bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apelin‐13 administration protects against ischaemia/reperfusion‐mediated apoptosis through the FoxO1 pathway in high‐fat diet‐induced obesity
Authors: Boal Frederic , Timotin Andrei , Roumegoux Jessica , Alfarano Chiara , Calise Denis , Anesia Rodica , Parini Angelo , Valet Philippe , Tronchere Helene , Kunduzova Oksana
Published: March 2016

Background and Purpose

Apelin‐13, an endogenous ligand for the apelin (APJ) receptor, behaves as a potent modulator of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Here, we examined the effects of apelin‐13 on myocardial injury in a mouse model combining ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) and obesity and explored their underlying mechanisms.

Experimental Approach

Adult male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (ND) or high‐fat diet (HFD) for 6 months and then subjected to cardiac I/R. The effects of apelin‐13 post‐treatment on myocardial injury were evaluated in HFD‐fed mice after 24 h I/R. Changes in protein abundance, phosphorylation, subcellular localization and mRNA expression were determined in cardiomyoblast cell line H9C2, primary cardiomyocytes and cardiac tissue from ND‐ and HFD‐fed mice. Apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL staining and caspase‐3 activity. Mitochondrial ultrastructure was analysed by electron microscopy.

Key Results

In HFD‐fed mice subjected to cardiac I/R, i.v. administration of apelin‐13 significantly reduced infarct size, myocardial apoptosis and mitochondrial damage compared with vehicle‐treated animals. In H9C2 cells and primary cardiomyocytes, apelin‐13 induced FoxO1 phosphorylation and nuclear exclusion. FoxO1 silencing by siRNA abolished the protective effects of apelin‐13 against hypoxia‐induced apoptosis and mitochondrial ROS generation. Finally, apelin deficiency in mice fed a HFD resulted in reduced myocardial FoxO1 expression and impaired FoxO1 distribution.

Conclusions and Implications

These data reveal apelin as a novel regulator of FoxO1 in cardiac cells and provide evidence for the potential of apelin‐13 in prevention of apoptosis and mitochondrial damage in conditions combining I/R injury and obesity.
Molluscan shell colour
Authors: Williams Suzanne T.
Published: March 2016

The phylum Mollusca is highly speciose, and is the largest phylum in the marine realm. The great majority of molluscs are shelled, including nearly all bivalves, most gastropods and some cephalopods. The fabulous and diverse colours and patterns of molluscan shells are widely recognised and have been appreciated for hundreds of years by collectors and scientists alike. They serve taxonomists as characters that can be used to recognise and distinguish species, however their function for the animal is sometimes less clear and has been the focus of many ecological and evolutionary studies. Despite these studies, almost nothing is known about the evolution of colour in molluscan shells. This review summarises for the first time major findings of disparate studies relevant to the evolution of shell colour in Mollusca and discusses the importance of colour, including the effects of visual and non‐visual selection, diet and abiotic factors. I also summarise the evidence for the heritability of shell colour in some taxa and recent efforts to understand the molecular mechanisms underpinning synthesis of shell colours. I describe some of the main shell pigments found in Mollusca (carotenoids, melanin and tetrapyrroles, including porphyrins and bile pigments), and their durability in the fossil record. Finally I suggest that pigments appear to be distributed in a phylogenetically relevant manner and that the synthesis of colour is likely to be energetically costly.
Intellectual property rights, product complexity and the organization of multinational firms
Authors: Naghavi Alireza , Spies Julia , Toubal Farid
Published: March 2016

This paper studies how the intellectual property right (IPR) regime in destination countries influences the decision of firms between procurement from related parties and from independent suppliers while the latter may involve technology sharing or not. Using firm‐level data on the mode choice for each transaction and a new product complexity measure, results confirm that firms are generally reluctant to source complex goods from outside firm boundaries. However, when technology is shared, IPRs promote outsourcing of more complex goods whereas without technology sharing, IPRs promote outsourcing of less complex products that are prone to reverse engineering and simpler to imitate.
Using distance functions to understand interest taxation
Authors: Burbidge John
Published: March 2016

One of Terence Gorman's insights was that if one wants to derive rules about optimal commodity tax rates (or prices) one should treat quantities consumed as the instruments. This paper builds on Angus Deaton's development of this idea using distance functions. I identify necessary and sufficient conditions for uniform commodity taxation in a static model and the efficiency of various tax structures in a life‐cycle model. One implication is that the optimal interest tax rate may be higher when ordinary or compensated labour supply elasticities are lower.
Rogue aid? An empirical analysis of China's aid allocation
Authors: Dreher Axel , Fuchs Andreas
Published: March 2016

Foreign aid from China is often characterized as “rogue aid” that is guided by selfish interests alone. We collect data on Chinese project aid, food aid, medical staff and total aid money to developing countries, covering the 1956–2006 period, to empirically test to what extent self‐interests shape China's aid allocation. While political considerations shape China's allocation of aid, China does not pay substantially more attention to politics compared to Western donors. What is more, China's aid allocation seems to be widely independent of recipients' endowment with natural resources and institutional characteristics. Overall, denoting Chinese aid as “rogue aid” seems unjustified.
Skill‐biased heterogeneous firms, trade liberalization and the skill premium
Authors: Harrigan James , Reshef Ariell
Published: March 2016

We propose a theory that rising globalization and rising wage inequality are related because trade liberalization raises the demand facing highly competitive skill‐intensive firms. In our model, only the lowest‐cost firms participate in the global economy exactly along the lines of Melitz. In addition to differing in their productivity, firms differ in their skill intensity. We model skill‐biased technology as a correlation between skill intensity and technological acumen, and we estimate this correlation to be large using firm‐level data from Chile in 1995. A fall in trade costs leads to both greater trade volumes and an increase in the relative demand for skill, as the lowest‐cost/most‐skilled firms expand to serve the export market while less skill‐intensive non‐exporters retrench in the face of increased import competition. This mechanism works regardless of factor endowment differences, so we provide an explanation for why globalization and wage inequality move together in both skill‐abundant and skill‐scarce countries. In our model countries are net exporters of the services of their abundant factor, but there are no Stolper‐Samuelson effects because import competition affects all domestic firms equally.
Social Sensitivity and Adjustment in Chinese and Canadian Children
Authors: Chen Xinyin , Liu Junsheng , Ellis Wendy , Zarbatany Lynne
Published: March 2016

This study examined relations of social sensitivity to socioemotional and school adjustment in Chinese and Canadian children. Participants were fourth‐ to eighth‐grade students (Mage = 12 years) in China (n = 723) and Canada (n = 568). Data were obtained from multiple sources. The analyses revealed that the pattern of relations between social sensitivity and indexes of adjustment differed in the two countries. Social sensitivity was negatively associated with social and school adjustment and positively associated with psychological distress in Canadian children. However, social sensitivity was positively associated with school competence and psychological well‐being in Chinese children. The results indicate that children's social sensitivity may have different functional meanings in Chinese and North American societies.
Current treatment status and medical cost for multiple sclerosis based on analysis of a Japanese claims database
Authors: Ogino Mieko , Kawachi Izumi , Otake Kazuyoshi , Ohta Hiroyuki , Otsuka Yujiro , Iwasaki Kosuke , Hiroi Shinzo
Published: March 2016

Objective

To assist policymakers as they reflect on treatment protocols and approaches for the efficient delivery of medical care for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in Japan.

Methods

We analyzed data from a large Japanese health insurance claims database. Using an algorithm based on diagnosis codes, all patients with a diagnosis of MS were identified; patients having a non‐MS demyelinating disease were excluded from the population. MS patient data were used for cross‐sectional analysis carried out on the data collected at a certain period. We identified a total of 1808 MS patients, and we analyzed data for 1133 patients with an observation period of ≥6 months from October 2013 to September 2014. Newly diagnosed MS patients were identified within the MS patients, and their data were used for longitudinal analysis, tracking each patient over a period of time.

Results

The total per patient per month cost for MS was ¥93 542 (US$781, €695 as of October 2015). Disease‐modifying therapy drugs costs constituted half of the overall medical costs. For newly diagnosed MS patients, hospitalization costs were the largest component in the initial month, while drug costs were the largest component more than several months after the initial visit. There was a positive correlation between relapse frequency and medical cost.

Conclusions

These results provide up‐to‐date information on the demographics, medical treatment and cost status of MS in almost real‐time by using a claims database. They suggest that claims data analysis can effectively support medical policymaking.
A qualitative evaluation of an innovative resilience‐building camp for young carers
Authors: Cunningham Lauren C , Shochet Ian M , Smith Coral L , Wurfl Astrid
Published: March 2016

Young carers are at increased risk of developing mental health and social problems. The objective was to pilot a camp‐based resilience‐building programme for young carers. Twelve young carers (12 to 14 years) recruited from Carers Queensland attended a 3‐day resilience‐building camp adapted from the Resourceful Adolescent Program. One month after the camp, carers participated in a semi‐structured telephone interview. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Two key themes emerged. The first, coping self‐efficacy, included subthemes of affect regulation, interpersonal skills, and recognition of strengths and coping ability. The second key theme, social benefits, included opportunities for respite and social engagement. Overall, participants reported enjoying the camp and would recommend it to other young carers, yet they were able to provide some suggestions to improve future camps. Implementing an integrative resilience‐building program such as the Resourceful Adolescent Program in a camp format shows promise as a way of both engaging and benefiting young carers, as well as selective populations more generally.
Standard deviation of carotid young's modulus and presence or absence of plaque improves prediction of coronary heart disease risk
Authors: Niu Lili , Zhang Yanling , Qian Ming , Xiao Yang , Meng Long , Zheng Rongqin , Zheng Hairong
Published: March 2016

Introduction

The stiffness of large arteries and the presence or absence of plaque are associated with coronary heart disease (CHD). Because arterial walls are biologically heterogeneous, the standard deviation of Young's modulus (YM‐std) of the large arteries may better predict coronary atherosclerosis. However, the role of YM‐std in the occurrence of coronary events has not been addressed so far. Therefore, this study investigated whether the carotid YM‐std and the presence or absence of plaque improved CHD risk prediction.

Methods

One hundred and three patients with CHD (age 66 ± 11 years) and 107 patients at high risk of atherosclerosis (age 61 ± 7 years) were recruited. Carotid YM was measured by the vessel texture matching method, and YM‐std was calculated. Carotid intima‐media thickness was measured by the MyLab 90 ultrasound Platform employed dedicated software RF‐tracking technology.

Results

In logistic regression analysis, YM‐std (OR = 1·010; 95% CI = 1·003–1·016), carotid plaque (OR = 16·759; 95% CI = 3·719–75·533) and YM‐std plus plaque (OR = 0·989; 95% CI = 0·981–0·997) were independent predictors of CHD. The traditional risk factors (TRF) plus YM‐std plus plaque model showed a significant improvement in area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC), which increased from 0·717 (TRF only) to 0·777 (95% CI for the difference in adjusted AUC: 0·010–0·110).

Conclusions

Carotid YM‐std is a powerful independent predictor of CHD. Adding plaque and YM‐std to TRF improves CHD risk prediction.
Coronary artery calcium score and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide as potential gatekeepers for myocardial perfusion imaging
Authors: Haarmark Christian , Andersen Kim Francis , Madsen Claus , Zerahn Bo
Published: March 2016

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) holds an important place as non‐invasive risk assessment in patients with intermediate risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). However, as much as 60–70% of MPI scans are normal. This study evaluates the role of coronary artery calcium scoring (CAC score) and NT‐proBNP as potential gatekeepers for MPI. Patients with intermediate risk of CHD referred for standard MPI were included. CAC score and NT‐proBNP were both assessed at the day of the stress study. Sensitivity, specificity and NPV for prediction of abnormal MPI scans were calculated for CAC, NT‐proBNP and the combination hereof. A total of 190 patients were included (mean age 61 ± 12 years, 55% female) of whom 24% had known CHD. In all 30% of the scans were abnormal. CAC score achieved the highest AUC regardless of whether patients with known CHD were included or not [AUC 0·75 95% CI (0·66–0·84) and AUC 0·79 (0·68–0·91)]. As a singular variable, CAC score was the most potent predictor with a sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 39% and NPV 88%. The combination of CAC score<10 and NT‐proBNP>26 reached a sensitivity of 98% and NPV 94%, where 8% of scans tentatively could be avoided. In patients referred for MPI with intermediate risk for CHD, a combination of CAC score and NT‐proBNP could be used to identify a group of patients where MPI could be averted with a high degree of diagnostic safety.
Overcoming foetal motion using interactive real‐time magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Brix Lau , Ringgaard Steffen , Sandager Puk , Petersen Olav Bjørn , Sørensen Thomas Sangild , Lundorf Erik , Stausbøl‐Grøn Brian
Published: March 2016

Objective

Foetal MRI has become an established image modality in the prenatal diagnosis of CNS anomalies, but image quality can be severely affected by foetal movements. The objective was to overcome these inherent motion problems by applying interactive real‐time MRI and to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of the applied real‐time MRI sequence in relation to standard protocols.

Methods

Ten healthy foetuses (gestation week 21·3 ± 0·5) were scanned using a system, which allowed visual feedback and interactive slice positioning in real time. The data were compared to a control group of 14 healthy foetuses (gestation week 21·0 ± 0·8) who had previously been scanned using standard MRI. Comparisons were carried out by two radiologists with regard to cerebral anthropometric sizes, presence of important brain structures, degree of movement, clinical image value, image quality and ability to obtain correct slice planes.

Results

Two out of eight anthropometric sizes were statistically different between the two groups. Representation of cerebral structures was found in 70–100% in the real‐time group. No statistically differences were found in clinical image value and image quality. The mean ability to obtain optimal slice planes was higher in the real‐time group, but it was not significant.

Conclusion

Imaging of the foetal brain using the proposed interactive real‐time MRI system is a promising alternative to traditional foetal MRI for anthropometrics or as a supplement for the representation of foetal brain structures in cases in which foetal motion causes challenges in relation to obtaining optimal slice planes using conventional MRI techniques.
Routine prophylaxis with proton pump inhibitors and post‐transplant complications in kidney transplant recipients undergoing early corticosteroid withdrawal
Authors: Courson Alesa Y. , Lee John R. , Aull Meredith J. , Lee Jennifer H. , Kapur Sandip , McDermott Jennifer K.
Published: March 2016

Surgical stress, corticosteroids, and mycophenolate may contribute to gastrointestinal ulcers/bleeding after kidney transplantation. Prophylactic acid suppression with H2RAs or PPIs is often utilized after transplantation, although unclear if truly indicated after early corticosteroid withdrawal (CSWD). PPIs have been associated with increased risks of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), pneumonia, and acute rejection. This retrospective cohort study investigated benefits and risks of prolonged PPI use following kidney transplantation and included 286 kidney recipients undergoing CSWD within five d of transplant who were maintained on tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil/sodium. Patients on PPI before transplant, H2RA before/after transplant, and/or those with pre‐transplant GI complications were excluded. A total of 171 patients received PPI>30 d, mean duration 287 ± 120 d (PPI group); 115 patients were not maintained on acid suppression (No‐PPI group). GI ulceration and bleeding events were rare in PPI group (1.2% and 2.3%, respectively) and not observed in No‐PPI group (p = NS). The incidence of infectious or hematological complications was not significantly different between groups. The PPI group experienced more biopsy‐proven acute rejection (9.4% vs. 2.6%, p = 0.03). No direct benefit was observed with PPI in reducing the incidence of GI ulcers and bleeding events in kidney transplant recipients undergoing early CSWD. Further studies are needed to investigate the association of PPI and acute rejection.
Severe tooth loss after root damage caused by predrilled intermaxillary fixation screw: a case report
Authors: Hartwig Stefan , Doll Christian , Voss Jan Oliver , Raguse Jan Dirk
Published: March 2016

Intermaxillary fixation (IMF) with screws is routinely used as a conservative therapy or to obtain normal occlusion during the surgical procedure of open reduction and internal fixation for treating mandibular fractures. The risk of iatrogenic dental damage caused by interdental drilling is widely known. Several side effects are described, including loss of response to pulp sensibility testing, root fracture, and, loss of the tooth. This is a case report about a young man who had undergone temporary IMF treatment with a single proven root damage. The patient did not appear for follow‐up but he presented 5 years afterward with local purulent osteomyelitis concerning the affected and the adjacent teeth. Osteotomy and extraction of two premolars and one molar were necessary for rehabilitation. This case report illustrates the importance of careful use of predrilled IMF screws and the necessity of frequent follow‐ups in cases of proven tooth root damage due to IMF treatment.
Validating English Language Proficiency Assessment Uses for English Learners: Academic Language Proficiency and Content Assessment Performance
Authors: Wolf Mikyung Kim , Faulkner‐Bond Molly
Published: March 2016

States use standards‐based English language proficiency (ELP) assessments to inform relatively high‐stakes decisions for English learner (EL) students. Results from these assessments are one of the primary criteria used to determine EL students’ level of ELP and readiness for reclassification. The results are also used to evaluate the effectiveness of and funding allocation to district or school programs that serve EL students. In an effort to provide empirical validity evidence for such important uses of ELP assessments, this study focused on examining the constructs of ELP assessments as a fundamental validity issue. Particularly, the study examined the types of language proficiency measured in three sample states’ ELP assessments and the relationship between each type of language proficiency and content assessment performance. The results revealed notable variation in the presence of academic and social language in the three ELP assessments. A series of hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) analyses also revealed varied relationships among social language proficiency, academic language proficiency, and content assessment performance. The findings highlight the importance of examining the constructs of ELP assessments for making appropriate interpretations and decisions based on the assessment scores for EL students. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
Stream diatom assemblages as predictors of climate
Authors: Pajunen Virpi , Luoto Miska , Soininen Janne
Published: March 2016

Benthic diatoms have been widely used as indicators of water quality in streams. New insights that diatoms may also respond to large‐scale drivers, such as climate or historical factors, highlight the need to reassess the usefulness and the reliability of diatoms as bioindicators.

Using a suite of modelling techniques, weighted averaging (WA), weighted averaging partial least squares, modern‐analogue technique (MAT) and two machine learning techniques, boosted regression trees (BRT) and random forests (RF), we calibrated models to infer water quality and climatic variables using diatom abundance data collected from 227 stream sites in Finland.

Predictive ability was generally better for climatic variables [growing degree days (GDD) defined as temperature >5 °C, summer precipitation and water balance] than for local environmental variables (conductivity, water colour and total phosphorus). The strongest relationships were found for GDD (r2 = 0.86, MAT) and conductivity (r2 = 0.82, RF). Using BRT, we also identified potential indicator species for local environmental and climatic variables, based on relative importance species in the models.

Our results show that diatoms could serve as efficient proxies for climatic variables and local environmental conditions. Furthermore, new modelling techniques such as modern regression trees can provide new insights into relationships between diatom assemblages and local water quality and climate, and thus help to construct more reliable indices. These methods could also serve as important tools to infer environmental variables in changing ecosystems.
Long‐term increase in snow depth leads to compositional changes in arctic ectomycorrhizal fungal communities
Authors: Morgado Luis N. , Semenova Tatiana A. , Welker Jeffrey M. , Walker Marilyn D. , Smets Erik , Geml József
Published: March 2016

Many arctic ecological processes are regulated by soil temperature that is tightly interconnected with snow cover distribution and persistence. Recently, various climate‐induced changes have been observed in arctic tundra ecosystems, e.g. shrub expansion, resulting in reduction in albedo and greater C fixation in aboveground vegetation as well as increased rates of soil C mobilization by microbes. Importantly, the net effects of these shifts are unknown, in part because our understanding of belowground processes is limited. Here, we focus on the effects of increased snow depth, and as a consequence, increased winter soil temperature on ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal communities in dry and moist tundra. We analyzed deep DNA sequence data from soil samples taken at a long‐term snow fence experiment in Northern Alaska. Our results indicate that, in contrast with previously observed responses of plants to increased snow depth at the same experimental site, the ECM fungal community of the dry tundra was more affected by deeper snow than the moist tundra community. In the dry tundra, both community richness and composition were significantly altered while in the moist tundra, only community composition changed significantly while richness did not. We observed a decrease in richness of Tomentella, Inocybe and other taxa adapted to scavenge the soil for labile N forms. On the other hand, richness of Cortinarius, and species with the ability to scavenge the soil for recalcitrant N forms, did not change. We further link ECM fungal traits with C soil pools. If future warmer atmospheric conditions lead to greater winter snow fall, changes in the ECM fungal community will likely influence C emissions and C fixation through altering N plant availability, fungal biomass and soil‐plant C‐N dynamics, ultimately determining important future interactions between the tundra biosphere and atmosphere.
Differences in caregiver daily impression by sex, education and career length
Authors: Ae Ryusuke , Kojo Takao , Kotani Kazuhiko , Okayama Masanobu , Kuwabara Masanari , Makino Nobuko , Aoyama Yasuko , Sano Takashi , Nakamura Yosikazu
Published: March 2016

Aim

We previously proposed the concept of caregiver daily impression (CDI) as a practical tool for emergency triage. We herein assessed how CDI varies by sex, education and career length by determining CDI scores as quantitative outcome measures.

Methods

We carried out a cross‐sectional study using a self‐reported questionnaire among caregivers in 20 long‐term care facilities in Hyogo, Japan. A total of 10 CDI variables measured participants' previous experience of emergency transfers using a scale from 0–10. The resulting total was defined as the CDI score. We hypothetically considered that higher scores indicated greater caregiver focus. The CDI scores were compared by sex, education and career length using analysis of covariance.

Results

A total of 601 personal caregivers were evaluated (mean age 36.7 years; 36% men). The mean career length was 6.9 years, with the following groupings: 1–4 years (38%), 5–9 years (37%) and >10 years (24%). After adjustment for sex and education, the CDI scores for the variable, “poor eye contact,” significantly differed between caregivers with ≥10 and <5 years of experience (scores of 5.0 ± 3.1 and 4.0 ± 2.7, respectively). The CDI scores for variables related to eyes tended to increase with experience, whereas other CDI scores decreased. Male caregivers focused on residents' eyes significantly more than did female caregivers.

Conclusions

We found that the CDI variable, “poor eye contact,” is influenced by career length. Caregivers with more experience attach more importance to their impression of residents' eyes than do those with less experience. Sex‐related differences in CDI might also exist. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 17: 410–415.
Serine suppresses the motor function of a periplasmic PomB mutation in the Vibrio flagella stator
Authors: Nishikino Tatsuro , Zhu Shiwei , Takekawa Norihiro , Kojima Seiji , Onoue Yasuhiro , Homma Michio
Published: March 2016

The flagellar motor of Vibrio alginolyticus is made of two parts: a stator consisting of proteins PomA and PomB, and a rotor whose main component is FliG. The interaction between FliG and PomA generates torque for flagellar rotation. Based on cross‐linking experiments of double‐Cys mutants of PomB, we previously proposed that a conformational change in the periplasmic region of PomB caused stator activation. Double‐Cys mutants lost their motility due to an intramolecular disulfide bridge. In this study, we found that the addition of serine, a chemotactic attractant, to a PomB(L160C/I186C) mutant restored motility without cleaving the disulfide bridge. We speculate that serine changed the rotor (FliG) conformation, affecting rotational direction. Combined with the counterclockwise (CCW)‐biased mutation FliG(G214S), motility of PomB(L160C/I186C) was restored without the addition of serine. Likewise, motility was restored without serine in Che− mutants, in either a CCW‐locked or clockwise (CW)‐locked strain. In contrast, in a ΔcheY (CCW‐locked) strain, Vibrio (L160C/I186C) required serine to be rescued. We speculate that CheY affects stator conformation and motility restoration by serine is independent on the chemotaxis signaling pathway.
Diverse fission yeast genes required for responding to oxidative and metal stress: Comparative analysis of glutathione‐related and other defense gene deletions
Authors: Pluskal Tomáš , Sajiki Kenichi , Becker Joanne , Takeda Kojiro , Yanagida Mitsuhiro
Published: March 2016

Living organisms have evolved multiple sophisticated mechanisms to deal with reactive oxygen species. We constructed a collection of twelve single‐gene deletion strains of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe designed for the study of oxidative and heavy metal stress responses. This collection contains deletions of biosynthetic enzymes of glutathione (Δgcs1 and Δgsa1), phytochelatin (Δpcs2), ubiquinone (Δabc1) and ergothioneine (Δegt1), as well as catalase (Δctt1), thioredoxins (Δtrx1 and Δtrx2), Cu/Zn‐ and Mn‐ superoxide dismutases (SODs; Δsod1 and Δsod2), sulfiredoxin (Δsrx1) and sulfide‐quinone oxidoreductase (Δhmt2). First, we employed metabolomic analysis to examine the mutants of the glutathione biosynthetic pathway. We found that ophthalmic acid was produced by the same enzymes as glutathione in S. pombe. The identical genetic background of the strains allowed us to assess the severity of the individual gene knockouts by treating the deletion strains with oxidative agents. Among other results, we found that glutathione deletion strains were not particularly sensitive to peroxide or superoxide, but highly sensitive to cadmium stress. Our results show the astonishing diversity in cellular adaptation mechanisms to various types of oxidative and metal stress and provide a useful tool for further research into stress responses.
Identification of YPL014W (Cip1) as a novel negative regulator of cyclin‐dependent kinase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Ren Ping , Malik Asrar , Zeng Fanli
Published: March 2016

Cyclin‐dependent kinases drive cell division cycle progression in eukaryotic cells. In the model eukaryotic organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae (budding yeast), a single cyclin‐dependent kinase, Cdk1, is essential and sufficient to drive the cell cycle. Misregulated CDK activity induces unscheduled proliferation as well as genomic instability, which are hallmarks of the cancer. Here, we report a novel Cdk1‐interacting protein, YPL014W, which we name Cip1 (for Cdk1‐interacting protein 1). Our results show that Cip1 specifically interacts with G1/S‐phase Cln2–Cdk1 complex but not with S‐phase Clb5–Cdk1 or M‐phase Clb2–Cdk1 complexes. Also Cip1 phosphorylation is cell cycle regulated in a S‐phase Cdk1‐dependent manner. Over‐expression of Cip1 blocks cell cycle progression in G1 and stabilizes the S‐phase Cdk1 inhibitor Sic1 in vivo. In addition, disruption of CIP1 (cip1Δ) leads to faster G1/S‐phase transition compared to wild‐type cells. Moreover, Cip1 inhibits Cln2–CDK activity both in vivo and in vitro. Our finding proves Cip1 as a novel negative regulator of cyclin‐dependent kinase in S. cerevisiae.
Effects of Helicobacter pylori Infection on the Expressions and Functional Activities of Human Duodenal Mucosal Bicarbonate Transport Proteins
Authors: Wen Guorong , Jin Hai , Deng Shili , Xu Jingyu , Liu Xuemei , Xie Rui , Tuo Biguang
Published: March 2016

Background

The mechanisms for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)‐induced duodenal ulcerogenesis are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of H. pylori infection on the expressions and functional activities of human duodenal mucosal bicarbonate transport proteins and hope to further clarify the pathogenesis of H. pylori‐associated duodenal ulcer.

Materials and Methods

The experiments were performed in the patients with H. pylori‐associated duodenal ulcers, H. pylori‐associated chronic gastritis, and H. pylori‐negative healthy subjects. Duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion was measured by Ussing Chamber technology.

Results

The expressions of duodenal mucosal bicarbonate transport proteins, CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) and SLC26A6 (solute‐linked carrier 26 gene A6), in the patients with H. pylori‐associated duodenal ulcers were markedly lower than those in healthy controls. Basal and both forskolin‐ and prostaglandin E2‐stimulated duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretions in the patients with H. pylori‐associated duodenal ulcers were also lower than those in healthy controls. After anti‐H. pylori treatment for H. pylori‐associated duodenal ulcers, duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion and CFTR and SLC26A6 expressions in H. pylori‐eradicated patients recovered to levels comparable to healthy controls, but those were found to be not significantly altered in non‐H. pylori‐eradicated patients. The further results showed that decreases in the H. pylori‐induced CFTR and SLC26A6 expression were related to the severity and virulent factors of H. pylori infection.

Conclusion

H. pylori infection impairs the expressions and functional activities of duodenal mucosal bicarbonate transport proteins, CFTR and SLC26A6, which contributes to the development of duodenal ulcer.
Plasma exchange and chelator therapy rescues acute liver failure in Wilson disease without liver transplantation
Authors: Kido Jun , Matsumoto Shirou , Momosaki Ken , Sakamoto Rieko , Mitsubuchi Hiroshi , Inomata Yukihiro , Endo Fumio , Nakamura Kimitoshi
Published: March 2016

Aim

Wilson disease (WD) in patients with a New Wilson Index (NWI) score ≥ 11 is fatal, and these patients are good candidates for liver transplantation (LT). However, plasma exchange and chelator therapy are indispensable and effective even for WD with a score ≥ 11. Moreover, continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) with these treatments is essential for acute liver failure (ALF) in WD with hepatic encephalopathy because CHDF can exclude toxic metabolites that may cause damage to the brain. Here, we describe four rescued patients presenting with ALF in WD and discuss the available treatment options.

Methods

We have experienced 11 male and 8 female patients presenting with WD at the Department of Pediatrics, Kumamoto University Hospital between 1999 and 2014. A male and 4 female patients were diagnosed as WD with ALF using a combination of clinical findings and biochemical tests.

Results

The NWI score was ≥ 11 in cases 1 to 3. Cases 1 and 2 with hepatic encephalopathy received plasma exchange, CHDF, coagulation factor replacement treatment (CFRT) and LT. Cases 3 and 4 without encephalopathy obtained stable status without LT by plasma exchange, blood infusion, and CFRT.

Conclusions

It is better to undergo LT for WD patients with a NWI score ≥ 11, however, there is a possibility of remission by plasma exchange and medical therapy even without LT. WD patients with a NWI score ≥ 11can be rescued by conservative therapy when the ALF of WD does not present with ALF and hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore, ALF with hepatic encephalopathy itself is an indication for LT in WD.
The effect of a hydrous phase on P‐wave velocity anisotropy within a detachment shear zone in the slow‐spreading oceanic crust: A case study from the Godzilla Megamullion, Philippine Sea
Authors: Michibayashi Katsuyoshi , Watanabe Tohru , Harigane Yumiko , Ohara Yasuhiko
Published: March 2016

We studied the contributions of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, and amphibole to the P‐wave velocity properties of gabbroic mylonites of the Godzilla Megamullion (site KH07‐02‐D18) in the Parece Vela Rift of the central Parece Vela Basin, Philippine Sea, based on their crystal‐preferred orientations (CPOs), mineral modes, and elastic constants and densities of single crystals. The gabbroic mylonites have been classified into three types based on their microstructures and temperature conditions: HT1, HT2 and medium‐temperature (MT) mylonites. The P‐wave velocity properties of the HT1 mylonite are dominantly influenced by plagioclase CPOs. Secondary amphibole occurred after deformation in the HT1 mylonite, so that its effect on P‐wave velocity anisotropy is minimal due to weak CPOs. Although the HT2 mylonite developed deformation microstructures in the three minerals, the P‐wave velocity properties of the HT2 mylonite are essentially isotropic, resulting from the destructive interference of different P‐wave velocity anisotropy patterns produced by the distinct CPOs of the three constituent minerals (i.e., plagioclase, clinopyroxene, and amphibole). The P‐wave velocity properties of the MT mylonite are influenced mainly by amphibole CPOs, whereas the effect of plagioclase CPOs on P‐wave velocity anisotropy becomes very small with a decrease in the intensity of plagioclase CPOs. As a result, the gabbroic mylonites tend to have weak P‐wave velocity anisotropy in seismic velocity, although their constituent minerals show distinct CPOs. Such weakness in the whole‐rock P‐wave velocity anisotropy could result from the destructive contributions of the different mineral CPOs with respect to the structural framework (foliation and lineation). These results show that amphibole has a high potential for P‐wave velocity anisotropy by aligning both crystallographically and dimensionally during deformation in the hydrous oceanic crust. The results also suggest that the effect of a hydrous phase on P‐wave velocity anisotropy within the detachment shear zone in a slow‐spreading oceanic crust varies depending on the degree of deformation and on the timing of hydrothermal activity.
A Late Cretaceous mammalian dentary from the Ashizawa Formation (Futaba Group), Fukushima, northeastern Japan
Authors: Kusuhashi Nao , Suzuki Tadashi , Terui Kazuaki , Sato Atsushi , Amiot Romain
Published: March 2016

A mammalian dentary discovered in the Coniacian Ashizawa Formation (Fukushima, northeastern Japan) is described. The specimen is a fragment of the horizontal ramus of a left edentulous dentary with five alveoli, the distal four of which are plugged with broken roots. Based on the morphologies of the dentary and the roots, it is considered to be of a therian mammal. This constitutes the first discovery of a Mesozoic mammal in northeastern Japan and highlights the potential for future mammal discoveries in the Cretaceous System in northeastern Japan, which will be significant for disclosure of the mammalian faunal evolution in East Asia during the Late Cretaceous.
Variation in selection pressure acting on body size by age and sex in a reverse sexual size dimorphic raptor
Authors: Warkentin Ian G. , Espie Richard H. M. , Lieske David J. , James Paul C.
Published: March 2016

Body size strongly influences fitness, with larger individuals benefiting in terms of both greater productivity and survivorship; for reverse sexual size dimorphic (RSD) species, this relationship may be more complex. We examined the selection pressures acting on body size in male and female MerlinsFalco columbariusto assess whether larger or smaller individuals of thisRSDspecies were favoured in terms of survival and breeding performance. For males and females there were clear links between body size and survival but the exact relationship varied by sex. Among males, birds that survived each year class were larger than those that died and yearlings were on average smaller than older birds, but there were no measurable differences among adult males (age 2+). Among females, larger individuals aged 1 and 2 years were more likely to survive, but this size‐based pattern was not apparent in older age classes. Size early in life predicted the lifespan in male Merlins but not as strongly as for females and not for the largest individuals. Reproductive performance based on brood size was not associated with body size in either males or females, but there was a weak positive relationship between female body size and lifetime reproductive success. Selection appears to favour larger males and females but there is no indication that the population is evolving towards bigger individuals, perhaps in part due to selection against the largest birds. Increased survival may allow larger and higher quality individuals to occupy higher quality territories as they age and thereby to accrue greater lifetime reproductive success in the process.
Interactive vocal communication at the nest by parent Great TitsParus major
Authors: Boucaud Ingrid C. A. , Valère Pénélope A. , Aguirre Smith Mélissa L. N. , Doligez Blandine , Cauchard Laure , Rybak Fanny , Vignal Clémentine
Published: March 2016

Although most bird species show monogamous pair bonds and bi‐parental care, little is known of how mated birds coordinate their activities. Whether or not partners communicate with each other to adjust their behaviour remains an open question. During incubation and the first days after hatching, one parent – generally the female – stays in the nest for extended periods, and might depend on acoustic communication to exchange information with its mate outside. The Great TitParus majoris an interesting study system to investigate intra‐pair communication at the nest because males address songs to their mate while she is in the nest cavity, and females answer the male from the cavity with calls. However, the function of this communication remains unknown. In this study, we recorded the vocalizations and observed the resulting behaviour of Great Tit pairs around the nest at different breeding stages (laying, incubation and chick‐rearing). We observed vocal exchanges (vocalization bouts, alternated on the same tempo, between the female inside the nest and her male outside) in three contexts with different outcomes: (1) the female left the nest, (2) the male entered the box with food, and the female then used specific call types, (3) mates stopped calling but did not leave or enter the nest. The structure of vocal exchanges was globally stable between contexts, but females used calls with an up‐shifted spectrum during exchanges, at the end of which they left the nest or the male entered the nest. Birds vocalized more and at higher tempo during exchanges that ended up in feeding inside the nest. Birds also vocalized more during exchanges taking place during laying – a period of active mate guarding – than during incubation. We conclude that vocal exchanges could signal the females’ need for food and the males’ mate guarding behaviour, and discuss other possible functions of this communication.
2‐Hydroxyisocaproic acid is bactericidal in human dental root canals ex vivo
Authors: Sakko M. , Tjäderhane L. , Sorsa T. , Hietala P. , Rautemaa R.
Published: March 2016

Aim

To compare the activity of 2‐hydroxyisocaproic acid (HICA), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG) against Enterococcus faecalis T‐75359 (root canal isolate) in the root canals of extracted human teeth.

Methodology

Bacterial suspensions (108 cfu mL−1) were incubated in root canals with 0.9 mm diameter root blocks (n = 73) for 21 days. Bacterial penetration into dentine was analysed by the Brown and Brenn method (n = 5). Canals (n = 17/group) were medicated with 40% of HICA paste, 40% of Ca(OH)2 paste, 2% of CHG solution or 0.9% of saline solution for 7 days. Samples taken from the inner (first 0.1 mm) and deeper (second 0.1 mm) dentine, and residual roots were cultured in broth for 24 h. Bacterial growth was detected by spectrophotometry (optical density, OD) and confirmed by culture on agar. The OD data were analysed with Kruskal–Wallis and Friedman with Wilcoxon signed‐rank test between and within groups, respectively, and agar culture data with Pearson chi‐square with Mann–Whitney and Cochran with McNemar tests, respectively (P < 0.05).

Results

Bacterial invasion into dentine tubules was confirmed. In deeper dentine, HICA inhibited >90% of bacterial growth in comparison with saline. No bacterial growth was observed in 82–100% of inner and deeper dentine samples. CHG prevented the growth in 88%, Ca(OH)2 in 59–76% and saline in 65–71%, respectively. HICA was significantly more active than Ca(OH)2 (P = 0.008) in the residual roots. The viability testing on agar showed essentially the same result.

Conclusion

HICA paste exerted superior activity against E. faecalis and could have potential for root canal medication.
Bank Directors’ Perceptions of Expanded Auditor's Reports
Authors: Boolaky Pran Krishansing , Quick Reiner
Published: March 2016

Subsequent to the financial crisis, standard setters developed suggestions for enhancing the audit function, in order to increase financial stability. One related idea is to expand the audit report disclosed to the public, to ensure that it is fit for purpose. This study investigates the impact of expanded audit reports, namely information on the assurance level, materiality levels and key audit matters (KAM), on bank director perceptions of the quality of the financial statements, the audit and the audit report, as well as on their credit approval decisions. We conduct an experiment involving a sample of 105 bank directors and use ANCOVA to determine the predictors of bank director perceptions and decisions. Our findings suggest that disclosing the assurance level has a significantly positive impact. In contrast, we cannot demonstrate a material effect of expanding the audit report to include the materiality level or KAM. As a consequence, standard setters should carefully analyse the effect of additional information before making decisions on expanding the content of the audit report. Such expansions are not necessarily perceived as useful by stakeholders.
Discounted labour? Disaggregating care work in comparative perspective
Authors: LIGHTMAN Naomi
Published: March 2016

This article contrasts the earnings of high‐ and low‐status care workers in Canada, the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Taiwan (China) using the micro‐data files of the Luxembourg Income Study. By disaggregating existing definitions of care work, the author identifies occupations with lower and higher degrees of “social closure”, revealing the associated care penalties and care bonuses cross‐nationally. She also empirically measures the extent of similarities (and differences) between and within care economies in “liberal” and “productivist developmental” welfare regimes, offering support for the argument that globalization has fostered substantial convergence within the international care market.
Emerging role of microRNAs in regulating macrophage activation and polarization in immune response and inflammation
Authors: Wu Xiao‐qin , Dai Yao , Yang Yang , Huang Cheng , Meng Xiao‐ming , Wu Bao‐ming , Li Jun
Published: March 2016

Diversity and plasticity are hallmarks of macrophages. Classically activated macrophages are considered to promote T helper type 1 responses and have strong microbicidal, pro‐inflammatory activity, whereas alternatively activated macrophages are supposed to be associated with promotion of tissue remodelling and responses to anti‐inflammatory reactions. Transformation of different macrophage phenotypes is reflected in their different, sometimes even opposite, roles in various diseases or inflammatory conditions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of macrophage polarization (MP). Several miRNAs are induced by Toll‐like receptors signalling in macrophages and target the 3′‐untranslated regions of mRNAs encoding key molecules involved in MP. Therefore, identification of miRNAs related to the dynamic changes of MP and understanding their functions in regulating this process are important for discussing the molecular basis of disease progression and developing novel miRNA‐targeted therapeutic strategies. Here, we review the current knowledge of the role of miRNAs in MP with relevance to immune response and inflammation.