bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Membrane vesicles from Pseudomonas aeruginosa activate the noncanonical inflammasome through caspase‐5 in human monocytes
Authors: Bitto Natalie J , Baker Paul J , Dowling Jennifer K , Wray‐McCann Georgie , De Paoli Amanda , Tran Le Son , Leung Pak Ling , Stacey Katryn J , Mansell Ashley , Masters Seth L , Ferrero Richard L 
Published: July 2018

AbstractOuter membrane vesicles (OMVs) are constitutively produced by Gram‐negative bacteria both in vivo and in vitro. These lipid‐bound structures carry a range of immunogenic components derived from the parent cell, which are transported into host target cells and activate the innate immune system. Recent advances in the field have shed light on some of the multifaceted roles of OMVs in host–pathogen interactions. In this study, we investigated the ability of OMVs from two clinically important pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Helicobacter pylori, to activate canonical and noncanonical inflammasomes. P. aeruginosa OMVs induced inflammasome activation in mouse macrophages, as evidenced by “speck” formation, as well as the cleavage and secretion of interleukin‐1β and caspase‐1. These responses were independent of AIM2 and NLRC4 canonical inflammasomes, but dependent on the noncanonical caspase‐11 pathway. Moreover, P. aeruginosa OMVs alone were able to activate the inflammasome in a TLR‐dependent manner, without requiring an exogenous priming signal. In contrast, H. pylori OMVs were not able to induce inflammasome activation in macrophages. Using CRISPR/Cas9 knockout THP‐1 cells lacking the human caspase‐11 homologs, caspase‐4 and ‐5,we demonstrated that caspase‐5 but not caspase‐4 is required for inflammasome activation by P. aeruginosa OMVs in human monocytes. In contrast, free P. aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide (LPS) transfected into cells induced inflammasome responses via caspase‐4. This suggests that caspase‐4 and caspase‐5 differentially recognize LPS depending on its physical form or route of delivery into the cell. These findings have relevance to Gram‐negative infections in humans and the use of OMVs as novel vaccines.
Grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under long‐term heat stress is sink‐limited with stronger inhibition of kernel setting than grain filling
Authors: Hütsch Birgit W. , Jahn Dana , Schubert Sven 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe aim of the study was to investigate source‐sink relations of wheat under continuous heat stress and to identify bottle necks of yield formation. A pot experiment was conducted in two climatic chambers exposing wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Thasos) either to day/night temperatures of 20/20°C (control conditions) or of 30/25°C (heat stress) during the whole vegetation period in the absence of plant water deficit. Plants were harvested at four phenological stages: three‐node stage (DC 33), start of flowering (DC 61), grain filling (DC 75) and maturity (DC 94). Heat stress shortened the development phases of the plants and caused a significant decrease in total above‐ground biomass between 19% and 41%. At grain filling and at maturity, the reductions in total shoot biomass mainly resulted from grain yield depressions by 77% and 58%, respectively. The ear number per plant was significantly higher under heat stress in comparison with the control, at maturity it was more than doubled. On the contrary, under heat stress, the kernel number per ear was strongly decreased by 83% and 75% during grain filling and at maturity, respectively. The decrease in individual kernel weight was 23% at maturity. Thus, the heat‐stressed plants were able to strongly increase the number of ear‐bearing tillers which were able to set only a small number of kernels, yet these kernels showed good grain filling. The harvest index (HI) of heat‐stressed plants was significantly reduced by 36% (control: HI = 50.1% ± 0.4, heat: HI = 32.2% ± 0.9***). The plants in the stress treatment adapted to the adverse conditions by less biomass production which presumably allowed a higher transpiration without an increase in total water consumption. Nevertheless, under heat stress, the water use efficiency (WUEgrain) was strongly decreased by 62% as a result of a small grain yield. In ears and grains, the sucrose, glucose and fructose concentrations were not significantly different between control and heat stress at start of flowering and during grain filling. Thus, the supply of assimilates was not restricted (no source limitation). Sink capacity was reduced by heat stress, as lesser and smaller kernels were produced than in the control. Concerning sink activity, the sink‐limiting step during kernel set is probably the active transport of hexoses across the plasma membrane into the developing kernels, which could also affect grain filling. This needs to be investigated in more detail in further studies.
Office blood pressure measurement in the 21st century
Authors: Myers Martin G. , Asmar Roland , Staessen Jan A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMeasurement of blood pressure (BP) using the auscultatory method must follow specific rules and conditions to be reliable. Nonetheless, these requirements are often not followed in clinical practice, resulting in inaccurate BP readings. Simply replacing manual sphygmomanometers with an oscillometric device may still produce readings that are associated with a white coat effect. These limitations can be overcome by using an oscillometric sphygmomanometer that automatically records multiple readings with the patient resting quietly and alone, called automated office (AO)BP. AOBP produces office readings with a reduced white coat effect, which are also similar to the awake ambulatory BP. There is also evidence that AOBP is a better predictor of target organ damage than attended office BP. Furthermore, clinical outcome data support AOBP as having both a similar diagnostic threshold as awake ambulatory BP and a lower treatment target. Using AOBP in clinical practice simplifies recording office BP by not requiring an additional period of rest before activation of the device and by not having staff present during the actual measurements. Recent studies have reported that automatic BP measurements taken by staff in research studies with close adherence to guidelines using AOBP devices may produce similar readings to AOBP. Further research is needed to determine the best method for recording BP at systolic targets < 130 mm Hg and the relationship of office BP to ambulatory BP and home BP.
Development, characterization and virus susceptibility of a continuous cell line from the caudal fin of marbled eel (Anguilla marmorata)
Authors: Pao H Y , Wu C Y , Huang C H , Wen C M 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA continuous cell line consisting mostly of epithelioid cells was established from the caudal fin of marbled eels (Anguilla marmorata) and designated as marbled eel caudal fin (MECF)‐1. The cells multiplied well in Leibovitz's L‐15 medium containing 2% to 15% foetal bovine serum at temperatures of 20°C to 35°C and were subcultured for >90 passages during a 5‐year period from 2012 to 2017. Transcripts of ictacalcin, keratin 13, cd146, nestin, ncam1 and myod1 were demonstrated in the cells using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The results indicated that MECF‐1 was composed of epidermal and mesenchyme stem and progenitor cells including myoblasts. MECF‐1 was susceptible to Japanese eel herpesvirus HVA980811, marbled eel polyoma‐like virus (MEPyV), aquabirnavirus MEIPNV1310 and aquareovirus CSV. By contrast, MECF‐1 was noted refractory to megalocytiviruses RSIV‐Ku and GSIV‐K1 infection. Moreover, the cells were resistant to betanodavirus infection. In conclusion, MECF‐1 derived from marbled eel is suitable for studies on anguillid viruses and interaction with host cells.
Railroad development, temporal‐spatial externalities, and growth spillover: Theory and empirical evidence
Authors: Chen Yun , Wei Lijia 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis paper develops an extended Solow model by considering the time‐variant spillover effect of interregional economies. Instead of using fixed spatial distances among regions, the regions' temporal‐spatial distances are measured by constructing a database of train types and calculating the fastest region‐to‐region routes. We collect provincial economic data and railroads data over the period 2003–2012 in China to establish a dynamic temporal‐spatial panel model. The estimation results indicate significant temporal‐spatial externalities. Compared with classical spatial models, the temporal‐spatial model not only has a much better goodness‐of‐fit but also has consistent total effects, direct effects and indirect effects.
Single and multiple dose pharmacokinetics of a novel mirtazapine transdermal ointment in cats
Authors: Buhles William , Quimby Jessica M. , Labelle Daizie , Williams Valentine S. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractSingle and multiple dose pharmacokinetics (PK) of mirtazapine transdermal ointment applied to the inner ear pinna of cats were assessed. Study 1 was a randomized, cross‐over single dose study (n = 8). Cats were treated once with 0.5 mg/kg of mirtazapine transdermal ointment applied topically to the inner ear pinna (treatment) or administered orally (control) and then crossed over after washout. Plasma was collected predose and at specified intervals over 96 hr following dosing. Study 2 was a multiple dose study (n = 8). Cats were treated daily for 14 days with 0.5 mg/kg of mirtazapine transdermal ointment applied topically to the inner pinna. Plasma was collected on Day 13 predose and at specified intervals over 96 hr following the final dose. In Study 1, single transdermal administration of mirtazapine resulted in mean Tmax = 15.9 hr, Cmax = 21.5 ng/mL, AUC0‐24 = 100 ng*hr/mL, AUC0‐∞ = 260 ng*hr/mL and calculated half‐life = 26.8 hr. Single oral administration of mirtazapine resulted in mean Tmax = 1.1 hr, Cmax = 83.1 ng/mL, AUC0‐24 = 377 ng*hr/mL, AUC0‐∞ = 434 ng*hr/mL and calculated half‐life = 10.1 hr. Mean relative bioavailability (F) of transdermal to oral dosing was 64.9%. In Study 2, daily application of mirtazapine for 14 days resulted in mean Tmax = 2.1 hr, Cmax = 39.6 ng/mL, AUC0‐24 = 400 ng*hr/mL, AUC0‐∞ = 647 ng*hr/mL and calculated half‐life = 20.7 hr. Single and repeat topical doses of a novel mirtazapine transdermal ointment achieve measurable plasma concentrations in cats.
Hookworms Make Us Human: The Microbiome, Eco‐immunology, and a Probiotic Turn in Western Health Care
Authors: Lorimer Jamie 
Published: July 2018

AbstractHistorians of science have identified an ecological turn underway in immunology, driven by the mapping of the human microbiome and wider environmentalist anxieties. A figure is emerging of the human as a holobiont, composed of microbes and threatened by both microbial excess and microbial absence. Antimicrobial approaches to germ warfare are being supplemented by probiotic approaches to restoring microbial life. This article examines the political ecology of this probiotic turn in Western health care. It focuses onNecator americanus—a species of human hookworm—and its relations with immunologists. The analysis moves from a history of human disentanglement from hookworm, to contemporary anxieties about their absence. It examines the reintroduction of worms for helminthic therapy and explores emerging trajectories for probiotic health care involving the synthesis, modification, and/or restoration of worms and their salutary ecologies. The conclusion differentiates these trajectories and identifies an emerging model of “post‐paleo” microbiopolitics.
The impact of transposable elements in adaptive evolution
Authors: Schrader Lukas , Schmitz Jürgen 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe growing knowledge about the influence of transposable elements (TEs) on (a) long‐term genome and transcriptome evolution; (b) genomic, transcriptomic and epigenetic variation within populations; and (c) patterns of somatic genetic differences in individuals continues to spur the interest of evolutionary biologists in the role ofTEs in adaptive evolution. AsTEs can trigger a broad range of molecular variation in a population with potentially severe fitness and phenotypic consequences for individuals, different mechanisms evolved to keepTEactivity in check, allowing for a dynamic interplay between the host, itsTEs and the environment in evolution. Here, we review evidence for adaptive phenotypic changes associated withTEs and the basic molecular mechanisms by which the underlying genetic changes arise: (a) domestication, (b) exaptation, (c) host gene regulation, (d)TE‐mediated formation of intronless gene copies—so‐called retrogenes and (e) overall increased genome plasticity. Furthermore, we review and discuss how the stress‐dependent incapacitation of defence mechanisms against the activity ofTEs might facilitate adaptive responses to environmental challenges and how such mechanisms might be particularly relevant in species frequently facing novel environments, such as invasive, pathogenic or parasitic species.
Work of breathing for cuffed and uncuffed pediatric endotracheal tubes in an in vitro lung model setting
Authors: Thomas Jörg , Weiss Markus , Cannizzaro Vincenzo , Both Christian Peter , Schmidt Alexander Robert 
Published: July 2018

SummaryBackgroundOver the last decade, cuffed endotracheal tubes are increasingly used in pediatric anesthesia and also in pediatric intensive care. However, the smaller inner diameter of cuffed endotracheal tubes and, implicitly, the increased endotracheal tube resistance is still a matter of debate.AimsThis in vitro study investigated work of breathing and inspiratory airway pressures in cuffed and uncuffed endotracheal tubes and the impact of pressure support ventilation and automatic tube compensation.MethodsIn 5 simulated neonatal and pediatric lung models, the Active Servo Lung 5000 and an intensive care ventilator were used to quantify the differences in work of breathing under spontaneous breathing (with and without pressure support ventilation and automatic tube compensation) between cuffed and uncuffed endotracheal tubes. Additionally, differences in inspiratory airway pressures, measured either proximal or distal of the endotracheal tube, between cuffed and uncuffed endotracheal tubes under mechanical ventilation were investigated.ResultsWork of breathing was overall 10.27% [95% confidence interval 9.01‐11.94] higher with cuffed than with uncuffed endotracheal tubes and was dramatically reduced by 34.19% [95% confidence interval 31.61‐35.25] with the application of pressure support. Automatic tube compensation almost diminished work of breathing differences between the 2 endotracheal tube types in nearly all pediatric lung models. Peak inspiratory and mean airway pressures measured at the proximal endotracheal tube end revealed significantly higher values in cuffed than in uncuffed endotracheal tubes. However, these differences measured at the distal end of the endotracheal tube became minimal.ConclusionThis in vitro study confirmed significant differences in work of breathing and inspiratory pressures between cuffed and uncuffed endotracheal tubes. Work of breathing, however, is almost neutralized by pressure support ventilation with automatic tube compensation and distal inspiratory airway pressures that, from a clinical perspective, are not significantly increased.
Estimated glomerular filtration rate after nephrectomy for Wilms tumor
Authors: Kazama Takuro , Nio Masaki , Sasaki Hideyuki , Fukuzawa Taichi , Sato Tomoyuki 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess long‐term residual kidney function after unilateral nephrectomy for non‐syndromic Wilms tumor (NSWT).MethodsOf the patients who underwent one‐sided NSWT at Tohoku University Hospital between 1977 and 2003, nine were followed up until age ≥18 years. For these nine patients, we retrospectively evaluated estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in childhood (3–10 years old), adolescence (11–17 years old) and adulthood (≥18 years).ResultsMean age at the last follow up was 23.0 years. Tumor classification was as follows: stage I tumor, n = 6; stage II tumor, n = 3; mixed‐type nephroblastoma, n = 8; and congenital mesoblastic nephroma, n = 1. Mean eGFR was 101.3 ± 21.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 in childhood, 106.0 ± 32.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 in adolescence and 100.5 ± 20.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 in adulthood. Therefore, no significant change in eGFR was observed over the three life stages evaluated. Further, none of the patients met the diagnostic criteria for chronic kidney disease by early adulthood.ConclusionseGFR after unilateral nephrectomy in patients with NSWT remained ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 during the transition from childhood to early adulthood, with no development of chronic kidney disease or end‐stage kidney failure.
Investigating spatial variations in access to childcare provision using network‐based Geographic Information System models
Authors: Langford Mitchel , Higgs Gary , Dallimore David J. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA “flagship” policy outlined in the current Welsh Government's 2016 Programme for Government aims to provide 30 hours of free early education and childcare per week to the working parents of three‐ and four‐year‐olds. However, in common with many other countries, there is currently a lack of detail regarding existing levels of childcare provision that can act as a benchmark with which to examine the impacts of this policy. This article addresses an urgent need to understand current levels of provision at detailed geographical scales so as to provide an accurate picture of early childhood education and care across Wales. By drawing on Geographic Information System network models we compare the spatial distribution of providers with that of potential demand arising from those population groups targeted in the childcare offer. These provide a simple to understand supply‐to‐demand ratio that overcome the limitations of ratios derived for arbitrary administrative boundaries. The types of map‐based outputs that emanate from such an approach are demonstrated to provide more insights into spatial patterns of accessibility to current levels of childcare provision. These have guided the choice of pilot studies that will inform the roll out of the full childcare offer by the Welsh Government in 2020.
Social policies and solidarity during the Greek Crisis
Authors: Kourachanis Nikos , Lalioti Varvara , Venieris Dimitris 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis article provides a succinct overview of the phenomenon of solidarization in crisis‐ridden Greece. Brief accounts of the pre‐ and post‐crisis situation in four core social policy areas (health, employment, housing, education) are combined with the presentation of four illustrative case studies, one for each of the aforementioned areas. Drawing on a broad range of primary and secondary data, including 20 in‐depth interviews with key stakeholders and end‐users of the actions examined, we argue that while the crisis provoked a further “residualization” of the institutionalized solidarity system, it also triggered the development of new solidarity ventures, both by state and non‐state actors, often even including partnerships between them. These ventures reflect the building of a bridge between institutionalized and informal solidarity in Greece and the shift towards a new type of mixed, although fragmented, mode of solidarity.
A parametric study of DIC measurement uncertainties on cracked metals
Authors: Wigger Tim , Lupton Colin , Tong Jie 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDisplacements and strains in the presence of a crack in welded steels have been studied using digital image correlation (DIC) under zero load and selected loading conditions. A parametric study has been carried out to assess the effects of some of the key parameters, including subset size, step size, and the size of the measurement window, on the measurement uncertainties for systematic and random errors. The assessments were carried out a region around the crack tip, where high strain gradients and inhomogeneous deformation present significant challenges for DIC measurements.
Ethylene signaling is critical for synergid cell functional specification and pollen tube attraction
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Teng Xiao‐Dong , Zheng Quan‐Quan , Zhao Yan‐Yun , Lu Jie‐Yang , Wang Yichuan , Guo Hongwei , Yang Zhong‐Nan 
Published: July 2018

SummaryETHYLENE INSENSITIVE 3 (EIN3) is a key regulator of ethylene signaling, and EIN3‐BINDING F‐BOX1 (EBF1) and EBF2 are responsible for EIN3 degradation. Previous reports have shown that the ebf1 ebf2 double homozygous mutant cannot be identified. In this study, the genetic analysis revealed that the ebf1 ebf2 female gametophyte is defective. The pollination experiment showed that ebf1 ebf2 ovules failed to attract pollen tubes. In female gametophyte/ovule, the synergid cell is responsible for pollen tube attraction. Observation of the pEIN3::EIN3‐GFP transgenic lines showed that EIN3 signal was over‐accumulated at the micropylar end of ebf1 ebf2 female gametophyte. The overexpression of stabilized EIN3 in synergid cell led to the defect of pollen tube guidance. These results suggested that the over‐accumulated EIN3 in ebf1 ebf2 synergid cell blocks its pollen tube attraction which leads to the failure of ebf1 ebf2 homozygous plant. We identified that EIN3 directly activated the expression of a sugar transporter, SENESCENCE‐ASSOCIATED GENE29 (SAG29/SWEET15). Overexpression of SAG29 in synergid cells blocked pollen tube attraction, suggesting that SAG29 might play a role in ethylene signaling to repel pollen tube entry. Taken together, our study reveals that strict control of ethylene signaling is critical for the synergid cell function during plant reproduction.
The pentatricopeptide repeat protein EMPTY PERICARP8 is required for the splicing of three mitochondrial introns and seed development in maize
Authors: Sun Feng , Zhang Xiaoyan , Shen Yun , Wang Hongchun , Liu Rui , Wang Xiaomin , Gao Dahai , Yang Yan‐Zhuo , Liu Yiwei , Tan Bao‐Cai 
Published: July 2018

SummarySplicing of plant organellar group II introns is under accurate nuclear control that employs many nucleus‐encoded protein cofactors from various families. For mitochondrial introns, only a few splicing factors have been characterized because disruption of their functions often causes embryo lethality. Here, we report the function of Empty Pericarp8 (Emp8) in the splicing of three group II introns in mitochondria, complex I biogenesis, and seed development in maize. Emp8 encodes a P subfamily pentatricopeptide repeat protein that localizes in mitochondria. The loss‐of‐function mutants of Emp8 are embryo lethal, showing severely arrested embryo and endosperm development in maize. The respiration rate in the emp8 mutants is reduced with substantially enhanced expression of alternative oxidases. Transcript analysis indicated that the trans‐splicing of nad1 intron 4 and cis‐splicing of nad4 intron 1 are abolished, and the cis‐splicing of nad2 intron 1 is severely impaired in the emp8 mutants. These defects consequently lead to the disassembly of mitochondrial complex I and a dramatic reduction in its activity. Together, these results suggest that Emp8 is required for the trans‐splicing of nad1 intron 4 and cis‐splicing of nad4 intron 1 and nad2 intron 1, which is essential to mitochondrial complex I assembly and hence to embryogenesis and endosperm development in maize.