bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blocking CXCL1-dependent neutrophil recruitment prevents immune damage and reduces pulmonary bacterial infection after inhalation injury
Authors: Dunn Julia L. M. , Kartchner Laurel B. , Stepp Wesley H. , Glenn Lindsey I. , Malfitano Madison M. , Jones Samuel W. , Doerschuk Claire M. , Maile Robert , Cairns Bruce A.
Published: January 2018

Smoke inhalation associated with structural fires, wildfires, or explosions leads to lung injury, for which innovative and clinically relevant animal models are needed to develop effective therapeutics. We have previously reported that damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and anti-inflammatory cytokines correlate with infectious complications in patients diagnosed with inhalational injury. In this study, we describe a novel and translational murine model of acute inhalational injury characterized by an accumulation of protein and neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar space, as well as histological evidence of tissue damage. Mice were anesthetized, and a cannula was placed in the trachea and exposed to smoldering plywood smoke three times for 2-min intervals in a smoke chamber. Here we demonstrate that this model recapitulates clinically relevant phenotypes, including early release of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), IL-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and CXCL1 along with neutrophilia early after injury, accompanied by subsequent susceptibility to opportunistic infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Further investigation of the model, and in turn a reanalysis of patient samples, revealed a late release of the DAMP hyaluronic acid (HA) from the lung. Using nitric oxide synthase-deficient mice, we found that Nos2 was required for increases in IL-10, MCP-1, and HA following injury but not release of dsDNA, CXCL1 expression, early neutrophilia, or susceptibility to opportunistic infection. Depletion of CXCL1 attenuated early neutrophil recruitment, leading to decreased histopathology scores and improved bacterial clearance in this model of smoke inhalation. Together, these data highlight the potential therapeutic benefit of attenuating neutrophil recruitment in the first 24 h after injury in patients.
Dietary omega-6, but not omega-3, polyunsaturated or saturated fatty acids increase inflammation in primary lung mesenchymal cells
Authors: Rutting Sandra , Xenaki Dia , Lau Edmund , Horvat Jay , Wood Lisa G. , Hansbro Philip M. , Oliver Brian G.
Published: January 2018

Obesity is an important risk factor for developing severe asthma. Dietary fatty acids, which are increased in sera of obese individuals and after high-fat meals, activate the innate immune system and induce inflammation. This study investigated whether dietary fatty acids directly cause inflammation and/or synergize with obesity-induced cytokines in primary human pulmonary fibroblasts in vitro. Fibroblasts were challenged with BSA-conjugated fatty acids [ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and ω-3 PUFAs or saturated fatty acids (SFAs)], with or without TNF-α, and release of the proinflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and CXCL8, was measured. We found that the ω-6 PUFA arachidonic acid (AA), but not ω-3 PUFAs or SFAs, upregulates IL-6 and CXCL8 release. Combined AA and TNF-α challenge resulted in substantially greater cytokine release than either alone, demonstrating synergy. Synergistic upregulation of IL-6, but not CXCL8, was mainly mediated via cyclooxygenase (COX). Inhibition of p38 MAPK reduced CXCL8 release, induced by AA and TNF-α alone, but not in combination. Synergistic CXCL8 release, following AA and TNF-α challenge, was not medicated via a single signaling pathway (MEK1, JNK, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, and NF-κB) nor by hyperactivation of NF-κB or p38. To investigate if these findings occur in other airway cells, effects of AA in primary human airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells and human bronchial epithelial cells were also investigated. We found proinflammatory effects in ASM cells but not epithelial cells. This study suggests that diets rich in ω-6 PUFAs might promote airway inflammation via multiple pathways, including COX-dependent and -independent pathways, and in an obese person, may lead to more severe airway inflammation.
Exploring kinetic energy as a new marker of cardiac function in the single ventricle circulation
Authors: Wong James , Chabiniok Radomir , Tibby Shane M. , Pushparajah Kuberan , Sammut Eva , Celermajer David , Giese Daniel , Hussain Tarique , Greil Gerald F. , Schaeffter Tobias , Razavi Reza
Published: January 2018

Ventricular volumetric ejection fraction (VV EF) is often normal in patients with single ventricle circulations despite them experiencing symptoms related to circulatory failure. We sought to determine if kinetic energy (KE) could be a better marker of ventricular performance. KE was prospectively quantified using four-dimensional flow MRI in 41 patients with a single ventricle circulation (aged 0.5–28 yr) and compared with 43 healthy volunteers (aged 1.5–62 yr) and 14 patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction (aged 28–79 yr). Intraventricular end-diastolic blood was tracked through systole and divided into ejected and residual blood components. Two ejection fraction (EF) metrics were devised based on the KE of the ejected component over the total of both the ejected and residual components using 1) instantaneous peak KE to assess KE EF or 2) summating individual peak particle energy (PE) to assess PE EF. KE EF and PE EF had a smaller range than VV EF in healthy subjects (97.9 ± 0.8 vs. 97.3 ± 0.8 vs. 60.1 ± 5.2%). LV dysfunction caused a fall in KE EF ( P = 0.01) and PE EF ( P = 0.0001). VV EF in healthy LVs and single ventricle hearts was equivalent; however, KE EF and PE EF were lower ( P < 0.001) with a wider range indicating a spectrum of severity. Those reporting the greatest symptomatic impairment (New York Heart Association II) had lower PE EF than asymptomatic subjects ( P = 0.0067). KE metrics are markers of healthy cardiac function. PE EF may be useful in grading dysfunction.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Kinetic energy (KE) represents the useful work of the heart in ejecting blood. This article details the utilization of KE indexes to assess cardiac function in health and a variety of pathophysiological conditions. KE ejection fraction and particle energy ejection fraction (PE EF) showed a narrow range in health and a lower wider range in disease representing a spectrum of severity. PE EF was altered by functional status potentially offering the opportunity to grade dysfunction.
Cross-validation and out-of-sample testing of physical activity intensity predictions with a wrist-worn accelerometer
Authors: Montoye Alexander H. K. , Westgate Bradford S. , Fonley Morgan R. , Pfeiffer Karin A.
Published: January 2018

Wrist-worn accelerometers are gaining popularity for measurement of physical activity. However, few methods for predicting physical activity intensity from wrist-worn accelerometer data have been tested on data not used to create the methods (out-of-sample data). This study utilized two previously collected data sets [Ball State University (BSU) and Michigan State University (MSU)] in which participants wore a GENEActiv accelerometer on the left wrist while performing sedentary, lifestyle, ambulatory, and exercise activities in simulated free-living settings. Activity intensity was determined via direct observation. Four machine learning models (plus 2 combination methods) and six feature sets were used to predict activity intensity (30-s intervals) with the accelerometer data. Leave-one-out cross-validation and out-of-sample testing were performed to evaluate accuracy in activity intensity prediction, and classification accuracies were used to determine differences among feature sets and machine learning models. In out-of-sample testing, the random forest model (77.3–78.5%) had higher accuracy than other machine learning models (70.9–76.4%) and accuracy similar to combination methods (77.0–77.9%). Feature sets utilizing frequency-domain features had improved accuracy over other feature sets in leave-one-out cross-validation (92.6–92.8% vs. 87.8–91.9% in MSU data set; 79.3–80.2% vs. 76.7–78.4% in BSU data set) but similar or worse accuracy in out-of-sample testing (74.0–77.4% vs. 74.1–79.1% in MSU data set; 76.1–77.0% vs. 75.5–77.3% in BSU data set). All machine learning models outperformed the euclidean norm minus one/GGIR method in out-of-sample testing (69.5–78.5% vs. 53.6–70.6%). From these results, we recommend out-of-sample testing to confirm generalizability of machine learning models. Additionally, random forest models and feature sets with only time-domain features provided the best accuracy for activity intensity prediction from a wrist-worn accelerometer.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study includes in-sample and out-of-sample cross-validation of an alternate method for deriving meaningful physical activity outcomes from accelerometer data collected with a wrist-worn accelerometer. This method uses machine learning to directly predict activity intensity. By so doing, this study provides a classification model that may avoid high errors present with energy expenditure prediction while still allowing researchers to assess adherence to physical activity guidelines.
Sex and nitric oxide bioavailability interact to modulate interstitial Po2in healthy rat skeletal muscle
Authors: Craig Jesse C. , Colburn Trenton D. , Hirai Daniel M. , Schettler Michael J. , Musch Timothy I. , Poole David C.
Published: January 2018

Premenopausal women express reduced blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease relative to age-matched men. This purportedly relates to elevated estrogen levels increasing nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and NO-mediated vasorelaxation. We tested the hypotheses that female rat skeletal muscle would: 1) evince a higher O2delivery-to-utilization ratio (Q̇o2/V̇o2) during contractions; and 2) express greater modulation of Q̇o2/V̇o2with changes to NO bioavailability compared with male rats. The spinotrapezius muscle of Sprague-Dawley rats (females = 8, males = 8) was surgically exposed and electrically-stimulated (180 s, 1 Hz, 6 V). OxyphorG4 was injected into the muscle and phosphorescence quenching employed to determine the temporal profile of interstitial Po2(Po2is, determined by Q̇o2/V̇o2). This was performed under three conditions: control (CON), 300 µM sodium nitroprusside (SNP; NO donor), and 1.5 mM Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME; NOS blockade) superfusion. No sex differences were found for the Po2iskinetics parameters in CON or l-NAME ( P > 0.05), but females elicited a lower baseline following SNP (males 42 ± 3 vs. females 36 ± 2 mmHg, P < 0.05). Females had a lower ΔPo2isduring contractions following SNP (males 22 ± 3 vs. females 17 ± 2 mmHg, P < 0.05), but there were no sex differences for the temporal response to contractions ( P > 0.05). The total NO effect (SNP minus l-NAME) on Po2iswas not different between sexes. However, the spread across both conditions was shifted to a lower absolute range for females (reduced SNP baseline and greater reduction following l-NAME). These data support that females have a greater reliance on basal NO bioavailability and males have a greater responsiveness to exogenous NO and less responsiveness to reduced endogenous NO.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Interstitial Po2(Po2is; determined by O2delivery-to-utilization matching) plays an important role for O2flux into skeletal muscle. We show that both sexes regulate Po2isat similar levels at rest and during skeletal muscle contractions. However, modulating NO bioavailability exposes sex differences in this regulation with females potentially having a greater reliance on basal NO bioavailability and males having a greater responsiveness to exogenous NO and less responsiveness to reduced endogenous NO.
Differential Neuroprotective Effects of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist on Spinal Cord Neurons after Excitotoxic Injury
Authors: Schizas Nikos , Perry Sharn , Andersson Brittmarie , Wählby Carolina , Kullander Klas , Hailer Nils P.
Published: January 2018

Secondary damage following spinal cord injury (SCI) induces neuronal damage through inflammatory and excitotoxic pathways. We hypothesized that the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RA) protects neuronal populations and suppresses apoptosis and gliosis after injury. Spinal cord slice cultures (SCSCs) were subjected to excitotoxic injury with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and treated with IL1RA. Immunohistochemistry for neuronal nuclei (NeuN), MacII, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labelling stains were used to evaluate neuronal survival, glial activation, and apoptosis. Treatment with IL1RA significantly reduced the number of apoptotic cells in both NMDA-lesioned and unlesioned cultures. Experimental injury with NMDA reduced the number of NeuN-positive ventral horn neurons, and IL1RA treatment counteracted this loss 1 day after injury. However, IL1RA had no effect on the number of presumable Renshaw cells, identified by their selective expression of the cholinergic nicotinic α2-receptor subunit (Chrna2). Activated microglial cells were more numerous in NMDA-lesioned cultures 1 day after injury, and IL1RA significantly reduced their numbers. We conclude that IL1RA modulates neuronal apoptosis and microglial activation in excitotoxically injured SCSCs. Renshaw cells were more susceptible to excitotoxic injury than other neurons and were not rescued by IL1RA treatment. Modulation of IL-1-mediated pathways may thus be effective in reducing excitotoxically induced neuronal damage after SCI, however only in specific neuronal populations, such as ventral horn neurons. These findings motivate further investigations of the possibility to antagonize inflammatory pathways after SCI.
Endoscopic Surveillance in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Goetz Martin
Published: January 2018

Introduction: Endoscopy is a key technique for the surveillance of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis). Indication to perform endoscopy for surveillance includes assessment of response to therapy, postoperative surveillance, and surveillance for intraepithelial neoplasia. Methods: In addition to personal experience, a literature search was performed and the guidelines were consulted. Results and Conclusion: Endoscopy is the gold standard in the long-term assessment of mucosal healing and in the short-term control of response to intensified therapy. For postoperative surveillance in CD, mucosal changes (as graded by the Rutgeerts score) are predictive of clinical recurrence. For neoplasia surveillance, virtual chromoendoscopy has not (yet) replaced conventional chromoendoscopy. Surveillance can be optimized by the use of high-definition endoscopes as well as (pan-)chromoendoscopy and requires time to scrutinize the mucosa. This approach seems to be superior to random biopsies.
The Combination of Trypan Blue and Brilliant Blue G-Assisted Vitrectomy for Macular Pucker: Histopathological Findings
Authors: Tognetto Daniele , De Giacinto Chiara , D'Aloisio Rossella , Papagno Claudia , Pastore Marco , Zweyer Marina
Published: January 2018

Purpose: To report on the combined use of trypan blue (TB) and brilliant blue G (BBG) for staining the epiretinal membrane (ERM) and internal limiting membrane (ILM) during vitrectomy and to describe the histopathological findings. Methods: 10 surgical specimens were removed from 10 eyes with macular pucker during vitrectomy using a commercially available combination of TB and BBG for ERM and ILM staining and peeling. Specimens were evaluated using light and transmission electron microscopy. Results: In all cases the combination of TB and BBG was useful for identifying and delineating ERM and ILM. No complications related to the use of the dye were observed during or after surgery. Glial cells were present in all specimens. Hyalocytes were observed in 6 cases and myofibroblasts in 3 of them. In 7 cases native vitreous collagen fibrils were found on the ILM, while in 5 specimens newly formed collagen was present. No clinical evidence of toxicity was observed during the 3-month follow-up. Conclusion: The combined use of TB and BBG appeared to be very useful intraoperatively to improve the visualization of ERM and ILM, thus facilitating their complete removal. Anatomical and histopathological findings demonstrated the safety and the efficacy of this vital dye.
Sistema português de saúde mental: avaliação crítica do modelo de pagamento aos prestadores
Authors: Perelman Julian , Chaves Pedro , Gago Joaquim , Leuschner António , Lourenço Alexandre , Mestre Ricardo , Pisco Luis , Paixão Isabel , de Carvalho Álvaro , Caldas de Almeida José
Published: January 2018

O Plano Nacional de Saúde Mental 2007–2016 aponta várias limitações ao sistema português de saúde mental, como a falta de acesso, os cuidados excessivamente centrados nos hospitais, a falta de recursos e a prevenção insuficiente. Uma das formas de atacar estes problemas é o desenho de um novo modelo de pagamento aos prestadores de cuidados de saúde mental, o que apenas é possível conhecendo em de­talhe o modelo atual, os seus pontos fortes e fracos e os incentivos que cria. É isso que fazemos, com especial enfoque nos cuidados de saúde primários e hospitalares, com base nos resultados da literatura teórica e empírica, e na realização de um grupo focal com peritos das áreas da saúde mental e financiamento em Portugal. Concluímos que os cuidados de saúde primários não são incentivados a envolver-se na prevenção e tratamento de perturbações mentais, por beneficiarem da realização de um grande número de consultas de curta duração e do cumprimento de objetivos que negligenciam a saúde mental. Já o pagamento dos hospitais Entidade Pública Empresarial é muito focado no nível de atividade e não na integração de cuidados. É prevista uma remuneração por dias ou episódio de internamento, ou por serviço médico prestado, o que dificulta uma visão global do estado de saúde de cada doente. No entanto, os indicadores definidos para estes prestadores e a ausência de um mecanismo de reembolso de custos privilegia a eficiência na prestação de cuidados. Os cuidados prestados na comunidade, cuja eficácia é defendida pela literatura, são incentivados por uma remuneração que lhes é específica, mas que parece ainda não ter sido atribuída na prática. Em geral, apesar de ter alguns aspetos positivos, o modelo de pagamento aos prestadores de cuidados de saúde mental beneficiará de um novo desenho, que envolva mais os cuidados de saúde primários, que incentive uma visão global do estado de saúde de cada doente e que torne mais efetivo o tratamento na comunidade.
Clinical Components of Borderline Personality Disorder and Personality Functioning
Authors: Ferrer Marc , Andión Óscar , Calvo Natalia , Hörz Susanne , Fischer-Kern Melitta , Kapusta Nestor D. , Schneider Gudrun , Clarkin John F. , Doering Stephan ,   European STIPO Research Group
Published: January 2018

Background: Impairment in personality functioning (PF) represents a salient criterion of the DSM-5 alternative diagnostic model for personality disorders (AMPD). The main goal of this study is to analyze the relationship of the borderline personality disorder (BPD) clinical components derived from the DSM-5 categorical diagnostic model (affective dysregulation, behavioral dysregulation, and disturbed relatedness) with personality organization (PO), i.e., PF, assessed by the Structured Interview of Personality Organization (STIPO). Methods: STIPO and the Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM-IV (SCID-I and -II) were administered to 206 BPD patients. The relationship between PO and BPD components were studied using Spearman correlations and independent linear regression analyses. Results: Significant positive correlations were observed between STIPO scores and several DSM-5 BPD criteria and comorbid psychiatric disorders. STIPO dimensions mainly correlated with disturbed relatedness and, to a lesser extent, affective dysregulation components. Each BPD clinical component was associated with specific STIPO dimensions. Conclusions: Both diagnostic models, DSM-5 BPD criteria and PO, are not only related but complementary concepts. The results of this study particularly recommend STIPO for the assessment of relational functioning, which is a major domain of the Personality Functioning Scale Levels of the DSM-5 AMPD.
Microglial Activation Induces Generation of Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells from the Subventricular Zone after Focal Demyelination in the Corpus Callosum
Authors: Naruse Masae , Shibasaki Koji , Shimauchi-Ohtaki Hiroya , Ishizaki Yasuki
Published: January 2018

Neuroblasts derived from neural stem cells (NSCs) in the subventricular zone (SVZ) migrate along the rostral migratory stream into the olfactory bulb to generate interneurons under normal physiological conditions. When demyelination occurs, NSCs or neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in the SVZ provide newly formed oligodendrocytes to demyelinated lesions. The plasticity of NSC/NPC lineages may tend to oligodendrogenesis under the influence of demyelinated lesions. The mechanisms, however, still remain unknown. This study revealed that focal demyelination in the corpus callosum caused activation of the microglia, not only at the site of demyelination but also in the SVZ, and dramatically increased the generation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) in the SVZ. Furthermore, the inhibition of microglial activation by minocycline treatment decreased OPC generation in the SVZ, suggesting that microglial activation in the SVZ, induced by the focal demyelination in the corpus callosum, regulates NSC/NPC lineage plasticity in situ. In contrast to the findings regarding demyelination in the corpus callosum, inducing focal demyelination in the internal capsule did not induce either microglial activation or OPC generation in the SVZ. These results suggest that the mechanism of OPC generation in the SVZ after inducing demyelinating lesions could be different across the demyelinated regions.
From High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol to Measurements of Function
Authors: Sacks Frank M. , Jensen Majken K.
Published: January 2018

The evidence is strong that biological functions contained in high-density lipoproteins (HDL) are antiatherogenic. These functions may track with HDL cholesterol or apolipoprotein A1 concentration to explain the strongly inverse risk curve for cardiovascular disease. Moreover, there are harmful as well as protective HDL subspecies in regard to cardiovascular disease, which could be responsible for paradoxical responses to HDL-directed treatments. Recent metabolic studies show that apolipoprotein A1–containing HDL is secreted into the circulation as mostly spherical cholesterol ester–rich lipoproteins that span the HDL size range. Most of the flux of apolipoprotein A1 HDL into and out of the circulation occurs in these spherical cholesterol-replete particles. Discoidal cholesterol-poor HDL comprises a minority of HDL secretion. We propose that much cholesterol in reverse cholesterol transport enters and exits medium and large size HDL without changing a size category, and its flux may be estimated provisionally from holoparticle clearance of cholesterol ester–rich HDL. An accurate framework for metabolism of HDL is essential to finding steady-state biomarkers that reflect HDL function in vivo. Whereas cholesterol efflux from cells to mainly discoidal HDL, mediated by ABCA1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCA1), predicts cardiovascular disease, cholesterol transfers to spherical HDL also can be measured and may be relevant to protection against atherosclerosis. We propose several investigative paths on which human HDL biology may be investigated leading to convenient biomarkers of HDL quality and function having potential not only to improve risk prediction but also to more accurately target drug treatments.
Lipoprotein Lipase Deficiency Impairs Bone Marrow Myelopoiesis and Reduces Circulating Monocyte Levels
Authors: Chang Chuchun L. , Garcia-Arcos Itsaso , Nyrén Rakel , Olivecrona Gunilla , Kim Ji Young , Hu Yunying , Agrawal Rishi R. , Murphy Andrew J. , Goldberg Ira J. , Deckelbaum Richard J.
Published: January 2018

Objective—

Tissue macrophages induce and perpetuate proinflammatory responses, thereby promoting metabolic and cardiovascular disease. Lipoprotein lipase (LpL), the rate-limiting enzyme in blood triglyceride catabolism, is expressed by macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques. We questioned whether LpL, which is also expressed in the bone marrow (BM), affects circulating white blood cells and BM proliferation and modulates macrophage retention within the artery.

Approach and Results—

We characterized blood and tissue leukocytes and inflammatory molecules in transgenic LpL knockout mice rescued from lethal hypertriglyceridemia within 18 hours of life by muscle-specific LpL expression (MCKL0 mice). LpL-deficient mice had ≈40% reduction in blood white blood cell, neutrophils, and total and inflammatory monocytes (Ly6C/G
hi
). LpL deficiency also significantly decreased expression of BM macrophage-associated markers (F4/80 and TNF-α [tumor necrosis factor α]), master transcription factors (PU.1 and C/EBPα), and colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) and their receptors, which are required for monocyte and monocyte precursor proliferation and differentiation. As a result, differentiation of macrophages from BM-derived monocyte progenitors and monocytes was decreased in MCKL0 mice. Furthermore, although LpL deficiency was associated with reduced BM uptake and accumulation of triglyceride-rich particles and macrophage CSF–macrophage CSF receptor binding, triglyceride lipolysis products (eg, linoleic acid) stimulated expression of macrophage CSF and macrophage CSF receptor in BM-derived macrophage precursor cells. Arterial macrophage numbers decreased after heparin-mediated LpL cell dissociation and by genetic knockout of arterial LpL. Reconstitution of LpL-expressing BM replenished aortic macrophage density.

Conclusions—

LpL regulates peripheral leukocyte levels and affects BM monocyte progenitor differentiation and aortic macrophage accumulation.
IL-35 (Interleukin-35) Suppresses Endothelial Cell Activation by Inhibiting Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Site-Specific Acetylation of H3K14 (Histone 3 Lysine 14)
Authors: Li Xinyuan , Shao Ying , Sha Xiaojin , Fang Pu , Kuo Yin-Ming , Andrews Andrew J. , Li Yafeng , Yang William Y. , Maddaloni Massimo , Pascual David W. , Luo Jin J. , Jiang Xiaohua , Wang Hong , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: January 2018

Objective—

IL-35 (interleukin-35) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine, which inhibits immune responses by inducing regulatory T cells and regulatory B cells and suppressing effector T cells and macrophages. It remains unknown whether atherogenic stimuli induce IL-35 and whether IL-35 inhibits atherogenic lipid-induced endothelial cell (EC) activation and atherosclerosis. EC activation induced by hyperlipidemia stimuli, including lysophosphatidylcholine is considered as an initiation step for monocyte recruitment and atherosclerosis. In this study, we examined the expression of IL-35 during early atherosclerosis and the roles and mechanisms of IL-35 in suppressing lysophosphatidylcholine-induced EC activation.

Approach and Results—

Using microarray and ELISA, we found that IL-35 and its receptor are significantly induced during early atherosclerosis in the aortas and plasma of ApoE (apolipoprotein E) knockout mice—an atherosclerotic mouse model—and in the plasma of hypercholesterolemic patients. In addition, we found that IL-35 suppresses lysophosphatidylcholine-induced monocyte adhesion to human aortic ECs. Furthermore, our RNA-sequencing analysis shows that IL-35 selectively inhibits lysophosphatidylcholine-induced EC activation-related genes, such as ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1). Mechanistically, using flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, electron spin resonance analyses, and chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing analyses, we found that IL-35 blocks lysophosphatidylcholine-induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, which are required for the induction of site-specific H3K14 (histone 3 lysine 14) acetylation, increased binding of proinflammatory transcription factor AP-1 in the promoter of ICAM-1, and induction of ICAM-1 transcription in human aortic EC. Finally, IL-35 cytokine therapy suppresses atherosclerotic lesion development in ApoE knockout mice.

Conclusions—

IL-35 is induced during atherosclerosis development and inhibits mitochondrial reactive oxygen species-H3K14 acetylation-AP-1–mediated EC activation.
Patients With Undetermined Stroke Have Increased Atrial Fibrosis
Authors: Fonseca Ana Catarina , Alves Pedro , Inácio Nuno , Marto João Pedro , Viana-Baptista Miguel , Pinho-e-Melo Teresa , Ferro José M. , Almeida Ana G.
Published: January 2018

Background and Purpose—

Some patients with ischemic strokes that are currently classified as having an undetermined cause may have structural or functional changes of the left atrium (LA) and left atrial appendage, which increase their risk of thromboembolism. We compared the LA and left atrial appendage of patients with different ischemic stroke causes using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods—

We prospectively included a consecutive sample of ischemic stroke patients. Patients with structural changes on echocardiography currently considered as causal for stroke in the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification were excluded. A 3-T cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed.

Results—

One hundred and eleven patients were evaluated. Patients with an undetermined cause had a higher percentage of LA fibrosis (
P
=0.03) than patients with other stroke causes and lower, although not statistically significant, values of LA ejection fraction. Patients with atrial fibrillation and undetermined stroke cause showed a similar value of atrial fibrosis.

Conclusions—

The LA phenotype that was found in patients with undetermined cause supports the hypothesis that an atrial disease may be associated with stroke.
Social Learning and Cultural Evolution in Artificial Life
Authors: Marriott Chris , Borg James M. , Andras Peter , Smaldino Paul E.
Published: January 2018

We describe the questions and discussions raised at the First Workshop on Social Learning and Cultural Evolution held at theArtificial Life Conference 2016 in Cancún, Mexico in July 2016. The purpose of the workshop was to assemble artificial life researchers interested in social learning and cultural evolution into one group so that we could focus on recent work and interesting open questions. Our discussion related to both the mechanisms of social learning and cultural evolution and the consequences and influence of social learning and cultural evolution on living systems. We present the contributions of our workshop presenters and conclude with a discussion of the more important open questions in this area.
The Biological Foundations of Enactivism: A Report on a Workshop Held at Artificial Life XV
Authors: Agmon Eran , Egbert Matthew , Virgo Nathaniel
Published: January 2018

This is a report on the Biological Foundations of Enactivism Workshop, which was held as part of Artificial Life XV. The workshop aimed to revisit enactivism's contributions to biology and to revitalize the discussion of autonomy with the goal of grounding it in quantitative definitions based in observable phenomena. This report summarizes some of the important issues addressed in the workshop's talks and discussions, which include how to identify emergent individuals out of an environmental background, what the roles of autonomy and normativity are in biological theory, how new autonomous agents can spontaneously emerge at the origins of life, and what science can say about subjective experience.
Undecidability and Irreducibility Conditions for Open-Ended Evolution and Emergence
Authors: Hernández-Orozco Santiago , Hernández-Quiroz Francisco , Zenil Hector
Published: January 2018

Is undecidability a requirement for open-ended evolution (OEE)? Using methods derived from algorithmic complexity theory, we propose robust computational definitions of open-ended evolution and the adaptability of computable dynamical systems. Within this framework, we show that decidability imposes absolute limits on the stable growth of complexity in computable dynamical systems. Conversely, systems that exhibit (strong) open-ended evolution must be undecidable, establishing undecidability as a requirement for such systems. Complexity is assessed in terms of three measures: sophistication, coarse sophistication, and busy beaver logical depth. These three complexity measures assign low complexity values to random (incompressible) objects. As time grows, the stated complexity measures allow for the existence of complex states during the evolution of a computable dynamical system. We show, however, that finding these states involves undecidable computations. We conjecture that for similar complexity measures that assign low complexity values, decidability imposes comparable limits on the stable growth of complexity, and that such behavior is necessary for nontrivial evolutionary systems. We show that the undecidability of adapted states imposes novel and unpredictable behavior on the individuals or populations being modeled. Such behavior is irreducible. Finally, we offer an example of a system, first proposed by Chaitin, that exhibits strong OEE.
Aristotle on the Senses of Nature and the Naturalness of the City
Authors: Chen Siyi
Published: January 2018

This article defends Aristotle’s core argument for the naturalness of the city by offering a reconstruction of the connection and a demonstration of the consistency between this argument and its metaphysical foundation. The author argues that the city is natural in a strictly Aristotelian sense since its moving and final causes are intertwined in man’s evolving desire for good life and its historical satisfaction.
A new Limnonectes (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from southern Laos
Authors: PHIMMACHAK SOMPHOUTHONE , SIVONGXAY NIANE , SEATEUN SENGVILAY , YODTHONG SIRIPORN , RUJIRAWAN ATTAPOL , NEANG THY , AOWPHOL ANCHALEE , STUART BRYAN L.
Published: January 2018

A new species of “fanged frog” in the genus Limnonectes resembling L. kohchangae (Smith, 1922) from southeastern Thailand and southwestern Cambodia is described from upper elevations of the Bolaven Plateau, southern Laos. However, the new species, L. coffeatus sp. nov., is not resolved to be the closest relative of L. kohchangae, and is further distinguished from this taxon by differences in skin texture and coloration. The new species is potentially threatened from extensive conversion of forest into coffee plantations on the Bolaven Plateau.
Meanings and experiences associated with computer use of older immigrant adults of lower socioeconomic status
Authors: Andonian Lynne C.
Published: January 2018

Background.

Immigrant older adults are a substantial demographic composing 12% to 30% of older adults in the United States and Canada, yet no research has addressed the meanings associated with computer use for low-socioeconomic-status and immigrant older adults.

Purpose.

The study explored the meanings, occupational engagement, and experiences associated with computer use.

Method.

A mixed-methods approach, qualitative participatory action research (photovoice) and survey (Computer Proficiency Questionnaire), was used. Data collection consisted of narratives, focus groups, and Likert scale responses for nine participants.

Findings.

The participants expressed the meanings they associated with computer use as freedom, personal growth, and engagement. Computers promote occupational engagement in social participation, education, and leisure.

Implications.

The findings of personal growth may inform occupational therapy interventions using computers to enable adjustment to changes related to aging and wellness. Social participation and education were motivators for computer use, which may inform computer engagement strategies for this population.
Chemical modification of sugarcane bagasse and sisal fibers using hydroxymethylated lignin: Influence on impact strength and water absorption of phenolic composites
Authors: Tita SPS , Medeiros R , Tarpani JR , Frollini E , Tita V
Published: January 2018

Chemical modification of fiber surfaces can increase wettability of composites reinforced by vegetal fibers and, consequently, the dispersion of the fiber in the matrix and mechanical properties can be improved. Although there are some studies about agents for chemical modifications of vegetal fiber surfaces, there are few data and discussion about the usage of lignin. In the present work, chemical modifications of sugarcane bagasse and sisal fibers using lignin (previously hydroxymethylated) were carried out under different reaction times (15, 30, and 60 min). The composition (holocellulose, hemicelluloses, cellulose, and lignin contents) of the treated and untreated fibers was evaluated. Phenolic composites were prepared using unmodified and modified fibers via compression molding process under temperature. Izod impact, water absorption tests, and scanning electron microscopy were performed to evaluate composite properties. The resin and lignin were characterized by size exclusion chromatography. Results showed that there was a tendency of reducing water absorption for composites prepared from modified fibers. Impact strengths of composites reinforced with sugarcane bagasse with modified fibers were similar to the ones with unmodified fibers (around 20 J/m). However, impact strengths for composites reinforced with modified sisal fibers (around 104 J/m for 15 min of reaction time) were higher than the ones with unmodified fibers (around 95 J/m). Therefore, the usage of lignin as a modifier agent of vegetal fiber surfaces to increase fiber–matrix adhesion for phenolic composites is a strategic alternative for improving products through simple, eco-friendly, and low-cost procedures.
Micromechanical damage identification of vibrating laminated composites using bivariate Gaussian function-based genetic algorithms
Authors: Lee Sang-Youl , Kim Gyu-Dong
Published: January 2018

This study deals with a micromechanical detection of stiffness degradation occurred by the fiber damage in vibrating laminated composite plates. Five unknown parameters are considered to determine the fiber or matrix damage distribution, which is a modified form of the bivariate Gaussian distribution function. The proposed approach is more feasible than the conventional element-based damage detection method from the computational efficiency because it is independent on the number of divided elements. The micromechanical model is embedded in the reconstruction algorithm using the modified Halpin–Tsai formulation. The numerical examples show that the proposed technique is a feasible and practical method, which can prove the location of a damaged region as well as inspect the distribution of deteriorated stiffness of composites for different fiber angles and layup sequences.
Physiological, Perceptual, and Affective Responses to Six High-Intensity Interval Training Protocols
Authors: Follador Lucio , Alves Ragami C. , Ferreira Sandro dos S. , Buzzachera Cosme F. , Andrade Vinicius F. dos S. , Garcia Erick D. S. de A. , Osiecki Raul , Barbosa Sara C. , de Oliveira Letícia M. , da Silva Sergio G.
Published: January 2018

This study examined the extent to which different high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and sprint interval training (SIT) protocols could influence psychophysiological responses in moderately active young men. Fourteen participants completed, in a randomized order, three cycling protocols (SIT: 4 × 30-second all-out sprints; Tabata: 7 × 20 seconds at 170% ⋮O2max; and HIIT: 10 × 60 seconds at 90% HRmax) and three running HIIT protocols (4 × 4 minutes at 90%–95% HRmax, 5 × at v⋮O2max, and 4 × 1,000 meters at a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of 8, from the OMNI-Walk/Run scale). Oxygen uptake (⋮O2), heart rate, and RPE were recorded during each interval. Affective responses were assessed before and after each trial. The Tabata protocol elicited the highest ⋮O2 and RPE responses, and the least pleasant session-affect among the cycling trials. The v⋮O2max elicited the highest ⋮O2 and RPE responses and the lowest mean session-affect among the running trials. Findings highlight the limited application of SIT and some HIIT protocols to individuals with low fitness levels.
Affective Responses to Acute Bouts of Aerobic Exercise, Mindfulness Meditation, and Combinations of Exercise and Meditation: A Randomized Controlled Intervention
Authors: Edwards Meghan K. , Loprinzi Paul D.
Published: January 2018

Single bouts of aerobic exercise and meditation have been shown to induce positive affect. In a novel experimental paradigm, we sought to examine the effects of an acute bout of aerobic exercise and meditation, as well as exercise and meditation combined on affect among young adults. Participants ( N = 110, mean age = 21.4 years) were randomly assigned to walk, meditate, walk then meditate, meditate then walk, or to sit (inactive control). All walking and meditation bouts were 10 minutes in duration. Participants’ affect was monitored before and after the intervention using the Exercise Induced Feelings Inventory. Significant group × time interaction effects were observed for three Exercise Induced Feelings Inventory subscales, including revitalization ( p < .001), tranquility ( p = .02), and exhaustion ( p = .03); the group × time interaction for Exercise Induced Feelings Inventory positive engagement was nonsignificant ( p = .16). A single bout of brisk walking or meditation, as well as a combination of walking and meditation, may positively influence affect. There is some evidence to suggest that affective benefits may be greater following meditation or a combination of meditation and walking, when compared with walking alone.
Historically White Universities and Plantation Politics: Anti-Blackness and Higher Education in the Black Lives Matter Era
Authors: Dancy T. Elon , Edwards Kirsten T. , Earl Davis James
Published: January 2018

In this article, the authors argue that U.S. colleges and universities must grapple with persistent engagements of Black bodies as property. Engaging the research and scholarship on Black faculty, staff, and students, we explain how theorizations of settler colonialism and anti-Blackness (re)interpret the arrangement between historically White universities and Black people. The authors contend that a particular political agenda that engages the Black body as property, not merely concerns for disproportionality and inequality, is deeply embedded in institutional policy and practice. The article concludes with a vision for what awareness of anti-Black settler colonialism means for U.S. higher education.
An unusual case of noma caused by Klebsiella pnuemoniae and its management
Authors: Gupta Aastha , Sardana Kabir , Gautam Ram K
Published: January 2018

Noma or cancrum oris is an orofacial gangrene causing progressive mutilating destruction of the infected tissues. It mainly affects malnourished children with poor oral hygiene and concurrent debilitating systemic illnesses. It is a polymicrobial infection and borrelia vincentii and fusobacterium are the most important pathogens known. We present a case of a boy aged 2.5 years with noma where klebsiella was grown and was the initial cause of failure of empiric therapy.
Are Supervision Practices Procedurally Fair? Development and Predictive Utility of a Procedural Justice Measure for Use in Community Corrections Settings
Authors: Blasko Brandy L. , Taxman Faye S.
Published: January 2018

This study describes the development and refinement of a practical measure for use by community supervision staff to assess the extent to which individuals under community supervision perceive the supervision process as fair. Seven items functioned statistically and theoretically well. Results showed a clear, one-factor structure. The resulting measure demonstrated significant relationships with supervision outcomes of both crime and technical violations across two independent community supervision samples. This practical measure is grounded in theory and provides supervision agencies with a tool to measure the degree to which the interactions between supervisees and officers are positive and prosocial, and facilitate outcomes that are perceived as legitimate. Findings are framed within the “what works” corrections literature, and the important, yet underresearched theory of procedural justice as it related to community corrections settings.
High order iterative learning control to solve the trajectory tracking problem for robot manipulators using Lyapunov theory
Authors: Bouakrif Farah , Zasadzinski Michel
Published: January 2018

This paper deals with Iterative Learning Control (ILC) design to solve the trajectory tracking problem for rigid robot manipulators subject to external disturbances, and performing repetitive tasks. A high order ILC scheme is synthetized; this controller contains the information (errors) of several iterations and not only of one iteration. It has been shown that the closed loop system (robot plus controller) is asymptotically stable, over the whole finite time interval, when the iteration number tends to infinity. This proof is based upon the use of a Lyapunov-like positive definite sequence, which is shown to be monotonically decreasing under the proposed controller scheme. Finally, simulation results on two-link manipulator are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Sampled-data control for switched neutral systems with quantization input under asynchronous switching
Authors: Zhao Jianrong , Liu Wei
Published: January 2018

This paper is concerned with sampled-data control for switched neutral systems with quantization input under asynchronous switching. By combining the multiple function method and the average dwell time technique, a lemma gives input-to-state stability conditions for switched nonlinear neutral systems. Considering the relationship between the sampling periods and minimal dwell time of two switching instants, sampled-data control is extended into the input-to-state stability of switched neutral systems under asynchronous switching. The sector bound approach is used to analyse quantization phenomena. For switched linear neutral systems with nonlinear perturbations and quantization input, linear matrix inequality conditions are given to guarantee input-to-state stability. Then, a sampled-data based controller with transmission delays is designed. In the end, the effectiveness of the results is illustrated by a simulation example about the management of forests.
Performance verification of typical and design weather year by thermal load calculation targeting office building
Authors: Arima Yusuke , Ooka Ryozo , Kikumoto Hideki
Published: January 2018

We proposed a new type of weather year data for building energy simulations named the typical and design weather year, which can be used for estimating both average and peak energy demand for one year of building energy simulation. The typical and design weather year is generated using a quantile mapping method. In this paper, we made the typical and design weather year for three cities, Tokyo, Sapporo, and Kagoshima, representing a wide range of climatic conditions in Japan, and evaluated its performance by conducting building energy simulations targeting prototypical office buildings. We found that the typical and design weather year was more than twice as accurate in estimating average energy demand as the existing typical weather year data. Typical and design weather year can also estimate peak energy demand with high accuracy.

Practical application: The cumulative distribution functions of a target weather data set, on which quantile mapping is performed, are modified to consist entirely of parent multi-year weather data. Therefore, typical and design weather years based on quantile mapping are expected to be useful as versatile weather year data representing the various weather characteristics of multi-year conditions. In this study, we found that the typical and design weather year can estimate both average and peak energy demands in building energy simulations. New type of weather year data named the typical and design weather year can be used as both typical and design weather data.