associated with improved perinatal outcomes regardless of whether the starting caesarean rate was already high or not.
The double‐edged sword of diversity: Toward a dual pathway model
Authors: Carter Ashli B. , Phillips Katherine W.
Published: May 2017

Williams and O'Reilly (1998) published a seminal review of diversity research that has become a classic resource for researchers and practitioners alike. In the current review, we update the theoretical record by discussing traditional views of, as well as recent developments to, the 3 prominent frameworks used to understand diversity: social categorization, similarity‐attraction, and information and decision‐making. Furthermore, we propose a dual pathway model of diversity's effects that integrates all 3 frameworks. In our model, both positive and detrimental effects of diversity stem from processes of social categorization. Whereas these processes disrupt group functioning when intergroup bias is activated, when bias is not activated, we propose that social categorization and reduced attraction to dissimilar others will allow individuals in diverse rather than homogeneous groups to focus more on the task, anticipate differences in task‐relevant opinions and perspectives, and engage in more effortful information processing. Finding the balance is key.
Disseminated toxoplasmosis after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation showing unusual magnetic resonance images
Authors: Tateno Takahiro , Onozawa Masahiro , Hashiguchi Junichi , Ishio Takashi , Yuzawa Sayaka , Matsuoka Satomi , Kosugi‐Kanaya Mizuha , Okada Kohei , Shiratori Souichi , Goto Hideki , Kimura Taichi , Sugita Junichi , Nakagawa Masao , Hashimoto Daigo , Kahata Kaoru , Fujimoto Katsuya , Endo Tomoyuki , Kondo Takeshi , Tanaka Shinya , Hashino Satoshi , Teshima Takanori
Published: May 2017

We herein report a patient who had disseminated toxoplasmosis after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation showing atypical clinical presentation and neuroimaging. Parkinsonism symptoms such as muscle rigidity, bradykinesia, tremor, and postural instability were initial manifestations. Magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse symmetrical lesions of bilateral basal ganglia lacking ringed enhancement. Post‐mortem analysis revealed multiple tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii in the basal ganglia, mid brain, cerebellum, and cardiac muscle.
Characteristics of Turbulent Flows Over Forward Facing Steps in Adverse Pressure Gradients Based on Two-Point Analyses
Authors: Iftekhar Hassan , Agelin-Chaab Martin
Published: May 2017

This study reports the results of turbulent flows forward facing steps (FFS) in pressure gradients using a particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique to obtain data up to 68 step heights downstream. The contours of two-point velocity correlations indicate that regardless of the pressure gradients, the physical size of the coherent structures characterized by the autocorrelations grows as the flow develops downstream along the step. Additionally, adverse pressure gradient (APG) elevates the size of the autocorrelations.
Cloud Cavitating Flow That Surrounds a Vertical Hydrofoil Near the Free Surface
Authors: Xu Chang , Wang Yiwei , Huang Chenguang , Yu Chao , Huang Jian
Published: May 2017

Unstable cavitation presents an important speed barrier for underwater vehicles such as hydrofoil craft. In this paper, the authors concern about the physical problem about the cloud cavitating flow that surrounds an underwater-launched hydrofoil near the free surface at relatively high-Froude number, which has not been discussed in the previous research. A water tank experiment and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation are conducted in this paper. The results agree well with each other. The cavity evolution process in the experiment involves three stages, namely, cavity growth, shedding, and collapse. Numerical methods adopt large eddy simulation (LES) with Cartesian cut-cell mesh. Given that the speed of the model changes during the experiment, this paper examines cases with varying constant speeds. The free surface effects on the cavity, re-entry jet location, and vortex structures are analyzed based on the numerical results.
Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Cavitating Flow in a Low Specific Speed Centrifugal Pump With Different Surface Roughness
Authors: Limbach Phillip , Skoda Romuald
Published: May 2017

Three-dimensional (3D) simulations with ansys cfx 16.1 as well as measurements of the cavitating flow in a low specific speed centrifugal pump (nq = 12 min−1) are performed for different operation conditions and varying surface roughness. Surface roughness is considered by wall functions in the flow simulations. Good agreement between measured and calculated head is achieved for noncavitating flow. Net positive suction head (NPSH3%) rises toward overload due to incidence, flow separation, and vapor zones at the volute tongue. The NPSH3% rise is slightly higher for rough walls according to measurements and significantly overestimated by the wall function approach, irrespective of the roughness level in the simulation. A low-Reynolds number approach at the volute tongue leads to a more accurate prediction of NPSH3% than wall functions, at the cost of high computational effort.
Comparison of the Volume of Fluid and CLSVOF Methods for the Assessment of Flow Boiling in Silicon Microgaps
Authors: Lorenzini Daniel , Joshi Yogendra
Published: May 2017

The three-dimensional (3D) stacking of integrated circuits (ICs), and emergent microelectronic technologies require low-profile cooling solutions for the removal of relatively high heat fluxes. The flow boiling of dielectric refrigerants represents a feasible alternative to such applications by providing compatibility with the electrical interconnections, relatively uniform temperature profiles, and higher heat transfer coefficients than those obtained with single phase-cooling. Despite important experimental evidence in this area has been recently reported in the literature, the modeling of such has remained in basic and limited forms due to the associated complexities with the physics of two-phase flow with phase-change. In an effort to expand the studied possibilities for the modeling of flow boiling, the present investigation compares two different phase-tracking methods for the analysis of such phenomena: the volume of fluid (VOF) and the coupled level set—volume of fluid (CLSVOF) techniques. These interface tracking and reconstruction techniques are coupled with a phase change model that accounts for the mass and energy transfer source terms to the governing equations. The geometric domain is constituted by a silicon microgap 175 μm high with a substrate thickness of 50 μm, and populated with circular pin fins of 150 μm diameter, where the heat conduction is simultaneously solved with temperature dependent properties. The flow boiling regimes and their spatial and temporal evolution are compared between both methods by maintaining the operating conditions. Results indicate that both methods provide a good capability to predict major two-phase flow regimes observed in experimental studies with these types of arrangements. However, the CLSVOF offers a sharper interface reconstruction than the standard VOF method by predicting bubble nucleation and departure mechanisms more closely to experimental observations.
Three new species of the genus Epidamaeus (Oribatida: Damaeidae) from China
Authors: Xie Lixia , Yan Yi , Ren Guoru , Yang Maofa
Published: May 2017

The genus Epidamaeus (Acari: Oribatida: Damaeidae) was represented in China by 10 species prior to this work. In this paper, three new species of Epidamaeus from soil and leaf litter are described from China: E. acicularis sp. nov. from Tibet Autonomous Region, E. huanglongensis sp. nov. from Sichuan Province and E. pianmaensis sp. nov. from Yunnan Province. Comparisons of the new species to other similar species of Epidamaeus are also presented in this paper.
Electrical behavior of β-Ga2O3 Schottky diodes with different Schottky metals
Authors: Yao Yao , Gangireddy Raveena , Kim Jaewoo , Das Kalyan Kumar , Davis Robert F. , Porter Lisa M.
Published: May 2017

Schottky diodes based on (2¯01) β-Ga2O3 substrates and (010) β-Ga2O3 homoepitaxial layers were formed using five different Schottky metals: W, Cu, Ni, Ir, and Pt. Based on a comparison of the effects of different wet chemical surface treatments on the Ga2O3 Schottky diodes, it was established that a treatment with an organic solvent, cleaning with HCl and H2O2, and rinsing with deionized water following each step yielded the best results. Schottky barrier heights calculated from current–voltage (I-V) and capacitance–voltage (C-V) measurements of the five selected metals were typically in the range of 1.0–1.3 and 1.6–2.0 eV, respectively, and showed little dependence on the metal work function. Several diodes also displayed inhomogeneous Schottky barrier behavior at room temperature. The results indicate that bulk or near-surface defects and/or unpassivated surface states may have a more dominant effect on the electrical behavior of these diodes compared to the choice of Schottky metal and its work function.
Mapping the human DC lineage through the integration of high-dimensional techniques
Authors: See Peter , Dutertre Charles-Antoine , Chen Jinmiao , Günther Patrick , McGovern Naomi , Irac Sergio Erdal , Gunawan Merry , Beyer Marc , Händler Kristian , Duan Kaibo , Sumatoh Hermi Rizal Bin , Ruffin Nicolas , Jouve Mabel , Gea-Mallorquí Ester , Hennekam Raoul C. M. , Lim Tony , Yip Chan Chung , Wen Ming , Malleret Benoit , Low Ivy , Shadan Nurhidaya Binte , Fen Charlene Foong Shu , Tay Alicia , Lum Josephine , Zolezzi Francesca , Larbi Anis , Poidinger Michael , Chan Jerry K. Y. , Chen Qingfeng , Rénia Laurent , Haniffa Muzlifah , Benaroch Philippe , Schlitzer Andreas , Schultze Joachim L. , Newell Evan W. , Ginhoux Florent
Published: May 2017

Tracing development of the dendritic cell lineage

Dendritic cells (DCs) are important components of the immune system that form from the bone marrow into two major cell lineages: plasmacytoid DCs and conventional DCs. Seeet al.applied single-cell RNA sequencing and cytometry by time-of-flight to characterize the developmental pathways of these cells. They identified blood DC precursors that shared surface markers with plasmacytoid DCs but that were functionally distinct. This unsuspected level of complexity in pre-DC populations reveals additional cell types and refines understanding of known cell types.

Science, this issue p.eaag3009
Draft Genome Sequences of the Aerobic Strains Lactobacillus gasseri AL3 and AL5
Authors: Maresca Diamante , De Filippis Francesca , Tytgat Hanne L. P. , de Vos Willem M. , Mauriello Gianluigi
Published: May 2017

Adaptation to the aerobic environment has been investigated in heterofermentative lactobacilli, while data on how homofermentative lactobacilli adapt to oxygen are limited. We report here the draft genome sequences of the aerobic strains
Lactobacillus gasseri
AL3 and AL5 that allow an in-depth investigation of the genes involved in oxidative metabolism and the stress response.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Isolates of
Colletotrichum lindemuthianum
, the Causal Agent of Anthracnose in Common Beans
Authors: de Queiroz Casley Borges , Correia Hilberty L. Nunes , Menicucci Renato Pedrozo , Vidigal Pedro M. Pereira , de Queiroz Marisa Vieira
Published: May 2017

Colletotrichum lindemuthianum
is the causal agent of anthracnose in common beans, one of the main limiting factors of their culture. Here, we report for the first time, to our knowledge, a draft of the complete genome sequences of two isolates belonging to 83.501 and 89 A
2
2-3 of
C. lindemutuianum
.
Draft Genome Sequence of Clinical Strain TANI1 of Streptococcus suis Serotype 5 Isolated from a Bacteremia Patient in Japan
Authors: Yoshida Haruno , Wada Takayuki , Taniyama Daisuke , Takahashi Takashi
Published: May 2017

Streptococcus suis
is a swine pathogen that causes severe economic damage to the porcine industry. It occasionally evokes zoonotic infection in humans. Here, we report a draft genome sequence of a
S. suis
serotype 5 strain isolated from a bacteremia patient that was reported by Taniyama et al. (D. Taniyama, M. Sakurai, T. Sakai, T. Kikuchi, and T. Takahashi, IDCases 6:36–38, 2016,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.idcr.2016.09.011
).
Permanent Draft Genome Sequence of
Rhizobium
sp. Strain LCM 4573, a Salt-Tolerant, Nitrogen-Fixing Bacterium Isolated from Senegalese Soils
Authors: Diagne Nathalie , Swanson Erik , Pesce Céline , Fall Fatoumata , Diouf Fatou , Bakhoum Niokhor , Fall Dioumacor , Ndigue Faye Mathieu , Oshone Rediet , Simpson Stephen , Morris Krystalynne , Thomas W. Kelley , Moulin Lionel , Diouf Diegane , Tisa Louis S.
Published: May 2017

The genus
Rhizobium
contains many species that are able to form nitrogen-fixing nodules on plants of the legume family. Here, we report the 5.5-Mb draft genome sequence of the salt-tolerant
Rhizobium
sp. strain LCM 4573, which has a G+C content of 61.2% and 5,356 candidate protein-encoding genes.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Bacterial Isolates from Cultures of the Marine Diatom
Thalassiosira rotula
Authors: Garcia Nathan S. , Yung Cheuk-Man , Davis Katherine M. , Rynearson Tatiana , Hunt Dana E.
Published: May 2017

Phytoplankton often both provision and depend on heterotrophic bacteria. In order to investigate these relationships further, we sequenced draft genomes of three bacterial isolates from cultures of the marine diatom
Thalassiosira rotula
to identify metabolic functions that may support interactions with
T. rotula
.
Congenital talipes equinovarus and congenital vertical talus secondary to sacral agenesis
Authors: Bray Jonathan James Hyett , Crosswell Sebastien , Brown Rick
Published: May 2017

Sacral agenesis is a rare congenital defect which is associated with foot deformities such as congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) and less commonly congenital vertical talus (CVT). We report a 3-year-old Caucasian girl who was born with right CTEV and left CVT secondary to sacral agenesis. Her right foot was managed with a Ponseti casting method at 2 weeks, followed by an Achilles tenotomy at 4 months. The left foot was initially managed with a nocturnal dorsi-flexion splint. Both feet remained resistant and received open foot surgery at 10 months producing plantigrade feet with neutral hindfeet. At 19 months, she failed to achieve developmental milestones and examinations revealed abnormal lower limb reflexes. A full body MRI was performed which identified the sacral agenesis. We advocate early MRI of the spine to screen for spinal defects when presented with resistant foot deformities, especially when bilateral.
UK parents’ attitudes towards meningococcal group B (MenB) vaccination: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Jackson Cath , Yarwood Joanne , Saliba Vanessa , Bedford Helen
Published: May 2017

Objectives

(1) To explore existing knowledge of, and attitudes, to group B meningococcal disease and serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccine among parents of young children. (2) To seek views on their information needs.

Design

Cross-sectional qualitative study using individual and group interviews conducted in February and March 2015, prior to the introduction of MenB vaccine (Bexsero) into the UK childhood immunisation schedule.

Setting

Community centres, mother and toddler groups, parents’ homes and workplaces in London and Yorkshire.

Participants

60 parents of children under 2 years of age recruited via mother and baby groups and via an advert posted to a midwife-led Facebook group.

Results

Although recognising the severity of meningitis and septicaemia, parents’ knowledge of group B meningococcal disease and MenB vaccine was poor. While nervous about fever, most said they would take their child for MenB vaccination despite its link to fever. Most parents had liquid paracetamol at home. Many were willing to administer it after MenB vaccination as a preventive measure, although some had concerns. There were mixed views on the acceptability of four vaccinations at the 12-month booster visit; some preferred one visit, while others favoured spreading the vaccines over two visits. Parents were clear on the information they required before attending the immunisation appointment.

Conclusions

The successful implementation of the MenB vaccination programme depends on its acceptance by parents. In view of parents’ recognition of the severity of meningitis and septicaemia, and successful introduction of other vaccines to prevent bacterial meningitis and septicaemia, the MenB vaccination programme is likely to be successful. However, the need for additional injections, the likelihood of post-immunisation fever and its management are issues about which parents will need information and reassurance from healthcare professionals. Public Health England has developed written information for parents, informed by these findings.
Patient and physiotherapist perceptions of rehabilitation following primary lumbar discectomy: a qualitative focus group study embedded within an external pilot and feasibility trial
Authors: Rushton Alison , Heneghan Nicola R , Heap Alison , White Louise , Calvert Melanie , Goodwin Peter C
Published: May 2017

Objective

To evaluate patients’ and physiotherapists’ perceptions, preferences and feelings about rehabilitation following lumbar discectomy surgery.

Design

A qualitative focus group study, informed from the theoretical perspective of phenomenology, of patients’ and physiotherapists’ experiences of rehabilitation following lumbar discectomy was conducted. The focus groups were used to explore patients’ and physiotherapists’ perceptions and their preferences and feelings about different approaches to rehabilitation. The focus groups were facilitated and observed by experienced researchers and were informed by a topic guide that had been piloted previously.

Setting

The study was embedded within an external pilot and feasibility trial that randomised patients across two secondary care spinal surgery sites in the UK to receive either 1:1 physiotherapy and leaflet or leaflet-only interventions.

Participants

Five focus groups took place between April and July 2014. A framework analysis of thematic coding (deductive and inductive components) by two researchers captured identified themes common to both patients and physiotherapists. Data from three focus groups with patients and carers (n=11) and two with physiotherapists (n=15) contributed to the analytic framework.

Results

Emerging themes included: the value of patient leaflets with or without physiotherapy interventions; the importance of self-motivation in the recovery pathway; benefits of group physiotherapy for some patient groups and patient preference influencing rehabilitation.

Conclusion

Patients and physiotherapists perceived the study patient leaflet and 1:1 physiotherapy interventions as high quality and valuable. Patients’ personal priorities, for example, their need to return to work, influenced their preferences for rehabilitation interventions following surgery.
Resuscitation in hip fractures: a systematic review
Authors: Rocos Brett , Whitehouse Michael R , Kelly Michael B
Published: May 2017

To evaluate the evidence for the resuscitation of patients with hip fracture in the preoperative or perioperative phase of their treatment and its impact on mortality.

Design

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and PROSPERO databases using a systematic search strategy for randomised trials and observational studies investigating the fluid resuscitation of any patient with hip fracture. No language limits were applied to the search, which was complemented by manually screening the reference lists of appropriate studies.

Outcome measures

Mortality at 1 week, 30 days and 1 year following surgery.

Results

Two hundred and ninety-eight citations were identified, and 12 full manuscripts were reviewed; no studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. The background literature showed that the mortality for these patients at 30 days is approximately 8.5% and that bone cement implantation syndrome is insufficient to explain this. The literature was explored to define the need for an interventional investigation into the preoperative resuscitation of patients with hip fracture.

Conclusions

Patients with hip fracture show similar physiological disturbance to major trauma patients. Nineteen per cent of patients presenting with hip fracture are hypoperfused and 50% show preoperative anaemia suggesting that under resuscitation is a common problem that has not been investigated. A properly conducted interventional trial could improve the outcome of these vulnerable patients.
Resistance exercise attenuates skeletal muscle oxidative stress, systemic pro-inflammatory state, and cachexia in Walker-256 tumor-bearing rats
Authors: Padilha Camila Souza , Borges Fernando Henrique , Costa Mendes da Silva Lilian Eslaine , Frajacomo Fernando Tadeu Trevisan , Jordao Alceu Afonso , Duarte José Alberto , Cecchini Rubens , Guarnier Flávia Alessandra , Deminice Rafael
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance exercise training (RET) on oxidative stress, systemic inflammatory markers, and muscle wasting in Walker-256 tumor-bearing rats. Male (Wistar) rats were divided into 4 groups: sedentary controls (n = 9), tumor-bearing (n = 9), exercised (n = 9), and tumor-bearing exercised (n = 10). Exercised and tumor-bearing exercised rats were exposed to resistance exercise of climbing a ladder apparatus with weights tied to their tails for 6 weeks. The physical activity of control and tumor-bearing rats was confined to the space of the cage. After this period, tumor-bearing and tumor-bearing exercised animals were inoculated subcutaneously with Walker-256 tumor cells (11.0 × 107 cells in 0.5 mL of phosphate-buffered saline) while control and exercised rats were injected with vehicle. Following inoculation, rats maintained resistance exercise training (exercised and tumor-bearing exercised) or sedentary behavior (control and tumor-bearing) for 12 more days, after which they were euthanized. Results showed muscle wasting in the tumor-bearing group, with body weight loss, increased systemic leukocytes, and inflammatory interleukins as well as muscular oxidative stress and reduced mTOR signaling. In contrast, RET in the tumor-bearing exercised group was able to mitigate the reduced body weight and muscle wasting with the attenuation of muscle oxidative stress and systemic inflammatory markers. RET also prevented loss of muscle strength associated with tumor development. RET, however, did not prevent the muscle proteolysis signaling via FBXO32 gene messenger RNA expression in the tumor-bearing group. In conclusion, RET performed prior tumor implantation prevents cachexia development by attenuating tumor-induced systemic pro-inflammatory condition with muscle oxidative stress and muscle damage.
Evidence of sound production by spawning lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) in lakes Huron and Champlain
Authors: Johnson Nicholas S. , Higgs Dennis , Binder Thomas R. , Marsden J. Ellen , Buchinger Tyler , Brege Linnea , Bruning Tyler , Farha Steven , Krueger Charles C.
Published: May 2017

Two sounds associated with spawning lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) in lakes Huron and Champlain were characterized by comparing sound recordings with behavioral data collected using acoustic telemetry and video. These sounds were named “growls” and “snaps” and were heard on lake trout spawning reefs, but not on a nonspawning reef, and were more common at night than during the day. Growls also occurred more often during the spawning period than the prespawning period, while the trend for snaps was reversed. In a laboratory flume, sounds occurred when male lake trout were displaying spawning behaviors: growls when males were quivering and parallel swimming and snaps when males moved their jaw. Combining our results with the observation of possible sound production by spawning splake (Salvelinus fontinalis × Salvelinus namaycush hybrid) provides rare evidence for spawning-related sound production by a salmonid or any other fish in the superorder Protacanthopterygii. Further characterization of these sounds could be useful for lake trout assessment, restoration, and control.
Effects of La2O3on the microstructure and tribological properties of plasma-sprayed Cr2O3–TiO2coatings
Authors: Ding Qingjun , Zhang Aihua , Zhao Gai , Peng Hanmin , Gao Wei
Published: May 2017

Cr2O3–TiO2coatings with different proportions of La2O3were deposited by atmospheric plasma spraying. The coatings were evaluated by hardness tester, surface roughness tester, SEM and wear tester. The experiment results showed that the addition of La2O3could improve the microhardness and decrease porosity, wear rate and surface roughness of the coating. The coating containing 2 wt.% La2O3had the best tribological properties. The dominant wear mechanism is a mixture of abrasive wear and adhesive wear. The microscopic analysis suggests that the addition of La2O3could refine the microstructure and promote the formation of solid solution powder, and then affect the properties of coatings.
Multi-scale retinex with color restoration image enhancement based on Gaussian filtering and guided filtering
Authors: Ma Jinxiang , Fan Xinnan , Ni Jianjun , Zhu Xifang , Xiong Chao
Published: May 2017

In order to restore image color and enhance contrast of remote sensing image without suffering from color cast and insufficient detail enhancement, a novel improved multi-scale retinex with color restoration (MSRCR) image enhancement algorithm based on Gaussian filtering and guided filtering was proposed in this paper. Firstly, multi-scale Gaussian filtering functions were used to deal with the original image to obtain the rough illumination components. Secondly, accurate illumination components were acquired by using the guided filtering functions. Then, combining with four-direction Sobel edge detector, a self-adaptive weight selection nonlinear image enhancement was carried out. Finally, a series of evaluate metrics such as mean, MSE, PSNR, contrast and information entropy were used to assess the enhancement algorithm. The results showed that the proposed algorithm can suppress effectively noise interference, enhance the image quality and restore image color effectively.
Quasinormal modes of a black hole with a cloud of strings in Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity
Authors: Graça J. P. Morais , Salako Godonou I. , Bezerra Valdir B.
Published: May 2017

The quasinormal modes for a scalar field in the background spacetime corresponding to a black hole, with a cloud of strings, in Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity, and the tensor quasinormal modes corresponding to perturbations in such spacetime, were both calculated using the WKB approximation. In the obtained results, we emphasize the role played by the parameter associated with the string cloud, comparing them with the results already obtained for the Boulware–Deser metric. We also study how the Gauss–Bonnet correction to general relativity affects the results for the quasinormal modes, comparing them with the same background in general relativity.
Embedment of “Liquid” Capital into the Built Environment: The Case of REIT Investment in Hong Kong
Authors: AVELINE-DUBACH NATACHA
Published: May 2017

Since the Global Financial Crisis, the notion of securitization has become familiar to urban scholars, though research has been limited to mortgage-backed securities. This paper attempts to delineate the distinctive urban outcomes of securitization techniques applied to real estate, taking Hong Kong REITs (H-REITs) as a case study. It examines the way through which liquid H-REIT capital anchors into the built environment, and how this process impacts the life of local communities. The study shows that the urban dynamics of REIT investment contrast with the corporate environment and asset management objectives of the initiator/sponsor groups of H-REIT structures, a set of characteristics that are captured by the notion of “management styles.” Amongst the three management styles identified in the paper, those developed by the Hong Kong family-based groups have not been sufficiently active to produce significant effects on the built environment. In contrast, the Link REIT has an aggressive value enhancement strategy that has reconfigured the social geographies of retail consumption across the whole territory, to the detriment of social housing estate residents. These results support the recognition that the financialization of the built environment tends to exacerbate social polarization and to trigger political conflicts, but they must be weighed against the contingent conditions in which real estate securitization take place.
High-Skilled Migration and Agglomeration
Authors: Kerr Sari Pekkala , Kerr William , Özden Çağlar , Parsons Christopher
Published: May 2017

This article reviews recent research regarding high-skilled migration. We adopt a data-driven perspective, bringing together and describing several ongoing research streams that range from the construction of global migration databases, to the legal codification of national policies regarding high-skilled migration, to the analysis of patent data regarding cross-border inventor movements. A common theme throughout this research is the importance of agglomeration economies for explaining high-skilled migration. We highlight some key recent findings and outline major gaps in the literature that we hope will be tackled in the near future.
The emerging role of mast cells in liver disease
Authors: Jarido Veronica , Kennedy Lindsey , Hargrove Laura , Demieville Jennifer , Thomson Joanne , Stephenson Kristen , Francis Heather
Published: May 2017

The depth of our knowledge regarding mast cells has widened exponentially in the last 20 years. Once thought to be only important for allergy-mediated events, mast cells are now recognized to be important regulators of a number of pathological processes. The revelation that mast cells can influence organs, tissues, and cells has increased interest in mast cell research during liver disease. The purpose of this review is to refresh the reader’s knowledge of the development, type, and location of mast cells and to review recent work that demonstrates the role of hepatic mast cells during diseased states. This review focuses primarily on liver diseases and mast cells during autoimmune disease, hepatitis, fatty liver disease, liver cancer, and aging in the liver. Overall, these studies demonstrate the potential role of mast cells in disease progression.
Therapeutic blockade of CD54 attenuates pulmonary barrier damage in T cell-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Svedova Julia , Ménoret Antoine , Mittal Payal , Ryan Joseph M. , Buturla James A. , Vella Anthony T.
Published: May 2017

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious, often fatal condition without available pharmacotherapy. Although the role of innate cells in ARDS has been studied extensively, emerging evidence suggests that T cells may be involved in disease etiology. Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins are potent T-cell mitogens capable of triggering life-threatening shock. We demonstrate that 2 days after inhalation of S. aureus enterotoxin A, mice developed T cell-mediated increases in vascular permeability, as well as expression of injury markers and caspases in the lung. Pulmonary endothelial cells underwent sequential phenotypic changes marked by rapid activation coinciding with inflammatory events secondary to T-cell priming, followed by reductions in endothelial cell number juxtaposing simultaneous T-cell expansion and cytotoxic differentiation. Although initial T-cell activation influenced the extent of lung injury, CD54 (ICAM-1) blocking antibody administered well after enterotoxin exposure substantially attenuated pulmonary barrier damage. Thus CD54-targeted therapy may be a promising candidate for further exploration into its potential utility in treating ARDS patients.
GABAAreceptor α4-subunit knockout enhances lung inflammation and airway reactivity in a murine asthma model
Authors: Yocum Gene T. , Turner Damian L. , Danielsson Jennifer , Barajas Matthew B. , Zhang Yi , Xu Dingbang , Harrison Neil L. , Homanics Gregg E. , Farber Donna L. , Emala Charles W.
Published: May 2017

Emerging evidence indicates that hypnotic anesthetics affect immune function. Many anesthetics potentiate γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor (GABAAR) activation, and these receptors are expressed on multiple subtypes of immune cells, providing a potential mechanistic link. Like immune cells, airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells also express GABAARs, particularly isoforms containing α4-subunits, and activation of these receptors leads to ASM relaxation. We sought to determine if GABAAR signaling modulates the ASM contractile and inflammatory phenotype of a murine allergic asthma model utilizing GABAAR α4-subunit global knockout (KO; Gabra40/0) mice. Wild-type (WT) and Gabra4 KO mice were sensitized with house dust mite (HDM) antigen or exposed to PBS intranasally 5 days/wk for 3 wk. Ex vivo tracheal rings from HDM-sensitized WT and Gabra4 KO mice exhibited similar magnitudes of acetylcholine-induced contractile force and isoproterenol-induced relaxation ( P = not significant; n = 4). In contrast, in vivo airway resistance (flexiVent) was significantly increased in Gabra4 KO mice ( P < 0.05, n = 8). Moreover, the Gabra4 KO mice demonstrated increased eosinophilic lung infiltration ( P < 0.05; n = 4) and increased markers of lung T-cell activation/memory (CD62L low, CD44 high; P < 0.01, n = 4). In vitro, Gabra4 KO CD4+cells produced increased cytokines and exhibited increased proliferation after stimulation of the T-cell receptor as compared with WT CD4+cells. These data suggest that the GABAAR α4-subunit plays a role in immune cell function during allergic lung sensitization. Thus GABAAR α4-subunit-specific agonists have the therapeutic potential to treat asthma via two mechanisms: direct ASM relaxation and inhibition of airway inflammation.
Oncogenic RAS Regulates Long Noncoding RNA Orilnc1 in Human Cancer
Authors: Zhang Dongmei , Zhang Gao , Hu Xiaowen , Wu Lawrence , Feng Yi , He Sidan , Zhang Youyou , Hu Zhongyi , Yang Lu , Tian Tian , Xu Weiting , Wei Zhi , Lu Yiling , Flaherty Keith T. , Zhong Xiaomin , Mills Gordon B. , Gimotty Phyllis A. , Xu Xiaowei , Herlyn Meenhard , Zhang Lin
Published: May 2017

RAS and its downstream cascades transmit cellular signals, resulting in increased transcription of genes involved in cell growth and division. Protein-coding gene targets of RAS signaling have been characterized extensively, but long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) regulated by these processes have not. Using a custom-designed lncRNA microarray, we identified the lncRNA Orilnc1 as a genetic target of RAS that is critical for RAS oncogenicity. Orilnc1 expression was regulated by RAS–RAF–MEK–ERK signaling via the transcription factor AP1. Orilnc1 was highly expressed in BRAF-mutant cancers, such as melanoma. Silencing of Orilnc1 blocked tumor cell proliferation and growth in vitro and in vivo. In addition, Orilnc1 blockade reduced expression of cyclin E1 and induced G1–S cell-cycle arrest in tumor cells. Taken together, our results identify Orilnc1 as a novel, nonprotein mediator of RAS/RAF activation that may serve as a therapeutic target in RAS/RAF–driven cancers. Cancer Res; 77(14); 3745–57. ©2017 AACR.
Elacestrant (RAD1901), a Selective Estrogen Receptor Degrader (SERD), Has Antitumor Activity in Multiple ER+ Breast Cancer Patient-derived Xenograft Models
Authors: Bihani Teeru , Patel Hitisha K. , Arlt Heike , Tao Nianjun , Jiang Hai , Brown Jeffrey L. , Purandare Dinesh M. , Hattersley Gary , Garner Fiona
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) breast cancers are typically treated with endocrine agents, and dependence on the ER pathway is often retained even after multiple rounds of antiestrogen therapy. Selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERD) are being developed as a strategy to more effectively target ER and exploit ER dependence in these cancers, which includes inhibiting both wild-type and mutant forms of ER. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a novel orally bioavailable SERD, elacestrant (RAD1901), in preclinical models of ER+ breast cancer.

Experimental Design: Elacestrant was evaluated as a single agent and in combination with palbociclib or everolimus in multiple ER+ breast cancer models, including several patient-derived xenograft models.

Results: Elacestrant induces the degradation of ER, inhibits ER-mediated signaling and growth of ER+ breast cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo, and significantly inhibits tumor growth of multiple PDX models. Furthermore, we demonstrate that elacestrant in combination with palbociclib or everolimus can lead to greater efficacy in certain contexts. Finally, elacestrant exhibits significant antitumor activity both as a single agent and in combination with palbociclib in two patient-derived breast cancer xenograft models harboring ESR1 mutations.

Conclusions: These data underscore the potential clinical utility of elacestrant as a single agent and as a combination therapy, for both early- and late-stage ER+ disease. Clin Cancer Res; 23(16); 4793–804. ©2017 AACR.
Androgen Receptor Variant AR-V9 Is Coexpressed with AR-V7 in Prostate Cancer Metastases and Predicts Abiraterone Resistance
Authors: Kohli Manish , Ho Yeung , Hillman David W. , Van Etten Jamie L. , Henzler Christine , Yang Rendong , Sperger Jamie M. , Li Yingming , Tseng Elizabeth , Hon Ting , Clark Tyson , Tan Winston , Carlson Rachel E. , Wang Liguo , Sicotte Hugues , Thai Ho , Jimenez Rafael , Huang Haojie , Vedell Peter T. , Eckloff Bruce W. , Quevedo Jorge F. , Pitot Henry C. , Costello Brian A. , Jen Jin , Wieben Eric D. , Silverstein Kevin A.T. , Lang Joshua M. , Wang Liewei , Dehm Scott M.
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Androgen receptor (AR) variant AR-V7 is a ligand-independent transcription factor that promotes prostate cancer resistance to AR-targeted therapies. Accordingly, efforts are under way to develop strategies for monitoring and inhibiting AR-V7 in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The purpose of this study was to understand whether other AR variants may be coexpressed with AR-V7 and promote resistance to AR-targeted therapies.

Experimental Design: We utilized complementary short- and long-read sequencing of intact AR mRNA isoforms to characterize AR expression in CRPC models. Coexpression of AR-V7 and AR-V9 mRNA in CRPC metastases and circulating tumor cells was assessed by RNA-seq and RT-PCR, respectively. Expression of AR-V9 protein in CRPC models was evaluated with polyclonal antisera. Multivariate analysis was performed to test whether AR variant mRNA expression in metastatic tissues was associated with a 12-week progression-free survival endpoint in a prospective clinical trial of 78 CRPC-stage patients initiating therapy with the androgen synthesis inhibitor, abiraterone acetate.

Results: AR-V9 was frequently coexpressed with AR-V7. Both AR variant species were found to share a common 3′ terminal cryptic exon, which rendered AR-V9 susceptible to experimental manipulations that were previously thought to target AR-V7 uniquely. AR-V9 promoted ligand-independent growth of prostate cancer cells. High AR-V9 mRNA expression in CRPC metastases was predictive of primary resistance to abiraterone acetate (HR = 4.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.31–12.2; P = 0.02).

Conclusions: AR-V9 may be an important component of therapeutic resistance in CRPC. Clin Cancer Res; 23(16); 4704–15. ©2017 AACR.
Overexpression of Toll-Like Receptors 2, 3, 4, and 8 Is Correlated to the Vascular Atherosclerotic Process in the Hyperlipidemic Rabbit Model: The Effect of Statin Treatment
Authors: Kapelouzou Alkistis , Giaglis Stavros , Peroulis Michalis , Katsimpoulas Michalis , Moustardas Petros , Aravanis Chrysostomos V. , Kostakis Alkiviadis , Karayannakos Panagiotis E. , Cokkinos Dennis V.
Published: May 2017

Background: Atherosclerosis is the major cause of cardiovascular disease; hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor. We hypothesized that specific TLR members (TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR8) may play a role in atherosclerosis progression and its accompanying inflammatory response. We determined the association of atherosclerotic lesions and TLR mRNA expression in different aortic sites. We also assessed the effects of fluvastatin (Flu) treatment on TLR expression and plaque characteristics. Methods: Male rabbits, fed with an atherogenic diet for a duration of 3 months, were screened for advanced atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta. Additional animals received normal diet or normal diet plus Flu for 1 additional month. TLR mRNA expression in various thoracic and abdominal aortic segments was assessed, together with atherosclerotic changes. Results: After high lipid diet, the atherosclerotic burden increased more in the abdominal than in the thoracic aorta; TLR2, 3, 4, and 8 also increased significantly. Flu decreased atherosclerotic plaque, calcium deposition, lipid cores, intraplaque hemorrhage, erythrocyte membranes, endothelial cells, and macrophage infiltration, while increasing smooth muscle cells in plaques of both aortic segments; it also lowered TLR2, 3, 4, and 8 expression in all aortic segments to a stronger degree than resumption of normal diet. There was a strong association between blood and tissue parameters during experimental period and finally a strong correlation found between these parameters with mRNA of TLR2, 3, 4, and 8 in various stages. Conclusion: For the first time TLR2, 3, 4, and 8 mRNA expression is prospectively explored after hypercholesterolemic diet in the rabbit model. TLR2, 3, 4, and 8 mRNA expression is strongly upregulated and correlates with the progression of atherosclerosis in the aorta. Flu significantly inhibited this progress and reduced inflammation via TLR downregulation which was strongly associated with regression of plaque morphology and atherosclerosis promoting factors.
Effects of Isometric Brain-Body Size Scaling on the Complexity of Monoaminergic Neurons in a Minute Parasitic Wasp
Authors: van der Woude Emma , Smid Hans M.
Published: May 2017

Trichogramma evanescens parasitic wasps show large phenotypic plasticity in brain and body size, resulting in a 5-fold difference in brain volume among genetically identical sister wasps. Brain volume scales linearly with body volume in these wasps. This isometric brain scaling forms an exception to Haller's rule, which states that small animals have relatively larger brains than large animals. The large plasticity in brain size may be facilitated by plasticity in neuron size, in the number of neurons, or both. Here, we investigated whether brain isometry requires plasticity in the number and size of monoaminergic neurons that express serotonin (5HT), octopamine (OA), and dopamine (DA). Genetically identical small and large T. evanescens appear to have the same number of 5HT-, OA-, and DA-like immunoreactive cell bodies in their brains, but these cell bodies differ in diameter. This indicates that brain isometry can be facilitated by plasticity in the size of monoaminergic neurons, rather than plasticity in numbers of monoaminergic neurons. Selection pressures on body miniaturization may have resulted in the evolution of miniaturized neural pathways that allow even the smallest wasps to find suitable hosts. Plasticity in the size of neural components may be among the mechanisms that underlie isometric brain scaling while maintaining cognitive abilities in the smallest individuals.