bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐time monitoring of crystal accumulation in the high‐level waste glass melters using an electrical conductivity method
Authors: Edwards Matthew , Matyáš Josef , Crum Jarrod
Published: April 2017

During the vitrification of high‐level radioactive waste (HLW) in HLW melters in the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant located in Washington State, spinel crystals may precipitate from glass and accumulate in the melter riser, preventing the discharge of molten glass into canisters. Therefore, an effort is being made to develop an electrical conductivity method to monitor crystal buildup in the melter riser. A vertically configured electrical conductivity (EC) probe with an alumina shaft and Pt‐10%Rh‐electrodes was designed and tested in standard conductivity solutions and glass melts both with and without spinel crystals. The EC probe measured conductivity in conductivity solutions within 10% of their certified values and showed a linear relationship with increased spinel layer thicknesses. Testing in silicate glass containing spinel crystals allowed for the determination of spinel conductivity as a function of temperature. The conductivities of spinel crystals of 20‐24 S/m at 800°C were in excellent agreement with the conductivity of trevorite (NiFe2O4) crystals at 800°C reported in the literature. The conductivities of spinel crystals and measured changes in the conductivity across the accumulated layer allowed for a successful measurement of spinel crystal accumulation in simulated HLW glass.
Hair diameter evaluation in different regions of the safe donor area in Asian populations
Authors: Park Jae H. , Park Jae M. , Kim Na R. , Manonukul Kotchamol
Published: April 2017

Background

There is little information about how hair diameter differences within the safe donor area. Thicker or thinner hair may be needed depending on the recipient area, hairline design, and surgical purpose.

Methods

Thirty‐eight non‐alopecic subjects (19 males and 19 females) were evaluated. The safe donor area was defined as the area contained within 28 cm from the horizontal plane of the upper border of the hair rim to the vertical line of the bilateral external acoustic meatus. Seven zones were defined starting 2 cm on each side (bilateral 4 cm) from the mid‐occiput to the temporal side. The diameters of 10 randomly selected anagen hairs were measured from each of the seven zones.

Results

The results showed significant differences in hair diameter by zone between males and females (P < 0.0001). In general, hair diameter tended to decrease from zone 3 to 7.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that safe donor areas between zones 4 and 7 could be useful for specific hair transplantation surgeries requiring thinner hair, such as eyebrows, eyelashes, and female hairline correction surgery, whereas hair from zones 1–3 could be more useful for those requiring thicker hair, such as male and female pattern hair loss. Our data could be clinically valuable for planning hair transplant surgery and choosing the most optimal donor region.
Tumour‐associated changes in intestinal epithelial cells cause local accumulation of KLRG1+GATA3+ regulatory T cells in mice
Authors: Meinicke Holger , Bremser Anna , Brack Maria , Akeus Paulina , Pearson Claire , Bullers Samuel , Hoffmeyer Katrin , Stemmler Marc P. , Quiding‐Järbrink Marianne , Izcue Ana
Published: April 2017

CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells include differentiated populations of effector Treg cells characterized by the expression of specific transcription factors. Tumours, including intestinal malignancies, often present with local accumulation of Treg cells that can prevent tumour clearance, but how tumour progression leads to Treg cell accumulation is incompletely understood. Here using genetically modified mouse models we show that ablation of E‐cadherin, a process associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition and tumour progression, promotes the accumulation of intestinal Treg cells by the specific accumulation of the KLRG1+ GATA3+ Treg subset. Epithelial E‐cadherin ablation activates the β‐catenin pathway, and we find that increasing β‐catenin signals in intestinal epithelial cells also boosts Treg cell frequencies through local accumulation of KLRG1+ GATA3+ Treg cells. Both E‐cadherin ablation and increased β‐catenin signals resulted in epithelial cells with higher levels of interleukin‐33, a cytokine that preferentially expands KLRG1+ GATA3+ Treg cells. Tumours often present reduced E‐cadherin expression and increased β‐catenin signalling and interleukin‐33 production. Accordingly, Treg cell accumulation in intestinal tumours from APCmin/+ mice was exclusively due to the increase in KLRG1+ GATA3+ Treg cells. Our data identify a novel axis through which epithelial cells control local Treg cell subsets, which may be activated during intestinal tumorigenesis.
Toward tunable and bright deep‐red persistent luminescence of Cr3+ in garnets
Authors: Xu Jian , Ueda Jumpei , Tanabe Setsuhisa
Published: April 2017

Garnet structure (A3B2C3O12) with three different cation sites is a very flexible host material widely used for w‐LEDs, solid‐state lasers, scintillators, and so on. In this work, we have successfully developed six different Cr3+‐doped garnets: Y3Ga4.99Cr0.01O12 (YGG:Cr), Gd3Ga4.99Cr0.01O12 (GGG:Cr), Lu3Ga4.99Cr0.01O12 (LuGG:Cr), Y3Sc1.99Cr0.01Ga3O12 (YSGG:Cr), Gd3Sc1.99Cr0.01Ga3O12 (GSGG:Cr), and Lu3Sc1.99Cr0.01Ga3O12 (LuSGG:Cr), which exhibit persistent luminescence (PersL) due to Cr3+ emission matching well with both the response curve of the Si detector and the wavelength region of the first biological window (NIR‐I, 650‐950 nm). The main emission band of Cr3+ in these garnets can be easily tunable from the sharp R‐line emission due to the 2E (2G)→4A2 (4F) transition in the strong crystal field to the broad band emission due to the 4T2 (4F)→4A2 (4F) transition in the weak one when Lu3+ in the A site and Ga3+ in the B site are, respectively, replaced by larger cations, Y3+/Gd3+ and Sc3+. Furthermore, based on the knowledge of 4f energy levels of 15 lanthanide ions in the host‐referred binding energy (HRBE) diagram, we took the GSGG host as a typical example to discuss the feasibility of four trivalent lanthanides (Sm3+, Eu3+, Tm3+, Yb3+) as potential sensitizers for enhancing Cr3+ PersL.
Structural changes during crystallization of apatite and wollastonite in the eutectic glass of Ca3(PO4)2‐CaSiO3system
Authors: Magallanes‐Perdomo Marlin , De Aza Antonio H. , Sobrados Isabel , Sanz Jesús , Luklinska Zofia B. , Pena Pilar
Published: April 2017

In this study, a bioactive glass of eutectic composition based on Ca3(PO4)2‐CaSiO3system was prepared and investigated. It was found that by controlling the nucleation and growth of crystals, a glass‐ceramics free from cracks, containing one or two crystalline phases, and of controlled nano‐ to microscale microstructure can be obtained. Heat treatment of the parent glass produces various calcium phosphates (Ca‐deficient apatite and α‐tricalcium phosphate) and calcium silicates (pseudo‐wollastonite and/or wollastonite‐2M) plus amorphous phases. By combining a number of experimental techniques like31P and29Si magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry, and Rietveld analysis of X‐ray diffraction patterns, a crystallization model was derived, capable of explaining the observed structural and microstructural changes. The determination of amorphous or crystalline phases enabled to produce time‐temperature‐transformation plots. The structural role on the behavior of these materials and its impact on their in vitro bioactivity are also discussed.
Preparation and properties of LixLa0.5TiO3 perovskite oxide electrolytes
Authors: Hu Xitao , Qiang Wenjiang , Huang Bingxin
Published: April 2017

Solid electrolytes with high lithium ionic conductivity and outstanding mechanical stability are essential for all solid‐state lithium ion batteries. Perovskite LixLa0.5TiO3 is one of the most promising as solid electrolytes candidates. LixLa0.5TiO3 with various initial Li2O (0.5≤x≤0.569) is synthesized by traditional solid‐state reaction at high temperatures. The crystal structure is not remarkably affected by the Li2O quantity, yet higher porosity is obtained as a result of excess Li2O. The Young's modulus, hardness, and fracture toughness are evaluated with indentation method. The Young's modulus increases from 72 to 148 GPa with increasing Li2O, which means that a small variation of Li quantity in LixLa0.5TiO3 results in over a 100% change in Young's modulus. However, the fracture toughness exhibits an opposite trend with that of the Young's modulus. The high Young's modulus and fracture toughness could guarantee the structural integrity during cycle operations.
Elevational replacement of two Himalayan titmice: interspecific competition or habitat preference?
Authors: Barve Sahas , Dhondt André A.
Published: April 2017

Elevational species replacement is a widely documented pattern in montane species. Although interspecific competition has been shown to be important in setting species elevational limits in tropical habitats, its effect in species of temperate regions is poorly studied. We tested the role of interspecific competition for space in the breeding season and for food in the non‐breeding season in mediating the distribution of two resident titmice species in the Himalayas. We show that high elevation green‐backed tits Parus monticolus are behaviourally dominant over low elevation cinereous tits Parus cinereus in both song playback and feeder trials. Despite being subordinate, at their elevational upper limit, cinereous tits occur in sympatry in human modified habitats. Our study suggests that the loss of natural habitats in the sympatric zone, not interspecific competition, might be limiting the distribution of the high‐elevation green‐backed tits and facilitating an upward range shift through human association in cinereous tits.
Explaining biogeographical range size and measuring its effect on species diversification in bark beetles
Authors: Gohli Jostein , Jordal Bjarte H.
Published: April 2017

Aim

To test whether geographical range size is influenced by ecological factors and whether species diversification increases with range sizes in bark beetles.

Location

Global

Methods

Here, we (1) evaluate how several predictors – namely mode of reproduction, symbiotic associations with fungi, host‐plant type, utilization of specific host‐plant clades, and level of host‐plant specialization – influence geographical range size, and (2) explicitly test whether range size is associated with species diversification. Analyses were performed with a dataset of 109 genera using Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck adaptation models which control for phylogenetic constraints.

Results

We found regular inbreeding by sibling mating to predict an increase in geographical range size, whereas angiosperm hosts type predicted smaller geographical ranges compared to gymnosperm associated lineages. Variation in range size was also associated with utilization of specific host‐plant clades, with conifers being the strongest predictor. Furthermore, the number of utilized host‐plant clades showed a positive association with genera level range size. Our analyses also found fungus farming to predict a reduction in geographical range size, but with a smaller effect size than for inbreeding and host‐type. Lastly, we found a strong positive association between biogeographical range size and species diversification rates.

Main conclusions

We conclude that allopatric speciation is an important contributor to the distribution of species richness in bark beetles. Our study supports the idea that range expansion and speciation are intrinsically linked, and that reproductive behaviour and host‐type preference – through their influence on biogeographical dispersal ability – are ultimately determining factors of species diversification in bark beetles.
Effects of natamycin edible films fortified with essential oils on the safety and quality parameters of Kashar cheese
Authors: Yangilar Filiz
Published: April 2017

Effects of the edible films coated with natamycin (N) solutions and enriched with essential oils (EOs) were investigated on the chemical (e.g., the rates of pH, dry matter, fat, acidity, salt, protein, water soluble nitrogen, ripening index (RI), 12% trichloroacetic acid‐soluble nitrogen, and pH 4.6 soluble‐nitrogen), microbial (e.g., total number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria in MRS, lactic acid bacteria in M17, coliform and mould) and sensory properties of Kashar cheese during ripening time (3rd, 30th, 60th and 90th days) in the present study. Antimicrobial effectiveness of the films against moulds was measured on 30th, 60th, and 90th days of storage. The highest and lowest mould counts were determined for the C (2.87 log cfu/g) and N5 (1 log cfu/g) samples, respectively, at 90 days of ripening. Compared to other cheese samples, C and N3 coated cheese samples represented higher levels of water‐soluble nitrogen and RI at the end of storage. N3 coated cheese samples were preferred more by the panellists while N5 coated cheese samples received the lowest scores.

Practical applications

Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of essential oils have received considerable attention in food preservation. During Kashar cheese storage, the edible film incorporating oregano and rosemary essential oils coating process showed reducing effect on the microbial growth and extended the shelf‐life of Kashar cheese.
Studies of Physician‐Patient Communication with Older Patients: How Often is Hearing Loss Considered? A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Cohen Jamie M. , Blustein Jan , Weinstein Barbara E. , Dischinger Hannah , Sherman Scott , Grudzen Corita , Chodosh Joshua
Published: April 2017

Hearing loss is remarkably prevalent in the geriatric population: one‐quarter of adults aged 60–69 and 80% of adults aged 80 years and older have bilateral disabling loss. Only about one in five adults with hearing loss wears a hearing aid, leaving many vulnerable to poor communication with healthcare providers. We quantified the extent to which hearing loss is mentioned in studies of physician‐patient communication with older patients, and the degree to which hearing loss is incorporated into analyses and findings. We conducted a structured literature search within PubMed for original studies of physician‐patient communication with older patients that were published since 2000, using the natural language phrase “older patient physician communication.” We identified 409 papers in the initial search, and included 67 in this systematic review. Of the 67 papers, only 16 studies (23.9%) included any mention of hearing loss. In six of the 16 studies, hearing loss was mentioned only; in four studies, hearing loss was used as an exclusion criterion; and in two studies, the extent of hearing loss was measured and reported for the sample, with no further analysis. Three studies examined or reported on an association between hearing loss and the quality of physician‐patient communication. One study included an intervention to temporarily mitigate hearing loss to improve communication. Less than one‐quarter of studies of physician‐elderly patient communication even mention that hearing loss may affect communication. Methodologically, this means that many studies may have omitted an important potential confounder. Perhaps more importantly, research in this field has largely overlooked a highly prevalent, important, and remediable influence on the quality of communication.
Neuroprotective effect of epidermal growth factor in experimental acrylamide neuropathy: an electrophysiological approach
Authors: Perez‐Saad H. , Subiros N. , Berlanga J. , Aldana L. , Garcia del Barco D.
Published: April 2017

The neuroprotective effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been documented in different contexts, but its potential benefits in peripheral neuropathies have been little studied. We investigated the neuroprotective action of EGF in experimental neuropathy induced by acrylamide (ACR). Mice and rats were treated chronically with acrylamide for 6 and 8 weeks, respectively. Concurrently they received EGF in daily doses of 1 and 5 mg/kg in mice and 3 mg/kg in rats, or saline (PBS). ACR severely affected the neurological score, the muscle strength, and the muscle potential M, in mice, as well as F‐waves (F‐Wii), sensory potentials (SPii), and apomorphine‐induced penile erection, in rats. EGF reduced the ACR effects in both species. A dose‐dependent effect of EGF was manifested in the proportion of diseased animals at the end of treatments, as well as in the reduction of M amplitude throughout the treatment. F‐Wii parameters were less protected by EGF than SP. The results show a protective effect of EGF in acrylamide‐induced neuropathy and support previous studies concerning the neuroprotective action of this peptide.
Ultra‐high‐field magnetic resonance spectroscopy in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: Novel mechanistic and diagnostic insights of energy metabolism in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and advanced fibrosis
Authors: Traussnigg Stefan , Kienbacher Christian , Gajdošík Martin , Valkovič Ladislav , Halilbasic Emina , Stift Judith , Rechling Christian , Hofer Harald , Steindl‐Munda Petra , Ferenci Peter , Wrba Fritz , Trattnig Siegfried , Krššák Martin , Trauner Michael
Published: April 2017

Background & Aims

With the rising prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH) non‐invasive tools obtaining pathomechanistic insights to improve risk stratification are urgently needed. We therefore explored high‐ and ultra‐high‐field magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to obtain novel mechanistic and diagnostic insights into alterations of hepatic lipid, cell membrane and energy metabolism across the spectrum of NAFLD.

Methods

MRS and liver biopsy were performed in 30 NAFLD patients with NAFL (n=8) or NASH (n=22). Hepatic lipid content and composition were measured using 3‐Tesla proton (1H)‐MRS. 7‐Tesla phosphorus (31P)‐MRS was applied to determine phosphomonoester (PME) including phosphoethanolamine (PE), phosphodiester (PDE) including glycerophosphocholine (GPC), phosphocreatine (PCr), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), inorganic phosphate (Pi), γ‐ATP and total phosphorus (TP). Saturation transfer technique was used to quantify hepatic ATP flux.

Results

Hepatic steatosis in 1H‐MRS highly correlated with histology (P<.001) showing higher values in NASH than NAFL (P<.001) without differences in saturated or unsaturated fatty acid indices. PE/TP ratio increased with advanced fibrosis (F3/4) (P=.002) whereas GPC/PME+PDE decreased (P=.05) compared to no/mild fibrosis (F0‐2). γ‐ATP/TP was lower in advanced fibrosis (P=.049), while PCr/TP increased (P=.01). NADPH/TP increased with higher grades of ballooning (P=.02). Pi‐to‐ATP exchange rate constant (P=.003) and ATP flux (P=.001) were lower in NASH than NAFL.

Conclusions

Ultra‐high‐field MRS, especially saturation transfer technique uncovers changes in energy metabolism including dynamic ATP flux in inflammation and fibrosis in NASH. Non‐invasive profiling by MRS appears feasible and may assist further mechanistic and therapeutic studies in NAFLD/NASH.
Tricellulin is a target of the ubiquitin ligase Itch
Authors: Jennek Susanne , Mittag Sonnhild , Reiche Juliane , Westphal Julie K. , Seelk Stefanie , Dörfel Max J. , Pfirrmann Thorsten , Friedrich Karlheinz , Schütz Anja , Heinemann Udo , Huber Otmar
Published: April 2017

Tricellulin, a member of the tight junction–associated MAGUK protein family, preferentially localizes to tricellular junctions in confluent polarized epithelial cell layers and is downregulated during the epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Posttranslational modifications are assumed to play critical roles in the process of downregulation of tricellulin at the protein level. Here, we report that the E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch forms a complex with tricellulin and thereby enhances its ubiquitination. Pull‐down assays confirmed a direct interaction between tricellulin and Itch, which is mediated by the Itch WW domain and the N‐terminus of tricellulin. Experiments in the presence of the proteasome inhibitor MG‐132 did not show major changes in the levels of ubiquitinated tricellulin in epithelial cells, suggesting that ubiquitination is not primarily involved in proteasomal degradation of tricellulin, but it appears to be important for endocytosis or recycling. In contrast, in HEK‐293 cells, MG‐132 caused polyubiquitination. Moreover, we observed that well‐differentiated RT‐112 and de‐differentiated Cal‐29 bladder cancer cells show an inverse expression of tricellulin and Itch. We postulate that ubiquitination is an important posttranslational modification involved in the determination of the intracellular fate of tricellulin deserving of more detailed further investigations into the underlying molecular mechanisms and their regulation.
Structure, bioactivity, and synthesis of methylated flavonoids
Authors: Wen Lingrong , Jiang Yueming , Yang Jiali , Zhao Yupeng , Tian Miaomiao , Yang Bao
Published: April 2017

Methylated flavonoids are an important type of natural flavonoid derivative with potentially multiple health benefits; among other things, they have improved bioavailability compared with flavonoid precursors. Flavonoids have been documented to have broad bioactivities, such as anticancer, immunomodulation, and antioxidant activities, that can be elevated, to a certain extent, by methylation. Understanding the structure, bioactivity, and bioavailability of methylated flavonoids, therefore, is an interesting topic with broad potential applications. Though methylated flavonoids are widely present in plants, their levels are usually low. Because developing efficient techniques to produce these chemicals would likely be beneficial, we provide an overview of their chemical and biological synthesis.
Delivering an action agenda for nutrition interventions addressing adolescent girls and young women: priorities for implementation and research
Authors: Bhutta Zulfiqar A. , Lassi Zohra S. , Bergeron Gilles , Koletzko Berthold , Salam Rehana , Diaz Angela , McLean Mireille , Black Robert E. , De‐Regil Luz Maria , Christian Parul , Prentice Andrew M. , Klein Jonathan D. , Keenan William , Hanson Mark
Published: April 2017

Adolescent nutritional behaviors are assuming considerable importance in nutrition interventions given their important relationships with medium‐ and long‐term outcomes. This is the period when young people undergo major anatomical and physiological maturational changes in preparation for adulthood. Nutritional requirements during puberty are higher during adolescence than during the prepubertal stage and during adulthood. A significant proportion of adolescents also become parents, and hence the importance of their health and nutritional status before as well as during pregnancy has its impact on their own health, fetal well‐being, and newborn health. In this paper, we describe the evidence‐based nutrition recommendations and the current global guidance for nutrition actions for adolescents. Despite the limitations of available information, we believe that a range of interventions are feasible to address outcomes in this age group, although some would need to start earlier in childhood. We propose packages of preventive care and management comprising nutrition‐specific and nutrition‐sensitive interventions to address adolescent undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies. We discuss potential delivery platforms and strategies relevant to low‐ and middle‐income countries. Beyond the evidence synthesis, there is a clear need to translate evidence into policy and for implementation of key recommendations and addressing knowledge gaps through prioritized research.
Epicardial Brugada syndrome ablation unmasking inferior J waves
Authors: Lee Adam , Kohler Heidi , Wright Daniel , Haqqani Haris M.
Published: April 2017

Patients with Brugada syndrome are at risk of life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Epicardial substrate ablation for Brugada syndrome has been described as a means of controlling these arrhythmias and recent reports describe elimination of the Brugada phenotype with ablation. We describe a unique case in which a patient developed inferior J waves with an early repolarization‐type electrocardiogram following successful epicardial infundibular substrate ablation (which eliminated the Brugada syndrome electrocardiogram on ajmaline challenge). We discuss the likely underlying pathophysiology responsible for this phenomenon, its relationship to the anatomic obstacles encountered during epicardial ablation, and the implications for long‐term arrhythmic risk.
Effects of creatine supplementation on cardiac autonomic functions in bodybuilders
Authors: Mert Kadir Uğur , Ilgüy Serdar , Dural Muhammet , Mert Gurbet Özge , Özakin Engin
Published: April 2017

Bodybuilder‐type workouts may affect heart rate variability (HRV), which has considerable potential to assess the role of autonomic nervous system (ANS). A scientifically designed approach is necessary for bodybuilders to achieve better results while protecting their health. In this study, we aimed to investigate HRV parameters in bodybuilders compared to healthy control subjects and effects of creatine supplementation. A total of 48 male participants (16 controls, 16 supplement (–), 16 supplement (+)) were evaluated in our study. Bodybuilders who were taking creatine supplementation were enrolled in supplement (+) group. HRV parameters were measured from 24‐hour Holter recordings of all participants.

When mean heart rates were compared with control group (71.5 ± 12.6 beats/min), statistically significant difference was revealed in supplement (–) group (61.8 ± 6.8 beats/min; P = 0.022) unlike supplement (+) group (69.63 ± 14.1 beats/min; P = 0.650).

HRV analyses revealed significant parasympathetic shift in supplement (–) group. No significant difference was demonstrated on HRV parameters, except high frequency (P = 0.029) in supplement (+) group.

Conclusively, elevated parasympathetic modulation, which is favorable cardiovascular outcome of exercise, was demonstrated in bodybuilders. However, our study also revealed that creatine supplementation attenuates this favorable effect in ANS by limiting elevation of parasympathetic modulation. Although the sympathetic slight shift is attributed to creatine supplementation, it cannot be discriminated from the effects of over training.
Improving zinc accumulation in cereal endosperm using HvMTP1, a transition metal transporter
Authors: Menguer Paloma K. , Vincent Thomas , Miller Anthony J. , Brown James K.M. , Vincze Eva , Borg Søren , Holm Preben Bach , Sanders Dale , Podar Dorina
Published: April 2017

Zinc (Zn) is essential for all life forms, including humans. It is estimated that around two billion people are deficient in their Zn intake. Human dietary Zn intake relies heavily on plants, which in many developing countries consists mainly of cereals. The inner part of cereal grain, the endosperm, is the part that is eaten after milling but contains only a quarter of the total grain Zn. Here, we present results demonstrating that endosperm Zn content can be enhanced through expression of a transporter responsible for vacuolar Zn accumulation in cereals. The barley (Hordeum vulgare) vacuolar Zn transporter HvMTP1 was expressed under the control of the endosperm‐specific D‐hordein promoter. Transformed plants exhibited no significant change in growth but had higher total grain Zn concentration, as measured by ICP‐OES, compared to parental controls. Compared with Zn, transformants had smaller increases in concentrations of Cu and Mn but not Fe. Staining grain cross sections with the Zn‐specific stain DTZ revealed a significant enhancement of Zn accumulation in the endosperm of two of three transformed lines, a result confirmed by ICP‐OES in the endosperm of dissected grain. Synchrotron X‐ray fluorescence analysis of longitudinal grain sections demonstrated a redistribution of grain Zn from aleurone to endosperm. We argue that this proof‐of‐principle study provides the basis of a strategy for biofortification of cereal endosperm with Zn.
Elevated carbon dioxide reduces emission of herbivore‐induced volatiles in Zea mays
Authors: Block Anna , Vaughan Martha M. , Christensen Shawn A. , Alborn Hans T. , Tumlinson James H.
Published: April 2017

Terpene volatiles produced by sweet corn (Zea mays) upon infestation with pests such as beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua) function as part of an indirect defence mechanism by attracting parasitoid wasps; yet little is known about the impact of climate change on this form of plant defence. To investigate how a central component of climate change affects indirect defence, we measured herbivore‐induced volatile emissions in plants grown under elevated carbon dioxide (CO2). We found that S. exigua infested or elicitor‐treated Z. mays grown at elevated CO2 had decreased emission of its major sesquiterpene, (E)‐β‐caryophyllene and two homoterpenes, (3E)‐4,8‐dimethyl‐1,3,7‐nonatriene and (3E,7E)‐4,8,12‐trimethyl‐1,3,7,11‐tridecatetraene. In contrast, inside the leaves, elicitor‐induced (E)‐β‐caryophyllene hyper‐accumulated at elevated CO2, while levels of homoterpenes were unaffected. Furthermore, gene expression analysis revealed that the induction of terpene synthase genes following treatment was lower in plants grown at elevated CO2. Our data indicate that elevated CO2 leads both to a repression of volatile synthesis at the transcriptional level and to limitation of volatile release through effects of CO2 on stomatal conductance. These findings suggest that elevated CO2 may alter the ability of Z. mays to utilize volatile terpenes to mediate indirect defenses.
Plant dual‐specificity tyrosine phosphorylation‐regulated kinase optimizes light‐regulated growth and development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Huang Wen‐Yu , Wu Yi‐Chen , Pu Hsin‐Yi , Wang Ying , Jang Geng‐Jen , Wu Shu‐Hsing
Published: April 2017

Light controls vegetative and reproductive development of plants. For a plant, sensing the light input properly ensures coordination with the ever‐changing environment. Previously, we found that LIGHT‐REGULATED WD1 (LWD1) and LWD2 regulate the circadian clock and photoperiodic flowering. Here, we identified Arabidopsis YET ANOTHER KINASE1 (AtYAK1), an evolutionarily conserved protein and a member of dual‐specificity tyrosine phosphorylation‐regulated kinases (DYRKs), as an interacting protein of LWDs. Our study revealed that AtYAK1 is an important regulator for various light responses, including the circadian clock, photomorphogenesis and reproductive development. AtYAK1 could antagonize the function of LWDs in regulating the circadian clock and photoperiodic flowering. By examining phenotypes of atyak1, we found that AtYAK1 regulated light‐induced period‐length shortening and photomorphogenic development. Moreover, AtYAK1 mediated plant fertility especially under inferior light conditions including low light and short‐day length. This study discloses a new regulator connecting environmental light to plant growth.
Congenital intestinal fibrosarcoma with rapid recurrence requiring adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: See Wing Shan Queenie , Cheuk Daniel Ka Leung , To Ka Fai , Ip Philip Pun Ching , Chiang Alan Kwok Shing , Ha Shau Yin , Chan Godfrey Chi Fung
Published: April 2017

A total of 16 cases of congenital fibrosarcoma have been reported from 1975 to March 2015. Five of the 16 had abnormal fusion between erythroblast transformation specific translocation variant 6 and neurotrophin recptor gene neurotrophic tyrosine kinase, receptor, type 3 (ETV6–NTRK3); in another five out of 16 this was absent, and six were not tested. All were managed by surgical resection but none involved metastasis. Herein we report the case of a newborn baby girl with congenital fibrosarcoma negative for ETV6–NTRK3 gene fusion, who presented with ileal perforation and positive resection margin. She had rapid recurrence with lymph node metastasis treated with postoperative chemotherapy. There was no further recurrence at >3 years of follow up.
Robustness Assessment of Urban Road Network with Consideration of Multiple Hazard Events
Authors: Zhou Yaoming , Sheu Jiuh‐Biing , Wang Junwei
Published: April 2017

Robustness measures a system's ability of being insensitive to disturbances. Previous studies assessed the robustness of transportation networks to a single disturbance without considering simultaneously happening multiple events. The purpose of this article is to address this problem and propose a new framework to assess the robustness of an urban transportation network. The framework consists of two layers. The upper layer is to define the robustness index based on the impact evaluation in different scenarios obtained from the lower layer, whereas the lower layer is to evaluate the performance of each hypothetical disrupted road network given by the upper layer. The upper layer has two varieties, that is, robustness against random failure and robustness against intentional attacks. This robustness measurement framework is validated by application to a real‐world urban road network in Hong Kong. The results show that the robustness of a transport network with consideration of multiple events is quite different from and more comprehensive than that with consideration of only a single disruption. We also propose a Monte Carlo method and a heuristic algorithm to handle different scenarios with multiple hazard events, which is proved to be quite efficient. This methodology can also be applied to conduct risk analysis of other systems where multiple failures or disruptions exist.
Linear‐No‐Threshold Default Assumptions are Unwarranted for Cytotoxic Endpoints Independently Triggered by Ultrasensitive Molecular Switches
Authors: Bogen Kenneth T.
Published: April 2017

Crump's response in this issue to my critique of linear‐no‐threshold (LNT) default assumptions for noncancer and nongenotoxic cancer risks (Risk Analysis 2016; 36(3):589–604) is rebutted herein. Crump maintains that distinguishing between a low‐dose linear dose response and a threshold dose response on the basis of dose–response data is impossible even for endpoints involving increased cytotoxicity. My rebuttal relies on descriptions and specific illustrations of two well‐characterized ultrasensitive molecular switches that govern two key cytoprotective responses to cellular stress—heat shock response and antioxidant response element activation, respectively—each of which serve to suppress stress‐induced apoptotic cell death unless overwhelmed. Because detailed dose–response data for each endpoint is shown to be J‐ or inverted‐J‐shaped with high confidence, and because independent pathways can explain background rates of apoptosis, LNT assumptions for this cytotoxic endpoint are unwarranted, at least in some cases and perhaps generally.
Valuing Equal Protection in Aviation Security Screening
Authors: Nguyen Kenneth D. , Rosoff Heather , John Richard S.
Published: April 2017

The growing number of anti‐terrorism policies has elevated public concerns about discrimination. Within the context of airport security screening, the current study examines how American travelers value the principle of equal protection by quantifying the “equity premium” that they are willing to sacrifice to avoid screening procedures that result in differential treatments. In addition, we applied the notion of procedural justice to explore the effect of alternative selective screening procedures on the value of equal protection. Two‐hundred and twenty‐two respondents were randomly assigned to one of three selective screening procedures: (1) randomly, (2) using behavioral indicators, or (3) based on demographic characteristics. They were asked to choose between airlines using either an equal or a discriminatory screening procedure. While the former requires all passengers to be screened in the same manner, the latter mandates all passengers undergo a quick primary screening and, in addition, some passengers are selected for a secondary screening based on a predetermined selection criterion. Equity premiums were quantified in terms of monetary cost, wait time, convenience, and safety compromise. Results show that equity premiums varied greatly across respondents, with many indicating little willingness to sacrifice to avoid inequitable screening, and a smaller minority willing to sacrifice anything to avoid the discriminatory screening. The selective screening manipulation was effective in that equity premiums were greater under selection by demographic characteristics compared to the other two procedures.
Public Perception of Uncertainties Within Climate Change Science
Authors: Visschers Vivianne H. M.
Published: April 2017

Climate change is a complex, multifaceted problem involving various interacting systems and actors. Therefore, the intensities, locations, and timeframes of the consequences of climate change are hard to predict and cause uncertainties. Relatively little is known about how the public perceives this scientific uncertainty and how this relates to their concern about climate change. In this article, an online survey among 306 Swiss people is reported that investigated whether people differentiate between different types of uncertainty in climate change research. Also examined was the way in which the perception of uncertainty is related to people's concern about climate change, their trust in science, their knowledge about climate change, and their political attitude. The results of a principal component analysis showed that respondents differentiated between perceived ambiguity in climate research, measurement uncertainty, and uncertainty about the future impact of climate change. Using structural equation modeling, it was found that only perceived ambiguity was directly related to concern about climate change, whereas measurement uncertainty and future uncertainty were not. Trust in climate science was strongly associated with each type of uncertainty perception and was indirectly associated with concern about climate change. Also, more knowledge about climate change was related to less strong perceptions of each type of climate science uncertainty. Hence, it is suggested that to increase public concern about climate change, it may be especially important to consider the perceived ambiguity about climate research. Efforts that foster trust in climate science also appear highly worthwhile.
Assessing the Likelihood and Magnitude of a Population Health Benefit Following the Market Introduction of a Modified‐Risk Tobacco Product: Enhancements to the Dynamic Population Modeler, DPM(+1)
Authors: Bachand Annette M. , Sulsky Sandra I. , Curtin Geoffrey M.
Published: April 2017

Researchers and those responsible for evaluating and implementing policies intended to reduce population harm must assess the potential for both intended and unintended consequences associated with those policies. Such assessments should be based on the combined dimensions of magnitude, and thus likelihood, of shifts in exposure patterns needed to produce a population benefit or harm, and magnitude of the expected population benefit or harm. In response to this assessment need, we provide a conceptual description of the dynamic population modeler, DPM(+1), as well as illustrative analyses that estimate the effects on all‐cause mortality, life expectancy, and quality of life‐adjusted life expectancy if exposure patterns in the population shift from a higher risk product (e.g., cigarettes) to a lower, or modified, risk tobacco product (MRTP) in specified ways. Estimates from these analyses indicate that, within a single birth cohort, switching completely from cigarette smoking to MRTP use is more likely to lead to a population‐level survival benefit than initiating tobacco use with an MRTP instead of cigarettes. This is because tobacco initiation rarely occurs beyond young adulthood, whereas continuing smokers exist in all subsequent age categories, leading to a greater cumulative effect. In addition, complete switching to MRTP use among a small proportion of smokers in each age category offsets the survival deficit caused by unintended shifts in exposure patterns, such as MRTP initiation among never tobacco users followed by transitioning to cigarette smoking and/or cigarette smokers switching to MRTP use instead of quitting.
Sex and regional differences in rabbit right ventricular L‐type calcium current levels and mathematical modelling of arrhythmia vulnerability
Authors: Kalik Zane M. , Mike Joshua L. , Slipski Cassandra , Wright Moriah , Jalics Jozsi Z. , Womble Mark D.
Published: April 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Regional variations of ventricular L‐type calcium current (ICa‐L) amplitude may underlie the increased arrhythmia risk in adult females. Current amplitude variations have been described for the left ventricle but not for the right ventricle.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Adult female rabbit right ventricular base myocytes exhibit elevated ICa‐L compared with female apex or male myocytes. Oestrogen upregulated ICa‐L in cultured female myocytes. Mathematical simulations modelling long QT syndrome type 2 demonstrated that elevated ICa‐L prolonged action potentials and induced early after‐depolarizations. Thus, ventricular arrhythmias in adult females may be associated with an oestrogen‐induced upregulation of ICa‐L.

Previous studies have shown that adult rabbit left ventricular myocytes exhibit sex and regional differences in L‐type calcium current (ICa‐L) levels that contribute to increased female susceptibility to arrhythmogenic early after‐depolarizations (EADs). We used patch‐clamp recordings from isolated adult male and female rabbit right ventricular myocytes to determine apex–base differences in ICa‐L density and used mathematical modelling to examine the contribution of ICa‐L to EAD formation. Current density measured at 0 mV in female base myocytes was 67% higher than in male base myocytes and 55% higher than in female apex myocytes. No differences were observed between male and female apex myocytes, between male apex and base myocytes, or in the voltage dependences of ICa‐L activation or inactivation. The role of oestrogen was investigated using cultured adult female right ventricular base myocytes. After 2 days, 17β‐estradiol (1 nm) produced a 65% increase in ICa‐L density compared with untreated control myocytes, suggesting an oestrogen‐induced upregulation of ICa‐L. Action potential simulations using a modified Luo–Rudy cardiomyocyte model showed that increased ICa‐L density, at the level observed in female base myocytes, resulted in longer duration action potentials, and when combined with a 50% reduction of the rapidly inactivating delayed rectifier potassium current conductance to model long QT syndrome type 2, the action potential was accompanied by one or more EADs. Thus, we found higher levels of ICa‐L in adult female right ventricle base myocytes and the upregulation of this current by oestrogen. Simulations of long QT syndrome type 2 showed that elevated ICa‐L contributed to genesis of EADs.
Morphological ontogeny of Hydrozetes paulista (Acari, Oribatida, Hydrozetidae), with comments on Hydrozetes Grandjean
Authors: Seniczak Anna , Seniczak Stanisław , Eskinazi Sant'Anna Eneida
Published: April 2017

The morphological ontogeny of Hydrozetes paulista Pérez-Íñigo & Baggio, 1989 is described and illustrated. This species is monodactylous as adult, with short, setiform bothridial seta and belongs to the “lacustris species group”. It has 13 pairs of notogastral setae, including c2, but seta c3 is retained by some individuals. Most gastronotal setae of larva are of medium size and barbed, except for longer setae lm, lp and h2, and short and smooth c1 and h3. In the nymphs setae of l-series, h1 and h2 are very long, smooth and dark pigmented, setae h3 and p1 are of medium size, thick, pointed and barbed, and other setae are short and usually smooth; seta lm is located anterior to the gland opening. Hydrozetes paulista is bisexual, but in this study only females were present.
An extended Kalman filter approach to non-stationary Bayesian estimation of reduced-order vocal fold model parameters
Authors: Hadwin Paul J. , Peterson Sean D.
Published: April 2017

The Bayesian framework for parameter inference provides a basis from which subject-specific reduced-order vocal fold models can be generated. Previously, it has been shown that a particle filter technique is capable of producing estimates and associated credibility intervals of time-varying reduced-order vocal fold model parameters. However, the particle filter approach is difficult to implement and has a high computational cost, which can be barriers to clinical adoption. This work presents an alternative estimation strategy based upon Kalman filtering aimed at reducing the computational cost of subject-specific model development. The robustness of this approach to Gaussian and non-Gaussian noise is discussed. The extended Kalman filter (EKF) approach is found to perform very well in comparison with the particle filter technique at dramatically lower computational cost. Based upon the test cases explored, the EKF is comparable in terms of accuracy to the particle filter technique when greater than 6000 particles are employed; if less particles are employed, the EKF actually performs better. For comparable levels of accuracy, the solution time is reduced by 2 orders of magnitude when employing the EKF. By virtue of the approximations used in the EKF, however, the credibility intervals tend to be slightly underpredicted.
Unusual presentation for a tailgut cyst
Authors: Hancu Daniel , Williams James , Kubba Faris , Chopada Abhay
Published: April 2017

A 67-year-old man with a slow-growing, asymptomatic perianal lesion was presented to the colorectal clinic. Physical examination and radiological investigation were suggestive of an externally prolapsing colonic polyp. However, intraoperative findings of a cystic lesion containing a thick brown substance questioned the initial diagnosis. After complete surgical resection of the encapsulated lesion, histological examination revealed a tailgut cyst (cystic hamartoma). These uncommon lesions originate from an embryological remnant of the hindgut. They are generally benign but may have extremely rare malignant potential which warrants complete surgical resection. Throughout the literature, they are described to present with various symptoms and may be found in several anatomical locations, most commonly within the retrorectal space. In very rare instances, with only two other documented cases, they can be found externally at the anorectal junction. Although very rare, an anal tailgut cyst should be taken into account in differential diagnosis.
Intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasm: a benign hepatic cystic neoplasm
Authors: Tong Angela , Veillette Gregory , Budhai Alexandra , Gilet Anthony
Published: April 2017

A 61-year-old Asian man presented with severe right upper quadrant pain which had been worsening for several months. Laboratory results indicated elevated aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. The subsequent ultrasound, CT and MRI showed a large cystic mass with solid components and severe intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary ductal dilatation. The mass was resected and pathology showed a well-demarcated mucinous cystic lesion with polygonal cells containing ovoid nuclei and abundant pink oncocytic cytoplasm. These findings are characteristic of intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasm (IOPN), a rare subtype of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the liver. IOPN occurs most frequently in the Asian regions endemic to clonorchiasis and hepatolithiasis; however, cases have been reported in the Western world as well. Patients with IOPN are male or female and typically middle-aged. Treatment is typically resection. Prognosis is favourable and recurrence is rare. The 5-year survival rate is upwards of 80%.