bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of 14-dehydroergosterol as a novel anti-inflammatory compound inducing tolerogenic dendritic cells
Authors: Ano Yasuhisa , Ikado Kumiko , Shindo Kazutoshi , Koizumi Hideki , Fujiwara Daisuke 
Published: October 2017

AbstractTolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs) have the ability to induce regulatory T cells and play an important role in preventing chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. We have identified a novel compound, 14-dehydroergosterol, from Koji, a Japanese traditional food material fermented with fungi. 14-dehydroergosterol is an ergosterol analogue with a conjugated double bond, but the activity of 14-dehydroergosterol is much higher than that of ergosterol. 14-dehydroergosterol induces the conversion of murine bone marrow (BM)-derived DCs and differentiated DCs into tolerogenic DCs, in which the production of IL-12 is suppressed and that of IL-10 is increased. In a co-culture experiment, DCs treated with 14-dehydroergosterol induced the conversion of naïve CD4-positive T cells into regulatory T cells. In a murine model of multiple sclerosis, experimental autoimmune encephalopathy, 14-dehydroergosterol suppressed the clinical score and inflammatory responses of myeloid DCs and T cells to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein. 14-dehydroergosterol-treated human DCs induced from PBMCs also showed a tolerogenic phenotype. This is the first report to identify a novel compound, 14-dehydroergosterol, that induces DCs to convert to a tolerogenic type. 14-dehydroergosterol is contained in various fermented foods based on Koji, so 14-dehydroergosterol might be a helpful aid to prevent chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
On the relevance of the alpha frequency oscillation’s small-world network architecture for cognitive flexibility
Authors: Wolff Nicole , Zink Nicolas , Stock Ann-Kathrin , Beste Christian 
Published: October 2017

AbstractCognitive flexibility is a major requirement for successful behavior. nNeural oscillations in the alpha frequency band were repeatedly associated with cognitive flexibility in task-switching paradigms. Alpha frequencies are modulated by working memory load and are used to process information during task switching, however we do not know how this oscillatory network communication is modulated. In order to understand the mechanisms that drive cognitive flexibility, ERPs, oscillatory power and how the communication within these networks is organized are of importance. The EEG data show that during phases reflecting preparatory processes to pre-activate task sets, alpha oscillatory power but not the small world properties of the alpha network architecture was modulated. During the switching only the N2 ERP component showed clear modulations. After the response, alpha oscillatory power reinstates and therefore seems to be important to deactivate or maintain the previous task set. For these reactive control processes the network architecture in terms of small-world properties is modulated. Effects of memory load on small-world aspects were seen in repetition trials, where small-world properties were higher when memory processes were relevant. These results suggest that the alpha oscillatory network becomes more small-world-like when reactive control processes during task switching are less complex.
Conformational stabilization as a strategy to prevent nucleophosmin mislocalization in leukemia
Authors: Urbaneja María A. , Skjærven Lars , Aubi Oscar , Underhaug Jarl , López David J. , Arregi Igor , Alonso-Mariño Marián , Cuevas Andoni , Rodríguez José A. , Martinez Aurora , Bañuelos Sonia 
Published: October 2017

AbstractNucleophosmin (NPM) is a nucleolar protein involved in ribosome assembly and cell homeostasis. Mutations in the C-terminal domain of NPM that impair native folding and localization are associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We have performed a high-throughput screening searching for compounds that stabilize the C-terminal domain. We identified three hit compounds which show the ability to increase the thermal stability of both the C-terminal domain as well as full-length NPM. The best hit also seemed to favor folding of an AML-like mutant. Computational pocket identification and molecular docking support a stabilization mechanism based on binding of the phenyl/benzene group of the compounds to a particular hydrophobic pocket and additional polar interactions with solvent-accessible residues. Since these results indicate a chaperoning potential of our candidate hits, we tested their effect on the subcellular localization of AML-like mutants. Two compounds partially alleviated the aggregation and restored nucleolar localization of misfolded mutants. The identified hits appear promising as pharmacological chaperones aimed at therapies for AML based on conformational stabilization of NPM.
FFR-gesteuerte Revaskularisation – wann indiziert, wann überflüssig?
Authors: Reuter Hannes , Baldus Stephan 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAn invasive measurement of the fractional flow reserve (FFR) allows the valuation of the individual risk for ischemic events in patients with coronary artery disease. Therefore, FFR has become a valuable tool to guide coronary revascularisations. The cut-off value ≤ 0.80 has been validated in many different subsets of patients. However, FFR values describe a risk continuum with an inverse correlation between FFR value and the risk of events. So FFR should always be interpreted regarding the patient’s clinical context, especially in patients with a high risk for rapid disease progression. As such, patients with diabetes mellitus and deferred revascularisation based on FFR > 0.80 had worse clinical outcomes compared to patients without diabetes. In addition, FFR shows methodical deficiencies concerning the quantification of serial stenoses as well as the valuation of residual ischemia of the culprit vessel early after myocardial infarction. This article highlights both the strengths and the pitfalls in the use and interpretation of FFR.
Brain and Spinal Cord MRI in Multiple Sclerosis: an Update
Authors: Wattjes Mike , Raab Peter 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and has been incorporated into the McDonald diagnostic criteria for MS. In particular, for the exclusion of important differential diagnosis and comorbidities, new MRI markers have been established such as the “central vein sign”. In addition to diagnostic purposes, the role of MRI in MS monitoring is becoming increasingly important, particularly for pharmacovigilance. This includes treatment efficacy monitoring, prediction of treatment response and safety monitoring. Quantitative MRI methods and ultra-high-field MRI offer the opportunity for the quantitative assessment of damage in normal-appearing brain tissue. However, the standardization of these techniques with the goal of implementation in clinical routine will be one of the major challenges in the near future.
Environmental rejuvenation of the Gulf by compensation and restoration
Authors: Price A. R. G. , Donlan M. C. , Sheppard C. R. C. , Munawar M. 
Published: October 2017

The Gulf is considered to be a young sea in decline, with poor prognosis for continuing production of abundant natural resources. We compare and contrast ‘monetary’ and ‘environmental’ compensation as mechanisms for addressing ecosystem damage in the Gulf. The 1992 International Oil Pollution Compensation Conventions settle claims financially, but only for certain categories of oil spills. For example, aside from inherent difficulties of valuing ecosystem services and their losses, ecological damage from the time of injury to recovery (interim losses) is not compensated. Another approach involves reimbursement for environmental action/projects to restore affected resources and offset impacts until recovery. In habitat equivalency analysis, mitigation requirements are calculated from the type(s), severity, duration and extent of resource impacts. This approach was utilized to resolve several claims for damage from the 1991 Gulf War oil spill. Various compensatory projects resulted, including direct oil spill remediation and other environmental projects such as the establishment of ≥1 protected area (x ha for y years). Besides compensation, in this paper we advocate setting threshold levels for the protection of different coastal and marine ecosystems. This could be achieved by a proportion (c. 30%) of every major ecosystem becoming fully protected, through an expanded regional protected area network.
A preliminary assessment of harmful algal blooms in Kuwait’s marine environment
Authors: Al-Yamani Faiza , Saburova Maria , Polikarpov Igor 
Published: October 2017

Microalgal blooms occur in Kuwait's waters year round. Seasonal non-harmful blooms are part of the annual succession in marine ecosystems and are a typical phenomenon in Kuwait's waters as well as in the Gulf region. The ecology and taxonomy of phytoplankton in Kuwait's waters have been studied during the past few decades; however, only very limited detailed taxonomical studies have been done on marine phytoplankton as a whole, as well as on potentially harmful species. Together with the phytoplankton, benthic microalgae are important primary producers and an essential component of the intertidal zone in Kuwait's marine environment. Potentially toxic microalgae were found in the intertidal sediments of Kuwait.
A total of 62 identified taxa can be categorized as potentially harmful species in the collected samples from Kuwait's waters and intertidal flats. Among them, 43 taxa are potentially toxic to humans and marine biota, and 10 taxa are potentially harmful to fish and invertebrates. Potentially toxic species are usually recorded in low densities in Kuwait's waters. However, the presence of a significant number of potentially harmful species in its phytoplankton can be regarded as a significant finding with latent hazards for humans and marine ecosystems. Documentation of this sporadic high abundance together with significant species richness of the potentially toxic phytoplankton, requires more intensive and comprehensive studies of Kuwait's marine environment.
Phosphorus and chlorophyll in the Bay of Quinte: A time-series/intervention analysis of 1972–2008 data
Authors: Nicholls Kenneth H. 
Published: October 2017

Three independent methods of time-series analysis were applied to a 37-year record of total phosphorus and chlorophyll-a data collected at four sampling stations representing the upper, middle and lower sections of the Bay of Quinte, NE Lake Ontario, Canada. The three methods were used to build consensus around the significance of the apparent declines in total phosphorus (TP) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations following two interventions: (1) point-source phosphorus loading reductions of about 50% to the upper bay in the winter of 1977–1978 and (2) the establishment of Zebra Mussels (Dreissena spp.) in the early to mid-1990's. The methods were applied to May to October monthly means and included: (1) nonparametric tests that accounted for persistence and seasonality and determined the statistical significance of step-trends, (2) ARIMA-Intervention modelling that produced forecasts into post-intervention time periods that were compared statistically to measured data and (3) regime shift detection for identifying the significance of persistent steps after removal of the seasonal components of the data series (modelled as periodic functions). Strong gradients in total phosphorus (TP) and Chl-a concentrations between the upper and lower Bay of Quinte still existed three decades after reductions in point-source loadings of TP to the upper bay, where, during 2000–2008, May-October average TP was 3.8 times higher and Chl-a, 2.9 times higher than in the lower bay. The Remedial Action Plan May-October TP objective of 0.030 mg l-1 for the upper Bay of Quinte was not achieved consistently in recent years. Concurrence among the data analysis methods suggests that the relative decreases in the upper bay TP (31%) and Chl-a (37%) after phosphorus loading reductions were greater than in the lower bay (0% and 10%, respectively). The relative decreases in the upper bay TP (0%) and Chl-a (29%) associated with Dreissena establishment were less than those measured in the lower bay (20% and 50%, respectively).
Submerged aquatic vegetation in the Bay of Quinte: Response to decreased phosphorous loading and Zebra Mussel invasion
Authors: Leisti K. E. , Doka S. E. , Minns C. K. 
Published: October 2017

Originally mesotrophic, the Bay of Quinte ecosystem has experienced eutrophication since the 1940s, which resulted in the decline of once-lush submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) beds in the upper bay by the mid-1960s. Since 1972, twelve SAV surveys have been conducted along ten index transects, recording:% cover, distance SAV beds extended from shore (extent), maximum depth of colonization (Zc), species composition, and, in later years, wet plant biomass. Offshore secchi depth and ϵpar, (the vertical light extinction rate (m−1) for photosynthetically active radiation), were also recorded either weekly or bi-weekly during the growing season since 1972. During this time, two major changes occurred within the bay: the reduction in point-source phosphorus (P-control) loadings in 1978 and the 1993 invasion by Dreissenid Mussel. SAV response to these changes varied temporally and spatially, with the shallow upper bay showing the greatest response, particularly after Zebra Mussels establishment. In the upper bay, mean secchi depth increased by 8% from 1.2 m prior to P-control (pre-P), to 1.3 m after P-control (post-P) and further increased by 46% to 1.9 m after Dreissena establishment (post-D). Upper bay SAV responded to these invasive species with increases in the means of three variables: Zc from 1.6 to 3.5 m, extent from 114 m to 417 m and wet biomass from 50 g m−2 to 962 g m−2. SAV in the middle and lower bays were in better condition in 1972, with pre-P cover in excess of 50% and Zc of 2.6 and 3.7 m, respectively. SAV cover did increase in the post-D (1994 to 2007) period by approximately 25% and Zc increased to 3.7 and 6.5 m, but the narrow fringing strip of shallower water along the shore in these two deeper bays limited substantial increases in bed extent. Both water clarity and basin morphometry strongly influenced SAV distribution and abundance within the Bay of Quinte.
Fishing for Dagaa with 5 mm and 10 mm mesh nets: A comparison of length-frequencies and biological characteristics
Authors: Nsinda Philemon E. , Msuku Batman S. , Mrosso Hillary D. 
Published: October 2017

Two mesh sizes (5 and 10 mm) usually used to harvest Rastrineobola argentea in Lake Victoria were assessed from April to September 2001 to determine their suitability. It was observed that 13.2% of fish caught in 5 mm and 11.2% caught in 10 mm for April, May, June and July were of a size below maturity (44 mm standard length, [SL]). Mean size of fish caught with the 5 mm mesh was 46.8 ± 1.2 mm and that of fish caught with the 10 mm mesh was 46.8 ± 0.5 mm (SL). Catches per unit effort (CPUE) from the two meshes were not significantly different, with Haplochromis laparogramma (50.1%) dominating the catch followed by R. argentea (48.9%). Juveniles of Nile Perch, Brycinus jacksonii, Brycinus sadleri, and Barbus spp. (0.9%) were caught in small numbers. About half of the females matured at 43.5 mm and the males at 46.6 mm SL. Fish caught with the 5 mm mesh had on average 1050 ± 400 eggs and those caught with the 10 mm mesh had 918 ± 281 eggs, but the difference was not significant. However, a significant difference was noted between non-infected fish (1050 ± 400 eggs) and fish infected by the cestode Ligula intestinalis (663 ± 316 eggs). Given the absence of differences in key parameters under investigation between the fish caught with the 5 and 10 mm mesh sizes, the two meshes can be used interchangeably.
Lake Tanganyika fisheries in post-conflict Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Van der Knaap M. , Kamitenga D. Manara , Many L. Ngoie , Tambwe A. Esube , De Graaf G. J. 
Published: October 2017

Since the first regional lakewide fisheries frame survey on Lake Tanganyika in 1995, no fisheries census was conducted in the Democratic Republic of Congo and therefore the results of the second lakewide frame survey in 2011 should be studied intensively as numerous changes took place in the region in general and along the Congolese coastline in particular. In the capital city, Kinshasa, at a distance of approximately 2000 km from the lake, Lake Tanganyika is known as the water body where the fish die of old age according to Gayo Lemba, Chairman of the Lake Tanganyika Authority Management Committee for Democratic Republic of Congo from a personal communication. The results of the 2011 frame survey indicate that fish were not allowed to reach an old age as the fishing capacity over time had more than doubled as compared to the situation in 1995. The fisheries resources were considered under high pressure by the end of the previous millennium and therefore a Framework Fisheries Management Plan was developed by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to start managing the fisheries (both fish and fishermen) with a view to a regional lakewide approach involving the neighboring riparian countries. The present article describes the major findings of the frame survey along the littoral zone of Democratic Republic of Congo in 2011 in comparison with the results from the first lakewide regional frame survey in 1995. Not only fishermen increased in number, but also fishing canoes and women processors as well as traders. The approach taken by Democratic Republic of Congo, involving a new sort of co-management, contributes to peace, development and relative stability in this fragile region.
The analysis of phytoplankton blooms off the Yangtze River Estuary in the spring of 2007
Authors: Fu Dongyang , Pan Delu , Wang Difeng , Zhang Ying , Ding Youzhuan , Liu Dazhao 
Published: October 2017

The Yangtze River Estuary and the Zhejiang coastal waters have a high incidence of spring phytoplankton bloom and even red tide, but there are rarely phytoplankton blooms in the open waters off the Yangtze River Estuary in the spring considering its relative oligotrophy. From 25 April to 7 May 2007, two strong phytoplankton blooms were observed in the open sea area (the east by 125° E-box C), and the chlorophyll-a concentration, whether measuring through remote sensing or in situ, consistently indicated bloom characteristics. Chlorophyll-a concentration in this area increased significantly, even up to 11 mg·m−3 at individual stations during this period. Average chlorophyll-a measured by remote sensing in region C (125–127°E, 30–32°N) was 2.07 mg·m−3, while the climatic average was only 0.97 mg·m−3 during 2000 to 2008. Analyses demonstrated that suspended sediment concentrations had almost no change, but a slight decrease occurred during the two blooms periods as well as low nitrate and phosphate and higher silicate and salinity in box C. It was suggested that the increased chlorophyll-a concentration was not caused by the intrusion of dilute water from the estuary with high suspended sediment concentrations and nutrients, but probably due to local strong winds on the night of 26 April to the morning of 27 April. A further study with profile data of chlorophyll-a, temperature, salinity and other parameters indicated that strong mixing by the local wind was the main reason for the blooms.
The Laurentian Great Lakes in transition: A chronicle of research at the base of the foodweb
Authors: Munawar M. , Munawar I. F. , Fitzpatrick M. , Niblock H. , Lorimer J. 
Published: October 2017

A unique science and management strategy has been developed for the Laurentian Great Lakes due to their enormous size, geographic-ecological diversity, political and economic importance. This article is a documentary of more than 40 years of research conducted at the base of the foodweb by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which has contributed significantly to the management of the Great Lakes. In the 1960s, the governments of Canada and the United States responded to the threat of cultural eutrophication which eventually resulted in the signing of the binational Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Dr. R. A. Vollenweider and Dr. J. R. Vallentyne were instrumental in developing a phosphorus abatement program, as well as the adoption of the “ecosystem approach” resulting in an holistic and integrated protocol for managing multiple environmental stressors. By showcasing some selected examples (Lake Ontario, Bay of Quinte, current research activities), an attempt is made to chronicle the evolution of phytoplankton, primary productivity and microbial foodweb research in the Great Lakes. Some of the research programs, techniques, models, policies and international cooperation are highlighted, in addition to the strong European influences on Great Lakes research. The lessons learned from the long-term Great Lakes research experience could be extrapolated and applied to enhance understanding of the ecology and management of other large lake ecosystems throughout the world.
Stakeholder involvement in data collection: Shall we get the same desired results?
Authors: Mbewe Mbamwai 
Published: October 2017

The fishing industry in Zambia benefits over 1 million people both directly and indirectly, and monitoring of fish stocks and players involved in the actual fishing remains a great priority. In light of the high costs surrounding critical, but basic fisheries data collection on the part of the Department of Fisheries, consideration had to be given to assess whether data collected by Fishing Village Management Committees dotted along the shoreline of Lake Kariba and shared or discussed at scheduled quarterly meetings, was reliable and could therefore be used in planning or policy decisions.
The village committees hold regular meetings, receive new fishers and fish traders joining their villages and report changes in fisher and boat numbers by type and challenges. The secretariat is formed by the Department of Fisheries at the district level in a given fishery. Lakewide frame surveys are conducted once every five years by the Department. Mean values of the datasets from two strata were subjected to a student t-test in order to ascertain deviation and reliability.
It was determined that data collected by village committees was reliable and could be used with confidence for planning departmental teams.