bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turkey shakes up universities as coup fallout continues
Authors: Bohannon John
Published: September 2016

Grants are frozen, campuses closed, and staffers fired.
Cystic fibrosis foundation opens drug discovery lab
Authors: Trivedi Bijal P.
Published: September 2016

Funded by a drug royalty bonanza, lab seeks novel ways to target mutations.
1D nanocrystals with precisely controlled dimensions, compositions, and architectures
Authors: Pang Xinchang , He Yanjie , Jung Jaehan , Lin Zhiqun
Published: September 2016

The ability to synthesize a diverse spectrum of one-dimensional (1D) nanocrystals presents an enticing prospect for exploring nanoscale size- and shape-dependent properties. Here we report a general strategy to craft a variety of plain nanorods, core-shell nanorods, and nanotubes with precisely controlled dimensions and compositions by capitalizing on functional bottlebrush-like block copolymers with well-defined structures and narrow molecular weight distributions as nanoreactors. These cylindrical unimolecular nanoreactors enable a high degree of control over the size, shape, architecture, surface chemistry, and properties of 1D nanocrystals. We demonstrate the synthesis of metallic, ferroelectric, upconversion, semiconducting, and thermoelectric 1D nanocrystals, among others, as well as combinations thereof.
Decoupling function and taxonomy in the global ocean microbiome
Authors: Louca Stilianos , Parfrey Laura Wegener , Doebeli Michael
Published: September 2016

Microbial metabolism powers biogeochemical cycling in Earth’s ecosystems. The taxonomic composition of microbial communities varies substantially between environments, but the ecological causes of this variation remain largely unknown. We analyzed taxonomic and functional community profiles to determine the factors that shape marine bacterial and archaeal communities across the global ocean. By classifying >30,000 marine microorganisms into metabolic functional groups, we were able to disentangle functional from taxonomic community variation. We find that environmental conditions strongly influence the distribution of functional groups in marine microbial communities by shaping metabolic niches, but only weakly influence taxonomic composition within individual functional groups. Hence, functional structure and composition within functional groups constitute complementary and roughly independent “axes of variation” shaped by markedly different processes.
Site-resolved measurement of the spin-correlation function in the Fermi-Hubbard model
Authors: Parsons Maxwell F. , Mazurenko Anton , Chiu Christie S. , Ji Geoffrey , Greif Daniel , Greiner Markus
Published: September 2016

Exotic phases of matter can emerge from strong correlations in quantum many-body systems. Quantum gas microscopy affords the opportunity to study these correlations with unprecedented detail. Here, we report site-resolved observations of antiferromagnetic correlations in a two-dimensional, Hubbard-regime optical lattice and demonstrate the ability to measure the spin-correlation function over any distance. We measure the in situ distributions of the particle density and magnetic correlations, extract thermodynamic quantities from comparisons to theory, and observe statistically significant correlations over three lattice sites. The temperatures that we reach approach the limits of available numerical simulations. The direct access to many-body physics at the single-particle level demonstrated by our results will further our understanding of how the interplay of motion and magnetism gives rise to new states of matter.
Designer nanorod synthesis
Authors: Houlton Andrew
Published: September 2016

Modified cellulose strands create versatile reactor compartments
Virulence factors enhance
Citrobacter rodentium
expansion through aerobic respiration
Authors: Lopez Christopher A. , Miller Brittany M. , Rivera-Chávez Fabian , Velazquez Eric M. , Byndloss Mariana X. , Chávez-Arroyo Alfredo , Lokken Kristen L. , Tsolis Renée M. , Winter Sebastian E. , Bäumler Andreas J.
Published: September 2016

Citrobacter rodentium
uses a type III secretion system (T3SS) to induce colonic crypt hyperplasia in mice, thereby gaining an edge during its competition with the gut microbiota through an unknown mechanism. Here, we show that by triggering colonic crypt hyperplasia, the
C. rodentium
T3SS induced an excessive expansion of undifferentiated Ki67-positive epithelial cells, which increased oxygenation of the mucosal surface and drove an aerobic
C. rodentium
expansion in the colon. Treatment of mice with the γ-secretase inhibitor dibenzazepine to diminish Notch-driven colonic crypt hyperplasia curtailed the fitness advantage conferred by aerobic respiration during
C. rodentium
infection. We conclude that
C. rodentium
uses its T3SS to induce histopathological lesions that generate an intestinal microenvironment in which growth of the pathogen is fueled by aerobic respiration.
Vaccine trust and the limits of information
Authors: Larson Heidi J.
Published: September 2016

Understanding trust in local contexts is key to communication about vaccination
Comparison of NxTAG Respiratory Pathogen Panel and Anyplex II RV16 Tests for Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Pathogens in Hospitalized Children
Authors: Brotons Pedro , Henares Desiree , Latorre Irene , Cepillo Antonio , Launes Cristian , Muñoz-Almagro Carmen
Published: September 2016

Multiplex molecular techniques can detect a diversity of respiratory viruses and bacteria that cause childhood acute respiratory infection rapidly and conveniently. However, currently available techniques show high variation in performance. We sought to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the novel multiplex NxTAG respiratory pathogen panel (RPP) RUO test versus a routine multiplex Anyplex II RV16 assay in respiratory specimens collected from children <18 years of age hospitalized with nonspecific symptoms of acute lower respiratory infection. Parallel testing was performed on nasopharyngeal aspirates prospectively collected at referral Children's Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (Barcelona, Spain) between June and November 2015. Agreement values between the two tests and
kappa
coefficients were assessed. Bidirectional sequencing was performed for the resolution of discordant results. A total of 319 samples were analyzed by both techniques. A total of 268 (84.0%) of them yielded concordant results. Positive percent agreement values ranged from 83.3 to 100%, while the negative percent agreement was more than 99% for all targets except for enterovirus/rhinovirus (EV/RV; 94.4%). Kappa coefficients ranged from 0.83 to 1.00. Discrepancy analysis confirmed 66.0% of NxTAG RPP RUO results. A total of 260 viruses were detected, with EV/RV (
n
= 105, 40.4%) being the most prevalent target. Viral coinfections were found in 44 (14.2%) samples. In addition, NxTAG RPP RUO detected single bacterial and mixed viral-bacterial infections in seven samples. NxTAG RPP RUO showed high positive and negative agreement with Anyplex II RV16 for main viruses that cause acute respiratory infections in children, coupled with an additional capability to detect some respiratory bacteria.
Characterization and Recognition of Brachyspira hampsonii sp. nov., a Novel Intestinal Spirochete That Is Pathogenic to Pigs
Authors: Mirajkar Nandita S. , Phillips Nyree D. , La Tom , Hampson David J. , Gebhart Connie J.
Published: September 2016

Swine dysentery (SD) is a mucohemorrhagic colitis of swine classically caused by infection with the intestinal spirochete
Brachyspira hyodysenteriae
. Since around 2007, cases of SD have occurred in North America associated with a different strongly beta-hemolytic spirochete that has been molecularly and phenotypically characterized and provisionally named “
Brachyspira hampsonii.
” Despite increasing international interest,
B. hampsonii
is currently not recognized as a valid species. To support its recognition, we sequenced the genomes of strains NSH-16
T
, NSH-24, and P280/1, representing
B. hampsonii
genetic groups I, II, and III, respectively, and compared them with genomes of other valid
Brachyspira
species. The draft genome of strain NSH-16
T
has a DNA G+C content of 27.4% and an approximate size of 3.2 Mb. Genomic indices, including digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH), average nucleotide identity (ANI), and average amino acid identity (AAI), clearly differentiated
B. hampsonii
from other recognized
Brachyspira
species. Although discriminated genotypically, the three genetic groups are phenotypically similar. By electron microscopy, cells of different strains of
B. hampsonii
measure 5 to 10 μm by 0.28 to 0.34 μm, with one or two flat curves, and have 10 to 14 periplasmic flagella inserted at each cell end. Using a comprehensive evaluation of genotypic (gene comparisons and multilocus sequence typing and analysis), genomic (dDDH, ANI, and AAI) and phenotypic (hemolysis, biochemical profiles, protein spectra, antibiogram, and pathogenicity) properties, we classify
Brachyspira hampsonii
sp. nov. as a unique species with genetically diverse yet phenotypically similar genomovars (I, II, and III). We designate the type strain NSH-16 (= ATCC BAA-2463 = NCTC 13792).
The Presumed Polyomavirus Viroporin VP4 of Simian Virus 40 or Human BK Polyomavirus Is Not Required for Viral Progeny Release
Authors: Henriksen Stian , Hansen Terkel , Bruun Jack-Ansgar , Rinaldo Christine Hanssen
Published: September 2016

The minor capsid protein of human BK polyomavirus (BKPyV), VP2, and its N-terminally truncated form, VP3, are both important for viral entry. The closely related simian virus 40 (SV40) reportedly produces an additional truncated form of VP2/3, denoted VP4, apparently functioning as a viroporin promoting progeny release. The VP4 open reading frame is conserved in some polyomaviruses, including BKPyV. In this study, we investigated the role of VP4 in BKPyV replication. By transfecting viral genomes into primary human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells, we demonstrated that unaltered BKPyV and mutants with start codon substitutions in VP4 (VP2M229I and VP2M229A) abolishing putative VP4 production were released at the same level to supernatants. However, during infection studies, VP2M229I and VP2M229A exhibited 90% and 65% reduced infectivity, respectively, indicating that isoleucine substitution inadvertently disrupted VP2/3 function to the detriment of viral entry, while inhibition of VP4 production during late infection was well tolerated. Unexpectedly, and similarly to BKPyV, wild-type SV40 and the corresponding VP4 start codon mutants (VP2M228I and VP2M228A) transfected into monkey kidney cell lines were also released at equal levels. Upon infection, only the VP2M228I mutant exhibited reduced infectivity, a 43% reduction, which also subsequently led to delayed host cell lysis. Mass spectrometry analysis of nuclear extracts from SV40-infected cells failed to identify VP4. Our results suggest that neither BKPyV nor SV40 require VP4 for progeny release. Moreover, our results reveal an important role in viral entry for the amino acid in VP2/VP3 unavoidably changed by VP4 start codon mutagenesis.

IMPORTANCE
Almost a decade ago, SV40 was reported to produce a late nonstructural protein, VP4, which forms pores in the nuclear membrane, facilitating progeny release. By performing transfection studies with unaltered BKPyV and SV40 and their respective VP4-deficient mutants, we found that VP4 is dispensable for progeny release, contrary to the original findings. However, infection studies demonstrated a counterintuitive reduction of infectivity of certain VP4-deficient mutants. In addition to the isoleucine-substituted SV40 mutant of the original study, we included alanine-substituted VP4-deficient mutants of BKPyV (VP2M229A) and SV40 (VP2M228A). These revealed that the reduction in infectivity was not caused by a lack of VP4 but rather depended on the identity of the single amino acid substituted within VP2/3 for VP4 start codon mutagenesis. Hopefully, our results will correct the longstanding misconception of VP4's role during infection and stimulate continued work on unraveling the mechanism for release of polyomavirus progeny.
Varicella-Zoster Virus Downregulates Programmed Death Ligand 1 and Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I in Human Brain Vascular Adventitial Fibroblasts, Perineurial Cells, and Lung Fibroblasts
Authors: Jones Dallas , Blackmon Anna , Neff C. Preston , Palmer Brent E. , Gilden Don , Badani Hussain , Nagel Maria A.
Published: September 2016

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vasculopathy produces stroke, giant cell arteritis, and granulomatous aortitis, and it develops after virus reactivates from ganglia and spreads transaxonally to arterial adventitia, resulting in persistent inflammation and pathological vascular remodeling. The mechanism(s) by which inflammatory cells persist in VZV-infected arteries is unknown; however, virus-induced dysregulation of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) may play a role. Specifically, PD-L1 can be expressed on virtually all nucleated cells and suppresses the immune system by interacting with the programmed cell death protein receptor 1, found exclusively on immune cells; thus, downregulation of PD-L1 may promote inflammation, as seen in some autoimmune diseases. Both flow cytometry and immunofluorescence analyses to test whether VZV infection of adventitial cells downregulates PD-L1 showed decreased PD-L1 expression in VZV-infected compared to mock-infected human brain vascular adventitial fibroblasts (HBVAFs), perineural cells (HPNCs), and fetal lung fibroblasts (HFLs) at 72 h postinfection. Quantitative RT-PCR analyses showed no change in PD-L1 transcript levels between mock- and VZV-infected cells, indicating a posttranscriptional mechanism for VZV-mediated downregulation of PD-L1. Flow cytometry analyses showed decreased major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) expression in VZV-infected cells and adjacent uninfected cells compared to mock-infected cells. These data suggest that reduced PD-L1 expression in VZV-infected adventitial cells contribute to persistent vascular inflammation observed in virus-infected arteries from patients with VZV vasculopathy, while downregulation of MHC-I prevents viral clearance.

IMPORTANCE
Here, we provide the first demonstration that VZV downregulates PD-L1 expression in infected HBVAFs, HPNCs, and HFLs, which, together with the noted VZV-mediated downregulation of MHC-I, might foster persistent inflammation in vessels, leading to pathological vascular remodeling during VZV vasculopathy and persistent inflammation in infected lungs to promote subsequent infection of T cells and hematogenous virus spread. Identification of a potential mechanism by which persistent inflammation in the absence of effective viral clearance occurs in VZV vasculopathy and VZV infection of the lung is a step toward targeted therapy of VZV-induced disease.
Marine Bacterial and Archaeal Ion-Pumping Rhodopsins: Genetic Diversity, Physiology, and Ecology
Authors: Pinhassi Jarone , DeLong Edward F. , Béjà Oded , González José M. , Pedrós-Alió Carlos
Published: September 2016

The recognition of a new family of rhodopsins in marine planktonic bacteria, proton-pumping proteorhodopsin, expanded the known phylogenetic range, environmental distribution, and sequence diversity of retinylidene photoproteins. At the time of this discovery, microbial ion-pumping rhodopsins were known solely in haloarchaea inhabiting extreme hypersaline environments. Shortly thereafter, proteorhodopsins and other light-activated energy-generating rhodopsins were recognized to be widespread among marine bacteria. The ubiquity of marine rhodopsin photosystems now challenges prior understanding of the nature and contributions of “heterotrophic” bacteria to biogeochemical carbon cycling and energy fluxes. Subsequent investigations have focused on the biophysics and biochemistry of these novel microbial rhodopsins, their distribution across the tree of life, evolutionary trajectories, and functional expression in nature. Later discoveries included the identification of proteorhodopsin genes in all three domains of life, the spectral tuning of rhodopsin variants to wavelengths prevailing in the sea, variable light-activated ion-pumping specificities among bacterial rhodopsin variants, and the widespread lateral gene transfer of biosynthetic genes for bacterial rhodopsins and their associated photopigments. Heterologous expression experiments with marine rhodopsin genes (and associated retinal chromophore genes) provided early evidence that light energy harvested by rhodopsins could be harnessed to provide biochemical energy. Importantly, some studies with native marine bacteria show that rhodopsin-containing bacteria use light to enhance growth or promote survival during starvation. We infer from the distribution of rhodopsin genes in diverse genomic contexts that different marine bacteria probably use rhodopsins to support light-dependent fitness strategies somewhere between these two extremes.
Systematic Search for Evidence of Interdomain Horizontal Gene Transfer from Prokaryotes to Oomycete Lineages
Authors: McCarthy Charley G. P. , Fitzpatrick David A.
Published: September 2016

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is the nonvertical inheritance of genetic material by transfer between different species. HGT is an important evolutionary mechanism for prokaryotes and in some cases is responsible for the spread of antibiotic resistance from resistant to benign species. Genome analysis has shown that examples of HGT are not as frequent in eukaryotes, but when they do occur they may have important evolutionary consequences. For example, the acquisition of fungal genes by an ancestral
Phytophthora
(plant destroyer) species is responsible for the large repertoire of enzymes in the plant-degrading arsenal of modern-day
Phytophthora
species. In this analysis, we set out to systematically search oomycete genomes for evidence of interdomain HGT (transfer of bacterial genes into oomycete species). Our results show that interdomain HGT is rare in oomycetes but has occurred. We located five well-supported examples, including one that could potentially break down xenobiotics within the cell.
Epidemic of fractures during a period of snow and ice: has anything changed 33 years on?
Authors: Al-Azzani Waheeb , Adam Maliq Mak Danial , Hodgson Paul , Williams Rhodri
Published: September 2016

Objectives

We reproduced a frequently cited study that was published in theBritish Medical Journal(BMJ) in 1981 assessing the extent of ‘snow-and-ice’ fractures during the winter period.

Setting

This study aims to provide an insight into how things have changed within the same emergency department (ED) by comparing the findings of theBMJpaper published 33 years ago with the present date.

Participants

As per the original study, all patients presenting to the ED with a radiological evidence of fracture during three different 4-day periods were included. The three 4-day periods included 4 days of snow-and-ice conditions and two control 4-day periods when snow and ice was not present; the first was 4 days within the same year, with a similar amount of sunshine hours, and the second was 4 days 1 calendar year later.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

To identify the frequency, distribution and pattern of fractures sustained in snow-and-ice conditions compared to control conditions as well as comparisons with the index study 33 years ago.

Results

A total of 293 patients with fractures were identified. Overall, there was a 2.20 (CI 1.7 to 3.0, p <0.01) increase in risk of fracture during snow-and-ice periods compared to control conditions. There was an increase (p <0.01) of fractures of the arm, forearm and wrist (RR 3.2 (CI 1.4 to 7.6) and 2.9 (CI 1.5 to 5.4) respectively).

Conclusions

While the relative risk was not of the magnitude 33 years ago, the overall number of patients presenting with a fracture during snow-and-ice conditions remains more than double compared to control conditions. This highlights the need for improved understanding of the impact of increased fracture burden on hospitals and more effective preventative measures.
Development of an active behavioural physiotherapy intervention (ABPI) for acute whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) II management: a modified Delphi study
Authors: Wiangkham Taweewat , Duda Joan , Haque M Sayeed , Rushton Alison
Published: September 2016

Objective

To develop an active behavioural physiotherapy intervention (ABPI) for managing acute whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) II using a modified Delphi method to develop consensus for the basic features of the ABPI.

Design

Modified Delphi study. Our systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating conservative management for acute WADII found that a combined ABPI may be a useful intervention to prevent patients progressing to chronicity. No previous research has considered a combined behavioural approach and active physiotherapy in the management of acute WADII patients. The ABPI was therefore developed using a rigorous consensus method using international research and local clinical whiplash experts. Descriptive statistics were used to assess consensus in each round.

Setting

Online international survey.

Participants

A purposive sample of 97 potential participants (aiming to recruit n=30) consisting of international research whiplash experts, UK private physiotherapists and UK postgraduate musculoskeletal physiotherapy students were invited to participate via electronic mail with an attached participant information sheet and consent form.

Results

36 individuals signed and returned the consent form. In round 1, 32/36 participants (response rate=89%, mean age±SD=36.03±13.22 years) across 8 countries (Australia, Finland, Greece, India, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and UK) contributed to round 1 questionnaire. Response rates were 78% and 75% for rounds 2 and 3, respectively. Following round 3, 12 underlying principles (eg, return to normal function as soon as possible, pain management, encouragement of self-management, reduce fear avoidance and anxiety) achieved consensus. The treatment components reaching consensus included behavioural (eg, education, reassurance, self-management) and physiotherapy components (eg, exercises for stability and mobility). No passive intervention achieved consensus.

Conclusions

Experts suggested and agreed the underlying principles and treatment components of the ABPI for the management of acute WADII. The ABPI was underpinned by social cognitive theory focusing on self-efficacy enhancement prior to conducting a phase II trial.
Home-based versus centre-based cardiac rehabilitation: abridged Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Buckingham S A , Taylor R S , Jolly K , Zawada A , Dean S G , Cowie A , Norton R J , Dalal H M
Published: September 2016

Objective

To update the Cochrane review comparing the effects of home-based and supervised centre-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on mortality and morbidity, quality of life, and modifiable cardiac risk factors in patients with heart disease.

Methods

Systematic review and meta-analysis. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL were searched up to October 2014, without language restriction. Randomised trials comparing home-based and centre-based CR programmes in adults with myocardial infarction, angina, heart failure or who had undergone coronary revascularisation were included.

Results

17 studies with 2172 patients were included. No difference was seen between home-based and centre-based CR in terms of: mortality (relative risk (RR) 0.79, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.47); cardiac events; exercise capacity (mean difference (MD) −0.10, −0.29 to 0.08); total cholesterol (MD 0.07 mmol/L, −0.24 to 0.11); low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD −0.06 mmol/L, −0.27 to 0.15); triglycerides (MD −0.16 mmol/L, −0.38 to 0.07); systolic blood pressure (MD 0.2 mm Hg, −3.4 to 3.8); smoking (RR 0.98, 0.79 to 1.21); health-related quality of life and healthcare costs. Lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD −0.07 mmol/L, −0.11 to −0.03, p=0.001) and lower diastolic blood pressure (MD −1.9 mm Hg, −0.8 to −3.0, p=0.009) were observed in centre-based participants. Home-based CR was associated with slightly higher adherence (RR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.07).

Conclusions

Home-based and centre-based CR provide similar benefits in terms of clinical and health-related quality of life outcomes at equivalent cost for those with heart failure and following myocardial infarction and revascularisation.
Factors influencing veterinary surgeons’ decision‐making about dairy cattle vaccination
Authors: Richens I. F. , Hobson‐West P. , Brennan M. L. , Hood Z. , Kaler J. , Green M. , Wright N. , Wapenaar W.
Published: September 2016

The use of vaccines in the cattle industry is widespread; however, there is limited published guidance for use by decision‐makers such as farmers and vets. To best support vets in advising dairy farmers on the optimisation of vaccination strategies, it is important to understand how and why vets make decisions about recommending the vaccination of cattle. The objective of this study was to explore in‐depth farm animal vets’ motivators and barriers to the implementation of vaccination strategies on British dairy farms. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 vets. Results indicated that vets have a positive attitude towards the use of vaccination and have few barriers to advising its implementation. Vets appear to group farmers into three ‘character types’. This characterisation influences the vet–farmer relationship and how the vet communicates with the farmer. Vets required evidence of disease or a risk of disease as a motivator to advise vaccination. However, this seemed to be sometimes overruled by a risk‐averse attitude; resulting in vaccination being advised ‘just in case’. Crucially, the need for resources to support and build on the vet–farmer relationship is highlighted as an area requiring further exploration in order to optimise vaccination strategies on farm.
Does inclusion of glutamine in oral rehydration solutions improve recovery from mild to moderate diarrhoea in preweaned calves?
Authors: Turner Andrea , Rees Gwen , Barrett David C. , Reyher Kristen K.
Published: September 2016

Critically Appraised Topics (CATs) are a standardised, succinct summary of research evidence organised around a clinical question, and a form of evidence synthesis used in the practice of evidence‐based medicine (EBM) and evidence‐based veterinary medicine (EBVM). Access to CATs enables clinicians to incorporate evidence from the scientific literature into clinical practice and they have been used to teach EBVM at the University of Bristol's School of Veterinary Sciences since 2011. Veterinary Record is including CATs from Bristol university in its Clinical Decision Making section. The first of these, along with an explanation of how they can be used, was published in VR, January 30, 2016, vol 178, pp 118‐119.
Distribution of genetic variation in five coppice growth traits among natural populations of seven North American willow (Salix) species
Authors: Mosseler A. , Major J.E. , Ostaff D.
Published: September 2016

Genetic variation and population structure in biomass yield and coppice growth traits were assessed in seven native North American willow species (Salix amygdaloides (AMY), Salix bebbiana (BEB), Salix discolor (DIS), Salix eriocephala (ERI), Salix humilis (HUM), Salix interior (INT), and Salix nigra (NIG)) established together in common-garden field tests on two sites. Differences in biomass yield, coppice stem number, and average single-stem mass were significant at the site, species, population, and genotype (clonal) levels. There were also species × site interactions. Analyses of variance components for these traits showed that only 3%–5% of the total variation in these traits was due to site differences, whereas genetic variation at the species, population, and genotype levels accounted for approximately 10%–39%, 5%–13%, and 12%–23%, respectively. Populations were a significant source of variation in some willow species (e.g., AMY, DIS, ERI, and INT) but not in other species. Tree willows were less prolific in stem sprout production than shrub willows, and ERI coppices produced by far the highest number of stem sprouts per coppice. This multispecies investigation demonstrated strong species and clonal differences, but variation among populations within a species, although significant, was relatively small, indicating that major growth and yield gains can be made through proper species selection and clonal selection within local populations.
Mapping QTLs associated with agronomic and physiological traits under terminal drought and heat stress conditions in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Tahmasebi Sirous , Heidari Bahram , Pakniyat Hassan , McIntyre C. Lynne
Published: September 2016

Wheat crops frequently experience a combination of abiotic stresses in the field, but most quantitative trait loci (QTL) studies have focused on the identification of QTLs for traits under single stress field conditions. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from SeriM82 × Babax was used to map QTLs under well-irrigated, heat, drought, and a combination of heat and drought stress conditions in two years. A total of 477 DNA markers were used to construct linkage groups that covered 1619.6 cM of the genome, with an average distance of 3.39 cM between adjacent markers. Moderate to relatively high heritability estimates (0.60–0.70) were observed for plant height (PHE), grain yield (YLD), and grain per square meter (GM2). The most important QTLs for days to heading (DHE), thousand grain weight (TGW), and YLD were detected on chromosomes 1B, 1D-a, and 7D-b. The prominent QTLs related to canopy temperature were on 3B. Results showed that common QTLs for DHE, YLD, and TGW on 7D-b were validated in heat and drought trials. Three QTLs for chlorophyll content in SPAD unit (on 1A/6B), leaf rolling (ROL) (on 3B/4A), and GM2 (on 1B/7D-b) showed significant epistasis × environment interaction. Six heat- or drought-specific QTLs (linked to 7D-acc/cat-10, 1B-agc/cta-9, 1A-aag/cta-8, 4A-acg/cta-3, 1B-aca/caa-3, and 1B-agc/cta-9 for day to maturity (DMA), SPAD, spikelet compactness (SCOM), TGW, GM2, and GM2, respectively) were stable and validated over two years. The major DHE QTL linked to 7D-acc/cat-10, with no QTL × environment (QE) interaction increased TGW and YLD. This QTL (5.68 ≤ LOD ≤ 10.5) explained up to 19.6% variation in YLD in drought, heat, and combined stress trials. This marker as a candidate could be used for verification in other populations and identifying superior allelic variations in wheat cultivars or its wild progenitors to increase the efficiency of selection of high yielding lines adapted to end-season heat and drought stress conditions.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects ofLiriope platyphyllain LPS-Stimulated Macrophages and Endotoxemic Mice
Authors: Kim Min-Jee , Yoo Yung-Choon , Sung Nak-Yun , Lee Julim , Park Seok-Rae , Shon Eun-Jung , Lee Bo Dam , Kim Mee Ree
Published: September 2016

In the present study, the anti-inflammatory and antisepticemic activities of a water extract of Liriope platyphylla (LP) were investigated. We first estimated the scavenging activity of DPPH and the hydroxyl radical and total phenolic contents of LP. Results indicated that LP, a rich source of phenolic compounds, showed a remarkable radical scavenging capacity. A MTT assay showed that LP treatment did not affect the toxicity against the RAW 264.7 macrophage cells, up to the concentration of 500[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL. Treatment of LP significantly attenuated the production of inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-[Formula: see text] and prostaglandin (PG)E2in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages cells. Moreover, LP contributed to the down-regulation of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and TNF-[Formula: see text] mRNA expression, as well as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression. A western blotting assay further showed that LP inhibited activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor (NF)-[Formula: see text]B. In an animal experiment using an LPS-induced septicemia model in C57BL/6 mice, oral administration of LP (40[Formula: see text]mg/kg body weight) markedly reduced the level of TNF-[Formula: see text] and IL-6 in serum and protected against LPS-induced lethal shock in mice. Taken together, the results of treatments of LP on inhibited LPS-induced inflammatory responses in both in vitro and in vivo models and indicate it may be a promising neutraceutical or medicinal agent to prevent or cure inflammation-related disease.
Alpinia officinarum Stimulates Osteoblast Mineralization and Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation
Authors: Shim Ki-Shuk , Lee Chung-Jo , Yim Nam-Hui , Gu Min Jung , Ma Jin Yeul
Published: September 2016

Alpinia officinarum rhizome has been used as a traditional herbal remedy to treat inflammatory and internal diseases. Based on the previously observed inhibitory effect of A. officinarum rhizome in an arthritis model, we evaluated whether a water extract of A. officinarum rhizome (WEAO) would enhance in vitro osteoblast mineralization using calvarial osteoblast precursor cells or would inhibit in vitro osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption using bone marrow derived macrophages. In osteoblasts, WEAO enhanced the mRNA levels of transcription factor (runt-related transcription factor 2, smad1, smad5, and junB) and marker (bone morphogenetic protein-2, collagen type 1alpha1, and osteocalcin) genes related to osteoblast mineralization, consistent with increased alizarin red S staining intensity. WEAO markedly inhibited osteoclast differentiation by suppressing the receptor activator for nuclear factor-[Formula: see text]B ligand-induced downregulation of inhibitor of DNA binding 2 and V-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog B and the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p38, nuclear factor-[Formula: see text]B, c-Src, and Bruton’s tyrosine kinase to induce nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1 expression. WEAO also suppressed the resorbing activity of mature osteoclasts by altering actin ring formation. Therefore, the results of this study demonstrate that WEAO stimulates osteoblast mineralization and inhibits osteoclast differentiation. Thus, WEAO may be a promising herbal candidate to treat or prevent pathological bone diseases by regulating the balance between osteoclast and osteoblast activity.
Sulforaphane Induces Cell Death Through G2/M Phase Arrest and Triggers Apoptosis in HCT 116 Human Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Liu Kuo-Ching , Shih Ting-Ying , Kuo Chao-Lin , Ma Yi-Shih , Yang Jiun-Long , Wu Ping-Ping , Huang Yi-Ping , Lai Kuang-Chi , Chung Jing-Gung
Published: September 2016

Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate, exists exclusively in cruciferous vegetables, and has been shown to possess potent antitumor and chemopreventive activity. However, there is no available information that shows SFN affecting human colon cancer HCT 116 cells. In the present study, we found that SFN induced cell morphological changes, which were photographed by contrast-phase microscopy, and decreased viability. SFN also induced G2/M phase arrest and cell apoptosis in HCT 116 cells, which were measured with flow cytometric assays. Western blotting indicated that SFN increased Cyclin A, cdk 2, Cyclin B and WEE1, but decreased Cdc 25C, cdk1 protein expressions that led to G2/M phase arrest. Apoptotic cell death was also confirmed by Annexin V/PI and DAPI staining and DNA gel electrophoresis in HCT 116 cells after exposure to SFN. The flow cytometric assay also showed that SFN induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca[Formula: see text] and decreased mitochondria membrane potential and increased caspase-8, -9 and -3 activities in HCT 116 cell. Western blotting also showed that SFN induced the release of cytochrome c, and AIF, which was confirmed by confocal microscopy examination. SFN induced ER stress-associated protein expression. Based on those observations, we suggest that SFN may be used as a novel anticancer agent for the treatment of human colon cancer in the future.
Design and implementation of flexible TWDM-PON with PtP WDM overlay based on WSS for next-generation optical access networks
Authors: Wu Bin , Yin Hongxi , Qin Jie , Liu Chang , Liu Anliang , Shao Qi , Xu Xiaoguang
Published: September 2016

Aiming at the increasing demand of the diversification services and flexible bandwidth allocation of the future access networks, a flexible passive optical network (PON) scheme combining time and wavelength division multiplexing (TWDM) with point-to-point wavelength division multiplexing (PtP WDM) overlay is proposed for the next-generation optical access networks in this paper. A novel software-defined optical distribution network (ODN) structure is designed based on wavelength selective switches (WSS), which can implement wavelength and bandwidth dynamical allocations and suits for the bursty traffic. The experimental results reveal that the TWDM-PON can provide 40 Gb/s downstream and 10 Gb/s upstream data transmission, while the PtP WDM-PON can support 10 GHz point-to-point dedicated bandwidth as the overlay complement system. The wavelengths of the TWDM-PON and PtP WDM-PON are allocated dynamically based on WSS, which verifies the feasibility of the proposed structure.
GPU-Based Fluid Motion Estimation Using Energy Constraint
Authors: Xu Siyuan , Zhuang Han , Fu Xin , Zhou Junlong , Chen Mingsong
Published: September 2016

Although motion estimation (ME) approaches for fluid flows have been widely studied in computer vision domain, most existing ME algorithms cannot accurately deal with regions with both slight and drastic brightness changes. To address this issue, this paper introduces a novel data structure called brightness distribution matrix (BDM) which can be used to accurately model regional brightness. Based on our proposed consistency constraints and energy function, we can obtain motion vectors from image sequences with high accuracy. Since the BDM-based ME approach requires a large number of computations when dealing with complex fluid scenarios, to reduce the overall ME time, a parallelized version of our approach is developed based on graphics processing unit (GPU). Experimental results show that our GPU-based approach not only can be used to improve the ME quality for complex fluid images, but also can reduce the overall ME processing time (up to 7.06 times improvement).
ERECTOR SPINAE MUSCLE — ILIOCOSTALIS ANATOMIC VARIATION
Authors: Gale Nicole C. , Kuxhaus Laurel , Ciani Mario J.
Published: September 2016

The erector spinae muscle is categorized as the intermediate layer of the intrinsic back muscles. Textbooks often describe the iliocostalis thoracis as originating superior to the iliocostalis lumborum. Six cadavers were dissected to reveal the iliocostalis thoracis origin and insertion points which show that the iliocostalis thoracis has fascicular attachments to the common erector spinae tendon. After reviewing nine common anatomy textbooks, 66.7% did not describe the iliocostalis thoracis as having fascicular extension into the common erector spinae tendon in both the text and illustrations. Interestingly, 22.2% of these textbooks had text that explained the attachments differently than the illustrations showed. While all cadaver specimens are inherently different, this finding shows that textbooks should reflect the fact that the iliocostalis thoracis originates from the common erector spinae tendon. This outcome could influence the healthcare a patient receives for antalgic compensatory posture associated with low back pain.
SIMPLIFIED HEDGE FOR PATH-DEPENDENT DERIVATIVES
Authors: BERNARD CAROLE , TANG JUNSEN
Published: September 2016

Path-dependent derivatives are typically difficult to hedge. Traditional dynamic delta hedging does not perform well because of the difficulty to evaluate the Greeks and the high cost of constantly rebalancing. We propose to price and hedge path-dependent derivatives by constructing simplified alternatives that preserve certain distributional properties of their terminal payoffs, and that can be hedged by semi-static replication. The method is illustrated by a geometric Asian option and by a lookback option in the Black–Scholes setting, for which explicit forms of the simplified alternatives exist. Extensions to a Lévy market and to a Heston stochastic volatility model are discussed as well.
SPEED OF SOUND MEASUREMENT IN PORCINE INTERVERTEBRAL DISCS: AN IN VITRO STUDY
Authors: VAYRON ROMAIN , MATHIEU VINCENT , ROUARD HÉLÈNE , FLOUZAT-LACHANIETTE CHARLES-HENRI , HAÏAT GUILLAUME
Published: September 2016

Disc degeneration is associated with premature ageing of intervertebral discs (IVD) and a gradual degradation of the nucleus pulposus (NP) biomechanical properties. The objective of this study is to investigate whether quantitative ultrasound (QUS) technique can be used to determine the speed of sound (SOS) in the NP and to correlate SOS with histological measurements. The ultrasonic measurements are realized with a 3.5[Formula: see text]MHz focused monoelement transducer used in echographic mode. The value of the interspecimen variability of SOS is significantly superior than the reproducibility of the measurements, which indicates that the technique is sensitive to variations of the material properties of the NP. A significant correlation between SOS values and the percentage of physaliphorous cells ratios is obtained ([Formula: see text]) when considering all samples. QUS can be useful to assess the biomechanical properties of the IVD, which may be useful in the context of tissue engineering applications.
Role of the deubiquitinating enzyme ubiquitin-specific protease-14 in proteostasis in renal cells
Authors: Sareen-Khanna Kapil , Papillon Joan , Wing Simon S. , Cybulsky Andrey V.
Published: September 2016

Kidney cell injury may be associated with protein misfolding and induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Examples include complement-induced glomerular epithelial cell (GEC)/podocyte injury in membranous nephropathy and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Renal cell injury can also result from mutations in integral proteins, which lead to their misfolding and accumulation. Certain nephrin missense mutants misfold, accumulate in the ER, and induce ER stress. We examined if enhancement of ubiquitin-proteasome system function may facilitate proteostasis and confer protection against injury. Ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (Usp14) is reported to retard proteasomal protein degradation. Thus inhibition of Usp14 may enhance degradation of misfolded proteins and attenuate cell injury. In GEC, the reporter proteins GFPu (a “misfolded” protein) and CD3δ (an ER-associated degradation substrate) undergo time-dependent proteasomal degradation. Complement did not affect degradation of CD3δ-yellow fluorescent protein (YFP), but accelerated degradation of GFPu, and the Usp14-directed inhibitor IU1 further accelerated this degradation. Conversely, overexpression of Usp14 reduced degradation of GFPu and CD3δ-YFP. In 293T cells, IU1 did not enhance degradation of disease-associated nephrin missense mutants I171N and S724C, whereas overexpression of Usp14 reduced degradation. IU1 was cytoprotective after injury induced by the ER stressor tunicamycin and in vitro ischemia-reperfusion, but did not affect complement-induced cytotoxicity. In conclusion, Usp14 controls proteasomal degradation of some misfolded proteins. In addition, a Usp14-directed inhibitor reduces cytotoxicity in the context of global protein misfolding during certain types of renal cell injury.
Assessment of the interaction of hyperbaric N2, CO2, and O2 on psychomotor performance in divers
Authors: Freiberger J. J. , Derrick B. J. , Natoli M. J. , Akushevich I. , Schinazi E. A. , Parker C. , Stolp B. W. , Bennett P. B. , Vann R. D. , Dunworth S. A. S. , Moon R. E.
Published: September 2016

Diving narcosis results from the complex interaction of gases, activities, and environmental conditions. We hypothesized that these interactions could be separated into their component parts. Where previous studies have tested single cognitive tasks sequentially, we varied inspired partial pressures of CO2, N2, and O2 in immersed, exercising subjects while assessing multitasking performance with the Multi-Attribute Task Battery II (MATB-II) flight simulator. Cognitive performance was tested under 20 conditions of gas partial pressure and exercise in 42 male subjects meeting U.S. Navy age and fitness profiles. Inspired nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2) partial pressures were 0, 4.5, and 5.6 ATA and 0.21, 1.0, and 1.22 ATA, respectively, at rest and during 100-W immersed exercise with and without 0.075-ATA CO2. Linear regression modeled the association of gas partial pressure with task performance while controlling for exercise, hypercapnic ventilatory response, dive training, video game frequency, and age. Subjects served as their own controls. Impairment of memory, attention, and planning, but not motor tasks, was associated with N2 partial pressures >4.5 ATA. Sea level O2 at 0.925 ATA partially rescued motor and memory reaction time impaired by 0.075-ATA CO2; however, at hyperbaric pressures an unexpectedly strong interaction between CO2, N2, and exercise caused incapacitating narcosis with amnesia, which was augmented by O2. Perception of narcosis was not correlated with actual scores. The relative contributions of factors associated with diving narcosis will be useful to predict the effects of gas mixtures and exercise conditions on the cognitive performance of divers. The O2 effects are consistent with O2 narcosis or enhanced O2 toxicity.
Botulinum toxin injection causes hyper-reflexia and increased muscle stiffness of the triceps surae muscle in the rat
Authors: Pingel Jessica , Wienecke Jacob , Lorentzen Jakob , Nielsen Jens Bo
Published: September 2016

Botulinum toxin is used with the intention of diminishing spasticity and reducing the risk of development of contractures. Here, we investigated changes in muscle stiffness caused by reflex activity or elastic muscle properties following botulinum toxin injection in the triceps surae muscle in rats. Forty-four rats received injection of botulinum toxin in the left triceps surae muscle. Control measurements were performed on the noninjected contralateral side in all rats. Acute experiments were performed, 1, 2, 4, and 8 wk following injection. The triceps surae muscle was dissected free, and the Achilles tendon was cut and attached to a muscle puller. The resistance of the muscle to stretches of different amplitudes and velocities was systematically investigated. Reflex-mediated torque was normalized to the maximal muscle force evoked by supramaximal stimulation of the tibial nerve. Botulinum toxin injection caused severe atrophy of the triceps surae muscle at all time points. The force generated by stretch reflex activity was also strongly diminished but not to the same extent as the maximal muscle force at 2 and 4 wk, signifying a relative reflex hyperexcitability. Passive muscle stiffness was unaltered at 1 wk but increased at 2, 4, and 8 wk ( P < 0.01). These data demonstrate that botulinum toxin causes a relative increase in reflex stiffness, which is likely caused by compensatory neuroplastic changes. The stiffness of elastic elements in the muscles also increased. The data are not consistent with the ideas that botulinum toxin is an efficient antispastic medication or that it may prevent development of contractures.