bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eosinophils are rare in biopsy specimens of psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: Rosa Gabriela , Fernandez Anthony P. , Schneider Sarah , Billings Steven D.
Published: September 2017

Background

Histological features of lesional biopsies can be helpful in distinguishing psoriasis subtypes from disease mimickers. However, occasionally, classic histological features are not sufficient for distinction, and additional clues would be useful. There is a common belief that the presence of eosinophils in skin biopsies argues against psoriasis, but actual literature is scant.

Design

Skin biopsies with a diagnosis of psoriasis from 2013 to 2016 were reviewed. For inclusion, both histological and clinical features were required to be consistent with psoriasis. For biopsies meeting inclusion criteria, a detailed evaluation for typical histological parameters of psoriasis, as well as presence of dermal eosinophils, was performed.

Results

Of 85 cases meeting inclusion criteria, all had either individual or grouped intracorneal neutrophils and dilated papillary blood vessels. Diminished or complete loss of the granular cell layer was seen in 83 cases (98%), and parakeratosis was seen in 84 cases (99%). Alternatively, dermal eosinophils were seen in only 15 cases (18%). Of cases with eosinophils, none had more than 3 eosinophils upon examination of the entire dermis. Active treatment did not appear to impact presence/absence or numbers of eosinophils.

Conclusion

Eosinophils are uncommon in psoriasis biopsies, and when present, they are found in small numbers.
Predicting changes in flow category in patients with severe aortic stenosis and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction on medical therapy
Authors: Ngiam Jinghao Nicholas , Kuntjoro Ivandito , Tan Benjamin Y. Q. , Sim Hui‐Wen , Kong William K. F. , Yeo Tiong‐Cheng , Poh Kian‐Keong
Published: September 2017

Background/Objectives

Controversy surrounds the prognosis and management of patients with paradoxical low‐flow severe aortic stenosis (AS) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). It was not certain if patients in a particular flow category remained in the same category as disease progressed. We investigated whether there were switches in categories and if so, their predictors.

Methods

Consecutive subjects (n = 203) with isolated severe AS and paired echocardiography (>180 days apart) were studied. They were divided into 4 groups, based on their flow categories and if they progressed on subsequent echocardiography to switch or remain in the same flow category. Univariate analyses of clinical and echocardiographic parameters identified predictors of these changes in flow category.

Results

One hundred eighteen were normal flow (SVI ≥ 35 mL/m2), while 85 were low flow on index echocardiography. In the patients with normal flow, 33% switched to low flow. This was associated with higher valvuloarterial impedance (Zva, P < .001) and lower systemic arterial compliance (SAC, P < .001) compared to index echocardiography, and predicted by higher initial Zva (optimized cutoff >4.77 mm Hg/mL/m2, AUC = 0.81 [95% CI:0.75–0.87, P < .001]). In patients with low flow, 25% switched to normal flow, which was associated with lower Zva and higher SAC and the switch was predicted by a higher initial mean transaortic pressure gradient.

Conclusions

A significant number of patients switched flow categories in severe AS with preserved LVEF on subsequent echocardiography. Changes in flow were reflected by respective changes in Zva and SAC. Identifying echocardiographic predictors of a switch in category may guide prognostication and management of such patients.
Response of Brassica oleracea to temporal variation in attack by two herbivores affects preference and performance of a third herbivore
Authors: STAM JELTJE M. , CHRÉTIEN LUCILLE , DICKE MARCEL , POELMAN ERIK H.
Published: September 2017

1. Plants are frequently under attack by multiple insect herbivores, which may interact indirectly through herbivore‐induced changes in the plant's phenotype. The identity, order, and timing of herbivore arrivals may influence the outcome of interactions between two herbivores. How these aspects affect, in turn, subsequently arriving herbivores that feed on double herbivore‐induced plants has not been widely investigated.

2. This study tested whether the order and timing of arrival of two inducing herbivores from different feeding guilds affected the preference and performance of a subsequently arriving third herbivore, caterpillars of Mamestra brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Aphids [Brevicoryne brassicae L. (Hemiptera: Aphididae)] and caterpillars [Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae)] were introduced onto wild Brassica oleracea L. (Brassicaceae) plants in different sequences and with different arrival times. The effects of these plant treatments on M. brassicae caterpillars were assessed in pairwise preference tests and no‐choice performance tests.

3. The caterpillars of M. brassicae preferred to feed from undamaged plants rather than double herbivore‐induced plants. Compared with undamaged plants, they preferred plant material on which aphids had arrived first followed by caterpillars, whereas they avoided plant material with the reverse order of herbivore arrival. Performance of the caterpillars increased with increasing arrival time between herbivore infestations in double herbivore‐induced plants. Although M. brassicae grew faster on plants induced by aphids than on those induced by caterpillars alone, its performance was not affected by the order of previous herbivore arrival.

4. These results imply that the timing of colonisation by multiple herbivores determines the outcome of plant‐mediated herbivore–herbivore interactions.
A ‘dynamic’ landscape of fear: prey responses to spatiotemporal variations in predation risk across the lunar cycle
Authors: Palmer M. S. , Fieberg J. , Swanson A. , Kosmala M. , Packer C.
Published: September 2017

Ambiguous empirical support for ‘landscapes of fear’ in natural systems may stem from failure to consider dynamic temporal changes in predation risk. The lunar cycle dramatically alters night‐time visibility, with low luminosity increasing hunting success of African lions. We used camera‐trap data from Serengeti National Park to examine nocturnal anti‐predator behaviours of four herbivore species. Interactions between predictable fluctuations in night‐time luminosity and the underlying risk‐resource landscape shaped herbivore distribution, herding propensity and the incidence of ‘relaxed’ behaviours. Buffalo responded least to temporal risk cues and minimised risk primarily through spatial redistribution. Gazelle and zebra made decisions based on current light levels and lunar phase, and wildebeest responded to lunar phase alone. These three species avoided areas where likelihood of encountering lions was high and changed their behaviours in risky areas to minimise predation threat. These patterns support the hypothesis that fear landscapes vary heterogeneously in both space and time.
Validation of the PedsQL Epilepsy Module: A pediatric epilepsy‐specific health‐related quality of life measure
Authors: Modi Avani C. , Junger Katherine F. , Mara Constance A. , Kellermann Tanja , Barrett Lauren , Wagner Janelle , Mucci Grace A. , Bailey Laurie , Almane Dace , Guilfoyle Shanna M. , Urso Lauryn , Hater Brooke , Hustzi Heather , Smith Gigi , Herrmann Bruce , Perry M. Scott , Zupanc Mary , Varni James W.
Published: September 2017

Objective

To validate a brief and reliable epilepsy‐specific, health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) measure in children with various seizure types, treatments, and demographic characteristics.

Methods

This national validation study was conducted across five epilepsy centers in the United States. Youth 5–18 years and caregivers of youth 2–18 years diagnosed with epilepsy completed the PedsQL Epilepsy Module and additional questionnaires to establish reliability and validity of the epilepsy‐specific HRQOL instrument. Demographic and medical data were collected through chart reviews. Factor analysis was conducted, and internal consistency (Cronbach's alphas), test–retest reliability, and construct validity were assessed.

Results

Questionnaires were analyzed from 430 children with epilepsy (Mage = 9.9 years; range 2–18 years; 46% female; 62% white: non‐Hispanic; 76% monotherapy, 54% active seizures) and their caregivers. The final PedsQL Epilepsy Module is a 29‐item measure with five subscales (i.e., Impact, Cognitive, Sleep, Executive Functioning, and Mood/Behavior) with parallel child and caregiver reports. Internal consistency coefficients ranged from 0.70–0.94. Construct validity and convergence was demonstrated in several ways, including strong relationships with seizure outcomes, antiepileptic drug (AED) side effects, and well‐established measures of executive, cognitive, and emotional/behavioral functioning.

Significance

The PedsQL Epilepsy Module is a reliable measure of HRQOL with strong evidence of its validity across the epilepsy spectrum in both clinical and research settings.
Silicon distribution in meadow steppe and typical steppe of northern China and its implications for phytolith carbon sequestration
Authors: Ji Z. , Yang X. , Song Z. , Liu H. , Liu X. , Qiu S. , Li J. , Guo F. , Wu Y. , Zhang X.
Published: September 2017

Silicon (Si) not only plays an important role in plant growth but also contributes significantly to the long‐term terrestrial carbon sink in the form of phytoliths. This study investigated Si content of 184 plant species in meadow steppe and typical steppe of northern China to examine the influential factors of Si distribution and evaluate the potential phytolith carbon sequestration of these grasslands. Our results indicated that the average Si content generally decreased in the following order of Equisetopsida > Monocotyledoneae > Dicotyledoneae. Within angiosperms, although most Si accumulator plants were commelinid monocots, many eudicots also accumulated abundant Si in their above‐ground tissues. The Si content of plant above‐ground parts in typical steppe (6.53 ± 2.88 g/kg) was significantly higher than that in meadow steppe (2.15 ± 0.92 g/kg). The estimated phytolith‐occluded carbon (PhytOC) production flux in typical steppe (0.81 ± 0.36 kg CO2 ha−1 year−1) was higher than that in meadow steppe (0.54 ± 0.23 kg CO2 ha−1 year−1). This study demonstrates that plant phylogeny influences the Si content of individual species, whereas grassland type with different mean annual precipitation and mean annual temperature may significantly affect the abundance of high Si species. We conclude that increasing the abundance of grass species with high Si content in meadow steppe and appropriate grazing and fertilizer application in typical steppe will enhance the phytolith carbon sequestration in grasslands of northern China.
Reproductive morphology and its application in testing molecular systematic hypotheses in the family Gobiidae (Teleostei, Gobiiformes)
Authors: Burns M. D. , Cole K. S.
Published: September 2017

This study uses histological techniques to make a detailed comparison of the reproductive morphologies of four gobiid genera, Amblyeleotris, Ctenogobiops, Fusigobius and Kraemeria. Three distinct reproductive morphological patterns were observed. All species examined in the genus Fusigobius exhibit either an ovariform or testiform gonad and precursive accessory gonadal structures (pAGS) associated with each of the gonadal lobes, regardless of gonadal state. In contrast, among species of Amblyeleotris, Ctenogobiops and Kraemeria examined, pAGS were not found. Furthermore, Amblyeleotris and Ctenogobiops differ from both Kraemeria and Fusigobius in lacking AGS associated with the testiform gonad. These findings, based solely on reproductive morphology, suggest that Kraemeria and Fusigobius may be more closely related to each other than either is to Amblyeleotris and Ctenogobiops. Findings of this study support the view that reproductive morphological patterns could prove informative in elucidating evolutionary relationships within the family Gobiidae.
Frequent genes in rare diseases: panel‐based next generation sequencing to disclose causal mutations in hereditary neuropathies
Authors: Dohrn Maike F. , Glöckle Nicola , Mulahasanovic Lejla , Heller Corina , Mohr Julia , Bauer Christine , Riesch Erik , Becker Andrea , Battke Florian , Hörtnagel Konstanze , Hornemann Thorsten , Suriyanarayanan Saranya , Blankenburg Markus , Schulz Jörg B. , Claeys Kristl G. , Gess Burkhard , Katona Istvan , Ferbert Andreas , Vittore Debora , Grimm Alexander , Wolking Stefan , Schöls Ludger , Lerche Holger , Korenke G. Christoph , Fischer Dirk , Schrank Bertold , Kotzaeridou Urania , Kurlemann Gerhard , Dräger Bianca , Schirmacher Anja , Young Peter , Schlotter‐Weigel Beate , Biskup Saskia
Published: September 2017

Hereditary neuropathies comprise a wide variety of chronic diseases associated to more than 80 genes identified to date. We herein examined 612 index patients with either a Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth phenotype, hereditary sensory neuropathy, familial amyloid neuropathy, or small fiber neuropathy using a customized multigene panel based on the next generation sequencing technique. In 121 cases (19.8%), we identified at least one putative pathogenic mutation. Of these, 54.4% showed an autosomal dominant, 33.9% an autosomal recessive, and 11.6% an X‐linked inheritance. The most frequently affected genes were PMP22 (16.4%), GJB1 (10.7%), MPZ, and SH3TC2 (both 9.9%), and MFN2 (8.3%). We further detected likely or known pathogenic variants in HINT1, HSPB1, NEFL, PRX, IGHMBP2, NDRG1, TTR, EGR2, FIG4, GDAP1, LMNA, LRSAM1, POLG, TRPV4, AARS, BIC2, DHTKD1, FGD4, HK1, INF2, KIF5A, PDK3, REEP1, SBF1, SBF2, SCN9A, and SPTLC2 with a declining frequency. Thirty‐four novel variants were considered likely pathogenic not having previously been described in association with any disorder in the literature. In one patient, two homozygous mutations in HK1 were detected in the multigene panel, but not by whole exome sequencing. A novel missense mutation in KIF5A was considered pathogenic because of the highly compatible phenotype. In one patient, the plasma sphingolipid profile could functionally prove the pathogenicity of a mutation in SPTLC2. One pathogenic mutation in MPZ was identified after being previously missed by Sanger sequencing. We conclude that panel based next generation sequencing is a useful, time‐ and cost‐effective approach to assist clinicians in identifying the correct diagnosis and enable causative treatment considerations.

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Mosasaurs and snakes have a periodontal ligament: timing and extent of calcification, not tissue complexity, determines tooth attachment mode in reptiles
Authors: LeBlanc Aaron R. H. , Lamoureux Denis O. , Caldwell Michael W.
Published: September 2017

Squamates present a unique challenge to our understanding of dental evolution in amniotes because they are the only extant tooth‐bearing group for which a ligamentous tooth attachment is considered to be absent. This has led to the assumption that mammals and crocodilians have convergently evolved a ligamentous tooth attachment, composed of root cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone, whereas squamates are thought to possess a single bone of attachment tissue that fuses teeth to the jaws. The identity and homology of tooth attachment tissues between squamates, crocodilians, and mammals have thus been a focal point of debate for decades. We provide a novel interpretation of the mineralized attachment tissues in two focal taxa in this debate, mosasaurids and snakes, and compare dental tissue histology with that of the extant crocodilian Caiman sclerops. We identify a periodontal ligament in these squamates that usually exists temporarily as a soft connective tissue anchoring each tooth to the alveolar bone. We also identify two instances where complete calcification of the periodontal ligament does not occur: in a durophagous mosasaur, and in the hinged teeth of fossil and modern snakes. We propose that the periodontal ligament rapidly calcifies in the majority of mosasaurids and snakes, ankylosing the tooth to the jaw. This gives the appearance of a single, bone‐like tissue fusing the tooth to the jaw in ankylosed teeth, but is simply the end stage of dental tissue ontogeny in most snakes and mosasaurids.
Noninvasive submental fat reduction using colder cryolipolysis
Authors: Leal Silva Hector , Carmona Hernandez Esther , Grijalva Vazquez Mariana , Leal Delgado Sebastian , Perez Blanco Angel
Published: September 2017

Background

Cryolipolysis has shown to significantly reduce localized subcutaneous fat, including submental fat. Temperatures below −11°C have not been used to treat the submental region.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of Cryolipolysis for noninvasive reduction of submental fat using lower temperatures and reduced treatment time.

Methods

A small volume applicator was used to treat 15 subjects, using a noninvasive tissue cooling device (CoolSculpting System, ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Pleasanton, CA, USA) during 45 and 30 minutes at −12 and −15°C, respectively, to induce reduction of submental fat. Two treatments with an interval of 10 weeks were performed. Adverse events were monitored to assess safety. Treated area was evaluated using digital photography, and caliper measurements prior treatment, 10 weeks after first treatment and 12 weeks after second treatment. All patients were also evaluated before and after 12‐week postlast treatment by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Results

The mean (SD) reduction measured by skin fold caliper was 33% (3.2 mm [1.7 mm]), (95% CI, 0.2297‐0.4236; P=.05), and by MRI, mean (SD) reduction was 1.78 mm (1.157 mm). Independent blinded panel was able to correctly identify 60% of before and after photographs; 12 of 15 subjects (80%) were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment. Side effects were mild and resolved completely within 10 weeks, except for one hyperpigmentation, which resolved spontaneously within 6 months after last treatment.

Conclusion

Cryolipolysis with colder temperature and reduced treatment time continues to be effective and is safe for noninvasive reduction of the submental fat.
Anatomy of Judicial Backlash: Southern Leaders, Massive Resistance, and the Supreme Court, 1954–1958
Authors: Bloch Rubin Ruth , Elinson Gregory
Published: September 2017

Exploiting a range of archival materials, we argue that state-level variation in judicial backlash to Brown was as much the result of strategic choices by southern political elites as it was the ingrained prejudices of the region's white voters. Presenting case studies of massive resistance in Mississippi, Louisiana, Virginia, and Arkansas, we show that elite agency profoundly shaped the patchwork development of grassroots resistance to integration across the South. These findings challenge the prevailing view that backlash to Brown signaled the unequivocal triumph of racial conservatives. Rather, we argue that the region's response offered individual members of the southern elite significant autonomy to direct massive resistance in their home states. We also argue that southern lawmakers were responsible for the South's embrace of popular constitutionalism post-Brown, and thus that it may not have been “popular” at all. We conclude that studies of judicial backlash would do well to reevaluate the assumption that backlash is necessarily a grassroots phenomenon.
Answering the Mansfield question: Labour's proletariat problem
Authors: Berry Craig
Published: September 2017

Does Labour have a ‘Mansfield problem’? What, if anything, can the party do to reverse the deepening problem of working‐class political disengagement?
Capital lessons: Labour, inequality and how to respond
Authors: Onaran Özlem , Guschanski Alexander
Published: September 2017

A sharp drop in the wage share in GDP in the UK since the 1980s has been accompanied by a jump in income share of the top 1 per cent. Rather than migration or technological change, increased capital mobility, decline in collective bargaining, labour market deregulation, austerity and rising household debt are to blame.
Long‐term effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy on electrical remodeling in heart failure—A prospective study
Authors: Banavalikar Bharatraj , Thajudeen Anees , Namboodiri Narayanan , Nair Krishna Kumar Mohanan , Pushpangadhan Abhilash Srivilasam , Valaparambil Ajit Kumar
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on arrhythmogenicity and sudden death have not been fully ascertained. CRT has been shown to increase transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR) immediately on implantation, which may favorably remodel on long‐term follow‐up. However, such a hypothesis has not been prospectively evaluated.

Methods and results

We included 35 consecutive patients who underwent CRT implantation between September 2013 and August 2014 (mean age 56.8 ± 11.09 years; 71.43% males). QT and Tpeak‐Tend (Tp‐e) intervals were measured during endocardial (RVendoP), epicardial (LVepiP), and biventricular pacing (BiVP) at CRT implantation and 1‐year follow‐up. Compared to RVendoP (130.41 ± 16.75 ms), Tp‐e was significantly prolonged during BiVP (142.06 ± 21.98 ms; P < 0.001) and LVepiP (183.45 ± 27.87 ms; P < 0.001) at baseline. There was a significant decrease in Tp‐e during BiVP on follow‐up (117.93 ± 15.03 ms; P < 0.001). High responders had significantly lower Tp‐e at 1 year compared to low responders (113.16 ± 14.3 ms vs 129.59 ± 9.75 ms, P  =  0.004). Tp‐e at 1 year had strong negative correlation with reduction in LV end‐systolic volumes (r  =  − 0.51; P  =  0.003). Seven patients with sustained ventricular arrhythmias during follow‐up had significantly longer baseline Tp‐e compared to those without arrhythmias (158.19 ± 17.59 ms vs 139.72 ± 20.94 ms, P  =  0.043). A baseline Tp‐e value of ≥ 148 ms had a specificity of 75% and sensitivity of 71% to predict ventricular arrhythmias.

Conclusions

Baseline TDR is greater during BiVP and LV epiP compared with RVendoP in patients with heart failure. However, BiVP causes a significant reduction in TDR reflective of reverse electrical remodeling on long‐term follow‐up.
The role of cognitive biases in short‐term psychodynamic psychotherapy
Authors: Kramer Ueli , Ortega Diana , Ambresin Gilles , Despland Jean‐Nicolas , de Roten Yves
Published: September 2017

The concept of biased thinking – or cognitive biases – is relevant to psychotherapy research and clinical conceptualization, beyond cognitive theories. The present naturalistic study aimed to examine the changes in biased thinking over the course of a short‐term dynamic psychotherapy (STDP) and to discover potential links between these changes and symptomatic improvement. This study focuses on 32 self‐referred patients consulting for Adjustment Disorder according to DSM‐IV‐TR. The therapists were experienced psychodynamically oriented psychiatrists and psychotherapists. Coding of cognitive biases (using the Cognitive Errors Rating Scale; CERS) was made by external raters based on transcripts of interviews of psychotherapy; the reliability of these ratings on a randomly chosen 24% of all sessions was established. Based on the Symptom Check List SCL‐90‐R given before and after, the Reliable Change Index (RCI) was used. The assessment of cognitive errors was done at three time points: early (session 4–7), mid‐treatment (session 12–17), and close to the end (after session 20) of the treatment. The results showed that the total frequency of cognitive biases was stable over time (p = .20), which was true both for positive and for negative cognitive biases. In exploring the three main subscales of the CERS, we found a decrease in selective abstraction (p = .02) and an increase in personalization (p = .05). A significant link between RCI scores (outcome) and frequency of positive cognitive biases was found, suggesting that biases towards the positive might have a protective function in psychotherapy.

Practitioner points

Therapists may be attentive to changes in biased thinking across short‐term dynamic psychotherapy for adjustment disorder.

Therapists may foster the emergence of positive cognitive biases at mid‐treatment for adjustment disorder.
Ectopic expression of glycosyltransferase UGT76E11 increases flavonoid accumulation and enhances abiotic stress tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Qin , Yu Hui‐Min , Meng Xia‐Fei , Lin Ji‐Shan , Li Yan‐Jie , Hou Bing‐Kai
Published: September 2017

Although plant glycosyltransferases are thought to play important roles in growth and interaction with the environment, little is known about their physiological roles for most members of the plant glycosyltransferase family.

We cloned and characterised an Arabidopsis glycosyltransferase gene, UGT76E11. Its in vivo physiological effects on flavonoid accumulation and plant tolerance to abiotic stresses were investigated.

The UGT76E11 gene was up‐regulated in transcription expression under stress conditions of salinity, drought and H2O2 treatment. Transgenic plants ectopically overexpressing UGT76E11 showed substantially enhanced tolerance to salinity and drought at germination and during post‐germination growth. Enzyme activity of UGT76E11 to glucosylate quercetin and other flavonoids was confirmed. Ectopic expression of UGT76E11 resulted in significantly increased flavonoid content in transgenic plants compared to wild type, suggesting a contribution of UGT76E11 to modulation of flavonoid metabolism. Consistent with this result, several biosynthesis genes in the flavonoid pathway were clearly up‐regulated in transgenic plants. Furthermore, overexpression of UGT76E11 also enhanced the scavenging capacity for ROS and increased expression levels of a number of stress‐related genes.

Based on these results, we suggest that the glycosyltransferase UGT76E11 plays an important role in modulating flavonoid metabolism and enhancing plant adaptation to environmental stresses. Our findings might allow use of glycosyltransferase UGT76E11 in crop improvement, towards both enhanced stress tolerance and increased flavonoid accumulation.
S‐nitrosylation/denitrosylation as a regulatory mechanism of salt stress sensing in sunflower seedlings
Authors: Jain Prachi , von Toerne Christine , Lindermayr Christian , Bhatla Satish C.
Published: September 2017

Nitric oxide (NO) and various reactive nitrogen species produced in cells in normal growth conditions, and their enhanced production under stress conditions are responsible for a variety of biochemical aberrations. The present findings demonstrate that sunflower seedling roots exhibit high sensitivity to salt stress in terms of nitrite accumulation. A significant reduction in S‐nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) activity is evident in response to salt stress. Restoration of GSNOR activity with dithioerythritol shows that the enzyme is reversibly inhibited under conditions of 120 mM NaCl. Salt stress‐mediated S‐nitrosylation of cytosolic proteins was analyzed in roots and cotyledons using biotin‐switch assay. LC‐MS/MS analysis revealed opposite patterns of S‐nitrosylation in seedling cotyledons and roots. Salt stress enhances S‐nitrosylation of proteins in cotyledons, whereas roots exhibit denitrosylation of proteins. Highest number of proteins having undergone S‐nitrosylation belonged to the category of carbohydrate metabolism followed by other metabolic proteins. Of the total 61 proteins observed to be regulated by S‐nitrosylation, 17 are unique to cotyledons, 4 are unique to roots whereas 40 are common to both. Eighteen S‐nitrosylated proteins are being reported for the first time in plant systems, including pectinesterase, phospholipase d‐alpha and calmodulin. Further physiological analysis of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase and monodehydroascorbate reductase showed that salt stress leads to a reversible inhibition of both these enzymes in cotyledons. However, seedling roots exhibit enhanced enzyme activity under salinity stress. These observations implicate the role of S‐nitrosylation and denitrosylation in NO signaling thereby regulating various enzyme activities under salinity stress in sunflower seedlings.
Genome‐wide identification, classification and expression analysis of the serine carboxypeptidase‐like protein family in poplar
Authors: Zhu Dongyue , Chu Wenyuan , Wang Yujiao , Yan Hanwei , Chen Zhu , Xiang Yan
Published: September 2017

Previous studies have shown that the serine carboxypeptidase‐like (SCPL) proteins in several plants play a key part in plant growth, development and stress responses. However, little is known about the functions of the SCPL genes in poplar. We identified 57 SCPL genes and divided into 3 subfamilies, which were unevenly distributed on 19 poplar chromosomes. Gene structure indicated that SCPL genes contain more introns, and motifs of each subfamily were relatively conserved. There were a total of 14 pairs of paralogs, with 6 pairs of these paralogs generated by segmental duplication and 1 generated by tandem duplication. In microsynteny analysis, large‐scale duplication events played a key part in the expansion of Carboxypeptidase III genes. Expression of these genes was higher in mature leaf. Quantitative real‐time PCR showed that majority of the SCPL genes were induced by methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment. PtSCPL27 and PtSCPL40 were located on the cytomembrane by conducting subcellular localization analysis. Our paper provides a theoretical basis for further functional research of PtSCPL genes and will benefit the molecular breeding for resistance to disease in poplar.
Regulation of citrus responses to the combined action of drought and high temperatures depends on the severity of water deprivation
Authors: Zandalinas Sara I. , Balfagón Damián , Arbona Vicent , Gómez‐Cadenas Aurelio
Published: September 2017

Plants grown in natural environment are regularly subjected to different combinations of abiotic stresses. Recent studies revealed that citrus plants subjected to a combination of severe drought and high temperatures displayed specific physiological, hormonal, molecular and metabolic responses. In the present study, we have performed a long‐term experiment combining moderate drought and heat in Cleopatra mandarin to evaluate the impact of the stress‐sequence, intensity and duration. Our results support previous observation of high sensitivity of Cleopatra mandarin to abiotic stresses that include high temperatures. In this sense, a combination of drought and heat stress negatively impacts Cleopatra seedlings independently of the drought intensity. However, some responses to combined drought and heat depend on drought intensity, especially those involved in stomatal regulation. The intricate natural environment, abiotic stress combinations and global climatic changes increase the complexity of studying plant responses to stress factors in the laboratory. Consequently, new experimental approaches taking in consideration different stress combinations should be implemented to study the viability of Cleopatra mandarin as a rootstock in a rapidly changing environment.
‘Princeps aliorum’ and his followers: Giovanni Pico della Mirandola on the ‘Astrological Tradition’ in the Disputationes adversus astrologiam divinatricem
Authors: Akopyan Ovanes
Published: September 2017

This article is devoted to the analysis of astrological sources in Giovanni Pico della Mirandola's Disputationes adversus astrologiam divinatricem. The main aim of this paper is to show how Giovanni Pico used his sources for opposing Claudius Ptolemy, the ‘optimus malorum’ among astrologers, to other astrologers and for emphasizing the dissonance in the astrological tradition.
Suppression mediates the effect of 5‐HTTLPR by stress interaction on depression
Authors: Knyazev Gennady G. , Bazovkina Daria V. , Savostyanov Alexander N. , Naumenko Vladimir S. , Kuznetsova Valeriya B. , Proshina Ekaterina A.
Published: September 2017

A number of studies have shown that the presence of short (S), as opposed to long (L), allele of the serotonin transporter‐linked polymorphic region (5‐HTTLPR) is associated with a higher risk for depression following exposure to stressful life events. However, many other studies failed to confirm this association. One reason for this inconsistency might be the fact that the interaction of the 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism with stress may relate not to depression per se, but rather to adaptive or maladaptive emotion regulation strategies. Here we show that individuals homozygous for the long allele respond to stressful events by reappraising their emotional meaning, which may hamper the harmful effect of stress on mental health. In S genotype carriers, on the other hand, stress triggers the appearance of intrusive thoughts and vain attempts to suppress them, which in this group acts as a mediator between stress and depressive symptoms. These findings are in line with neuroimaging studies showing that 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism has an effect on the connectivity among key areas involved in emotion regulation.
Acute hypoxaemia and vascular function in healthy humans
Authors: Lewis N. C. S. , Bain A. R. , Wildfong K. W. , Green D. J. , Ainslie P. N.
Published: September 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Endothelium‐dependent flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) is impaired during acute (60 min) exposure to moderate hypoxia. We examined whether FMD is impaired to the same degree during exposure to milder hypoxia. Additionally, we assessed whether smooth muscle vasodilatory capacity [glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)‐induced dilatation] is impaired during acute hypoxic exposure.

What is the main finding and its importance?

A graded impairment in FMD and GTN‐induced dilatation was evident during acute (≤60 min) exposure to mild and moderate hypoxia. This study is the first to document these graded impairments, and provides rationale to examine the relationship between graded increases in sympathetic nerve activity with hypoxia on FMD and GTN‐induced dilatation.

Endothelium‐dependent flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) and endothelium‐independent dilatation [induced with glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)] are impaired at high altitude (5050 m), and FMD is impaired after acute exposure (<60 min) to normobaric hypoxia equivalent to ∼5050 m (inspired oxygen fraction ∼0.11). Whether GTN‐induced dilatation is impaired acutely and whether FMD is impaired during milder hypoxia are unknown. Therefore, we assessed brachial FMD at baseline and after 30 min of mild (end‐tidal 74 ± 2 mmHg) and moderate (end‐tidal 50 ± 3 mmHg) normobaric hypoxia (n = 12) or normoxia (time‐control trial; n = 10). We also assessed GTN‐induced dilatation after the hypoxic FMD tests and in normoxia on a separate control day (n = 8). Compared with the normoxic baseline, reductions during mild and moderate hypoxic exposure were evident in FMD (mild versus moderate, −1.2 ± 1.1 versus −3.1 ± 1.7%; P = 0.01) and GTN‐induced dilatation (−2.1 ± 1.0 versus −4.2 ± 2.0%; P = 0.01); the declines in FMD and GTN‐induced dilatation were greater during moderate hypoxia (P < 0.01). When allometrically corrected for baseline diameter and FMD shear rate under the curve, FMD was attenuated in both conditions (mild versus moderate, 0.6 ± 0.9 versus 0.8 ± 0.7%; P ≤ 0.01). After 30 min of normoxic time control, FMD was reduced (−0.6 ± 0.3%; P = 0.02). In summary, there was a graded impairment in FMD during mild and moderate hypoxic exposure, which appears to be influenced by shear patterns and incremental decline in smooth muscle vasodilator capacity (impaired GTN‐induced dilatation). Our findings from the normoxic control study suggest the decline in FMD in acute hypoxia also appears to be influenced by 30 min of supine rest/inactivity.
Kinesin and Dynein Mechanics: Measurement Methods and Research Applications
Authors: Abraham Zachary , Hawley Emma , Hayosh Daniel , Webster-Wood Victoria A. , Akkus Ozan
Published: September 2017

Motor proteins play critical roles in the normal function of cells and proper development of organisms. Among motor proteins, failings in the normal function of two types of proteins, kinesin and dynein, have been shown to lead many pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. As such, it is critical to researchers to understand the underlying mechanics and behaviors of these proteins, not only to shed light on how failures may lead to disease, but also to guide research toward novel treatment and nano-engineering solutions. To this end, many experimental techniques have been developed to measure the force and motility capabilities of these proteins. This review will (a) discuss such techniques, specifically microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical trapping, and magnetic tweezers, and (b) the resulting nanomechanical properties of motor protein functions such as stalling force, velocity, and dependence on adenosine triphosophate (ATP) concentrations will be comparatively discussed. Additionally, this review will highlight the clinical importance of these proteins. Furthermore, as the understanding of the structure and function of motor proteins improves, novel applications are emerging in the field. Specifically, researchers have begun to modify the structure of existing proteins, thereby engineering novel elements to alter and improve native motor protein function, or even allow the motor proteins to perform entirely new tasks as parts of nanomachines. Kinesin and dynein are vital elements for the proper function of cells. While many exciting experiments have shed light on their function, mechanics, and applications, additional research is needed to completely understand their behavior.
Role of Temperature Parameters in Achieving Precision Traverse Cylindrical Grinding of Chrome-Plated Ferrous Metal Rolls
Authors: Taylor Ellis , Slatter Tom
Published: September 2017

This work considered the finishing precision grinding process at a small ferrous metal roll manufacturer. A design of experiments (DOE) methodology was used to evaluate the process and ascertain whether the degree of confidence gained from the process offers an acceptable level of risk in the conformance of end products to customer requirements. A thorough identification of the process variables and measurement considerations relevant to the process was carried out, before assessing and categorizing these variables using the grinding cycle as a “black box” system. Coolant temperature, environment temperature, work speed, and traverse speed were all considered against measured size change, surface finish, and circular run-out in a full factorial experimental design. The experiments were carried out on a manual cylindrical grinding machine retrofitted with digital encoders on the driven axes, with a chrome-plated roll 300 mm in diameter as the workpiece. Experiments were conducted over a period of 11 months during which the machine used was part of ongoing production environment. The results show that control of temperature, both of the coolant and of the environment in which the machine was operated, was the most important of the variables studied, but the skill of the machine operator remains dominant in the process overall.
Multifractal Analysis of Image Profiles for the Characterization and Detection of Defects in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Yao Bing , Imani Farhad , Sakpal Aniket S. , Reutzel E. W. , Yang Hui
Published: September 2017

Metal-based powder-bed-fusion additive manufacturing (PBF-AM) is gaining increasing attention in modern industries, and is a promising direct manufacturing technology. Additive manufacturing (AM) does not require the tooling cost of conventional subtractive manufacturing processes, and is flexible to produce parts with complex geometries. Quality and repeatability of AM parts remain a challenging issue that persistently hampers wide applications of AM technology. Rapid advancements in sensing technology, especially imaging sensing systems, provide an opportunity to overcome such challenges. However, little has been done to fully utilize the image profiles acquired in the AM process and study the fractal patterns for the purpose of process monitoring, quality assessment, and control. This paper presents a new multifractal methodology for the characterization and detection of defects in PBF-AM parts. Both simulation and real-world case studies show that the proposed approach effectively detects and characterizes various defect patterns in AM images and has strong potential for quality control of AM processes.
Investigation of Fuel Burnup Impacts on Nuclear Reactor Safety Parameters in the Canadian Pressure Tube Supercritical Water-Cool Reactor
Authors: Moghrabi Ahmad , Novog David Raymond
Published: September 2017

The Canadian pressure-tube super critical water-cooled reactor (PT-SCWR) is an advanced generation IV reactor concept which is considered as an evolution of the conventional Canada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) reactor that includes both pressure tubes and a low temperature and pressure heavy water moderator. The Canadian PT-SCWR fuel assembly utilizes a plutonium and thorium fuel mixture with supercritical light water coolant flowing through the high-efficiency re-entrance channel (HERC). In this work, the impact of fuel depletion on the evolution of lattice physics phenomena was investigated starting from fresh fuel to burnup conditions (25 MW d kg−1 [HM]) through sensitivity and uncertainty analyses using the lattice physics modules in standardized computer analysis for licensing evaluation (SCALE). Given the evolution of key phenomena such as void reactivity in traditional CANDU reactors with burnup, this study focuses on the impact of fission products, 233U breeding, and minor actinides on fuel performance. The work shows that the most significant change in fuel properties with burnup is the depletion of fission isotopes of Pu and the buildup of high-neutron cross section fission products, resulting in a decrease in cell k∞ with burnup as expected. Other impacts such as the presence of protactinium and uranium-233 are also discussed. When the feedback coefficients are assessed in terms of reactivity, there is considerable variation as a function of fuel depletion; however, when assessed as Δk (without normalization to the reference reactivity which changes with burnup), the net changes are almost invariant with depletion.
Numerical Simulation of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Critical Flow in the Nozzle Tube
Authors: Yuan Zhou , Yangle Wang , Jingtan Chen , Zhaoyang Xia , Junfeng Wang
Published: September 2017

The supercritical carbon dioxide (S-CO2) Brayton gas turbine cycle has been studied as an efficient and cost-effective option for advanced power systems. One major safety issue for any power cycle is a pipe break and the associated discharge of the working fluid and subsequent decrease in system pressure. In this paper, an S-CO2 critical flow in the nozzle tube is analyzed numerically with fluent 15.0. The Redlich–Kwong real gas equation is selected to calculate carbon dioxide density and the standard k-epsilon turbulence model is selected. Experimental data are used as a benchmark to examine the capability of the current approach. Compared with experimental data, the simulation results overestimate the critical mass flux; the error range is between 15% and 25%. The simulation results show that as L/D increases, critical mass flow decreases. As stagnation temperature increases, critical mass flow decreases. The complex thermal hydraulic behavior in the nozzle tubes is analyzed. Three flow patterns in the nozzle tube during transient critical flow are obtained and discussed. From inlet to outlet of the tube, CO2 may undergo the following phases in turn: (1) supercritical phase; (2) supercritical phase—gas phase; (3) supercritical phase—gas phase—liquid phase. The simulation results are also helpful for further experimental and theoretical research.
Plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition of tungsten oxide thin films using (tBuN)2(Me2N)2W and O2 plasma
Authors: Balasubramanyam Shashank , Sharma Akhil , Vandalon Vincent , Knoops Harm C. M. , Kessels Wilhelmus M. M. (Erwin) , Bol Ageeth A.
Published: September 2017

The growth of tungsten oxide (WO3) thin films by atomic layer deposition (ALD) offers numerous merits including atomic-scale thickness control at low deposition temperatures. In this work, the authors have developed and characterized a new plasma-enhanced ALD process for WO3 thin films using the metalorganic precursor bis(tertbutylimido)-bis(dimethylamido)-tungsten and O2 plasma as coreactant over a wide table temperature range of 100–400 °C. The influence of deposition temperature on the growth behavior and film properties is investigated comprehensively. The WO3 ALD process developed in this work yields relatively high growth per cycle values which vary from ∼0.7 Å at 100 °C to ∼0.45 Å at 400 °C, as-determined by in situ spectroscopic ellipsometry. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) measurements revealed a mass density of 5.9 g/cm3 and near stoichiometric film composition (O/W = 2.9). Both RBS and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements confirmed no detectable C as well as N impurity incorporation. Grazing incidence x-ray diffraction measurements indicated that the films deposited at 400 °C were polycrystalline in nature.
What is the impact of research champions on integrating research in mental health clinical practice? A quasiexperimental study in South London, UK
Authors: Oduola Sherifat , Wykes Til , Robotham Dan , Craig Tom K J
Published: September 2017

Objectives

Key challenges for mental health healthcare professionals to implement research alongside clinical activity have been highlighted, such as insufficient time to apply research skills and lack of support and resources. We examined the impact of employing dedicated staff to promote research in community mental health clinical settings.

Design

Quasiexperiment before and after study.

Setting

South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust.

Participants

4455 patients receiving care from 15 community mental health teams between 1 December 2013 and 31 December 2014.

Outcome measures

The proportion of patients approached for research participation in clinical services where research champions were present (intervention group), and where research champions were not present (comparison group).

Results

Patients in the intervention group were nearly six times more likely to be approached for research participation (Adj. OR=5.98; 95% CI 4.96 to 7.22).

Conclusions

Investing in staff that promote and drive research in clinical services increases opportunities for patients to hear about and engage in clinical research studies. However, investment needs to move beyond employing short-term staff.
Effect of anesthesiadepth onpostoperative clinical outcome in patients with supratentorial tumor (DEPTH): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cui Qianyu , Peng Yuming , Liu Xiaoyuan , Jia Bo , Dong Jia , Han Ruquan
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Recent studies have shown that deep anaesthesia is associated with poor outcomes. However, no randomised controlled trials have been conducted to test the causality in patients undergoing brain tumour resection.

Methods and analysis

DEPTH is a multicenter, randomised, parallel-group, blind trial. The depth of general anaesthesia will be monitored using the bispectral index (BIS). Patients elected for supratentorial tumour resection will be randomly allocated to the deep or the light anaesthesia group in which the target BIS value is 35 or 50, respectively. BIS will be maintained at the target value for more than 90% of the total anaesthesia period. The primary outcome is the disability-free survival rate at postoperative 30 days and 1 year. The secondary outcomes are the mortality and morbidity within 30 days after surgery.

Ethics approval and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted by the Medical Ethics Committee of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medicine University. The reference number is KY2016-059-02. The results of this study will be disseminated through presentations at scientific conferences and publication in scientific journals.

Trial registration

NCT03033693.