bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional connectivity of whale sharks demonstrated using photo-identification – Western Atlantic, 1999 - 2013
Authors: McKinney Jennifer , Hoffmayer Eric R , Holmberg Jason , Graham Rachel , de la Parra Rafael , Galván Pastoriza Beatriz , Fox Steve , Pierce Simon , Dove Alistair D.M.
Published: January 2018

Background: Although whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) occur circum-globally, most studies focus on feeding aggregations in small regional areas. Photo identification is a proven tool in assessing population size and structure. While population estimates have been obtained for individual aggregation sites, there has been a lack of broader estimates despite known movement. The aim of this work is to demonstrate connectivity throughout the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and Caribbean, and provide the first regional population estimate. Methods: Photographs submitted to the ECOCEAN Whale Shark Photo-ID Library Sightings were used to identify individual sharks using techniques described in Holmberg et al. (2009). Sightings data were used to assess the lagged identification rate (LIR) in order to investigate residency, regional mixing, population size, and transition probabilities using modules within SOCPROG 2.4. Results: Identifications from 1998 – 2013, were obtained from Belize (n =132), Mexico (n=3642), Honduras (n = 360), and the USA (n=147). Fifty-four individual sharks were seen in more than one country and used for analysis. For the entire study area, LIR decreased rapidly between one and 64-127 (mean 94.4) days then slightly increased between 256-511 (mean 381.2) days, suggesting a near-annual resighting periodicity. Estimates of mean population size from the best-fitting model were 1897.39 ± 414.30 S.E. (95% C.I. 1191.77 – 2784.03). Evidence suggests individual heterogeneity in movement patterns. Resightings were most likely to occur in the country where initial identification occurred, with the exception of Belize. The highest site fidelity was in Mexico, followed by USA. Conclusions: This study demonstrated individual heterogeneity, fidelity to initial identification site and regional linkages. These data suggest that national and regional cooperation is required for successful whale shark management in the West Atlantic.
Tech report: Orchestrating your cloud orchestra: Model driven development of cloud deployment and orchestration for distributed computer music instruments
Authors: Hindle Abram
Published: January 2018

Cloud computing potentially ushers in a new era of computer music performance with exceptionally large computer music instruments consisting of 10s to 100s of virtual machines called a Cloud Orchestra. Cloud computing allows for the rapid provisioning of resources, but to deploy such a complicated and interconnected network of software synthesizers in the cloud requires a lot of manual work, system administration knowledge, and devops (developer-sysop) skills. This is a barrier to computer musicians whose goal is to produce and perform music, and not to sysadmin 100s of computers. This work discusses the issues facing cloud orchestra deployment and offers an abstract solution and a concrete implementation. The abstract solution is generate cloud orchestra deployment plans by allowing computer musicians to model their network of synthesizers and to describe their resources. A model optimizer will compute near-optimal deployment plans to synchronize, deploy, and orchestrate the start-up of a complex network of synthesizers deployed to many computers. This model driven development approach frees computer musicians from much of the hassle of deployment and allocation. Computer musicians can focus on the configuration of musical components and leave the resource allocation up to the modelling software to optimize.
Data management aspects of public engagement with biodiversity documentation
Authors: Ortiz-Troncoso Alvaro
Published: January 2018

Technological developments open up new opportunities for collaboration between biodiversity researchers and the general public. Three exemplary use cases were examined: digitizing museum specimens, text-mining archived expedition journals and handling environmental monitoring data. Data management principles were applied to refine and map the ensuing requirements to specific deliverables: data policy, standards and procedures; workflows, integration architectures and data products; data quality awareness and improvement methods. Implications for data governance and quality control are discussed.
Photothermal‐Responsive Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles for Remote Control of Gene Expression in Living Cells
Authors: Wang Yunxia , Li Shengliang , Zhang Pengbo , Bai Haotian , Feng Liheng , Lv Fengting , Liu Libing , Wang Shu
Published: January 2018

Remote control and noninvasive manipulation of cellular bioprocess has received intensive attention as a powerful technology to control cell functions. Here, a strategy is developed to remotely control intracellular gene expression with high spatial and temporal resolutions by using photothermal‐responsive conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs) as the transducer under near‐infrared light irradiation. After being modified with positive charged peptide, the CPNs with superior photothermal conversion capacity could effectively coat on the surface of living cells and generate localized heat to trigger target gene expression. The heat‐inducible heat shock protein‐70 promoter starts transcription of downstream EGFP gene in response to heat shock, thus producing green fluorescent protein in the living cells. The combination of heat‐inducible gene promoter and photothermal‐responsive CPNs provides a method for the development of thermogenetics.
Self‐Healing of a Confined Phase Change Memory Device with a Metallic Surfactant Layer
Authors: Xie Yujun , Kim Wanki , Kim Yerin , Kim Sangbum , Gonsalves Jemima , BrightSky Matthew , Lam Chung , Zhu Yu , Cha Judy J.
Published: January 2018

Understanding and possibly recovering from the failure mechanisms of phase change memories (PCMs) are critical to improving their cycle life. Extensive electrical testing and postfailure electron microscopy analysis have shown that stuck–set failure can be recovered. Here, self‐healing of novel confined PCM devices is directly shown by controlling the electromigration of the phase change material at the nanoscale. In contrast to the current mushroom PCM, the confined PCM has a metallic surfactant layer, which enables effective Joule heating to control the phase change material even in the presence of a large void. In situ transmission electron microscope movies show that the voltage polarity controls the direction of electromigration of the phase change material, which can be used to fill nanoscale voids that form during programing. Surprisingly, a single voltage pulse can induce dramatic migration of antimony (Sb) due to high current density in the PCM device. Based on the finding, self‐healing of a large void inside a confined PCM device with a metallic liner is demonstrated for the first time.
Large‐Scale Noniridescent Structural Color Printing Enabled by Infiltration‐Driven Nonequilibrium Colloidal Assembly
Authors: Bai Ling , Mai Van Cuong , Lim Yun , Hou Shuai , Möhwald Helmuth , Duan Hongwei
Published: January 2018

Structural colors originating from interaction of light with intricately arranged micro‐/nanostructures have stimulated considerable interest because of their inherent photostability and energy efficiency. In particular, noniridescent structural color with wide viewing angle has been receiving increasing attention recently. However, no method is yet available for rapid and large‐scale fabrication of full‐spectrum structural color patterns with wide viewing angles. Here, infiltration‐driven nonequilibrium assembly of colloidal particles on liquid‐permeable and particle‐excluding substrates is demonstrated to direct the particles to form amorphous colloidal arrays (ACAs) within milliseconds. The infiltration‐assisted (IFAST) colloidal assembly opens new possibilities for rapid manufacture of noniridescent structural colors of ACAs and straightforward structural color mixing. Full‐spectrum noniridescent structural colors are successfully produced by mixing primary structural colors of red, blue, and yellow using a commercial office inkjet printer. Rapid fabrication of large‐scale structural color patterns with sophisticated color combination/layout by IFAST printing is realized. The IFAST technology is versatile for developing structural color patterns with wide viewing angles, as colloidal particles, inks, and substrates are flexibly designable for diverse applications.
Synthesis of N‐Heterocyclic Carbene–PdII–2‐Methyl‐4,5‐dihydrooxazole Complexes and Their Application Toward Highly Chemoselective Mono‐Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling of Dichlorobenzenes
Authors: Sun Kai‐Xin , He Qian‐Wei , Xu Bin‐Bin , Wu Xiang‐Ting , Lu Jian‐Mei
Published: January 2018

A series of N‐heterocyclic carbene–palladium(II)–2‐methyl‐4,5‐dihydrooxazole complexes was synthesized in a one‐step process, one of which facilitated high chemoselectivity in the mono‐Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of dichlorobenzenes. Further transformations of the mono‐coupling products catalyzed by this complex were also investigated, which gave the desired C−C and C−N coupling products in excellent yields. The reported methodology allows the conversion of readily available dichlorobenzenes into synthetically useful chlorobiphenyls.
Evaluation of thermomechanical properties of polyvinyl butyral nanocomposites reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets synthesized by in situ polymerization
Authors: Hoepfner Jean Carlos , Loos Marcio Rodrigo , Pezzin Sérgio Henrique
Published: January 2018

In this work, polyvinyl butyral (PVB) nanocomposites reinforced with 0.5 to 2.5 wt % of graphene oxide (GO) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) were synthesized via in situ polymerization. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that PVB/GO 2.5 wt % nanocomposites present the largest storage modulus, with increases of 10 °C in the PVB glass transition temperature. The degree of entanglement and the reinforcement efficiency factor (C coefficient) were evaluated using the dynamic mechanical analysis results and correlated with scanning electron microscopy analyses. The degree of entanglement and C coefficient values were higher for PVB/GO 2.5 wt %, enabling the enhancement of PVB mechanical properties. The adhesion factor A was used to evaluate the interfacial interaction, evidencing an improvement in the nanoparticle/matrix adhesion for PVB/GO 2.5 wt % caused by interactions between GO oxygenated groups. For the samples reinforced with GNP, the results of storage modulus, degree of entanglement, coefficient C, and adhesion factor A were not significantly modified, due to weak interfacial interactions with PVB, preventing the exfoliation of GNP in PVB during the in situ polymerization process. Therefore, in situ polymerization will improve the dispersion and final properties of the nanocomposite with PVB only if the nanoparticle has a relevant interfacial interaction during the synthesis process. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46157.
Syntheses and Properties of meso‐Substituted Porphyrin Mesogens with Triazole Linkages and Peripheral Alkyl Chains
Authors: Zhang Ruilin , Gao Hongfei , Ren Yanming , Xiao Yulong , Hu Jinliang , Cheng Xiaohong
Published: January 2018

Discotic mesogens P/n‐M (n=12, 16, 18, M=2 H, Zn and Cu) bearing a porphyrin core, triazole linkages and peripheral 3,4,5‐trialkoxybenzyl units have been synthesized by a click‐chemistry approach. The thermal behavior, photophysical properties and morphologies of these compounds were investigated by polarized optical microscopy (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), XRD, UV and PL, SEM and TEM. These compounds can self‐assemble into hexagonal columnar phases in their pure states and form organogels in 1,4‐dioxane with unusually flower‐like sphere morphology. The supramolecular complexes of P/18‐Zn with C70 or 4,7‐di‐4‐pydriyl‐2,1,3‐benzothadiazole can display hexagonal columnar phases too. Additionally, zinc porphyrin compounds P/n‐Zn show binding selectivity to Cu2+ among a series of cations in THF/H2O.
Distributed H∞ Consensus Fault Detection for Uncertain T‐S Fuzzy Systems with Time‐Varying Delays Over Lossy Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Shenquan , Jiang Yulian , Li Yuanchun
Published: January 2018

This paper investigates the issue of distributed H∞ consensus fault detection (FD) for uncertain T‐S fuzzy systems with time‐varying delays over lossy sensor networks. One set of Bernoulli distributed white sequence is introduced to govern the multiple probabilistic packet losses over sensor network. The augment fault detection dynamics system is first transformed into the form of interconnect ion of two subsystems by applying an input‐output method. Through available output measurements from not only the individual sensor but also its neighboring sensors, a sufficient condition is established for the desired of distributed H∞ consensus fuzzy fault detection filter (FFDF) to ensure the fault detection dynamics system to be mean‐square asymptotically stable with an average performance. At the same time, the solution of the parameters for the distributed H∞ consensus FFDF is characterized in terms of the feasibility of a convex optimization problem. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches over the lossy sensor networks.
Modulation of BACE1 Activity by Chemically Modified Aptamers
Authors: Gasse Cécile , Zaarour Marwa , Noppen Sam , Abramov Mikhail , Marlière Philippe , Liekens Sandra , De Strooper Bart , Herdewijn Piet
Published: January 2018

A modified DNA aptamer that binds BACE1, a therapeutic target involved in Alzheimer's disease has been developed. This ssXNA not only tightly binds to BACE1 but also inhibits its protease activity in vitro in the same range as a previously described unmodified aptamer. We report the in vitro selection of functional oligonucleotides incorporating two nucleobase modifications: 5‐chlorouracil and 7‐deazaadenine. The nucleoside analogue 5‐chloro‐2′‐deoxyuridine has already been explored as a replacement for thymidine in a chemically modified genome of a bacterium. Thus, 5‐chlorouracil modification is a good candidate to support genetic transfer in vivo as well as functional activity.
Ketonization of Proline Residues in the Peptide Chains of Actinomycins by a 4‐Oxoproline Synthase
Authors: Semsary Siamak , Crnovčić Ivana , Driller Ronja , Vater Joachim , Loll Bernhard , Keller Ullrich
Published: January 2018

X‐type actinomycins (Acms) contain 4‐hydroxyproline (Acm X0) or 4‐oxoproline (Acm X2) in their β‐pentapeptide lactone rings, whereas their α ring contains proline. We demonstrate that these Acms are formed through asymmetric condensation of Acm half molecules (Acm halves) containing proline with 4‐hydroxyproline‐ or 4‐oxoproline‐containing Acm halves. In turn, we show—using an artificial Acm half analogue (PPL 1) with proline in its peptide chain—their conversion into the 4‐hydroxyproline‐ and 4‐oxoproline‐containing Acm halves, PPL 0 and PPL 2, in mycelial suspensions of Streptomyces antibioticus. Two responsible genes of the Acm X biosynthetic gene cluster of S. antibioticus, saacmM and saacmN, encoding a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (Cyp) and a ferredoxin were identified. After coexpression in Escherichia coli, their gene products converted PPL 1 into PPL 0 and PPL 2 in vivo as well as in situ in permeabilized cell of the transformed E. coli strain in conjunction with the host‐encoded ferredoxin reductase in a NADH (NADPH)‐dependent manner. saAcmM has high sequence similarity to the Cyp107Z (Ema) family of Cyps, which can convert avermectin B1 into its keto derivative, 4′′‐oxoavermectin B1. Determination of the structure of saAcmM reveals high similarity to the Ema structure but with significant differences in residues decorating their active sites, which defines saAcmM and its orthologues as a distinct new family of peptidylprolineketonizing Cyp.
A fuzzy‐based trust model for flying ad hoc networks (FANETs)
Authors: Singh Kuldeep , Verma Anil Kumar
Published: January 2018

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles has significantly increased for forming an ad hoc network owing to their ability to perform in exciting environment such as armed attacks, border surveillance, disaster management, rescue operation, and transportation. Such types of ad hoc networks are popularly known as flying ad hoc networks (FANETs). The FANET nodes have 2 prominent characteristics—collaboration and cooperation. Trust plays an important role in predicting the behavior of such nodes. Researchers have proposed various methods (direct and indirect) for calculation of the trust value of a given node in ad hoc networks, especially in mobile ad hoc networks and vehicular ad hoc networks. The major characteristic that differentiates a FANET from other ad hoc networks is the velocity of the node; as a result, there are frequent losses in connection and topology change. Therefore, the existing methods of trust calculation are not efficient and effective. In this paper, a fuzzy‐based novel trust model has been proposed to handle the behavioral uncertainty of FANET nodes. Nodes are classified using a multicriteria fuzzy classification method based on node's behavior and performance in the fuzzy and complex environment. Quality of service and social parameter (recommendation) are considered for evaluating the trust value of each node to segregate the selfish and malicious nodes. With the node classification, FANET nodes are rewarded or punished to transform node behavior into a trust value. Compared with the existing trust techniques, the simulation results show that the proposed model has better adaptability, accuracy, and performance in FANETs.
Synthesis of Trifluoroacetyl‐Substituted Cyclopropanes Using Onium Ylides
Authors: Winter Michael , Gaunersdorfer Christina , Roiser Lukas , Zielke Katharina , Monkowius Uwe , Waser Mario
Published: January 2018

The use of carbonyl‐stabilized ammonium‐ and sulfonium ylides allows for the synthesis of highly‐functionalized trifluoroacetyl‐substituted cyclopropanes. It turned out that the diastereoselectivities strongly depend on the nature of the chosen ylide and the employed base. The products could be obtained in good yields under operationally simple conditions.
Voltammetric Detection of Thrombin by Labeling with Osmium Tetroxide Bipyridine and Binding with Aptamers on a Gold Electrode
Authors: Galagedera Sarasi K. K. , Huynh Loan , Wachholz Falko , Jacobsen Martin , Haruehanroengra Phensinee , Sheng Jia , Chen Alan A. , Flechsig Gerd‐Uwe
Published: January 2018

This communication reports on electrochemical detection of thrombin based on labeling with osmium tetroxide bipyridine [OsO4(bipy)]. Tryptophan amino acids can be labeled at the C−C‐double bond, and at least some tryptophan moieties are accessible for labeling in thrombin. Using the catalytic hydrogen signal from adsorptive stripping voltammetry performed on hanging mercury drop electrode, we could detect as little as 1.47 nM [OsO4(bipy)]‐modified thrombin. We also tested the binding of [OsO4(bipy)]‐modified thrombin with the classic thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) on gold electrodes. This preliminary study revealed that even after modification, a major part of the affinity was conserved, and that the aptamer self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) could be regenerated several times. Molecular simulations confirm that [OsO4(bipy)]‐modified thrombin largely preserves the high binding affinity also of the alternative HD22 aptamer to thrombin, albeit at slightly reduced affinities due to steric hindrance when tryptophans 96 and 237 are labelled. Based on these simulations, compensatory modifications in the aptamer should result in significantly improved binding with labelled thrombin. This combined experimental‐computational approach lays the groundwork for the rational design of improved aptamer sensors for analytical applications.
Oak flour as a replacement of wheat and corn flour to improve biscuit antioxidant activity
Authors: Parsaei Mitra , Goli Mohammad , Abbasi Hajar
Published: January 2018

Due to the high antioxidant activity of oak fruits, the partial substitution effects of wheat flour (WF) or corn flour (CF) with oak flour (OF) have been investigated. WF or CF was replaced by OF at levels of 0%, 15%, 30%, and 45% in the biscuit formulations to prevent the spontaneous oxidation of lipids, and the characteristics, including peroxide value, antioxidant activity, and sensory properties, were evaluated during 28 days storage. According to the results obtained, biscuit samples with higher OF percentage had higher antioxidant activity and less peroxide value. In terms of sensory evaluation, no adverse effect was observed in the samples containing OF. Therefore, it could be introduced as a good natural source of antioxidant compounds for use in food formulations.
Determination of some quality properties of “hamsi kaygana” prepared with different additives
Authors: Taşkaya Latif , Yaşar Elif
Published: January 2018

This study was aimed to determine the changes of the local anchovy meal which is known as hamsi kaygana in Turkey during cold storage at +4°C ± 1°C. Physicochemical (pH, TVB‐N, TMA‐N, and TBA) shelf life analyses were carried out for hamsi kaygana samples. It was confirmed that the pH values obtained from research groups were within the limit values of the literature. No statistically significant difference was observed (p > .05) between control, stinging nettle, and rosemary groups that were within all created product groups on 12th day of storage, and the observed difference was only present in cumin group (p < .05). Upon examining TVB‐N (Total Volatile Basic Nitrogen) values on 12th day of storage, we saw the lowest TVB‐N value (17.01 ± 0.21 mg/100 g) was at stinging nettle group. However; it was found out that highest TVB‐N value belonged to cumin group with the value of 19.38 ± 0.42 mg/100 g. It was found that 12th day TBA (Thiobarbituric Acid) values of all other groups except control group did not exceed limit values. Among TMA‐N (Trimethylamine Nitrogen) values of all groups on 12th storage period, the lowest value belonged to cumin group samples. While the highest TMA‐N value was found as 14.70 ± 0.30 in control group samples. Therefore, the results showed us that using dried herb and spices in hamsi kaygana production and the storage of the products have an influence on shelf life.
Case of late‐onset, relapsing surgical site infection related to a venous coupler placed during free flap reconstruction for major head and neck cancer
Authors: Ren Yin , Deschler Daniel G. , Sajed Dipti , Durand Marlene L.
Published: January 2018

Background

Venous coupling devices are widely used during reconstructive surgery involving microvascular anastomosis but have not served as foreign bodies in head and neck surgical site infections.

Methods

We conducted a case report.

Results

A patient underwent resection and free flap reconstruction for recurrent tongue squamous cell carcinoma. She developed a neck abscess due to Streptococcus intermedius 7 weeks postoperatively, days after starting chemoradiotherapy. The surgical site infection healed with drainage and antibiotics. Two surgical site infection relapses due to S. intermedius occurred 3 and 8 weeks after completing radiation, the second relapse after a prolonged course of i.v. antibiotics. Surgical exploration revealed a venous coupler within granulation tissue. The device was removed and no further surgical site infection relapses occurred.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a delayed‐onset head and neck surgical site infection in which a venous coupler served as a foreign body. An infected foreign body should be suspected in relapsing surgical site infections due to a single organism.
Relative short‐term efficacy and acceptability of agomelatine versus vortioxetine in adult patients suffering from major depressive disorder
Authors: Kennedy Sidney H. , Grouin Jean‐Marie , Cadour Stéphanie , Robert Véronique , Picarel‐Blanchot Françoise
Published: January 2018

Agomelatine and vortioxetine are antidepressants with different mechanisms of action compared to other pharmaceutical treatment options. The objective of this present analysis is to determine the relative efficacy and acceptability of agomelatine (25–50 mg) compared to vortioxetine (10–15–20 mg) in adult patients with major depressive disorder. We performed an adjusted indirect comparison using placebo as a common control. The main outcomes were efficacy (response to treatment by Montgomery‐Åsberg depression rating scale/Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression) and acceptability (withdrawal rate for any reason or due to adverse events). 10 agomelatine and 11 vortioxetine studies were included in the analysis. For efficacy, no difference was shown between agomelatine and vortioxetine (E[95% CI] = −0.03 [−0.12;0.05]). For acceptability, no significant difference was found between both antidepressants.

These findings substantiate current understanding that most antidepressants are of similar average efficacy and tolerability. Such equivalent therapeutic benefit of both compounds, measured by a quantitative clinical research approach, has to be discussed with the knowledge of a qualitative estimation in routine practice.
Lead‐induced DNA damage and cell apoptosis in human renal proximal tubular epithelial cell: Attenuation via N‐acetyl cysteine and tannic acid
Authors: Siddarth Manushi , Chawla Diwesh , Raizada Alpana , Wadhwa Neelam , Banerjee Basu D , Sikka Meera
Published: January 2018

This study investigates the exposure of lead‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, DNA damage, and apoptosis and also evaluates the therapeutic intervention using antioxidants in human renal proximal tubular cells (HK‐2 cells). Following treatment of HK‐2 cells with an increasing concentration of lead nitrate (0–50 μM) for 24 h, the intracellular ROS level increased whereas the GSH level decreased significantly in a dose‐dependent manner. Comet assay results revealed that lead nitrate showed the ability to increase the levels of DNA strand breaks in HK‐2 cells. Lead exposure also induced apoptosis through caspase‐3 activation at 30 μg/mL. Pretreatment with N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) and tannic acid showed a significant ameliorating effect on lead‐induced ROS, DNA damage, and apoptosis. In conclusion, lead induces ROS, which may exacerbate the DNA damage and apoptosis via caspase‐3 activation. Additionally, supplementation of antioxidants such as NAC and tannic acid may be used as salvage therapy for lead‐induced DNA damage and apoptosis in an exposed person.
Role of immune system in tumor progression and carcinogenesis
Authors: Upadhyay Shishir , Sharma Nidhi , Gupta Kunj Bihari , Dhiman Monisha
Published: January 2018

Tumor micro‐environment has potential to customize the behavior of the immune cell according to their need. In immune‐eliminating phase, immune cells eliminate transformed cells but after tumor establishment innate and adaptive immune cells synergistically provide shelter as well as fulfill their requirement that helps in progression. In between eliminating and establishment phase, equilibrium and escaping phase regulate the immune cells response. During immune‐escaping, (1) the antigenic response generated is either inadequate, or focused entirely on tolerance, and (2) immune response generated is specific and effective, but the tumor skips immune recognition. In this review, we are discussing the critical role of immune cells and their cytokines before and after the establishment of tumor which might play a critical role during immunotherapy.
Let It Go: Positive Affect Attenuates Sunk Cost Bias by Enhancing Cognitive Flexibility
Authors: Emich Kyle J. , Pyone Jin Seok
Published: January 2018

Sunk cost bias is a pervasive problem in consumer decision making. It occurs when people continue to invest resources toward unsuccessful outcomes merely because they previously invested in them. This tendency exists because people devote too much attention to prior investments without considering how other factors may impact their decision outcome. While many suggested interventions to attenuate sunk cost bias involve altering cognitive processes, we examine an alternate affective route. Specifically, we propose that inducing positive affect attenuates sunk cost bias by naturally facilitating flexible thought processes. Across four studies, using hypothetical and real decision tasks, we find that positive affect induced in three different ways consistently attenuates sunk cost bias involving money, time, and effort investments. Further, we demonstrate that this occurs because people experiencing positive affect have enhanced cognitive flexibility. They consider more relevant decision factors and perceive sunk cost as having less of an influence on their decision outcomes. Then, in a fifth study, we show that a thought intervention promoting flexibility can attenuate consumers’ suboptimal commitment tendency in a field setting.
In Situ Proliferation of Intratumor Macrophages
Authors: Evans Robert , Cullen Richard T
Published: January 2018

This investigation was carried out to assess whether the progressive increase in the number of macrophages associated with growing tumors was the result of an influx of monocytes from the circulation as well as proliferation of macrophages in situ. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) were identified in cell suspensions prepared from three C57BL/6J (B6), methylcholanthrene-induced sarcomas, designated MCA/76-9, 76-64, and 77-23, growing in normal or irradiated mice. When the sarcomas were implanted in B6 mice exposed to a sublethal dose (800 R) of whole body irradiation (WBI), tumors grew very slowly compared with control tumors. The TAM numbers were small and the percentages of macrophages were very low. The levels of TAM corresponded with the low number of circulating blood monocytes. However, compared with the number of TAM in the initial inoculum of tumor cells injected into the WBI or control mice, the TAM numbers over a period of 14 days increased several fold in WBI mice. That this increase was initially due to infiltration from the circulation was shown by injecting macrophage-free, cultured tumor cells into WBI or control mice. Proliferation in situ was demonstrated by autoradiography experiments. When 3H-thymidine was injected 1 hr before excision of MCA/76-9 tumors, labeled cells were seen in histological sections and in cell suspensions. The labeling indices for TAM from tumors growing in WBI or normal mice were not significantly different from tumor cell labeling indices. The overall data indicated that the progressive increase in TAM in these sarcomas was the combined result of monocyte infiltration and proliferation of macrophages in situ.
Enzyme-Histochemical Characterization of Macrophages in the Rat Thymus, With Special Reference to Metallophilic Cells of the Corticomedullary Zone
Authors: Milićević Novica M , Milićević Živana J
Published: January 2018

The cortex and medulla of the normal rat thymus are populated with scattered cells which are strongly positive for acid phosphatase and only weakly (cortex) or moderately (medulla) positive for nonspecific esterase. Corticomedullary zone is characterized, as a specific entity within the thymic tissue, by the presence of very large macrophages, highly positive for acid phosphatase and nonspecific esterase. Moreover, these cells, located exclusively in the corticomedullary zone, show very strong succinic dehydrogenase activity and contain the intracytoplasmic granules of varying size, which are aldehyde fuchsin, PAS, and oil red O positive. The presence of cholesterol was demonstrated within the lipid content.
In Vitro Generation of Procoagulant Activity by Corynebacterium parvum-Stimulated Mononuclear Leukocytes
Authors: Miragliotta G , Marcuccio C , Ricci G , Barone G , Fumarola D
Published: January 2018

Thromboembolic complications are known in cancer patients after i.v. administration of Corynebacterium parvum. We examined the ability of this organism to induce production of procoagulant activity by human blood mononuclear leukocytes in vitro. After 4 hours incubation Corynebacterium parvum was an effective stimulant for mononuclear leukocytes, behaving in the same way as the typical gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli, whereas mononuclear cells incubated with Staphylococcus aureus were not affected. Corynebacterium parvum used was found devoid of endotoxin by the Limulus assay and was not affected by Polymyxin B, which, on the contrary, inhibited Escherichia coli-induced production of procoagulant activity. Intact Corynebacterium parvum may be required for the production of procoagulant activity and, although this specific aspect of the research will require further study, from the exposed data it is concluded that such a production could be a factor contributing to the pathogenesis of the coagulopathy following Corynebacterium parvum therapy.
Reduction of Serum Interleukin-1-Like Activity After Treatment With Dexamethasone
Authors: Staruch Mary Jo , Wood David D
Published: January 2018

The ability of steroids to modulate the appearance of interleukin-1(IL-1) in vivo was evaluated in a model of endotoxin shock. High levels of IL-1 were found in serum from A/J mice which were sensitized with P. acnes and challenged with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The factor appeared in the serum 2–4 hours after LPS challenge and was dependent on the period of P. acnes sensitization and the dose of LPS. Treating the mice with dexamethasone prior to LPS challenge resulted in significantly lower thymocyte proliferative activity in the serum. Three experiments demonstrated that this reduced activity reflects a decrease in IL-1. 1) The reduced activity was not due to the presence of proliferation inhibitors since mixing the serum from dexamethasone-treated mice with purified IL-1 or adding the equivalent amount of steroid directly to thymocyte cultures did not reduce the degree of proliferation. 2) When the serum was fractionated by gel filtration, the proliferative activity for both control and steroid treated sera eluted at 10–16 kilodaltons; however, the activity was nearly 50% less in the sample from steroid-treated mice. 3) In addition to thymocyte proliferative activity, IL-1 induces an increase in the serum titer of the acute phase protein known as serum amyloid A. Both serum- and gel- purified samples were able to induce the SAA, but again the samples from steroid-treated mice were much less active. We conclude that the factor produced in vivo has the properties of IL-1 and that the serum titre of the factor is reduced by dexamethasone treatment.
Macrophage Activation by Cross-Linked Dextran
Authors: Blanckmeister Carolyn A , Sussdorf Dieter H
Published: January 2018

Cross-linked dextran (Sephadex) has been reported as an effective inducer of peritoneal exudates resulting in a large yield of macrophages after injection into mice, and macrophages obtained in this manner have been used for a variety of studies. We examined the possibility that cross-linked dextran not only induces peritoneal exudate but functions also as a macrophage activator. Following confirmation of a markedly increased yield of macrophages in Balb/ c mice injected with preswollen Sephadex G-25 beads, glass adherence and migration in agarose of these macrophages were compared with the activities of cells isolated following the injection of saline, thioglycollate, or complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Dextran administration resulted in a significant increase in these activities in relation to saline and thioglycollate injections, and resembled CFA in the magnitude of its effect. Dextran-induced macrophages were then examined for activation as defined by nonspecific antitumor activity. Cells of a transplantable fibrosarcoma line and a urethane-induced primary lung adenoma served as targets. As compared with macrophages isolated from saline-injected mice, cells induced by Sephadex showed an approximately fivefold and twofold increase in activity against adenoma and fibrosarcoma targets, respectively. To examine the ability of Sephadex to induce macrophage antitumor activity in vitro, peritoneal macrophages were cultured in the presence of the dextran for 24 hours and tested against adenoma targets. The tumoricidal/static activity of such macrophages was significantly increased relative to controls and was nearly identical to the activity of macrophages induced by Sephadex in vivo. It is clear that cross- linked dextran in the form of Sephadex G-25 can function both as an inducer of peritoneal exudate and as an effective macrophage activator with regard to the activation criteria studied.
Uptake of Extracellular Calcium by Neonatal Neutrophils
Authors: Strauss Ronald G , Snyder Esther L
Published: January 2018

Neutrophils from human neonates exhibit abnormalities of plasma membrane and cytoskeletal dependent functions such as chemotaxis, deformability, and lectin capping. The uptake of extracellular calcium by neutrophils is a key early event in neutrophil activation and in the optimal performance of these functions. We found that neonatal and control neutrophils acquire extracellular radioactive calcium comparably under most experimental conditions. No differences (P > 0.05) were seen between neonatal and control neutrophils following stimulation with soluble sodium fluoride, N-formyl-methionyl-L-leucyl-L- phenylalanine, dimethylsulfoxide, and opsonized zymosan particles. However, the uptake of calcium by resting (unstimulated) neutrophils was significantly less (P < 0.0001) by neonatal cells. The kinetics of calcium uptake by neonatal and control neutrophils were similar both at rest and following stimulation for 15 min with sodium fluoride. Although additional studies will be necessary to completely define the ionic events involved in the chemotaxis of neonatal neutrophils, it seems unlikely that the abnormal mobility of these cells is due simply to an inability of neonatal neutrophils to acquire extracellular calcium in response to cellular stimulation.
Analysis of Human Monocyte Chemoattractant Binding by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Leonard Edward J , Noer Kathleen , Skeel Alison
Published: January 2018

The chemotactic peptide fMet-Leu-Phe-Lys is a potent chemoattractant for human blood monocytes. However, only one-third of the monocytes respond. To determine whether or not lack of response reflected absence of attractant receptors, we equilibrated peripheral blood mononuclear cells with fMet-Leu-Phe-Lys-FITC and analyzed binding by flow cytometry. The fluoresceinated peptide bound rapidly at 0°, and the amount bound approached saturation with increasing concentration. The percentage of blood monocytes that bound the peptide was 60 ± 8 (SEM for seven experiments). In contrast, only 36 ± 3% (SEM for 16 experiments) of monocytes responded to the attractant by directed migration. It follows that, among the 64 nonmigrating monocytes per 100 total monocytes, approximately 40, or two-thirds of them, fail to bind attractant; the remaining one-third bind attractant but do not respond with directed movement.
The Chemotactic Response of Granulocytes to the Low Molecular Weight Chemoattractants f-MLP, C5f, and LTB4 Is Dependent on Chemokinetic Factors
Authors: Håkansson Lena , Venge Per
Published: January 2018

The dependence of the low molecular weight chemoattractants (LMCs) formyl-methionyl-leucylphenylalanin (f-MLP), C5f, and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) on albumin to express their chemotactic activity towards granulocytes (PMNs) was investigated in order to study the required qualities of albumin and if albumin could be replaced by any other proteins. The results demonstrated that the supporting effect of isolated albumin was dependent on the method of purification. Only isolated albumin exposed to ethanol precipitation during the purification procedure supported the chemotactic effect of LMCs. The albumin preparation that supported the effect of LMCs also mediated a chemokinetic effect on PMN migration. Albumin isolated by methods other than ethanol precipitation neither exerted a chemokinetic effect nor supported the chemotactic effect of LMCs. Heated, normal serum and isolated α1-antitrypsin supported the chemotactic activity of LMCs and also mediated a chemokinetic effect on PMN migration.

The present investigation suggests an important role for the chemokinetic factors, since it is indicated that their presence is necessary for the chemotactic response of PMNs to the low molecular weight chemoattractants C5f, LTB4, and f-MLP.
The Interaction of Murine Cytomegalovirus With Murine Neutrophils: Effect on Migratory and Phagocytic Activities
Authors: Bale James F , O'Neil Marsha E , Greiner Timothy
Published: January 2018

To investigate the interaction of cytomegalovirus (CMV) with neutrophils, we studied the effects of in vitro incubation of murine neutrophils with murine CMV (MCMV). Neutrophils incubated with MCMV for 4 h had depressed chemotactic activity, mean chemotactic index of 1.34 ± 1.43 for MCMV-treated neutrophils vs 3.22 ± 2.11 for controls. Engulfment of latex spheres by MCMV-treated neutrophils was also reduced. These differences were not attributable to loss of cell viability. UV-inactivation of MCMV pools abolished the inhibitory effects of MCMV, indicating that these effects were related to infectivity of the virus. Electron microscopic studies at 4 h demonstrated virus particles within the phagosomes of occasional neutrophils. These studies demonstrate that neutrophil functions can be altered by an in vitro interaction with infectious CMV and suggest that a direct effect of CMV on neutrophils could account for the abnormal neutrophil functions observed during animal CMV infections.
Red Blood Cell Homeostasis: Recognition of Distinct Types of Damaged Homologous Red Blood Cells by a Mouse Macrophage Cell Line
Authors: Singer Judith A , Morrison Martin , Walker William S
Published: January 2018

The mouse macrophage (MΦ) cell line IC-21 preferentially ingests a subpopulation of homologous red blood cells (MRBC) from normal mice. This subpopulation presumably bears the so-called transfusion lesion, a consequence of damage acquired during the drawing and processing of blood. To determine if all damaged MRBC were recognized by a common receptor site on IC-21 MΦ, we prepared suspensions of MRBC damaged in vitro by treatment with tannic acid and compared the phagocytic uptake of these cells with those bearing the transfusion lesion. Trypsin treatment of IC-21 MΦ rendered them unable to recognize MRBC bearing the transfusion lesion; but it had no effect on the uptake of tannic acid-damaged MRBC, showing that IC-21 MΦ have separate recognition sites for these two populations of damaged MRBC.
Dynorphin and Related Opioid Peptides Enhance Tumoricidal Activity Mediated by Murine Peritoneal Macrophages
Authors: Foster James S , Moore Robert N
Published: January 2018

The influence of dynorphin A (DYN) and related opioid peptides on the tumoricidal function of activated murine peritoneal exudate macrophages (PEM) was investigated. Addition of DYN to macrophage cultures previously activated with mixed α + β-inter-feron (IFN-α/β) and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) significantly enhanced their ability to lyse P815 murine mastocytoma cells in a 16 hr chromium-release assay. The effects of DYN were dependent on prior macrophage activation. Peptide subfragments of DYN were effective in a manner similar to that of the 17-amino-acid parent molecule, indicating that peptide interaction with either κ or δ-opioid receptors on the effector cell is effective in potentiating lytic function. The involvement of opiate receptors was confirmed by inhibition of the effects of DYN and leucine enkephalin by the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. Finally, in addition to IFN-α/β-primed macrophages, DYN also augmented tumoricidal function in PEM primed for cytotoxicity by either γ-interferon (IFN-γ) or the calcium ionophore A23187, Indicating that DYN potentiates function in activated macrophages independent of the specific mode of activation.
Regulation of Large Granular Lymphocytes and Human T Cell Growth and Function by Recombinant Interleukin 2. II. Acquisition of Potent Cytotoxic Capabilities
Authors: Yamada Sachihiro , Ortaldo John R
Published: January 2018

Human large granular lymphocytes (LGL) and T cells were separated from peripheral blood on discontinuous density gradients of Percoll. On a per cell basis, cultured LGL demonstrated higher levels of cytotoxicity against K562 cells than fresh LGL. Cultured T cells acquired cytotoxicity against K562 cells, although they were less cytotoxic than fresh or cultured LGL. During culture, these LGL retained the 3G8, NKH1, OKM1, and OKT10 antigens. Cultured T cells retained the T101 antigen and acquired the OKM1 and OKT10 antigens, but remained negative for the 3G8 or NKH1 antigens. A series of pharmacologic agents known to inhibit cytotoxicity of fresh LGL were also tested for their effects on cultured LGL and T cells. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, known to inhibit the binding of effectors to target cells, inhibited the cytotoxicity of cultured LGL and T cells to the same degree that it inhibited the cytotoxicity of fresh LGL. In contrast, agents which primarily effect post-binding events in cytotoxicity (trypsin, D-mannose 6-P, dexamethasone, prostaglandin E2, anti-LGL granule antibody, and 9.1C3 monoclonal antibody) inhibited the cytotoxicity of cultured LGL and T cells to a much lesser extent than fresh LGL. In addition, on the basis of Michaelis-Menten’s kinetic analysis, cultured LGL and T cells developed a higher binding affinity to K562 cells than fresh LGL.
Pertussis Toxin Blocks the Inhibitory Effects of Calcitonin on Cyclic AMP Accumulation in Stimulated Cultured Human Monocytes
Authors: Stock John L , Coderre James A
Published: January 2018

Surface stimulation of fresh or cultured human mononuclear cells by latex particles causes an increase in the accumulation of cyclic AMP that is inhibited by preincubation with calcitonin (CT). Preincubation of cultured monocytes with 500 ng/ml pertussis toxin totally blocks the inhibitory effects of CT at low concentrations of this hormone. The effects of pertussis toxin are dose-related and eliminated by boiling the toxin. Similar preincubations with cholera toxin have no significant effects on subsequent inhibition of surface-stimulated cyclic AMP by CT. Membranes prepared from cultured human monocytes contain a 41,000-dalton protein that is ADP-ribosylated by pertussis toxin and may be the inhibitory guanine nucleotide regulatory protein (N) mediating this inhibition.