bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drivers of intraspecific trait variation of grass and forb species in German meadows and pastures
Authors: Herz Katharina , Dietz Sophie , Haider Sylvia , Jandt Ute , Scheel Dierk , Bruelheide Helge
Published: April 2017

Questions

To what extent is trait variation in grasses and forbs driven by land‐use intensity, climate, soil conditions and plant diversity of the local neighbourhood? Do grass and forb species differ in the degree of intraspecific trait variation?

Location

Managed grasslands in three regions of Germany.

Methods

Using a phytometer approach, we raised 20 common European grassland species (ten forbs and ten grasses) and planted them into 54 plots of different land‐use types (pasture, meadow, mown pasture). After 1 yr in the field, we measured above‐ and below‐ground plant functional traits. Linear mixed effects models (LMEM) were used to identify the most powerful predictors for every trait. Variation partitioning was applied to assess the amount of inter‐ and intraspecific trait variation in grasses and forbs explained by environmental conditions (land‐use intensity, climate and soil conditions) and plant species diversity of the local neighbourhood.

Results

For 12 out of the 14 traits studied, either land‐use intensity or local neighbourhood diversity were predictors in the best LMEM. Land‐use intensity had considerably stronger effects than neighbourhood diversity. Root dry matter content and root phosphorus concentration of forbs were more affected by land‐use intensity than those of grasses. For almost all traits, intraspecific trait variation of grasses was much higher than that of forbs, while traits of forbs varied more among species. Overall, inter‐ and intraspecific variation was of the same magnitude.

Conclusion

The similar magnitude of intra‐ and interspecific trait variation suggests that both sources should be considered in grassland studies at a scale similar to that of our study. The high amount of intraspecific trait variation that was explained by environmental factors and local neighbourhood diversity clearly demonstrates the high potential of species to adjust to local conditions, which would be ignored when only considering species mean trait values.
Fair bilateral pricing under funding costs and exogenous collateralization
Authors: Nie Tianyang , Rutkowski Marek
Published: April 2017

Bielecki and Rutkowski introduced and studied a generic nonlinear market model, which includes several risky assets, multiple funding accounts, and margin accounts. In this paper, we examine the pricing and hedging of contract from the perspective of both the hedger and the counterparty with arbitrary initial endowments. We derive inequalities for unilateral prices and we study the range of fair bilateral prices. We also examine the positive homogeneity and monotonicity of unilateral prices with respect to the initial endowments. Our study hinges on results from Nie and Rutkowski for backward stochastic differential equations (BSDEs) driven by continuous martingales, but we also derive the pricing partial differential equations (PDEs) for path‐independent contingent claims of a European style in a Markovian framework.
Arbitrage‐free XVA
Authors: Bichuch Maxim , Capponi Agostino , Sturm Stephan
Published: April 2017

We develop a framework for computing the total valuation adjustment (XVA) of a European claim accounting for funding costs, counterparty credit risk, and collateralization. Based on no‐arbitrage arguments, we derive backward stochastic differential equations associated with the replicating portfolios of long and short positions in the claim. This leads to the definition of buyer's and seller's XVA, which in turn identify a no‐arbitrage interval. In the case that borrowing and lending rates coincide, we provide a fully explicit expression for the unique XVA, expressed as a percentage of the price of the traded claim, and for the corresponding replication strategies. In the general case of asymmetric funding, repo, and collateral rates, we study the semilinear partial differential equations characterizing buyer's and seller's XVA and show the existence of a unique classical solution to it. To illustrate our results, we conduct a numerical study demonstrating how funding costs, repo rates, and counterparty risk contribute to determine the total valuation adjustment.
Park Forest (L5) and the asteroidal source of shocked L chondrites
Authors: Meier Matthias M. M. , Welten Kees C. , Riebe My E. I. , Caffee Marc W. , Gritsevich Maria , Maden Colin , Busemann Henner
Published: April 2017

The Park Forest (L5) meteorite fell in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois (USA) on March 26, 2003. It is one of the currently 25 meteorites for which photographic documentation of the fireball enabled the reconstruction of the meteoroid orbit. The combination of orbits with pre‐atmospheric sizes, cosmic‐ray exposure (CRE), and radiogenic gas retention ages (“cosmic histories”) is significant because they can be used to constrain the meteoroid's “birth region,” and test models of meteoroid delivery. Using He, Ne, Ar, 10Be, and 26Al, as well as a dynamical model, we show that the Park Forest meteoroid had a pre‐atmospheric size close to 180 g cm−2, 0–40% porosity, and a pre‐atmospheric mass range of ~2–6 tons. It has a CRE age of 14 ± 2 Ma, and (U, Th)‐He and K‐Ar ages of 430 ± 90 and 490 ± 70 Ma, respectively. Of the meteorites with photographic orbits, Park Forest is the second (after Novato) that was shocked during the L chondrite parent body (LCPB) break‐up event approximately 470 Ma ago. The suggested association of this event with the formation of the Gefion family of asteroids has recently been challenged and we suggest the Ino family as a potential alternative source for the shocked L chondrites. The location of the LCPB break‐up event close to the 5:2 resonance also allows us to put some constraints on the possible orbital migration paths of the Park Forest meteoroid.
Vitamin D status of White pregnant women and infants at birth and 4 months in North West England: A cohort study
Authors: Emmerson Anthoney J. B. , Dockery Karen Elizabeth , Mughal M. Z. , Roberts Stephen A. , Tower Clare Louise , Berry Jacqueline L.
Published: April 2017

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant white‐skinned women (WSW) and their infants has not been investigated at northern latitudes in a developed county. A 2‐year observational cohort study was undertaken in the North West of England to determine 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels in WSW and their infants during pregnancy and 4 months postdelivery and to explore factors associated with these levels. Nutritional and lifestyle questionnaires were completed and 25OHD levels measured at 28 weeks and 4 months postdelivery.

Twenty‐seven percent and 7% of WSW had insufficient and deficient levels of 25OHD during pregnancy and 48% and 11% four months postdelivery. WSW with Fitzpatrick skin‐type I (FST I) have significantly lower 25OHD than other skin types after controlling for time spent outside and vitamin D intake. Twenty‐four percent and 13% of infants had insufficient and deficient 25OHD levels at 4 months. Unsupplemented breast‐fed infants have the highest level of insufficiency (67%) compared with formula‐fed infants (2%). Factors associated with infant serum 25OHD levels at 4 months included breast feeding, supplementation, and time outside. WSW have a high prevalence of insufficiency and deficiency during pregnancy which doubles 4 months after birth. Breast‐fed infants of WSW are rarely considered at risk of vitamin D insufficiency but have high rates compared with formula‐fed infants. This is the first study to show the finding that FST I WSW have significantly lower levels of 25OHD than those with FST II–IV (difference adjusted for diet and time outside 14 (95%CI 7–21) nmol/L).
Safety in psychiatric inpatient care: The impact of risk management culture on mental health nursing practice
Authors: Slemon Allie , Jenkins Emily , Bungay Vicky
Published: April 2017

The discourse of safety has informed the care of individuals with mental illness through institutionalization and into modern psychiatric nursing practices. Confinement arose from safety: out of both societal stigma and fear for public safety, as well as benevolently paternalistic aims to protect individuals from self‐harm. In this paper, we argue that within current psychiatric inpatient environments, safety is maintained as the predominant value, and risk management is the cornerstone of nursing care. Practices that accord with this value are legitimized and perpetuated through the safety discourse, despite evidence refuting their efficacy, and patient perspectives demonstrating harm. To illustrate this growing concern in mental health nursing care, we provide four exemplars of risk management strategies utilized in psychiatric inpatient settings: close observations, seclusion, door locking and defensive nursing practice. The use of these strategies demonstrates the necessity to shift perspectives on safety and risk in nursing care. We suggest that to re‐centre meaningful support and treatment of clients, nurses should provide individualized, flexible care that incorporates safety measures while also fundamentally re‐evaluating the risk management culture that gives rise to and legitimizes harmful practices.
Small serine recombination systems ParA‐MRS and CinH‐RS2 perform precise excision of plastid DNA
Authors: Shao Min , Blechl Ann , Thomson James G.
Published: April 2017

Selectable marker genes (SMGs) are necessary for selection of transgenic plants. However, once stable transformants have been identified, the marker gene is no longer needed. In this study, we demonstrate the use of the small serine recombination systems, ParA‐MRS and CinH‐RS2, to precisely excise a marker gene from the plastid genome of tobacco. Transplastomic plants transformed with the pTCH‐MRS and pTCH‐RS2 vectors, containing the visual reporter gene DsRed flanked by directly oriented MRS and RS2 recognition sites, respectively, were crossed with nuclear‐genome transformed tobacco plants expressing plastid‐targeted ParA and CinH recombinases, respectively. One hundred per cent of both types of F1 hybrids exhibited excision of the DsRed marker gene. PCR and Southern blot analyses of DNA from F2 plants showed that approximately 30% (CinH‐RS2) or 40% (ParA‐MRS) had lost the recombinase genes by segregation. The postexcision transformed plastid genomes were stable and the excision events heritable. The ParA‐MRS and CinH‐RS2 recombination systems will be useful tools for site‐specific manipulation of the plastid genome and for generating marker‐free plants, an essential step for reuse of SMG and for addressing concerns about the presence of antibiotic resistance genes in transgenic plants.
Cloning and plant‐based production of antibody MC10E7 for a lateral flow immunoassay to detect [4‐arginine]microcystin in freshwater
Authors: Melnik Stanislav , Neumann Anna‐Cathrine , Karongo Ryan , Dirndorfer Sebastian , Stübler Martin , Ibl Verena , Niessner Reinhard , Knopp Dietmar , Stoger Eva
Published: April 2017

Antibody MC10E7 is one of a small number of monoclonal antibodies that bind specifically to [Arg4]‐microcystins, and it can be used to survey natural water sources and food samples for algal toxin contamination. However, the development of sensitive immunoassays in different test formats, particularly user‐friendly tests for on‐site analysis, requires a sensitive but also cost‐effective antibody. The original version of MC10E7 was derived from a murine hybridoma, but we determined the sequence of the variable regions using the peptide mass‐assisted cloning strategy and expressed a scFv (single‐chain variable fragment) format of this antibody in yeast and a chimeric full‐size version in leaves of Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana benthamiana to facilitate inexpensive and scalable production. The specific antigen‐binding activity of the purified antibody was verified by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy and ELISA, confirming the same binding specificity as its hybridoma‐derived counterpart. The plant‐derived antibody was used to design a lateral flow immunoassay (dipstick) for the sensitive detection of [Arg4]‐microcystins at concentrations of 100–300 ng/L in freshwater samples collected at different sites. Plant‐based production will likely reduce the cost of the antibody, currently the most expensive component of the dipstick immunoassay, and will allow the development of further antibody‐based analytical devices and water purification adsorbents for the efficient removal of toxic contaminants.
By our bootstraps: Comparing methods for measuring auditory 40 Hz steady‐state neural activity
Authors: Edgar J. Christopher , Fisk IV Charles L. , Chen Yu‐Han , Stone‐Howell Breannan , Hunter Michael A. , Huang Mingxiong , Bustillo Juan R. , Cañive José M. , Miller Gregory A.
Published: April 2017

Although the 40 Hz auditory steady‐state response (ASSR) is of clinical interest, the construct validity of EEG and MEG measures of 40 Hz ASSR cortical microcircuits is unclear. This study evaluated several MEG and EEG metrics by leveraging findings of (a) an association between the 40 Hz ASSR and age in the left but not right hemisphere, and (b) right‐ > left‐hemisphere differences in the strength of the 40 Hz ASSR. The contention is that, if an analysis method does not demonstrate a left 40 Hz ASSR and age relationship or hemisphere differences, then the obtained measures likely have low validity. Fifty‐three adults were presented 500 Hz stimuli modulated at 40 Hz while MEG and EEG were collected. ASSR activity was examined as a function of phase similarity (intertrial coherence) and percent change from baseline (total power). A variety of head models (spherical and realistic) and a variety of dipole source modeling strategies (dipole source localization and dipoles fixed to Heschl's gyri) were compared. Several sensor analysis strategies were also tested. EEG sensor measures failed to detect left 40 Hz ASSR and age associations or hemisphere differences. A comparison of MEG and EEG head‐source models showed similarity in the 40 Hz ASSR measures and in estimating age and left 40 Hz ASSR associations, indicating good construct validity across models. Given a goal of measuring the 40 Hz ASSR cortical microcircuits, a source‐modeling approach was shown to be superior in measuring this construct versus methods that rely on EEG sensor measures.
Investigating Changes in Preservice Teachers’ Conceptions of STEM Education Following Video Analysis and Reflection
Authors: Radloff Jeffrey , Guzey Selcen
Published: April 2017

Nationally, there is a steadily increasing emphasis on the improvement of STEM education. This includes the integration of STEM subjects that have been traditionally taught separately, making it critical that prospective STEM educators are equipped to teach using integrated STEM approaches. Connected, an important challenge is providing preservice STEM teachers with experiences in which they can develop an understanding of how to optimize learning through integrated STEM instruction. A potentially effective way to foster this conceptualization is through video analysis of integrated STEM practices. To investigate this possibility, here we present a semester‐long study focused on engaging preservice STEM teachers with observing, analyzing, and reflecting about instructional STEM practices through a video‐based intervention. Findings suggest that viewing and reflecting on integrated STEM practices may enhance preservice STEM teachers' conceptions of integrated STEM approaches, representing a practical method of preservice STEM teacher professional development.
The R2R3‐MYB transcription factor MdMYB73 is involved in malate accumulation and vacuolar acidification in apple
Authors: Hu Da‐Gang , Li Yuan‐Yuan , Zhang Quan‐Yan , Li Ming , Sun Cui‐Hui , Yu Jian‐Qiang , Hao Yu‐Jin
Published: April 2017

Malate, the predominant organic acid in many fruits, is a crucial component of the organoleptic quality of fruit, including taste and flavor. The genetic and environmental mechanisms affecting malate metabolism in fruit cells have been studied extensively. However, the transcriptional regulation of malate‐metabolizing enzymes and vacuolar transporters remains poorly understood. Our previous studies demonstrated that MdMYB1 modulates anthocyanin accumulation and vacuolar acidification by directly activating vacuolar transporters, including MdVHA‐B1, MdVHA‐E, MdVHP1 and MdtDT. Interestingly, we isolated and identified a MYB transcription factor, MdMYB73, a distant relative of MdMYB1 in this study. It was subsequently found that MdMYB73 protein bound directly to the promoters of MdALMT9 (aluminum‐activated malate transporter 9), MdVHA‐A (vacuolar ATPase subunit A) and MdVHP1 (vacuolar pyrophosphatase 1), transcriptionally activating their expression and thereby enhancing their activities. Analyses of transgenic apple calli demonstrated that MdMYB73 influenced malate accumulation and vacuolar pH. Furthermore, MdCIbHLH1 interacted with MdMYB73 and enhanced its activity upon downstream target genes. These findings help to elucidate how MdMYB73 directly modulates the vacuolar transport system to affect malate accumulation and vacuolar pH in apple.
Quantification of near‐attomole gibberellins in floral organs dissected from a single Arabidopsis thaliana flower
Authors: Li Dongmei , Guo Zhenpeng , Liu Cuimei , Li Jincheng , Xu Wenzhong , Chen Yi
Published: April 2017

There remains a methodological bottleneck in the quantification of ultra‐trace plant hormones in very tiny plant organs at fresh weights below a milligram. The challenge becomes even more serious in the determination of endogenous gibberellins (GAs), which are a class of compounds that are difficult to separate and detect. Herein, a quantification method using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was developed, combined with a derivatization technique in which GAs react with N‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐N′‐ethylcarbodiimide in ethanol. The method was validated as capable of determining GAs in floral organs (about 80–250 μg) – pistil, stamens, petals, sepals and receptacle – which were dissected from only one flower of Arabidopsis thaliana. Substantially different abundance patterns of GAs were measured from the floral organs at floral stages 13, 14 and 15 along the non‐13‐hydroxylation pathway and the early 13‐hydroxylation pathway in plants. This allows sub‐flower‐level insights into how GAs affect floral development. The method exhibited excellent limit of detection and limit of quantification down to 5.41 and 18.0 attomole, respectively, and offered a fairly wide linear range from 0.01 to 25 femtomole with linear coefficients above 0.9961. The precision of the method was evaluated with relative standard deviations below 10.6% for intra‐day and 11.4% for inter‐day assays, and recoveries ranged from 64.0% to 107%.
Spatially selective binding of green fluorescent protein on designed organosilane nanopatterns prepared with particle lithography
Authors: Highland Zachary L. , Garno Jayne C.
Published: April 2017

A practical approach for preparing protein nanopatterns has been to design surface templates of nanopatterns of alkanethiols or organosilanes that will selectively bind and localize the placement of biomolecules. Particle lithography provides a way to prepare millions of protein nanopatterns with a few basic steps. For our nanopatterning strategy, organosilanes with methoxy and sulfhydryl groups were chosen as a surface template. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) was selected as a model for patterning. Areas of 2-[methoxy (polyethyleneoxy)6-9propyl]trichlorosilane (MPT-silane) are effective as a matrix for resisting the attachment of proteins, whereas nanopatterns with sulfur groups provide reactive sites for binding linker groups to connect proteins. A protocol with particle lithography was designed to make a surface template of nanopatterns of (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) surrounded by a methoxy terminated matrix. The sulfhydryl groups of the MPTMS nanopatterns were activated with a sulfosuccinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylate linker. The activated regions of MPTMS furnished sites for binding GFP. Samples were characterized with atomic force microscopy after successive steps of the patterning protocol to evaluate the selectivity of protein binding. Direct views of the protein bound selectively to designated sites of MPTMS are presented, as evidence of robust and reproducible patterning. Nanoscale patterns of proteins can be used for surfaces of biochips and biosensors, and also for immunochemistry test platforms.
Perceptual evaluation of violins: A psycholinguistic analysis of preference verbal descriptions by experienced musicians
Authors: Saitis Charalampos , Fritz Claudia , Scavone Gary P. , Guastavino Catherine , Dubois Danièle
Published: April 2017

In this paper, how the notion of violin quality is conveyed in spontaneous verbalizations by experienced violinists during preference judgments is investigated. The aims of the study were to better understand how musicians conceptualize violin quality, what aspects of the sound and the playing experience are essential, and what associations are formed between perceptual evaluation and physical description. Upon comparing violins of varying make and age, players were interviewed about their preferences using open-ended questions. Concepts of violin quality were identified and categorized based on the syntactic and linguistic analysis of musicians' responses. While perceived variations in how a violin sounds and feels, and consequently conceptualization structures, rely on the variations in style and expertise of different violinists, the broader semantic categories emerging from sensory descriptions remain common across performers with diverse musical profiles, reflecting a shared perception of physical parameter patterns that allowed the development of a musician-driven framework for understanding how the dynamic behavior of a violin might relate to its perceived quality. Implications for timbre perception and the crossmodal audio-tactile sensation of sound in music performance are discussed.
Obesity is Associated With Altered Plantar Pressure Distribution in Older Women
Authors: Neri Silvia Gonçalves Ricci , Gadelha André Bonadias , Correia Ana Luiza Matias , Pereira Juscélia Cristina , de David Ana Cristina , Lima Ricardo M.
Published: April 2017

Increased plantar pressure has been found to be related with greater risk of falling. Although there is evidence suggesting that obesity is linked to foot disorders, the association between obesity and plantar pressure of older adults has been poorly investigated. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between obesity and plantar pressure distribution and to explore its relationship with body fat distribution. Two hundred and eleven older women took part in this cross-sectional study. Body mass index was taken for obesity classification. Whole body, android, and gynoid fat percentage was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Peak plantar pressure was evaluated during gait using an Emed AT-4 pressure platform. Obese volunteers generated greater peak pressure at midfoot (187.26 kPa) compared to both normal weight (128.52 kPa, p < .001) and overweight (165.74 kPa, p < .001). Peak plantar pressure at midfoot was also greater in overweight compared to normal weight (p < .001). At forefoot, peak pressure was higher in the obese (498.15 kPa) compared to normal weight volunteers (420.41 kPa, p = .007). Additionally, whole body, android, and gynoid fat percentage were significantly associated with peak pressure at midfoot and forefoot. Therefore, clinicians dealing with falls should consider the effect of increased body weight on plantar pressure.
Glycosaminoglycan-based hydrogels capture inflammatory chemokines and rescue defective wound healing in mice
Authors: Lohmann Nadine , Schirmer Lucas , Atallah Passant , Wandel Elke , Ferrer Ruben A. , Werner Carsten , Simon Jan C. , Franz Sandra , Freudenberg Uwe
Published: April 2017

Glycosaminoglycan-based hydrogels scavenge proinflammatory chemokines, reduce the influx of immune cells, and improve the healing of chronic wounds.
Deciphering the Regulatory Network between the SREBP Pathway and Protein Secretion in
Neurospora crassa
Authors: Qin Lina , Wu Vincent W. , Glass N. Louise
Published: April 2017

Sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) are conserved from yeast to mammalian cells and function in the regulation of sterol homeostasis. In fungi, the SREBP pathway has been implicated in the adaptation to hypoxia and in virulence. In
Neurospora crassa
and
Trichoderma reesei
, the SREBP pathway also negatively regulates protein secretion under lignocellulolytic conditions. Here we utilized global transcriptional profiling combined with genetic and physiological analyses to address the regulatory link between the SREBP pathway and protein secretion in
N. crassa
. Our results demonstrated that the function of the SREBP pathway in ergosterol biosynthesis and adaptation to hypoxia was conserved in
N. crassa
. Under lignocellulolytic conditions, the SREBP pathway was highly activated, resulting in the reduced expression of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases, which require molecular oxygen for catalytic activity. Additionally, activation of the SREBP pathway under lignocellulolytic conditions repressed a set of genes predicted to be involved in the endoplasmic reticulum stress response. Here we show that the inability of a
hac-1
mutant, which bears a deletion of the major regulator of the unfolded protein response (UPR), to efficiently produce cellulases and utilize cellulose was suppressed by mutations in the SREBP pathway. The analyses presented here demonstrated new SREBP pathway functions, including linkages to the UPR, and provide new clues for genetic engineering of filamentous fungi to improve their production of extracellular proteins.

IMPORTANCE
The role of SREBP transcription factors in the regulation of sterol biosynthesis is conserved from humans to yeast. In filamentous fungi, this pathway regulates the secretion of lignocellulolytic enzymes during plant biomass deconstruction. Here we show that the SREBP pathway in
Neurospora crassa
regulates the production of specific cellulases, lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases that utilize molecular oxygen. Via global transcriptional profile and genetic analyses, a relationship between the SREBP pathway and the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway was revealed, suggesting a regulatory interplay of these two pathways in the trafficking of plant biomass-degrading enzymes. These findings have implications for our understanding of the cross talk of the SREBP and UPR pathways in other organisms and will guide the rational engineering of fungal strains to improve cellulolytic enzyme production.
New Mechanism by Which Human Cytomegalovirus MicroRNAs Negate the Proinflammatory Response to Infection
Authors: Yurochko Andrew D.
Published: April 2017

Viruses have evolved many novel mechanisms to promote infection and to mitigate the host cell response to that infection. In the article by M. H. Hancock et al. (mBio 8:e00109-17, 2017,
https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.00109-17
), the authors describe a new mechanism by which human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) microRNAs (miRNAs; miR-US5-1 and miR-UL112-3p) negate the proinflammatory response to infection. The authors document that these two viral miRNAs downregulate the NF-κB response through direct targeting of the IKKα and IKKβ mRNAs, which in turn, through diminished IκB kinases (IKKs), block production of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 [IL-6], CCL5, and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]). Because most signaling pathways that promote NF-κB activation and nuclear translocation ultimately converge on the activation of the IKK complex, this new study documents that HCMV can strongly dictate how infected cells respond to internal and/or external stimuli and thus positively influence the outcome of both lytic and latent infection.
Synergistic Internal Ribosome Entry Site/MicroRNA-Based Approach for Flavivirus Attenuation and Live Vaccine Development
Authors: Tsetsarkin Konstantin A. , Liu Guangping , Volkova Evgeniya , Pletnev Alexander G.
Published: April 2017

The recent emergence of Zika virus underscores the need for new strategies for a rapid development of safe flavivirus vaccines. Using another flavivirus (Langat virus [LGTV]) that belongs to the group of tick-borne flaviviruses as a model, we describe a dual strategy for virus attenuation which synergistically accesses the specificity of microRNA (miRNA) genome targeting and the effectiveness of internal ribosome entry site (IRES) insertion. To increase the stability and immunogenicity of bicistronic LGTVs, we developed a novel approach in which the capsid (C) protein gene was relocated into the 3′ noncoding region (NCR) and expressed under translational control from an IRES. Engineered bicistronic LGTVs carrying multiple target sequences for brain-specific miRNAs were stable in Vero cells and induced adaptive immunity in mice. Importantly, miRNA-targeted bicistronic LGTVs were not pathogenic for either newborn mice after intracranial inoculation or adult immunocompromised mice (SCID or type I interferon receptor knockout) after intraperitoneal injection. Moreover, bicistronic LGTVs were restricted for replication in tick-derived cells, suggesting an interruption of viral transmission in nature by arthropod vectors. This approach is suitable for reliable attenuation of many flaviviruses and may enable development of live attenuated flavivirus vaccines.

IMPORTANCE
The recent emergence of Zika virus underscores the need for new strategies for a rapid development of safe flavivirus vaccines. Allied separately attenuating approaches based on (i) microRNA genome targeting and (ii) internal ribosome entry site insertion are not sufficient for relievable attenuation of neurotropic flavivirus pathogenesis. Here, we describe a novel dual strategy that combines the specificity of miRNA-based and the effectiveness of IRES-based attenuating approaches, allowing us to overcome these critical limitations. This developed approach provides a robust platform for reliable attenuation of many flaviviruses and may enable development of live flavivirus vaccines.
Education achievement and type 2 diabetes—what mediates the relationship in older adults? Data from the ESTHER study: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Steele Christopher J , Schöttker Ben , Marshall Adele H , Kouvonen Anne , O'Doherty Mark G , Mons Ute , Saum Kai-Uwe , Boffetta Paolo , Trichopoulou Antonia , Brenner Hermann , Kee Frank
Published: April 2017

Objective

The study aims to identify the mediating factors of the relationship between education achievement and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in older adults.

Design

Population-based cohort study.

Setting

Participants were recruited from the German federal state of Saarland.

Participants

Participants were excluded if they had prevalent T2DM or missing data on prevalent T2DM, missing or zero follow-up time for incident T2DM or were under 50 years of age. The total sample consisted of 7462 individuals aged 50–75 years (42.8% men, mean age 61.7 years) at baseline (2000–02). The median follow-up time was 8.0 years.

Methods

Cox proportional hazards regression was initially used to determine the direct association between education achievement and incident T2DM. Using the Baron and Kenny approach, we then investigated the associations between education achievement and incident T2DM with the potential mediators. The contribution of each of the putative mediating variables was then calculated.

Results

A clear socioeconomic gradient was observed with regard to T2DM incidence with the lowest educated individuals at a greater risk of developing the disease during the follow-up period: HR (95% CI) high education: 0.52 (0.34 to 0.80); medium education: 0.80 (0.66 to 0.96). Seven of the variables considered explained a proportion of the education–T2DM relationship (body mass index, alcohol consumption, hypertension, fasting triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, physical activity and smoking status), where the contribution of the variables ranged from 1.0% to 17.7%. Overall, the mediators explained 31.7% of the relationship.

Conclusion

By identifying the possible mediating factors of the relationship between education achievement and incident T2DM in older adults, the results of this study can be used to assist with the development of public health strategies that aim to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in T2DM.
An aqueous extract fromMoringa oleiferaleaves ameliorates hepatotoxicity in alloxan-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Abd Eldaim Mabrouk Attia , Shaban Abd Elrasoul Ahmed , Abd Elaziz Samy Ahmed
Published: April 2017

This study was carried out to evaluate the possible mechanisms through which an aqueous extract from MO leaves demonstrates hepatoprotective effects in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Eighty albino rats were assigned to 4 groups. The control group was orally administered sterile saline. The second group was injected with alloxan (150 mg/kg body mass (b.m.)) by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.). The third group was given MO (250 mg/kg b.m.) orally, daily. The fourth group was injected with alloxan, as for the second group, and administrated an aqueous extract of MO leaves, as for the third group. Alloxan induced degenerative changes in hepatic and pancreatic tissues, increased hepatic lipid peroxidation, and increased gene expression of PC and caspase 3. However, it decreased the activities of hepatic SOD and CAT, and gene expression of GS. In contrast, the MO extract prevented changes to the histoarchitecture of hepatic and pancreatic tissues and normalized the reduced hepatic levels of glutathione, as well as the activities of SOD and CAT, and the gene expression of GS, while reducing blood glucose levels, hepatic lipid peroxidation, and the gene expression of PC and caspase 3. This study indicated that an aqueous extract of MO leaves can be a potent antioxidant and used as an hepatoprotective agent.
Theoretical study on the hydrolytic step in the biotransformation of β-hexachlorocyclohexane degraded by haloalkane dehalogenase LinB
Authors: Tang Xiaowen , Wang Junjie , Zhao Nan , Zhang Qingzhu , Wang Wenxing
Published: April 2017

The hydrolytic process of LinB-catalyzed biotransformation of a notorious contaminant β-HCH was investigated in atomistic detail with a combined quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics approach. The Boltzmann-weighted averaging method amended by disproportionate effect analysis was showed to capture the fluctuation of a single molecule enzyme reaction. With the potential barriers of 18.7 and 2.6 kcal/mol, two elementary steps that refer to formation and decomposition of a tetrahedral intermediate are involved in the hydrolytic reaction, respectively. Polarized by Glu132, His272 serves as a proton carrier along the whole hydrolysis reaction. The electrostatic influence analysis highlighted residue Leu248 as a possible mutation target for rational design of LinB in enzyme modification. Further spatial location analysis provided explanation for the opposite effect of Asn38 toward the two elementary steps. Getting insight into the catalytic details and the structure and function of LinB can enrich the knowledge of it and promote its application in bioremediation of chlorinated hydrocarbon pollutants.
Spatial aspects of structural complexity in Sitka spruce – western hemlock forests, including evaluation of a new canopy gap delineation method
Authors: Schneider Eryn E. , Larson Andrew J.
Published: April 2017

Structural complexity in long-lived forests where stand-replacing disturbances are rare is thought to emerge from chronic small-scale disturbances and competitive interactions between trees. We analyzed tree size distributions, tree spatial patterns, and canopy gap attributes in ten 1.42 ha stem mapped plots in old-growth Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carrière) – western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) forests in southeast Alaska. Most plots had rotated sigmoid or reverse-J-shaped diameter distributions. Overstory tree patterns were uniform at short distance (<5 m) and random or aggregated at larger distances (>5 m); understory trees were spatially random or aggregated at most scales. Tree patterns were highly variable across plots. Overstory and understory tree populations were spatially independent in most medium canopy cover (40%–70%) plots but spatially repelled in most high canopy cover (>70%) plots. Canopy gap delineation using a traditional geometric approach identified more gaps and greater forest area in gaps compared to a new method based on canopy tree shadow lengths. We recommend defining the lower limit of canopy gap size using overstory tree crown diameter; gap delineation based on overstory tree shadow length is overly conservative at higher latitude sites. Our analyses show that, despite their low species richness, the temperate rainforests of southeast Alaska are highly structurally diverse.
Protective effects of tempol in an experimental ovarian ischemia–reperfusion injury model in female Wistar albino rats
Authors: Pınar Neslihan , Soylu Karapınar Oya , Özcan Oğuzhan , Atik Doğan Esin , Bayraktar Suphi
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant effects of tempol on ovarian ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Forty female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: Group I, sham; Group II, ischemia (I); Group III, I/R; Group IV, I/R + tempol 30 mg/kg i.p; Group V, I/R + tempol 50 mg/kg i.p. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was significantly higher in the ischemia group and the I/R group than in the sham group. Catalase levels were significantly lower in the I/R group than in the I/R + tempol 30 mg/kg i.p. and the I/R + tempol 50 mg/kg i.p. groups. Glutathione peroxidase levels were lower in the I/R group than in the I/R + tempol 30 mg/kg i.p. and the I/R + tempol 50 mg/kg i.p. groups. MDA levels were significantly lower in the I/R + tempol 30 mg/kg i.p. group and the I/R + tempol 50 mg/kg i.p. group than in the I/R group. The levels of the histopathological parameters were significantly decreased in the I/R + tempol 50 mg/kg i.p. group compared with the I/R group. Tempol can be used for reducing ovarian I/R injury.
Electrical characteristics of semiconductor bridge initiator-automobile airbag igniters
Authors: Liu Mingfang , Yu Lin , Han Xia
Published: April 2017

To study the ignition characteristics of semiconductor bridges (SCB) for automobile airbag igniters, a model was proposed to compute the electrical characteristics of SCB based on the structural characteristics, resistance properties, and the working process of the bridge. Numerical simulation was conducted to analyze the voltage and current trends at two ends of bridges with various geometric dimensions and those with identical geometric dimensions and oxide layers of different thicknesses. Voltage–current curves for bridges of three different dimensions were obtained through numerical simulation. Bridges of larger geometric dimensions were found to require higher voltage to reach the melting point, which means higher energy input is required.
An Adaptive EM Algorithm for the Maximum Likelihood Estimation of Non-Homogeneous Poisson Process Software Reliability Growth Models
Authors: Nagaraju Vidhyashree , Fiondella Lance , Zeephongsekul Panlop , Wandji Thierry
Published: April 2017

Non-homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) software reliability growth models (SRGMa) enable quantitative metrics to guide decisions during the software engineering life cycle, including test resource allocation and release planning. However, many SRGM possess complex mathematical forms that make them difficult to apply. Specifically, traditional procedures solve a system of nonlinear equations to identify the numerical parameters that best characterize failure data. Recently, researchers have developed expectation-maximization (EM) algorithms for NHPP SRGM that exhibit better convergence properties and can therefore find maximum likelihood estimates with greater ease.

This paper presents an adaptive EM (AEM) algorithm, which combines an earlier EM algorithm for NHPP SRGM with unconstrained search of the model parameter space. Our performance analysis shows that the AEM outperforms state-of-the-art EM algorithms for NHPP SRGM with very strong statistical significance, which is as much as hundreds of times faster on some data sets. Thus, the approach can fit SRGM very quickly. We also incorporate this high performance adaptive EM algorithm into a heuristic nested model selection procedure to objectively select a model of least complexity that best characterizes the failure data. Results indicate this heuristic approach often identifies the model possessing the best model selection criteria.

aAcronyms are not pluralized.
Absoluteness via resurrection
Authors: Audrito Giorgio , Viale Matteo
Published: April 2017

The resurrection axioms are forcing axioms introduced recently by Hamkins and Johnstone, developing on ideas of Chalons and Veličković. We introduce a stronger form of resurrection axioms (the iterated resurrection axioms [Formula: see text] for a class of forcings [Formula: see text] and a given ordinal [Formula: see text]), and show that [Formula: see text] implies generic absoluteness for the first-order theory of [Formula: see text] with respect to forcings in [Formula: see text] preserving the axiom, where [Formula: see text] is a cardinal which depends on [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] is any among the classes of countably closed, proper, semiproper, stationary set preserving forcings).

We also prove that the consistency strength of these axioms is below that of a Mahlo cardinal for most forcing classes, and below that of a stationary limit of supercompact cardinals for the class of stationary set preserving posets. Moreover, we outline that simultaneous generic absoluteness for [Formula: see text] with respect to [Formula: see text] and for [Formula: see text] with respect to [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] is in principle possible, and we present several natural models of the Morse–Kelley set theory where this phenomenon occurs (even for all [Formula: see text] simultaneously). Finally, we compare the iterated resurrection axioms (and the generic absoluteness results we can draw from them) with a variety of other forcing axioms, and also with the generic absoluteness results by Woodin and the second author.
B-spline wavelet operational method for numerical solution of time-space fractional partial differential equations
Authors: Kargar Zeynab , Saeedi Habibollah
Published: April 2017

In this paper, the linear B-spline scaling functions and wavelets operational matrix of fractional integration are derived. A new approach implementing the linear B-spline scaling functions and wavelets operational matrices combining with the spectral tau method is introduced for approximating the numerical solutions of time-space fractional partial differential equations with initial-boundary conditions. They are utilized to reduce the main problem to a system of algebraic equations. The uniform convergence analysis for the linear B-spline scaling functions and wavelets expansion and an efficient error estimation of the presented method are also introduced. Illustrative examples are given and numerical results are presented to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method. Special attention is given to a comparison between the numerical results obtained by our new technique and those found by other known methods.
Approximation by Riesz means on the rotation group SO(3)
Authors: Yang Zhuyuan , Li Luoqing
Published: April 2017

This paper deals with the approximation properties of Riesz means in [Formula: see text]. The convergence rate of the Riesz means is obtained. The equivalence of Riesz means and the Peetre [Formula: see text]-functional on the rotation group [Formula: see text] is established.
Four-Node Quadrilateral Element with Continuous Nodal Stress for Geometrical Nonlinear Analysis
Authors: Yang Yongtao , Tang Xuhai , Zheng Hong , Liu Quansheng
Published: April 2017

In this paper, the performance of a hybrid ‘FE-Meshfree’ quadrilateral element with continuous nodal stress (Quad4-CNS) is investigated for geometrical nonlinear solid mechanic problems. By combining finite element method (FEM) and meshfree method, this Quad4-CNS synergizes the individual strengths of these two methods, which leads to higher accuracy, better convergence rate, as well as high tolerance to mesh distortion. Therefore, Quad4-CNS is attractive for geometrical nonlinear solid mechanic problems where excessive distorted meshes occur. For geometrical nonlinear analysis, numerical results show that the results of Quad4-CNS element are much better than those of four-node isoparametric quadrilateral element (Quad4), and are comparable to quadratic quadrilateral element (Quad8) and other hybrid ‘FE- Meshfree’ elements.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Cholic Acid-Capped Gold Nanoclusters as Fluorescence-Enhanced Probes for Creatinine Detection
Authors: Jin Xiaoyong , Shi Jing , Guan Jufang , Ni Gang , Peng Juan
Published: April 2017

In this study, the cholic acid-capped gold nanoclusters (CC-AuNCs) were prepared via a microwave-assisted approach and were used as a novel fluorescence probe for detection of creatinine. The CC-AuNCs in solution can emit strong green fluorescence under UV light and the fluorescence intensity can increase with creatinine concentration in the solution because of the aggregation of CC-AuNCs. On the basis of these facts, the fluorescence assay for creatinine was developed. The linear working range is [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M with a detection limit of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M according to signal/noise ratio of 3:1. This fluorescence assay for creatinine has a low detection limit, wide linear range and good selectivity. Furthermore, it can be successfully applied to the detection of creatinine in human urine and serum samples. Thus, this CC-AuNC-based fluorescence assay for creatinine might be of great importance in early diagnosis and therapy of kidney disease.
A Highly Sensitive Fluorescent Sensor for Amitrole Determination in Aqueous Samples
Authors: Wang Yue , Huo Danqun , Hou Jingzhou , Li Junjie , Yang Mei , Zou Shiying , Wu Huixiang , Wang Xianfeng , Hou Changjun
Published: April 2017

A simple yet sensitive fluorescent sensor was reported for amitrole analysis based on integration of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and CdTe quantum dots (CdTe QDs) via inner filter effect (IFE). The fluorescence of GSH-coated CdTe QDs can be significantly quenched by AuNPs, and gradually restored in the presence of amitrole. Addition of amitrole induced AuNPs aggregation and decreased their characteristic surface plasmon absorption, which diminished the IFE between them. The sensor platform realized high sensitivity and good reproducibility in low concentration amitrole ranging from 9.5[Formula: see text]nM to 1000[Formula: see text]nM with a detection limit down to 4.75[Formula: see text]nM under the optimized conditions. It also resisted a wide range of interfering counterparts and showed analytical performance comparable to the majority of analytical methods reported in prior studies. We envisioned the first fluorescent amitrole sensor would be potentially useful for low cost on-site amitrole monitoring in real application.