bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Glass Transition Temperature Barium Silicophosphate Glasses Designed with Topological Constraint Theory
Authors: Ji Xiaoming , Zeng Huidan , Li Xiang , Ye Feng , Chen Jianding , Chen Guorong
Published: February 2016

Alkali‐free glasses have attracted tremendous attentions for their high glass transition temperature (Tg). Such a feature broadens their potential applications, especially in the area of high‐density and high‐power laser glasses. BaO–P2O5 glasses, as one of the major matrix materials due to its high‐Tg, can be applied in high‐power laser glasses. Introducing SiO2 is an effective method to improve the thermal, refractive index, and mechanical properties of phosphate glasses. Herein, we studied the barium silicophosphate glasses with MAS NMR and the Tg was successfully calculated by the topological constraint theory. The designed glass (20BaO–26.7SiO2–53.3P2O5, mol%) with a high Tg (789K) was prepared and it also exhibited high refractive index and high Vickers hardness, suggesting the barium silicophosphate glasses have widespread applications in high‐power laser glasses and optical fibers.
Low‐Energy Ion‐Scattering Spectroscopy of Modified Silicate Glasses
Authors: Almeida Rui M. , Jain Himanshu , Pantano Carlo G.
Published: February 2016

Low‐Energy Ion‐Scattering (LEIS) spectroscopy is a technique with a unique sensitivity to the elemental composition of the top atomic layer of a solid surface. LEIS measurements of ternary silicate glasses modified with Na2O, Cs2O, CaO, and BaO show that the compositions of the as‐cast (melt) surface and the in‐vacuum fracture surface often differ. While the as‐cast surface is usually depleted of alkali ions (Na+ or Cs+) compared to the nominal (batch) glass composition, there is often strong accumulation of the same mobile cations on the fresh fracture surface. Depth profiles obtained by sputter etching reveal elemental concentration gradients normal to the glass surface. The final concentrations often fail to reach the nominal glass composition, suggesting the likely presence of preferential sputtering effects and thereby the distortion of the measured concentration gradient. At present, the lack of reliable standards and preferential sputtering effects in the LEIS of multicomponent glasses limit somewhat the absolute chemical composition and structural information that can be obtained with this otherwise unique and powerful method of surface analysis.
Electrochemical Properties of La0.5Sr0.5Co0.8M0.2O3–δ (M=Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu) Perovskite Cathodes for IT‐SOFCs
Authors: Fu Yen‐Pei , Subardi Adi , Hsieh Min‐Yen , Chang Wen‐Ku
Published: February 2016

The electrochemical properties of La0.5Sr0.5Co0.8M0.2O3–δ (M=Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu) cathodes are investigated with chemical bulk diffusion coefficients (Dchem) and polarization resistances. The electrochemical performance of long‐term testing for La0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Cu0.2O3–δ cathode was carried out to investigate its electrochemical stability. In this work, an anode‐supported single cell with a thick‐film SDC electrolyte (30 μm), a Ni‐SDC cermet anode (1 mm), and a La0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Cu0.2O3–δ cathode (10 μm) reaches a maximum peak power density of 983 mW/cm2 at 700°C. Obviously, Cu substitution for B‐site of La0.5Sr0.5CoO3–δ cathode reduced thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) value and enhanced oxygen bulk diffusion and electrochemical properties. La0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Cu0.2O3–δ is a promising cathode material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT‐SOFC).
Joint inferences from cytoplasmic DNA and fossil data provide evidence for glacial vicariance and contrasted post‐glacial dynamics in tamarack, a transcontinental conifer
Authors: Warren Emile , de Lafontaine Guillaume , Gérardi Sébastien , Senneville Sauphie , Beaulieu Jean , Perron Martin , Jaramillo‐Correa Juan Pablo , Bousquet Jean
Published: February 2016

Aim

Tamarack (Larix laricina) is an early‐successional transcontinental boreal conifer occurring within the spruce‐fir dominated forest. The aim was to infer the species biogeographical history and to assess the putative genetic imprint left by interspecific competition during post‐glacial migration, using cytoplasmic DNA and fossil data.

Location

Forty‐five locations were sampled across the transcontinental range spanning the North American boreal forest.

Methods

A total of 621 trees were scanned for mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA polymorphisms to reveal geographical patterns of genetic diversity, differentiation, and population structure throughout the species range. Published pollen records were analysed to assess the chronology of post‐glacial colonization of Larix sp. relative to more competitive tree taxa, Picea sp. and Abies sp..

Results

Genotyping resulted in two mitotypes (one locus) and 24 chlorotypes (three cpSSR loci). Bayesian assignment test based on cpDNA data detected three groups: eastern North America, western North America and Alaska. CpDNA population differentiation was higher in the western part of the range relative to the eastern part. Post‐glacial colonization chronology derived from fossil data indicated that Larix colonized western North America at least 4000 years after Picea and Abies, but shortly preceded them in eastern North America.

Main conclusions

Cytoplasmic and fossil data provided support for four distinct glacial lineages. Two lineages would have persisted south of the Laurentide ice sheet, while the two remaining ones likely originate from northern refugia located in Beringia and Labrador. Larix establishment was possibly hindered by earlier establishment of more competitive taxa in western North America, which resulted in high genetic differentiation among western populations. These results provide support for a putative role of interspecific competition in structuring the standing genetic variation at the time of post‐glacial colonization.
Generalities of vertebrate responses to landscape composition and configuration gradients in a highly heterogeneous Mediterranean region
Authors: Herrera José M. , Salgueiro Pedro A. , Medinas Denis , Costa Pedro , Encarnação Cláudia , Mira António
Published: February 2016

Aim

To examine the distributional patterns of vertebrates (including birds, bats, carnivores and lagomorphs) along landscape composition and configuration gradients to better understand the effects of landscape modification on occurrence patterns at both species and community level.

Location

The region of Alentejo, a forest‐dominated area of southern Portugal.

Methods

The study area was framed using 1647 hexagonal plots, each of 259 ha in size. Composition and configuration gradients were obtained for each plot by integrating the proportions of the main land cover types and their configuration patterns using multivariate analyses. Species‐specific vertebrate responses were investigated using data from 75 plots in which carnivores, bats and lagomorphs were sampled, and from 135 plots in the case of birds. Community‐level responses were investigated through changes in species richness and beta‐diversity in 57 plots where all vertebrate groups were simultaneously sampled. At the species‐level, an information‐theoretic approach was used to determine the effects of landscape gradients on species’ responses. At the community level, Mantel tests were used to determine between‐plot differences in species composition using the Sørensen dissimilarity index.

Results

We found that the occurrence patterns of most vertebrate species were best predicted by composition‐related gradients, although configuration gradients were also frequently included in species‐specific occurrence models. We also found a weak correlation between species richness and most landscape gradients suggesting a turnover in the identity of species, something that was corroborated by the stronger correlation between environmental gradients and beta‐diversity measures. The amount of forest cover and landscape complexity (estimated as the heterogeneity in the size and number of land cover types) were the main composition and configuration gradients determining vertebrate responses at both species and community level.

Main conclusions

Our work contributes to a more refined understanding of the mechanisms underlying species distributional patterns in real‐world human‐modified landscapes. By uncovering generalities of species with multiple ecological requirements and by describing the entire landscape mosaic through landscape gradients, we also suggest that our work greatly helps to fill the gap between existing conceptual landscape models aimed to understand species distributional patterns in human‐modified landscapes.
Life history and geographical distribution of the walnut twig beetle, Pityophthorus juglandis (Coleoptera: Scolytinae), in southern Europe
Authors: Faccoli M. , Simonato M. , Rassati D.
Published: February 2016

In September 2013, the walnut twig beetle (WTB) Pityophthorus juglandis Blackman, a species native to Mexico and south‐western USA, was recorded for the first time in Europe, in northern Italy. The collected adults were found to be vector of the fungus Geosmithia morbida Kolařik, Freeland, Utley & Tisserat, an aggressive pathogen causing thousand cankers disease in walnut (Juglans spp.). To determine the geographical distribution of the WTB and the main aspects of biology, phenology and voltinism, an intensive survey of the main walnut plantations near the site of the first finding was conducted in 2014. The beetles began to fly with a mean air temperature of about 18°C (mid‐May) and continued until late October. Two partially overlapping generations occurred, with the second taking place in late September. The WTB was found in 14 of the 27 monitored walnut plantations. The infested sites were spread over four different non‐contiguous administrative provinces belonging to two regions (Veneto and Lombardy) of northern Italy. The most distant infested plantations were about 130 km apart along a west–east gradient, and about 70 km along a north–south gradient. In this respect, the distribution area of the WTB in northern Italy may be prudently estimated at about 4200 km2. Molecular analysis of the collected individuals showed no genetic differences among the six sampled P. juglandis populations, suggesting that a few individuals might have arrived in Italy through a single introduction event and then spread over the territory. Given the quick mortality of infested walnuts and the wide distribution area, eradication strategies appear unrealistic. Possible strategies of biological control or local chemical treatments must be investigated.
A minimally invasive technique to assess several life‐history characteristics of the endangered great hammerhead shark Sphyrna mokarran
Authors: O'Connell C. P. , Leurs G.
Published: February 2016

A dorsal‐fin photo‐identification technique paired with a non‐invasive parallel laser photogrammetry technique was used to non‐invasively identify individual Sphyrna mokarran over time. Based on the data collected over a duration of 59 days, 16 different S. mokarran (mean ± s.d. pre‐caudal length: 220·82 ± 13·66 cm; mean ± s.d. cephalofoil width: 71·38 ± 7·94 cm) were identified using dorsal‐fin photo‐identification, with a mean ± s.d. shark re‐sighting frequency of 4·05 ± 3·06 at‐sea days. The results illustrate a high S. mokarran sighting rate and therefore, the utilization of parallel laser photogrammetry and dorsal‐fin photo‐identification may be a plausible multi‐year approach to aid in non‐invasively determining the growth rate and inter‐annual site fidelity of these animals.
Family Emotional Support and the Individuation Process Among Asian‐ and Latino‐Heritage College‐Going Emerging Adults
Authors: Radmacher Kimberley A. , Azmitia Margarita
Published: February 2016

This study examined whether discrepancies in emerging adults' perceptions of their own and their parents' value of education were associated with their individuation from family, and whether this relationship was mediated by family emotional support. A total of 82 Asian‐ and Latino‐heritage emerging adults completed a survey assessing their and their parents' value of education, family emotional support, and family engagement (our proxy for individuation). As predicted, larger discrepancies in the value placed on education were associated with less family engagement; this association was mediated by emerging adults' perceptions of family emotional support. These findings suggest that family emotional support may play an important role in the individuation process of Asian‐ and Latino‐heritage college‐going emerging adults.
Contagion of Anxiety Symptoms Among Adolescent Siblings: A Twin Study
Authors: Serra Poirier Catherine , Brendgen Mara , Vitaro Frank , Dionne Ginette , Boivin Michel
Published: February 2016

This study examined whether social contagion of anxiety symptoms is present between siblings during early adolescence and whether this process is moderated by sex, relationship quality, and zygosity. Based on 634 monozygotic and dizygotic twins (336 females) assessed in Grades 6 and 7, anxiety symptoms and sibling relationship quality were measured with self‐report questionnaires. The predictive association of the co‐twin's level of anxiety with adolescents' own increased anxiety 1 year later was only observed in same‐sex twin dyads (monozygotic and dizygotic) and was higher for those who perceived a higher level of relationship quality with their co‐twin. Raising awareness of a possible sibling contagion of anxiety may be useful for preventing the development of anxiety symptoms in youth.
Context of First Same‐Sex Condom Use and Nonuse in Young Black Gay and Bisexual Males
Authors: Arrington‐Sanders Renata , Morgan Anthony , Oidtman Jessica , Gomez Miguel C. , Ogunbajo Adedotun , Trent Maria , Fortenberry J. Dennis
Published: February 2016

Despite high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) rates among young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM), there are limited data about condom use during first same‐sex (FSS). This study sought to understand socio‐contextual factors of 50 YBMSM aged 15–19 years that influenced condom use during FSS. Condom use was influenced by individual, partner, and community factors. Individual factors—recent illness or sexually transmitted infections (STI)—prompted condom use, while frequent HIV testing prompted nonuse. Partner factors—proactive encouragement from partners—prompted condom use, while trust and condom discomfort prompted nonuse. Larger community factors—such as presence of females—were key for use, while limited sexual health information combined with peers who discouraged condoms prompted nonuse. A multilevel approach may be useful in developing sexual health programming for these young men.
Novel microspheres based on triterpene saponins from the roots of Physospermum verticillatum (Waldst & Kit) (Apiaceae) for the improvement of gemcitabine release
Authors: Trombino Sonia , Cassano Roberta , Mellace Silvia , Picci Nevio , Loizzo Monica R , Menichini Francesco , Tundis Rosa
Published: February 2016

Objectives

This study concerns the preparation and characterization of microspheres based on a mixture of triterpene saponins, from Physospermum verticillatum (Waldst & Kit), as a carrier for the specific release of gemcitabine.

Methods

Triterpene saponins were derivatized with acrylic acid. The obtained polymerizable product was characterized by Fourier transform infrared to confirm the ester linkage. Then, spherical microparticles were prepared by suspension radical copolymerization and impregnated with gemcitabine.

Key findings

Microspheres exhibited a mean diameter of 2.7 μ. The swelling studies showed that particles swell most at pH 6.2, typical of the tumour pathology, than at pH 7.4, miming physiological conditions. The microspheres were loaded with gemcitabine (LE 72.2%). Their release profile showed an initial dot of around 24% and a further release for 24 h.

Conclusions

This carrier could be potentially release the drug in the lung, as a function of different pHs between tumour cells and healthy, reducing the systemic drug toxicity, allowing the reduction of the doses number, increasing the drug half-life and eliminating the problems related to the fast clearance of gemcitabine administration.
Treprostinil Iontophoresis Improves Digital Blood Flow during Local Cooling in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Gaillard‐Bigot Florence , Roustit Matthieu , Blaise Sophie , Cracowski Claire , Seinturier Christophe , Imbert Bernard , Carpentier Patrick , Cracowski Jean‐Luc
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Severe Raynaud's syndrome and DUs are the most prevalent manifestations of SSc peripheral microvascular disease. We tested whether treprostinil iontophoresis on the finger pad of patients with SSc would improve digital blood flow during hand cooling.

Methods

Eleven patients with limited cutaneous SSc underwent a double‐blinded iontophoresis of treprostinil (2.56 × 10−4 M during two hours) and placebo (NaCl 0.9%) on two finger pads. Then, the hand was inserted for 30 minutes in a fenestrated cooling box at 8°C, and skin blood flow was recorded continuously using LSCI.

Results

During the local cooling, CVC was significantly higher at the treprostinil site than at the placebo site and remained higher 30 minutes after the test.

Conclusions

In patients with SSc, digital treprostinil iontophoresis shifts skin blood flow upward during local cooling of the hand and during the initial rewarming phase. Digital treprostinil iontophoresis should now be tested in larger scale studies.
Correlation of frontal atrophy with behavioral changes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Terada Tatsuhiro , Obi Tomokazu , Miyata Jun , Kubota Manabu , Yoshizumi Miho , Murai Toshiya , Yamazaki Kinya , Mizoguchi Kouichi
Published: February 2016

Background

Recent studies have linked cognitive impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to frontotemporal pathology.

Aim

We examined possible associations between behavior changes and regional gray matter volume in early amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and assessed whether the volume changes were independent of physical impairments.

Methods

A total of 17 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with Mini‐Mental State Examination score ≥ 24, no need for assistance in daily life and normal respiratory tests (respiratory function test and arterial blood gas analytes), and 11 age‐matched controls underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging. Behavioral changes were assessed with family‐rating Frontal Systems Behavior Scale. We applied voxel‐based morphometry to investigate the correlation between the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale and gray matter volume, and assessed the correlation of volume with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Functional Rating Scale and respiratory tests.

Results

Current Frontal Systems Behavior Scale scores were significantly higher than retrospective scores assessing the status before onset, most notably in apathy. The volumes of right middle and left medial frontal gyri in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis were negatively correlated with the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale, whereas they were not correlated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Functional Rating Scale and respiratory tests. The volume of the right frontal cluster, but not the left medial frontal cluster, was significantly smaller than that of controls.

Conclusions

Regional atrophy within the frontal lobe was associated with behavioral dysfunction in early amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, this association was independent of physical factors.
Are senior nurses on Clinical Commissioning Groups in England inadvertently supporting the devaluation of their profession?: A critical integrative review of the literature
Authors: Allan Helen Therese , Dixon Roz , Lee Gay , O'Driscoll Michael , Savage Jan , Tapson Christine
Published: February 2016

In this study, we discuss the role of senior nurses who sit on clinical commissioning groups that now plan and procure most health services in England. These nurses are expected to bring a nursing view to all aspects of clinical commissioning group business. The role is a senior level appointment and requires experience of strategic commissioning. However, little is known about how nurses function in these roles. Following Barrientos' methodology, published policy and literature were analysed to investigate these roles and National Health Service England's claim that nursing can influence and advance a nursing perspective in clinical commissioning groups. Drawing on work by Berg, Barry and Chandler on ‘new public management’, we discuss how nurses on clinical commissioning groups work at the alignment of the interests of biomedicine and managerialism. We propose that the way this nursing role is being implemented might paradoxically offer further evidence of the devaluing of nursing rather than the emergence of a strong professional nursing voice at the level of strategic commissioning.
Political representation for social justice in nursing: lessons learned from participant research with destitute asylum seekers in the UK
Authors: Cuthill Fiona
Published: February 2016

The concept of social justice is making a revival in nursing scholarship, in part in response to widening health inequalities and inequities in high‐income countries. In particular, critical nurse scholars have sought to develop participatory research methods using peer researchers to represent the ‘voice’ of people who are living in marginalized spaces in society. The aim of this paper is to report on the experiences of nurse and peer researchers as part of a project to explore the experiences of people who find themselves destitute following the asylum process in the UK. In seeking to explore social injustice, three challenges are identified: lack of a robust political theory, institutional/professional constraints and an absence of skills to engage with the politics of social (in)justice. Each challenge is presented, opposing voices outlined and some possible solutions are suggested. The work of political theorist Nancy Fraser is used as a conceptual framework, in particular her focus on mis/framing and political representation for social justice. In addition, it is suggested that social justice needs to be further embedded in nursing policy and curriculum. Finally, nurses are encouraged to develop practical political skills to engage with both politics and the media in a neoliberal globalizing world.
SLAH3‐type anion channel expressed in poplar secretory epithelia operates in calcium kinase CPK‐autonomous manner
Authors: Jaborsky Mario , Maierhofer Tobias , Olbrich Andrea , Escalante‐Pérez María , Müller Heike M. , Simon Judy , Krol Elzbieta , Cuin Tracey Ann , Fromm Jörg , Ache Peter , Geiger Dietmar , Hedrich Rainer
Published: February 2016

Extrafloral nectaries secrete a sweet sugar cocktail that lures predator insects for protection from foraging herbivores. Apart from sugars and amino acids, the nectar contains the anions chloride and nitrate. Recent studies with Populus have identified a type of nectary covered by apical bipolar epidermal cells, reminiscent of the secretory brush border epithelium in animals. Border epithelia operate transepithelial anion transport, which is required for membrane potential and/or osmotic adjustment of the secretory cells.

In search of anion transporters expressed in extrafloral nectaries, we identified PttSLAH3 (Populus tremula × Populus tremuloides SLAC1 Homologue3), an anion channel of the SLAC/SLAH family.

When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, PttSLAH3 displayed the features of a voltage‐dependent anion channel, permeable to both nitrate and chloride. In contrast to the Arabidopsis SLAC/SLAH family members, the poplar isoform PttSLAH3 is independent of phosphorylation activation by protein kinases. To understand the basis for the autonomous activity of the poplar SLAH3, we generated and expressed chimera between kinase‐independent PttSLAH3 and kinase‐dependent Arabidopsis AtSLAH3. We identified the N‐terminal tail and, to a lesser extent, the C‐terminal tail as responsible for PttSLAH3 kinase‐(in)dependent action.

This feature of PttSLAH3 may provide the secretory cell with a channel probably controlling long‐term nectar secretion.
VIOLENCE AND THE COSTS OF HONESTY: RETHINKING BUREAUCRATS' CHOICES TO TAKE BRIBES
Authors: SUNDSTRÖM AKSEL
Published: February 2016

Explanations of bureaucrats' decisions to take bribes include accounts of incentives as well as expectations. However, there are further considerations in violent contexts, where refusal of bribes may have dire consequences. Yet, insight into this topic is limited. This article investigates how violence upholds bribery, through interviews with South African officials who enforce regulations in communities where gangs operate. The investigation shows that when citizens offer bribes to enable rule violations, this is a process of both temptation and threats: officials who refuse bribes face intimidation by both citizens and colluding colleagues. This illustrates how violence may function as a mechanism to enforce corrupt contracts between bureaucrats and criminal citizens. Through reducing costs in such settings, bribe‐taking is partly a strategy of social protection. This has implications for policy and suggests that, besides incentives and expectations, administrative reforms may benefit from ‘fixing the security’ of bureaucrats in violent contexts.
Exploring genetic diversity for heat tolerance among lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) genotypes of variant habitats by simple sequence repeat markers
Authors: Singh Dharmendra , Singh Chandan K. , Tomar Ram Sevak S. , Chaturvedi Ashish K. , Shah Divya , Kumar Arun , Pal Madan
Published: February 2016

The study was carried out to assess genetic diversity among 119 lentil genotypes grown in different habitats for heat tolerance using morpho‐physiological and reproductive traits and SSR markers. High‐temperature stress was applied at seedling (35/33°C) and anthesis stages (35/20°C) to study the effects on morpho‐physiological and reproductive traits under hydroponic condition, which was compared with non‐stressed and stressed field conditions. A set of 209 alleles were identified by 35 SSR markers among the genotypes. Genetic diversity and polymorphism information content values varied between 0.0494–0.859 and 0.0488–0.844, with mean values of 0.606 and 0.563, respectively. Genotypes were clustered into nine groups based on SSR markers. Morpho‐physiological and reproductive traits under heat stress were found to be significantly different among SSR clusters. These findings suggest that heat adaptation is variable among the genotypes and the tolerant materials can be evolved through hybridization using parents from different clusters with diverse mechanisms of heat tolerance.
Mapping and candidate gene analysis for a new top spikelet abortion mutant in rice
Authors: Jiang Shukun , Wang Jiayu , Liu Dan , Chen Lili , Zhang Xijuan , Xu Fan , Sun Shichen , Jiang Hui , Ding Guohua , Wang Tongtong , Bai Liangming , Zhang Fengming , Xu Zhengjin
Published: February 2016

Grain numbers is one of the determinations for rice yield and directly associated with spikelet numbers per panicle and its normal development. Lots of genes responsible for spikelet numbers and spikelet early development have been identified, but the molecular information about the spikelet development at later development is still limited. Here, we isolated a rice spikelet abnormal development mutant, which shows degenerated spikelet at the top panicle and named aborted top spikelet mutant 1(Ats1). The spikelets derived from the middle and bottom branches per panicle of Ats1 show normal development with those of wild type. However, a large number of branches and spikelets with arrested development were often observed only on apex panicle. The abnormality did not appear until the stage In8 when rachises elongate rapidly and reproductive organs get mature, based on observations through SEM analysis. The aborted spikelet could develop the complete floral organs with a pair of rudimentary glume, a pair of empty glume, two lodicule, six stamens and one carpel. But all these floral organs did not develop maturity. Genetic analysis on two F2 populations indicated that the Ats1 was controlled by a single dominant gene. By using bulked segregant analysis of F2 population developed from Ats1 crossing with Songjing6, ATS1 was mapped on chromosome 8 between RM3819 and RM5556. Then, the fine mapping was performed with 1078 F2 population developed from Ats1 and IR36. The ATS1 locus was finely mapped in an 85.7 kb region between RM22448 and STS8‐2 with 8 genes according to the rice annotation project database. Sequence analysis of the candidate genes within the delimited region of the Ats1 and Akihikari showed two‐nucleotide changes, including single‐nucleotide substitutions corresponding to an amino acid substitution from asparagine to lysine acid in exons 3 and a 1‐bp deletion resulting in a premature stop codon in exon 22 at the candidate gene, LOC_Os08g06480. A cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) marker, CAPS‐ats1, was developed from the 1‐bp deletion site. The complete cosegregation of the CAPS genotypes with the matching phenotypes were observed in the F2 populations. This suggested that Os08g06480 is most likely the ATS1 gene. These results will provide more information for better understanding of the molecular mechanism governing top spikelet abortion within a short developmental period.
Mitochondrial substrate specificity in beetle flight muscle: assessing respiratory oxygen flux in small samples from Dermestes maculatus and Tenebrio molitor
Authors: Newell Christopher , Kane Constance L. , Kane Daniel A.
Published: February 2016

In the present study, the permeabilized fibre approach is adapted to investigate substrate utilization patterns in the flight muscle mitochondria of Dermestes maculatus (Coleoptera: Dermestidae; a carrion scavenger beetle) and Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae; a phytophagous scavenger beetle). Respiration in saponin‐permeabilized fibres is measured during titration of palmitoyl‐carnitine (Palm‐C), pyruvate (Pyr) or l‐glycerol 3‐phosphate (G3‐P). Michaelis–Menten‐type enzyme kinetics for oxygen consumption are observed as a function of substrate concentration in Pyr and G3‐P, from which substrate‐specific apparent Km (sensitivity) and Vmax (capacity) are determined. Compared with D. maculatus, the apparent Km in T. molitor is lower (P < 0.001) for Pyr, and Vmax is greater for G3‐P (P < 0.001). In D. maculatus, the apparent Km for G3‐P is greater (P < 0.001), and respiratory Vmax is lower (P < 0.001), than kinetics for Pyr. Robust respiration with l‐proline (Pro) is also observed in both beetle species tested; however, it is over 2.5‐fold greater in D. maculatus than T. molitor (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that respiration in beetle flight muscle mitochondria can be assessed in small samples (i.e. at the individual beetle level) using the approach adapted for the present study. The results of the present study also highlight the substrate oxidative capacity patterns in both D. maculatus and T. molitor, which rank Palm‐C < G3‐P < Pyr < Pro.
Inflammatory response of a prostate stromal cell line induced by Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Im S. J. , Han I. H. , Kim J. H. , Gu N. Y. , Seo M. Y. , Chung Y. H. , Ryu J. S.
Published: February 2016

While Trichomonas vaginalis, a cause of sexually transmitted infection, is known as a surface‐dwelling protozoa, trichomonads have been detected in prostatic tissue from benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis by immunoperoxidase assay or PCR. However, the immune response of prostate stromal cells infected with T. vaginalis has not been investigated. Our objective was to investigate whether T. vaginalis could induce an inflammatory response in prostate stromal cells. Incubation of a human prostate stromal myofibroblast cells (WPMY‐1) with live T. vaginalis T016 increased expression of the inflammatory chemokines CXCL8 and CCL2. In addition, TLR4, ROS, MAPK and NF‐κB expression increased, while inhibitors of TLR4, ROS, MAPKs and NF‐κB reduced CXCL8 and CCL2 production. Medium conditioned by incubation of WPMY‐1 cells with T. vaginalis stimulated the migration of human neutrophils and monocytes (THP‐1 cells). We conclude that T. vaginalis increases CXCL8 and CCL2 production by human prostate stromal cells by activating TLR4, ROS, MAPKs and NF‐κB, and this in turn attracts neutrophils and monocytes and leads to an inflammatory response. This study is the first attempt to demonstrate an inflammatory reaction in prostate stromal cells caused by T. vaginalis.
Understanding the Implications of Government Ties for Nonprofit Operations and Functions
Authors: Zhan Xueyong , Tang Shui‐Yan
Published: February 2016

This research explores the implications of nonprofit leaders’ government ties for nonprofit operations and functions. Based on 81 survey questionnaires completed by civic environmental NGOs (eNGOs) in China and interviews with executives from 33 eNGOs, the authors examine the personal backgrounds of eNGO leaders and find that most Chinese civic eNGOs are connected with the government in one or more of three ways: political ties, service organization ties, or personal ties. Personal ties, or good guanxi with government officials, are positively associated with a higher level of funding stability and a more developed management system. Environmental NGOs with leaders who are current government officials or legislative body members are more likely to be engaged in policy advocacy. Service organization ties facilitate eNGOs’ efforts to be engaged in legal services and to scale up to work on environmental issues at the national level. Moreover, an eNGO’s policy advocacy engagement is associated with its ties with the nonprofit community.
A plant traits approach to managing legacy species during restoration transitions in temperate eucalypt woodlands
Authors: Cole Ian A. , Prober Suzanne M. , Lunt Ian D. , Koen Terry B.
Published: February 2016

Degraded communities often contain a subset of the species that comprised the predisturbance community. These represent an important legacy of the predisturbance state, yet restoration treatments may be detrimental to them. This study examined the potential of leaf traits and life form to predict whether restoration treatments can maintain legacy swards of Austrostipa bigeniculata (hereafter Austrostipa) while controlling exotic annuals in temperate eucalypt woodlands. Treatments included carbon addition to reduce soil nitrate, both with and without burning or pulse grazing to deplete exotic seed pools. We compared leaf traits of Austrostipa with a native grass (Themeda triandra) known to be advantaged, and 8 exotic annual species known to be disadvantaged by these treatments. Leaf traits indicated potentially greater negative impacts of carbon addition on exotic annuals compared to Austrostipa, and on Austrostipa compared to Themeda, suggesting a net restoration benefit. Similarly, burning or pulse grazing is expected to have little negative impact on perennial resprouting grasses (hemicryptophytes; Austrostipa and Themeda) compared with annual exotics (therophytes) with short‐lived seed banks. Treatment responses were largely consistent with predictions: treatments that significantly reduced exotic annuals had no net disadvantage to Austrostipa swards despite significant reductions in Austrostipa seedling growth with carbon addition. Indeed by Year 3, Austrostipa mortality in untreated plots led to 46% lower Austrostipa abundance than in treated plots at one site, potentially due to litter build‐up or other mechanisms. We conclude that plant traits provide a useful framework for designing restoration transitions that retain native legacy species while controlling exotics.
PDGFRs expression in dogs affected by malignant oral melanomas: correlation with prognosis
Authors: Iussich S. , Maniscalco L. , Di Sciuva A. , Iotti B. , Morello E. , Martano M. , Gattino F. , Buracco P. , De Maria R.
Published: February 2016

Canine malignant melanoma (CMM) is the most common canine oral tumour, and up to 70–75% of dogs in stage II–III die within 1 year after surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of platelet‐derived growth factors receptors (PDGFR)‐α and ‐β in stage II and III CMMs and to correlate it with prognosis. PDGFRs expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry on 48 cases of formalin‐fixed CMM samples and correlated with clinical–pathological findings and outcome after surgery. PDGFRs co‐expression was observed in 37.5% of cases. Positivity for PDGFR‐α and ‐β receptor was present in 54.2 and 47.9% of cases, respectively. Ki67 values >19.5% were ascertained in 66.7% of cases. Statistical analysis showed that PDGFRs co‐expression and Ki67 values > 19.5% were both associated with worse prognosis. PDGFRs expression suggests a role in the pathogenesis and progression of CMM, and α and β co‐expression appears to be associated to worse prognosis.
Antimicrobial resistance, integron carriage, and gyrA and gyrB mutations in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from dogs with otitis externa and pyoderma in Brazil
Authors: Arais Lavicie R. , Barbosa André V. , Carvalho Cristiane A. , Cerqueira Aloysio M. F.
Published: February 2016

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is associated with otitis and pyoderma in dogs and is frequently resistant to several antimicrobial drugs. Resistance genes can be carried by integrons with quinolone resistance mainly due to mutations in DNA topoisomerases II and IV.

Objective

To evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility, integron carriage, and gyrA and gyrB mutations in P. aeruginosa isolates from canine otitis and pyoderma.

Animals

One hundred and four P. aeruginosa strains isolated from dogs with otitis externa (n = 93) and pyoderma (n = 11).

Methods

Antimicrobial susceptibility against 16 antibacterial agents was evaluated through agar diffusion tests. Integron carriage, class and gyrA and gyrB mutations were analysed by PCR, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)‐PCR and genetic sequencing assays.

Results

Isolates were mostly resistant to enrofloxacin (72.2%) and ticarcillin (59.7%). Lower resistance to ciprofloxacin (7.7%), tobramycin (3.8%) and polymixin B (0.0%) was detected. Ten (9.6%) multidrug‐resistant (MDR) strains were detected. Eight (7.7%) strains carried class 1 integrons and this was associated with MDR (three isolates, P ≤ 0.05). Five of the integron‐carrying strains exhibited aminoglycoside resistance genes. Mutations of gyrA and gyrB were observed in 10 isolates, seven of them resistant to all fluoroquinolones tested.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Enrofloxacin and ticarcilin resistance was widespread in P. aeruginosa isolated from dogs in Brazil. Pseudomonas aeruginosa carrying integrons may present a significant challenge for treatment.
Anisotropic Multishell Analytical Modeling of an Intervertebral Disk Subjected to Axial Compression
Authors: Demers Sébastien , Nadeau Sylvie , Bouzid Abdel-Hakim
Published: February 2016

Studies on intervertebral disk (IVD) response to various loads and postures are essential to understand disk's mechanical functions and to suggest preventive and corrective actions in the workplace. The experimental and finite-element (FE) approaches are well-suited for these studies, but validating their findings is difficult, partly due to the lack of alternative methods. Analytical modeling could allow methodological triangulation and help validation of FE models. This paper presents an analytical method based on thin-shell, beam-on-elastic-foundation and composite materials theories to evaluate the stresses in the anulus fibrosus (AF) of an axisymmetric disk composed of multiple thin lamellae. Large deformations of the soft tissues are accounted for using an iterative method and the anisotropic material properties are derived from a published biaxial experiment. The results are compared to those obtained by FE modeling. The results demonstrate the capability of the analytical model to evaluate the stresses at any location of the simplified AF. It also demonstrates that anisotropy reduces stresses in the lamellae. This novel model is a preliminary step in developing valuable analytical models of IVDs, and represents a distinctive groundwork that is able to sustain future refinements. This paper suggests important features that may be included to improve model realism.
Effect upon biocompatibility and biocorrosion properties of plasma electrolytic oxidation in trisodium phosphate electrolytes
Authors: Kim Yu-Kyoung , Park Il-Song , Lee Kwang-Bok , Bae Tae-Sung , Jang Yong-Seok , Oh Young-Min , Lee Min-Ho
Published: February 2016

Surface modification to improve the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of the Mg-Al-Zn-Ca alloy was conducted via plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) in an electrolyte that included phosphate. Calcium phosphate can be easily induced on the surface of a PEO coating that includes phosphate in a physiological environment because Ca2+ ions in body fluids can be combined with PO43−. Cytotoxicity of the PEO coating formed in electrolytes with various amounts of Na3PO4 was identified. In particular, the effects that PEO films have upon oxidative stress and differentiation of osteoblast activity were studied. As the concentration of Na3PO4 in the electrolyte increased, the oxide layer was found to become thicker, which increased corrosion resistance. However, the PEO coating formed in electrolytes with over 0.2 M of added Na3PO4 exhibited more microcracks and larger pores than those formed in smaller Na3PO4 concentrations owing to a large spark discharge. A nonuniform oxide film that included more phosphate caused more cytotoxicity and oxidative stress, and overabundant phosphate content in the oxide layer interrupted the differentiation of osteoblasts. The corrosion resistance of the magnesium alloy and the thickness of the oxide layer were increased by the addition of Na3PO4 in the electrolyte for PEO treatment. However, excessive phosphate content in the oxide layer led to oxidative stress, which resulted in reduced cell viability and activity.
Technical Note: Independent component analysis for quality assurance in functional MRI
Authors: Astrakas Loukas G. , Kallistis Nikolaos S. , Kalef‐Ezra John A.
Published: February 2016

Purpose:

Independent component analysis (ICA) is an established method of analyzing human functional MRI (fMRI) data. Here, an ICA‐based fMRI quality control (QC) tool was developed and used.

Methods:

ICA‐based fMRI QC tool to be used with a commercial phantom was developed. In an attempt to assess the performance of the tool relative to preexisting alternative tools, it was used seven weeks before and eight weeks after repair of a faulty gradient amplifier of a non‐state‐of‐the‐art MRI unit. More specifically, its performance was compared with the AAPM 100 acceptance testing and quality assurance protocol and two fMRI QC protocols, proposed by Freidman et al. [“Report on a multicenter fMRI quality assurance protocol,” J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 23, 827–839 (2006)] and Stocker et al. [“Automated quality assurance routines for fMRI data applied to a multicenter study,” Hum. Brain Mapp. 25, 237–246 (2005)], respectively.

Results:

The easily developed and applied ICA‐based QC protocol provided fMRI QC indices and maps equally sensitive to fMRI instabilities with the indices and maps of other established protocols. The ICA fMRI QC indices were highly correlated with indices of other fMRI QC protocols and in some cases theoretically related to them. Three or four independent components with slow varying time series are detected under normal conditions.

Conclusions:

ICA applied on phantom measurements is an easy and efficient tool for fMRI QC. Additionally, it can protect against misinterpretations of artifact components as human brain activations. Evaluating fMRI QC indices in the central region of a phantom is not always the optimal choice.
Cornelia de Lange and Ehlers-Danlos: comorbidity of two rare syndromes
Authors: Cravero Cora , Guinchat Vincent , Barete Stéphane , Consoli Angèle
Published: February 2016

We present a case of a young adult with both Cornelia de Lange syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The patient showed non-verbal autism, intellectual disability and severe/intractable self-harming behaviours that led to a life-threatening complication (ie, septicaemia). A significant reduction in the self-harming behaviours was attained in a multidisciplinary neurobehavioural inpatient unit after addressing all causes of somatic pains, managing pain using level II and III analgesics, stabilising the patient's mood, limiting the iatrogenic effects of multiple prescriptions and offering a specific psychoeducational approach.
Diagnosing pulmonic valve infective endocarditis with positron emission tomography-CT
Authors: Zietlow Kahli , Bazemore Taylor C , Parikh Kishan S
Published: February 2016

Infective endocarditis (IE) affects the pulmonic valve in less than 2% of cases. Not only is pulmonary valve IE rare, it is also challenging to visualise with commonly used imaging modalities. In this vignette, we present a 50-year-old patient with a history of repaired Tetralogy of Fallot who underwent a prolonged hospitalisation and extensive work up for fever of unknown origin. Although we suspected IE as the source of his fevers, he had persistently negative transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiograms. We were ultimately able to establish the diagnosis with the use of positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT). Although PET-CT is not part of the traditional work up for IE, it can be a useful imaging modality when there is a high index of suspicion for IE with negative echocardiography findings.
The formation of gold nanoparticles in photopolymerized networks
Authors: Guterman Ryan , Gillies Elizabeth R. , Ragogna Paul J.
Published: February 2016

Photopolymer networks containing a phosphonium polyelectrolyte were used as scaffolds for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Chloride anions electrostatically bound to the phosphonium salt were exchanged with AuCl4− and then reduced with NaBH4 to form AuNPs. The stiffness of the photopolymer matrix had a pronounced effect on the concentration of AuNPs formed within the material, where softer, more swellable networks provided greater anion-exchange sites and therefore more AuNP formation. Numerous loading/reduction cycles with AuCl4− and NaBH4 increased the concentration of AuNPs upon each cycling step without significantly changing AuNP size, thus providing a means to control AuNP concentration within the material. SEM and TEM analysis revealed particles sizes ranging from 10 to 30 nm with significant microscale heterogeneity likely arising from phase separation of the phosphonium polyelectrolyte from the photopolymer matrix followed by AuNP synthesis within those regions. We also demonstrate how this methodology can be applied to patterned photopolymer networks, providing the means to explore this approach for photolithographic applications.