bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Which sets of elementary flux modes form thermodynamically feasible flux distributions?
Authors: Gerstl Matthias P. , Jungreuthmayer Christian , Müller Stefan , Zanghellini Jürgen
Published: March 2016

Elementary flux modes (EFMs) are non‐decomposable steady‐state fluxes through metabolic networks. Every possible flux through a network can be described as a superposition of EFMs. The definition of EFMs is based on the stoichiometry of the network, and it has been shown previously that not all EFMs are thermodynamically feasible. These infeasible EFMs cannot contribute to a biologically meaningful flux distribution. In this work, we show that a set of thermodynamically feasible EFMs need not be thermodynamically consistent. We use first principles of thermodynamics to define the feasibility of a flux distribution and present a method to compute the largest thermodynamically consistent sets (LTCSs) of EFMs. An LTCS contains the maximum number of EFMs that can be combined to form a thermodynamically feasible flux distribution. As a case study we analyze all LTCSs found in Escherichia coli when grown on glucose and show that only one LTCS shows the required phenotypical properties. Using our method, we find that in our E. coli model < 10% of all EFMs are thermodynamically relevant.
Comparison of fatigue life assessment by analytical, experimental and damage accumulation modelling approach for steel SAE 1045
Authors: Imran M. , Siddique S. , Guchinsky R , Petinov S. , Walther F.
Published: March 2016

Fatigue life assessment for two‐phase steel SAE 1045 has been carried out by experimental and simulation techniques. Analytical approach, termed as fatigue lifetime calculation, was employed making use of a load increase testing procedure and constant amplitude tests equipped with measurement techniques – plastic strain amplitude, change in temperature and change in electrical potential difference. The predicted fatigue life has been validated by constant amplitude tests and compared with fatigue life estimation by microstructure‐based simulation. Simulation has been carried out over the complete cross section of the specimen. The simulation uses damage accumulation in the gage section of the specimen culminating in the macro‐crack propagation, taking into account the inhomogeneous fatigue resistance of the material element. The results show that at the initial intervals of high cycle fatigue range at relatively higher stress amplitudes, the experimental and simulation results are in agreement; whereas in the (high cycle fatigue) region at relatively low stress amplitudes, the simulation results were found more optimistic and the corresponding fatigue scatter is also increased. Each scatter is attributed to the relatively small number of analysed models of the material structure. Scanning electron microscope was used to determine volume fraction of the microstructure for simulation. Fatigue fracture surface analysis shows that crack initiated from internal defect of material and crack propagation is driven by silicon oxide inclusion.
An experimental investigation on the quasi‐brittle fracture of marble rocks
Authors: Spagnoli Andrea , Carpinteri Andrea , Ferretti Daniele , Vantadori Sabrina
Published: March 2016

Natural stones like marbles are often employed as façade panels to externally cover buildings. These natural materials tend to exhibit a quasi‐brittle nonlinear fracture behaviour that, conversely to concrete counterpart, has much less been studied. In the present paper, an experimental campaign on the Mode I fracture of the so‐called red Verona marble is carried out, and the results are discussed together with some previously published results on the white Carrara marble. The analysis of the two marbles allows us to discuss size effect and to point out the need for additional parameters in order to describe their fracture behaviour. The study focuses on a two‐parameter model that accounts for a characteristic material length. An interpretation of the experimental results by means of both a work‐of‐fracture method and a size effect law is also presented. Full‐field displacement maps of the fracture process zone (experimentally obtained through a digital image correlation technique) are discussed in order to establish a quantitative correlation with material microstructure features, obtained from thin section technique, and some characteristic material length, based on the previously mentioned models.
Travel, Writing, and the Global Middle Ages
Authors: Phillips Kim M.
Published: March 2016

Travel and mobility were vital aspects of medieval European experience. Historians have long recognised this through studies of migration, exile, everyday journeys and long‐distance voyages as recorded in travellers' reports and narratives. Yet it is only in recent decades that a distinct field of medieval travel writing studies has emerged. This article surveys recent significant contributions to the study of travel literature of the period c. 300 to c. 1500, concentrating on secondary scholarship in English and particularly on works published or reissued since the late 1990s. It considers issues of genre, offers a definition of ‘medieval travel writing’ and proposes the authorial category of the ‘writer‐traveller’. It examines selected recent trends in study of Christian pilgrimage, European travel writing on the wider world and medieval Islamic and Jewish voyage literature. It notes that there has been heightened attention to women and gender, to ‘virtual’ pilgrimage as Christian devotion, to attempts at cross‐cultural comprehension before the age of European imperialism and to the distinctive perspectives offered by Muslim and Jewish authors. Concluding with suggestions for future directions, including enhanced attention to gender theory and cross‐cultural comparison, it finally argues for the place of travel writing studies in histories of medieval globalism following the global turn.
Native–White Intermarriage and Family in 19th‐century North America
Authors: Graybill Andrew R.
Published: March 2016

Although intimate relationships between Indian peoples and European newcomers to North America ensued from the earliest colonial encounters, they have long been overlooked, especially by comparison to the study of sex between Whites and African Americans. But recently, historians have begun to examine Native–White intermarriage and family, especially in the crucial years between the American Revolution and Reconstruction. Westward expansion produced not only dispossession and removal but also flourishing communities of mixed‐blood peoples, from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest and from the northern Plains to the southern Rocky Mountains. This essay explores five key historiographical interventions made by contemporary scholars – focusing on geography, demography, violence, genealogy, and sovereignty – while suggesting new avenues for academic inquiry.
Relation between sensory analysis and rheology of body lotions
Authors: Moravkova T. , Filip P.
Published: March 2016

Objective

Evaluation of sensory attributes of cosmetic products is traditionally based on sensory panels. However, in some cases, a suitable candidate method that can reduce time and costs is the use of instrumental analysis that can detect relatively very small changes of entry ingredients. Such approach has been already applied for emollients, salt content, stabilizers, etc. The aim of this contribution is to apply the relations between sensory analysis and rheology to a series of body lotions differing in the contents of emulsifiers and viscosity regulators.

Methods

Sensory and rheological analyses are related. Rheological analysis can represent a good alternative to basic orientation in chosen customer's feelings. A rotational rheometer is the only instrumental device required for the measurements.

Results

An empirical rheological model was proposed by means of which the selected sensory attributes were evaluated using the numerical values of adjustable model parameters. This approach exhibited a very good agreement with the results obtained by the sensory panel.

Conclusion

It was shown that a description of chosen sensory attributes can be responsibly carried out by rheological measurements, that is through the attained numerical values of the parameters appearing in a proposed empirical model characterizing shear viscosity of body lotions.
Characteristics and functional properties of gelatin from seabass skin as influenced by defatting
Authors: Sae‐leaw Thanasak , Benjakul Soottawat , O'Brien Nora M. , Kishimura Hideki
Published: March 2016

Gelatins from nondefatted and defatted seabass skins were characterised and evaluated for their functional properties in comparison with commercial fish skin gelatin. All gelatins contained α1‐ and α2‐chains as the predominant components and showed a high imino acid content (199–201 residues/1000 residues). All gelatins had a relative solubility greater than 90% in the wide pH ranges (1–10). Foaming properties of all gelatins increased with increasing concentrations (1–3%, w/v). Gelatin from defatted skin had higher foam expansion and stability than that extracted from nondefatted skin. Emulsion containing gelatin from defatted skin had smaller oil droplet size (d32, d43), compared with that having gelatin from nondefatted skin (P < 0.05). After 10 days of storage at room temperature (28–30 °C), emulsion stabilised by gelatin from defatted skin showed the higher stability as indicated by the lower increases in d32 and d43, and lower flocculation factor and coalescence index. Coincidentally, emulsion stabilised by gelatin from defatted skin had higher zeta potential than that containing gelatin from nondefatted skin. Thus, defatting of seabass skin directly affected characteristics and functional properties of resulting gelatin.
Connecting Tenure Security with Durable Solutions to Internal Displacement: From Restitution of Property Rights to the Right to Adequate Housing
Authors: García Amado Patricia
Published: March 2016

The end of displacement is a main goal of international peacebuilding strategies, with increasing financial and human resources committed to it. Nevertheless, protracted internal displacement remains unabated, necessitating a review of the responses provided thus far. Durable solutions to internal displacement require a safe, permanent and secure place to settle, which puts security of tenure at the centre of any sustainable option. This article emphasizes the limited understanding of the factors that contribute to secure tenure as one of the main flaws in a predominantly legal approach to the right to restitution and the right to adequate housing in responses to internal displacement. It calls for the design of contextualized and inclusive strategies to align the de jure, de facto and perception dimensions of tenure security to support the sustainable settlement of internally displaced persons as well as the construction of peace.
Biology of Doryctobracon brasiliensis at different temperatures: development of life table and determining thermal requirements
Authors: Poncio S. , Medeiros Nunes A. , Silva Gonçalves R. , Lisboa H. , Manica‐Berto R. , Silveira Garcia M. , Nava D. E.
Published: March 2016

Doryctobracon brasiliensis (Szépligeti) is a parasitoid larval–pupal of fruit flies and has great potential to be used in biological control programmes as it feeds on other Anastrepha species in addition to Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann). This study investigated the biology of D. brasiliensis at different temperatures to design a life fertility table and determine thermal requirements. The parasitoids were multiplied in larvae of A. fraterculus in air‐conditioned chambers at 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 28 and 30°C, 70 ± 20% RH and photophase of 12 h. We determined the number of offspring, sex ratio, longevity of males and females and duration of egg–adult period. The temperature range 18–22°C ensures higher fecundity and at 20°C, and the average number of offspring per female was 152.77 parasitoids. The sex ratio of offspring produced was reduced with increasing temperatures. Longevity of males and females of D. brasiliensis was reduced by increasing temperatures. At 15, 28 and 30°C, there was no development of immature stages. For the temperature range 18–25°C, the duration of egg–adult period of D. brasiliensis was inversely proportional to temperature. At 20 and 22°C, we observed the highest values of net reproduction rate (Ro) and finite reason of increase (λ), meaning that at the estimated optimum temperature (21°C), the population of D. brasiliensis increased 47 times each generation. The lower temperature threshold for development was 10.01°C and the thermal constant (K) 303.21 degree/days. This information confirms that D. brasiliensis is better suited to temperate environments, which implies a significant potential for the use of D. brasiliensis in the control of A. fraterculus, because most areas occupied by this pest are in temperate regions. In addition, D. brasiliensis is useful in mass rearing systems in laboratory.
INVESTMENT FEES, NET RETURNS, AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST IN 401(K) PLANS
Authors: Doellman Thomas W. , Sardarli Sabuhi H.
Published: March 2016

Using a proprietary database of predominantly small to mid‐size 401(k) plans administered by nearly 400 unique third‐party plan administrators (TPAs), we examine the potential effects of a conflict of interest that arises from the TPA's incentive to recommend its funds for the investment menu. We find that investment fees are highest and net returns are lowest for plans administered by asset management advisory firms, commercial banks, and insurance companies. The higher fees and lower returns are related to the existence of TPA proprietary funds in these plans' menus and to proxies for agency conflicts capturing proprietary trading and revenue sharing.
Knowledge of staff members of residential care facilities for individuals with intellectual disability on medication administration via enteral feeding tube
Authors: Joos E. , Mehuys E. , Van Bocxlaer J. , Remon J. P. , Van Winckel M. , Boussery K.
Published: March 2016

Background

Guidelines for the safe administration of drugs through enteral feeding tube (EFT) are an important tool to minimise the risk of errors. This study aimed to investigate knowledge of these guidelines among staff of residential care facilities (RCF) for people with ID.

Method

Knowledge was assessed using a 13‐item self‐administered questionnaire. Questions reflected key aspects of guidelines on medication administration via EFT. All staff members that administer medication through EFT in Belgian RCFs were invited to participate (n = 553).

Results

Nine out of 10 RCFs participated, and 356 questionnaires were collected. Almost all participants were women (96%), and most (82%) had a non‐nursing educational background. Mean self‐perceived knowledge of medication administration via EFT was 6.7 (on a 0–10 scale). On average, 5.7 (SD 1.9) out of 13 questions were answered correctly. A nursing degree and previous education on medication administration via EFT were associated with significantly higher scores. Guideline recommendations regarding rinsing of used medicine cups (90% correct answers) and preparation of hard gelatin capsules (89%) were known best. Those regarding the use of protective equipment when crushing toxic substances (4% correct answers), crushing of sustained release and enteric‐coated dosage forms (6%), elevation of the patient's backrest (14%) and flushing of the EFT (15%) were known the least.

Conclusion

This study identified a substantial lack of knowledge of guidelines for drug administration through EFT among staff of RCFs for people with ID. Our findings call for tailored educational programmes in order to increase knowledge on this subject.
Risk factors associated with challenging behaviour in people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities
Authors: Poppes P. , van der Putten A.J.J. , Post W.J. , Vlaskamp C.
Published: March 2016

Background

Several factors that correlate with the onset or continuation of challenging behaviour are mentioned in research. These are factors related to persons with ID, but also to direct support professionals and the context. Although many of these factors seem to affect the onset or continuation of challenging behaviour in people with ID in general, results are often inconclusive and have little focus on people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD). The present study aimed to assess the extent to which known factors related to challenging behaviour are also applicable to a group of 198 people with PIMD.

Method

To determine which factors were associated with challenging behaviour, univariate analyses on associations between known risk factors and challenging behaviour were conducted. The associated factors were then subject to a regression analysis to determine the extent to which they explain the prevalence of challenging behaviour and can thus be seen as factors associated with challenging behaviour.

Results

The results show that, in particular, factors concerning the personal characteristics of people with PIMD, such as sleeping problems and auditory problems, were related to the variance in mean frequency of challenging behaviour. Only one factor related to the direct support professionals was found: when these professionals had been offered training on the subject of challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities in general, they identified significantly more withdrawn behaviour. We found no contextual factors related to challenging behaviour.

Conclusion

These findings are generally consistent with findings reported in other studies, especially concerning the personal characteristics of people with PIMD. Further research should focus on the effects of providing safe auditory environments and appropriate sleep schedules for people with PIMD on the occurrence of challenging behaviour.
In Defense of Water: Modern Mining, Grassroots Movements, and Corporate Strategies in Peru
Authors: Li Fabiana
Published: March 2016

Este artículo explora porqué el agua se ha convertido en un tema central de las controversias mineras recientes, centrándose en un conflicto entre la empresa minera Yanacocha y la comunidad de Combayo, en la sierra norte del Perú. En las protestas de 2006, los campesinos argumentaron que su lucha era por la protección de los recursos hídricos ante la expansión de la minería. La empresa trató de desacreditar estas quejas al arguir que las protestas comenzaron como una demanda por contratos de trabajo y proyectos de desarrollo. Esta separación entre el empleo y el agua, esconde cómo las tecnologías de la minería moderna transforman el paisaje, a la vez que introduce cambios en las prácticas corporativas de la empresa y medidas de acción política en respuesta a la actividad minera. Este artículo examina el papel del agua tanto en la movilización de manifestantes, la reconfiguración de las alianzas políticas existentes y, al propiciar un acuerdo que reduce el alcance del conflicto que da paso a argumentos técnicos sobre la calidad y cantidad de agua, la promesa de empleos, y un estudio hidrológico. [ecología, medio ambiente, movimientos sociales, Perú]
Do I Fear Death? The Effects of Mortality Salience on Anti‐Consumption Lifestyles
Authors: Nepomuceno Marcelo Vinhal , Laroche Michel
Published: March 2016

How are individuals who voluntarily resist consumption affected by death thoughts? We looked at the impact of mortality salience (MS) on anticonsumption lifestyles. We found that high anticonsumption individuals were equally unlikely to consume in the control and MS conditions. However, low anticonsumption individuals were more likely to consume after death was made salient. Finally, anticonsumption lifestyles did not correlate with self‐esteem, a known buffer of the effects of MS. Because MS did not change the consumption‐related behaviors of high anticonsumption individuals, our findings suggest that consumption is not a relevant method for such individuals to recover their self‐esteem. The findings also suggest that the adoption of an anticonsumption lifestyle buffers the effect of MS on participants' consumption‐related behaviors.
Clinical and biomarker profiling of prodromal Alzheimer's disease in workpackage 5 of the Innovative Medicines Initiative PharmaCog project: a ‘EuropeanADNIstudy’
Authors: Galluzzi S. , Marizzoni M. , Babiloni C. , Albani D. , Antelmi L. , Bagnoli C. , Bartres‐Faz D. , Cordone S. , Didic M. , Farotti L. , Fiedler U. , Forloni G. , Girtler N. , Hensch T. , Jovicich J. , Leeuwis A. , Marra C. , Molinuevo J. L. , Nobili F. , Pariente J. , Parnetti L. , Payoux P. , Del Percio C. , Ranjeva J.‐P. , Rolandi E. , Rossini P. M. , Schönknecht P. , Soricelli A. , Tsolaki M. , Visser P. J. , Wiltfang J. , Richardson J. C. , Bordet R. , Blin O. , Frisoni G. B. ,   the PharmaCog Consortium
Published: March 2016

Background

In the field of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the validation of biomarkers for earlyADdiagnosis and for use as a surrogate outcome inADclinical trials is of considerable research interest.

Objective

To characterize the clinical profile and genetic, neuroimaging and neurophysiological biomarkers of prodromalADin amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) patients enrolled in theIMI WP5 PharmaCog (also referred to as the EuropeanADNIstudy).

Methods

A total of 147aMCIpatients were enrolled in 13 European memory clinics. Patients underwent clinical and neuropsychological evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG) and lumbar puncture to assess the levels of amyloid β peptide 1–42 (Aβ42), tau and p‐tau, and blood samples were collected. Genetic (APOE), neuroimaging (3T morphometry and diffusionMRI) andEEG(with resting‐state and auditory oddball event‐related potential (AO‐ERP) paradigm) biomarkers were evaluated.

Results

ProdromalADwas found in 55aMCIpatients defined by low Aβ42 in the cerebrospinal fluid (Aβ positive). Compared to theaMCIgroup with high Aβ42 levels (Aβ negative), Aβ positive patients showed poorer visual (P= 0.001), spatial recognition (P< 0.0005) and working (P= 0.024) memory, as well as a higher frequency ofAPOE4 (P< 0.0005), lower hippocampal volume (P= 0.04), reduced thickness of the parietal cortex (P< 0.009) and structural connectivity of the corpus callosum (P< 0.05), higher amplitude of delta rhythms at rest (P= 0.03) and lower amplitude of posterior cingulate sources ofAO‐ERP(P= 0.03).

Conclusion

These results suggest that, inaMCIpatients, prodromalADis characterized by a distinctive cognitive profile and genetic, neuroimaging and neurophysiological biomarkers. Longitudinal assessment will help to identify the role of these biomarkers inADprogression.
Vascular proteomics in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Lynch M. , Barallobre‐Barreiro J. , Jahangiri M. , Mayr M.
Published: March 2016

The vasculature is essential for proper organ function. Many pathologies are directly and indirectly related to vascular dysfunction, which causes significant morbidity and mortality. A common pathophysiological feature of diseased vessels is extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling. Analysing the protein composition of the ECM by conventional antibody‐based techniques is challenging; alternative splicing or post‐translational modifications, such as glycosylation, can mask epitopes required for antibody recognition. By contrast, proteomic analysis by mass spectrometry enables the study of proteins without the constraints of antibodies. Recent advances in proteomic techniques make it feasible to characterize the composition of the vascular ECM and its remodelling in disease. These developments may lead to the discovery of novel prognostic and diagnostic markers. Thus, proteomics holds potential for identifying ECM signatures to monitor vascular disease processes. Furthermore, a better understanding of the ECM remodelling processes in the vasculature might make ECM‐associated proteins more attractive targets for drug discovery efforts. In this review, we will summarize the role of the ECM in the vasculature. Then, we will describe the challenges associated with studying the intricate network of ECM proteins and the current proteomic strategies to analyse the vascular ECM in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
What have we learned of ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation?
Authors: Maurer T. , Lundqvist C. B. , Tilz R. , Mont L. , Chierchia G‐B. , Malmborg H. , Metzner A. , Kuck K‐H.
Published: March 2016

Atrial fibrillation is a widespread disease of growing clinical, economic and social importance. Interventional therapy for atrial fibrillation offers encouraging results, with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) as the established cornerstone. Yet, the challenge to create durable transmural lesions remains, leading to recurrence of atrial fibrillation in long‐term follow‐up even after multiple ablation procedures in 20% of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and approximately 50% with persistent atrial fibrillation. To overcome these limitations, innovative tools such as the cryoballoon and contact force catheters have been introduced and have demonstrated their potential for safe and effective PVI. Furthermore, advanced pharmacological and pacing manoeuvres enhance evaluation of conduction block in PVI.
Feeding different dietary protein to energy ratios to Holstein heifers: effects on growth performance, blood metabolites and rumen fermentation parameters
Authors: Dong L. F. , Zhang W. B. , Zhang N. F. , Tu Y. , Diao Q. Y.
Published: March 2016

Eighteen Chinese Holstein heifers average age 230 ± 14 days were allocated to 1 of 3 dietary crude protein (CP) to metabolizable energy (ME) ratios to examine the effects on growth performance, blood metabolites and rumen fermentation parameters with 90‐days experiment. Three different dietary CP:ME ratios were targeted based on the formulation of dietary CP contents of 10.85%, 12.78% and 14.63% on dry matter (DM) basis with similar ME contents (10.42 MJ/kg DM), which were categorized as low, medium and high dietary CP:ME ratios. The actual CP:ME ratios obtained in this study significantly increased from low to high CP:ME ratio groups with a value of 10.59, 11.83 and 13.38 g/MJ respectively. Elevated CP:ME ratios significantly increased CP intake (kg/day) and feed efficiency (FE) which was defined as dry matter intake as a proportion of average daily gain (ADG), whereas little difference was observed in body weight (kg), ADG (kg/day), DM intake (kg/day) and ME intake (MJ/day) among the three different CP:ME ratio groups. Increasing dietary CP to ME ratios significantly increased CP digestibility, whereas digestibility of DM and gross energy remained constant in the current experiment. Blood urea nitrogen and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 linearly increased with increasing dietary CP:ME ratios. There was significantly dietary treatment effect on rumen fermentation parameters including acetate, propionate, butyrate and total volatile fatty acids. Therefore, this study indicated that increasing dietary CP levels with similar energy content contributed to increased protein intake and its digestibility, as well as FE. Holstein heifers between 200 and 341 kg subjected to 13.38 dietary CP:ME ratio showed improved feed efficiency, nutrient digestibility, some blood metabolites and rumen fermentation characteristics for 0.90 kg/day rate of gain.
Discontinuity of care for mothers with chronic hepatitis B diagnosed during pregnancy
Authors: Rajbhandari R. , Barton K. , Juncadella A. C. , Rubin A. K. , Ajayi T. , Wu Y. , Ananthakrishnan A. N. , Chung R. T.
Published: March 2016

Assiduous measures are taken to prevent perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) to infants; it is unclear whether the mothers receive appropriate care for their chronic HBV. We sought to assess the quality of HBV care in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐positive mothers following pregnancy. HBsAg‐positive women (n = 243) who had sought prenatal care at Massachusetts General Hospital were retrospectively identified and charts reviewed. The primary outcome was adherence to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines. Over one‐third (37%) of women were first diagnosed with HBV infection at a prenatal visit. One‐third (32%) did not undergo timely liver function test measurements. HBV DNA was never measured in 26% and was untimely in 34% of patients. One‐third (34%) of the women were at high‐risk for HCC based on AASLD criteria, yet only 33% of these women underwent timely imaging. Nearly half (49%) never saw a liver specialist for their HBV care. In multivariate analysis, women were 3.7 times more likely to have a timely ALT and 8.1 times more likely to have a timely HBV DNA if they were followed by a liver specialist (P = 0.001, <0.001). We demonstrate remarkably inadequate and discontinuous HBV care for chronically infected mothers following pregnancy. As HBV infection is already being identified prenatally, quality improvement measures encompassing obstetricians, primary care providers and hepatologists are needed to ensure that HBV‐infected women are linked to care postpregnancy.
Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in mast cells contributes to the regulation of inflammatory cytokines in irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea
Authors: An S. , Zong G. , Wang Z. , Shi J. , Du H. , Hu J.
Published: March 2016

Background

Nitric oxide (NO) and mast cells (MCs) are possibly involved in the development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but details on their role and interactions still remain undetermined. We aimed to investigate the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in MCs of the colon of IBS with diarrhea (IBS‐D), and elucidated a potential role of NO in the differential regulation of cytokines in MCs.

Methods

Colonic mucosal biopsies of 19 IBS‐D patients and 16 healthy controls were collected. The expression of tryptase and iNOS was investigated by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and real‐time PCR. Effects of NO on the expression of cytokines in rat bone marrow MCs (BMMCs) were examined using a cytokine array by NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) treatment.

Key Results

Immunohistochemistry for tryptase revealed an increase in number of MCs with extensive iNOS expression in the colonic mucosa of IBS‐D. Tryptase, iNOS and interleukin (IL)‐1β mRNA and protein levels were upregulated in IBS‐D compared with healthy controls. Specifically, a positive correlation between tryptase and iNOS protein expression was observed in the colon of IBS‐D (r = 0.667, p < 0.05). Supernatant from IBS‐D increased iNOS expression in BMMCs. Antibody array showed that agrin, beta‐nerve growth factor, fractalkine, granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, IL‐1β, IL‐1R6, IL‐13, leptin, tumor necrosis factor alpha were suppressed, and cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)‐1, CINC‐2α, CINC‐3, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, matrix metalloproteinase‐8 were strongly produced in L‐NAME treated BMMCs, comparable to levels in the control group.

Conclusions & Inferences

Our findings provide new evidence that NO is able to regulate many cytokines in MCs that may be involved in the development of IBS.
Temporal and geographical clustering of Kawasaki disease in Japan: 2007–2012
Authors: Sano Takashi , Makino Nobuko , Aoyama Yasuko , Ae Ryusuke , Kojo Takao , Kotani Kazuhiko , Nakamura Yosikazu , Yanagawa Hiroshi
Published: March 2016

Background

Since 1987, no study has reported the municipal‐level geographical clustering of Kawasaki disease (KD) in Japan. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify the temporal and municipal‐level geographical clustering of KD.

Methods

The annual incidence rates of KD for each municipality were calculated using nationwide data from 73 758 patients with KD (2007–2012). To determine whether temporal and municipal‐level clustering existed, we calculated the correlations of the annual incidence rates for each municipality during the study years, and compared these rates with those of the adjacent municipalities. Spatial scanning analysis was used to identify the geographical clusters for each year, and the incidence rates in those clusters were compared with the rates in the surrounding region.

Results

The annual national incidence rate of KD, adjusted for the prefecture‐specific response rate, was 322.45 patients per 100 000 children aged 0–4 years. The correlation between the annual incidence rates during 2 consecutive years was significantly positive (coefficients, 0.149–0.428). On spatial scanning analysis, the most likely clusters were in the Tokyo metropolitan area during 2007–2010 and 2012, and in Kumamoto prefecture during 2011.

Conclusion

Kawasaki disease exhibits temporal and municipal‐level clustering.
Use of an appendicitis medical information sheet in the pediatric primary care system
Authors: Oyachi Noboru , Yagasaki Hideaki , Suzuki Takeyuki , Higashida Kosuke , Komai Takayuki , Hasuda Norio , Takano Kunio , Obana Kazuko
Published: March 2016

Background

Accurate and prompt diagnosis is required for the primary evaluation of pediatric appendicitis. Among pediatricians and surgeons working in Yamanashi Prefecture, the pediatric appendicitis medical information (PAMI) sheet was edited in April 2011 to reflect the diagnostic results of the pediatric primary and emergency medical service and used as a referral document for surgical consultation to secondary hospitals.

Methods

The PAMI sheet consisted of sections for history taking, symptoms, physical signs and laboratory findings without a scoring system. For 32 consecutive months starting in April 2011, 59 patients hospitalized for suspected appendicitis were retrospectively reviewed. In particular, a total of 17 referral patients evaluated with the PAMI sheet were assessed in order to evaluate the utility of the form.

Results

The pediatric surgeons were able to easily determine patient condition from the PAMI sheet. In total, 13 of 17 patients had appendicitis. According to the physical findings of the 17 studied patients, the judgment of right lower quadrant tenderness (κ = 0.63) and guarding (κ = 1.00) was consistent between the pediatric surgeons and primary attending pediatricians.

Conclusions

The PAMI sheet aids in the collection of detailed history and objective data with a high level of accuracy, and provides useful referral diagnostic information to the secondary‐level hospitals.
Effect of Bovine Sperm‐Bound Antisperm Antibodies on Oviductal Binding Index
Authors: Ferrer MS , Anderson DE , Miller LMJ , George A , Miesner M , Wilkerson M
Published: March 2016

Contents

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that sperm‐bound IgG and IgA decrease binding of bull spermatozoa to oviductal epithelial cells in vitro. Three ejaculates were cryopreserved from each of four antisperm antibody (ASA)‐negative satisfactory breeder bulls. Bulls were then immunized with autologous spermatozoa, and three ASA‐positive ejaculates were cryopreserved from each bull post‐immunization. First, microscopy methods were compared to select the most appropriate assay for evaluation of oviductal binding index (BI). The BI did not differ when the evaluation was performed under fluorescence microscopy (131.1 sperm/mm2; 62.5–251.1 sperm/mm2), phase‐contrast microscopy (160.5 sperm/mm2; 56.8–397.4 mm2) or their combination (116.4 sperm/mm2; 56.8–249.6 sperm/mm2) (Median; IQR). The combination of microscopy methods was selected as it allowed better visualization of cells. Then, BI was compared between ASA‐negative and ASA‐positive ejaculates, and the association between BI and ASA binding was evaluated. The BI was less in ASA‐positive (114.9; 0 to 201.8 sperm/0.1 mm2) than ASA‐negative samples (218.9; 24.7 to 276.8 sperm/0.1 mm2) (P = 0.0002). This reduction in BI was significant in three of the four bulls. Regression analysis identified a negative association between BI and the percentage of IgG‐bound (p = 0.013) but not IgA‐bound spermatozoa. In conclusion, sperm‐bound IgG decreased the ability of bovine spermatozoa to bind to oviductal epithelial cells in vitro.
Short‐term depression of gap junctional coupling in reticular thalamic neurons of absence epileptic rats
Authors: Kohmann Denise , Lüttjohann Annika , Seidenbecher Thomas , Coulon Philippe , Pape Hans‐Christian
Published: March 2016

Key points

Gap junctional electrical coupling between neurons of the reticular thalamic nucleus (RTN) is critical for hypersynchrony in the thalamo‐cortical network.

This study investigates the role of electrical coupling in pathological rhythmogenesis in RTN neurons in a rat model of absence epilepsy.

Rhythmic activation resulted in a Ca2+‐dependent short‐term depression (STD) of electrical coupling between pairs of RTN neurons in epileptic rats, but not in RTN of a non‐epileptic control strain.

Pharmacological blockade of gap junctions in RTN in vivo induced a depression of seizure activity.

The STD of electrical coupling represents a mechanism of Ca2+ homeostasis in RTN aimed to counteract excessive synchronization.

Neurons in the reticular thalamic nucleus (RTN) are coupled by electrical synapses, which play a major role in regulating synchronous activity. This study investigates electrical coupling in RTN neurons from a rat model of childhood absence epilepsy, genetic absence epilepsy rats from Strasbourg (GAERS), compared with a non‐epileptic control (NEC) strain, to assess the impact on pathophysiological rhythmogenesis. Whole‐cell recordings were obtained from pairs of RTN neurons of GAERS and NEC in vitro. Coupling was determined by injection of hyperpolarizing current steps in one cell and monitoring evoked voltage responses in both activated and coupled cell. The coupling coefficient (cc) was compared under resting condition, during pharmacological interventions and repeated activation using a series of current injections. The effect of gap junctional coupling on seizure expression was investigated by application of gap junctional blockers into RTN of GAERS in vivo. At resting conditions, cc did not differ between GAERS and NEC. During repeated activation, cc declined in GAERS but not in NEC. This depression in cc was restored within 25 s and was prevented by intracellular presence of BAPTA in the activated but not in the coupled cell. Local application of gap junctional blockers into RTN of GAERS in vivo resulted in a decrease of spike wave discharge (SWD) activity. Repeated activation results in a short‐term depression (STD) of gap junctional coupling in RTN neurons of GAERS, depending on intracellular Ca2+ mechanisms in the activated cell. As blockage of gap junctions in vivo results in a decrease of SWD activity, the STD observed in GAERS is considered a compensatory mechanism, aimed to dampen SWD activity.
Integrating simultaneous prosocial and antisocial behavior into theories of collective action
Authors: Basurto Xavier , Blanco Esther , Nenadovic Mateja , Vollan Björn
Published: March 2016

Cooperation can coexist with antisocial behavior without undermining successful collective action.
Bacterial antisense RNAs are mainly the product of transcriptional noise
Authors: Lloréns-Rico Verónica , Cano Jaime , Kamminga Tjerko , Gil Rosario , Latorre Amparo , Chen Wei-Hua , Bork Peer , Glass John I. , Serrano Luis , Lluch-Senar Maria
Published: March 2016

Most of the antisense transcripts in bacteria are the product of transcriptional noise derived from spurious promoters.
Biodegradable triboelectric nanogenerator as a life-time designed implantable power source
Authors: Zheng Qiang , Zou Yang , Zhang Yalan , Liu Zhuo , Shi Bojing , Wang Xinxin , Jin Yiming , Ouyang Han , Li Zhou , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: March 2016

Mechanical energy in vivo could be harvested by BD-TENG in a designed time frame.
Wiring the altruistic brain
Authors: Gluth Sebastian , Fontanesi Laura
Published: March 2016

Communication between brain regions uncovers hidden motives for generous behavior

[Also see Report by

Hein
et al.

]
Metagenomic Signatures of Bacterial Adaptation to Life in the Phyllosphere of a Salt-Secreting Desert Tree
Authors: Finkel Omri M. , Delmont Tom O. , Post Anton F. , Belkin Shimshon
Published: March 2016

The leaves of
Tamarix aphylla
, a globally distributed, salt-secreting desert tree, are dotted with alkaline droplets of high salinity. To successfully inhabit these organic carbon-rich droplets, bacteria need to be adapted to multiple stress factors, including high salinity, high alkalinity, high UV radiation, and periodic desiccation. To identify genes that are important for survival in this harsh habitat, microbial community DNA was extracted from the leaf surfaces of 10
Tamarix aphylla
trees along a 350-km longitudinal gradient. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing, contig assembly, and binning yielded 17 genome bins, six of which were >80% complete. These genomic bins, representing three phyla (
Proteobacteria
,
Bacteroidetes
, and
Firmicutes
), were closely related to halophilic and alkaliphilic taxa isolated from aquatic and soil environments. Comparison of these genomic bins to the genomes of their closest relatives revealed functional traits characteristic of bacterial populations inhabiting the
Tamarix
phyllosphere, independent of their taxonomic affiliation. These functions, most notably light-sensing genes, are postulated to represent important adaptations toward colonization of this habitat.

IMPORTANCE
Plant leaves are an extensive and diverse microbial habitat, forming the main interface between solar energy and the terrestrial biosphere. There are hundreds of thousands of plant species in the world, exhibiting a wide range of morphologies, leaf surface chemistries, and ecological ranges. In order to understand the core adaptations of microorganisms to this habitat, it is important to diversify the type of leaves that are studied. This study provides an analysis of the genomic content of the most abundant bacterial inhabitants of the globally distributed, salt-secreting desert tree
Tamarix aphylla
. Draft genomes of these bacteria were assembled, using the culture-independent technique of assembly and binning of metagenomic data. Analysis of the genomes reveals traits that are important for survival in this habitat, most notably, light-sensing and light utilization genes.
Mycelium-Like Networks Increase Bacterial Dispersal, Growth, and Biodegradation in a Model Ecosystem at Various Water Potentials
Authors: Worrich Anja , König Sara , Miltner Anja , Banitz Thomas , Centler Florian , Frank Karin , Thullner Martin , Harms Hauke , Kästner Matthias , Wick Lukas Y.
Published: March 2016

Fungal mycelia serve as effective dispersal networks for bacteria in water-unsaturated environments, thereby allowing bacteria to maintain important functions, such as biodegradation. However, poor knowledge exists on the effects of dispersal networks at various osmotic (Ψ
o
) and matric (Ψ
m
) potentials, which contribute to the water potential mainly in terrestrial soil environments. Here we studied the effects of artificial mycelium-like dispersal networks on bacterial dispersal dynamics and subsequent effects on growth and benzoate biodegradation at ΔΨ
o
and ΔΨ
m
values between 0 and −1.5 MPa. In a multiple-microcosm approach, we used a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged derivative of the soil bacterium
Pseudomonas putida
KT2440 as a model organism and sodium benzoate as a representative of polar aromatic contaminants. We found that decreasing ΔΨ
o
and ΔΨ
m
values slowed bacterial dispersal in the system, leading to decelerated growth and benzoate degradation. In contrast, dispersal networks facilitated bacterial movement at ΔΨ
o
and ΔΨ
m
values between 0 and −0.5 MPa and thus improved the absolute biodegradation performance by up to 52 and 119% for ΔΨ
o
and ΔΨ
m
, respectively. This strong functional interrelationship was further emphasized by a high positive correlation between population dispersal, population growth, and degradation. We propose that dispersal networks may sustain the functionality of microbial ecosystems at low osmotic and matric potentials.
Evaluation of Fluorescent Capillary Electrophoresis for Rapid Identification of Candida Fungal Infections
Authors: Obručová Hana , Tihelková Radka , Kotásková Iva , Růžička Filip , Holá Veronika , Němcová Eva , Freiberger Tomáš
Published: March 2016

Early diagnosis of fungal infection is critical for initiating antifungal therapy and reducing the high mortality rate in immunocompromised patients. In this study, we focused on rapid and sensitive identification of clinically important
Candida
species, utilizing the variability in the length of the
ITS2
rRNA gene and fluorescent capillary electrophoresis (f-
ITS2
-PCR-CE). The method was developed and optimized on 29 various
Candida
reference strains from which 26
Candida
species were clearly identified, while
Candida guilliermondii
,
C. fermentati
, and
C. carpophila
, which are closely related, could not be distinguished. The method was subsequently validated on 143 blinded monofungal clinical isolates (comprising 26 species) and was able to identify 88% of species unambiguously. This indicated a higher resolution power than the classical phenotypic approach which correctly identified 73%. Finally, the culture-independent potential of this technique was addressed by the analysis of 55 retrospective DNA samples extracted directly from clinical material. The method showed 100% sensitivity and specificity compared to those of the combined results of cultivation and panfungal PCR followed by sequencing used as a gold standard. In conclusion, this newly developed f-
ITS2
-PCR-CE analytical approach was shown to be a fast, sensitive, and highly reproducible tool for both culture-dependent and culture-independent identification of clinically important
Candida
strains, including species of the “psilosis” complex.