bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant functional diversity enhances associations of soil fungal diversity with vegetation and soil in the restoration of semiarid sandy grassland
Authors: Zuo Xiaoan , Wang Shaokun , Lv Peng , Zhou Xin , Zhao Xueyong , Zhang Tonghui , Zhang Jing
Published: December 2015

The trait‐based approach shows that plant functional diversity strongly affects ecosystem properties. However, few empirical studies show the relationship between soil fungal diversity and plant functional diversity in natural ecosystems. We investigated soil fungal diversity along a restoration gradient of sandy grassland (mobile dune, semifixed dune, fixed dune, and grassland) in Horqin Sand Land, northern China, using the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of 18S rRNA and gene sequencing. We also examined associations of soil fungal diversity with plant functional diversity reflected by the dominant species' traits in community (community‐weighted mean, CWM) and the dispersion of functional trait values (FDis). We further used the structure equation model (SEM) to evaluate how plant richness, biomass, functional diversity, and soil properties affect soil fungal diversity in sandy grassland restoration. Soil fungal richness in mobile dune and semifixed dune was markedly lower than those of fixed dune and grassland (P < 0.05). Soil fungal richness was positively associated with plant richness, biomass, CWM plant height, and soil gradient aggregated from the principal component analysis, but SEM results showed that plant richness and CWM plant height determined by soil properties were the main factors exerting direct effects. Soil gradient increased fungal richness through indirect effect on vegetation rather than direct effect. The negative indirect effect of FDis on soil fungal richness was through its effect on plant biomass. Our final SEM model based on plant functional diversity explained nearly 70% variances of soil fungal richness. Strong association of soil fungal richness with the dominant species in the community supported the mass ratio hypothesis. Our results clearly highlight the role of plant functional diversity in enhancing associations of soil fungal diversity with community structure and soil properties in sandy grassland ecosystems.
High richness of ectomycorrhizal fungi and low host specificity in a coastal sand dune ecosystem revealed by network analysis
Authors: Roy‐Bolduc Alice , Laliberté Etienne , Hijri Mohamed
Published: December 2015

Ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi are ubiquitous in temperate and boreal forests, comprising over 20,000 species forming root symbiotic associations with Pinaceae and woody angiosperms. As much as 100 different EM fungal species can coexist and interact with the same tree species, forming complex multispecies networks in soils. The degree of host specificity and structural properties of these interaction networks (e.g., nestedness and modularity) may influence plant and fungal community assembly and species coexistence, yet their structure has been little studied in northern coniferous forests, where trees depend on EM fungi for nutrient acquisition. We used high‐throughput sequencing to characterize the composition and diversity of bulk soil and root‐associated fungal communities in four co‐occurring Pinaceae in a relic foredune plain located at Îles de la Madeleine, Québec, Canada. We found high EM fungal richness across the four hosts, with a total of 200 EM operational taxonomic units (OTUs), mainly belonging to the Agaricomycetes. Network analysis revealed an antinested pattern in both bulk soil and roots EM fungal communities. However, there was no detectable modularity (i.e., subgroups of interacting species) in the interaction networks, indicating a low level of specificity in these EM associations. In addition, there were no differences in EM fungal OTU richness or community structure among the four tree species. Limited shared resources and competitive exclusion typically restrict the number of taxa coexisting within the same niche. As such, our finding of high EM fungal richness and low host specificity highlights the need for further studies to determine the mechanisms enabling such a large number of EM fungal species to coexist locally on the same hosts.
Soil–pile–structure interaction: experimental outcomes from shaking table tests
Authors: Durante Maria Giovanna , Di Sarno Luigi , Mylonakis George , Taylor Colin A. , Simonelli Armando Lucio
Published: December 2015

An effective way to study the complex seismic soil‐structure interaction phenomena is to investigate the response of physical scaled models in 1‐g or n‐g laboratory devices. The outcomes of an extensive experimental campaign carried out on scaled models by means of the shaking table of the Bristol Laboratory for Advanced Dynamics Engineering, University of Bristol, UK, are discussed in the present paper. The experimental model comprises an oscillator connected to a single or a group of piles embedded in a bi‐layer deposit. Different pile head conditions, that is free head and fixed head, several dynamic properties of the structure, including different masses at the top of the single degree of freedom system, excited by various input motions, e.g. white noise, sinedwells and natural earthquake strong motions recorded in Italy, have been tested. In the present work, the modal dynamic response of the soil–pile–structure system is assessed in terms of period elongation and system damping ratio. Furthermore, the effects of oscillator mass and pile head conditions on soil–pile response have been highlighted, when the harmonic input motions are considered. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blocking negative influential node set in social networks: from host perspective
Authors: Kaur Harneet , He Jing (Selena)
Published: December 2015

Nowadays, social networks are considered as the very important medium for the spreading of information, innovations, ideas and influences among individuals. Viral marketing is a most prominent marketing strategy using word‐of‐mouth advertising in social networks. The key problem with the viral marketing is to find the set of influential users or seeds, who, when convinced to adopt an innovation or idea, shall influence other users in the network, leading to a large number of adoptions. In this study, we study the competitive viral marketing problem from host perspective, where the host of the social network (such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.) sells the viral marketing campaigns to its customers and keeps control of the allocation of seeds. Seeds are allocated by creating ‘bang for the buck’ for each company. In this paper, we first propose a new influence diffusion model considering both negative and positive influences. Subsequently, we propose a novel optimization problem, named Blocking Negative Influential Node Set (BNINS) selection problem, to identify the positive node set (seeds) such that the number of negatively activated nodes is minimised for all competitors. Finally, we proposed a greedy algorithm called BNINS‐GREEDY to solve BNINS and conducted comprehensive experiments and simulations to validate the proposed method. The results show that, for random graphs, on average, BNINS‐GREEDY blocks the negative influence 17.22 per cent more than the most related work called Competitive Linear Directed Acyclic Graph. Moreover, on the real Epinions dataset, BNINS‐GREEDY achieves 7.6 per cent more positive influence propagation than Competitive Linear Directed Acyclic Graph. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and release behaviour of the inclusion complexes of phenylethanol with β‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Yang Zujin , Yao Xingdong , Xiao Zuobing , Chen Hongyan , Ji Hongbing
Published: December 2015

The formation of the inclusion complexes between two phenylethanol isomers [1‐phenylethanol (1‐PE) and 2‐PE)] and three cyclodextrins namely α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD), β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and HP‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD) was studied. Phase‐solubility studies showed the two isomers formed 1:1 stoichiometric inclusion complexes with these cyclodextrins and the aqueous solubility of 1‐PE and 2‐PE significantly increased with increasing the cyclodextrin concentration. In this study, β‐CD was chosen as a host molecule, and solid inclusion complexes of β‐CD with two phenylethanol isomers were prepared via the co‐precipitation method for the enhancement of their thermal stability and sustained release. The presence of the two isomers in the inclusion complexes was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) spectra. X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) results indicated new crystalline phases for the inclusion complexes. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies for the inclusion complexes have also shown the formation of supramolecular inclusion complexes between β‐CD and the two isomers. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results demonstrated that the thermal stability of the two isomers was increased as a result of the formation of the inclusion complexation with β‐CD. The release study suggested that β‐CD provided protection for 1‐PE and 2‐PE against evaporation, and 1‐PE in the inclusion complex had a lower release rate than that of 2‐PE. The results have been confirmed with PM3 and B3LYP/6‐31G(d) calculation. It indicates that β‐CD is a proper wall material for increasing thermal stability and the controlled release of 1‐PE and 2‐PE. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Altered astrocyte morphology and vascular development in dystrophin‐Dp71‐null mice
Authors: Giocanti‐Auregan Audrey , Vacca Ophélie , Bénard Romain , Cao Sijia , Siqueiros Lourdes , Montañez Cecilia , Paques Michel , Sahel José‐Alain , Sennlaub Florian , Guillonneau Xavier , Rendon Alvaro , Tadayoni Ramin
Published: December 2015

Understanding retinal vascular development is crucial because many retinal vascular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (in adults) or retinopathy of prematurity (in children) are among the leading causes of blindness. Given the localization of the protein Dp71 around the retinal vessels in adult mice and its role in maintaining retinal homeostasis, the aim of this study was to determine if Dp71 was involved in astrocyte and vascular development regulation. An experimental study in mouse retinas was conducted. Using a dual immunolabeling with antibodies to Dp71 and anti‐GFAP for astrocytes on retinal sections and isolated astrocytes, it was found that Dp71 was expressed in wild‐type (WT) mouse astrocytes from early developmental stages to adult stage. In Dp71‐null mice, a reduction in GFAP‐immunopositive astrocytes was observed as early as postnatal day 6 (P6) compared with WT mice. Using real‐time PCR, it was showed that Dp71 mRNA was stable between P1 and P6, in parallel with post‐natal vascular development. Regarding morphology in Dp71‐null and WT mice, a significant decrease in overall astrocyte process number in Dp71‐null retinas at P6 to adult age was found. Using fluorescence‐conjugated isolectin Griffonia simplicifolia on whole mount retinas, subsequent delay of developing vascular network at the same age in Dp71‐null mice was found. An evidence that the Dystrophin Dp71, a membrane‐associated cytoskeletal protein and one of the smaller Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene products, regulates astrocyte morphology and density and is associated with subsequent normal blood vessel development was provided. GLIA 2016;64:716–729
Evaluation of Polo‐like kinase 1 as a potential therapeutic target in Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Kadletz Lorenz , Bigenzahn Johannes , Thurnher Dietmar , Stanisz Isabella , Erovic Boban M. , Schneider Sven , Schmid Rainer , Seemann Rudolf , Birner Peter , Heiduschka Gregor
Published: December 2015

Background

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy of the skin. Treatment options for MCC include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to assess the expression of Polo‐like kinase 1 (PLK1) in MCC and the role of the inhibitor, BI2536, as a potential therapeutic option in MCC.

Methods

PLK1 expression was assessed in tissue samples from 28 patients with MCC and 5 healthy skin samples via immunohistochemistry and furthermore in the 2 MCC cell lines, MCC13 and MCC26, via immunoblotting. The impact of increasing doses of BI2536 alone and in combination with cisplatin or irradiation on cell viability was measured using the CCK‐8 assay. Colony forming assays were performed to evaluate long‐term effects of combination treatments. Additionally, the induction of apoptotic cell death was measured via flow cytometry.

Results

PLK1 is moderately to strongly expressed in 75% of the patients with MCC. The PLK1 inhibitor, BI2536, demonstrated marked inhibition of cell proliferation with IC50 in the low nM range (from 10.07–12.39 nM). Furthermore, BI2536 induces apoptosis in MCC cell lines and acts synergistically in combination with irradiation and cisplatin.

Conclusion

Because of the marked upregulation of PLK1 in MCC tumor samples and potent inhibition of cell proliferation using a specific clinically available inhibitor, targeting of PLK1 qualifies as a potential novel therapeutic strategy in MCC. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1918–E1925, 2016
Mechanistic Population Pharmacokinetics of Morphine in Neonates With Abstinence Syndrome After Oral Administration of Diluted Tincture of Opium
Authors: Liu Tao , Lewis Tamorah , Gauda Estelle , Gobburu Jogarao , Ivaturi Vijay
Published: December 2015

Conducting and analyzing clinical trials in vulnerable neonates are extremely challenging. The aim of this analysis is to develop a morphine population pharmacokinetics (PK) model using data collected during a randomized control trial in neonates with abstinence syndrome (NAS). A 3‐compartment morphine structural PK model after intravenous (IV) administration from previously published work was utilized as prior, whereas an allometric scaling method with physiological consideration was used to extrapolate a PK profile from adults to pediatrics. The absorption rate constant and bioavailability were estimated in NAS after oral administration of diluted tincture of opium (DTO). Goodness‐of‐fit plots along with normalized prediction distribution error and bootstrap method were performed for model evaluation. We successfully extrapolated the PK profile from adults to pediatrics after IV administration. The estimated first‐order absorption rate constant and bioavailability were 0.751 hour−1 and 48.5%, respectively. Model evaluations showed that the model can accurately and precisely describe the observed data. The population pharmacokinetic model we derived for morphine after oral administration of DTO is reasonable and acceptable; therefore, it can be used to describe the PK and guide future studies. The integration of the previous population PK knowledge as prior information successfully overcomes the logistic and practical issue in vulnerable neonate population.
Theophylline Population Pharmacokinetics and Dosing in Children Following Congenital Heart Surgery With Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Frymoyer Adam , Su Felice , Grimm Paul C. , Sutherland Scott M. , Axelrod David M.
Published: December 2015

Children undergoing cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) frequently develop acute kidney injury due to renal ischemia. Theophylline, which improves renal perfusion via adenosine receptor inhibition, is a potential targeted therapy. However, children undergoing cardiac surgery and CPB commonly have alterations in drug pharmacokinetics. To help understand optimal aminophylline (salt formulation of theophylline) dosing strategies in this population, a population‐based pharmacokinetic model was developed using nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling (NONMEM) from 71 children (median age 5 months; 90% range 1 week to 10 years) who underwent cardiac surgery requiring CPB and received aminophylline as part of a previous randomized controlled trial. A 1‐compartment model with linear elimination adequately described the pharmacokinetics of theophylline. Weight scaled via allometry was a significant predictor of clearance and volume. In addition, allometric scaled clearance increased with age implemented as a power maturation function. Compared to prior reports in noncardiac children, theophylline clearance was markedly reduced across age. In the final population pharmacokinetic model, optimized empiric dosing regimens were developed via Monte Carlo simulations. Doses 50% to 75% lower than those recommended in noncardiac children were needed to achieve target serum concentrations of 5 to 10 mg/L.
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of Metformin in Healthy Elderly Subjects
Authors: Jang Kyungho , Chung Hyewon , Yoon Jang‐soo , Moon Seol‐Joo , Yoon Seo Hyun , Yu Kyung‐Sang , Kim Kwangil , Chung Jae‐Yong
Published: December 2015

Age‐related physiological changes are known to alter the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of drugs. Metformin is commonly used as first‐line medication for management of diabetes in elderly patients. However, the PK and PD of metformin have not been sufficiently studied in elderly subjects. Here, 12 elderly subjects, aged 65 to 85 years, and 20 younger healthy volunteers were orally administered 750 mg of metformin 2 hours after dinner, followed by administration of a second dose (500 mg) 12 hours later. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed 2 hours after the second dose, with 75 g of glucose administered. Blood samples were collected at specific time points after the second metformin dose for the assessment of PK and the glucose‐lowering effect of metformin. Elderly subjects exhibited 1.7 and 2.0 times higher average Cmax and AUC∞ than the younger subjects, respectively (P = .007 and .001, respectively), and t1/2 was comparable between the elderly and younger subjects. However, relative glucose level changes from baseline after metformin administration tended to be lower in elderly subjects. Systemic exposure to metformin was elevated by 50% or more in elderly subjects, whereas the glucose‐lowering effect was similar compared to younger subjects after 2 doses of metformin.
Opposing effects of traumatic brain injury on excitatory synaptic function in the lateral amygdala in the absence and presence of preinjury stress
Authors: Klein Rebecca C. , Acheson Shawn K. , Qadri Laura H. , Dawson Alina A. , Rodriguiz Ramona M. , Wetsel William C. , Moore Scott D. , Laskowitz Daniel T. , Dawson Hana N.
Published: December 2015

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability among young adults and is highly prevalent among recently deployed military personnel. Survivors of TBI often experience cognitive and emotional deficits, suggesting that long‐term effects of injury may disrupt neuronal function in critical brain regions, including the amygdala, which is involved in emotion and fear memory. Amygdala hyperexcitability has been reported in both TBI and posttraumatic stress disorder patients, yet little is known regarding the effects of combined stress and TBI on amygdala structure and function at the neuronal level. The present study seeks to determine how the long‐term effects of preinjury foot‐shock stress and TBI interact to influence synaptic plasticity in the lateral amygdala (LA) of adult male C57BL/6J mice by using whole‐cell patch clamp electrophysiology 2–3 months postinjury. In the absence of stress, TBI resulted in a significant increase in membrane excitability and spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) in LA pyramidal‐like neurons. Foot‐shock stress in the absence of TBI also resulted in increased sEPSC activity. In contrast, when preinjury stress and TBI occurred in combination, sEPSC activity was significantly decreased compared with either condition alone. There were no significant differences in inhibitory activity or total dendritic length among any of the treatment groups. These results demonstrate that stress and TBI may be contributing to amygdala hyperexcitability via different mechanisms and that these pathways may counterbalance each other with respect to long‐term pathophysiology in the LA. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human digestion – a processing perspective
Authors: Boland Mike
Published: December 2015

The human digestive system is reviewed in the context of a process with four major unit operations: oral processing to reduce particle size and produce a bolus; gastric processing to initiate chemical and enzymatic breakdown; small intestinal processing to break down macromolecules and absorb nutrients; and fermentation and water removal in the colon. Topics are highlighted about which we need to know more, including effects of aging and dentition on particle size in the bolus, effects of different patterns of food and beverage intake on nutrition, changes in saliva production and composition, mechanical effects of gastric processing, distribution of pH in the stomach, physicochemical and enzymatic effects on nutrient availability and uptake in the small intestine, and the composition, effects of and changes in the microbiota of the colon. Current topics of interest including food synergy, gut–brain interactions, nutritional phenotype and digestion in the elderly are considered. Finally, opportunities for food design based on an understanding of digestive processing are discussed. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Treatment of facial photodamage and rhytides using a novel 1,565 nm non‐ablative fractional erbium‐doped fiber laser
Authors: Friedmann Daniel P. , Tzu Julia E. , Kauvar Arielle N.B. , Goldman Mitchel P.
Published: December 2015

Background and Objective

Non‐ablative fractional lasers (NAFL) generate microscopic non‐contiguous columns of thermal injury in the dermis, resulting in collagen remodeling. This manuscript details our experience with a novel 1,565 nm scanned, erbium‐doped fiber NAFL for the treatment of facial photodamage.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A prospective, open‐label clinical trial was conducted at two clinical sites in the United States on 16 female subjects with a mean age of 49.6 years, Fitzpatrick skin types II to IV, and a baseline Fitzpatrick–Goldman Wrinkle and Elastosis Score (FGWES) of 3–6. Each subject received three treatments at 4–5 week intervals with follow‐up assessments at 1, 3, and 6 months after the last treatment.

Results

The mean FGWES demonstrated a statistically significant decrease from baseline both at 3 months (−0.58 ± 0.23, P = 0.02) and 6 months (−0.66 ± 0.22, P = 0.008) after the last treatment. Fifty percent (95%CI [24.21%, 68.49%]) of subjects showed a significant (at least 1 grade) improvement in FGWES from baseline at 3‐month follow‐up. At least 72% of subjects perceived the results as “moderate” to “very good” at 3 months post‐treatment, with comparable satisfaction rates. Treatments were not associated with a high level of pain or discomfort and typical downtime was less than 2 days. No unexpected adverse events or serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

The 1,565 nm erbium‐doped scanned NAFL is an effective treatment for facial wrinkles with a favorable recovery and side effect profile. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:174–180, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel role for follistatin in hypersensitivity following cystitis
Authors: Shaffer Amber D. , Feng Bin , La Jun‐Ho , Joyce Sonali C. , Gebhart G. F.
Published: December 2015

Aims

Previous studies have shown that the activin‐binding protein follistatin reduces inflammation in several mouse models of colitis. To determine whether follistatin also has a beneficial effect following bladder inflammation, we induced cystitis in mice using cyclophosphamide (CYP) and examined the relationship between bladder hypersensitivity and bladder follistatin expression.

Methods

Adult female C57BL/6 mice were treated with CYP (100 mg/kg) or vehicle (saline) three times over 5 days. Bladder hypersensitivity was assessed by recording the visceromotor response (VMR) to urinary bladder distension and in vitro single‐fiber bladder afferent recording. Follistatin gene expression was measured using qRT‐PCR. Immunohistochemistry was employed for further characterization.

Results

Bladder hypersensitivity was established by day 6 and persisted to day 14 in CYP‐treated mice. On day 14, hypersensitivity was accompanied by increases in follistatin gene expression in the bladder. Follistatin‐like immunoreactivity colocalized with laminin, and the percentage of structures in the lamina propria that were follistatin‐positive was increased in CYP‐treated mice. Exogenous follistatin increased VMR and afferent responses to bladder distension in CYP‐ but not vehicle‐treated mice.

Conclusions

Chronic bladder pain following CYP treatment is associated with increased follistatin expression in the bladder. These results suggest a novel, pro‐nociceptive role for follistatin in cystitis, in contrast with its proposed therapeutic role in colitis. This protein has exciting potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target for bladder hypersensitivity. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:286–292, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improving the Reconstruction of Vector Fields Using Mixed Finite Element Methods and Optimal Preconditioning
Authors: López Jorge , Juárez Héctor , Sandoval Ma. Luisa
Published: December 2015

In this article, we study numerically a diagnostic model, based on mass conservation, to recover solenoidal vector fields from experimental data. Based on a reformulation of the mathematical model as a saddle‐point problem, we introduce an iterative preconditioned conjugate gradient algorithm, applied to an associated operator equation of elliptic type, to solve the problem. To obtain a stable algorithm, we use a second‐order mixed finite element approximation for discretization. We show, using synthetic vector fields, that this new approach, yields very accurate solutions at a low computational cost compared to traditional methods with the same order of approximation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 32: 1137–1154, 2016
Brain ischaemia induces shedding of a BDNF‐scavenger ectodomain from TrkB receptors by excitotoxicity activation of metalloproteinases and γ‐secretases
Authors: Tejeda Gonzalo S , Ayuso‐Dolado Sara , Arbeteta Raquel , Esteban‐Ortega Gema M , Vidaurre Oscar G , Díaz‐Guerra Margarita
Published: December 2015

Stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability in the world with limited therapies available to restrict brain damage or improve functional recovery after cerebral ischaemia. A promising strategy currently under investigation is the promotion of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signalling through tropomyosin‐related kinase B (TrkB) receptors, a pathway essential for neuronal survival and function. However, TrkB and BDNF‐signalling are impaired by excitotoxicity, a primary pathological process in stroke also associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Pathological imbalance of TrkB isoforms is critical in neurodegeneration and is caused by calpain processing of BDNF high affinity full‐length receptor (TrkB‐FL) and an inversion of the transcriptional pattern of the Ntrk2 gene, to favour expression of the truncated isoform TrkB‐T1 over TrkB‐FL. We report here that both TrkB‐FL and neuronal TrkB‐T1 also undergo ectodomain shedding by metalloproteinases activated after ischaemic injury or excitotoxic damage of cortical neurons. Subsequently, the remaining membrane‐bound C‐terminal fragments (CTFs) are cleaved by γ‐secretases within the transmembrane region, releasing their intracellular domains (ICDs) into the cytosol. Therefore, we identify TrkB‐FL and TrkB‐T1 as new substrates of regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP), a mechanism that highly contributes to TrkB‐T1 regulation in ischaemia but is minor for TrkB‐FL which is mainly processed by calpain. However, since the secreted TrkB ectodomain acts as a BDNF scavenger and significantly alters BDNF/TrkB signalling, the mechanism of RIP could contribute to neuronal death in excitotoxicity. These results are highly relevant since they reveal new targets for the rational design of therapies to treat stroke and other pathologies with an excitotoxic component. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of acrylic modified coconut fiber reinforced polypropylene biocomposites: Study of mechanical, thermal, and erosion properties
Authors: Sarkar Niladri , Sahoo Gyanaranjan , Khuntia Tanmayee , Priyadarsini Proxima , Mohanty Jyoti Ranjan , Swain Sarat K.
Published: December 2015

Coconut shell fiber‐reinforced polypropylene (PP/CSP) biocomposites were prepared by using hand lay‐out technique with different fractions of the modified fibers. Before proceeding to fabrication method, fibers were made compatible by chemical modification with acrylic acid. The interaction of acrylic modified coconut shell fibers with PP matrix was studied by using Fourier transforms Infrared spectroscopy. The morphology of chemically modified coconut fibers and coconut shell fibers reinforced polypropylene biocomposites were studied by using field emission scanning electron microscope. Due to strong interfacial interaction between PP and CSP, mechanical properties were improved. It was found that the tensile strength, elongation at break and loss modulus, rigidity of PP bio‐composites were investigated as compared with that of virgin PP matrix. The thermal properties of the fabricated biocomposites were investigated by using thermogravimetric analysis. The semi‐ductile properties of the fabricated PP biohybrids were confirmed through erosion ring test. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2852–2862, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Outcome of monochorionic twin pregnancies with moderate amniotic fluid discordance adjoining twin–twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Hayashi Satoshi , Anami Ai , Ishii Keisuke , Oba Mari S. , Takahashi Yuichiro , Nakata Masahiko , Murotsuki Jun , Murakoshi Takeshi , Sago Haruhiko
Published: December 2015

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the perinatal outcome in monochorionic diamniotic (MD) twin pregnancies complicated by amniotic fluid discordance (AFD) adjoining twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Methods

An observational study of 84 consecutive MD twin pregnancies complicated by AFD that resembled TTTS was conducted. AFD adjoining TTTS was defined by a maximal vertical pocket of amniotic fluid ≤3 cm in one twin and ≥7 cm in the other excluding TTTS. The study population was divided into two groups, group 1 and group 2, according to positive and absent or reversed end‐diastolic flow (AREDF) in the umbilical artery, respectively.

Results

Fifteen of the 35 (42.9%) group 1 cases and 30 of the 49 (61.2%) group 2 cases progressed to TTTS. The overall survival and intact survival rate in constant AFD that never progressed to TTTS in group 1 was 100% (40/40) and 90% (36/40), respectively. The overall survival and intact survival rate of constant AFD in group 2 with selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) was 54.2% (13/24) and 41.7% (10/24), respectively, and for those without sIUGR was 64.3% (9/14) and 57.1% (8/14), respectively.

Conclusions

Constant AFD with AREDF in the umbilical artery represents an extremely high risk for adverse outcomes regardless of the presence of sIUGR. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomics analysis of a long‐term survival strain of Escherichia coli K‐12 exhibiting a growth advantage in stationary‐phase (GASP) phenotype
Authors: Gagliardi Assunta , Lamboglia Egidio , Bianchi Laura , Landi Claudia , Armini Alessandro , Ciolfi Silvia , Bini Luca , Marri Laura
Published: December 2015

The aim of this work was the functional and proteomic analysis of a mutant, W3110 Bgl+/10, isolated from a batch culture of an Escherichia coli K‐12 strain maintained at room temperature without addition of nutrients for 10 years. When the mutant was evaluated in competition experiments in co‐culture with the wild‐type, it exhibited the growth advantage in stationary phase (GASP) phenotype. Proteomes of the GASP mutant and its parental strain were compared by using a 2DE coupled with MS approach. Several differentially expressed proteins were detected and many of them were successful identified by mass spectrometry. Identified expression‐changing proteins were grouped into three functional categories: metabolism, protein synthesis, chaperone and stress responsive proteins. Among them, the prevalence was ascribable to the “metabolism” group (72%) for the GASP mutant, and to “chaperones and stress responsive proteins” group for the parental strain (48%).
Sodium‐Deficient O3‐Na0.9[Ni0.4MnxTi0.6−x]O2 Layered‐Oxide Cathode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Qi Xingguo , Wang Yuesheng , Jiang Liwei , Mu Linqin , Zhao Chenglong , Liu Lilu , Hu Yong‐Sheng , Chen Liquan , Huang Xuejie
Published: December 2015

Recently, increasing attention has been paid to the newly emerging area of sodium‐ion batteries, as a promising supplement for lithium‐ion batteries. Although many cathode materials have been proposed, most of these have limitations for practical applications, such as a low capacity or a poor cycling performance. Here, sodium‐deficient O3‐Na0.9[Ni0.4Mn
x
Ti0.6−x
]O2 (where x 5 0.1–0.6, abbreviated as NNMT‐9415, 9424, 9433, 9442, 9451, and 9460, respectively) materials are introduced, which can be used as the cathode in sodium‐ion batteries. Among these materials, the electrochemical behavior of materials with x 5 0.4 and 0.3 is the highest with a higher capacity and better cycling property than the other materials. These can deliver an initial capacity of about 120 mA h g21 in a voltage range of 2.5–4.2 V with a negligible capacity loss even after 100 cycles. The rate capabilities of 82% and 64% at 1 C and 2 C current rates, respectively, are also satisfactory. The good cycling performance and high capacity make these two materials potential candidates as the cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries.
Effect of hydrocolloids on the properties of wheat/potato starch mixtures
Authors: Varela María Soledad , Navarro Alba Sofía , Yamul Diego Karim
Published: December 2015

The physicochemical, pasting, thermal, viscoelastic, and syneresis properties of nine formulations prepared with wheat starch, potato starch, and hydrocolloids (pectin, HPMC, arabic gum, and konjac glucomannan (KG)) were assessed. The addition of the hydrocolloids decreased the water solubility index and water absorption capacity but did not modify the swelling power of starch granules. The starch gelatinization temperature decreased in the presence of the hydrocolloids, while the enthalpy of gelatinization and gelatinization range temperature increased. Pectin and HPMC addition decreased the paste viscosity whereas KG increased and arabic gum had no effect. On the other hand, the pasting temperature was not modified by the presence of hydrocolloids. All the blends behaved as solid as the storage modulus was higher than the viscous modulus within all the frequency range assayed. Viscous characteristics were improved with the addition of pectin and HPMC. The presence of hydrocolloids increased the stability of the gelled starch mixtures to freeze–thaw cycle and no syneresis was observed in these gels stored at 4°C.
Digestion and metabolic fates of starch, and its relation to major nutrition‐related health problems: A review
Authors: Svihus Birger , Hervik Astrid Kolderup
Published: December 2015

Starch is the most abundant nutrient in the global diet, providing energy to a rapidly growing population. Due to the hydro‐thermal treatments commonly used, the granular structure disintegrates, leading to a rapid digestion of starch and thus a swift absorption of glucose in the small intestine. However, this highly digestible major source of energy may also contribute to nutrition‐related health problems. When part of an energy‐affluent meal, starch will contribute to obesity either through hepatic de novo lipogenesis, or by replacing fat as an energy source for cells. Typical starch‐rich foods have not been found to have a particularly high satiating effect, further contributing to an obesity‐inducing effect. As a major source of glucose entering the circulation, starch is central both for the pathogenesis and the management of diabetes mellitus type 2. Common starch‐rich foods generally produce a rather large glycaemic response, further contributing to this health problem. Starch may contribute to cardiovascular disease through stimulation of hepatic de novo lipogenesis, which triggers triglyceride transport from the liver to adipose tissue, producing atherogenic low‐density lipoprotein. In addition to discussing the relationship between starch and nutrition‐related health problems, the potential to reduce rate of digestion and absorption through altered processing conditions will be discussed in this review. A coarser structure, altered hydro‐thermal treatments and/or chemical modification may increase the resistance of starch to digestion, resulting in lower digestibility, an increased satiety and a lower glycaemic response. More research and development is needed in this exciting and very important area of nutrition.
Effect of ethanol–water solution on the crystallization of short chain amylose from potato starch
Authors: Liu Yanqi , Xie Huifang , Shi Miaomiao
Published: December 2015

In this study, B‐type microcrystalline (BM) starch was prepared by acid hydrolysis and crystallization of native potato starch. Then, BM was used as the raw material to prepare A + V type starch in ethanol–water solution. The effects of the amount of ethanol, the treatment temperature, and the time on the structure of the precipitates were investigated. The optimal conditions to form A + V type starch are 22 mL ethanol at 50°C, for 120 min. The onset temperature (To), the peak temperature (Tp), the conclusion temperature (Tc), and the gelatinization enthalpy (△H) of native potato starch, acid hydrolyzed potato starch (AH), BM type starch, and A + V type starch were estimated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It indicates that the AH starch has a more ordered and stable structure, while the A + V type starch is more difficult to gelatinize. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) indicated that the intensities of the main infrared absorption peaks of the A + V type starch were significantly higher than those of the native, AH and BM type starches, although the peak shapes were similar. SEM photos showed that the A + V type starch consisted of a flat structure with irregular edges and small, well‐dispersed spherical particles. This study clearly showed that the A + V type starch exhibited weak thermal stability owing to the characteristics of the granules.
In Defense of the Wrong Kind of Reason
Authors: Howard Christopher ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: December 2015

Skepticism about the ‘wrong kind’ of reasons—the view that wrong-kind reasons are reasons to want and bring about certain attitudes, but not reasons for those attitudes—is more often assumed than argued for. Jonathan Way (2012) sets out to remedy this: he argues that skeptics about, but not defenders of, wrong-kind reasons can explain a distinctive pattern of transmission among such reasons and claims that this fact lends significant support to the skeptical view. I argue that Way’s positive case for wrong-kind reason skepticism fails. I conclude with an account of what’s needed to resolve the debate between wrong-kind reason skeptics and defenders.
Being in a Position to Know and Closure
Authors: Heylen Jan ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: December 2015

The focus of this article is the question whether the notion of being in a position to know is closed under modus ponens. The question is answered negatively.
The Burdens of Morality
Authors: Dougherty Tom ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: December 2015

A classic objection to act-consequentialism is that it is overdemanding: it requires agents to bear too many costs for the sake of promoting the impersonal good. I develop the complementary objection that act-consequentialism is underdemanding: it fails to acknowledge that agents have moral reasons to bear certain costs themselves, evenwhen itwould be impersonally better for others to bear these costs.
Discourses of Global Politics
Authors: George Jim
Published: December 2015

This text provides a broad-ranging critique of, and re-introduction to, international relations, drawing on the most significant critical perspectives in recent social science theory. These perspectives are carefully introduced and systematically applied to the dominant traditions of contemporary international relations.
Effect of Prior Athermal Martensite on the Isothermal Transformation Kinetics Below M
s in a Low-C High-Si Steel
Authors: Navarro-López A. , Sietsma J. , Santofimia M. J.
Published: December 2015

Thermomechanical processing of Advanced Multiphase High Strength Steels often includes isothermal treatments around the martensite start temperature (M
s). It has been reported that the presence of martensite formed prior to these isothermal treatments accelerates the kinetics of the subsequent transformation. This kinetic effect is commonly attributed to the creation of potential nucleation sites at martensite-austenite interfaces. The aim of this study is to determine qualitatively and quantitatively the effect of a small volume fraction of martensite on the nucleation kinetics of the subsequent transformation. For this purpose, dilatometry experiments were performed at different temperatures above and below the M
s temperature for athermal martensite in a low-carbon high-silicon steel. Microstructural analysis led to the identification of the isothermal decomposition product formed above and below M
s as bainitic ferrite. The analysis of the transformation processes demonstrated that the initial stage of formation of bainitic ferrite at heat treatments below M
s is at least two orders of magnitude faster than above M
s due to the presence of martensite.
NAD+ and its precursors in human longevity
Authors: Lin Jimin , Pan Yanchao , Wang Jiangyun
Published: December 2015

Aging is a complex issue due to its nature in progressive physiological and functional decay. As better medicine, technology, and living conditions became accessible to many people, the longevity of human beings increased during the past centuries. Recent research established vital roles for NAD+and its precursors in protecting and maintaining the redox homeostasis in cells, which might be applicable therapeutically to prevent cell degeneration. Notably, the contribution of NAD+metabolites to lifespan extension in model systems indicates that the potential beneficial effects of NAD+precursors. In this mini review, by introducing the background of NAD+‐consuming enzymes in “caloric restriction”, we focus on NAD+and its precursors in diet, with further emphasis on its association with health and diseases. We also provide insights in future utilization of NAD+and its precursors as nutrition supplement for lifespan extension.
Collective motion of bacteria in two dimensions
Authors: Wu Yilin
Published: December 2015

Collective motion can be observed in biological systems over a wide range of length scales, from large animals to bacteria. Collective motion is thought to confer an advantage for defense and adaptation. A central question in the study of biological collective motion is how the traits of individuals give rise to the emergent behavior at population level. This question is relevant to the dynamics of general self‐propelled particle systems, biological self‐organization, and active fluids. Bacteria provide a tractable system to address this question, because bacteria are simple and their behavior is relatively easy to control. In this mini review we will focus on a special form of bacterial collective motion, i.e., bacterial swarming in two dimensions. We will introduce some organization principles known in bacterial swarming and discuss potential means of controlling its dynamics. The simplicity and controllability of 2D bacterial behavior during swarming would allow experimental examination of theory predictions on general collective motion.
Comparing biological markers of Alzheimer's disease across blood fraction and platforms: Comparing apples to oranges
Authors: O'Bryant Sid E. , Lista Simone , Rissman Robert A. , Edwards Melissa , Zhang Fan , Hall James , Zetterberg Henrik , Lovestone Simon , Gupta Veer , Graff‐Radford Neill , Martins Ralph , Jeromin Andreas , Waring Stephen , Oh Esther , Kling Mitchel , Baker Laura D. , Hampel Harald ,   ISTAART Blood Based Biomarker Professional Interest Area
Published: December 2015

Introduction

This study investigated the comparability of potential Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers across blood fractions and assay platforms.

Methods

Nonfasting serum and plasma samples from 300 participants (150 AD patients and 150 controls) were analyzed. Proteomic markers were obtained via electrochemiluminescence or Luminex technology. Comparisons were conducted via Pearson correlations. The relative importance of proteins within an AD diagnostic profile was examined using random forest importance plots.

Results

On the Meso Scale Discovery multiplex platform, 10 of the 21 markers shared >50% of the variance across blood fractions (serum amyloid A R2 = 0.99, interleukin (IL)10 R2 = 0.95, fatty acid‐binding protein (FABP) R2 = 0.94, I309 R2 = 0.94, IL‐5 R2 = 0.94, IL‐6 R2 = 0.94, eotaxin3 R2 = 0.91, IL‐18 R2 = 0.87, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 R2 = 0.85, and pancreatic polypeptide R2 = 0.81). When examining protein concentrations across platforms, only five markers shared >50% of the variance (beta 2 microglobulin R2 = 0.92, IL‐18 R2 = 0.80, factor VII R2 = 0.78, CRP R2 = 0.74, and FABP R2 = 0.70).

Discussion

The current findings highlight the importance of considering blood fractions and assay platforms when searching for AD relevant biomarkers.
RETRACTED: Assessment of anticancer activity: A comparison of dose–response effect of ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts of Pergularia daemia (Forsk)
Authors: Vaithiyanathan Veluchamy , Mirunalini Sankaran
Published: December 2015

Background: Oral cancer is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide and is thus an important cause of death and morbidity. Although several drugs have been developed for the treatment of oral cancer, naturally occurring phytochemicals have been recommended by nutritionists and health experts to treat various types of cancer. Pergularia daemia is a well‐known herb distributed across India, finding many uses in medicine.

Aim: The present study was mainly designed to determine the dose–response effect of the whole plant extract of P. daemia on experimental oral carcinogenesis.

Materials and methods: Male golden Syrian hamsters were painted with 0.5% of 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) in liquid paraffin on the left buccal pouch to induce oral cancer, thrice a week for 14 weeks. The anticancer effect of the ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts of P. daemia was observed to be dose dependent (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight (bwt)) by assessing the bwt, tumor incidence, changes in oxidant/antioxidant levels, and histological alterations of control and experimental animals.

Results: Our results showed that of the three doses used, the high dose (300 mg/kg bwt) exhibited excellent antioxidant activity in comparison to the other two doses. Moreover, our findings suggest that the methanolic extract significantly inhibited cancer development to a greater extent than the ethyl acetate extract.

Conclusion: Thus, it could be concluded that the whole plant of P. daemia presents an easily accessible source of natural antioxidants, and regular consumption can reduce the incidence of oral cancer.