bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Plant Growth Promoters and Herbicides on Growth, Yield Attribute and Yield of Kharif Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Maurya Shravan Kumar , Verma V. K. , Khan Naushad , Yadav D.D. , Siddqui M.Z. , Kumar Sarvesh , Kumar Anil , Singh Jaykar , Kumar Mandeep
Published: September 2024

A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive kharif seasons 2022 and 2023 at Students’ Instructional Farm, Department of Agronomy, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, (U.P.) - 208002 India. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Three plant growth promoters [viz. Gibberellic acid (P1), Cytokinin + Enzymes (P2) and Amino acid + Humic acid + Sea weed extract (P3)] were allocated in main plots; whereas six herbicidal treatments [viz. Weedy check (W1), Tembotrione 42%SC @ 120g a.i./ha (W2), Halosulfuron methyl 75% WG @ 72g a.i./ha (W3), Topramezone 33.6 SC @ 25.2g a.i./ha (W4), Atrazin 50%WP @ 1kg a.i./ha (W5) and Mesotrione 2.27%W + Atrazin 22.7%SC @ 750 ml a.i./ha (W6)] were setup in sub plots. On the pooled basis of two years experimental results showed that, application of Amino acid + Humic acid + Sea weed extract (P3) recorded significantly highest value of plant height (208.22cm), crop growth rate (47.54 and 9.96 g m-2 day-1 at 60 - 90 DAS and 90 DAS - harvest stage, respectively), relative growth rate (0.1029, 0.1052 and 0.0825 g g-1 day-1 at 30 - 60 DAS, 60 - 90 DAS and 90 DAS - harvest stage, respectively), length of cob (18.56cm), number of grains cob-1 (574.01), grain yield (6835.95 kg ha-1) and harvest index (34.26). However, among herbicidal treatments, Tembotrione 42%SC @ 120g a.i./ha (W2) was recorded significantly maximum weed control efficiency (85.86% at 75 DAS) plant height (216.59cm), leaf area (5226cm2) crop growth rate (43.45, 48.77 and 10.26 g m-2 day-1 at 30 - 60 DAS, 60 - 90 DAS and 90 DAS - harvest stage, respectively), relative growth rate (0.1037. 0.1053 and 0.0829 g g-1 day-1 at 30 - 60 DAS, 60 - 90 DAS and 90 DAS - harvest stage, respectively) and net assimilation rate (5.65 g m-2 day-1 at 30 - 60 DAS), length of cob (18.56cm), number of grains cob-1 (574.01), grain yield (6835.95 kg ha-1) and harvest index (34.26).
Reaction kinetics of alkenone and n‐alkane thermal alteration at seismic timescales
Authors: Rabinowitz H. S. , Polissar P. J. , Savage H. M.
Published: January 2017

Recent experiments and field observations have indicated that biomarker molecules can react over short timescales relevant to seismic slip, thereby making these compounds a useful tool in studying temperature rise in fault zones. However, short‐timescale biomarker reaction kinetics studies have previously focused on compounds that have already experienced burial heating. Here, we present a set of hydrous pyrolysis experiments on Pleistocene‐aged shallow marine sediment to develop the reaction kinetics of long‐chain alkenone destruction, change in the alkenone unsaturation ratio (
), and change in the n‐alkane chain length distribution. Our results show that biomarker thermal maturity provides a useful method for detecting temperature rise in the shallow reaches of faults, such as subduction zone trench environments. Through the course of our work, we also noted the alteration of total alkenone concentrations and
values in crushed sediments stored dry at room temperature for durations of months to years but not in the solvent extracts of these materials. This result, though parenthetical for our work in fault zones, has important implications for proper storage of sedimentary samples to be used for alkenone paleotemperature and productivity analysis.
Hemispheric sea ice distribution sets the glacial tempo
Authors: Lee Jung‐Eun , Shen Aaron , Fox‐Kemper Baylor , Ming Yi
Published: January 2017

The proxy record of global temperature shows that the dominant periodicity of the glacial cycle shifts from 40 kyr (obliquity) to 100 kyr (eccentricity) about a million years ago. Using climate model simulations, here we show that the pace of the glacial cycle depends on the pattern of hemispheric sea ice growth. In a cold climate the sea ice grows asymmetrically between two hemispheres under changes to Earth's orbital precession, because sea ice growth potential outside of the Arctic Circle is limited. This difference in hemispheric sea ice growth leads to an asymmetry in absorbed solar energy for the two hemispheres, particularly when eccentricity is high, even if the annual average insolation is similar. In a warmer climate, the hemispheric asymmetry of the sea ice decreases as mean Arctic and Antarctic sea ice decreases, diminishing the precession and eccentricity signals and explaining the dominant obliquity signal (40 kyr) before the mid‐Pleistocene transition.
Clouds, warm air, and a climate cooling signal over the summer Arctic
Authors: Sedlar Joseph , Tjernström Michael
Published: January 2017

While the atmospheric greenhouse effect always results in a warming at the surface, outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) to space always represents a cooling. During events of heat and moisture advection into the Arctic, increases in tropospheric temperature and moisture impact clouds, in turn impacting longwave (LW) radiation. State‐of‐the‐art satellite measurements and atmospheric reanalysis consistently reveal an enhancement of summer Arctic monthly OLR cooling ranging 1.5–4 W m−2 during months with anomalously high thermodynamic advection. This cooling anomaly is found to be of the same magnitude or slightly larger than associated downwelling LW surface warming anomalies. We identify a relationship between large‐scale circulation variability and changing cloud properties permitting LW radiation at both the surface and top of the atmosphere to respond to variability in atmospheric thermodynamics. Driven by anomalous advection of warm air, the corresponding enhanced OLR cooling signal on monthly time scales represents an important buffer to regional Arctic warming.
Is diffuse aurora driven from above or below?
Authors: Khazanov G. V. , Sibeck D. G. , Zesta E.
Published: January 2017

In the diffuse aurora, magnetospheric electrons, initially precipitated from the inner plasma sheet via wave‐particle interaction processes, degrade in the atmosphere toward lower energies, and produce secondary electrons via impact ionization of the neutral atmosphere. These initially precipitating electrons of magnetospheric origin can also be additionally reflected back into the magnetosphere, leading to a series of multiple reflections by the two magnetically conjugate atmospheres that can greatly impact the initially precipitating flux at the upper ionospheric boundary (700–800 km). The resultant population of secondary and primary electrons cascades toward lower energies and escape back to the magnetosphere. Escaping upward electrons traveling from the ionosphere can be trapped in the magnetosphere, as they travel inside the loss cone, via Coulomb collisions with the cold plasma, or by interactions with various plasma waves. Even though this scenario is intuitively transparent, this magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling element is not considered in any of the existing diffuse aurora research. Nevertheless, as we demonstrate in this letter, this process has the potential to dramatically affect the formation of electron precipitated fluxes in the regions of diffuse auroras.
Investigating energetic electron precipitation through combining ground‐based and balloon observations
Authors: Clilverd Mark A. , Rodger Craig J. , McCarthy Michael , Millan Robyn , Blum Lauren W. , Cobbett Neil , Brundell James B. , Danskin Donald , Halford Alexa J.
Published: January 2017

A detailed comparison is undertaken of the energetic electron spectra and fluxes of two precipitation events that were observed in 18/19 January 2013. A novel but powerful technique of combining simultaneous ground‐based subionospheric radio wave data and riometer absorption measurements with X‐ray fluxes from a Balloon Array for Relativistic Radiation‐belt Electron Losses (BARREL) balloon is used for the first time as an example of the analysis procedure. The two precipitation events are observed by all three instruments, and the relative timing is used to provide information/insight into the spatial extent and evolution of the precipitation regions. The two regions were found to be moving westward with drift periods of 5–11 h and with longitudinal dimensions of ~20° and ~70° (1.5–3.5 h of magnetic local time). The electron precipitation spectra during the events can be best represented by a peaked energy spectrum, with the peak in flux occurring at ~1–1.2 MeV. This suggests that the radiation belt loss mechanism occurring is an energy‐selective process, rather than one that precipitates the ambient trapped population. The motion, size, and energy spectra of the patches are consistent with electromagnetic ion cyclotron‐induced electron precipitation driven by injected 10–100 keV protons. Radio wave modeling calculations applying the balloon‐based fluxes were used for the first time and successfully reproduced the ground‐based subionospheric radio wave and riometer observations, thus finding strong agreement between the observations and the BARREL measurements.
A study of the nonlinear response of the upper atmosphere to episodic and stochastic acoustic‐gravity wave forcing
Authors: Lin Cissi Y. , Deng Yue , Sheng Cheng , Drob Douglas P.
Published: January 2017

Perturbations caused by geophysical and anthropogenic events on the ground have been observed to propagate upward and impact the upper atmosphere. Gravity waves with wavelengths less than 750 km are known to be responsible for the total electron content (TEC) perturbations and to play a significant role in the mass, momentum, and energy budgets of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. These waves are, however, difficult to continuously measure, globally resolve, and deterministically specify in first‐principle ionosphere‐thermosphere (IT) models. In this study, we investigate IT response to induced acoustic‐gravity waves resulting from strong time‐varying lower atmospheric wave forcing, including a traveling wave packet (TWP) and stochastic gravity wave (SGW) fields using the nonlinear Global Ionosphere Thermosphere Model (GITM) with high‐resolution grids of 0.08° in longitude and latitude. When TWP and SGW forcing occurs concurrently, the induced gravity waves (GWs) cause variation of ±8.8% in neutral, ±6.2% in electron density, and ±1.5% in TEC. The magnitudes decrease by 2.4% (from ±8.8% to ±6.4%) with the SGW effects simulated separately and subtracted; importantly, interactions between TWP and SGW contribute to ±1.4% of the perturbations. On the other hand, the induced acoustic waves (AWs) cause variation of ±13.9% in neutral, ±2.1% in electron density, and ±0.4% in TEC. Furthermore, GWs sustain tens of minutes after the TWP has passed through the lower atmosphere and clear traveling ionospheric disturbances and traveling atmospheric disturbances are developed. We demonstrate that clear wave structures from an episodic event can be isolated even under a ubiquitously and overwhelmingly perturbed atmosphere.
MAVEN observations on a hemispheric asymmetry of precipitating ions toward the Martian upper atmosphere according to the upstream solar wind electric field
Authors: Hara Takuya , Luhmann Janet G. , Leblanc François , Curry Shannon M. , Seki Kanako , Brain David A. , Halekas Jasper S. , Harada Yuki , McFadden James P. , Livi Roberto , DiBraccio Gina A. , Connerney John E. P. , Jakosky Bruce M.
Published: January 2017

The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) observations show that the global spatial distribution of ions precipitating toward the Martian upper atmosphere has a highly asymmetric pattern relative to the upstream solar wind electric field. MAVEN observations indicate that precipitating planetary heavy ion fluxes measured in the downward solar wind electric field (−E) hemisphere are generally larger than those measured in the upward electric field (+E) hemisphere, as expected from modeling. The −E (+E) hemispheres are defined by the direction of solar wind electric field pointing toward (or away from) the planet. On the other hand, such an asymmetric precipitating pattern relative to the solar wind electric field is less clear around the terminator. Strong precipitating fluxes are sometimes found even in the +E field hemisphere under either strong upstream solar wind dynamic pressure or strong interplanetary magnetic field periods. The results imply that those intense precipitating ion fluxes are observed when the gyroradii of pickup ions are estimated to be relatively small compared with the planetary scale. Therefore, the upstream solar wind parameters are important factors in controlling the global spatial pattern and flux of ions precipitating into the Martian upper atmosphere.
“Zipper‐like” periodic magnetosonic waves: Van Allen Probes, THEMIS, and magnetospheric multiscale observations
Authors: Li J. , Bortnik J. , Li W. , Ma Q. , Thorne R. M. , Kletzing C. A. , Kurth W. S. , Hospodarsky G. B. , Wygant J. , Breneman A. , Thaller S. , Funsten H. O. , Mitchell D. G. , Manweiler J. W. , Torbert R. B. , Le Contel O. , Ergun R. E. , Lindqvist P.‐A. , Torkar K. , Nakamura R. , Andriopoulou M. , Russell C. T.
Published: January 2017

An interesting form of “zipper‐like” magnetosonic waves consisting of two bands of interleaved periodic rising‐tone spectra was newly observed by the Van Allen Probes, the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS), and the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) missions. The two discrete bands are distinct in frequency and intensity; however, they maintain the same periodicity which varies in space and time, suggesting that they possibly originate from one single source intrinsically. In one event, the zipper‐like magnetosonic waves exhibit the same periodicity as a constant‐frequency magnetosonic wave and an electrostatic emission, but the modulation comes from neither density fluctuations nor ULF waves. A statistical survey based on 3.5 years of multisatellite observations shows that zipper‐like magnetosonic waves mainly occur on the dawnside to noonside, in a frequency range between 10 fcp and fLHR. The zipper‐like magnetosonic waves may provide a new clue to nonlinear excitation or modulation process, while its cause still remains to be fully understood.
Multiday evolution of convective bursts during western North Pacific tropical cyclone development and nondevelopment using geostationary satellite measurements
Authors: Chang Minhee , Ho Chang‐Hoi , Park Myung‐Sook , Kim Jinwon , Ahn Myoung‐Hwan
Published: January 2017

Tropical cyclones (TCs) develop through latent heating from a series of deep convection. To investigate the evolution of diurnal convective burst (CB) activities prior to TC formation, we analyzed 463 tropical disturbances that developed (80) or not developed (383) into TCs over the western North Pacific during the 2007–2009 period. Geostationary satellite data allowed defining deep convection where infrared (IR) brightness temperature is lower than that of water vapor (WV). Diurnal expansions from time series of IR minus WV < 0 areas near disturbance vortex centers for 5 days are defined as CB events. Combined analysis with the Modern Era Retrospective‐Analysis shows that the multiday convective‐environmental evolution for TC formation is entirely different from nonformation processes in terms of the occurrence of two consecutive diurnal CB events. Multiday CBs (mCB) are observed in 67.5% of the 80 TC formation cases and in 13.8% of the 383 nonformation cases. Intensities of the middle‐to‐low tropospheric relative vorticity of these two groups are comparable on 4 to 5 days prior to TC formation. However, vorticity intensification is weak for nondeveloping disturbances in environments of strong vertical wind shear; these disturbances eventually decay. The vorticity of developing disturbances continuously intensifies to TC strengths. The remaining 32.5% of the TC cases without mCB show weaker initial vorticity, but rapid intensification over 3 day periods before TC formation. The present results reveal that mCB is a common feature in pre‐TC stages, and large‐scale environments of weak vertical wind shear are critical for the formation of TC‐strength circulations.
Estimating 1 min rain rate distributions from numerical weather prediction
Authors: Paulson Kevin S.
Published: January 2017

Internationally recognized prognostic models of rain fade on terrestrial and Earth‐space EHF links rely fundamentally on distributions of 1 min rain rates. Currently, in Rec. ITU‐R P.837‐6, these distributions are generated using the Salonen‐Poiares Baptista method where 1 min rain rate distributions are estimated from long‐term average annual accumulations provided by numerical weather prediction (NWP). This paper investigates an alternative to this method based on the distribution of 6 h accumulations available from the same NWPs. Rain rate fields covering the UK, produced by the Nimrod network of radars, are integrated to estimate the accumulations provided by NWP, and these are linked to distributions of fine‐scale rain rates. The proposed method makes better use of the available data. It is verified on 15 NWP regions spanning the UK, and the extension to other regions is discussed.
Quantitative genetic analysis of the body composition and blood pressure association in two ethnically diverse populations
Authors: Ghosh Sudipta , Dosaev Tasbulat , Prakash Jai , Livshits Gregory
Published: January 2017

Objectives

The major aim of this study was to conduct comparative quantitative‐genetic analysis of the body composition (BCP) and somatotype (STP) variation, as well as their correlations with blood pressure (BP) in two ethnically, culturally and geographically different populations: Santhal, indigenous ethnic group from India and Chuvash, indigenous population from Russia.

Materials and Methods

Correspondently two pedigree‐based samples were collected from 1,262 Santhal and1,558 Chuvash individuals, respectively. At the first stage of the study, descriptive statistics and a series of univariate regression analyses were calculated. Finally, multiple and multivariate regression (MMR) analyses, with BP measurements as dependent variables and age, sex, BCP and STP as independent variables were carried out in each sample separately. The significant and independent covariates of BP were identified and used for re‐examination in pedigree‐based variance decomposition analysis.

Results and Discussion

Despite clear and significant differences between the populations in BCP/STP, both Santhal and Chuvash were found to be predominantly mesomorphic irrespective of their sex. According to MMR analyses variation of BP significantly depended on age and mesomorphic component in both samples, and in addition on sex, ectomorphy and fat mass index in Santhal and on fat free mass index in Chuvash samples, respectively. Additive genetic component contributes to a substantial proportion of blood pressure and body composition variance. Variance component analysis in addition to above mentioned results suggests that additive genetic factors influence BP and BCP/STP associations significantly.
Comparable clinical outcomes in patients with HER2‐mutant and EGFR‐mutant lung adenocarcinomas
Authors: Gow Chien‐Hung , Chang Hou‐Tai , Lim Chor‐Kuan , Liu Chao‐Yu , Chen Jin‐Shing , Shih Jin‐Yuan
Published: January 2017

HER2 is a major proliferative driver in lung cancer. HER2 gene aberrations impact the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma (ADC). A one‐step reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction was performed using RNA samples from 888 Asian lung cancer patients to detect HER2, EGFR, KRAS, ALK, and ROS1 mutations. The demographic data and treatment outcomes of HER2 mutation‐positive lung ADC patients were analyzed and compared to those with HER2 mutation‐negative tumors. HER2 mutation was identified in 40 (4.5%) lung ADC patients. HER2 mutations tended to occur in male patients with advanced‐stage disease and never‐smokers. A775_G776insYVMA (n = 22, 55%) was the most prevalent HER2 mutation, followed by P780_Y781insGSP (n = 4, 10%). For patients diagnosed with stage‐IIIB/IV disease, HER2‐mutant patients showed clinical outcomes comparable to EGFR‐mutant patients (P = 0.721, log‐rank test) and a better overall survival (OS) compared to patients lacking driver mutations in the investigated genes (P = 0.033, Breslow test). Specifically, lung ADC patients with stage‐IV HER2‐mutant tumors treated with chemotherapy or targeted agents, even without afatinib or anti‐HER2 targeted therapy, showed similar clinical outcomes to lung ADC patients harboring EGFR exon 19 deletion or L858R mutations (P = 0.870). In addition, multivariate analysis indicated that HER2 mutation status was not a major risk factor for diminished OS in stage‐IV lung cancer. In conclusion, lung ADC harboring HER2 mutations showed distinct characteristics from other driver mutations, including increased chemosensitivity with in advanced stage disease.
ASXL2 mutations are frequently found in pediatric AML patients with t(8;21)/ RUNX1‐RUNX1T1 and associated with a better prognosis
Authors: Yamato Genki , Shiba Norio , Yoshida Kenichi , Shiraishi Yuichi , Hara Yusuke , Ohki Kentaro , Okubo Jun , Okuno Haruna , Chiba Kenichi , Tanaka Hiroko , Kinoshita Akitoshi , Moritake Hiroshi , Kiyokawa Nobutaka , Tomizawa Daisuke , Park Myoung‐ja , Sotomatsu Manabu , Taga Takashi , Adachi Souichi , Tawa Akio , Horibe Keizo , Arakawa Hirokazu , Miyano Satoru , Ogawa Seishi , Hayashi Yasuhide
Published: January 2017

ASXL2 is an epigenetic regulator involved in polycomb repressive complex regulation or recruitment. Clinical features of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with ASXL2 mutations remain unclear. Thus, we investigated frequencies of ASXL1 and ASXL2 mutations, clinical features of patients with these mutations, correlations of these mutations with other genetic alterations including BCOR/BCORL1 and cohesin complex component genes, and prognostic impact of these mutations in 369 pediatric patients with de novo AML (0–17 years). We identified 9 (2.4%) ASXL1 and 17 (4.6%) ASXL2 mutations in 25 patients. These mutations were more common in patients with t(8;21)(q22;q22)/RUNX1‐RUNX1T1 (ASXL1, 6/9, 67%, P = 0.02; ASXL2, 10/17, 59%, P = 0.01). Among these 25 patients, 4 (27%) of 15 patients with t(8;21) and 6 (60%) of 10 patients without t(8;21) relapsed. However, most patients with relapse were rescued using stem cell transplantation irrespective of t(8;21). The overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival (EFS) rates showed no differences among pediatric AML patients with t(8;21) and ASXL1 or ASXL2 mutations and ASXL wild‐type (5‐year OS, 75% vs. 100% vs. 91% and 5‐year EFS, 67% vs. 80% vs. 67%). In 106 patients with t(8;21) AML, the coexistence of mutations in tyrosine kinase pathways and chromatin modifiers and/or cohesin complex component genes had no effect on prognosis. These results suggest that ASXL1 and ASXL2 mutations play key roles as cooperating mutations that induce leukemogenesis, particularly in pediatric AML patients with t(8;21), and these mutations might be associated with a better prognosis than that reported previously.
Identification of highly connected hub genes in the protective response program of human macrophages and microglia activated by alpha B‐crystallin
Authors: Holtman Inge R. , Bsibsi Malika , Gerritsen Wouter H. , Boddeke Hendrikus W. G. M. , Eggen Bart J. L. , van der Valk Paul , Kipp Markus , van Noort Johannes M. , Amor Sandra
Published: January 2017

The glial stress protein alpha B‐crystallin (HSPB5) is an endogenous agonist for Toll‐like receptor 2 in CD14+ cells. Following systemic administration, HSPB5 acts as a potent inhibitor of neuroinflammation in animal models and reduces lesion development in multiple sclerosis patients. Here, we show that systemically administered HSPB5 rapidly crosses the blood–brain barrier, implicating microglia as additional targets for HSPB5 along with peripheral monocytes and macrophages. To compare key players in the HSPB5‐induced protective response of human macrophages and microglia, we applied weighted gene co‐expression network analysis on transcript expression data obtained 1 and 4 h after activation. This approach identified networks of genes that are co‐expressed in all datasets, thus reducing the complexity of the nonsynchronous waves of transcripts that appear after activation by HSPB5. In both cell types, HSPB5 activates a network of highly connected genes that appear to be functionally equivalent and consistent with the therapeutic effects of HSPB5 in vivo, since both networks include factors that suppress apoptosis, the production of proinflammatory factors, and the development of adaptive immunity. Yet, hub genes at the core of the network in either cell type were strikingly different. They prominently feature the well‐known tolerance‐promoting programmed‐death ligand 1 as a key player in the macrophage response to HSPB5, and the immune‐regulatory enzyme cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in that of microglia. This latter finding indicates that despite its reputation as a potential target for nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, microglial COX‐2 plays a central role in the therapeutic effects of HSPB5 during neuroinflammation. GLIA 2017;65:460–473
Conditional knockout of TOG results in CNS hypomyelination
Authors: Maggipinto Michael J. , Ford Joshay , Le Kristine H. , Tutolo Jessica W. , Furusho Miki , Wizeman John W. , Bansal Rashmi , Barbarese Elisa
Published: January 2017

The tumor overexpressed gene (TOG) protein is present in RNA granules that transport myelin basic protein (MBP) mRNA in oligodendrocyte processes to the myelin compartment. Its role was investigated by conditionally knocking it out (KO) in myelinating glia in vivo. TOG KO mice have severe motor deficits that are already apparent at the time of weaning. This phenotype correlates with a paucity of myelin in several CNS regions, the most severe being in the spinal cord. In the TOG KO optic nerve <30% of axons are myelinated. The number of oligodendrocytes in the corpus callosum, cerebellum, and cervical spinal cord is normal. In the absence of TOG, the most patent biochemical change is a large reduction in MBP content, yet normal amounts of MBP transcripts are found in the brain of affected animals. MBP transcripts are largely confined to the cell body of the oligodendrocytes in the TOG KO in contrast to the situation in wild type mice where they are found in the processes of the oligodendrocytes and in the myelin compartment. These findings indicate that MBP gene expression involves a post‐transcriptional TOG‐dependent step. TOG may be necessary for MBP mRNA assembly into translation permissive granules, and/or for transport to preferred sites of translation. GLIA 2017;65:489–501
Astrocytic IP3Rs: Contribution to Ca2+ signalling and hippocampal LTP
Authors: Sherwood Mark William , Arizono Misa , Hisatsune Chihiro , Bannai Hiroko , Ebisui Etsuko , Sherwood John Lawrence , Panatier Aude , Oliet Stéphane Henri Richard , Mikoshiba Katsuhiko
Published: January 2017

Astrocytes regulate hippocampal synaptic plasticity by the Ca2+ dependent release of the N‐methyl d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) co‐agonist d‐serine. Previous evidence indicated that d‐serine release would be regulated by the intracellular Ca2+ release channel IP3 receptor (IP3R), however, genetic deletion of IP3R2, the putative astrocytic IP3R subtype, had no impact on synaptic plasticity or transmission. Although IP3R2 is widely believed to be the only functional IP3R in astrocytes, three IP3R subtypes (1, 2, and 3) have been identified in vertebrates. Therefore, to better understand gliotransmission, we investigated the functionality of IP3R and the contribution of the three IP3R subtypes to Ca2+ signalling. As a proxy for gliotransmission, we found that long‐term potentiation (LTP) was impaired by dialyzing astrocytes with the broad IP3R blocker heparin, and rescued by exogenous d‐serine, indicating that astrocytic IP3Rs regulate d‐serine release. To explore which IP3R subtypes are functional in astrocytes, we used pharmacology and two‐photon Ca2+ imaging of hippocampal slices from transgenic mice (IP3R2−/− and IP3R2−/−;3−/−). This approach revealed that underneath IP3R2‐mediated global Ca2+ events are an overlooked class of IP3R‐mediated local events, occurring in astroglial processes. Notably, multiple IP3Rs were recruited by high frequency stimulation of the Schaffer collaterals, a classical LTP induction protocol. Together, these findings show the dependence of LTP and gliotransmission on Ca2+ release by astrocytic IP3Rs. GLIA 2017;65:502–513
Diabetes, plasma glucose and incidence of pancreatic cancer: A prospective study of 0.5 million Chinese adults and a meta‐analysis of 22 cohort studies
Authors: Pang Yuanjie , Kartsonaki Christiana , Guo Yu , Bragg Fiona , Yang Ling , Bian Zheng , Chen Yiping , Iona Andri , Millwood Iona Y , Lv Jun , Yu Canqing , Chen Junshi , Li Liming , Holmes Michael V , Chen Zhengming
Published: January 2017

Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer (PC) in Western populations. Uncertainty remains, however, about the relevance of plasma glucose for PC among people without diabetes and about the associations of diabetes and high blood glucose with PC in China where the increase in diabetes prevalence has been very recent. The prospective China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) study recruited 512,000 adults aged 30‐79 years from 10 diverse areas of China during 2004‐2008, recording 595 PC cases during 8 years of follow‐up. Cox regression yielded adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for PC associated with diabetes (previously diagnosed or screen‐detected) and, among those without previously diagnosed diabetes, with levels of random plasma glucose (RPG). These were further meta‐analysed with 22 published prospective studies. Overall 5.8% of CKB participants had diabetes at baseline. Diabetes was associated with almost twofold increased risk of PC (adjusted HR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.48‐2.37), with excess risk higher in those with longer duration since diagnosis (p for trend = 0.01). Among those without previously diagnosed diabetes, each 1 mmol/L higher usual RPG was associated with a HR of 1.12 (1.04‐1.21). In meta‐analysis of CKB and 22 other studies, previously diagnosed diabetes was associated with a 52% excess risk (1.52, 1.43‐1.63). Among those without diabetes, each 1 mmol/L higher blood glucose was associated with a 15% (1.15, 1.09‐1.21) excess risk. In Chinese and non‐Chinese populations, diabetes and higher blood glucose levels among those without diabetes are associated with an increased risk of PC.
Assessment of the body composition of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry
Authors: Macruz Carolina F. , Lima Sônia M.R.R. , Salles João E.N. , da Silva Gustavo M.D. , Scalissi Nilza M.
Published: January 2017

Objective

To compare the body composition among patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and patients without PCOS.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study enrolled patients aged 12–39 years, with body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) at least 18.5 but below 25, who attended the Endocrine Gynecology Clinic of Santa Casa de Sao Paulo School of Medical Sciences, Brazil, between January 1, 2014, and July 31, 2015. Anthropometric measurements, metabolic and androgenic profiles, and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry measurements were compared between patients with PCOS and those without PCOS.

Results

In total, 102 eligible patients attended the study clinical during the study period; 43 were excluded owing to not meeting the inclusion criteria or declining to undergo complete study testing, and 15 withdrew from the study. Of the 44 participants, 28 had PCOS and 16 were included in the control group. Serum 17‐hydroxyprogesterone concentration (P=0.046), leg‐fat (P=0.031), and truncal‐fat (P=0.001) were all higher among patients with PCOS.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated increased truncal and leg fat among women with PCOS. The study did not detect any difference in insulin parameters but larger studies could be more suitably powered to investigate this.

ClinicalTrials.gov:

NCT02467751
The progress and challenges for dermal regeneration in tissue engineering
Authors: Zhou Hanlei , You Chuangang , Wang Xingang , Jin Ronghua , Wu Pan , Li Qiong , Han Chunmao
Published: January 2017

Wound healing is an inherent response resulting in the restoration of tissue integrity. It is a complex process involving cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and the synthesis and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The dermal tissue is an important component of skin that acts as a connecting link between the epidermis and hypodermis. The appearance of scars and contractures after autologous split‐thickness skin transplantation or single epidermis diaphragm transplantation for full skin defects indicates that the dermal tissue plays an important role in skin regeneration. Theoretically, dermis cannot regenerate like the liver, bone and epidermis after being destroyed by burns or avulsion. Scarring is hard to avoid during the process of natural healing. However, if the dermis could be reconstructed perfectly, this would be a breakthrough in the methods used for wound healing. In this review, we summarize recent research about dermal regeneration and discuss the probability of advances in the field. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1208–1218, 2017.
A critical role for adiponectin‐mediated development of endometrial luminal epithelial cells during the peri‐implantation period of pregnancy
Authors: Lim Whasun , Choi Myung Jin , Bae Hyocheol , Bazer Fuller W. , Song Gwonhwa
Published: January 2017

Adiponectin is one of the adipokines in the collagen superfamily. It is secreted primarily by white adipocytes and influences reproductive processes including ovarian and uterine functions. Adiponectin regulates energy homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and is anti‐inflammatory in various tissues. Its receptors (ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2) are widely expressed in mammalian tissues, including porcine conceptuses and endometrial during the estrous cycle and peri‐implantation period of pregnancy. However, regulatory effects of adiponectin on endometrial epithelial cells are unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effects of parity on expression of ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2 and the effects of adiponectin in the porcine endometrium during early pregnancy. Results of this study revealed robust expression of ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2 in uterine luminal (LE) and glandular (GE) epithelia during early pregnancy and expression decreased as with increasing parity. For porcine luminal epithelial (pLE) cells, adiponectin enhanced proliferation, and increased phosphorylation of AKT, P70S6K, S6, ERK1/2, JNK, P38, and P90RSK in a time‐dependent manner. Moreover, the abundance of adiponectin‐activated signaling molecules were suppressed by pharmacological inhibitors including wortmannin, U0126, SP600125, and SB203580, respectively, in pLE cells. Furthermore, inhibition of each targeted signal transduction molecule influenced proliferation of adiponectin‐stimulated pLE cells. In addition, adiponectin inhibited tunicamycin‐induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐stress through effects on ER stress regulated proteins in pLE cells. Collectively, these results suggest that adiponectin affects development of porcine uterine epithelia and reproductive performance through modulation of PI3K/AKT and MAPK cell signaling pathways.
Biological roles of glial fibrillary acidic protein as a biomarker in cartilage regenerative medicine
Authors: Kanazawa Sanshiro , Nishizawa Satoru , Takato Tsuyoshi , Hoshi Kazuto
Published: January 2017

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is an intermediate filament that is expressed in specifically expressed auricular chondrocytes, which are good cell sources of cartilage regenerative medicine. Although our group uses GFAP as a biomarker of matrix production in the cultured auricular chondrocytes, the biological roles of GFAP in auricular chondrocytes has remained unknown. In this study, we demonstrated the biological functions of GFAP in the human and mouse derived auricles to clarify the significance and role with the chondrocytes of GFAP in order to provide useful information for reliable and safe regenerative medicine. We examined the cell responses to stretch stress for these chondrocytes and completed a nuclear morphological analysis. Based on these results, GFAP seems to support the resistance to severe mechanical stress in the tissue which physiologically suffers from a stretch overload, and plays pivotal roles in the conservation of cell structures and functions through the maintenance of nuclear morphology.
Establishment of a new conditionally immortalized human skeletal muscle microvascular endothelial cell line
Authors: Sano Hironori , Sano Yasuteru , Ishiguchi Eri , Shimizu Fumitaka , Omoto Masatoshi , Maeda Toshihiko , Nishihara Hideaki , Takeshita Yukio , Takahashi Shiori , Oishi Mariko , Kanda Takashi
Published: January 2017

In skeletal muscle, the capillaries have tight junctions (TJs) that are structurally similar to those in the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) and blood‐nerve barrier (BNB). Although many findings have been clarified in the territory of BBB and BNB, few have so far examined the TJs of capillaries in the skeletal muscle. In addition, no in vitro human skeletal muscle microvasculature models have been reported thus far. We newly established a new human skeletal muscle microvascular endothelial cell (HSMMEC) line. HSMMECs were isolated from human skeletal muscle and were infected with retroviruses harboring temperature‐sensitive SV40 T antigen and telomerase genes. This cell line, termed TSM15, showed a spindle fiber‐shaped morphology, an immunoreactivity to anti‐factor VIII and anti‐VE‐cadherin antibodies, and a temperature‐sensitive growth. TSM15 cells grew stably for more than 40 passages when they were cultured at 33°C, thereby retaining their spindle fiber‐shaped morphology and contact inhibition at confluence. The cells expressed tight junctional molecules such as claudin‐5, occludin, and zonula occludens‐1, as well as transporters such as a glucose transporter 1. The transendothelial electrical resistance of TSM15 was as high as those of the human brain microvascular endothelial cell line. This novel cell line might facilitate the analyses of the pathophysiology of inflammatory myopathy, such as dermatomyositis, and can improve our understanding of the physiological and biochemical properties of the microvasculature in human skeletal muscle.
LIPUS suppressed LPS‐induced IL‐1α through the inhibition of NF‐κB nuclear translocation via AT1‐PLCβ pathway in MC3T3‐E1 cells
Authors: Nagao Mayu , Tanabe Natsuko , Manaka Soichiro , Naito Masako , Sekino Jumpei , Takayama Tadahiro , Kawato Takayuki , Torigoe Go , Kato Shunichiro , Tsukune Naoya , Maeno Masao , Suzuki Naoto , Sato Shuichi
Published: January 2017

Inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)‐1, IL‐6, and TNF‐α, are involved in inflammatory bone diseases such as rheumatoid osteoarthritis and periodontal disease. Particularly, periodontal disease, which destroys alveolar bone, is stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is used for bone healing in orthopedics and dental treatments. However, the mechanism underlying effects of LIPUS on LPS‐induced inflammatory cytokine are not well understood. We therefore aimed to investigate the role of LIPUS on LPS‐induced IL‐1α production.

Mouse calvaria osteoblast‐like cells MC3T3‐E1 were incubated in the presence or absence of LPS (Porphyromonas gingivalis), and then stimulated with LIPUS for 30 min/day. To investigate the role of LIPUS, we determined the expression of IL‐1α stimulated with LIPUS and treated with an angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) antagonist, Losartan. We also investigate to clarify the pathway of LIPUS, we transfected siRNA silencing AT1 (siAT1) in MC3T3‐E1. LIPUS inhibited mRNA and protein expression of LPS‐induced IL‐1α. LIPUS also reduced the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB by LPS‐induced IL‐1α. Losartan and siAT1 blocked all the stimulatory effects of LIPUS on IL‐1α production and IL‐1α‐mediated NF‐κB translocation induced by LPS. Furthermore, PLCβ inhibitor U73122 recovered NF‐κB translocation. These results suggest that LIPUS inhibits LPS‐induced IL‐1α via AT1‐PLCβ in osteoblasts. We exhibit that these findings are in part of the signaling pathway of LIPUS on the anti‐inflammatory effects of IL‐1α expression.
MicroRNA‐1 overexpression blunts cardiomyocyte hypertrophy elicited by thyroid hormone
Authors: Diniz Gabriela Placoná , Lino Caroline Antunes , Moreno Camila Rodrigues , Senger Nathalia , Barreto‐Chaves Maria Luiza Morais
Published: January 2017

It is well‐known that increased thyroid hormone (TH) levels induce cardiomyocyte growth. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as key players in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, which is associated with increased risk of heart failure. In this study, we evaluated the miR‐1 expression in TH‐induced cardiac hypertrophy, as well as the potential involvement of miR‐1 in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy elicited by TH in vitro. The possible role of type 1 angiotensin II receptor (AT1R) in the effect promoted by TH in miR‐1 expression was also evaluated. Neonatal rat cardiac myocytes (NRCMs) were treated with T3 for 24 hr and Wistar rats were subjected to hyperthyroidism for 14 days combined or not with AT1R blocker. Real Time RT‐PCR analysis indicated that miR‐1 expression was decreased in cardiac hypertrophy in response to TH in vitro and in vivo, and this effect was unchanged by AT1R blocker. In addition, HDAC4, which is target of miR‐1, was increased in NRCMs after T3 treatment. A gain‐of‐function study revealed that overexpression of miR‐1 prevented T3‐induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and reduced HADC4 mRNA levels in NRCMs. In vivo experiments confirmed the downregulation of miR‐1 in cardiac tissue from hyperthyroid animals, which was accompanied by increased HDAC4 mRNA levels. In addition, HDAC inhibitor prevented T3‐induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Our data reveal a new mechanistic insight into cardiomyocyte growth in response to TH, suggesting that miR‐1 plays a role in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by TH potentially via targeting HADC4.
Muscle cramp susceptibility increases following a volitionally induced muscle cramp
Authors: Miller Kevin C. , Long Blaine C. , Edwards Jeffrey E.
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Muscle cramping may increase peripheral nervous system excitability. It is unknown if, and how long, cramp susceptibility is affected by previous cramping. We tested whether volitionally induced muscle cramps (VIMCs) lowered cramp threshold frequency (TFc) and how long TFc was affected post‐VIMC.

Methods

Fifteen cramp‐prone participants volitionally induced a flexor hallucis brevis (FHB) cramp on 4 separate days. FHB TFc was measured before VIMC (i.e., baseline) and 5, 30, and 60 min post‐VIMC. VIMC electromyography (EMG) amplitude, VIMC duration, and perceived VIMC intensity were measured to ensure consistency of VIMC between days.

Results

VIMC EMG amplitude, duration, and perceived intensity were similar between days (P > 0.05). VIMC lowered TFc; baseline TFc (18 ± 6 Hz) was higher than 5‐min (14 ± 6 Hz), 30‐min (14 ± 5 Hz), and 60‐min TFc (14 ± 5 Hz; P < 0.05).

Discussion

Acute VIMCs increase cramp susceptibility. Clinicians should apply treatments for at least 60 min postcramp to decrease the probability of cramp recurrence. Muscle Nerve 56: E95–E99, 2017
Assessing mNIS+7Ionis and international neurologists' proficiency in a familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy trial
Authors: Dyck Peter J. , Kincaid John C. , Dyck P. James B. , Chaudhry Vinay , Goyal Namita A. , Alves Christina , Salhi Hayet , Wiesman Janice F. , Labeyrie Celine , Robinson‐Papp Jessica , Cardoso Márcio , Laura Matilde , Ruzhansky Katherine , Cortese Andrea , Brannagan Thomas H. , Khoury Julie , Khella Sami , Waddington‐Cruz Márcia , Ferreira João , Wang Annabel K. , Pinto Marcus V. , Ayache Samar S. , Benson Merrill D. , Berk John L. , Coelho Teresa , Polydefkis Michael , Gorevic Peter , Adams David H. , Plante‐Bordeneuve Violaine , Whelan Carol , Merlini Giampaolo , Heitner Stephen , Drachman Brian M. , Conceição Isabel , Klein Christopher J. , Gertz Morie A. , Ackermann Elizabeth J. , Hughes Steven. G. , Mauermann Michelle. L. , Bergemann Rito , Lodermeier Karen A. , Davies Jenny L. , Carter Rickey E. , Litchy William J.
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Polyneuropathy signs (Neuropathy Impairment Score, NIS), neurophysiologic tests (m+7Ionis), disability, and health scores were assessed in baseline evaluations of 100 patients entered into an oligonucleotide familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) trial.

Methods

We assessed: (1) Proficiency of grading neurologic signs and correlation with neurophysiologic tests, and (2) clinometric performance of modified NIS+7 neurophysiologic tests (mNIS+7Ionis) and its subscores and correlation with disability and health scores.

Results

The mNIS+7Ionis sensitively detected, characterized, and broadly scaled diverse polyneuropathy impairments. Polyneuropathy signs (NIS and subscores) correlated with neurophysiology tests, disability, and health scores. Smart Somatotopic Quantitative Sensation Testing of heat as pain 5 provided a needed measure of small fiber involvement not adequately assessed by other tests.

Conclusions

Specially trained neurologists accurately assessed neuropathy signs as compared to referenced neurophysiologic tests. The score, mNIS+7Ionis, broadly detected, characterized, and scaled polyneuropathy abnormality in FAP, which correlated with disability and health scores. Muscle Nerve 56: 901–911, 2017
GAD65 neurological autoimmunity
Authors: McKeon Andrew , Tracy Jennifer A.
Published: January 2017

The glutamic acid decarboxylase 65‐kilodalton isoform (GAD65) antibody is a biomarker of autoimmune central nervous system (CNS) disorders and, more commonly, nonneurological autoimmune diseases. Type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disease, and pernicious anemia are the most frequent GAD65 autoimmune associations. One or more of these disorders coexists in approximately 70% of patients with GAD65 neurological autoimmunity. Neurological phenotypes have CNS localization and include limbic encephalitis, epilepsy, cerebellar ataxia, and stiff‐person syndrome (SPS), among others. Classic SPS is a disorder on the spectrum of CNS hyperexcitability which also includes phenotypes that are either more restricted (stiff‐limb syndrome) or more widespread (progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus). GAD65 antibody is not highly predictive of a paraneoplastic cause for neurological disorders, but diverse cancer types have been occasionally reported. For all phenotypes, responses to immunotherapy are variable (approximately 50% improve). GAD65 autoimmunity is important to recognize for both coexisting nonneurological autoimmune associations and potential immunotherapy‐response. Muscle Nerve 56: 15–27, 2017
A new method of genotyping MDX4CV mice by PCR‐RFLP analysis
Authors: Tichy Elisia D. , Mourkioti Foteini
Published: January 2017

Introduction: The mdx4cv mouse is a common model to study Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The most used methodology to identify the genotype of these mice is Sanger DNA sequencing. Methods: Here, we provide a simple, cost‐effective alternative approach to identify the wild‐type, heterozygous, or homozygous/hemizygous genotypes of these mice, using commonly available laboratory equipment and reagents. Results: Our technique exploits a restriction fragment length polymorphism that is generated by the point mutation found in exon 53 of mdx4cv mice. Conclusions: This technique can benefit laboratories that require complex breeding strategies involving mdx4cv mice. Muscle Nerve 56: 522–524, 2017