bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of nebulized L‐epinephrine for treatment of croup: a randomized, double‐blind study
Authors: Eghbali Aziz , Sabbagh Ali , Bagheri Bahador , Taherahmadi Hassan , Kahbazi Manijeh
Published: October 2015

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of L‐epinephrine plus dexamethasone vs. dexamethasone for treatment of croup in children. A randomized, double‐blind clinical trial was implemented on 174 patients with croup, aged from 6 months to 6 years, and admitted to the Amir Kabir Pediatric Hospital (Arak, Iran). After randomized allocation, patients were administered dexamethasone, and then, they received either saline or L‐epinephrine. Westley croup scores, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure were recorded every half an hour for a total of 120 min. There was a significant difference in mean of croup scores between two groups (P < 0.009). In addition, a significant difference was seen on mean of heart rate between two groups (P < 0.026). Our results showed a considerable difference in reduction of velocity of croup scores in patients who received nebulized L‐epinephrine compared to patients who received placebo.
Ratcheting of 304 Stainless Steel Alloys subjected to Stress‐Controlled and mixed Stress‐ and Strain‐Controlled Conditions evaluated by Kinematic Hardening Rules
Authors: Hamidinejad S. M. , Noban M. R. , Varvani‐Farahani A.
Published: October 2015

The present study predicts ratcheting response of SS304 tubular stainless steel samples using kinematic hardening rules of Ohno–Wang (O–W), Chen‐Jiao‐Kim (C–J–K) and a newly modified hardening rule under various stress‐controlled, and combined stress‐ and strain‐controlled histories. The O–W hardening rule was developed based on the critical state of dynamic recovery of backstress. The C–J–K hardening rule further developed the O–W rule to include the effect of non‐proportionality in ratcheting assessment of materials. The modified rule involved terms
, and
in the dynamic recovery of the Ahmadzadeh–Varvani (A–V) model to respectively track different directions under multiaxial loading, account for non‐proportionality and prevent plastic shakedown of ratcheting data over multiaxial stress cycles.

The O–W model persistently overestimated ratcheting strain over the multiaxial loading paths. The C–J–K model further lowered this overprediction and improved the predicted ratcheting curves. The predicted ratcheting curves based on the modified model closely agreed with experimental data under various loading paths.
Thermokarst rates intensify due to climate change and forest fragmentation in an Alaskan boreal forest lowland
Authors: Lara Mark J. , Genet Hélène , McGuire Anthony D. , Euskirchen Eugénie S. , Zhang Yujin , Brown Dana R. N. , Jorgenson Mark T. , Romanovsky Vladimir , Breen Amy , Bolton William R.
Published: October 2015

Lowland boreal forest ecosystems in Alaska are dominated by wetlands comprised of a complex mosaic of fens, collapse‐scar bogs, low shrub/scrub, and forests growing on elevated ice‐rich permafrost soils. Thermokarst has affected the lowlands of the Tanana Flats in central Alaska for centuries, as thawing permafrost collapses forests that transition to wetlands. Located within the discontinuous permafrost zone, this region has significantly warmed over the past half‐century, and much of these carbon‐rich permafrost soils are now within ~0.5 °C of thawing. Increased permafrost thaw in lowland boreal forests in response to warming may have consequences for the climate system. This study evaluates the trajectories and potential drivers of 60 years of forest change in a landscape subjected to permafrost thaw in unburned dominant forest types (paper birch and black spruce) associated with location on elevated permafrost plateau and across multiple time periods (1949, 1978, 1986, 1998, and 2009) using historical and contemporary aerial and satellite images for change detection. We developed (i) a deterministic statistical model to evaluate the potential climatic controls on forest change using gradient boosting and regression tree analysis, and (ii) a 30 × 30 m land cover map of the Tanana Flats to estimate the potential landscape‐level losses of forest area due to thermokarst from 1949 to 2009. Over the 60‐year period, we observed a nonlinear loss of birch forests and a relatively continuous gain of spruce forest associated with thermokarst and forest succession, while gradient boosting/regression tree models identify precipitation and forest fragmentation as the primary factors controlling birch and spruce forest change, respectively. Between 1950 and 2009, landscape‐level analysis estimates a transition of ~15 km² or ~7% of birch forests to wetlands, where the greatest change followed warm periods. This work highlights that the vulnerability and resilience of lowland ice‐rich permafrost ecosystems to climate changes depend on forest type.
Film and Video
Authors: Auslander Mark
Published: October 2015

Film reviewed in this issue.

ReMixing Possession: Dreaming Futures Past in the Work of Jim Chuchu.
Age‐related changes in prefrontal oxygenation during memory encoding and retrieval
Authors: Uemura Kazuki , Doi Takehiko , Shimada Hiroyuki , Makizako Hyuma , Park Hyuntae , Suzuki Takao
Published: October 2015

Aim

Memory dysfunction is a major component of age‐related cognitive decline, and is a marker of cognitive impairment. Emerging evidence suggests that the prefrontal cortex is required for maintenance of memory functions. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate age‐related changes in prefrontal oxygenation during memory encoding and retrieval using near‐infrared spectroscopy.

Methods

We examined 21 young (mean age 24.3 years), 52 young‐old (mean age 69.7 years) and 50 old‐old (mean age 79.5 years) participants. The concentration of oxyhemoglobin, which is a reliable biomarker of changes in regional cerebral blood flow, in the right and left prefrontal cortex was measured during encoding and delayed retrieval of a list of 10 target words. The average number of correct answers in the retrieval task was used as a measure of task performance.

Results

During encoding, oxyhemoglobin was significantly and bilaterally lower in young‐old and old‐old participants compared with young participants. Meanwhile, during retrieval, only old‐old participants showed significantly decreased oxyhemoglobin compared with young and young‐old participants. The old‐old participants showed fewer correct answers in the retrieval period than the young and young‐old participants.

Conclusions

Old‐old participants showed reduced prefrontal oxygenation during both encoding and retrieval, and decreased memory performance compared with younger participants. It is necessary for the clinical application of near‐infrared spectroscopy to consider the effects of demographic variables on cerebral oxygenation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1296–1304.
Oesophageal intrasquamous IgG4 deposits: an adjunctive marker to distinguish eosinophilic oesophagitis from reflux oesophagitis
Authors: Zukerberg Lawrence , Mahadevan Krishnan , Selig Martin , Deshpande Vikram
Published: October 2015

Aims

To explore the utility of an IgG4 immunohistochemical stain to help distinguish eosinophilic oesophagitis from gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Methods and results

We examined 21 cases of eosinophilic oesophagitis and 25 cases of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The diagnosis of eosinophilic oesophagitis was based on the presence of oesophageal dysfunction, >15 eosinophils per high‐power field, and a lack of response to proton pump inhibitors. Gastroesophageal reflux disease showed intraepithelial eosinophils, but a clinical and/or histological response to proton pump inhibitor therapy. We also evaluated an additional cohort of 22 cases with intraepithelial eosinophils. Immunohistochemical staining for IgG4 was performed. Sixteen of 21 (76%) eosinophilic oesophagitis cases showed intrasquamous extracellular IgG4 deposits, whereas all 25 gastroesophageal reflux disease cases were negative. Mucosal IgG4‐positive plasma cells were identified in eosinophilic oesophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease cases in 58% and 40% of cases, respectively. Eosinophilic oesophagitis patients receiving treatment were less likely to be positive for intraepithelial IgG4 deposits (88% versus 53%). In the validation cohort, the sensitivity and specificity for eosinophilic oesophagitis were 88% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions

The presence of intrasquamous IgG4 deposits is a useful adjunctive marker in the distinction between eosinophilic oesophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Risk factors for mortality caused by hypothalamic obesity in children with hypothalamic tumours
Authors: Haliloglu B. , Atay Z. , Guran T. , Abalı S. , Bas S. , Turan S. , Bereket A.
Published: October 2015

Background

Hypothalamic obesity (HyOb) is a common complication of childhood hypothalamic tumours. Patients with HyOb probably have a higher mortality rate than those with other types of obesity due in many cases to obstructive sleep apnoea/hypoventilation.

Objectives

To identify predictive factors for mortality caused by HyOb in children.

Methods

Twenty children with HyOb secondary to hypothalamic tumours that were followed‐up for ≥3 years and aged <15 years at diagnosis, and received supraphysiological glucocorticoid treatment for ≤1 month.

Results

Mean age at diagnosis was 6.36 ± 3.60 years. Mean body mass index (BMI) Standard deviation of the samples (SDS) increased from 0.77 ± 1.26 to 2.66 ± 1.45 during the first 6 months, but slowed from month 6–12 (2.73 ± 1.35). ΔBMI SDS at 0–6 months was significantly higher in patients aged <6 years at diagnosis than in those aged >6 years at diagnosis (3.71 ± 1.96 vs. 0.83 ± 0.73, P < 0.001). Maximum BMI SDS was also significantly higher in the younger group (3.88 ± 1.39 vs. 2.79 ± 0.64, P < 0.05). In all, four patients died and the mortality rate was significantly higher in the patients with a further increase in BMI SDS > 1 SDS after 6 months of therapy (RR: 8.4, P < 0.05). Both overall mortality and obesity‐related mortality rates were higher in the patients aged <6 years at diagnosis (4.5‐fold, 7.2‐fold higher, respectively, P > 0.05). The mortality rate was also 3.7‐fold higher in the patients with a maximum BMI SDS ≥ 3 at any time during the first 3 years after therapy(P > 0.05).

Conclusions

An increase in BMI SDS after 6 months of therapy was observed to be a risk factor for mortality caused by HyOb. In addition, age <6 years at diagnosis and a maximum BMI SDS ≥ 3 were associated with a higher mortality rate, indicating that earlier and more aggressive treatment of obesity is required.
The Minimal Eating Observation Form‐II (MEOF‐II): cross‐cultural validation of the Chinese version for people with stroke
Authors: Wang Ting , Jiang Hong , Westergren Albert , Wang Junqiao , Wang Liang
Published: October 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Eating difficulties are common among patients affected by stroke. A valid, reliable instrument for assessing eating difficulties in people with stroke is needed. The aim of this study was to translate the Minimal Eating Observation Form – version II (MEOF‐II) for patients with stroke into Chinese and to comprehensively evaluate its reliability and validity.

Methods

The scale of the original MEOF‐II form was translated into Chinese using the cross‐culture translation method, and 125 participants with stroke were assessed. Data were analysed by content validity index, Cronbach's alpha, correlations and exploratory factor analysis (EFA).

Results

Reliability and validity were demonstrated for the scale. A three‐factor structure was illustrated by EFA, and construct validity was demonstrated by good convergent and discriminant validity.

Conclusions

The Chinese version (Ch‐MEOF‐II) shows good reliability and validity in this study and can be applicable to assess eating difficulties in people with stroke; The Ch‐MEOF‐II allows the early recognition of eating difficulties and thus provides guidance of proper clinical interventions. For future study, a confirmatory factor analysis may need to confirm the three‐factor structure identified in this study. Furthermore, a cross‐cultural comparison can be conducted with the availability of the three different validated language versions of the MEOF‐II form.
Symptoms of Depression Predict Negative Birth Outcomes in African American Women: A Pilot Study
Authors: Giurgescu Carmen , Engeland Christopher G. , Templin Thomas N.
Published: October 2015

Introduction

African American women have higher rates of preterm birth and low‐birth‐weight infants compared with non‐Hispanic white women. Symptoms of depression have also been related to these negative birth outcomes. Lower levels of social support and higher levels of avoidance coping and cortisol have been related to more symptoms of depression in pregnant women. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the relationships among symptoms of depression, social support, avoidance coping, cortisol, and negative birth outcomes (ie, preterm birth, low‐birth‐weight infants) in a sample of African American women.

Methods

This study used a prospective design. A convenience sample of 90 African American women completed questionnaires and had blood drawn in the second trimester of pregnancy. Birth data were collected from medical records.

Results

Based on the Center for Epidemiological Studies‐Depression (CES‐D) Scale scores, 28% of women were at increased risk for clinical depression (CES‐D ≥ 16). Compared to women who gave birth at term, women who had preterm birth had higher CES‐D scores (11.67 and 19.0, respectively) and used avoidance coping more often (7.98 and 13.14, respectively). Compared to women with normal‐birth‐weight infants, women with low‐birth‐weight infants had higher levels of cortisol (61.75 mcg/dL and 89.72 mcg/dL, respectively). Women at increased risk for clinical depression were 16 times more likely to have preterm birth and 4 times more likely to have low‐birth‐weight infants. Women with plasma cortisol levels in the top 25th percentile were 7 times more likely to have low‐birth‐weight infants. Preeclampsia during pregnancy also predicted preterm birth and low‐birth‐weight infants.

Discussion

Symptoms of depression in pregnancy may predict adverse birth outcomes. Interventions that have the potential to improve the mental health of pregnant women and ultimately birth outcomes need to be explored.
A Feasibility Study of Women's Confidence and Comfort in Use of a Kit to Monitor Ovulation
Authors: Ayoola Adejoke B. , Slager Dianne , Feenstra Cheryl , Zandee Gail L.
Published: October 2015

Introduction

The focus of this study was to examine whether low‐income adult women will use ovulation test strips, a menstrual calendar chart, thermometer, temperature graph, and cervical mucus assessment to monitor their ovulation time and other menstrual changes. Women's confidence in their ability to detect ovulation time and understand the menstrual cycle changes were also examined.

Methods

This is a descriptive study. Twenty‐two low‐income women aged 18 to 39 years living in medically underserved neighborhoods participated in this study. The women were introduced to and taught how to use a knowing your body (KB) kit, which consisted of ovulation test strips, monthly calendars for menstrual logs, digital thermometer for basal body temperature, and graphs to chart temperature. The women were interviewed 6 to 8 weeks later to confirm their experiences with the use of the KB kit.

Results

Ninety‐one percent of the women used the ovulation test strips (mean, 3.8 strips); 77.3% were very to extremely confident that they could properly use the ovulation strip, 54.6% knew when they ovulated, and 31.8% could use the thermometer to confirm when they were ovulating. Seventy‐three percent of the women were very to extremely comfortable using the ovulation test strips, 81.8% using the thermometer, 45.5% using the temperature graph, and 31.8% using the TwoDay Method (cervical mucus observation).

Discussion

The use of the ovulation test strip and other content of the KB kit provides a new opportunity for low‐income women to learn about their bodies by monitoring their ovulation time and other menstrual changes as a pregnancy planning and early pregnancy recognition tool.
Altered α‐synuclein, parkin, and synphilin isoform levels in multiple system atrophy brains
Authors: Brudek Tomasz , Winge Kristian , Rasmussen Nadja Bredo , Bahl Justyna Maria Czarna , Tanassi Julia , Agander Tina Klitmøller , Hyde Thomas M. , Pakkenberg Bente
Published: October 2015

Together with Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a member of a diverse group of neurodegenerative disorders termed α‐synucleinopathies. Previously, it has been shown that α‐synuclein, parkin, and synphilin‐1 display disease‐specific transcription patterns in frontal cortex in PD, dementia with Lewy bodies, and MSA, and thus may mediate the development of α‐synucleinopathies. In this study, the differential expression of α‐synuclein isoforms on transcriptional and translational levels was ascertained in MSA patients in comparison with PD cases and normal controls using isoform‐specific primers and exon‐specific antibodies in substantia nigra, striatum, cerebellar cortex, and nucleus dentatus. These regions are severely affected by α‐synuclein pathology and neurodegeneration. Furthermore, we have also investigated transcript levels for parkin and synphilin‐1 isoforms. In MSA brains, α‐synuclein140 and α‐synuclein 112 isoform levels were significantly increased, whereas levels of the α‐synuclein 126 isoform were decreased in the substantia nigra, striatum, cerebellar cortex, and nucleus dentatus versus controls. Moreover, in MSA cases, we showed increased levels of parkin isoforms lacking the N‐terminal ubiquitin‐like domain and an aggregation‐prone synphilin‐1A isoform that causes neuronal toxicity in MSA. In PD brains, parkin transcript variant 3, 7, and 11 were significantly and specifically over‐expressed in the striatum and cerebellar cortex, together with synphilin‐1A and 1C. The changes of isoform expression profiles in neurodegenerative diseases suggest alterations in the regulation of transcription and/or splicing events, leading to regional/cellular events that may be important for the highly increased aggregation of α‐synuclein in the brain.

image

We report differential expression of α‐synuclein, parkin, and synphilin‐1 isoforms in multiple system atrophy (MSA) versus Parkinson's disease and normal control brains. We have focused on brain regions that are severely affected by α‐synuclein pathology and neurodegeneration in MSA. The reported changes of isoform expression profiles suggest alterations in the regulation of transcription that may be important for aggregation of α‐synuclein in the brain.
Thymosin beta 4 up‐regulates miR‐200a expression and induces differentiation and survival of rat brain progenitor cells
Authors: Santra Manoranjan , Chopp Michael , Santra Sutapa , Nallani Ankita , Vyas Shivam , Zhang Zheng Gang , Morris Daniel C.
Published: October 2015

Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4), a secreted 43 amino acid peptide, promotes oligodendrogenesis, and improves neurological outcome in rat models of neurologic injury. We demonstrated that exogenous Tβ4 treatment up‐regulated the expression of the miR‐200a in vitro in rat brain progenitor cells and in vivo in the peri‐infarct area of rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The up‐regulation of miR‐200a down‐regulated the expression of the following targets in vitro and in vivo models: (i) growth factor receptor‐bound protein 2 (Grb2), an adaptor protein involved in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/Grb2/Ras/MEK/ERK1/c‐Jun signaling pathway, which negatively regulates the expression of myelin basic protein (MBP), a marker of mature oligodendrocyte; (ii) ERRFI‐1/Mig‐6, an endogenous potent kinase inhibitor of EGFR, which resulted in activation/phosphorylation of EGFR; (iii) friend of GATA 2, and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted in chromosome 10 (PTEN), which are potent inhibitors of the phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway, and resulted in marked activation of AKT; and (iv) transcription factor, p53, which induces pro‐apoptotic genes, and possibly reduced apoptosis of the progenitor cells subjected to oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD). Anti‐miR‐200a transfection reversed all the effects of Tβ4 treatment in vitro. Thus, Tβ4 up‐regulated MBP synthesis, and inhibited OGD‐induced apoptosis in a novel miR‐200a dependent EGFR signaling pathway. Our findings of miR‐200a‐mediated protection of progenitor cells may provide a new therapeutic importance for the treatment of neurologic injury.

image

Tβ4‐induced micro‐RNA‐200a (miR‐200a) regulates EGFR signaling pathways for MBP synthesis and apoptosis: up‐regulation of miR‐200a after Tβ4 treatment, increases MBP synthesis after targeting Grb2 and thereby inactivating c‐Jun from inhibition of MBP synthesis; and also inhibits OGD‐mediated apoptosis after targeting EGFR inhibitor (Mig‐6), PI3K inhibitors (FOG2 and Pten) and an inducer (p53) of pro‐apoptotic genes, for AKT activation and down‐regulation of p53. These findings may contribute the therapeutic benefits for stroke and other neuronal diseases associated with demyelination disorders.
The Widening Education Gap in Developmental Child Care Activities in the United States, 1965–2013
Authors: Altintas Evrim
Published: October 2015

Past research shows that time spent in developmental care activities has been increasing in the United States over recent decades, yet little is known about how this increase is distributed across parents with different levels of education. Have children born into different socioeconomic groups been receiving increasingly equal developmental care from their parents, or is the distribution of parental time investment becoming more unequal? To answer this question, the author analyzed the American Heritage Time Use Study (1965–2013) and showed that the gap between high‐ and low‐educated parents' time investment in developmental child care activities has widened. An increasing absence of fathers in households with low‐educated mothers has exacerbated the trend. This study documents growing inequality in parental time inputs in developmentally salient child care activities in the United States.
A Novel Method to Evaluate Precision of Optical Implant Impressions with Commercial Scan Bodies—An Experimental Approach
Authors: Fluegge Tabea , Att Wael , Metzger Marc , Nelson Katja
Published: October 2015

Purpose

Optical transfer is realized with system‐specific transfer posts (scan bodies) mounted on dental implants or on implant analogs. This study presents a novel algorithm for creation of geometry on the surface of dental implant scan bodies and examines the precision of the optical acquisition of scan bodies and the precision of the position of the screw‐tightened scan bodies on dental implant analogs.

Materials and Methods

Scan bodies of two different implant manufacturers (S1, S2), one with a horizontal and two with different conical implant‐abutment geometries were screw tightened to implant analogs in stone casts with a 10 Ncm torque. The stone casts were scanned ten times with a dental lab scanner. Each scan body was removed and positioned ten times; after each repositioning, a scan was performed. The cylinder axis of every scan body and the occlusal horizontal scan body surface was virtually reconstructed. At the intersection of the cylinder axis and the horizontal plane a point was marked. The mean deviation of this point in consecutive scans and the angle between the scan body axes in the virtual models were measured, and the standard deviation was calculated. Statistical significance of the results was tested with a Kruskal‐Wallis Test and Mann‐Whitney U‐test for pairwise comparison (p < 0.05).

Results

The mean deviation of the angle between two scan bodies was 0.05° (SD 0.04°) (S1) and 0.14° (SD 0.08°) (S2). After detachment and repositioning of the scan bodies the mean deviation was 0.05° (SD 0.03°) (S1) and 0.16° (SD 0.08°) (S2). The mean deviation of the central point was 5.7 μm (SD 3.4 μm) without detachment and 4.9 μm (SD 2.6 μm) after detachment and repositioning (S1). For system S2 the mean deviation of the central point was 13.4 μm (SD 7.2 μm) after repeated scanning and 15 μm (SD 5 μm) after detachment, repositioning, and repeated scanning.

Conclusions

The precision of extraoral scanning of scan bodies is dependent on the scan body surface design and geometry. The precision of scanning with an extraoral model scanner differed between the scan body geometries and inter‐scan body distances. The precision of dental implant scan body scanning was not significantly influenced by detachment and repositioning of the scan body.
Melatonin sensitizes human cervical cancer HeLa cells to cisplatin‐induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis: effects on oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation
Authors: Pariente Roberto , Pariente José A. , Rodríguez Ana B. , Espino Javier
Published: October 2015

Melatonin has antitumor activity via several mechanisms including its antiproliferative and pro‐apoptotic effects as well as its potent antioxidant actions, although recent evidence has indicated that melatonin may perform pro‐oxidant actions in tumor cells. Therefore, melatonin may be useful in the treatment of tumors in association with chemotherapy drugs. This study was intended to evaluate the in vitro effect of melatonin on the cytotoxic and pro‐apoptotic actions of various chemotherapeutic agents in cervical cancer HeLa cells. Herein, we found that both melatonin and three of the chemotherapeutic drugs tested, namely cisplatin (CIS), 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), and doxorubicin, induced a decrease in HeLa cell viability. Furthermore, melatonin significantly increased the cytotoxic effect of such chemotherapeutic agents. Consistently, costimulation of HeLa cells with any chemotherapeutic agent in the presence of melatonin further increased caspase‐3 activation, particularly in CIS‐ and 5‐FU‐challenged cells. Likewise, concomitant treatments with melatonin and CIS significantly enhanced the ratio of cells entering mitochondrial apoptosis due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, substantially augmented the population of apoptotic cells, and markedly enlarged DNA fragmentation compared to the treatments with CIS alone. Nonetheless, melatonin only displayed moderate chemosensitizing effects in 5‐FU‐stimulated HeLa cells, as suggested by slight increments in the percentage of cells stimulated for ROS production and in the proportion of early apoptotic cells compared to the treatments with 5‐FU alone. In summary, our findings provided evidence that in vitro melatonin strongly enhances CIS‐induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in HeLa cells and, hence, the indoleamine could be potentially applied to cervical cancer treatment as a powerful synergistic agent.
Estimating the modal mineralogy of eucrite and diogenite meteorites using visible–near infrared reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Li Shuai , Milliken Ralph E.
Published: October 2015

Reliable quantitative mapping of minerals exposed on Vesta's surface is crucial for understanding the crustal composition, petrologic evolution, and surface modification of the howardite, eucrite, and diogenite (HED) parent body. However, mineral abundance estimates derived from visible–near infrared (VIS–NIR) reflectance spectra are complicated by multiple scattering, particle size, and nonlinear mixing effects. Radiative transfer models can be employed to accommodate these issues, and here we assess the utility of such models to accurately and efficiently determine modal mineralogy for a suite of eucrite and olivine‐bearing (harzburgitic) diogenite meteorites. Hapke and Shkuratov radiative transfer models were implemented to simultaneously estimate mineral abundances and particle size from VIS–NIR reflectance spectra of these samples. The models were tested and compared for laboratory‐made binary (pyroxene–plagioclase) and ternary mixtures (pyroxene–olivine–plagioclase) as well as eucrite and diogenite meteorite samples. Results for both models show that the derived mineral abundances are commonly within 5–10% of modal values and the estimated particle sizes are within the expected ranges. Results for the Hapke model suggest a lower detection limit for olivine in HEDs when compared with the Shkuratov model (5% versus 15%). Our current implementation yields lower uncertainties in mineral abundance (commonly <5%) for the Hapke model, though both models have an advantage over typically used parameters such as band depth, position, and shape in that they provide quantitative information on mineral abundance and particle size. These results indicate that both the Hapke and Shkuratov models may be applied to Dawn VIR data in a computationally efficient manner to quantify the spatial distribution of pyroxene, plagioclase, and olivine on the surface of Vesta.
A novel peptidoglycan D,L‐endopeptidase induced by Salmonella inside eukaryotic cells contributes to virulence
Authors: Rico‐Pérez Gadea , Pezza Alejandro , Pucciarelli M. Graciela , de Pedro Miguel A. , Soncini Fernando C. , García‐del Portillo Francisco
Published: October 2015

Bacteria remodel peptidoglycan structure in response to environmental changes. Many enzymes are involved in peptidoglycan metabolism; however, little is known about their responsiveness in a defined environment or the modes they assist bacteria to adapt to new niches. Here, we focused in peptidoglycan enzymes that intracellular bacterial pathogens use inside eukaryotic cells. We identified a peptidoglycan enzyme induced by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in fibroblasts and epithelial cells. This enzyme, which shows γ‐D‐glutamyl‐meso‐diaminopimelic acid D,L‐endopeptidase activity, is also produced by the pathogen in media with limited nutrients and in resting conditions. The enzyme, termed EcgA for endopeptidase responding to cessation of growth’, is encoded in a S. Typhimurium genomic island absent in Escherichia coli. EcgA production is strictly dependent on the virulence regulator PhoP in extra‐ and intracellular environments. Consistent to this regulation, a mutant lacking EcgA is attenuated in the mouse typhoid model. These findings suggest that specialised peptidoglycan enzymes, such as EcgA, might facilitate Salmonella adaptation to the intracellular lifestyle. Moreover, they indicate that readjustment of peptidoglycan metabolism inside the eukaryotic cell is essential for host colonisation.
50 years of Arabidopsis research: highlights and future directions
Authors: Provart Nicholas J. , Alonso Jose , Assmann Sarah M. , Bergmann Dominique , Brady Siobhan M. , Brkljacic Jelena , Browse John , Chapple Clint , Colot Vincent , Cutler Sean , Dangl Jeff , Ehrhardt David , Friesner Joanna D. , Frommer Wolf B. , Grotewold Erich , Meyerowitz Elliot , Nemhauser Jennifer , Nordborg Magnus , Pikaard Craig , Shanklin John , Somerville Chris , Stitt Mark , Torii Keiko U. , Waese Jamie , Wagner Doris , McCourt Peter
Published: October 2015

The year 2014 marked the 25th International Conference on Arabidopsis Research. In the 50 yr since the first International Conference on Arabidopsis Research, held in 1965 in Göttingen, Germany, > 54 000 papers that mention Arabidopsis thaliana in the title, abstract or keywords have been published. We present herein a citational network analysis of these papers, and touch on some of the important discoveries in plant biology that have been made in this powerful model system, and highlight how these discoveries have then had an impact in crop species. We also look to the future, highlighting some outstanding questions that can be readily addressed in Arabidopsis. Topics that are discussed include Arabidopsis reverse genetic resources, stock centers, databases and online tools, cell biology, development, hormones, plant immunity, signaling in response to abiotic stress, transporters, biosynthesis of cells walls and macromolecules such as starch and lipids, epigenetics and epigenomics, genome‐wide association studies and natural variation, gene regulatory networks, modeling and systems biology, and synthetic biology.

Contents

Summary
922

I.
Introduction and a brief survey of 54 033 Arabidopsis publications
922

II.
Arabidopsis reverse genetics: paving the way for gene function studies
922

III.
Arabidopsis stock centers
925

IV.
Databases and online tools
925

V.
Cell biology
926

VI.
Development
927

VII.
Hormones
928

VIII.
The plant immune system and Arabidopsis research
929

IX.
Signaling in response to abiotic stress
930

X.
Pumps, channels, transporters and the like
931

XI.
Cell walls, starch and lipids
932

XII.
Epigenetics and epigenomics: from genotype to phenotype
933

XIII.
Natural variation and genome‐wide association studies
934

XIV.
Gene regulatory networks
934

XV.
Modeling, bioinformatics, systems biology
935

XVI.
Synthetic biology
936

XVII.
Conclusions and outlook
937

Acknowledgements
937

References
937
Increased temperatures negatively affect Juniperus communis seeds: evidence from transplant experiments along a latitudinal gradient
Authors: Gruwez R. , De Frenne P. , Vander Mijnsbrugge K. , Vangansbeke P. , Verheyen K.
Published: October 2015

With a distribution range that covers most of the Northern hemisphere, common juniper (Juniperus communis) has one of the largest ranges of all vascular plant species. In several regions in Europe, however, populations are decreasing in size and number due to failing recruitment. One of the main causes for this failure is low seed viability. Observational evidence suggests that this is partly induced by climate warming, but our mechanistic understanding of this effect remains incomplete. Here, we experimentally assess the influence of temperature on two key developmental phases during sexual reproduction, i.e. gametogenesis and fertilisation (seed phase two, SP2) and embryo development (seed phase three, SP3). Along a latitudinal gradient from southern France to central Sweden, we installed a transplant experiment with shrubs originating from Belgium, a region with unusually low juniper seed viability. Seeds of both seed phases were sampled during three consecutive years, and seed viability assessed. Warming temperatures negatively affected the seed viability of both SP2 and SP3 seeds along the latitudinal gradient. Interestingly, the effect on embryo development (SP3) only occurred in the third year, i.e. when the gametogenesis and fertilisation also took place in warmer conditions. We found strong indications that this negative influence mostly acts via disrupting growth of the pollen tube, the development of the female gametophyte and fertilisation (SP2). This, in turn, can lead to failing embryo development, for example, due to nutritional problems. Our results confirm that climate warming can negatively affect seed viability of juniper.
Implication of peroxynitrite in defence responses of potato to Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Arasimowicz‐Jelonek M. , Floryszak‐Wieczorek J. , Izbiańska K. , Gzyl J. , Jelonek T.
Published: October 2015

In this study peroxynitrite (ONOO−) is proposed as an important player in defence responses during the interaction of potato (Solanum tuberosum) and the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora infestans. The potato–avr P. infestans model system exhibited a transient programme of boosted ONOO− formation correlated in time with the burst of nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide during the first 6 h post‐inoculation (hpi). The early ONOO− over‐accumulation was not accompanied by TPx gene expression. In contrast, the compatible interaction revealed a 24 h delay of ONOO− formation; however, an enhanced level of NO and superoxide correlated with TPx up‐regulation was recorded within the earlier stages of pathogen infection. Peroxynitrite over‐accumulation in the susceptible potato coincided with an enhanced level of protein tyrosine nitration starting from 24 hpi. Surprisingly, the nitroproteome profile of the resistant potato did not show any visible difference after inoculation, apart from one band containing subtilisin‐like protease‐like proteins, which appeared 48 h after pathogen attack. An additional pharmacological approach showed that treatment of the susceptible genotype with ONOO− followed by inoculation with P. infestans contributed to slowing down of the colonization of host tissues by the pathogen via a faster and stronger up‐regulation of the key defence markers, including the PR‐1 gene. Taken together, the results obtained indicate that a precise control of emitted NO and superoxide in cooperation with thioredoxin‐dependent redox sensors in sites of pathogen ingress could generate a sufficient threshold of ONOO−, triggering defence responses.
Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis in association with carcinomas
Authors: Baroke Eva , Heussel Claus Peter , Warth Arne , Eichinger Monika , Oltmanns Ute , Palmowski Karin , Herth Felix J.F. , Kreuter Michael
Published: October 2015

PPFE is a rare disease characterized by upper lobe pleural fibrosis and parenchymal fibroelastosis. Its aetiology is considered idiopathic, although possible causative factors have been described. An association of PPFE with solid tumours is unknown and has not been considered previously. We identified six patients with PPFE, four of them with a coexisting malignancy. The case series suggests that PPFE might be an implication of varying factors rather than being an exclusively idiopathic condition.
Recovering Heritage and Homeland: Ethnic Revival Among Fourth‐Generation Japanese Americans
Authors: Tsuda Takeyuki (Gaku)
Published: October 2015

In recent years, fourth‐generation Japanese American youth have been attempting to recover their ethnic heritage and reconnect with their ancestral homeland. This ethnic revival is a response to their continued racialization as “Japanese,” which has caused them to become concerned about their overassimilation to American society in an era of multiculturalism where cultural heritage and homeland have come to be positively valued. As a result, they are studying Japanese, majoring in Asian studies, living in Japan as college exchange students, and participating in Japanesetaikodrum ensembles in local ethnic communities. Although this return to ethnic roots is a more serious commitment than the symbolic ethnicity observed among white ethnics in the past, it indicates that ethnicity remains involuntary for racial minorities, even after four generations. The case of later‐generation Japanese Americans demonstrates that cultural assimilation does not preclude the continuation and active production of ethnic difference.
Services Trade Protection and Economic Isolation
Authors: Borchert Ingo , Gootiiz Batshur , Grover Goswami Arti , Mattoo Aaditya
Published: October 2015

Poor connectivity is conventionally blamed on difficult geography and low income. But economic isolation could also result from policy choices in key ‘linking’ services such as air transportation and telecommunications. A new database on applied services trade policies reveals that many countries restrict trade in the very services that connect them with the rest of the world. We present evidence that restrictive policies lead to more concentrated market structures and limited access to services, even after taking into account the influence of geography and income. Moving from an intermediate level of restrictiveness to an open regime could lead to a 20 percentage point increase in cellular teledensity in the telecommunications sector and to a 25 per cent increase in flight connections per airline in the aviation sector, respectively.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia transformation into high‐grade lymphoma: a description of Richter's syndrome in eight dogs
Authors: Comazzi S. , Martini V. , Riondato F. , Poggi A. , Stefanello D. , Marconato L. , Albonico F. , Gelain M. E.
Published: October 2015

Richter's syndrome (RS) is the development of an aggressive lymphoma in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). In humans, RS occurs in 2–20% of CLL, which transform into diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma but reports in dogs are scarce. This study retrospectively describes eight dogs with CLL progressing into RS. A database including 153 dogs with CLL (93T CD8+ and 55 B‐CLL) was interrogated and RS was demonstrated in eight cases (representing 5.2% of total CLL): two with T‐cell (2.2% of T CLL) and six with a B‐cell immunophenotype (10.9% of B‐CLL). When RS occurred, lymphocytes were decreased compared to CLL. Five dogs had anaemia and two dogs thrombocytopenia. Frequent clinical signs included lymph node swelling, coughing, vomiting, neurological signs and weight loss. Independently from the therapy, RS was associated with a short survival (median 41 days). RS should be considered as an unfavourable evolution in canine CLL.
Analysis of the chronic wound microbiota of 2,963 patients by 16S rDNA pyrosequencing
Authors: Wolcott Randall D. , Hanson John D. , Rees Eric J. , Koenig Lawrence D. , Phillips Caleb D. , Wolcott Richard A. , Cox Stephen B. , White Jennifer S.
Published: October 2015

The extent to which microorganisms impair wound healing is an ongoing controversy in the management of chronic wounds. Because the high diversity and extreme variability of the microbiota between individual chronic wounds lead to inconsistent findings in small cohort studies, evaluation of a large number of chronic wounds using identical sequencing and bioinformatics methods is necessary for clinicians to be able to select appropriate empiric therapies. In this study, we utilized 16S rDNA pyrosequencing to analyze the composition of the bacterial communities present in samples obtained from patients with chronic diabetic foot ulcers (N = 910), venous leg ulcers (N = 916), decubitus ulcers (N = 767), and nonhealing surgical wounds (N = 370). The wound samples contained a high proportion of Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas species in 63 and 25% of all wounds, respectively; however, a high prevalence of anaerobic bacteria and bacteria traditionally considered commensalistic was also observed. Our results suggest that neither patient demographics nor wound type influenced the bacterial composition of the chronic wound microbiome. Collectively, these findings indicate that empiric antibiotic selection need not be based on nor altered for wound type. Furthermore, the results provide a much clearer understanding of chronic wound microbiota in general; clinical application of this new knowledge over time may help in its translation to improved wound healing outcomes.
Presepsin as a predictor of critical colonization in CLI hemodialysis patients
Authors: Shiota Jun , Ohura Norihiko , Higashikawa Shingo , Yamato Tsunee , Kasahara Hitoshi , Itatani Keiichi , Tagawa Hitoshi
Published: October 2015

Infection during critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a challenging issue. Plasma presepsin is a novel biomarker for infection, which is related to bacterial phagocytosis by macrophages. The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity of presepsin as an indicator and predictor for early detection of infectious CLI. A retrospective observational study was conducted among 20 CLI patients (Rutherford 5 and 6) on hemodialysis (HD). Twenty CLI patients on HD (mean age 70.7 ± 5.6 years, male 85%) and 15 healthy patients on HD without CLI and infection (control group) were analyzed. All CLI patients received appropriate revascularization and plastic surgical treatment. CLI patients were classified into two groups: the healing group with complete epithelialization without discharge and the nonhealing group with infection signs. Plasma presepsin was measured and compared among the two groups and the control group using an automated immunoanalyzer, PATHFAST, based on a noncompetitive chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. The median plasma presepsin and its interquartile range were 1,320 (1,055–1,465) pg/mL in the control group, 1,320 (1,050–1,613) pg/mL in the healing group and 3,193 (2,519–3,832) pg/mL in the nonhealing group. The plasma presepsin concentrations were significantly higher in the nonhealing group compared with the control group (p < 0.001) and the healing group (p < 0.01). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that presepsin had highest accuracy (0.979) among various inflammatory markers, including C‐reactive protein and the white blood cell count. The diagnostic cutoff value of 2,083 pg/mL was able to distinguish the nonhealing group and healing group with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 88.9%. Our results suggest that plasma presepsin may be useful for predicting “critical colonization” and “infection” in nonhealing CLI in HD patients, therefore, the definitive cutoff value may be used for determinating the indication for reintervention and/or major limb amputation.
The Low Reduced Frequency Limit of Vibrating Airfoils—Part I: Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Corral Roque , Vega Almudena
Published: October 2015

This paper studies the unsteady aerodynamics of vibrating airfoils in the low reduced frequency regime with special emphasis on its impact on the scaling of the work-per-cycle curves, using an asymptotic approach. A perturbation analysis of the linearized Navier–Stokes equations for real modes at low reduced frequency is presented and some conclusions are drawn. The first important result is that the loading of the airfoil plays an essential role in the trends of the phase and modulus of the unsteady pressure caused by the vibration of the airfoil. For lightly loaded airfoils, the unsteady pressure and the influence coefficients (ICs) scale linearly with the reduced frequency whereas the phase departs from π/2 and changes linearly with the reduced frequency. As a consequence, the work-per-cycle scales linearly with the reduced frequency for any interblade phase angle (IBPA), and it is independent of its sign. For highly loaded airfoils, the unsteady pressure modulus is fairly constant exhibiting only a small correction with the reduced frequency, while the phase departs from zero and varies linearly with it. In this case, only the mean value of the work-per-cycle scales linearly with the reduced frequency. This behavior is independent of the geometry of the airfoil and the mode shape in first-order approximation in the reduced frequency. For symmetric cascades, the work-per-cycle scales linearly with the reduced frequency irrespective of whether the airfoil is loaded or not. These conclusions have been numerically confirmed in Part II of the paper.