bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of competitive endogenous RNA network reveals regulatory role of long non‐coding RNAs in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lin Zijing , Li Xinyu , Zhan Xiaorong , Sun Lijie , Gao Jie , Cao Yan , Qiu Hui
Published: June 2017

Increasing epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its comorbidities makes it urgent to understand the pathogenesis and regulatory mechanism. However, little is known about the regulatory role of lncRNAs in diabetes. Here, we constructed a T2DM‐related competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network (DMCN) to explore biological function of lncRNAs during the development of diabetes mellitus. This network contained 351 nodes including 98 mRNAs, 86 microRNAs and 167 lncRNAs. Functional analysis showed that the mRNAs in DMCN were annotated into some diabetes‐related pathways. Furthermore, mTOR‐centred subnetwork was extracted and ncRNA‐involved mTOR pathway was established. Finally, we validated that NEAT1 was potentially communicated with mTOR signalling target protein mLST8 via the association with miR‐181b. These findings provide significant insight into lncRNA regulatory network in T2DM.
Processing of Moringa leaves as natural source of nutrients by optimization of drying and grinding mechanism
Authors: Ali M. A. , Yusof Y. A. , Chin N. L. , Ibrahim M. N.
Published: June 2017

In this study, Moringa leaves were processed in two steps (1) drying and (2) grinding. In the first step, leaves were dried with different drying treatments including conventional, laboratory and advanced methods to optimize drying conditions in terms of maximum nutrients preservation and color quality. During the second step, leaves were ground with three different grinding mills including hammer, dry, and cutter mills to study the effect of grinding mechanism in combination with particles size and moisture content on the flowability of the powder. The flowability was measured using conventional and advanced methods including Carr Index and Cohesion Index. Oven drying at 50 °C was found to be the optimum conditions in terms of maximum nutrients and color preservation of Moringa leaves. The grinding mechanism having a substantial impact on the flowability of the powder produced in different types of mills. The effect of moisture content and particle size on Moringa leaves powder was also investigated and found that moisture content directly affects the flowability of Moringa leaves powder followed by particles size and shape. We have also noted powder sample prepared by the impact mechanism (hammer mill) with particle size 50 µm and moisture content 5% having appreciable flowability as compared to the samples processed by cutting (dry mill) and shattering (cutter mill) mechanisms. This study conveys an ultimate understanding regarding processing (drying and grinding) of Moringa leaves powder.

Practical Applications

Dried Moringa is restricted to use as dietary purposes because of its unpleasant taste, which becomes further bitter after drying procedure. Therefore, powder of Moringa leaves can be processed into different forms such as tablet, capsules and cereal formulations. For this purpose, a comprehensive study has been carried out to increase the understanding of drying and flow characteristics of Moringa (leaves and powder) using different drying and grinding mechanisms. The findings of this study regarding drying treatments, nutrients preservation, flowability and different grinding mechanisms can also be applied to other herbs and leaves. A correlation between Carr Index and Cohesion Index established successfully. This study will be helpful to conduct further research in food processing because Carr Index is simple and easy to measure as compared to Cohesion Index that requires both texture and powder flow analyzers.
An investigation of operational parameters of jet cutting method on the size of Ca‐alginate beads
Authors: Paulo Bruna Barbon , Ramos Fernanda de Melo , Prata Ana Silvia
Published: June 2017

A rarely used option for reduction the size of Ca‐alginate beads is the jet cutter, a rotating disk coupled to the output of the nozzle, and responsible for cutting the jet in smaller sizes. There are few systematic studies in the literature about this apparatus and its operational effects on the bead size. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate some operational parameters on the size of Ca‐alginate beads produced by dripping and jet cutting methods. First, physicochemical properties of different concentrations of sodium alginate solutions were determined, and the viscosity of 0.92 Pa s, corresponding to 2% (wt/wt), was found to be optimum for bead formation. For the dripping process, the highest flow rate of the alginate solution (49 mL/min) caused a limited reduction of bead size to 2 mm. This study on drop formation demonstrated that models developed for size prediction cannot be used as a tool for determination of size, due to the possible influences of the viscous forces. The jet cutter, adapted to a continuous jet regime, allowed to reduce from 5.2 mm to less than 1 mm in size with the increase of the rotation speed from 200 to 900 rpm. However, this increase resulted in higher tangential velocity of the beads, requiring larger collect recipients. This study developed the basis for broadening the application of the jet cutter to different biopolymers and ensures a better performance of this system.

Practical applications

The technology of microencapsulation consists in the incorporation of a compound within a matrix, and it has been often used in the food industry by solving several limitations, allowing the immobilization, protection, controlled release of some ingredients, and changing of product properties. The use of biopolymers, such as sodium alginate, associated with the dripping method, enable the preservation even thermolabile compounds, such as drugs, organisms, proteins, and fragrances, since mild conditions are used. However, large beads are produced, which can limit their application. A rarely used and cost‐effective option for size reduction is the jet cutter, a cutting tool that, during its rotation, breaks the jet in smaller sizes, producing very small beads. The results of this study showed that the use of jet cutter was effective in the reduction of bead size and developed some basis for broadening its application for encapsulation using different materials.
Phase equilibria modelling of residual migmatites and granulites: An evaluation of the melt‐reintegration approach
Authors: Bartoli Omar
Published: June 2017

Suprasolidus continental crust is prone to loss and redistribution of anatectic melt to shallow crustal levels. These processes ultimately lead to differentiation of the continental crust. The majority of granulite facies rocks worldwide has experienced melt loss and the reintegration of melt is becoming an increasingly popular approach to reconstruct the prograde history of melt‐depleted rocks by means of phase equilibria modelling. It involves the stepwise down‐temperature reintegration of a certain amount of melt into the residual bulk composition along an inferredP–Tpath, and various ways of calculating and reintegrating melt compositions have been developed and applied. Here different melt‐reintegration approaches are tested using El Hoyazo granulitic enclaves (SE Spain), and Mt. Stafford residual migmatites (central Australia). Various sets ofP–Tpseudosections were constructed progressing step by step, to lower temperatures along the inferredP–Tpaths. Melt‐reintegration was done following one‐step and multi‐step procedures proposed in the literature. For El Hoyazo granulites, modelling was also performed reintegrating the measured melt inclusions and matrix glass compositions and considering the melt amounts inferred by mass–balance calculations. The overall topology of phase diagrams is pretty similar, suggesting that, in spite of the different methods adopted, reintegrating a certain amount of melt can be sufficient to reconstruct a plausible prograde history (i.e. melting conditions and reactions, and melt productivity) of residual migmatites and granulites. However, significant underestimations of melt productivity may occur and have to be taken into account when a melt‐reintegration approach is applied to highly residual (SiO2<55 wt%) rocks, or to rocks for which H2O retention from subsolidus conditions is high (such as in the case of rapid crustal melting triggered by mafic magma underplating).
A COMBINED DETERMINISTIC‐PROBABILISTIC METHOD OF ESTIMATING UNDISCOVERED HYDROCARBON RESOURCES
Authors: Quirk D. G. , Howe M. J. , Archer S. G.
Published: June 2017

Play analysis is used to delineate areas containing geologically similar discoveries and prospects. The yet‐to‐find (YTF) recoverable resource for a conventional play can be predicted using deterministic scenarios utilizing the fact that discoveries within a part play (or common risk segment) can be fitted to a lognormal distribution. Assuming the part play works, a YTF scenario can be made with estimates of (i) the number of drillable prospects, (ii) the average prospect risk, (iii) the resource size of an upside discovery (based on the evaluation of a favoured prospect), and (iv) a downside resource from an implied P99 volume (based on historical data or calculation). A range of YTF is then developed using low, median and high case scenarios. The value of the different scenarios can be estimated provided a minimum economic field size for a generic prospect is available plus a pre‐drill net present value for an average economic discovery. Useful reality checks of YTF estimations include the historical discovery rate, the areal density of traps in analogue settings, the historical average discovery size and the total estimated recoverable resource per unit area. YTF from prospect inventories using Monte Carlo simulations tend to focus on mature areas and are biased to outcomes where all pre‐drill models are correct, unless the prospect sizes are adjusted to account for discoveries which are smaller than predicted by seismic interpretation. YTF estimates will change as information about the play evolves, meaning that it is important that the calculations are kept relatively simple and easy to adjust as new well and seismic data becomes available.
Malignant potential of hepatocellular adenoma
Authors: Klompenhouwer Anne J. , IJzermans Jan N. M.
Published: June 2017

See Article on Page 1042
Sources and threats of chronic tissue loss on coral reefs in the Lakshadweep Islands, Indian Ocean
Authors: Ranith Rajamohanan Pillai , Senthilnathan Lakshmanan , Machendiranathan Mayakrishnan , Thangaradjou Thirunavukarasu , Sasamal Sasanka , Choudhury Saroj B.
Published: June 2017

Tissue degradation and resulting mortality are major threats to coral reefs around the world. Information on interactions of the major environmental factors that mediate tissue loss and mortality in coral reefs is of great importance. It is essential to understand the prevailing reef health conditions and to develop appropriate management actions. In the present study, a series of benthic surveys conducted in the Lakshadweep Islands revealed the interaction of major biological factors in causing tissue loss and mortality. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed interactions of various environmental scenarios. Tissue loss was prevalent in islands with high cover of massive corals (m = 20.91) and low in islands dominated by branching corals (m = 0.61). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed black band disease (β = .59; p < .001) and algal interactions (β = .48; p < .001) to be major factors responsible for coral mortality caused by tissue loss in the region.
Case of myasthenia gravis and Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome overlap syndrome accompanied by autoimmune encephalitis and cerebellar ataxia with multiple neuronal antibodies
Authors: Nakano Yumiko , Nomura Emi , Yamashita Toru , Sato Kota , Takemoto Mami , Hishikawa Nozomi , Ohta Yasuyuki , Abe Koji
Published: June 2017

A 72‐year‐old woman developed a subacute series of encephalitis, cerebellar ataxia, and combined symptoms of both myasthenia gravis and Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Seven different neuronal antibodies were detected for Hu, glutamic acid decarboxylase, acetylcholine receptor, P/Q‐type voltage‐gated calcium‐channels, Zic4, Titin and SOX1 in her serum with intrathecal synthesis of glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies. Although she showed classical manifestations with onconeural antibodies, she was diagnosed with not paraneoplastic but autoimmune neurological syndrome because of no underlying tumor and good response to immunotherapies. The present case is very unique and rare for complex neurological disorders including myasthenia gravis and Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome overlap syndrome with multiple neuronal antibodies.
Insights into how the world turned green
Authors: Friedman William E.
Published: June 2017

This article is a Commentary on Boyce et al., 215: 552–557, Harrison, 215: 545–551, Hetherington & Dolan, 215: 538–544 and Lenton & Daines, 215: 531–537, all of which are published in this issue of New Phytologist.
Molecular dissection of smooth septate junctions: understanding their roles in arthropod physiology
Authors: Furuse Mikio , Izumi Yasushi
Published: June 2017

Smooth septate junctions (sSJs) are cell–cell junctions that are thought to regulate the paracellular pathway of the intestine and renal system in arthropods. The detailed mechanism of action of sSJs is not well understood, because their molecular organization has remained elusive for a long time. Recently, two sSJ‐specific membrane proteins, Ssk and Mesh, were identified by screening monoclonal antibodies raised against sSJ‐containing membrane fractions isolated from the silkworm midgut. Furthermore, a genetic screen in Drosophila based on microscopic observation of sSJ formation identified Tsp2A as a novel sSJ‐specific membrane protein. Together with Tsp2A, Ssk and Mesh form a protein complex, and all three proteins are required for sSJ formation, as well as intestinal barrier function in Drosophila. Additional studies are likely to elucidate their roles in (1) the formation and reorganization of sSJs, (2) paracellular barrier functions and permselectivity, and (3) short‐term and long‐term regulation of paracellular functions in arthropod epithelia.
Oncologic doses of zoledronic acid induce site specific suppression of bone modelling in rice rats
Authors: Exposto C. R. , Oz U. , Callard J. S. , Allen M. J. , Khurana H. , Atri A. D’ , Mo X. , Fernandez S. A. , Tatakis D. N. , Edmonds K. , Westgate P. M. , Huja S. S.
Published: June 2017

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To examine the effect of zoledronic acid (ZOL) on cortical bone modelling and healing of extraction sockets in the jaw bones of a rodent model. We hypothesized ZOL suppresses both the bone formation in the modelling mode in the jaw bones and alters the extraction site healing.

Material & Methods

Rice rats were administered saline solution and two dose regimens of ZOL: 0.1 mg/kg, twice a week, for 4 weeks (n=17, saline=8 & ZOL=9) and a higher dose of 0.4 mg/kg, weekly, for 9 weeks (n=30, saline=15 & ZOL=15). Two pairs of fluorochrome bone labels were administered. Extraction of maxillary teeth was performed in maxilla. Mineral apposition rate, mineralizing surface and bone formation rate (BFR) were quantified on periodontal (PDL), alveolar and basal bone surfaces, and in the trabecular bone of proximal tibia. Bone volume (BV) was evaluated at extraction sockets. Multivariate Gaussian models were used to account for repeated measurements, and analyzes were conducted in SAS V9.3.

Results

ZOL suppressed bone modelling (BFR/BS) at the PDL surfaces in the mandible (P<.05), but its effect was not significant at the periosteal surfaces of both jaws. BV for the healing sockets of ZOL treated animals was not significantly different (P=.07) compared to the saline group. ZOL suppressive effect was higher in the tibia compared to the jaws.

Conclusion

ZOL severely suppresses coupled remodelling in the tibia, and the suppression of bone formation in the modelling mode in the jaws demonstrates the site specific effects of ZOL in rice rats.
Resolving differences between animal models for expedited orthodontic tooth movement
Authors: Ibrahim A. Y. , Gudhimella S. , Pandruvada S. N. , Huja S. S.
Published: June 2017

Structured Abstract

Objective

To highlight differences in commonly used animal models of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM).

Methods

Narrative review.

Results

A critical review of the literature on animal models has become increasingly important in the last decade as methods to increase the rate of tooth movement have been intensely sought. We provide a review focusing on the rodent and canine models for expedited OTM and describe the challenges in extrapolation of the results to the clinical practice of orthodontics. We review and contrast the two (rodent, canine) most commonly used animal models for OTM. We then describe animal models to study bone adaptation, remodelling and modelling, which are keys events in describing and quantifying OTM.

Conclusions

Understanding the differences between animal models and their adaptation biology as it relates to OTM is key to make valid conclusions. The rodent model can be used to understand the initial phases of tooth movement. Unlike the dog model, the rodent model does not lend itself to understand prolonged adaptation in response to bodily tooth movement. Extrapolation of rate of tooth movement to humans is more challenging from rodent model data.
Mouse models for the study of cranial base growth and anomalies
Authors: Vora S. R.
Published: June 2017

The cranial base is a central and integral component of the cranioskeleton, yet little is known about its growth. Despite the dissimilarities between human and murine cranioskeletal form, mouse models are proving instrumental in studying craniofacial growth. The objectives of this review are to summarize recent findings from numerous mouse models that display growth defects in one or more cranial base synchondroses, with accompanying changes in chondrocyte cellular zones. Many of these models also display altered growth of the cranial vault and/or the facial region. FGFR, PTHrP, Ihh, BMP and Wnt/β‐catenin, as well as components of primary cilia, are the major genes and signalling pathways identified in cranial base synchondroses. Together, these models are helping to uncover specific genetic influences and signalling pathways operational at the cranial base synchondroses. Many of these genes are in common with those of importance in the cranial vault and the facial skeleton, emphasizing the molecular integration of growth between the cranial base and other cranial regions. Selected models are also being utilized in testing therapeutic agents to correct defective craniofacial and cranial base growth.
Unveiling patterns of contestation over Better Regulation reforms in the European Union
Authors: Bunea Adriana , Ibenskas Raimondas
Published: June 2017

Regulatory reforms labelled ‘Better Regulation’ are a prominent item on the political agendas of most advanced democracies and the European Union. Governments adopt Better Regulation measures to strengthen their democratic legitimacy and increase their regulatory and economic effectiveness. Notwithstanding their rhetorical appeal, their design and implementation are susceptible to high levels of political contestation. We therefore ask: are there systematic differences in stakeholders’ demands for what Better Regulation should achieve? What explains these differences? We argue that conflict over Better Regulation is rooted in what stakeholders prefer as a regulatory system of governance. Stakeholders demand reforms that lead to one of the following three scenarios: deregulation, technocratic or participatory policy‐making. We examine stakeholders’ demands expressed in theEU. We find that national authorities responsible for coordinating Better Regulation and cross‐sectoral business organizations support deregulatory and technocratic reforms. Business and public interest organizations are equally supportive of strengthening participatory policy‐making.
Life in the arena: infaunal gastropods and the late Phanerozoic expansion of marine ecosystems into sand
Authors: Vermeij Geerat J.
Published: June 2017

Marine ecosystems have expanded into the infaunal realm below the surface of soft sediments throughout the Phanerozoic eon. During the Palaeozoic era, this expansion largely involved sedentary animals living in permanent resting places. Active sand‐burrowing animals colonized the infaunal environment later, but when this happened and when specialization for infaunal life evolved remain open questions. Here, phylogenetic evidence, fossil occurrences and previously established criteria for recognizing the sand‐burrowing habit in marine gastropods are used to determine how many gastropod clades became infaunal and when the transitions from surface‐dwelling to infaunal life occurred. At least 20, and as many as 35, clades (all but one of post‐Palaeozoic age) contain actively infaunal species. The overwhelming majority (15 of 20 clades) became infaunal during the Cenozoic, and clades with hundreds of infaunal species in the living fauna diversified beginning in the Early Miocene. The repeated evolution of, and specialization to, the sand‐burrowing habit by gastropods and other animals was enabled by increased habitat availability and higher marine productivity, and was necessitated by intensifying predation. As a result, the infaunal realm was transformed from a marine refuge to an integrated part of the marine biosphere in which high performance in locomotion and defence has become the norm.
Systemic induction of salicylic acid‐related plant defences in potato in response to Rhizoctonia solani AG3PT
Authors: Genzel F. , Franken P. , Witzel K. , Grosch R.
Published: June 2017

The necrotrophic pathogen Rhizoctonia solani affects potato (Solanum tuberosum) quality worldwide. The pathogen infects below‐ground parts of potato during growth. Very little information is available on the extent of colonization of roots by R. solani AG3PT and especially on the defence responses in roots following sprout inoculation with the pathogen. It was hypothesized that infection of the primary sprout results in colonization of the roots by the pathogen, and that R. solani as a necrotroph induces jasmonic acid/ethylene (JA/ET)‐related defence responses in sprouts and in the root. Seven well‐described genes of general defence responses against fungal pathogens were selected for this study. The expression of these genes was investigated at the transcript level and, for four genes, at the protein level in roots and sprouts at 3, 6 and 13 days post‐inoculation (dpi). In addition, the density of colonization of roots with R. solani AG3PT was analysed. Roots were quickly colonized by R. solani following sprout inoculation; however, the rapidly growing root was not further extensively colonized by the pathogen. Furthermore, an increase in transcript and protein levels of the defence‐related genes associated with JA/ET‐ (PR‐2) and SA‐dependent pathways (PR‐1, PR‐3 and PR‐10) was detected in roots and sprouts at 3 and 6 dpi. However, the susceptible potato cultivar was not able to maintain the elevated transcript level of defence‐related genes in roots and sprouts. The results underline that not only the JA/ET‐ but also the SA‐dependent pathway plays a role during interaction of the necrotrophic pathogen R. solani AG3PT with its host potato.
On Disjunctive Rights
Authors: Agnafors Marcus
Published: June 2017

This article examines the idea of disjunctive rights—an idea first suggested by Joel Feinberg and more recently advocated by Richard Arneson. Using a hypothetical scenario to bring forward a conflict between two rights that cannot be simultaneously fulfilled, the suggestion that the conflict can be solved by describing the right‐holders as holding disjunctive rights—rights that involve, in a significant way, a disjunction—is scrutinized. Several interpretations of the idea of disjunctive rights are examined from the perspectives of the interest theory and will theory of rights. Ultimately, the idea of disjunctive rights fails to provide an acceptable solution to the problem at hand, as each interpretation has unacceptable implications. This conclusion challenges the compossibilist thesis, according to which moral rights do not, ultimately, conflict. Alternatively, if one wishes to keep the possibility of compossibility and disjunctive rights, the mainstream theories of rights must be revised or rejected.
Neither Mereology nor Magic, but Teleology
Authors: Bowers Jason
Published: June 2017

Contemporary theories of universals have two things in common: first, they are unable to account for necessary connections between universals that form a structure. Second, they leave teleology out of their accounts of instantiation. These facts are not unrelated; the reason why contemporary theories have such trouble is they neglect the ancient idea that universals are ends at which nature aims. If we want a working theory of universals, however, we must return to this idea. Despite its unpopularity among realists, teleology is not a disposable eccentricity, and its dismissal is not an improvement on ancient views.
Terra Populus’ architecture for integrated big geospatial services
Authors: Haynes David , Manson Steve , Shook Eric
Published: June 2017

Big geospatial data is an emerging sub‐area of geographic information science, big data, and cyberinfrastructure. Big geospatial data poses two unique challenges. First, raster and vector data structures and analyses have developed on largely separate paths for the last 20 years. This is creating an impediment to geospatial researchers seeking to utilize big data platforms that do not promote heterogeneous data types. Second, big spatial data repositories have yet to be integrated with big data computation platforms in ways that allow researchers to spatio‐temporally analyze big geospatial datasets. IPUMS‐Terra, a National Science Foundation cyberInfrastructure project, addresses these challenges by providing a unified framework of integrated geospatial services which access, analyze, and transform big heterogeneous spatio‐temporal data. As IPUMS‐Terra's data volume grows, we seek to integrate geospatial platforms that will scale geospatial analyses and address current bottlenecks within our system. However, our work shows that there are still unresolved challenges for big geospatial analysis. The most pertinent is that there is a lack of a unified framework for conducting scalable integrated vector and raster data analysis. We conducted a comparative analysis between PostgreSQL with PostGIS and SciDB and concluded that SciDB is the superior platform for scalable raster zonal analyses.
Sharing contracts' marginalisation, adverse selection and markup calculation
Authors: Amrani Fayçal
Published: June 2017

This paper proposes a new approach to explain the dominance—in the Islamic banking market—of markup contracts at the expense of sharing ones. We show that the dual pricing practised in this market produces an additional—or artificial—dimension of adverse selection, which is causing the sharing contracts' marginalization. We suggest specialized use of two Islamic contractual categories as a device for eliminating artificial adverse selection. We suggest also an endogenous calculation of the markup, that is independent of the interest rate, based on the financing cost unification. This approach allows the deduction of default and liquidity risk premiums.
Cerebral haemodynamic response to somatosensory stimulation in neonatal lambs
Authors: Nakamura Shinji , Walker David W. , Wong Flora Y.
Published: June 2017

Key points

Cerebral haemodynamic response to neural stimulation has been extensively studied in adults, but little is known about cerebral haemodynamic response in the fetal and neonatal brain.

The present study describes the cerebral haemodynamic response measured by near infrared spectroscopy to somatosensory stimulation in newborn lambs, in comparison to recent findings in fetal sheep.

The cerebral haemodynamic responses in the newborn lamb brain can involve an increase in oxyhaemoglobin (oxyHb), or a decrease of oxyHb suggestive of reduced perfusion and oxygenation.

Positive correlations between changes in oxyHb and mean arterial blood pressure were found in newborn but not fetal sheep, which suggests the result is unlikely to be due to immature autoregulation alone.

In contrast to adult studies, hypercapnia increased the changes in cerebral blood flow and oxyHb in most of the lambs in response to somatosensory stimulation.

The neurovascular coupling response has been defined for the adult brain, but in the neonate non‐invasive measurement of local cerebral perfusion using near infrared spectroscopy or blood oxygen level‐dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging have yielded variable and inconsistent results, including negative responses suggesting decreased perfusion and localized tissue tissue hypoxia. Also, the impact of permissive hypercapnia ( > 50 mmHg) in the management of neonates on cerebrovascular responses to somatosensory input is unknown. Using near infrared spectroscopy to measure changes in cerebral oxy‐ and deoxyhaemoglobin (ΔoxyHb, ΔdeoxyHb) in eight anaesthetized newborn lambs, we studied the cerebral haemodynamic functional response to left median nerve stimulation using stimulus trains of 1.8, 4.8 and 7.8 s. Stimulation always produced a somatosensory evoked response, and superficial cortical perfusion measured by laser Doppler flowmetry predominantly increased following median nerve stimulation. However, with 1.8 s stimulation, oxyHb responses in the contralateral hemisphere were either positive (i.e. increased oxyHb), negative, or absent; and with 4.8 and 7.8 s stimulations, both positive and negative responses were observed. Hypercapnia increased baseline oxyHb and total Hb consistent with cerebral vasodilatation, and six of seven lambs tested showed increased Δtotal Hb responses after the 7.8 s stimulation, among which four lambs also showed increased ΔoxyHb responses. In two of three lambs, the negative ΔoxyHb response became a positive pattern during hypercapnia. These results show that instead of functional hyperaemia, somatosensory stimulation can evoke negative (decreased oxyHb, total Hb) functional responses in the neonatal brain suggestive of decreased local perfusion and vasoconstriction, and that hypercapnia produces both baseline hyperperfusion and increased functional hyperaemia.
Lack of adaptation during prolonged split‐belt locomotion in the intact and spinal cat
Authors: Kuczynski Victoria , Telonio Alessandro , Thibaudier Yann , Hurteau Marie‐France , Dambreville Charline , Desrochers Etienne , Doelman Adam , Ross Declan , Frigon Alain
Published: June 2017

Key points

During split‐belt locomotion in humans where one leg steps faster than the other, the symmetry of step lengths and double support periods of the slow and fast legs is gradually restored.

When returning to tied‐belt locomotion, there is an after‐effect, with a reversal in the asymmetry observed in the early split‐belt period, indicating that the new pattern was stored within the central nervous system.

In this study, we investigated if intact and spinal‐transected cats show a similar pattern of adaptation to split‐belt locomotion by measuring kinematic variables and electromyography before, during and after 10 min of split‐belt locomotion.

The results show that cats do not adapt to prolonged split‐belt locomotion.

Our results suggest an important physiological difference in how cats and humans respond to prolonged asymmetric locomotion.

In humans, gait adapts to prolonged walking on a split‐belt treadmill, where one leg steps faster than the other, by gradually restoring the symmetry of interlimb kinematic variables, such as double support periods and step lengths, and by reducing muscle activity (EMG, electromyography). The adaptation is also characterized by reversing the asymmetry of interlimb variables observed during the early split‐belt period when returning to tied‐belt locomotion, termed an after‐effect. To determine if cats adapt to prolonged split‐belt locomotion and to assess if spinal locomotor circuits participate in the adaptation, we measured interlimb variables and EMG in intact and spinal‐transected cats before, during and after 10 min of split‐belt locomotion. In spinal cats, only the hindlimbs performed stepping with the forelimbs stationary. In intact and spinal cats, step lengths and double support periods were, on average, symmetric, during tied‐belt locomotion. They became asymmetric during split‐belt locomotion and remained asymmetric throughout the split‐belt period. Upon returning to tied‐belt locomotion, symmetry was immediately restored. In intact cats, the mean EMG amplitude of hindlimb extensors increased during split‐belt locomotion and remained increased throughout the split‐belt period, whereas in spinal cats, EMG amplitude did not change. Therefore, the results indicate that the locomotor pattern of cats does not adapt to prolonged split‐belt locomotion, suggesting an important physiological difference in the control of locomotion between cats and humans. We propose that restoring left–right symmetry is not required to maintain balance during prolonged asymmetric locomotion in the cat, a quadruped, as opposed to human bipedal locomotion.
Tailoring broadband acoustic energy suppression characteristics of double porosity metamaterials with compression constraints and mass inclusions
Authors: Cui Shichao , Harne Ryan L.
Published: June 2017

A metamaterial that capitalizes on a double porosity architecture is introduced for controlling broadband acoustic energy suppression properties. When the metamaterial is subjected to static compressive stress, a global rotation of the internal metamaterial architecture is induced that softens the effective stiffness and results in a considerable means to tailor wave transmission and absorption properties. The influences of mass inclusions and compression constraints are examined by computational and experimental efforts. The results indicate that the mass inclusions and applied constraints can significantly impact the absorption and transmission properties of double porosity metamaterials, while the appropriate utilization of the underlying poroelastic media can further magnify these parametric influences. Based on the widespread implementation of compressed poroelastic media in applications, the results of this research uncover how internal metamaterial architecture and constraints may be exploited to enhance engineering noise control properties while using less poroelastic material mass.
Nonlinear rheology of colloidal suspensions probed by oscillatory shear
Authors: Marenne Stéphanie , Morris Jeffrey F.
Published: June 2017

The nonlinear stress and microstructural response of a colloidal hard sphere suspension undergoing medium and large amplitude oscillatory simple shear have been studied using Accelerated Stokesian dynamics. The goal is to understand how nonlinearity arises and to link the structural effects to the resulting suspension stress. The imposed shear is given by the time-dependent rate γ̇(t)=γ̇0eiαt. Most results are shown for a hard-sphere suspension at a particle volume fraction ϕ=0.4. These are freely flowing conditions far from either glassy or jammed conditions, but the concept of the particle cage from glass dynamics is used. The cage is defined here in a statistical manner as the surface of elevated nearest neighbor probability, a sphere at contact for equilibrium. The cage concept is used in interpreting the microstructural deformation: For sufficiently small strain amplitude γ0, the cage deforms negligibly due to flow and the suspension remains in the linear response regime, but this is found to require γ0<0.01 at ϕ=0.4, as shown by a spectral decomposition of the microstructure in time, which discriminates rigorously between linear and nonlinear deformation. At larger γ0, termed medium amplitude and large amplitude in other studies, the material response is nonlinear. To preface the large amplitude oscillatory shear analysis, we use linear viscoelasticity theory to compare stress fluctuations at equilibrium to results obtained at finite Péclet number Pe and small γ0, as well as available experimental data and theoretical predictions; Pe=6πηγ̇0a3/kT is the ratio of hydrodynamic to Brownian forces, where η is the viscosity of the suspending liquid, γ̇0 is the shear rate amplitude, a is the particle radius, k is the Boltzmann constant, and T is the absolute temperature. The shear stress σxy and the normal stress differences N1 and N2 are analyzed under oscillatory shear at amplitudes 0.01≤γ0≤3.6 for a range of Pe. (The frequency α is related to Pe through γ̇0=αγ0 and the nondimensional frequency is given by the Deborah number De=Pe/γ0=6πηαa3/kT.) Pipkin diagrams are shown for σxy, N1 and N2. When hydrodynamic forces dominate the flow of the suspension, the complex viscosity |η*| has a nonmonotonic dependence on γ0, and Fourier-transform rheology shows the nonlinearity of the stress response to be maximized at an intermediate strain amplitude that depends on Pe. The elastic and viscous behavior of the suspension, as determined by a Chebyshev polynomial decomposition, is distinctly different for small and large Pe. The influence of the microstructure on the normal stress differences is discussed, noting that N1 is significant only when angular distortion of the microstructure is present, whereas N2 is formed with an accumulation of pair correlation at contact even at low oscillation amplitude.
New Genome Sequence of an
Echinacea
purpurea
Endophyte,
Arthrobacter
sp. Strain EpSL27, Able To Inhibit Human-Opportunistic Pathogens
Authors: Miceli Elisangela , Presta Luana , Maggini Valentina , Fondi Marco , Bosi Emanuele , Chiellini Carolina , Fagorzi Camilla , Bogani Patrizia , Di Pilato Vincenzo , Rossolini Gian Maria , Mengoni Alessio , Firenzuoli Fabio , Perrin Elena , Fani Renato
Published: June 2017

We announce here the draft genome sequence of
Arthrobacter
sp. strain EpSL27, isolated from the stem and leaves of the medicinal plant
Echinacea purpurea
and able to inhibit human-pathogenic bacterial strains. The genome sequencing of this strain may lead to the identification of genes involved in the production of antimicrobial molecules.
Microbial Interactions and Interventions in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Van Raay Terence , Allen-Vercoe Emma
Published: June 2017

Recently, several lines of evidence that indicate a strong link between the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) and aspects of the gut microbiota have become apparent. However, it remains unclear how changes in the gut microbiota might influence carcinogenesis or how regional organization of the gut might influence the microbiota. In this review, we discuss several leading theories that connect gut microbial dysbiosis with CRC and set this against a backdrop of what is known about proximal-distal gut physiology and the pathways of CRC development and progression. Finally, we discuss the potential for gut microbial modulation therapies, for example, probiotics, antibiotics, and others, to target and improve gut microbial dysbiosis as a strategy for the prevention or treatment of CRC.
Bifidobacteria and Their Health-Promoting Effects
Authors: Hidalgo-Cantabrana Claudio , Delgado Susana , Ruiz Lorena , Ruas-Madiedo Patricia , Sánchez Borja , Margolles Abelardo
Published: June 2017

Bifidobacteria are members of the intestinal microbiota of mammals and other animals, and some strains are able to exert health-promoting effects. The genus
Bifidobacterium
belongs to the
Actinobacteria
phylum.
Firmicutes
,
Bacteroidetes
, and
Actinobacteria
constitute the most abundant phyla in the human intestinal microbiota,
Firmicutes
and
Bacteroidetes
being predominant in adults, and
Actinobacteria
in breast-fed infants, where bifidobacteria can reach levels higher than 90% of the total bacterial population. They are among the first microbial colonizers of the intestines of newborns, and play key roles in the development of their physiology, including maturation of the immune system and use of dietary components. Indeed, some nutrients, such as human milk oligosaccharides, are important drivers of bifidobacterial development. Some
Bifidobacterium
strains are considered probiotic microorganisms because of their beneficial effects, and they have been included as bioactive ingredients in functional foods, mainly dairy products, as well as in food supplements and pharma products, alone, or together with, other microbes or microbial substrates. Well-documented scientific evidence of their activities is currently available for bifidobacteria-containing preparations in some intestinal and extraintestinal pathologies. In this review, we focus on the role of bifidobacteria as members of the human intestinal microbiota and their use as probiotics in the prevention and treatment of disease.
What Defines the “Kingdom” Fungi?
Authors: Richards Thomas A. , Leonard Guy , Wideman Jeremy G.
Published: June 2017

The application of environmental DNA techniques and increased genome sequencing of microbial diversity, combined with detailed study of cellular characters, has consistently led to the reexamination of our understanding of the tree of life. This has challenged many of the definitions of taxonomic groups, especially higher taxonomic ranks such as eukaryotic kingdoms. The Fungi is an example of a kingdom which, together with the features that define it and the taxa that are grouped within it, has been in a continual state of flux. In this article we aim to summarize multiple lines of data pertinent to understanding the early evolution and definition of the Fungi. These include ongoing cellular and genomic comparisons that, we will argue, have generally undermined all attempts to identify a synapomorphic trait that defines the Fungi. This article will also summarize ongoing work focusing on taxon discovery, combined with phylogenomic analysis, which has identified novel groups that lie proximate/adjacent to the fungal clade—wherever the boundary that defines the Fungi may be. Our hope is that, by summarizing these data in the form of a discussion, we can illustrate the ongoing efforts to understand what drove the evolutionary diversification of fungi.
Preclinical Efficacy Testing of New Drug Candidates
Authors: Nuermberger Eric L.
Published: June 2017

This is a review of the preclinical efficacy testing of new antituberculosis drug candidates. It describes existing dynamicin vitroandin vivomodels of antituberculosis chemotherapy and their utility in preclinical evaluations of promising new drugs and combination regimens, with an effort to highlight recent developments. Emphasis is given to the integration of quantitative pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analyses and the impact of lesion pathology on drug efficacy. Discussion also includesin vivomodels of chemotherapy of latent tuberculosis infection.
Management of high-grade dysplasia of the cystic duct after cholecystectomy
Authors: Moslim Maitham A , Tang Andrew , Morris-Stiff Gareth
Published: June 2017

High-grade dysplasia (HGD) of the cystic duct margin without evidence of concurrent malignancy is a rare occurrence. We present a case of a 36-year-old woman who developed gallstone pancreatitis and subsequently underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. On histopathology, she was found to have HGD at the cystic duct margin. Following evaluation, she underwent excision of the cystic duct remnant with no malignancy being present on final pathology. We present this case to discuss the management of cystic duct dysplasia in the absence of gallbladder malignancy.
Performing high-level sport is strongly associated with urinary incontinence in elite athletes: a comparative study of 372 elite female athletes and 372 controls
Authors: Carvalhais Alice , Natal Jorge Renato , Bø Kari
Published: June 2017

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in female elite athletes compared with controls and to investigate potential risk factors for UI among elite athletes.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 372 elite athletes (athletes group, AG) and 372 age-matched controls (control group, CG). The median age was low (19 years) and the vast majority were nulliparous. Potential risk factors, including clinical, demographic and sports practice characteristics, were collected by using a questionnaire. The International Consultation on Urinary Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence-Short Form was applied to estimate the prevalence of UI. OR with 95% CIs were used to estimate the association with UI. The final model was adjusted for constipation, family history of UI and history of urinary infection.

Results

The prevalence of UI was 29.6% and 13.4% in AG and CG, respectively (p<0.001). The following prevalences were obtained: AG: 19.6% and CG: 3.5% (p<0.001) for stress UI, AG: 3.8% and CG: 5.4% (p=0.292) for urgency UI and AG: 5.9% and CG: 0.8% (p<0.001) for mixed UI. After adjustment, performing high-level sport (adjusted (adj) OR=3.31; 95% CI 2.20 to 4.97), family history of UI (adj OR=1.54; 95% CI 1.04 to 2.29), history of urinary infection (adj OR=1.53; 95% CI 1.05 to 2.23) and constipation (adj OR=1.79; 95% CI 1.07 to 2.98) were associated with UI.

Conclusion

The prevalence of UI among Portuguese female elite athletes is high and the odds of UI were three times higher than in controls. Also, constipation, family history of UI and history of urinary infections were significantly associated with UI.
Failure of falls risk screening tools to predict outcome: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Harper Kristie J , Barton Annette D , Arendts Glenn , Edwards Deborah G , Petta Antonio C , Celenza Antonio
Published: June 2017

Objective

To compare the Falls Risk for Older Persons—Community Setting Screening Tool (FROP Com Screen) with the Two-Item Screening Tool in older adults presenting to the ED.

Methods

A prospective cohort study, comparing the efficacy of the two falls risk assessment tools by applying them simultaneously in a sample of hospital ED presentations.

Results

Two hundred and one patients over 65 years old were recruited. Thirty-six per cent reported falls in the 6-month follow-up period. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.57 (95% CI 0.48 to 0.66) for the FROP Com Screen and 0.54 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.63) for the Two-Item Screening Tool. FROP Com Screen had a sensitivity of 39% (95% CI 0.27 to 0.51) and a specificity of 70% (95% CI 0.61 to 0.78), while the Two-Item Screening Tool had a sensitivity of 48% (95% CI 0.36 to 0.60) and a specificity of 57% (95% CI 0.47 to 0.66).

Conclusion

Both tools have limited predictive ability in the ED setting.
A Review of Tacit Knowledge: Current Situation and the Direction to Go
Authors: Hao Jia , Zhao Qiangfu , Yan Yan , Wang Guoxin
Published: June 2017

Currently, tacit knowledge has attracted increasing research attention. However, the theoretical foundation of tacit knowledge is still not well formulated, because the researches are very disperse. This work provides a review of the current researches. First, the definition of tacit knowledge is discussed by answering several questions. Next, tacit knowledge sharing, tacit knowledge quantization are identified as two research topics in the current research community. Following that, the technical progress of each topic is summarized and analyzed. Finally, we provide a thumbnail of the researches and identify three research consensuses to answer where we are. While, seven research directions are identified to answer where we shall go.