bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposure to fermentation supernatant of Staphylococcus aureus accelerated dedifferentiation of chondrocytes and production of antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Li Shuaijun , Zhang Yun , Sun Yidan , Cao Weigang , Cui Lei
Published: May 2017

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is the most popular pathogen found in septic arthritis. Despite bacteria was eradicated from joint cavity during acute infection, destruction of articular cartilage often continues for years, leading to permanent joint damage. The mechanism responsible for this consistent catabolic reaction in septic arthritis remains unclear. Here, we found that fermentation supernatant (FS) of S. aureus accelerated dedifferentiation of chondrocytes and induced expression of catabolic factors including A Disintegrin‐like and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin‐1 motifs 5, NO synthase 2, matrix metalloproteinase‐3, ‐13. In response to FS of S. aureus stimulation, expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) including β‐defensin‐1, ‐2, ‐3, ‐4, cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) in dedifferentiated chondrocytes was significantly higher than that in chondrocytes which maintained their differentiated phenotype. Among AMPs detected, expression of CAMP in dedifferentiated chondrocytes was observed to increase 170 times higher than that in differentiated ones. When exposed to FS of S. aureus, expression of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐17F, and IL‐22 were remarkably increased in dedifferentiated chondrocytes. These results indicated that dedifferentiation of chondrocytes caused by exposure to S. aureus might be responsible for secondary osteoarthritis (OA) after acute S. aureus infection in joint. While, one potential benefit of dedifferentiation resulted from S. aureus exposure is that chondrocytes initiates a self‐protective responsiveness by producing more AMPs against bacterial infection. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:443–451, 2018.
Fostering economic and social development in China: Overview
Authors: Floyd David , Rahman Mizan
Published: May 2017

This issue sets out to examine the economic and social progress being made in China at a time when growth has fallen a little from its peak. Sustaining a high level of development will be crucial for both China and the global economy. The recent forecast of lackluster growth in the United States and Europe puts more pressure on Chinese growth in the global context. Recent falls in the Chinese real‐estate market and the uncertainty of a bubble in the stock market create further pressure on China to maintain long‐term stable growth. The most critical factors for achieving a favorable result will be whether China can maintain an increasingly international and open approach toward economic development. China has begun to successfully develop its own identity and global brands, including the targeting of firms (e.g., Huawei and Haier), as well as taking successful stakes in car companies (e.g., the Volvo/Geely collaboration). Recent activity has included the service sector and a stake in the Thomas Cook brand in travel and tourism. The articles in this issue suggest where the main focus in economic and social development needs to be in order to help achieve a positive result for the future.
International investment by state‐controlled enterprises: A source for concern?
Authors: Enderwick Peter
Published: May 2017

The international business activities of state‐controlled enterprises appear to differ from those of otherwise comparable private‐sector firms, giving rise to issues that provide a basis for corrective policy actions. The rapid growth in international investment by state‐controlled enterprises (SCEs), particularly those of China, has raised considerable public disquiet and policy challenges in a number of host countries. Examination of the issues associated with Chinese SCEs reveals grounds for policy concern with regard to transparency and accountability, the pursuit of non‐commercial goals, and the deployment of artificially created competitive advantages resulting from government subsidization, preferential treatment, and structural distortions. In light of these concerns, we discuss possible policy responses at the level of the home country, the host economy, and through international regulation.
Strategies and servicescapes: Delivering user‐focused health care in Europe and China
Authors: Ardley Barry , Chen Ning (Chris)
Published: May 2017

The health servicescape model provides an effective tool for both developed and developing markets in terms of both situation analysis and the strategic implementation of effective, user‐focused change. European and Chinese health‐care providers are challenged in increasingly consumer‐centered economies. A health servicescape perspective can be utilized to provide a framework for initiating appropriate responses to the range of consumer and environmental forces. It is suggested that some good practices are emerging, but a range of specific servicescape strategies need to be adopted, particularly in the case of China.
Improving theranostics in pancreatic cancer
Authors: King Jeremy , Bouvet Michael , Singh Gagandeep , Williams John
Published: May 2017

Background

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most deadly cancer in the United States, and is expected to be the second most deadly by 2030. The major difficulty in treating pancreatic cancer is the late onset of symptoms. Generally, patients show metastatic disease by the time of diagnosis, with a survival rate of 5% beyond 5 years. In patients without metastatic disease, surgical resection increases 5 year survival rate to 25%. The remaining 75% succumb to undetected metastases. Clearly, improvements to both detection, surgical intervention, and therapeutic strategies will be needed to improve patient outcome in pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Recent literature has been surveyed and atomic models of new therapeutic approaches were generated.

Results and Conclusions

Here, we focus on the recent progress employing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to target pancreatic cancer associated markers, and more specifically on recent chemical and protein engineering efforts to improve the homogeneity, stability, and administration of mAbs to precisely deliver imaging agents and cytotoxins to sites of disease.
Management and outcomes of patients with recurrent neuroendocrine liver metastasis after curative surgery: An international multi‐institutional analysis
Authors: Spolverato Gaya , Bagante Fabio , Aldrighetti Luca , Poultsides George A. , Bauer Todd W. , Fields Ryan C. , Maithel Shishir Kumar , Marques Hugo P. , Weiss Matthew , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: May 2017

Objective

We sought to characterize the treatment, as well as define the long‐term outcomes, of patients with recurrent neuroendocrine liver metastasis (NELM).

Methods

Between 1990 and 2014, 322 patients undergoing curative intent liver surgery for NELM were identified from a multi‐institutional database. Recurrences were classified as intrahepatic, extrahepatic, and both intra‐ and extra‐hepatic.

Results

Overall, median, 1‐, 5‐, 10‐year DFS were 3.1 years, 75.5%, 40.4%, and 32.1%, respectively. After curative intent liver surgery, 209 patients (64.9%) recurred within a median follow‐up of 4.5 years, while 113 (35.1%) patients were alive without disease with a follow‐up time ≥3 years. The site of recurrence was intrahepatic only (n = 111, 65.7%), extrahepatic only (n = 19, 11.2%), or intra‐ and extra‐hepatic (n = 39, 23.1%). Compared with intrahepatic only recurrence, extrahepatic only, and combined intra‐ and extra‐hepatic recurrence were associated with a worse long‐term outcome (10‐year OS: intrahepatic only, 42.5%, 95%CI, 24.9‐59.0 vs extrahepatic only, 0% and combined intra‐ and extra‐hepatic, 21.5%, 95%CI, 5.3‐44.0) (P < 0.001). Most patients were treated with repeat surgery (n = 49, 36.6%), while 34 (23.5%) patients received a somatostatin analogue, 27 (18.6%) systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy, and 27 (21.4%) patients had intra‐arterial therapy. Ten‐year OS among patients who underwent repeat surgery or intra‐arterial treatments was 60.3% (95%CI, 34.1‐78.8) and 52.0% (95%CI, 30.6‐69.9), respectively. Patients who received somatostatin analogues (45.9% 95%CI, 22.3‐66.9) or systemic chemotherapy (0%) had a shorter long‐term survival (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Recurrence after surgery for NELM occurred among half of patients. Repeat liver resection for recurrence may offer a reasonable 5‐year survival benefit.
The genetic landscape of programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) alterations in head and neck cancer
Authors: Heineman Thomas E. , Widman Adam , Kuan Edward C. , St John Maie
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Nivolumab has recently been shown in the phase III clinical trial CheckMate‐141 to have superior survival rates compared to the current standard of care chemotherapy for recurrent or metastatic platinum‐resistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Nivolumab targets the immune inhibitory receptor programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1). Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) genomics have been poorly characterized in the context of HNSCC, including expression levels of PD‐L1 in individual tumors as well as related up or down‐regulated genes that might function as co‐targets.

Study Design

Data mining of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)

Methods

530 patients with HNSCC were pulled from the TCGA using cBioPortal. Primary tumor site data was available in 279 of the samples (52.6%), of which oral cavity was the most common site (61.6%) followed by larynx (25.8%). Other PD‐1‐sensitive tumors were analyzed to compare PD‐L1 expression in HNSCC relative to other tumors including bladder, renal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and lung carcinomas.

Results

A significant fraction of HNSCC tumors have genetic alterations in PD‐L1 (6.2%). HNSCC has the highest PD‐L1 expression of all of the tumor types examined, with a median 60‐fold increase. Several important genes were identified in this study including Caspase 7, ZFYVE9, and Plg‐R(KT) that have a strong relationship with alterations in PD‐L1.

Conclusion

In light of the role of PD‐1 and PD‐L1 as key immunotherapy targets in HNSCC, several potential co‐targets identified in this study warrant further investigation. Further, while the number of genetic alterations were small in head and neck carcinomas, alterations in PD‐L1 expression were highly significant.

Level of Evidence

NA
A new computational method for solving two‐dimensional Stratonovich Volterra integral equation
Authors: Mirzaee Farshid , Hadadian Elham
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a method for computing numerical solutions of two‐dimensional Stratonovich Volterra integral equations using one‐dimensional modification of hat functions and two‐dimensional modification of hat functions. The problem is transformed to a linear system of algebraic equations using the operational matrix associated with one‐dimensional modification of hat functions and two‐dimensional modification of hat functions. The error analysis of the method is given. The method is computationally attractive, and applications are demonstrated by a numerical example. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling the strong coupling between microstrip and complementary split ring resonator transmission lines on a PCB
Authors: Irfan Irfanullah , Nariyal Sanjay , Schuette David , Khattak Shahid , Braaten Benjamin D.
Published: May 2017

Analytical expressions for the near‐end voltages are derived from the unit‐cell of strong‐coupled transmission lines (TLs) and validated with simulations and measurements. The two TLs investigated here are the microstrip TL and a complementary split ring resonator (CSRR) loaded TL on a printed circuit board. This work is then used to develop spacing guidelines and investigate new methods (beyond weakly‐coupled TLs) to reduce the coupling for designers that may use CSRR loaded TLs in very close proximity of other microstrip TLs.
Miniaturized triple‐band and ultra‐wideband (UWB) fractal antennas for UWB applications
Authors: Naqvi Syed Aftab
Published: May 2017

Miniaturized microstrip patch antennas based on fractal geometry operating at triple bands and a single wideband in ultra‐wideband (UWB) (3.1–10.6 GHz) frequency range are proposed here. Three iterations of a circular radiating patch and the high relative permittivity of the substrate are used to radiate the proposed antenna at 3.9, 6.25, and 9.0 GHz in UWB. Size reduction is compared with previously reported triple band antennas. The bandwidth of the designed antenna is enhanced and triple bands of the designed antenna are merged into a single wide band, from 3.65 to 10 GHz, by normalizing the parameters of the radiating circular fractal structure for the UWB applications. Comparison between antennas for the UWB applications in literature and proposed antenna is presented.
DESIGN of a 3‐DB directional coupler based on groove gap waveguide technology
Authors: Zarifi D. , Shater A. R.
Published: May 2017

In this letter, a groove gap waveguide (GGW) based 3‐dB directional coupler is proposed. The designed component is composed of three parts: GGW structure, extra matching pins and GGW to standard SMA transition. The designed quadrature 3‐dB coupler is optimized to work in the Ku‐band covering 13–15 GHz. Measured results show that over 14.3% bandwidth, 20 dB isolation and 1.2 VSWR is achieved. The main advantage of GGW‐based components is that it does not require good electrical contact among different metallic parts of the structure which considerably simplifies the manufacturing processes and hence reduces cost especially for millimeter‐waves applications.
Miniaturized high‐band UWB array antenna
Authors: Iwai Fumiya , Yoshitomi Kuniaki , Kanaya Haruichi
Published: May 2017

High‐band ultra‐wide band (UWB) miniaturized array antenna with coplanar wave guide (CPW) feed line is presented. Antenna element is composed of monopole antenna with truncated ground plane. Both antenna layer and ground pattern are placed on the top of the substrate. It is suitable for the miniaturized wireless devices such as three dimensional integrations or stacking of the multilayer. To obtain the wide band and flat gain characteristic, rectangular notches are inserted on the antenna layer, and optimized the current flow and antenna impedance. For array antenna, by changing the length of the CPW feed line, the antenna gain is suitable in the wide band which is 7–10.4 GHz (−3 dB bandwidth). The total antenna size of the two array antenna is 16 mm × 11.5 mm × 0.418 mm. Simulated gain is 3.8 dB.
Inkjet‐printed 3D Hilbert‐curve fractal antennas for VHF band
Authors: Memon Muhammad Usman , Tentzeris Manos M. , Lim Sungjoon
Published: May 2017

Two miniaturized wire antennas using a 3D space‐filling Hilbert‐curve (HC) fractal geometry were constructed on a Kodak photo paper using inkjet printing. The proposed antennas each had the 3D dimensions of an 8 cm3 box and operate at very high‐frequency band frequencies of 238 and 147 MHz. We wrapped 4‐ and 2‐mm‐thick planar wires around a 3D box made of photo paper using second‐ and third‐order HC space‐filling fractal designs. The electrical volumes of the proposed second‐order HC and third‐order HC fractal antennas were 0.004 λ0 × 0.004 λ0 × 0.004 λ0 and 0.002 λ0 × 0.002 λ0 × 0.002 λ0, respectively. The operation of the proposed antennas was verified using simulation and measurement results.
Design of a compact MIMO antenna with pattern diversity for WLAN application
Authors: Fang Han‐Sheng , Wu Cheng‐Yu , Sun Jwo‐Shiun , Huang Jung‐Tang
Published: May 2017

The multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna consists of two printed inverted‐F antennas whose interelement distance is 7 mm. The isolation of the MIMO antenna is improved since the ground plane is modified to achieve a pattern diversity effect. The measurement results, such as impedance bandwidth, mutual coupling coefficient, radiation pattern were identified as having good performance. The MIMO antenna is further evaluated with an evaluation criterion that includes correlation coefficient and diversity gain, and results indicate successful isolation and diversity performance. All of the results demonstrate that the proposed MIMO antenna is compatible with wireless communication products.
Design of 77 GHz half‐shorted horn antenna with metamaterial lens
Authors: Huang Bin , Li Ling‐yun , Sun Hao , Sun Yun , Tong Rui
Published: May 2017

In this article, we present new two‐layer and light‐weighted grid wire metamaterial lens implemented on the aperture of conical horn antenna to manufacture a small‐sized and high‐performance antenna applied in 77 GHz radar system. It could shorten half‐length of horn antenna without deteriorating its gain, broadband, and matching performance. The metamaterial lens is made by thin copper sheet whose thickness is only 0.1 mm. The measured results show that the metamaterial lens enhances the gain about 3.4 dB (@77 GHz) than short ordinary antenna with the same physical dimension, which equals to double its length. The high‐performance and small‐sized bulk make it suitable for 77 GHz radar system.
Verification of dose profiles generated by the convolution algorithm of the gamma knife® radiosurgery planning system
Authors: Chung Hyun‐Tai , Park Jeong‐Hoon , Chun Kook Jin
Published: May 2017

Purpose

A convolution algorithm that takes into account electron‐density inhomogeneity was recently introduced to calculate dose distributions for the Gamma Knife (GK) Perfexion™ treatment planning program. The accuracies of the dose distributions computed using the convolution method were assessed using an anthropomorphic phantom and film dosimetry.

Methods

Absorbed‐dose distributions inside a phantom (CIRS Radiosurgery Head Phantom, Model 605) were calculated using the convolution method of the GK treatment‐planning software (Leksell Gamma Plan® version 10.1; LGP) for various combinations of collimator size, location, direction of calculation plane, and number of shots. Computed tomography (CT) images of the phantom and a data set of CT number versus electron density were provided to the LGP. Calculated distributions were exported as digital‐image communications in medicine—radiation therapy (DICOM‐RT) files. Three types of radiochromic film (GafChromic® MD‐V2‐55, MD‐V3, and EBT2) were irradiated inside the phantom using GK Perfexion™. Scanned images of the measured films were processed following standard radiochromic film‐handling procedures. For a two‐dimensional quantitative evaluation, gamma index pass rates (GIPRs) and normalized agreement‐test indices (NATIs) were obtained. Image handling and index calculations were performed using a commercial software package (DoseLab Pro version 6.80).

Results

The film‐dose calibration data were well fitted with third‐order polynomials (R2 ≥ 0.9993). The mean GIPR and NATI of the 93 analyzed films were 99.3 ± 1.1% and 0.8 ± 1.3, respectively, using 3%/1.0 mm criteria. The calculated maximum doses were 4.3 ± 1.7% higher than the measured values for the 4 mm single shots and 1.8 ± 0.7% greater than those for the 8 mm single shots, whereas differences of only 0.3 ± 0.9% were observed for the 16 mm single shots. The accuracy of the calculated distribution was not statistically related to the collimator size, number of shots, or centrality of location (P > 0.05, independent‐sample t‐test). The plans in the axial planes exhibited poorer agreement with the measured distributions than the plans in the coronal or sagittal planes; however, their GIPR values (≥ 96.9%) were clinically acceptable. The plans for an arbitrary virtual target of volume 1.6 cm3 at an axial plane close to the top of the phantom showed the worst agreement and the greatest fluctuation (GIPR = 96.9 ± 1.2%, NATI = 3.9 ± 1.7).

Conclusions

The measured accuracies of the dose distributions calculated by the convolution algorithm of the LGP were within the clinically acceptable range (GIPR ≥ 96.9%) for various configurations of collimator size, location, direction of calculation plane, and number of shots. Due to the intrinsic asymmetry in the dose distribution along the z‐axis, the treatment plan should also be verified in coronal or sagittal plane.
Conducting hydrogels based on semi‐interpenetrating networks of polyaniline in poly(acrylamide‐co‐itaconic acid) matrix: synthesis and characterization
Authors: Taşdelen Betül
Published: May 2017

In this work, acrylamide/itaconic acid copolymeric hydrogels are prepared by free radical polymerization initiated by redox initiators of potassium persulfate and N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethyl ethylene diamine; N,N′methylene bisacrylamide was employed as a crosslinking agent. Aniline monomer was absorbed in the network of poly(acrylamide‐co‐itaconic acid) P(AAm‐co‐IA) hydrogel and followed by gamma radiation induced polymerization at room temperature. The novel semi‐interpenetrating network was comprised of linear polyaniline immersed in P(AAm‐co‐IA) matrix. Electrical conductivity of the hydrogels was measured using four‐probe technique. The conductivities for the prepared hydrogels are found to increase from 5.5 × 10−7 S cm−1 for P(AAm‐co‐IA) alone to 4.4 × 10−3 S cm−1 for semi‐interpenetrating polymer network P(AAm‐co‐IA)/polyaniline. Thus, a new composite hydrogel with good conductive properties also displaying enhanced mechanical strength and pH sensitivity was prepared. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterizations of hemiditactic homopolymers derived of poly(3‐allyl‐3‐methylmalic acid): An example of a new class of polymer's ditacticity
Authors: Belibel Rima , Barbaud Christel
Published: May 2017

A number of works have been focused on the study of polymers microtacticity and the probability of iso‐, syndio‐, and atactic arrangement of monomers such as polypropylene and poly(methacrylic esters) before the 1980s. This type of study was fewer in the last four decades despite the importance of stereochemical knowledge of macromolecules in the biomedical field. NMR analysis was the invaluable tool for the study of stereochemistry. This work detailed the synthesis and the physicochemical and microtacticity characterizations of new semicrystalline and amorphous polyesters, poly(3‐allyl‐3‐methylmalic acid) (PAlMMLA) derivatives which are part of the poly(malic acid) family. This polymer is biodegradable and biocompatible. It can also be chemically modified for a possible combination with bioactive molecules. It can be synthesized from chiral product leading a stereoregular and semicrystalline structure. In the case of a racemic starting product, the obtained macromolecular structure is amorphous. Semi‐crystalline polyester presented a highly diisotactic structure. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2408–2418
Critical Criterion for the Shock Initiation/Ignition of Cylindrical Charges with Thin Aluminum Shell Impacted by Steel Fragment
Authors: Xu Yuxing , Gao Peng , Wang Shushan
Published: May 2017

The shock initiation/ignition of Cylindrical Charges Covered with thin Aluminium Shell (CCCAS) by steel fragment impact was experimentally and theoretically investigated. The critical specific kinetic energy criterion and threshold for the shock reaction of CCCAS were obtained. During the experiments, the response characteristics of CCCAS by steel fragment impact were studied. Then the surface microstructures of explosives were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). According to the experimental phenomena and existing theories, a calculation model for critical criterion for the shock reaction of CCCAS was developed by dimensional analysis. Based on the calculation model and numerous tests of cylindrical charges covered with 3 mm aluminium shell under the impact of steel fragments with the mass from 1.0 g to 2.0 g, the critical specific kinetic energy threshold for the shock initiation of CCCAS was obtained.
Clinical outcomes of infertility treatment for women with adenomyosis in Japan
Authors: Tamura Hiroshi , Kishi Hiroshi , Kitade Mari , Asai‐Sato Mikiko , Tanaka Atsushi , Murakami Takashi , Minegishi Takashi , Sugino Norihiro
Published: May 2017

Aim

A multicenter, retrospective survey was conducted in order to investigate the current clinical status of adenomyosis in Japan.

Methods

The questionnaires covered the management of infertile women with adenomyosis and the outcomes of infertility treatment in women with adenomyosis. The questionnaires were sent to 1149 facilities in Japan.

Results

The data were obtained on 535 infertile women with adenomyosis from 190 facilities. Regarding management, infertility treatment was performed without pretreatment for adenomyosis in 37 facilities, after medication in eight facilities, and after an operation in four facilities. Management policies were not established in 106 facilities. Regarding outcomes, the pregnancy rate was 41.7% and the abortion rate was 29.8%. Eighty‐five patients received medication and 89 patients underwent surgery as a pretreatment before infertility treatment, while 361 patients had no pretreatment. In relation to the type of adenomyosis, 162 patients had the focal type and 336 patients had the diffuse type. The pregnancy rate and abortion rate were not affected by pretreatment or the type of adenomyosis.

Conclusion

The management policy for infertile women with adenomyosis has not been established. The pregnancy rate of infertility treatment is about 40%. There were no data to suggest that medication or surgery as a pretreatment for adenomyosis increased the pregnancy rate in infertile women.
United States agricultural stakeholder views and decisions on climate change
Authors: Chatrchyan Allison M. , Erlebacher Rachel C. , Chaopricha Nina T. , Chan Joana , Tobin Daniel , Allred Shorna B.
Published: May 2017

Climate change poses unprecedented challenges to agricultural production globally and in the United States; it is both vulnerable to the impacts of a changing climate and a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Because farmers need to quickly adapt to reduce their risks and emissions, there is a pressing need to better understand the process by which they make decisions. This complex decision‐making process includes many factors, such as farmers’ beliefs; knowledge and capacity to make changes; the information they receive from Extension, industry, and social networks (e.g., family and peers); economics and regulations; and farm‐scale and environmental issues (including personal experience with extreme weather). This study assesses the published literature on U.S. agricultural stakeholder views and decisions on climate change, focusing on farmers and ranchers from different regions. We identify key themes that emerge from the literature on how stakeholder views about extreme weather and climate change relate to decisions about adaptation and mitigation practices. This review finds that although the majority of U.S. farmers believe the climate is changing, many remain skeptical of the issue and uncertain about the anthropogenic causes of climate change. Farmers’ climate change mitigation and adaptation decisions also vary widely and are often correlated with belief or other factors such as personal experience with extreme weather, costs of change, or fear of regulation. We conclude with the implications of the research, including the importance of understanding farmers’ view and actions and issue framing, and implications for researchers, Extension and policy makers, both nationally and globally. WIREs Clim Change 2017, 8:e469. doi: 10.1002/wcc.469

This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Perceptions of Climate Change
Mouth development
Authors: Chen Justin , Jacox Laura A. , Saldanha Francesca , Sive Hazel
Published: May 2017

A mouth is present in all animals, and comprises an opening from the outside into the oral cavity and the beginnings of the digestive tract to allow eating. This review focuses on the earliest steps in mouth formation. In the first half, we conclude that the mouth arose once during evolution. In all animals, the mouth forms from ectoderm and endoderm. A direct association of oral ectoderm and digestive endoderm is present even in triploblastic animals, and in chordates, this region is known as the extreme anterior domain (EAD). Further support for a single origin of the mouth is a conserved set of genes that form a ‘mouth gene program’ including foxA and otx2. In the second half of this review, we discuss steps involved in vertebrate mouth formation, using the frog Xenopus as a model. The vertebrate mouth derives from oral ectoderm from the anterior neural ridge, pharyngeal endoderm and cranial neural crest (NC). Vertebrates form a mouth by breaking through the body covering in a precise sequence including specification of EAD ectoderm and endoderm as well as NC, formation of a ‘pre‐mouth array,’ basement membrane dissolution, stomodeum formation, and buccopharyngeal membrane perforation. In Xenopus, the EAD is also a craniofacial organizer that guides NC, while reciprocally, the NC signals to the EAD to elicit its morphogenesis into a pre‐mouth array. Human mouth anomalies are prevalent and are affected by genetic and environmental factors, with understanding guided in part by use of animal models. WIREs Dev Biol 2017, 6:e275. doi: 10.1002/wdev.275

This article is categorized under:

Early Embryonic Development > Development to the Basic Body Plan

Birth Defects > Craniofacial and Nervous System Anomalies

Comparative Development and Evolution > Body Plan Evolution
Synchrotron XANES and ED‐XRF analyses of fine‐paste ware from 13th to 14th century maritime Southeast Asia
Authors: Jutimoosik Jaru , Sirisathitkul Chitnarong , Limmun Wanida , Yimnirun Rattikorn , Noonsuk Wannasarn
Published: May 2017

The combination of energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (ED‐XRF) and synchrotron X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) provides the detailed composition of fine‐paste ware (FPW) kendis, dated back to 13th–14th century maritime Southeast Asia. Sources of clay and production sites were classified according to Al2O3, SiO2, α‐Fe2O3 and γ‐Fe2O3 as well as trace elements. The similarities based on these components provided another evidence of a trade route between Kota Cina in North Sumatra of Indonesia and Kok Moh on Satingphra Peninsula, a well‐known production area in present‐day Thailand. In additions, the uniquely large contribution of α‐Fe2O3 in XANES spectra suggests that Nakhon Si Thammarat province of Thailand could also be one of FPW production areas in maritime Southeast Asia. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, Structures, and Luminescent Properties of Lanthanide Complexes with Triphenylphospine Oxide
Authors: Ma Yan , Xu Shan , Wang Xin , Liu Min , Li Yue‐Xue , Xin Xiu‐Lan , Jin Qiong‐Hua
Published: May 2017

Seven lanthanide complexes [Ln(OPPh3)3(NO3)3] (1–3) (OPPh3 = triphenylphosphine oxide, Ln = Nd, Sm, Gd), [Dy(OPPh3)4(NO3)2](NO3) (4), [Ln(OPPh3)3(NO3)3]2 (5–7) (Ln = Pr, Eu, Gd) were synthesized by the reactions of different lanthanide salts and OPPh3 ligand in the air. These complexes were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, elemental analysis, IR and fluorescence spectra. Structure analysis shows that complexes 1–4 are mononuclear complexes formed by OPPh3 ligands and nitrates. The asymmetric units of complexes 5–7 consist of two crystallographic‐separate molecules. Complex 1 is self‐assembled to construct a 2D layer‐structure of (4,4) net topology by hydrogen bond interactions. The other complexes show a 1D chain‐like structure that was assembled by OPPh3 ligands and nitrate ions through C–H···O interactions. Solid emission spectra of compounds 4 and 6 are assigned to the characteristic fluorescence of Tb3+ (λem = 480, 574 nm) and Eu3+ (λem = 552, 593, 619, 668 nm).
Short‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: from gene to cell pathology and possible disease mechanisms
Authors: Nochi Zahra , Olsen Rikke Katrine Jentoft , Gregersen Niels
Published: May 2017

Short‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (SCADD) is an inherited disorder of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation that is characterized by the presence of increased butyrylcarnitine and ethylmalonic acid (EMA) concentrations in plasma and urine. Individuals with symptomatic SCADD may show relatively severe phenotype, while the majority of those who are diagnosed through newborn screening by tandem mass spectrometry may remain asymptomatic. As such, the associated clinical symptoms are very diverse, ranging from severe metabolic or neuromuscular disabilities to asymptomatic. Molecular analysis of affected individuals has identified rare gene variants along with two common gene variants, c.511C > T and c.625G > A. In vitro studies have demonstrated that the common variants as well as the great majority of rare variants, which are missense variants, impair folding, that may lead to toxic accumulation of the encoded protein, and/or metabolites, and initiate excessive production of ROS and chronic oxidative stress. It has been suggested that this cell toxicity in combination with yet unknown factors can trigger disease development. This association and the full implications of SCADD are not commonly appreciated. Accordingly, there is a worldwide discussion of the relationship of clinical manifestation to SCADD, and whether SCAD gene variants are disease associated at all. Therefore, SCADD is not part of the newborn screening programs in most countries, and consequently many patients with SCAD gene variants do not get a diagnosis and the possibilities to be followed up during development.
Reproduction compromises adaptive immunity in a cyprinid fish
Authors: Krams Indrikis A. , Rumvolt Katariina , Saks Lauri , Krams Ronalds , Elferts Didzis , Vrublevska Jolanta , Rantala Markus J. , Kecko Sanita , Cīrule Dina , Luoto Severi , Krama Tatjana
Published: May 2017

Vertebrates differ in their ability to mount an adaptive immune response to novel antigens. Bioenergetic resources available to an organism are finite; investment in reproduction compromises immune function and may therefore affect critical life history trade‐offs. We tested whether reproduction impairs the ability to produce an antibody response against a novel antigen in roach (Rutilus rutilus). The antigen approach has rarely been used in fish studies, and the ability to produce an antibody response during reproductive season has never been tested in cyprinid fish before. The fish in an experimental group were injected with a Brucella abortus (BA) antigen, while the fish in a control group were injected with an isotonic saline solution. Blood samples were extracted from all the fish to obtain the total number and proportion of blood cells such as lymphocytes, neutrophils and antioxidant glutathione. The groups were tested during the spawning season and one week after it had ended. The roach were unable to mount an immune response during spawning but produced a robust response after it. We conclude that reproduction is costly in roach, as indicated by the increased concentration of neutrophils in fish injected with BA during spawning, as well as the negative associations between neutrophil counts and glutathione levels. This study demonstrates the potential of BA antigen as a research tool in experimental research on fish ecological immunology.
Big data
Authors: van der Poel Henk G.
Published: May 2017

Samenvatting

Ook in de Nederlandse urologie dringt het begrip big data langzaam door. In dit abstractnummer een paar mooie voorbeelden. Geven meer data ook altijd meer inzicht? Dat blijft de vraag. In veel gevallen levert deze retrospectieve manier van onderzoek een leuk overzicht van de praktijk, maar niet altijd een verklaring voor de bevindingen.
The impact of extracurricular activities participation on youth delinquent behaviors: An instrumental variables approach
Authors: Han Sehee , Lee Jonathan , Park Kyung‐Gook
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between extracurricular activities (EA) participation and youth delinquency while tackling an endogeneity problem of EA participation. Using survey data of 12th graders in South Korea (n = 1943), this study employed an instrumental variables approach to address the self‐selection problem of EA participation as the data for this study was based on an observational study design. We found a positive association between EA participation and youth delinquency based on conventional regression analysis. By contrast, we found a negative association between EA participation and youth delinquency based on an instrumental variables approach. These results indicate that caution should be exercised when we interpret the effect of EA participation on youth delinquency based on observational study designs.
Longitudinal evaluation of criteria for subjective cognitive decline and preclinical Alzheimer's disease in a memory clinic sample
Authors: Eckerström Marie , Göthlin Mattias , Rolstad Sindre , Hessen Erik , Eckerström Carl , Nordlund Arto , Johansson Boo , Svensson Johan , Jonsson Michael , Sacuiu Simona , Wallin Anders
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and biomarker‐based “at‐risk” concepts such as “preclinical” Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been developed to predict AD dementia before objective cognitive impairment is detectable. We longitudinally evaluated cognitive outcome when using these classifications.

Methods

Memory clinic patients (n = 235) were classified as SCD (n = 122): subtle cognitive decline (n = 36) and mild cognitive impairment (n = 77) and subsequently subclassified into SCDplus and National Institute on Aging–Alzheimer's Association (NIA‐AA) stages 0 to 3. Mean (standard deviation) follow‐up time was 48 (35) months. Proportion declining cognitively and prognostic accuracy for cognitive decline was calculated for all classifications.

Results

Among SCDplus patients, 43% to 48% declined cognitively. Among NIA‐AA stage 1 to 3 patients, 50% to 100% declined cognitively. The highest positive likelihood ratios (+LRs) for subsequent cognitive decline (+LR 6.3), dementia (+LR 3.4), and AD dementia (+LR 6.5) were found for NIA‐AA stage 2.

Discussion

In a memory clinic setting, NIA‐AA stage 2 seems to be the most successful classification in predicting objective cognitive decline, dementia, and AD dementia.
Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) prediction score in multi-trauma patients
Authors: Rendy Leo , Sapan Heber B. , Kalesaran Laurens T.B.
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Background

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in patients with major trauma remains a frequent and devastating complication in emergency departments and intensive care units. Easily and accurately identifying patients at risk for MODS post-injury, especially in multi-trauma cases, is important. The aim of this study was to develop an instrument to predict the development of MODS in adult multi-trauma patients using clinical and laboratory data available in the first 24 h after trauma.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled adult multi-trauma patients with Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥16, between 16 and 65 years old, admitted to four academic Level-I trauma centers for 1 year between September 2014 and 2015. Sequential organ failure assessment score was used to determine MODS during hospitalization. A risk score was created from the final regression model consisting of significant variables as MODS predictors.

Result

During the period of the study, 98 multi-trauma patients were included. The mean age was 35.2 years, and most were male (85.71%). The mean ISS was 23.6, mostly (76.53%) caused by blunt injury mechanism. MODS occurred in 43 patients (43.87%). The prediction risk score consists of Revised Trauma Score (<7.25) and lactate level ≥2.75 mmol/L. This study also verified several independent risk factors for post-multi-trauma MODS such as ISS >25, presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, shock grade 2 or more, and white blood cells >12,000.

Conclusion

We derived a novel simple and applicable instrument to predict MODS in adults following multi-trauma. The use of this scoring system may allow early identification of trauma patients who are at risk for MODS and result in more aggressive targeted resuscitation and damage control surgery.

Trial registration

ISCRTN ISRCTN16661943. 09/11/2016 retrospectively registered.

Highlights
Reflex syncope: Diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Sutton Richard
Published: May 2017

For the diagnosis of reflex syncope, diligent history‐building with the patient and a witness is required. In the Emergency Department (ED), the assessment of syncope is a challenge which may be addressed by an ED Observation Unit or by a referral to a Syncope Unit. Hospital admission is necessary for those with life‐threatening cardiac conditions although risk stratification remains an unsolved problem. Other patients may be investigated with less urgency by carotid sinus massage (>40 years), tilt testing, and electrocardiogram loop recorder insertion resulting in a clear cause for syncope. Management includes, in general terms, patient education, avoidance of circumstances in which syncope is likely, increase in fluid and salt consumption, and physical counter‐pressure maneuvers. In older patients, those that will benefit from cardiac pacing are now well defined. In all patients, the benefit of drug therapy is often disappointing and there remains no ideal drug. A role for catheter ablation may emerge for the highly symptomatic reflex syncope patient.
Get Funded: An Insider's Guide to Building An Academic Research Program
Authors: Trew Robert J.
Published: May 2017

Learn all the basic principles involved in initiating an academic career and building an externally funded academic research program with this practical guide. Based on the author's extensive experience as a government funding agency director and successful academic, it provides step-by-step advice on how to identify an appropriate funding agency and program manager, how to present your research in a concise and effective manner, and, ultimately, how to obtain your first research grant. It explains the faculty recruitment process in detail and outlines the key timelines associated with being on the tenure track. Providing a unique insight into research funding agency operation and expectations, this is the 'go to' guide for new faculty members in engineering, the sciences, and mathematics looking to gain a head start in their academic careers.
Wildlife Politics
Authors: Rocheleau Bruce
Published: May 2017

Attitudes towards charismatic animals such as tigers, lions, bears and wolves vary greatly and change over time, resulting in bitter political debates. This comprehensive book identifies and analyses the factors that influence policies across the globe, highlighting how this impacts conservation as a whole. Issues such as overexploitation, hunting, ecotourism and the struggle to prevent illegal wildlife trafficking are examined and science's role in policymaking is assessed. The conflicting forces behind legislation, including institutions, interest groups and the media are analysed, with particular focus on the significance of the Endangered Species Act, covering over forty-five species that have become matters of political debate in sixty-seven different countries. Case studies and conceptual frameworks provide a clear understanding of the key topics, shedding light on this important yet often overlooked area of environmental politics.
Numerical investigations to suppress thermal deformation of the large deployable reflector during earth eclipse in space
Authors: Shoji Kaori , Isobe Daigoro , Usui Motofumi
Published: May 2017

In space, structures encounter various severe environments, including severe thermal conditions. The signal level of the radio wave from the Large Deployable Reflector (LDR) mounted on the Engineering Test Satellite-VIII (ETS-VIII) was observed to change during an Earth eclipse. This phenomenon was assumed to be caused by the thermal deformation of the LDR. Therefore, in this study, a means to suppress the thermal deformation is proposed and demonstrated by focusing on the internal force generated at the springs used to deploy the antenna. According to the numerical results obtained from finite element analyses, the thermal deformations at all apices that support the reflectors were suppressed at a high correction rate by adjusting the coefficients of thermal expansion in the structural members and by controlling spring forces differently in four areas depending on the distances from the constraint point.
The comparative method as applied to the syntactic component of language
Authors: Lehmann W. P.
Published: May 2017

In reconstructing prior stages of languages the comparative method (CM) has been primarily applied to phonology. Two standard statements on the CM in recent times illustrate this restricted application. In his article of 1950 on the comparative method, Hoenigswald defines “reconstruction by the comparative method (as) essentially a problem in phonemics, in which the place of allophones is taken by sets of sound correspondences that are partially alike (share one component) and in complementary distribution” (Joos 1957: 298). And in his comprehensive statement (1960:132), Hoenigswald states that “the comparative method is based on the principle that sets of recurring phoneme correspondences between two related languages continue blocks of positional allophones from the mother language.” Handbooks dealing with reconstructed languages reflect the limitation to the phonological component of language. For statements made about syntax are hesitant (Meillet 1967: 29). And one notable attempt to reconstruct a syntactic sequence in Proto-Indo-European, Schleicher’s fable of the horses and the sheep, has been generally condemned, even though it was given some recognition by Hirt (Meillet 1967: 29, Hirt 1939: 113-115). In contrast with the earlier hesitation about applying the CM to the syntactic component of language I would like to suggest that recent developments in linguistics have made it possible to apply the CM to at least some syntactic patterns in much the way historical linguists have been dealing with phonological patterns.
Romans 3:21–31 and the Inclusion of the Gentiles
Authors: Howard George
Published: May 2017

Romans 3:21–31 is a perplexing passage made up of important words and phrases. Some of the most crucial elements of Christian theology hinge on it. Entire movements within Christian history have stood or fallen with its interpretation. With few exceptions scholars have given more than ample consideration to every detail, although a consensus of opinion lies in the future. This paper is designed (1) to summarize the issue over the unity of the passage, (2) to list the general conclusions scholars have reached on the most important words, and (3) to offer suggestions toward an understanding of the text in light of Paul's teaching about the inclusion of the Gentiles.
The Land of Moriah, Mount Moriah, and The Site of Solomon's Temple in Biblical Historiography
Authors: Kalimi Isaac
Published: May 2017

The present article is an attempt to clarify the relationship of the place where Isaac was bound with the site of Solomon's Temple, and that of the “land of Moriah” ([Gen 22:2]) with “Mount Moriah” ([2 Chr 3:1]) in Hebrew Bible historiography. It will also suggest an explanation both for the failure of 1 Kings 6 to give the precise location of the Temple and for the fact that such details are to be found in the parallel passage, 2 Chronicles 3.
Surrogate Fathers: The Lazarists as Jesuit Successors in the Eighteenth Century, 1759–1814
Authors: SMITH SEÁN A.
Published: May 2017

From 1759 to 1773 rulers throughout Europe deemed the Society of Jesus highly dangerous and began moving against it. This article, however, rather than focussing on Jesuit failings, uncovers an alternative story of the popularity enjoyed by the Lazarists, appointed to be the Jesuits’ successors in many important locations. The Lazarists’ ethos and behaviour provided attractive contrasts to the Jesuits, first winning the patronage of European elites in the pre-suppression era. Yet replacing the Jesuits was tricky, imposing novel demands on the Lazarists’ resources. More ominously, the forces which brought down the Jesuits had not gone into full slumber, seriously endangering the Lazarist succession.