bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accumulation of IL‐17+ Vγ6+ γδ T cells in pregnant mice is not associated with spontaneous abortion
Authors: Polese Barbara , Gridelet Virginie , Perrier d'Hauterive Sophie , Renard Chantal , Munaut Carine , Martens Henri , Vermijlen David , King Irah L , Jacobs Nathalie , Geenen Vincent 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntroductionPregnancy is an immune paradox. While the immune system is required for embryo implantation, placental development and progression of gestation, excessive inflammation is associated with pregnancy failure. Similarly, the cytokine IL‐17A plays an important role in defence against extracellular pathogens, but its dysregulation can lead to pathogenic inflammation and tissue damage. Although expression of IL‐17 has been reported during pregnancy, the cellular source of this cytokine and its relevance to gestation are not clear.ObjectivesHere we define the kinetics and cellular source of IL‐17A in the uterus during healthy and abortion‐prone murine pregnancy.MethodsThe CBA/J x DBA/2J abortion‐prone mating was used and compared to CBA/J x BALB/c control mating.ResultsWe demonstrate that, irrespective of gestational health, the number of IL‐17‐producing cells peaks during midterm pregnancy and is largely derived from the γδ T‐cell lineage. We identify γδ T, Th17, CD8 T and NKT cells as the cellular source of IL‐17A in pregnant mice. Furthermore, we positively identify the Vγ6+ subset of uterine γδ T cells as the main producer of IL‐17A during both healthy pregnancy and abortive pregnancy.ConclusionsTo conclude, the accumulation of uterine IL‐17+ innate‐like T cells appears not to adversely impact the developing foetus. Collectively, our results show that IL‐17+ γδ T cells are present in the uterus throughout the course of normal gestation and therefore may play an important role in healthy pregnancy.
Characterisation of anti‐alpha toxin antibody levels and colonisation status after administration of an investigational human monoclonal antibody, MEDI4893, against Staphylococcus aureus alpha toxin
Authors: Ruzin Alexey , Wu Yuling , Yu Li , Yu Xiang‐Qing , Tabor David E , Mok Hoyin , Tkaczyk Christine , Jensen Kathryn , Bellamy Terramika , Roskos Lorin , Esser Mark T , Jafri Hasan S 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectivesMEDI4893 is a novel, long‐acting human monoclonal antibody targeting Staphylococcus aureus (SA) alpha toxin (AT). This report presents the results of the exploratory analyses from a randomised phase 1 dose‐escalation study in healthy human subjects receiving single intravenous MEDI4893 doses or placebo.MethodsAnti‐AT antibodies and AT expression were measured as described previously. Nasal swabs were analysed by culture and PCR. Data were summarised by treatment groups and visits by using SAS System Version 9.3.ResultsSubjects receiving 2250 or 5000 mg of MEDI4893 had the highest serum anti‐AT neutralising antibody (NAb) levels: approximately 180‐ to 240‐, 70‐ to 100‐ and sevenfold to 10‐fold higher than respective baseline levels at peak, 30 and 360 days, respectively. In these subjects, levels of serum anti‐AT NAbs were >3.2 International Units (IU) mL−1 for at least 211 days. In the upper respiratory tract, anti‐AT NAb levels increased with MEDI4893 dose. No apparent effect of MEDI4893 on SA nasal colonisation, hla gene sequence or AT expression was observed. Five AT variants were detected, their lytic activity was fully neutralised by MEDI4893.DiscussionOur results indicate that (1) MEDI4893 administration at 2250 and 5000 mg would provide effective immunoprophylaxis against systemic SA disease; (2) MEDI4983 distributes to the upper respiratory tract and retains neutralising activity against AT; and (3) potential for emergence of MEDI4893 resistance is low.ConclusionIntravenous administration of MEDI4893 maintained levels of anti‐AT NAbs in serum and nasal mucosa that may provide effective immunoprophylaxis against SA disease and support continued clinical development of MEDI4893.
Vaccinating for natural killer cell effector functions
Authors: Wagstaffe Helen R , Mooney Jason P , Riley Eleanor M , Goodier Martin R 
Published: January 2018

AbstractVaccination has proved to be highly effective in reducing global mortality and eliminating infectious diseases. Building on this success will depend on the development of new and improved vaccines, new methods to determine efficacy and optimum dosing and new or refined adjuvant systems. NK cells are innate lymphoid cells that respond rapidly during primary infection but also have adaptive characteristics enabling them to integrate innate and acquired immune responses. NK cells are activated after vaccination against pathogens including influenza, yellow fever and tuberculosis, and their subsequent maturation, proliferation and effector function is dependent on myeloid accessory cell‐derived cytokines such as IL‐12, IL‐18 and type I interferons. Activation of antigen‐presenting cells by live attenuated or whole inactivated vaccines, or by the use of adjuvants, leads to enhanced and sustained NK cell activity, which in turn contributes to T cell recruitment and memory cell formation. This review explores the role of cytokine‐activated NK cells as vaccine‐induced effector cells and in recall responses and their potential contribution to vaccine and adjuvant development.
Effects of natural weathering on the fire properties of intumescent fire‐retardant coatings
Authors: Bahrani Babak , Hemmati Vahid , Zhou Aixi , Quarles Stephen L. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryFire‐retardant coatings could be one option for providing enhanced protection to buildings during a wildfire, particularly when applied to combustible siding and in under‐eave areas. Limited studies have been conducted on their effectiveness but maintaining adequate performance after weathering has been questioned. This paper reports on a study evaluating the effect of natural weathering on the performance of intumescent‐type fire‐retardant coatings. The main concerns were (a) the reduction of ignition resistance of the coating after weathering and (b) the coating might contribute as a combustible fuel and assist the fire growth after weathering. This study evaluated the performance of 3 intumescent coatings that were exposed to natural weathering conditions for up to 12 months. A bench‐scale evaluation using a cone calorimeter was used to evaluate the performance of the coatings at 3 heat flux levels (30, 50, and 70 kW/m2). Our results showed that weathering exposure reduced the effectiveness of fire protection of intumescent coatings, but the weathered coatings did not act as additional fuels. Weathering orientation showed much less effect on the performance of intumescent coatings in comparison to other parameters. There was statistical evidence that weathering duration, heat flux level, and coating type affected the combustion properties.
Head and neck lymphedema management: Evaluation of a therapy program
Authors: Pigott Amanda , Nixon Jodie , Fleming Jennifer , Porceddu Sandro 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this pilot study was to examine a therapeutic intervention for head and neck lymphedema. The 22‐week intervention involved therapist‐led care and participant self‐management. Effectiveness was evaluated using a previously described lymphedema assessment tool, the Assessment of Lymphedema of the Head and Neck (ALOHA) to detect change over the course of the 22 weeks of treatment, and before and after a single treatment session.MethodsA prospective observational pilot study was conducted with a cohort of 10 participants assessed. Measurements of size (tape measurements) and water content (tissue dielectric constant [TDC]) were used, per the ALOHA protocol. Participants received 13 lymphedema therapy treatments at reducing frequencies over 22 weeks and daily self‐management.ResultsThere was an overall significant reduction in lower neck circumference (F [2.15,19.35] = 7.11; P = .004), upper neck circumference (F [5,45] = 7.27; P < .001) and TDC (F (5,45) = 8.92; P < .001) over time. There were no significant differences over the course of treatment for mean ear‐to‐ear measurements or before and after a single session of treatment.ConclusionThis pilot study found a reduction in head and neck lymphedema over the 22‐week lymphedema treatment course. This intervention may be successful in reducing head and neck lymphedema; however, further studies are needed to investigate these findings in a larger sample with the use of a control group to negate improvements from healing over time.
Extended endonasal approach versus maxillary swing approach to the parapharyngeal space
Authors: Roger Vivien , Patron Vincent , Moreau Sylvain , Kanagalingam Jeeve , Babin Emmanuel , Hitier Martin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe nasopharyngeal and parapharyngeal spaces are difficult for surgeons to access. Of the various external routes described, the maxillary swing has emerged as the gold standard because of its simplicity. However, its morbidity has led to the development of less invasive techniques. The purpose of our study was to compare the surgical anatomy of the maxillary swing with that of the endoscopic endonasal approach.MethodsEach procedure was performed on 10 anatomic specimens. The exposure and the limits obtained were evaluated. A CT scan analysis was performed.ResultsThe endoscopic endonasal approach extended the limits, offering wider exposure. The endoscopic endonasal approach made possible better visualization of deep structures and precise dissection of the parapharyngeal spaces. However, the maxillary swing provided better access to the oropharynx and could be completed 3 times faster.ConclusionThe endoscopic endonasal approach provides excellent exposure, a wide dissection range, and precise definition of anatomic structures, making it an alternative of choice rather than the maxillary swing approach.
INHIBITORY EFFECT OF AMITROLE ON SCENEDESMUS QUADRICAUDA
Authors: Castelfranco Paul , Bisalputra Thana 
Published: January 2018

The multiplication of the alga Scenedesmus quadricauda is inhibited by Amitrole (3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole). This inhibition is reversed by addition of adenine to the growth medium. An electron‐microscopic study has been made of the cytological changes which accompany the inhibition by Amitrole and the subsequent reversal. In the presence of Amitrole the cells accumulate a large quantity of starch which is lost very rapidly as soon as the Amitrole block is released and cell multiplication is resumed.3Present address: Department of Biology and Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
EFFECTS OF PHENOLIC INHIBITORS ON GROWTH AND METABOLISM OF GLUCOSE‐UL‐14C IN PAUL'S SCARLET ROSE CELL‐SUSPENSION CULTURES
Authors: Danks Maureen L. , Fletcher John S. , Rice Elroy L. 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTPaul's Scarlet rose cell‐suspension cultures were incubated in varying concentrations of the following phenolic inhibitors; chlorogenic acid, cinnamic acid, p‐coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and scopoletin. All test compounds except chlorogenic acid were completely inhibitory at a 10−3m concentration, resulting in death of the cells prior to completion of the growth cycle. To assess the cellular effects of two commonly named plant inhibitors, ferulic and cinnamic acids, these compounds were provided to cultures during incubation of cells with glucose‐UL‐14C. Incubation of cells with glucose‐UL‐14C in the presence of 10−4m ferulic acid resulted in increased incorporation of 14C into the soluble lipid fraction along with decreased incorporation of 14C into protein, organic acids, and soluble amino acids. Treatment of the cells with 10−5m cinnamic acid during the incubation period resulted in a significant decrease in incorporation of 14C into protein. These alterations in the flow of carbon into cellular constituents when cells are treated with cinnamic and ferulic acids explain, at least in part, why these compounds inhibit growth, seed germination, and seedling development.
KINEMATICS OF HYPOCOTYL CURVATURE
Authors: Silk Wendy Kuhn , Erickson Ralph O. 
Published: January 2018

Time lapse photographs were analyzed for curvature, κ, of the plumular hook as a function of distance from the apex, s, of seedlings of lettuce. Lactuca sativa cv ‘Grand Rapids,‘ during hook maintenance (red light) and hook opening (white light). Curvature of the inner edge of the photographic projection of the hook increases from 0.14 mm–1 near the apex to 12.7 mm–1 at the hook bisector (about 1 mm from the apex) and decreases to approximately zero below the hook (2 mm from the apex). Using concepts from fluid dynamics we relate growth rates to curvature changes. For a material element of stem cross section located at s we predict that

urn:x-wiley:00029122:ajb206072:equation:ajb206072-math-0001
where M(s,o) and M(s,i) are the relative elemental growth rates at the outer and inner edges of the hypocotyl cross section, w is element width, t is time, and u(s) is velocity of departure of s from the apex. During hook maintenance ∂[ln(1 + κw)]/∂t is approximately zero if the apex is taken as origin. As each hypocotyl element is displaced from the apex it becomes increasingly curved; then, after displacement past the hook bisector, the element straightens. Growth rates, determined by measurements of the displacement of epidermal hairs, show the pattern expected from the equation: On the apical side of the hook, relative growth rates of the outer edge exceed growth of the inner edge, M(s,o) > M(s,i), while on the basal side of the hook. M(s,o) < M(s,i). The constraint for hook maintenance is that [L(s,o) – L(s,i)] /u(s) be constant in time, where L(s,o) and L(s,i) are the relative elemental growth rates at s. During hook opening ∂[ln(1 + κw)]/∂t becomes important.
EFFECTS OF ULTRAVIOLET‐B IRRADIANCES ON SOYBEAN. IV. LEAF ONTOGENY AS A FACTOR IN EVALUATING ULTRAVIOLET‐B IRRADIANCE EFFECTS ON NET PHOTOSYNTHESIS
Authors: Teramura Alan H. , Caldwell Martyn M. 
Published: January 2018

There has recently been concern that some anthropogenic atmospheric pollutants, such as chlorofluoromethanes, may result in a global reduction in stratospheric ozone. This would undoubtedly increase the level of ultraviolet radiation reaching the surface of the earth. Such an increase in solar ultraviolet irradiation might have important biological consequences.Unifoliate leaves of decapitated soybean plants were exposed to 0, 20, 50, and 90 effective mW m2 UV‐BBE (weighted ultraviolet‐B irradiance) from special lamps in a greenhouse. The effects of UV‐B radiation were examined in leaves at three different ontogenetic stages: bud; one‐third expanded, and fully expanded leaves. Leaf area expansion, net photosynthesis, specific leaf weight, chlorophyll concentrations, and acidified methanol extract absorbance were measured during the course of the study. These data revealed several generalizations concerning the relationship between leaf ontogeny and photosynthetic response to UV‐B radiation: 1) The rate and duration of leaf expansion are affected by low levels of UV‐B irradiation. 2) There appears to be a shift in the ontogenetic sequence of photosynthetic capacity as a function of leaf age. 3) This results in leaves of similar chronological ages being in different physiological stages of maturity.
CELLULAR SLIME MOLDS OF SWITZERLAND. II. DISTRIBUTION IN FOREST SOILS
Authors: Traub Franz , Hohl Hans R. , Cavender James C. 
Published: January 2018

A detailed analysis of occurrence and distribution of cellular slime molds in soils of different forest types of Switzerland is given. Specific prevalence patterns representative for each forest type were determined. The degree of complexity of these prevalence patterns parallels tree diversity of the respective forest communities. A comparison of the prevalence patterns shows that by proceeding from species‐rich to species‐poor sites the frequent and common species disappear, whereas the infrequent and rare species are conserved. Thus, these latter species, which probably represent specialists, appear to be of considerable ecological significance.Dictyostelium mucoroides is the overwhelming dominant in all forest types. Polysphondylium violaceum and D. minutum are abundant in the deciduous forests. These three species account for 87% of the clones isolated. Two species are characteristic of conifer forests, D. aureo‐stipes var. Helvetium and D. polycarpum. Other species encounterd and listed in decreasing order are D. fasciculatum. P. filamentosum, D. sphaerocephalum, D. giganteum, Acytostelium leptosomum, D. aureum var. luteolum and D. polycephalum. Diversity of species is greatest in the mesic beech forests of the Midland, Jura or Forealps regions but reduced populations containing unique cellular slime molds occur in the highest spruce, larch, and pine forests of the Alps.
IN VITRO ALLELOPATHIC INHIBITION OF NITRIFICATION BY BALSAM POPLAR AND BALSAM FIR
Authors: Thibault J.‐Robert , Fortin J.‐Andre , Smirnoff Wladimir A. 
Published: January 2018

A soil percolation apparatus was used to study the effect of plant extracts on nitrification. Foliar leachates, leaf extracts, and bud extracts of balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) were added to the ammonium percolation solution. Color tests and quantitative measurement of residual ammonium and formed nitrate were applied.Foliar leachates of balsam fir strongly inhibited nitrification; leachates of balsam poplar were slightly less inhibitory. Balsam fir needle and balsam poplar dormant bud extracts (5% w/v) completely prevented the oxidation of ammonium. The same estracts (2% w/v) still prevented the oxidation of ammonium to nitrate to a large extent. Once again balsam fir extracts inhibited the process more strongly than balsam poplar. No evidence was obtained for the presence of a specific inhibitor of nitrifier microorganisms.
ORGANELLE PRESERVATION AND PROTOPLAST PARTITIONING IN FOSSIL ANGIOSPERM LEAF TISSUES
Authors: Niklas Karl J. 
Published: January 2018

Analyses of the ultrastructural states of preservation seen in fossil angiosperm mesophyll cells indicate that plastids are more commonly found in portions of protoplasts (= microprotoplasts) lacking nuclei than in microprotoplasts containing nuclei. Of the 4,498 cells examined in serial thick sections, less than 1.8% had continuous protoplasts, while the remaining 98.2% had from 2 to 3 microprotoplasts or lacked any discernable internal structure. Where nuclei and plastids were found in the same cell (21.3%), only 29.5% had these two organelles in the same microprotoplast, while 70.5% had nucleate microprotoplasts lacking plastids and enucleate microprotoplasts with well preserved plastids. Over 64% of all the cells sampled lacked nuclei but had well preserved plastids.Neobotanical studies indicate nuclei are more stable than plastids, but during microprotoplast formation plastids are more stable in enucleate protoplasts than in those containing nuclei. Senescence and necrosis are triggered by the nuclear genome. The preferential preservation of plastids in fossil angiosperm tissues is interpreted to be the result of the isolation of part of the plastid population from nuclear control due to microprotoplast formation. This hypothesis also may explain the apparent longevity of nuclei over plastids in other fossil cells (spores, pollen, algal tissues) where protoplasmic partitioning may be less frequent.
CHEMICAL VARIATION IN NOTHOLAENA STANDLEYI
Authors: Seigler David S. , Wollenweber E. 
Published: January 2018

In Notholaena standleyi (Pteridaceae), differences in geographic range, aspect, height, edaphic requirements, and the color and chemistry of the ceraceous exudate on the abaxial side of the frond suggest at least three distinct subgroups of this taxon. One race, with a light yellow exudate consisting mostly of kaempferol, 3‐O‐methylkaempferol and 4'‐O‐methylkaempferol occurs in the eastern portion of the range. A yellow‐green race and a gold race possess mostly 7‐O‐methylkaempferol and 4'‐O‐methylkaempferol but also the uncommon compounds 7‐O‐methylherbacetin and 7,4'‐di‐O‐methylherbacetin. Plants of the yellow‐green race produce minor constituents with methyl substituents in the 3‐position whereas those of the gold race lack them. Plants of this last group produce only traces of kaempferol.Principal Components Analysis based on nine flavonoid constituents and 59 samples was carried out. Plants of the three groups clustered in plots of Principal Components 1 vs. 2, 1 vs. 3, and 2 vs. 3 and were separated from each other.These plants reproduce ameiotically and thus there is little or no gene flow among them and they are geographically distinct. We prefer to maintain them as informally recognized taxa pending further studies.
THE PLATYCARYA PERPLEX AND THE EVOLUTION OF THE JUGLANDACEAE
Authors: Wing Scott L. , Hickey Leo J. 
Published: January 2018

We report on the leaves, fruits, inflorescences, and pollen of two fossil species in the genusPlatycarya.The association of these dispersed organs has been established by their repeated co‐occurrence at a large number of localities, and for two of the organs (fruit and pistillate inflorescence, and pollen and staminate inflorescence) by apparent organic attachment of compression fossils. Each of the two species can be distinguished by characteristics of all the known megafossil organs. We also review the fossil record of dispersed platycaryoid fruits and inflorescences, recognizing three additional species ofPlatycaryaand two ofHooleya.Two of the fossilPlatycaryaspecies are morphologically very different from the livingPlatycarya strobilaceaSieb. et Zucc., but they show the diagnostic features of the genus.Hooleyais a generalized member of the Platycaryeae that is probably close to the ancestry ofPlatycarya.The twoPlatycaryaspecies known from multiple organs provide a remarkable example of mosaic evolution in which fertile and foliar structures have attained different levels of morphological specialization. The leaves, often considered the most plastic of plant organs, retain several features that are otherwise seen only in the Engelhardieae. These similarities in leaf architecture between the fossilPlatycaryaspecies and Engelhardieae are advanced features for the Juglandaceae, and thus indicate a sister‐group relationship between the two lines. In contrast to the leaves, the fruits, inflorescences, and pollen of the fossilPlatycaryaspecies are almost as specialized as those of the extantP. strobilaceaand bear little resemblance to the same structures in other genera of the family.The morphology, taphonomy, sedimentary setting, and geographic and stratigraphic distribution of three of the fossil platycaryoid species suggest that they were wind‐dispersed, early successional plants that grew in thickets. This habit is retained byPlatycarya strobilaceaand is typical of many of the amentiferae (e.g. Myricaceae, Betulaceae). Ther‐selected life‐history pattern of thePlatycaryaline may well have contributed to its low diversity through geologic time.
ANATOMICAL STUDIES OF CATHAYA (PINACEAE)
Authors: Hu Y. S. , Wang F. H. 
Published: January 2018

Cathaya Chun et Kuang is a monotypic genus and one of the gymnosperms endemic to China. We investigated Cathaya argyrophylla with both light and scanning electron microscopy to study the external and internal surfaces of leaf cuticle, leaf blade, petiole, shoot apex, young stem, bark, wood, young and old roots, and mycorrhizae. It is shown that Cathaya has unique characteristics as well as common features of the Pinaceae, there being a difference between Cathaya and Pinus and the rest of the family. So far as the vegetative organs are concerned, the genus is most closely related to Pseudotsuga and Larix.Data derived from the study of structures of vegetative organs of Cathaya are very different from those of reproductive organs, indicating the complexity of the problem of systematics and evolution in these plants. However, the present study supports the view that Cathaya should not be included in the genus Pseudotsuga as a new species.