bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Big data‐based systems through ontological trading
Authors: Iribarne Luis , Asensio José‐Andrés , Padilla Nicolás , Criado Javier
Published: March 2017

One of the great challenges the information society faces is dealing with the huge amount of information generated and handled daily on the Internet. Today, progress in Big data proposals attempt to solve this problem, but there are certain limitations to information search and retrieval due basically to the large volumes handled, the heterogeneity of the information, and its dispersion among a multitude of sources. In this article, a formal framework is defined to facilitate the design and development of an environmental management information system, which works with a heterogeneous and large amount of data. Nevertheless, this framework can be applied to other information systems that work with Big data, because it does not depend on the type of data and can be utilized in other domains. The framework is based on an ontological web‐trading model (OntoTrader), which follows model‐driven engineering and ontology‐driven engineering guidelines to separate the system architecture from its implementation. The proposal is accompanied by a case study, SOLERES‐KRS, an environmental knowledge representation system designed and developed using software agents and multi‐agent systems. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines: C‐H Functionalization in the Direction of C‐S Bond Formation
Authors: Ravi Chitrakar , Adimurthy Subbarayappa
Published: March 2017

Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines play an important role in medicinal chemistry. In spite of very drastic developments on syntheses and functionalization in this area, the use of inexpensive catalysts and mild reaction conditions constitutes an important role in pharmaceutical applications. This account describes our recent efforts on the development of new methods for the synthesis of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines using readily available starting substrates and catalysts under very mild reaction conditions. In the direction of enhancement of biological activity, we also described the synthesis of functionalized imidazo [1,2‐a]pyridine derivatives.
The two domain hypothesis of limb prepattern and its relevance to congenital limb anomalies
Authors: Tao Hirotaka , Kawakami Yasuhiko , Hui Chi‐chung , Hopyan Sevan
Published: March 2017

Functional annotation of mutations that cause human limb anomalies is enabled by basic developmental studies. In this study, we focus on the prepatterning stage of limb development and discuss a recent model that proposes anterior and posterior domains of the early limb bud generate two halves of the future skeleton. By comparing phenotypes in humans with those in model organisms, we evaluate whether this prepatterning concept helps to annotate human disease alleles. WIREs Dev Biol 2017, 6:e270. doi: 10.1002/wdev.270

This article is categorized under:

Vertebrate Organogenesis > Musculoskeletal and Vascular

Birth Defects > Organ Anomalies
Relative Tranquility in Ostomy Patients’ Social Life: A Qualitative Content Analysis
Authors: Sarabi Nasrin , Navipour Hassan , Mohammadi Eesa
Published: March 2017

Background

Ostomy significantly alters one’s elimination pattern and can affect the individual in physiological, psychosocial and spiritual aspects. Over time, the ostomy patient’s experience changes and they develop coping strategies to handle the new reality. The aims of this study sought Iranian ostomy patients’ main problem, how they deal and the outcome of their efforts to manage that problem in their daily lives.

Method

A qualitative content analysis was conducted involving twenty‐seven ostomy patients that were chosen by purposeful sampling and referred to the Iranian Ostomy Association from October 2015 to June 2016.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 55 years, 15 were males, the major cause of ostomy was colorectal cancer and the colostomy was the most common type of ostomy, and nineteen of them between one and twenty years lived with an ostomy. Most of them were married, had bachelor degree and received adjuvant therapy, and few were employed. Guarantee indecisive to maintain a stable life with an ostomy and the possibility of ostomy disclosure unpredictability show relative tranquility in patients’ social life.

Conclusion

Because of the ostomy nature, there is not the possibility of full control over life with an ostomy and this issue is causing concerns in their family and social life.
Preoperative Plasma Fibrinogen is Associated with Lymph Node Metastasis and Predicts Prognosis in Resectable Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Wakatsuki Kohei , Matsumoto Sohei , Migita Kazuhiro , Ito Masahiro , Kunishige Tomohiro , Nakade Hiroshi , Nakatani Mitsuhiro , Kitano Mutsuko , Sho Masayuki
Published: March 2017

Background

Although it is well known that patients with malignant tumors have abnormal blood coagulation, its clinical significance has not been studied. We investigated the clinicopathological and prognostic impact of plasma fibrinogen, which is the major factor of the coagulation system, in patients with esophageal cancer.

Methods

From February 1995 to December 2006, 100 patients with esophageal cancer who had their plasma fibrinogen measured were enrolled. The associations between plasma fibrinogen, clinicopathological factors, and prognosis were analyzed. A concentration of 2.0–4.0 g/L was defined as normofibrinogenemia, and a concentration higher than 4.0 g/L was described as hyperfibrinogenemia.

Results

Patients with large, advanced tumors, and lymph node metastasis had significantly higher plasma fibrinogen than those with small, early tumors, and no lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, and p = 0.03, respectively). Plasma fibrinogen was associated with not only the existence of lymph node metastasis but also the extension of lymph node metastasis and lymphatic recurrence. Patients with hyperfibrinogenemia had a significantly poor prognosis as compared to those with normofibrinogenemia, regardless of pathological staging. Plasma fibrinogen was an independent risk factor for overall survival and relapse‐free survival as well as tumor depth and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.004 and p = 0.031, respectively).

Conclusion

Preoperative plasma fibrinogen is a possible biomarker for the prediction of tumor progression, recurrence pattern, and prognosis for esophageal cancer. Preoperative plasma fibrinogen is also associated with lymph node metastasis and may be helpful in adjusting neo‐adjuvant therapy.
Is Routine Screening of Young Asymptomatic MEN1 Patients Necessary?
Authors: Manoharan Jerena , Raue Friedhelm , Lopez Caroline L. , Albers Max B. , Bollmann Carmen , Fendrich Volker , Slater Emily P. , Bartsch Detlef K.
Published: March 2017

Background

Recent clinical practice guidelines recommend that routine screening of MEN1 mutation carriers should start at the age of 5 years. The occurrence of clinically relevant MEN1 organ manifestations in children (≤18 years) was evaluated.

Methods

Two prospective collected databases of MEN1 patients (n = 166) who underwent annual screening were retrospectively analyzed for organ manifestations in MEN1 patients ≤18 years. The follow‐up was based on the most recent screening examination until December 2015.

Results

Twenty [11 females, 9 males, (12%)] of 166 MEN1 patients were diagnosed with at least one organ manifestation at age ≤18 years. The most frequent manifestation was mild asymptomatic pHPT (n = 9, 45%, age range 8–18 years). Eight (40%) young patients had pNENs (three non‐functioning pNENs, five insulinomas, age range 9–18 years). All five insulinomas were diagnosed based on hypoglycemic symptoms. The other organ manifestations were asymptomatic pituitary adenomas in six patients (30%, age range 15–18 years) and a bronchial carcinoid in one 15‐year‐old patient. Only six (30%) patients ≤18 years had clinically relevant organ manifestations.

Conclusion

Symptomatic or severe manifestations in MEN1 patients rarely occur below the age of 16 years. With regard to psychological burden and cost‐effectiveness, routine screening of asymptomatic MEN1 patients should be postponed at least until the age of 16 years.
Selective bio-oxidation of propane to acetone using methane-oxidizing Methylomonas sp. DH-1
Authors: Hur Dong Hoon , Nguyen Thu Thi , Kim Donghyuk , Lee Eun Yeol
Published: March 2017

Propane is the major component of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Nowadays, the use of LPG is decreasing, and thus utilization of propane as a chemical feedstock is in need of development. An efficient biological conversion of propane to acetone using a methanotrophic whole cell as the biocatalyst was proposed and investigated. A bio-oxidation pathway of propane to acetone in Methylomonas sp. DH-1 was analyzed by gene expression profiling via RNA sequencing. Propane was oxidized to 2-propanol by particulate methane monooxygenase and subsequently to acetone by methanol dehydrogenases. Methylomonas sp. DH-1 was deficient in acetone-converting enzymes and thus accumulated acetone in the absence of any enzyme inhibition. The maximum accumulation, average productivity and specific productivity of acetone were 16.62 mM, 0.678 mM/h and 0.141 mmol/g cell/h, respectively, under the optimized conditions. Our study demonstrates a novel method for the bioconversion of propane to acetone using methanotrophs under mild reaction condition.
Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease in Down syndrome
Authors: Dekker Alain D. , Fortea Juan , Blesa Rafael , De Deyn Peter P.
Published: March 2017

Down syndrome (DS), present in nearly six million people, is associated with an extremely high risk to develop Alzheimer's disease (AD). Amyloid‐β and tau pathology are omnipresent from age 40 years onward, but clinical symptoms do not appear in all DS individuals. Dementia diagnostics is complex in this population, illustrating the great need for predictive biomarkers. Although blood biomarkers have not yet proven useful, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers (low amyloid‐β42, high t‐tau, and high p‐tau) effectively contribute to AD diagnoses in the general population and are increasingly used in clinical practice. Surprisingly, CSF biomarkers have been barely evaluated in DS. Breaking the taboo on CSF analyses would finally allow for the elucidation of its utility in (differential) diagnoses and staging of disease severity. A sensitive and specific biomarker profile for AD in DS would be of paramount importance to daily care, adaptive caregiving, and specific therapeutic interventions.
The Impact of Policy Changes on Milk and Beverage Consumption of Texas WIC Children
Authors: Ishdorj Ariun , Capps Oral
Published: March 2017

Major changes in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food packages that were implemented in 2009 included reductions in the amount of milk and 100% juices, as well as the removal of whole milk from food packages. In analyzing the effect of these changes on the beverage consumption of Texas WIC children ages two to four, we found a significant decrease in the amount of whole milk consumed, and this decrease was partially offset by the increase in the amount of lower-fat milks consumed. Intakes of both desirable and undesirable nutrients from milk were decreased.
Animal Husbandry and Hunting Practices in Hispania Tarraconensis: An Overview
Authors: Colominas Lídia , Fernández Rodríguez Carlos , Iborra Eres Maria Pilar
Published: March 2017

With the conquest of the Iberian Peninsula by the Roman Empire, the different societies in the north, north-west, north-east, east, and centre were grouped into the same province, Hispania Tarraconensis. This article sets out to assess whether this new, Roman, territorial organization affected previous animal husbandry and hunting practices. The taxonomic and osteometric study of faunal remains from ninety-four sites dated between the fifth centurybcand third centuryadprovides an overview of animal husbandry and hunting before and after the Roman conquest. It shows that important changes took place and that this province was differentially exploited in terms of animal husbandry.
Conventional and Organic Options for the Control of Woolly Distaff Thistle (Carthamus lanatus)
Authors: DiTomaso Joseph M. , Kyser Guy B. , Lewis David J. , Roncoroni John A.
Published: March 2017

Woolly distaff thistle is a long-lived winter annual that threatens the ranching and dairy industries within the North Coast counties of California, particularly the organic producers. No peer-reviewed publications have documented effective control options or integrated management approaches for this species. We conducted two experiments, each replicated, in Marin County, California. The first compared several conventional herbicides at two timings and rates, while the second compared a conventional herbicide treatment with organic and integrated organic control methods, including an organic herbicide (mixture of capric and caprylic acids). Results of the conventional herbicide treatments showed most spring applications (March or April) of aminopyralid, aminocyclopyrachlor, clopyralid, and combinations of aminopyralid + triclopyr, or aminocyclopyrachlor + chlorsulfuron had greater than 99% control of woolly distaff thistle with fewer than 1.5 seedlings per 27-m2 plot by the end of the growing season. Higher rates were generally necessary to achieve the same level of control with winter (January) applications. In the organic herbicide treatments, the most consistent treatment was a combination of mowing followed by 9% (v/v) or the organic herbicide. This treatment was slightly less effective compared with aminopyralid but did have better than 95% control of woolly distaff thistle. The results of this study provide control options for both conventional and organic ranching practices where woolly distaff thistle is a problem.
Adjunctive N-acetylcysteine in depression: exploration of interleukin-6, C-reactive protein and brain-derived neurotrophic factor
Authors: Hasebe Kyoko , Gray Laura , Bortolasci Chiara , Panizzutti Bruna , Mohebbi Mohammadreza , Kidnapillai Srisaiyini , Spolding Briana , Walder Ken , Berk Michael , Malhi Gin , Dodd Seetal , Dean Olivia M.
Published: March 2017

Objective

This study aimed to explore effects of adjunctive N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment on inflammatory and neurogenesis markers in unipolar depression.

Methods

We embarked on a 12-week clinical trial of NAC (2000 mg/day compared with placebo) as an adjunctive treatment for unipolar depression. A follow-up visit was conducted 4 weeks following the completion of treatment. We collected serum samples at baseline and the end of the treatment phase (week 12) to determine changes in interleukin-6 (IL6), C-reactive protein (CRP) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) following NAC treatment.

Results

NAC treatment significantly improved depressive symptoms on the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) over 16 weeks of the trial. Serum levels of IL6 were associated with reductions of MADRS scores independent of treatment response. However, we found no significant changes in IL6, CRP and BDNF levels following NAC treatment.

Conclusion

Overall, this suggests that our results failed to support the hypothesis that IL6, CRP and BDNF are directly involved in the therapeutic mechanism of NAC in depression. IL6 may be a useful marker for future exploration of treatment response.
ON SERRE MICROFIBRATIONS AND A LEMMA OF M. WEISS
Authors: RAPTIS GEORGE
Published: March 2017

We show that every fibrewise map from a Serre microfibration to a Serre fibration isn-connected if it is fibrewisen-connected. This generalises a result of M. Weiss and related results by Bökstedt–Madsen and Galatius–Randal–Williams. We also discuss an application to configuration spaces.
AN EFFECTIVE BOUND FOR THE CYCLOTOMIC LOXTON–KEDLAYA RANK
Authors: BELI CONSTANTIN N. , STAN FLORIN , ZAHARESCU ALEXANDRU
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we provide an explicit upper bound for the Loxton–Kedlaya rank of the maximal abelian extension of ℚ.
COMPACT FACTORIZATION OF OPERATORS WITH λ-COMPACT ADJOINTS
Authors: BHAR ANTARA , KARN ANIL K.
Published: March 2017

Let λ be a symmetric, normal sequence space equipped with a k-symmetric, monotone norm ‖.‖λ. Also, assume that (λ, ‖.‖λ) is AK-BK. Corresponding to this sequence space λ, we study compactness of the operator ideal Kλ. We proved compactness, completeness and injectivity of the dual operator ideal Kλd. We also investigate the factorization of these operators.
Approximation faible pour les 0-cycles sur un produit de variétés rationnellement connexes
Authors: LIANG YONGQI
Published: March 2017

Considérons l'approximation faible de 0-cycles sur une variété propre lisse définie sur un corps de nombres, elle est conjecturée d'étre contrôlée par le groupe de Brauer de la variété. Soit X une surface de Châtelet ou une compactification lisse d'un espace homogéne d'un groupe algébrique linéaire connexe à stabilisateur connexe. Soit Y une variété rationnellement connexe. Nous montrons que l'approximation faible de 0-cycles sur le produit X × Y est contrôlée par son groupe de Brauer si c'est le cas pour Y après toute extension finie du corps de base. Nous ne supposons l'existence de 0-cycles de degré 1 ni sur X ni sur Y.
Three periodic solutions for discontinuous perturbations of the vector p-Laplacian operator
Authors: Bonanno Gabriele , Jebelean Petru , Şerban Călin
Published: March 2017

Using a variational approach we obtain the existence of at least three periodic solutions for discontinuous perturbations of the vector p-Laplacian operator .
X-ray investigations into silica/silver nanocomposite
Authors: Dudek K. , Podwórny J. , Dulski M. , Nowak A. , Peszke J.
Published: March 2017

X-ray diffraction data revealed that the initial SiO2/Ag nanocomposite, manufactured in a chemical synthesis process, is mainly composed of silica in amorphous phase (95.5 wt.%), crystalline Ag with a cubic structure (Fm-3m) and cristobalite (SiO2) with a tetragonal structure (P41212) in the amount of 4.2 and 0.3 wt.%, respectively. High-temperature diffraction data revealed high stability of the SiO2/Ag composite up to 1000 °C. High-temperature X-ray diffraction measurements revealed phase cristallization temperatures of silica at 1060 °C for cristobalite and 1080 °C for tridymite as well as temperature of silver evaporation starting from the composite (ca. 1000 °C). Infrared spectroscopy data confirmed the presence of amorphous matrix with embedded silver ions and crystalline compounds in the form of cristobalite and tridymite without silver after thermal treatment.
Understanding adolescent personality pathology from growth trajectories of childhood oddity
Authors: De Clercq Barbara , Verbeke Lize , De Caluwé Elien , Vercruysse Tom , Hofmans Joeri
Published: March 2017

Research on developmental trajectories of early maladaptive features for understanding later personality disorders (PDs) is increasingly recognized as an important study area. The course of early odd features is highly relevant in this regard, as only a few researchers have addressed childhood oddity in the context of emerging PDs. Using latent growth modeling, the current study explores growth parameters of odd features in a mixed sample of Flemish community and referred children (N = 485) across three measurement waves with 1-year time intervals. Personality pathology was assessed at a fourth assessment point in adolescence. Beyond a general declining trend in oddity characteristics, the results demonstrated that both an early onset and an increasing trend of oddity-related characteristics over time are independent predictors of adolescent PDs. Childhood oddity tends to be the most manifest precursor for PDs with a core oddity feature (i.e., the schizotypal and borderline PD), but also appears to predict most of the other DSM-5 PDs. Results are discussed from an overarching developmental framework on PDs (Cicchetti, 2014), specifically focusing on the principle of multifinality. From a clinical perspective, the significance of increasing or steady-high childhood oddity trajectories for adolescent PDs highlights the relevance of systematic screening processes across time.
The Medical and the Musical: French Physiology and Late Nineteenth-Century Operatic Training
Authors: Francis Kimberly , Lachapelle Sofie
Published: March 2017

In 1892, physician Achille Gouguenheim (1839–1901) was invited to teach a course on the physiology and hygiene of singing at the Paris Conservatoire. By that time, scientists had been interested in the mechanics of the ‘invisible’ singing voice for years, initially experimenting on human and animal cadavers using strings and weights to make dead larynges sing. By mid-century, with the development of better quality artificial lighting and mirrors, physicians and physiologists finally developed a better understanding of the relationship between voice and physiology. Meanwhile, by 1890, a growing number of connoisseurs and medical professionals alike were concerned that there was a crisis ruining French operatic singing. Gouguenheim and others argued that the key to improving the situation rested on embedding medical knowledge and its relationship to the proper functioning of the larynx and voice into pedagogy at the Conservatoire. Drawing upon archival documents, debates in leading periodicals and Gouguenheim’s published lecture notes, we examine the marriage between medical science and artistic pedagogy during the latter part of the nineteenth century. Overall, we argue that this evidence reveals a strand of French vocal training that merged the fields of science and artistry, if ever so briefly, creating pedagogical methods that for a few years offered the promise of rescuing French opera performance.
The form of the monostrophic ballata as a frame for a logical demonstration
Authors: RIJK ELENA ABRAMOV-VAN
Published: March 2017

The later Trecento repertoire contains many short, monostrophic ballatas with philosophical or moralising texts. Why should the poets and composers, mostly Florentine, have preferred the ballata over the madrigal when exploring serious subjects, and why did they employ the monostrophic form?

It turns out that the text structure of the monostrophic ballata is, in its essentials, comparable to the pattern of the geometric demonstration from Euclid'sElements, comprising premise, argumentation and return to the enhanced, proved premise (quod erat demonstrandum). Considered in light of Florentine Humanism's engagement with philosophy, including Ockham methods of demonstration, this article examines the possibility that Francesco Landini and other composers were sufficiently influenced by philosophy to view the structure of the monostrophic ballata as a means of logical demonstrations of refined arguments.
The Event Chain of Survival in the Context of Music Festivals: A Framework for Improving Outcomes at Major Planned Events
Authors: Lund Adam , Turris Sheila
Published: March 2017

Despite the best efforts of event producers and on-site medical teams, there are sometimes serious illnesses, life-threatening injuries, and fatalities related to music festival attendance. Producers, clinicians, and researchers are actively seeking ways to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with these events. After analyzing the available literature on music festival health and safety, several major themes emerged. Principally, stakeholder groups planning in isolation from one another (ie, in silos) create fragmentation, gaps, and overlap in plans for major planned events (MPEs).

The authors hypothesized that one approach to minimizing this fragmentation may be to create a framework to “connect the dots,” or join together the many silos of professionals responsible for safety, security, health, and emergency planning at MPEs. Adapted from the well-established literature regarding the management of cardiac arrests, both in and out of hospital, the “chain of survival” concept is applied to the disparate groups providing services that support event safety in the context of music festivals. The authors propose this framework for describing, understanding, coordinating and planning around the integration of safety, security, health, and emergency service for events. The adapted Event Chain of Survival contains six interdependent links, including: (1) event producers; (2) police and security; (3) festival health; (4) on-site medical services; (5) ambulance services; and (6) off-site medical services.

The authors argue that adapting and applying this framework in the context of MPEs in general, and music festivals specifically, has the potential to break down the current disconnected approach to event safety, security, health, and emergency planning. It offers a means of shifting the focus from a purely reactive stance to a more proactive, collaborative, and integrated approach. Improving health outcomes for music festival attendees, reducing gaps in planning, promoting consistency, and improving efficiency by reducing duplication of services will ultimately require coordination and collaboration from the beginning of event production to post-event reporting.

LundA, TurrisSA. The Event Chain of Survival in the context of music festivals: a framework for improving outcomes at major planned events. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(4):437–443.
Cross-sectional analysis of eating patterns and snacking in the US Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study 2008
Authors: Deming Denise M , Reidy Kathleen C , Fox Mary Kay , Briefel Ronette R , Jacquier Emma , Eldridge Alison L
Published: March 2017

Objective

To explore eating patterns and snacking among US infants, toddlers and pre-school children.

Design

The Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) 2008 was a cross-sectional national survey of children aged 6–47 months, weighted to reflect US age and racial/ethnic distributions. Dietary data were collected using one multiple-pass 24h recall. Eating occasions were categorized as meals, snacks or other (comprised of all feedings of breast milk and/or infant formula). The percentage of children consuming meals and snacks and their contribution to total energy, the number of snacks consumed per day, energy and nutrients coming from snacks and the most commonly consumed snacks were evaluated by age.

Setting

A national sample of US infants, toddlers and pre-school children.

Subjects

A total of 2891 children in five age groups: 6–8 months (n 249), 9–11 months (n 256), 12–23 months (n 925), 24–35 months (n 736) and 36–47 months (n 725).

Results

Snacks were already consumed by 37 % of infants beginning at 6 months; by 12 months of age, nearly 95 % were consuming at least one snack per day. Snacks provided 25 % of daily energy from the age of 12 months. Approximately 40 % of toddlers and pre-school children consumed fruit and cow’s milk during snacks; about 25 % consumed 100 % fruit juice. Cookies were introduced early; by 24 months, 57 % consumed cookies or candy in a given day.

Conclusions

Snacking is common, contributing significantly to daily energy and nutrient needs of toddlers and pre-school children. There is room for improvement, however, with many popular snacking choices contributing to excess sugar.
Interfaces in Oxides Formed on NiAlCr Doped with Y, Hf, Ti, and B
Authors: Boll Torben , Unocic Kinga A. , Pint Bruce A. , Stiller Krystyna
Published: March 2017

This study applies atom probe tomography (APT) to analyze the oxide scales formed on model NiAlCr alloys doped with Hf, Y, Ti, and B. Due to its ability to measure small amounts of alloying elements in the oxide matrix and its ability to quantify segregation, the technique offers a possibility for detailed studies of the dopant’s fate during high-temperature oxidation. Three model NiAlCr alloys with different additions of Hf, Y, Ti, and B were prepared and oxidized in O2 at 1,100°C for 100 h. All specimens showed an outer region consisting of different spinel oxides with relatively small grains and the protective Al2O3-oxide layer below. APT analyses focused mainly on this protective oxide layer. In all the investigated samples segregation of both Hf and Y to the oxide grain boundaries was observed and quantified. Neither B nor Ti were observed in the alumina grains or at the analyzed interfaces. The processes of formation of oxide scales and segregation of the alloying elements are discussed. The experimental challenges of the oxide analyses by APT are also addressed.
Changing the Subject of Education? A Critical Evaluation of ‘Vulnerability Creep’ and its Implications
Authors: Ecclestone Kathryn
Published: March 2017

Vulnerability has become a ubiquitous description in policy and everyday educational settings as well as a foundation for a progressive politics, inside and outside education. Increasingly embedded in apocalyptic discourses about mental health, a psycho-emotional interpretation of vulnerability has elevated its status as a powerful and highly normative cultural metaphor. The article uses a critical realist approach to explore wider developments in ‘therapeutic culture’ that frame the rise of what I call ‘vulnerability creep’ in the education system. Drawing together examples of vulnerability creep in English universities, I argue that the Prevent counter-terrorism strategy is a stark illumination of dangers that arise when educational goals and practices are rooted in images of psycho-emotionally vulnerable human subjects. The phenomena explored in the article raise important social science questions that require further empirical and theoretical study.
DNA damage during S-phase mediates the proliferation-quiescence decision in the subsequent G1 via p21 expression
Authors: Barr Alexis R. , Cooper Samuel , Heldt Frank S. , Butera Francesca , Stoy Henriette , Mansfeld Jörg , Novák Béla , Bakal Chris
Published: March 2017

Following DNA damage caused by exogenous sources, such as ionizing radiation, the tumour suppressor p53 mediates cell cycle arrest via expression of the CDK inhibitor, p21. However, the role of p21 in maintaining genomic stability in the absence of exogenous DNA-damaging agents is unclear. Here, using live single-cell measurements of p21 protein in proliferating cultures, we show that naturally occurring DNA damage incurred over S-phase causes p53-dependent accumulation of p21 during mother G2- and daughter G1-phases. High p21 levels mediate G1 arrest via CDK inhibition, yet lower levels have no impact on G1 progression, and the ubiquitin ligases CRL4Cdt2 and SCFSkp2 couple to degrade p21 prior to the G1/S transition. Mathematical modelling reveals that a bistable switch, created by CRL4Cdt2, promotes irreversible S-phase entry by keeping p21 levels low, preventing premature S-phase exit upon DNA damage. Thus, we characterize how p21 regulates the proliferation-quiescence decision to maintain genomic stability.
Winter temperatures limit population growth rate of a migratory songbird
Authors: Woodworth Bradley K. , Wheelwright Nathaniel T. , Newman Amy E. , Schaub Michael , Norris D. Ryan
Published: March 2017

Understanding the factors that limit and regulate wildlife populations requires insight into demographic and environmental processes acting throughout the annual cycle. Here, we combine multi-year tracking data of individual birds with a 26-year demographic study of a migratory songbird to evaluate the relative effects of density and weather at the breeding and wintering grounds on population growth rate. Our results reveal clear support for opposing forces of winter temperature and breeding density driving population dynamics. Above-average temperatures at the wintering grounds lead to higher population growth, primarily through their strong positive effects on survival. However, population growth is regulated over the long term by strong negative effects of breeding density on both fecundity and adult male survival. Such knowledge of how year-round factors influence population growth, and the demographic mechanisms through which they act, will vastly improve our ability to predict species responses to environmental change and develop effective conservation strategies for migratory animals.
Link of dietary patterns with metabolic syndrome: analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Mazidi M , Pennathur S , Afshinnia F
Published: March 2017

Background:

Population-based interventions aimed at halting the increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) require thorough understanding of dietary interplays. Objective is to identify the independent dietary nutrients associated with MetS and its components using dietary pattern identification and the single-nutrient approaches in The United States.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional observation. Participants are selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with available dietary intake, biochemical and anthropometrical data from 2001 to 2012. Exposure is diet obtained from 24-h dietary recall. Main outcome measure is MetS and its components.

Results:

Overall, 23 157 eligible individuals including 6561 with MetS were included in the final analysis. Using principle component analysis, we identified three food patterns that explained 50.8% of the variance of the dietary nutrient consumption. The highest quartile of the factor score representative of saturated/monounsaturated fatty acids or the first dietary pattern was associated with 1.27-fold (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10–1.46, P=0.001) higher odds of association with MetS when compared with the first quartile. The second pattern representative of vitamins and trace elements had an odds ratio of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.70–0.89, P<0.001) for association with MetS, and the third pattern representative of polyunsaturated fatty acids did not have any association with MetS. The nutrient-by-nutrient approach showed that mild alcohol intake and lower consumption of total saturated fatty acids and sodium were associated with lower risk of MetS.

Conclusions:

Application of multiple complementary analytic approaches reveals more comprehensive dietary determinants of MetS and its components as potential intervening targets.
Hyperglycemia exacerbates colon cancer malignancy through hexosamine biosynthetic pathway
Authors: Vasconcelos-dos-Santos A , Loponte H F B R , Mantuano N R , Oliveira I A , de Paula I F , Teixeira L K , de-Freitas-Junior J C M , Gondim K C , Heise N , Mohana-Borges R , Morgado-Díaz J A , Dias W B , Todeschini A R
Published: March 2017

Hyperglycemia is a common feature of diabetes mellitus, considered as a risk factor for cancer. However, its direct effects in cancer cell behavior are relatively unexplored. Herein we show that high glucose concentration induces aberrant glycosylation, increased cell proliferation, invasion and tumor progression of colon cancer. By modulating the activity of the rate-limiting enzyme, glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFAT), we demonstrate that hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP) is involved in those processes. Biopsies from patients with colon carcinoma show increased levels of GFAT and consequently aberrant glycans’ expression suggesting an increase of HBP flow in human colon cancer. All together, our results open the possibility that HBP links hyperglycemia, aberrant glycosylation and tumor malignancy, and suggest this pathway as a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.
Therapeutic efficacy of neural stem cells originating from umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Yuexin , Kong Jiahui , Dong Meng , Duan Hongtao , Chen Song
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of intravitreal injection of neural stem cells (NSCs) originating from human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) on neurodegeneration of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in rats. UC-MSCs were isolated and passaged, followed by induction to NSCs in neural differentiation medium. Four weeks following NSC transplantation, treatment attenuated retinal vascular dysfunction compared with non-treated rats, and BDNF and Thy-1 expression was significantly higher in the treated group than in the control group. Treatment of diabetic rats with NSCs prevented the decrease in BDNF levels caused by diabetes. The average leakage of Evans Blue (EB) dye in the treated group was significantly less than that in the control group. These morphological improvements were accompanied by a restoration of vision, as documented by F-ERG. NSCs originating from MSCs demonstrated a neuroprotective effect by increasing the number of surviving RGCs and significantly reducing the progression of DR. Thus, transplantation of NSCs could be a novel strategy for the treatment of neurodegeneration in DR.
Quantitative profiling of glycerophospholipids during mouse and human macrophage differentiation using targeted mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Cuiping , Wang Yi , Wang Fang , Wang Zhenxin , Lu Yu , Xu Ying , Wang Ke , Shen Huali , Yang Pengyuan , Li Shan , Qin Xue , Yu Hongxiu
Published: March 2017

Macrophage lipid metabolism plays a pivotal role in innate and adaptive immune responses. Previous studies have shown that this process plays a role in infections and contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetes, atherosclerosis, and other immunometabolic diseases. M1 macrophages, or classically activated macrophages, are key players in the defense against bacterial infections. M2 macrophages, or alternatively activated macrophages, are involved in anti-inflammatory responses. Using the multiple reaction monitoring method, we identified changes in lipid composition during the differentiation of human and murine macrophages. We detected over 300 lipid molecules in mammalian macrophages, and we observed a striking shift in the composition of glycerophospholipids (GLs) from saturated and monounsaturated to polyunsaturated during human macrophage polarization. Moreover, M2 macrophages showed a higher level of lysophospholipids (lysoGLs) than did M1 macrophages. The lysoPI species increased in human and mouse M2 macrophages, suggesting that they may be involved in M2 macrophage polarization and anti-inflammatory processes. Collectively, these results indicate that lipids may play a role in the pro- and anti-inflammatory activities of macrophages and may be markers of the macrophage activation state.
The relationship between retinal nerve fibre layer thickness profiles and CorvisST tonometry measured biomechanical properties in young healthy subjects
Authors: Matsuura Masato , Murata Hiroshi , Nakakura Shunsuke , Nakao Yoshitaka , Yamashita Takehiro , Hirasawa Kazunori , Fujino Yuri , Kiuchi Yoshiaki , Asaoka Ryo
Published: March 2017

We previously reported that a shallow circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) peak angle as measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) suggests the temporal retina is stretched around the optic disc from the papillo-macular bundle (Yamashita T et al. Investigative Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2013). The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship between CorvisST tonometry (CST) corneal measurements, axial length (AL) and the change in OCT-measured cpRNFL peak angle, in young healthy subjects. OCT and CST measurements were carried out in 97 eyes of 97 young healthy volunteers. The relationship between cpRNFL peak angle and 12 CST parameters, adjusted for AL, was investigated using linear modelling. The mean ± standard deviation cpRNFL peak angle of the 97 healthy volunteers was 130.6 ± 25.4 (range: 77.8 to 207.0) degrees. The optimal linear model to explain cpRNFL peak angle (chosen from 216 different models) included three CST variables related to the speed and size of energy absorption (namely, A1 time, A1 length and A2 time), in addition to AL. In eyes with longer AL and shorter energy absorption in CST measurement, temporal retina is stretched around the optic disc from the papillo-macular bundle, as suggested by a shallow cpRNFL peak angle.
Occlusion and Disocclusion Time Changes in Single Unit Crowns Designed by Functional Generated Path Technique: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Lin Ping-ting , Jiao Yang , Zhao San-jun , Wang Fu , Li Ling , Yu Fan , Tian Min , Yu Hao-han , Chen Ji-hua
Published: March 2017

Although it is believed that implementation of the functional generated path (FGP) technique can facilitate occlusal surface design for restorations, it has not been objectively compared in situ with the conventional fabrication yet. Therefore, in the present study, a single-blind crossover clinical trial was conducted using T-scan to compare changes in occlusion time (OT) and disocclusion time (DT) of single posterior artificial crowns designed differently using FGP technique (FGP), average-value FGP technique (AVR) and conventional fabrication (CON). Each of the 10 participants took part in the study tried three artificial crowns in different sequences according to a computer generated randomization list. The results objectively revealed that changes in OT and DT were significantly smaller for FGP than CON (P < 0.05) and considerably smaller for AVR than CON, respectively. The subjective feedback and the occlusal adjusting time were better and shorter for FGP and AVR than CON (P < 0.05). No harm to the participants occurred. Overall, FGP is an efficient technique showing more physiological harmonious relationship with the articulating system.
APOE Genotype Effects on Intrinsic Brain Network Connectivity in Patients with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Wang Zan , Dai Zhengjia , Shu Hao , Liao Xuhong , Yue Chunxian , Liu Duan , Guo Qihao , He Yong , Zhang Zhijun
Published: March 2017

Whether and how the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 genotype specifically modulates brain network connectivity in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) remain largely unknown. Here, we employed resting-state (‘task-free’) functional MRI and network centrality approaches to investigate local (degree centrality, DC) and global (eigenvector centrality, EC) functional integrity in the whole-brain connectome in 156 older adults, including 66 aMCI patients (27 ε4-carriers and 39 non-carriers) and 90 healthy controls (45 ε4-carriers and 45 non-carriers). We observed diagnosis-by-genotype interactions on DC in the left superior/middle frontal gyrus, right middle temporal gyrus and cerebellum, with higher values in the ε4-carriers than non-carriers in the aMCI group. We further observed diagnosis-by-genotype interactions on EC, with higher values in the right middle temporal gyrus but lower values in the medial parts of default-mode network in the ε4-carriers than non-carriers in the aMCI group. Notably, these genotype differences in DC or EC were absent in the control group. Finally, the network connectivity DC values were negatively correlated with cognitive performance in the aMCI ε4-carriers. Our findings suggest that the APOE genotype selectively modulates the functional integration of brain networks in patients with aMCI, thus providing important insight into the gene-connectome interaction in this disease.
X-ray Dark-field Radiography - In-Vivo Diagnosis of Lung Cancer in Mice
Authors: Scherer Kai , Yaroshenko Andre , Bölükbas Deniz Ali , Gromann Lukas B. , Hellbach Katharina , Meinel Felix G. , Braunagel Margarita , Berg Jens von , Eickelberg Oliver , Reiser Maximilian F. , Pfeiffer Franz , Meiners Silke , Herzen Julia
Published: March 2017

Accounting for about 1.5 million deaths annually, lung cancer is the prevailing cause of cancer deaths worldwide, mostly associated with long-term smoking effects. Numerous small-animal studies are performed currently in order to better understand the pathogenesis of the disease and to develop treatment strategies. Within this letter, we propose to exploit X-ray dark-field imaging as a novel diagnostic tool for the detection of lung cancer on projection radiographs. Here, we demonstrate in living mice bearing lung tumors, that X-ray dark-field radiography provides significantly improved lung tumor detection rates without increasing the number of false-positives, especially in the case of small and superimposed nodules, when compared to conventional absorption-based imaging. While this method still needs to be adapted to larger mammals and finally humans, the technique presented here can already serve as a valuable tool in evaluating novel lung cancer therapies, tested in mice and other small animal models.
Non cell-autonomous role of DCC in the guidance of the corticospinal tract at the midline
Authors: Welniarz Quentin , Morel Marie-Pierre , Pourchet Oriane , Gallea Cécile , Lamy Jean-Charles , Cincotta Massimo , Doulazmi Mohamed , Belle Morgane , Méneret Aurélie , Trouillard Oriane , Ruiz Marta , Brochard Vanessa , Meunier Sabine , Trembleau Alain , Vidailhet Marie , Chédotal Alain , Dusart Isabelle , Roze Emmanuel
Published: March 2017

DCC, a NETRIN-1 receptor, is considered as a cell-autonomous regulator for midline guidance of many commissural populations in the central nervous system. The corticospinal tract (CST), the principal motor pathway for voluntary movements, crosses the anatomic midline at the pyramidal decussation. CST fails to cross the midline in Kanga mice expressing a truncated DCC protein. Humans with heterozygous DCC mutations have congenital mirror movements (CMM). As CMM has been associated, in some cases, with malformations of the pyramidal decussation, DCC might also be involved in this process in human. Here, we investigated the role of DCC in CST midline crossing both in human and mice. First, we demonstrate by multimodal approaches, that patients with CMM due to DCC mutations have an increased proportion of ipsilateral CST projections. Second, we show that in contrast to Kanga mice, the anatomy of the CST is not altered in mice with a deletion of DCC in the CST. Altogether, these results indicate that DCC controls CST midline crossing in both humans and mice, and that this process is non cell-autonomous in mice. Our data unravel a new level of complexity in the role of DCC in CST guidance at the midline.
MdHIR proteins repress anthocyanin accumulation by interacting with the MdJAZ2 protein to inhibit its degradation in apples
Authors: Chen Ke-Qin , Zhao Xian-Yan , An Xiu-Hong , Tian Yi , Liu Dan-Dan , You Chun-Xiang , Hao Yu-Jin
Published: March 2017

In higher plants, jasmonate ZIM-domain (JAZ) proteins negatively regulate the biosynthesis of anthocyanins by interacting with bHLH transcription factors. However, it is largely unknown if and how other regulators are involved in this process. In this study, the apple MdJAZ2 protein was characterized in regards to its function in the negative regulation of anthocyanin accumulation and peel coloration. MdJAZ2 was used as a bait to screen a cDNA library using the yeast two-hybrid method. The hypersensitive induced reaction (HIR) proteins, MdHIR2 and MdHIR4, were obtained from this yeast two-hybrid. The ZIM domain of MdJAZ2 and the PHB domain of the MdHIR proteins are necessary for their interactions. The interactions were further verified using an in vitro pull-down assay. Subsequently, immunoblotting assays demonstrated that MdHIR4 enhanced the stability of the MdJAZ2-GUS protein. Finally, a viral vector-based transformation method showed that MdHIR4 inhibited anthocyanin accumulation and fruit coloration in apple by modulating the expression of genes associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis.