bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simple method for the measurement of metabolic heat production rates during solid‐state fermentations using β‐carotene production with Blakeslea trispora as a model system
Authors: Altwasser Vivien , Pätz Reinhard R. , Lemke Thomas , Paufler Sven , Maskow Thomas
Published: December 2016

Solid‐state fermentation (SSF) technology has been rapidly developed for the past 10 years as a production platform for secondary metabolites, biofuels, food, and pharmaceuticals. Yet, the main drawback of SSF is the local temperature rise of up to 20 K, which potentially reduces the strain activity and inactivates heat sensible products. Due to the low heat capacity and thermal conductivity of mixtures of air with plant material, in comparison to aqueous suspensions in submerged fermentations, heat from metabolic processes is less efficiently dissipated. The exact knowledge of the metabolic heat generation during SSF processes is crucial to guide strategies against overheating. In this work, a simple method using a cost‐efficient multichannel instrument is proposed, which allows the determination of heat generation during SSF processes. This method was successfully tested and validated with Blakeslea trispora producing β‐carotene during growth on barley. Additionally, the consequences of the generated metabolic heat during SSF on temperature rise and water evaporation were discussed. Finally, changes in growth and product concentration could also be detected by the heat signal, implying the potential as a timesaving screening method.
The acute toxicity of major ion salts to Ceriodaphnia dubia. II. Empirical relationships in binary salt mixtures
Authors: Erickson Russell J. , Mount David R. , Highland Terry L. , Hockett J. Russell , Hoff Dale J. , Jenson Correne T. , Norberg-King Teresa J. , Peterson Kira N.
Published: December 2016

Many human activities increase concentrations of major geochemical ions (Na+1, K+1, Ca+2, Mg+2, Cl−1, SO4−2, and HCO3−1/CO3−2) in freshwater systems, and can thereby adversely affect aquatic life. Such effects involve several toxicants, multiple toxicity mechanisms, various ion interactions, and widely varying ion compositions across different water bodies. Previous studies of individual salt toxicities have defined some useful relationships; however, adding single salts to waters results in atypical compositions and does not fully address mixture toxicity. To better understand mechanisms and interactions for major ion toxicity, 29 binary mixture experiments, each consisting of 7 to 8 toxicity tests, were conducted on the acute toxicity of major ion salts and mannitol to Ceriodaphnia dubia. These tests showed multiple mechanisms of toxicity, including: 1) nonspecific ion toxicity, correlated with osmolarity and to which all ions contribute; and 2) cation-dependent toxicities for potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) best related to their chemical activities. These mechanisms primarily operate independently, except for additive toxicity of Mg-dependent and Ca-dependent toxicities. These mixture studies confirmed ameliorative effects of Ca on sodium (Na) and Mg salt toxicities and of Na on K salt toxicity, and further indicated lesser ameliorative effects of Ca on K salt toxicity and Mg on Na salt toxicity. These results provide a stronger basis for assessing risks from the complex mixtures of ions found in surface waters. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1525–1537. Published 2016 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Pilot Testing the Chinese Version of the ETS® Proficiency Profile Critical Thinking Test
Authors: Liu Ou Lydia , Mao Liyang , Zhao Tingting , Yang Yi , Xu Jun , Wang Zhen
Published: December 2016

Chinese higher education is experiencing rapid development and growth. With tremendous resources invested in higher education, policy makers have requested more direct evidence of student learning. However, assessment tools that can be used to measure college‐level learning are scarce in China. To mitigate this situation, we translated the critical thinking test from the ETS® Proficiency Profile (EPP) into Chinese. EPP has been widely used in the United States to assess general college learning outcomes. We pilot tested the EPP–Chinese test with students from a university in China. Results suggest that (a) the test is unidimensional and therefore is sufficient to report a total score from a practical standpoint; (b) the total score reliability is satisfactory; (c) most items showed moderate correlations with the total score, but the translation of one item needs additional revision; (d) the test is correlated with related constructs (e.g., the Chinese college entrance examination and a national English test); and (e) no item showed differential item functioning or was found to be biased toward any subgroup. In summary, the Chinese version of the critical thinking test showed potential as a suitable assessment tool for Chinese college students.
Advanced Selectively Gas Permeable Anode Flow Field Design for Removal of Carbon Dioxide in a Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cell
Authors: Saeed S. , Pistono A. , Cisco J. , Burke C. S. , Clement J. T. , Mench M. , Rice C.
Published: December 2016

Direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs) are electrochemical energy conversion devices well suited to power portable electronics, if researchers can harness their high theoretical efficiencies and address durability issues. To improve DFAFC efficiency, the mass transport of formic acid to the anode catalyst layer must be improved. Conventional serpentine anode flow field designs limit CO2 product removal through a single flow field channel hindered by two‐phase flow. Presented herein is an advanced electrically conductive, selectively gas permeable anode flow field (SGPFF) design that allows for efficient removal of CO2 perpendicular to the active area near the location where it is formed in the catalyst layer. The anode plate design consists of two mating flow fields separated by semi‐permeable separator to allow diffusive transport of CO2. Herein, performance differences between a conventional liquid‐fed flow field and an advanced SGPFF design are examined. Polarization curves revealed a 10% increase in performance of the SGPFF with confirmation of CO2 removal within the gaseous side. A potential hold test at 0.3 V showed that the SGPFF sustained power generation for 9.5 times longer than that of the conventional anode flow field design in a dead‐ended configuration, demonstrating the fixture's potential for sustained power generation.
Physicians' response to sexual dysfunction presented by a younger vs. An older adult
Authors: Gewirtz‐Meydan Ateret , Ayalon Liat
Published: December 2016

Aim

The aim of this study is to determine whether physicians have an age bias regarding sexual dysfunction presented by older vs. younger patients in terms of attributed diagnosis, etiology, proposed treatment and perceived prognosis.

Method

An on‐line survey consisting of one of two, randomly administered, case vignettes, which differed only by the age of the patient (28 or 78). In both cases, the patient was described as suffering from occasional erectile dysfunction with a clear psychosocial indication. A total of 236 physicians responded to the survey. Overall, 110 physicians received an “old” vignette and 126 physicians received a “young” vignette.

Results

Even though both cases presented with a clear psychosocial etiology, the “older” vignette was more likely to be diagnosed with erectile dysfunction whereas the “younger” vignette was more likely to be diagnosed with performance anxiety. The “older” vignette's dysfunction was more likely to be attributed to hormonal changes, health problems and decreased sexual desire. Physicians were more likely to recommend testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5i; such as Sildenafil; Vardenafil; Tadalafil) as well as a referral to urology to the “older” vignette. In contrast, the “younger” vignette was more often referred to a sexologist and received a more positive prognosis than the older patient.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates an age bias among physicians regarding sexuality in later life. Of particular note is the tendency to prescribe PDE5i to the older patient, despite the clear psychosocial indication presented in the case vignette. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distinct white matter injury associated with medial temporal lobe atrophy in Alzheimer's versus semantic dementia
Authors: Bejanin Alexandre , Desgranges Béatrice , La Joie Renaud , Landeau Brigitte , Perrotin Audrey , Mézenge Florence , Belliard Serge , de La Sayette Vincent , Eustache Francis , Chételat Gaël
Published: December 2016

This study aims at further understanding the distinct vulnerability of brain networks in Alzheimer's disease (AD) versus semantic dementia (SD) investigating the white matter injury associated with medial temporal lobe (MTL) atrophy in both conditions. Twenty‐six AD patients, twenty‐one SD patients, and thirty‐nine controls underwent a high‐resolution T1‐MRI scan allowing to obtain maps of grey matter volume and white matter density. A statistical conjunction approach was used to identify MTL regions showing grey matter atrophy in both patient groups. The relationship between this common grey matter atrophy and white matter density maps was then assessed within each patient group. Patterns of grey matter atrophy were distinct in AD and SD but included a common region in the MTL, encompassing the hippocampus and amygdala. This common atrophy was associated with alterations in different white matter areas in AD versus SD, mainly including the cingulum and corpus callosum in AD, while restricted to the temporal lobe — essentially the uncinate and inferior longitudinal fasciculi — in SD. Complementary analyses revealed that these relationships remained significant when controlling for global atrophy or disease severity. Overall, this study provides the first evidence that atrophy of the same MTL region is related to damage in distinct white matter fibers in AD and SD. These different patterns emphasize the vulnerability of distinct brain networks related to the MTL in these two disorders, which might underlie the discrepancy in their symptoms. These results further suggest differences between AD and SD in the neuropathological processes occurring in the MTL. Hum Brain Mapp 38:1791–1800, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human immunodeficiency virus–infected and uninfected adults with non–genotype 3 hepatitis C virus have less hepatic steatosis than adults with neither infection
Authors: Price Jennifer C. , Ma Yifei , Scherzer Rebecca , Korn Natalie , Tillinghast Kyle , Peters Marion G. , Noworolski Susan M. , Tien Phyllis C.
Published: December 2016

Hepatic steatosis (HS) is common in individuals with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, but the independent contributions of HCV and HIV to HS are unclear. Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy were used to measure visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and liver fat fraction (LFF) (total lipids/[total lipids + water]) in 356 adults: 57 with HCV monoinfection, 70 with HIV/HCV coinfection, 122 with HIV monoinfection, and 107 with neither infection. Participants who were infected with HCV genotype 3 were excluded because of the genotype's reported steatogenic effects. For prevalence estimates, HS was defined as LFF ≥ 0.05. We estimated the association of HIV and HCV status with LFF using multivariable linear regression, adjusting for demographics, lifestyle, and metabolic factors including the homeostasis model assessment estimate of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and liver fibrosis defined using the aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI). The prevalence of HS was highest in the uninfected (33%) and HIV‐monoinfected (28%), followed by the HCV‐monoinfected (19%) and HIV/HCV‐coinfected (11%) (P = 0.003 across groups). Compared with uninfected participants—and after adjusting for demographics, lifestyle, and metabolic factors—HIV monoinfection, HCV monoinfection, and HIV/HCV coinfection were associated with 19% (95% confidence interval [CI], −39% to 6%), 38% (95% CI, −55% to −12%), and 42% (95% CI, −59% to −18%) lower LFF, respectively. HCV monoinfection and HIV/HCV coinfection remained strongly associated with lower LFF after further adjusting for APRI, and results were unchanged after excluding subjects with suspected cirrhosis. Among the entire cohort, Hispanic ethnicity, male sex, VAT, and HOMA‐IR were independently associated with greater LFF. Conclusion: Contrary to expectations, HIV/HCV‐coinfected and HCV‐monoinfected adults had significantly less liver fat than uninfected adults, even after adjusting for demographics, lifestyle, metabolic factors, and hepatic fibrosis. Our findings suggest that non–genotype 3 HCV infection may be protective against HS. The mechanisms by which this occurs and the impact of HCV treatment on HS requires further investigation. (Hepatology 2017;65:853‐863)
Malondialdehyde epitopes are sterile mediators of hepatic inflammation in hypercholesterolemic mice
Authors: Busch Clara Jana‐Lui , Hendrikx Tim , Weismann David , Jäckel Sven , Walenbergh Sofie M.A. , Rendeiro André F. , Weißer Juliane , Puhm Florian , Hladik Anastasiya , Göderle Laura , Papac‐Milicevic Nikolina , Haas Gerald , Millischer Vincent , Subramaniam Saravanan , Knapp Sylvia , Bennett Keiryn L. , Bock Christoph , Reinhardt Christoph , Shiri‐Sverdlov Ronit , Binder Christoph J.
Published: December 2016

Diet‐related health issues such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disorders are known to have a major inflammatory component. However, the exact pathways linking diet‐induced changes (e.g., hyperlipidemia) and the ensuing inflammation have remained elusive so far. We identified biological processes related to innate immunity and oxidative stress as prime response pathways in livers of low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐deficient mice on a Western‐type diet using RNA sequencing and in silico functional analyses of transcriptome data. The observed changes were independent of the presence of microbiota and thus indicative of a role for sterile triggers. We further show that malondialdehyde (MDA) epitopes, products of lipid peroxidation and markers for enhanced oxidative stress, are detectable in hepatic inflammation predominantly on dying cells and stimulate cytokine secretion as well as leukocyte recruitment in vitro and in vivo. MDA‐induced cytokine secretion in vitro was dependent on the presence of the scavenger receptors CD36 and MSR1. Moreover, in vivo neutralization of endogenously generated MDA epitopes by intravenous injection of a specific MDA antibody results in decreased hepatic inflammation in low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐deficient mice on a Western‐type diet. Conclusion: Accumulation of MDA epitopes plays a major role during diet‐induced hepatic inflammation and can be ameliorated by administration of an anti‐MDA antibody. (Hepatology 2017;65:1181‐1195)
Targeting β‐catenin in hepatocellular cancers induced by coexpression of mutant β‐catenin and K‐Ras in mice
Authors: Tao Junyan , Zhang Rong , Singh Sucha , Poddar Minakshi , Xu Emily , Oertel Michael , Chen Xin , Ganesh Shanthi , Abrams Marc , Monga Satdarshan P.
Published: December 2016

Recently, we have shown that coexpression of hMet and mutant‐β‐catenin using sleeping beauty transposon/transposase leads to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in mice that corresponds to around 10% of human HCC. In the current study, we investigate whether Ras activation, which can occur downstream of Met signaling, is sufficient to cause HCC in association with mutant‐β‐catenin. We also tested therapeutic efficacy of targeting β‐catenin in an HCC model. We show that mutant‐K‐Ras (G12D), which leads to Ras activation, cooperates with β‐catenin mutants (S33Y, S45Y) to yield HCC in mice. Affymetrix microarray showed > 90% similarity in gene expression in mutant‐K‐Ras‐β‐catenin and Met‐β‐catenin HCC. K‐Ras‐β‐catenin tumors showed up‐regulation of β‐catenin targets like glutamine synthetase (GS), leukocyte cell‐derived chemotaxin 2, Regucalcin, and Cyclin‐D1 and of K‐Ras effectors, including phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, phosphorylated protein kinase B, phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin, phosphorylated eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E, phosphorylated 4E‐binding protein 1, and p‐S6 ribosomal protein. Inclusion of dominant‐negative transcription factor 4 at the time of K‐Ras‐β‐catenin injection prevented HCC and downstream β‐catenin and Ras signaling. To address whether targeting β‐catenin has any benefit postestablishment of HCC, we administered K‐Ras‐β‐catenin mice with EnCore lipid nanoparticles (LNP) loaded with a Dicer substrate small interfering RNA targeting catenin beta 1 (CTNNB1; CTNNB1‐LNP), scrambled sequence (Scr‐LNP), or phosphate‐buffered saline for multiple cycles. A significant decrease in tumor burden was evident in the CTNNB1‐LNP group versus all controls, which was associated with dramatic decreases in β‐catenin targets and some K‐Ras effectors, leading to reduced tumor cell proliferation and viability. Intriguingly, in relatively few mice, non‐GS‐positive tumors, which were evident as a small subset of overall tumor burden, were not affected by β‐catenin suppression. Conclusion: Ras activation downstream of c‐Met is sufficient to induce clinically relevant HCC in cooperation with mutant β‐catenin. β‐catenin suppression by a clinically relevant modality is effective in treatment of β‐catenin‐positive, GS‐positive HCCs. (Hepatology 2017;65:1581‐1599)
Multi-criteria decision analysis applied to harmful algal bloom management: A case study
Authors: Pang Chengfang , Radomyski Artur , Subramanian Vrishali , Nadimi-Goki Mandana , Marcomini Antonio , Linkov Igor
Published: December 2016

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have received greater attention in recent years due to an increase in the frequency of outbreaks and a growing potential for blooms to exact considerable economic losses and negatively impact ecosystem health. Human activity has been shown to intensify HAB outbreaks through increased eutrophication, elevated local air and water temperatures, disturbance of the thermal stratification of lakes, and modification of local hydrology. With the advent of new remediation technologies and a better understanding of the ecological factors affecting HABs, mitigating the adverse effects of HABs has become more feasible than ever before but still requires balancing mitigation efficiency, environmental impacts, costs, and stakeholder needs. In the present paper, we discuss potential HAB management solutions and propose using a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework to analyze the perspectives and priorities of various stakeholders as they pertain to 4 major considerations for HAB mitigation: human health, environmental impact, social impact, and technical feasibility. A hypothetical case study of an HAB-affected lake is used to demonstrate how stakeholders may prioritize HAB management alternatives within the MCDA framework. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:631–639. © 2016 SETAC

Key Points

Management of harmful algal blooms (HABs) is complex, and trade-offs are difficult to make. Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) provides an efficient way to assess management alternatives. Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis models can provide the basis for uncertainty and sensitivity analysis associated with HAB management. Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis can be used to assess emerging technologies, including nanotechnology.
BOYS, EARLY RISK FACTORS FOR ALCOHOL PROBLEMS, AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SELF: AN INTERCONNECTED MATRIX
Authors: Puttler Leon I. , Fitzgerald Hiram E. , Heitzeg Mary M. , Zucker Robert A.
Published: December 2016

Alcohol‐use disorders are a major public health issue worldwide. Although drinking and problematic alcohol use usually begins during adolescence, developmental origins of the disorder can be traced back to infancy and early childhood. Identification of early risk factors is essential to understanding developmental origins. Using data from the Michigan Longitudinal Study, an ongoing, prospective, high‐risk family study, this article summarizes findings of family context and functioning of both children and parents. We draw attention to the development of the self, an understudied aspect of very young children being reared in alcoholic families that exacerbates exposure to high childhood adverse experiences. We also provide evidence demonstrating that young boys are embedded in a dynamic system of genes, epigenetic processes, brain organization, family dynamics, peers, community, and culture that strengthens risky developmental pathways if nothing is done to intervene during infancy and early childhood.
Impact of molecular weight on the intrinsic immunogenic activity of poly(beta amino esters)
Authors: Andorko James I. , Pineault Kevin G. , Jewell Christopher M.
Published: December 2016

Polymeric carriers are ubiquitously studied in vaccine and drug delivery to control the encapsulation, kinetics, and targeting of cargo. Recent research reveals many polymers can cause immunostimulatory and inflammatory responses, even in the absence of other immune signals. However, the extent to which this intrinsic immunogenicity evolves during degradation is understudied. Here we synthesized a small library of poly(beta amino esters) (PBAEs) that exhibit different starting molecular weights (MWs), but with similar and rapid degradation rates. Primary dendritic cells (DCs) treated with free PBAEs, either intact or degraded to form low MW fragments, were not activated. In contrast particles formed from PBAEs at different extents of degradation caused differential expression of classical DC activation markers (for example, CD40, CD80, CD86, MHCII), as well as antigen presentation. During degradation, activation levels changed with changing physicochemical properties (for example, MW, concentration, size, charge). Of note, irrespective of starting MW, immunogenicity peaked when the MW of degrading PBAEs decreased to a range of ∼1500–3000 Da. These findings could help inform design of future carriers that exploit the dynamic interactions with the immune system as materials degrade, leading to carriers that deliver cargo but also help direct the immune responses to vaccine or immunotherapy cargo. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1219–1229, 2017.
Individual evaluation of cardiac marker expression and self‐beating during cardiac differentiation of P19CL6 cells on different culture substrates
Authors: Yamaoka Tetsuji , Hirata Mitsuhi , Dan Takaaki , Yamashita Atsushi , Otaka Akihisa , Nakaoki Takahiko , Miskon Azizi , Kakinoki Sachiro , Mahara Atsushi
Published: December 2016

Cell‐based therapies using self‐beating cardiomyocytes have been attracting great attention for use in cardiac regeneration, although an effective procedure to improve cardiac differentiation and self‐beating induction is required. The purpose of this study is to clarify the effect of the culture substrate on cardiac maturation by separately evaluating the cardiac differentiation step and the beating induction step in vitro. To this end, the well‐studied cardiomyocyte‐like progenitor cell line P19CL6 and neonatal cardiomyocytes (NCMs) were selected and cultured on substrates coated with collagen type I (Col‐I), gelatin (Gel), fibronectin (FN), or poly‐l‐lysine (PLL). It was found that the cardiac differentiation step, which was assessed using cardiac marker gene expression (GATA‐binding protein 4 (GATA4), myocyte‐specific enhancer factor 2D (MEF2D), and hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated potassium channel 4 (HCN4)) in the P19CL6 embryonal carcinoma cells, was greatly enhanced on Col‐I, Gel, and PLL. In contrast, the spontaneous beating step, which was directly assessed by counting the beating colonies and measuring contractile protein gene expression (α‐myosin heavy chain (α‐MHC), troponin C type 1 (TnC1), and troponin T type 2 (TnT2)) in the rat NCMs, was enhanced on the FN and PLL surfaces. In the present study, for the first time, it was found that PLL enhances both the cardiac differentiation and the beating induction steps of cardiac maturation, which can aid in preparing beating cardiomyocytes for regenerative medicine. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1166–1174, 2017.
Mesenchymal stem cells in the aseptic loosening of total joint replacements
Authors: Pajarinen Jukka , Lin Tzu‐hua , Nabeshima Akira , Jämsen Eemeli , Lu Laura , Nathan Karthik , Yao Zhenyu , Goodman Stuart B.
Published: December 2016

Peri‐prosthetic osteolysis remains as the main long‐term complication of total joint replacement surgery. Research over four decades has established implant wear as the main culprit for chronic inflammation in the peri‐implant tissues and macrophages as the key cells mediating the host reaction to implant‐derived wear particles. Wear debris activated macrophages secrete inflammatory mediators that stimulate bone resorbing osteoclasts; thus bone loss in the peri‐implant tissues is increased. However, the balance of bone turnover is not only dictated by osteoclast‐mediated bone resorption but also by the formation of new bone by osteoblasts; under physiological conditions these two processes are tightly coupled. Increasing interest has been placed on the effects of wear debris on the cells of the bone‐forming lineage. These cells are derived primarily from multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) residing in bone marrow and the walls of the microvasculature. Accumulating evidence indicates that wear debris significantly impairs MSC‐to‐osteoblast differentiation and subsequent bone formation. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the effects of biomaterial implant wear debris on MSCs. Emerging treatment options to improve initial implant integration and treat developing osteolytic lesions by utilizing or targeting MSCs are also discussed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1195–1207, 2017.
CD31+ Cells From Peripheral Blood Facilitate Bone Regeneration in Biologically Impaired Conditions Through Combined Effects on Immunomodulation and Angiogenesis
Authors: Sass F Andrea , Schmidt-Bleek Katharina , Ellinghaus Agnes , Filter Sebastian , Rose Alexander , Preininger Bernd , Reinke Simon , Geissler Sven , Volk Hans-Dieter , Duda Georg N , Dienelt Anke
Published: December 2016

Controlled revascularization and inflammation are key elements regulating endogenous regeneration after (bone) tissue trauma. Peripheral blood-derived cell subsets, such as regulatory T-helper cells and circulating (endothelial) progenitor cells, respectively, can support endogenous tissue healing, whereas effector T cells that are associated with an aged immune system can hinder bone regeneration. CD31 is expressed by diverse leukocytes and is well recognized as a marker of circulating endothelial (precursor) cells; however, CD31 is absent from the surface of differentiated effector T cells. Thus, we hypothesized that by separating the inhibitory fractions from the supportive fractions of circulating cells within the peripheral blood (PB) using the CD31 marker, bone regeneration in biologically compromised conditions, such as those observed in aged patients, could be improved. In support of our hypothesis, we detected an inverse correlation between CD31+ cells and effector T cells in the hematomas of human fracture patients, dependent on the age of the patient. Furthermore, we demonstrated the regenerative capacity of human PB-CD31+ cells in vitro. These findings were translated to a clinically relevant rat model of impaired bone healing. The transplantation of rat PB-CD31+ cells advanced bone tissue restoration in vivo and was associated with an early anti-inflammatory response, the stimulation of (re)vascularization, and reduced fibrosis. Interestingly, the depletion or enrichment of the highly abundant CD31+/14+ monocytes from the mixed CD31+ cell population diminished tissue regeneration at different levels, suggesting combined effects within the PB-CD31+ subsets. In summary, an intraoperative enrichment of PB-CD31+ cells might be a novel option to facilitate endogenous regeneration under biologically impaired situations by supporting immunomodulation and vascularization. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Comparison of Cytotoxic Activity in Leukemic Lineages Reveals Important Features of β‐Hairpin Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Buri Marcus V. , Torquato Heron F. Vieira , Barros Carlos Castilho , Ide Jaime S. , Miranda Antonio , Paredes‐Gamero Edgar J.
Published: December 2016

Several reports described different modes of cell death triggered by antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) due to direct effects on membrane disruption, and more recently by apoptosis and necrosis‐like patterns. Cytotoxic curves of four β‐hairpin AMPs (gomesin, protegrin, tachyplesin, and polyphemusin) were obtained from several human leukemic lineages and normal monocytes and Two cell lines were then selected based on their cytotoxic sensitivity. One was sensitive to AMPs (K562) and the other resistant (KG‐1) and their effect compared between these lineages. Thus, these lineages were chosen to further investigate biological features related with their cytotoxicities to AMPs. Stimulation with AMPs produced cell death, with activation of caspase‐3, in K562 lineage. Increase on the fluidity of plasmatic membrane by reducing cholesterol potentiated cytotoxicity of AMPs in both lineages. Quantification of internal and external gomesin binding to the cellular membrane of both K562 and KG‐1 cells showed that more peptide is accumulated inside of K562 cells. Additionally, evaluation of multi‐drug resistant pumps activity showed that KG‐1 has more activity than K562 lineage. A comparison of intrinsic gene patterns showed great differences between K562 and KG‐1, but stimulation with gomesin promoted few changes in gene expression patterns. Differences in internalization process through the plasma membrane, multidrug resistance pumps activity, and gene expression pattern are important features to AMPs regulated cell death. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1764–1773, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relative Impact of Risk Factors, Thwarted Belongingness, and Perceived Burdensomeness on Suicidal Ideation in Veteran Service Members
Authors: O'Connor Stephen S. , Carney Erin , Jennings Keith W. , Johnson Lora L. , Gutierrez Peter M. , Jobes David A.
Published: December 2016

Objective

We tested the associations between individualized risk factors, empirically validated constructs specific to suicide risk (i.e., thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness, and two methods for conceptualizing suicidal ideation based on Suicide Index Score (SIS) and overall severity score of the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation [BSS]).

Method

The current study included a sample of 134 suicidal Veterans who were recruited from an inpatient psychiatry unit of a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Participants completed the BSS, Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, Outcome Questionnaire‐45.2, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test, Drug Abuse Screening Test, and abbreviated versions of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist‐Military version (PCL‐M) and Insomnia Severity Index. We used ordinary least squares regression with bootstrapping to conduct analyses due to the skewed distributions observed in the suicidal ideation outcomes.

Results

Thwarted belongingness was the only statistically significant correlate of the SIS, indicating a stronger desire to be dead than alive as Veterans perceived themselves as being increasingly disconnected and isolated from others (B = 0.36, standard error [SE] = 0.01, p = 0.005). In contrast, greater overall severity scores on the BSS were associated with higher ratings on the PCL‐M (B = 0.21, SE = 0.07, p = 0.02) and for thwarted belongingness (B = 0.27, SE = 0.09, p = 0.04). Problematic alcohol use was significantly associated with lower overall severity scores (B = −.27, SE = 1.17, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Findings may inform clinical strategies for conceptualizing and targeting factors associated with suicidal risk.
“For Me It Was a Key Moment of Therapy”: Corrective Experience From the Client's Perspective
Authors: Roussos Andrés , Braun Malena , Olivera Julieta
Published: December 2016

Despite recent attempts to develop a consensus definition, questions still remain as to what constitutes corrective experiences (CEs) in psychotherapy and how clients perceive them. This qualitative study assessed clients’ first person accounts of CEs associated with their own treatment‐related changes. Participants were 8 clients in private psychotherapy in Buenos Aires. Treatment, by therapists from diverse theoretical backgrounds, varied from 4 to 24 months. The Patients’ Perceptions of Corrective Experiences in Individual Therapy interview protocol was used to assess clients’ perceptions of CEs at posttreatment. All interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed and submitted to a 2‐stage thematic analysis to assess CEs and the contextual factors that contributed to them. Of the 8 participants, 5 narrated stories about CEs that changed the way they thought about themselves and their behavior. Additionally, clients highlighted disconfirmation of therapist role expectations and surprise regarding therapists’ actions and behaviors as mechanisms of these corrective moments.
Human White Adipocytes Convert Into “Rainbow” Adipocytes In Vitro
Authors: Maurizi Giulia , Poloni Antonella , Mattiucci Domenico , Santi Spartaco , Maurizi Angela , Izzi Valerio , Giuliani Angelica , Mancini Stefania , Zingaretti Maria Cristina , Perugini Jessica , Severi Ilenia , Falconi Massimo , Vivarelli Marco , Rippo Maria Rita , Corvera Silvia , Giordano Antonio , Leoni Pietro , Cinti Saverio
Published: December 2016

White adipocytes are plastic cells able to reversibly transdifferentiate into brown adipocytes and into epithelial glandular cells under physiologic stimuli in vivo. These plastic properties could be used in future for regenerative medicine, but are incompletely explored in their details. Here, we focused on plastic properties of human mature adipocytes (MA) combining gene expression profile through microarray analysis with morphologic data obtained by electron and time lapse microscopy. Primary MA showed the classic morphology and gene expression profile of functional mature adipocytes. Notably, despite their committed status, MA expressed high levels of reprogramming genes. MA from ceiling cultures underwent transdifferentiation toward fibroblast‐like cells with a well‐differentiated morphology and maintaining stem cell gene signatures. The main morphologic aspect of the transdifferentiation process was the secretion of large lipid droplets and the development of organelles necessary for exocrine secretion further supported the liposecretion process. Of note, electron microscope findings suggesting liposecretion phenomena were found also in explants of human fat and rarely in vivo in fat biopsies from obese patients. In conclusion, both MA and post‐liposecretion adipocytes show a well‐differentiated phenotype with stem cell properties in line with the extraordinary plasticity of adipocytes in vivo. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2887–2899, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Integration of expression quantitative trait loci and pleiotropy identifies a novel psoriasis susceptibility gene, PTPN1
Authors: Yin Xianyong , Lin Yuan , Shen Changbing , Wang Ling , Zuo Xianbo , Zheng Xiaodong , Yang Sen , Liu Jianjun , Wilhelmsen Kirk C. , Zhang Xuejun
Published: December 2016

Background

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease, whereas schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder with substantial comorbidity. Although these two disorders manifest with apparently unrelated phenotypes, there is some evidence suggesting that they share common genetic factors.

Methods

We implemented a genetic analysis incorporating pleiotropy and annotation to genome‐wide association summary statistics data for approximately 120 000 psoriasis and schizophrenia samples, as well as whole blood expression quantitative trait loci in 5311 samples.

Results

We observed a significant pleiotropic effect between psoriasis and schizophrenia (p = 5.92 × 10−43). We characterized an enrichment of whole blood expression quantitative trait loci in genome‐wide association data for psoriasis and schizophrenia (q1/q0 > 1.5, p < 10−77) and we revealed that common variants for both diseases were more likely to confer expression quantitative trait loci effects (q1/q0 = 4.197, SE = 0.183). Through joint analysis of the associations in the combined psoriasis and schizophrenia data set, we identified a potential susceptibility PTPN1 gene for psoriasis, which may affect the risk of psoriasis through modulation of the function of TYK2 kinase.

Conclusions

The results of the present study highlight the expression quantitative trait loci enrichment and pleiotropy in psoriasis and schizophrenia, and also suggest a possible key role of the PTPN1 gene in the etiology of psoriasis.
Learn to Play and Play to Learn: Evaluation of the One Laptop per Child Program in Costa Rica
Authors: Meza‐Cordero Jaime A.
Published: December 2016

The One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) initiative is one of the world's most popular interventions aiming to reduce the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) digital divide. Costa Rica introduced its first OLPC program in February 2012. In collaboration with the Quirós Tanzi Foundation (Foundation), implementing the program, baseline and post‐intervention information was collected from a set of 15 primary schools that were selected to be treated, and from 19 primary schools that served as a comparison group. Using a difference in difference design, this paper estimates the short‐term effects of the program on various outcomes of interest, namely: students' computer usage, time allocation and test scores. The results indicate that the program led to an increase in treated students' computer use outside of school of about 5 hours per week. Moreover, the research provides evidence that the treated students used the computer specifically to browse the internet, do homework, read and play. The research also demonstrates that the program led to a decline in the time that treated students spent on homework and outdoor activities. The research does not provide evidence to suggest that the program had an effect on participating students' school performance. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hip MRI: Prevalence of articular cartilage defects and labral tears in asymptomatic volunteers. A comparison with a matched population of patients with femoroacetabular impingement
Authors: Tresch Florian , Dietrich Tobias J. , Pfirrmann Christian W.A. , Sutter Reto
Published: December 2016

Purpose

To prospectively compare defects of the articular cartilage and labrum in asymptomatic volunteers and in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) matched for age and gender.

Materials and Methods

This cross‐sectional study was institutional review board approved. A total of 63 asymptomatic volunteers and 63 patients with symptomatic FAI between 20 and 50 years underwent 1.5 Tesla MRI (coronal T1‐weighted, coronal intermediate‐weighted fat saturated, transverse oblique true fast imaging with steady‐state precession [FISP], sagittal dual echo steady state [DESS] sequence). Two radiologists independently assessed defects of the cartilage and labrum at six positions. Statistics included Mann‐Whitney U‐test and Spearman's rho.

Results

A defect of the articular cartilage and/or labrum was present on average in 57% of asymptomatic volunteers, compared with 80% of symptomatic patients (P ≤ 0.028). A total of 14% of volunteers had acetabular cartilage defects, and 6% had femoral cartilage defects, compared with 47% and 30% in symptomatic patients (P ≤ 0.001 and P ≤ 0.003), respectively. Labrum defects were seen in 44% of volunteers versus 61% of patients (P ≤ 0.12). Both cartilage and labral defects were more commonly encountered in male volunteers than in female volunteers, with the largest difference seen for the acetabular cartilage (P ≤ 0.02). In all groups, the majority of cartilage and labrum defects were encountered in the anterosuperior, superior, and posterosuperior position.

Conclusion

A substantial number of asymptomatic volunteers had labral tears, defects of the acetabular cartilage, and to a lesser degree, defects of the femoral cartilage; our data demonstrate that not all cartilage and labral defects of the hip joint are symptomatic and that a similar predilection for location of defects is found in volunteers and FAI patients.

Level of Evidence:2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:440–451
Eau Méditerranée's Panopticon: Democratic Oversight for Deregulated Public Services
Authors: Bourdon Isabelle , Kimble Chris , Buffenoir Eric
Published: December 2016

How can democratic oversight of deregulated public services be provided without running the risk of reintroducing the layers of bureaucracy that deregulation was to remove? A study of the deregulation of water services provided by Eau Méditerranée in the south of France shows how a reworking of an 18th‐century concept for increasing visibility in a prison environment, updated to take account of the capabilities of today's information technology, can help. By adopting a new approach to management transparency—making the wealth of data it holds freely available to its clients—Eau Méditerranée found a novel way to provide a clear and credible form of accountability for local authorities without further increasing its bureaucratic workload. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How warm was Britain during the Last Interglacial? A critical review of Ipswichian (MIS 5e) palaeotemperature reconstructions
Authors: Candy Ian , White Tom S. , Elias Scott
Published: December 2016

The Last Interglacial [LIG, equivalent to marine isotope stage (MIS) 5e] was a period of enhanced global warmth, with potential significance for understanding future climate warming. It has long been proposed that the LIG in Britain (the Ipswichian Interglacial) was significantly warmer than present, based on the occurrence of fossils of extant thermophilous plant and animal species intolerant of the current climate. Here, we review the evidence for palaeotemperatures that can be derived from such fossil taxa (beetles, ostracods, plant macrofossils and herpetiles) to assess the level of warmth that Britain experienced during the LIG. Quantified palaeotemperature reconstructions generated for eight British sequences indicate that the LIG was likely to have been warmer than the present but at only one site (Trafalgar Square) is there strong evidence for climates that were significantly warmer than those experienced during the Holocene. Consequently, while there is evidence to support the idea that the thermal regime of the LIG in Britain was different from that of the Holocene, this evidence is restricted to a single site. The paper concludes by discussing the thermal regime of the LIG in Britain in the context of its role as an analogue for future warming in the 21st century and beyond.
Late readvance and rapid final deglaciation of the last ice sheet in the Grampian Mountains, Scotland
Authors: Hall Adrian M. , Binnie Steven A. , Sugden David , Dunai Tibor J. , Wood Christina
Published: December 2016

Towards the end of the last glaciation, ice sourced from the western Grampian Mountains of Scotland flowed down Strath Spey to encroach on the northern flanks of the Cairngorm Mountains. The maximum of this late advance and its subsequent retreat is recorded by moraines, ice‐marginal meltwater channels, and kame terraces that can be traced for 60 km along Strath Spey. New cosmogenic 10Be exposure ages from moraines indicate deglaciation at 15.1 ± 1.1 ka. This timing matches closely the recalibrated mean ages of 14.7 ± 0.7 and 15.2 ± 0.7 ka for the Wester Ross Readvance in the North‐West Highlands. A synchronous readvance of the British–Irish Ice Sheet (BIIS) towards the end of Greenland Stadial 2a (GS‐2a) (16.9–14.7 ka) is indicated. Thereafter active ice retreat from the flanks of Strath Spey was rapid, occurring within the ∼1 ka uncertainty of the cosmogenic exposure ages. We suggest the advance followed the collapse of the marine parts of the BIIS at ∼16 ka due to conditions of increased precipitation occurring at a time of low temperatures. The rapidity of deglaciation may reflect enhanced Föhn effects caused by the ice dome in the western Grampians.
Cave sediments constrain the latest Pleistocene advance of the Laurentide Ice Sheet in the Champlain Valley, Vermont, USA
Authors: Munroe Jeffrey S. , Perzan Zachary M. , Amidon William H.
Published: December 2016

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) dating were applied to cave sediments that were protected from the Marine Isotope Stage 2 (MIS‐2) advance of the Laurentide Ice Sheet (LIS) in the Champlain Valley of western Vermont. Evidence indicates that these sediments were derived from a subaerial landscape, requiring that the ice margin was north of the Champlain Valley when they were deposited. A basal sandy gravel was deposited during MIS‐4 (∼68 ka), sand near the middle of the composite stratigraphy was deposited during MIS‐3 (∼55 ka), and a layer of coarse sand in the stratigraphically highest position was deposited at the onset of MIS‐2 (∼35 ka). The youngest age constrains advance of the LIS south of the international border early in MIS‐2, and is combined with other available evidence to constrain ice advance rates over the 12 000 years leading up to the Last Glacial Maximum. Rates estimated from limiting ages were relatively slow (25 ma−1) as the ice ascended the adverse slope out of the St. Lawrence Lowland, increased as the margin advanced through the Champlain Valley, perhaps aided by subglacial bed deformation or ice streaming, and were fastest (∼100 ma−1) as the margin approached the terminal moraine position.
Determination of isoflavone (genistein and daidzein) concentration of soybean seed as affected by environment and management inputs
Authors: Laurenz Randy , Tumbalam Pavani , Naeve Seth , Thelen Kurt D
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

Isoflavones, such as genistein and daidzein, are produced in soybean seed [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and may be associated with health benefits in the human diet. More research is required to determine the effect of agronomic soybean treatments on isoflavone concentration. In this study from 2012 to 2014 at Michigan State University and Breckenridge locations, we have evaluated agronomic input management systems which are marketed to increase or protect potential soybean grain yield, including: nitrogen fertilization, herbicide–defoliant, foliar applied fertilizer, a biological‐based foliar application, foliar applied fungicide, foliar applied insecticide, a seed applied fungicide, and a maximized seed treatment that included fungicide and insecticide as well as an inoculant and lipo‐chitooligosaccharide nodulation promoter, for their effect on soybean seed genistein and daidzein concentrations.

RESULTS

Paired comparisons were made between treatments receiving a designated management input and those without the input. Year and location had a significant effect on isoflavone concentrations. Agronomic management inputs impacted soybean seed daidzein concentrations in 15 of 48 field observations and genistein concentrations in 11 of 48 observations.

CONCLUSION

The research supports findings that soybean seed isoflavone levels exhibit a location specific response, and the temporal variability experienced between years appears to influence changes in soybean isoflavone levels more than location. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry