bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infochemical use and dietary specialization in parasitoids: a meta‐analysis
Authors: van Oudenhove Louise , Mailleret Ludovic , Fauvergue Xavier 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMany parasitoid species use olfactory cues to locate their hosts. In tritrophic systems, parasitoids of herbivores can exploit the chemical blends emitted by plants in reaction to herbivore‐induced damage, known as herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs). In this study, we explored the specificity and innateness of parasitoid responses to HIPVs using a meta‐analysis of data from the literature. Based on the concept of dietary specialization and infochemical use, we hypothesized that (i) specialist parasitoids (i.e., with narrow host ranges) should be attracted to specific HIPV signals, whereas generalist parasitoids (i.e., with broad host ranges) should be attracted to more generic HIPV signals and (ii) specialist parasitoids should innately respond to HIPVs, whereas generalist parasitoids should have to learn to associate HIPVs with host presence. We characterized the responses of 66 parasitoid species based on published studies of parasitoid behavior. Our meta‐analysis showed that (i) as predicted, specialist parasitoids were attracted to more specific signals than were generalist parasitoids but, (ii) contrary to expectations, response innateness depended on a parasitoid's target host life stage rather than on its degree of host specialization: parasitoids of larvae were more likely to show an innate response to HIPVs than were parasitoids of adults. This result changes our understanding of dietary specialization and highlights the need for further theoretical research that will help clarify infochemical use by parasitoids.
Choosing between conciliatory and oppositional leaders: The role of out‐group signals and in‐group leader candidates' collective action tactics
Authors: Blackwood Leda , Louis Winnifred 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we examine the role of out‐group signals and in‐group leader tactics in the choice and evaluation of rival in‐group leader candidates. Study 1 found preference for a negotiating in‐group leader over an oppositional leader, mediated by perceived leader effectiveness and prototypicality. In Study 2, participants chose a leader who had received out‐group endorsement, and in Studies 3 and 4, participants chose a negotiating in‐group leader where the out‐group was prepared to negotiate and an oppositional leader where the out‐group was not prepared to negotiate. In the latter three studies, there was evidence for participants being strategic in their choices: effects were mediated by effectiveness but not prototypicality. These findings suggest our understanding of collective action will be enriched through attention to the situational cues provided by out‐groups, and to the context of competing voices of collective action leadership.
Market for Artemether‐Lumefantrine to treat childhood malaria in a district of southern Mozambique
Authors: Alonso Sergi , Munguambe Khátia , Sicuri Elisa 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMalaria is one of the leading causes of death in sub‐Saharan Africa. Artemisinin‐based combination therapies are used as first‐line treatment drugs, but their market is far from competitive. Market failures include limited availability, low quality, lack of information, and high costs of access.We estimated the theoretical demand for one of the most common artemisinin‐based combination therapies, artemether‐lumefantrine (AL), and its determinants among caregivers of children with malaria seeking care at public health facilities, thus, entitled to receive drugs for free, in southern Mozambique (year 2012). The predicted theoretical demand was contrasted with international and local private market AL prices.Respondents stated high willingness to pay but lower ability to pay (ATP), which was defined as the theoretical demand. The ATP was on average of 0.94 USD for the treatment of a malaria episode. This implied an average gap of 1.04 USD between average local private prices and theoretical demand. Predicted ATP decreased by 14% for every additional malaria episode that the child had suffered during the malaria season.The market price was unaffordable for a large share of our sample, highlighting an unequal welfare distribution between suppliers and potential consumers, as well as issues of inequity in the private delivery of AL.
Towards a proportionality assessment of risk reduction measures aimed at restricting the use of persistent and bioaccumulative substances
Authors: Oosterhuis Frans , Brouwer Roy , Janssen Martien , Verhoeven Julia , Luttikhuizen Cees 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

International chemicals legislation aims at adequately controlling persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and substances of very high concern (SVHCs), such as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) and very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) substances, with a view to progressively substitute these substances with suitable less-hazardous alternatives. Using cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) to assess the (dis)proportionality of measures to control such substances (collectively called “PBT” in the present paper) requires benchmarks. The present paper provides building blocks for possible benchmarks by looking at the cost-effectiveness estimates for regulatory measures that have been applied or considered for various PBT substances. These cost-effectiveness estimates vary widely, and the main factors possibly explaining this variation are discussed. The available cost estimates currently do not allow deriving a value for society's willingness to pay to reduce PBT presence, use, and emissions because decisions referring explicitly to these estimates are scarce. Roughly speaking, the available evidence suggests that measures costing less than €1000 per kilogram PBT use or emission reduction will usually not be rejected for reasons of disproportionate costs, whereas for measures with costs above €50 000 per kilogram PBT such a rejection is likely. More research is needed to strengthen the evidence base and further elaborate a systematic approach toward proportionality benchmarking. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:1100–1112. © 2017 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)

Key Points
Benchmarks are needed to assess the proportionality of measures to control persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) and very persistent, very bioaccumulative (vPvB) substances. Cost-effectiveness data are collected for a number of PBTs and/or vPvBs and different types of control measures. These cost-effectiveness data serve as a first step toward benchmarking.
Vitamin D–Dependent Rickets Type 1B (25-Hydroxylase Deficiency): A Rare Condition or a Misdiagnosed Condition?
Authors: Molin Arnaud , Wiedemann Arnaud , Demers Nick , Kaufmann Martin , Do Cao Jérémy , Mainard Laurent , Dousset Brigitte , Journeau Pierre , Abeguile Geneviève , Coudray Nadia , Mittre Hervé , Richard Nicolas , Weryha Georges , Sorlin Arthur , Jones Glenville , Kottler Marie-Laure , Feillet Francois 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

Vitamin D requires a two-step activation by hydroxylation: The first step is catalyzed by hepatic 25-hydroxylase (CYP2R1, 11p15.2) and the second one is catalyzed by renal 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1, 12q13.1), which produces the active hormonal form of 1,25-(OH)2D. Mutations of CYP2R1 have been associated with vitamin D–dependent rickets type 1B (VDDR1B), a very rare condition that has only been reported to affect 4 families to date. We describe 7 patients from 2 unrelated families who presented with homozygous loss-of-function mutations of CYP2R1. Heterozygous mutations were present in their normal parents. We identified a new c.124_138delinsCGG (p.Gly42_Leu46delinsArg) variation and the previously published c.296T&gt;C (p.Leu99Pro) mutation. Functional in vitro studies confirmed loss-of-function enzymatic activity in both cases. We discuss the difficulties in establishing the correct diagnosis and the specific biochemical pattern, namely, very low 25-OH-D suggestive of classical vitamin D deficiency, in the face of normal/high concentrations of 1,25-(OH)2D. Siblings exhibited the three stages of rickets based on biochemical and radiographic findings. Interestingly, adult patients were able to maintain normal mineral metabolism without vitamin D supplementation. One index case presented with a partial improvement with 1alfa-hydroxyvitamin D3 or alfacalcidol (1α-OH-D3) treatment, and we observed a dramatic increase in the 1,25-(OH)2D serum concentration, which indicated the role of accessory 25-hydroxylase enzymes. Lastly, in patients who received calcifediol (25-OH-D3), we documented normal 24-hydroxylase activity (CYP24A1). For the first time, and according to the concept of personalized medicine, we demonstrate dramatic improvements in patients who were given 25-OH-D therapy (clinical symptoms, biochemical data, and bone densitometry). In conclusion, the current study further expands the CYP2R1 mutation spectrum. We note that VDDR1B could be easily mistaken for classical vitamin D deficiency. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Production of gamma‐aminobutyric acid by Escherichia coli using glycerol as a sole carbon source
Authors: Hou Chen Yuan , Kang Taek Jin 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn the biodiesel industry, crude glycerol is produced in huge quantities as a by‐product, and therefore, the economic conversion of crude glycerol into a value‐added product is a priority. One possible way of achieving such a conversion is to feed glycerol to Escherichia coli cells so that they can grow and produce valuable products such as gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the same time.RESULTSFour E. coli strains were compared for their growth rates and GABA production using glycerol as sole carbon source. GABA production was associated with cell growth by constitutively expressed mutant glutamate decarboxylase that exhibited activity at neutral pH. Simple treatment of crude glycerol with phosphoric acid resulted in a fermentable grade of glycerol, and the superb strain, W, converted 2.0 g L−1 of crude glycerol into 0.15 g L−1 of GABA in 12 h in a batch culture. In a fed‐batch type culture with pH titration, the strain W converted overall 15 g L−1 of crude glycerol into 0.98 g L−1 of GABA in 36 h.CONCLUSIONIt is possible to convert crude glycerol into GABA in a growth‐associated manner using E. coli W, and the strain will serve as a base strain for future metabolic engineering approaches. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification and Expression of Conserved and Novel RNA Variants of Medaka pax6b Gene
Authors: Chen Tiansheng , Cavari Benzion , Schartl Manfred , Hong Yunhan 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTGene duplication is a major driving force of evolution. How gene duplicates have evolved remains a mystery. A highly conserved gene such as Pax6 is an ideal model to study functional conservation and divergence via comparisons among diverse organisms. One pax6 gene has been characterized in the Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes), which is annotated as pax6b on chromosome 3. Here, we report that Medaka pax6b is homolog to Pax6 of mammals in sequence, chromosomal synteny, and genomic organization. Cloning and sequencing led to the identification of up to 43 pax6b RNA variants predicting six protein isoforms, 22 of which are similar to those reported in other organisms and 21 represent novel RNA variants. By RT‐PCR, the pax6b transcripts were found to be most abundant in the adult eye and easily detectable in the adult brain and pancreas but not detectable in developing embryos until gastrulation. Interestingly, apparently differential expression in adult organs was observed for several major variants. In situ hybridization revealed that pax6b exhibited highly conserved RNA expression in pancreas, brain, and eye of adult animals and developing embryos. Therefore, by sequence, chromosomal synteny, gene structure, conserved alternative transcription and splicing, and most importantly, conserved expression patterns in adulthood and embryogenesis, medaka pax6b represents a ortholog of Pax6 gene in mammals and is capable of generating differentially expressed RNA variants.
Impact of delayed gastric emptying after pancreaticoduodenectomy on survival
Authors: Futagawa Yasuro , Kanehira Masaru , Furukawa Kenei , Kitamura Hiroaki , Yoshida Seiya , Usuba Teruyuki , Misawa Takeyuki , Okamoto Tomoyoshi , Yanaga Katsuhiko 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundDelayed gastric emptying (DGE), a common postoperative complication of pancreaticoduodenectomy, is not considered a life‐threatening complication. In the present study, we analyzed the risk factors for DGE and its impact on long‐term prognosis.MethodsWe analyzed 383 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2003 and 2010, dividing them into two groups according to DGE grade as defined by the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery: 243 without DGE (non‐DGE group) and 140 with DGE of any grade (DGE group).ResultsThe 5‐year overall survival was 32.7% in the DGE group, and 41% in the non‐DGE group (P = 0.02). Cox proportional hazards analyses showed that pancreatic cancer (compared with ampulla of Vater cancer: hazard ratio [HR] 3.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.82–6.34, P < 0.001), bile duct cancer (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.08–4.06, P = 0.03), the Union for International Cancer Control stage (compared with stages I and II: HR 2.98, 95% CI 1.66–5.35, P < 0.001; compared with stage III: HR 4.71, 95% CI 2.51–8.86, P < 0.001), and DGE grade (grade C; HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.04–2.46, P = 0.03) were independent risk factors for cancer‐specific survival.ConclusionsDGE, especially grade C, negatively affects cancer‐specific survival.
The curious case of how mimicking physiological complexity in in vitro models of the human respiratory system influences the inflammatory responses. A preliminary study focused on gold nanoparticles
Authors: Movia Dania , Di Cristo Luisana , Alnemari Roaa , McCarthy Joseph E. , Moustaoui Hanane , Lamy de la Chapelle Marc , Spadavecchia Jolanda , Volkov Yuri , Prina‐Mello Adriele 
Published: May 2017

AbstractEnvironmental and biomedical nanoparticles can pose potential health risks to the human respiratory system by inducing severe lung inflammation. The aim of this case study is to present a comparison of the inflammatory response in four in vitro models of the human lung epithelium, differing by composition and/or culturing substrates, when exposed to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Three in vitro models of lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells and a commercially available three‐dimensional (3D) culture (MucilAir™) were tested. The models were exposed to AuNPs for 3, 6, and 24 h. AuNPs internalisation was investigated by confocal, electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Enzyme‐Linked Immuno‐Sorbent Assay (ELISA) was used for quantifying the secretion of the inflammatory mediator Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) following exposure to AuNPs. Finally, a microfluidic approach was developed in‐house to investigate whether pro‐inflammatory mediators present in supernatants harvested from the AuNPs‐treated cell cultures could trigger monocyte activation. Our results demonstrated that AuNPs were internalised only in submerged cultures grown on glass substrates. Nevertheless, AuNPs internalisation did not trigger a significant IL‐6 secretion. Significant amounts of IL‐6 were secreted by AuNPs‐treated mono‐cultures grown on Transwell™ inserts, triggering monocyte activation in dynamic microfluidic experiments. AuNPs did not induce IL‐6 secretion in co‐cultures and MucilAir™ models, although supernatants harvested from co‐cultures triggered monocyte activation. Our case study demonstrates that in vitro complexity, as well as culturing substrates, deeply influence the detectable cellular responses to nanoparticles, and advocate for the adoption of more advanced tissue‐mimetic cultures of the human respiratory system for nanomaterials testing.
The suction mechanism of the pipid frog, Pipa pipa (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Cundall David , Fernandez Edward , Irish Frances 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMost suction‐feeding, aquatic vertebrates create suction by rapidly enlarging the oral cavity and pharynx. Forceful enlargement of the pharynx is powered by longitudinal muscles that retract skeletal elements of the hyoid, more caudal branchial arches, and, in many fish, the pectoral girdle. This arrangement was thought to characterize all suction‐feeding vertebrates. However, it does not exist in the permanently aquatic, tongueless Pipa pipa, an Amazonian frog that can catch fish. Correlating high‐speed (250 and 500 fps) video records with anatomical analysis and functional tests shows that fundamental features of tetrapod body design are altered to allow P. pipa to suction‐feed. In P. pipa, the hyoid apparatus is not connected to the skull and is enclosed by the pectoral girdle. The major retractor of the hyoid apparatus arises not from the pectoral girdle but from the femur, which lies largely within the soft tissue boundaries of the trunk. Retraction of the hyoid is coupled with expansion of the anterior trunk, which occurs when the hypertrophied ventral pectoral elements are depressed and the urostyle and sacral vertebra are protracted and slide forward on the pelvic girdle, thereby elongating the entire trunk. We suggest that a single, robust pair of muscles adduct the cleithra to depress the ventral pectoral elements with force, while modified tail muscles slide the axial skeleton cranially on the pelvic girdle. Combined hyoid retraction, axial protraction, and pectoral depression expand the buccopharyngeal cavity to a volume potentially equal to that of the entire resting body of the frog. Pipa may be the only tetrapod vertebrate clade that enlarges its entire trunk during suction‐feeding.
In situ Raman spectroscopy investigation of the solubility and dissolution mechanism of 1,2‐dichlorobenzene in hot compressed water in a fused silica capillary reactor
Authors: Bei Ke , Chen Jie , Wang Junliang , Chou I‐Ming , Yao Minghai , Pan Zhiyan 
Published: May 2017

Hot compressed water (HCW), with its unique properties, is regarded as a promising solvent for industrial applications. A number of methods to measure the solubility of hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) in HCW have been reported. However, these methods were conducted in large‐scale stainless‐steel reactors, and few included an in situ study regarding the dissolution mechanism of HOCs in HCW during the solubility determination process. In this study, a fused silica capillary reactor in combination with Raman spectroscopy was applied to investigate phase changes, determine the solubility, and study the dissolution mechanism of 1,2‐dichlorobenzene in HCW. The total dissolution process of 1,2‐dichlorobenzene in HCW was observed under a microscope, and the images were recorded continuously using a digital camera. Raman spectroscopy was used to confirm the homogeneity of the 1,2‐dichlorobenzene solution during dissolution. The solubility of 1,2‐dichlorobenzene increased from 35.9 to 85.7 mg g−1 in water with increasing temperature from 256.7 to 294.1 °C. Furthermore, the dissolution mechanism of 1,2‐dichlorobenzene in HCW is proposed based on the Raman spectra of 1,2‐dichlorobenzene and water during the dissolution process in the fused silica capillary reactor. The breakage of the fully hydrogen‐bonded (tetrahedral) configuration and the consequent change in the static dielectric constant of water are deemed to be compelling reasons for the high solubility of 1,2‐dichlorobenzene in HCW. Our experimental method exhibits great potential for determining the solubility of HOCs in HCW and for investigating their dissolution behavior and dissolution mechanism at elevated pressure and temperature conditions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local Release of VEGF Using Fiber Mats Enables Effective Transplantation of Layered Cardiomyocyte Sheets
Authors: Nagase Kenichi , Nagumo Yuhei , Kim Miri , Kim Hee‐Jung , Kyung Hei‐Won , Chung Hye‐Jin , Sekine Hidekazu , Shimizu Tatsuya , Kanazawa Hideko , Okano Teruo , Lee Seung‐Jin , Yamato Masayuki 
Published: May 2017

Cell sheet transplantation is a key tissue engineering technology. A vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐releasing fiber mat is developed for the transplantation of multilayered cardiomyocyte sheets. Poly(vinyl alcohol) fiber mats bearing poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) nanoparticles that incorporate VEGF are fabricated using electrospinning and electrospray methods. Six‐layered cardiomyocyte sheets are transplanted with a VEGF‐releasing mat into athymic rats. After two weeks, these sheets produce thicker cardiomyocyte layers compared with controls lacking a VEGF‐releasing mat, and incorporate larger‐diameter blood vessels containing erythrocytes. Thus, local VEGF release near the transplanted cardiomyocytes induces vascularization, which supplies sufficient oxygen and nutrients to prevent necrosis. In contrast, cardiomyocyte sheets without a VEGF‐releasing mat do not survive in vivo, probably undergo necrosis, and are reduced in thickness. Hence, these VEGF‐releasing mats enable the transplantation of multilayered cardiomyocyte sheets in a single procedure, and should expand the potential of cell sheet transplantation for therapeutic applications.
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Comparative Study of Osteogenic Activity of Multilayers Made of Synthetic and Biogenic Polyelectrolytes
Authors: Guduru Deepak , Niepel Marcus S. , Gonzalez‐Garcia Cristina , Salmeron‐Sanchez Manuel , Groth Thomas 
Published: May 2017

Polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) coatings on biomaterials are applied to tailor adhesion, growth, and function of cells on biomedical implants. Here, biogenic and synthetic polyelectrolytes (PEL) are used for layer‐by‐layer assembly to study the osteogenic activity of PEM with human osteosarcoma MG‐63 cells in a comparative manner. Formation of PEM is achieved with biogenic PEL fibrinogen (FBG) and poly‐l‐lysine (PLL) as well as biotinylated chondroitin sulfate (BCS) and avidin (AVI), while poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) represent a fully synthetic PEM used as a reference system here. Surface plasmon resonance measurements show highest layer mass for FBG/PLL and similar for PSS/PAH and BCS/AVI systems, while water contact angle and zeta potential measurements indicate larger differences for PSS/PAH and FBG/PLL but not for BCS/AVI multilayers. All PEM systems support cell adhesion and growth and promote osteogenic differentiation as well. However, FBG/PLL layers are superior regarding MG‐63 cell adhesion during short‐term culture, while the BCS/AVI system increases alkaline phosphatase activity in long‐term culture. Particularly, a multilayer system based on affinity interaction like BCS/AVI may be useful for controlled presentation of biotinylated growth factors to promote growth and differentiation of cells for biomedical applications.
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