bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Riesgos delictivos de las monedas virtuales
Authors: Bedecarratz Francisco Javier
Published: July 2018

Las monedas virtuales son un fenómeno nuevo que está impactando crecientemente el tráfico jurídico nacional e internacional. Su acelerada masificación requiere la creación de un modelo preventivo para impedir su aprovechamiento en actividades delictivas y proteger a sus usuarios. Este trabajo examina la tecnología de las monedas virtuales y sus características relevantes desde el punto de vista del derecho penal y de la criminología. El análisis se centra en el aumento del riesgo que ocasionan en relación con delitos de alta complejidad, enfocado particularmente en el lavado de activos. El artículo critica la aplicación de modelos convencionales para su regulación y concluye con una propuesta regulatoria preventiva acorde a la naturaleza y modus operandi de esta nueva tecnología.
Grain number and grain weight as determinants of triticale, wheat, two-rowed and six-rowed barley yield in the Pannonian environment
Authors: Mirosavljević Milan , Momčilović Vojislava , Denčić Srbislav , Mikić Sanja , Trkulja Dragana , Pržulj Novo
Published: July 2018

Climate significantly affects cropping systems across Europe. Knowledge of the variability in grain number per unit area and grain weight across different growing seasons and its association with grain yield is important for further improving small grain crop production. The main aim of this study was to compare grain yield and its numerical components among triticale, wheat, two-rowed and six-rowed barley cultivars across different growing seasons in a typical Pannonian location (south-eastern part of Central Europe). Trials with twelve winter cereal genotypes (three two-rowed barley, three six-rowed barley, three wheat and three triticale genotypes) were carried out in four successive seasons in Novi Sad, Serbia. Results of this study showed that growing season, species, cultivar, and species × growing season interaction significantly (p<0.01) affected grain yield and its determinants. Generally, triticale had higher average grain yield, while the lowest grain yield was recorded in six-rowed barleys. Grain yield was more associated with the number of grains/m2 than with grain weight. Heading date was recognized as one of the important adaptive traits in crop development and yield determination. Short duration of the pre-anthesis phase in early cultivars and delayed anthesis in late cultivars significantly decreased the number of grains/spike in different species/spike types, reducing the final grain yield. Medium early cultivars had the highest number of grains/spike due to optimal duration of the pre-anthesis period and heading date and are suggested as recommendable for large scale production in the Pannonian environments.
Attachment Preferences of L2 Learners in a Production Task
Authors: Maghsoud Hadi
Published: July 2018

This study investigated whether L2 learners of English process sentences semantically or syntactically when they areengaged in production rather than comprehension. Thirty-four Persian speaking second language learners of Englishacross two proficiency levels participated in a production task which involved completing sentences such as Andyshot the man with… with a determiner phrase (DP) of their own choice. In majority of cases, the participants acrossboth proficiency levels supplied DPs that were semantically related to the verb (i.e., semantic-based processing). Thefindings are argued to support the constraint-based theories and shallow structure hypothesis.
Clean intermittent catheterization: Single use vs. reuse
Authors: Saadat Seyed Hossein , Shepherd Shaun , Van Asseldonk Brandon , Elterman Dean S.
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Intermittent catheterization (IC) is one of the fundamental aspects of managing patients with chronic urinary retention. Although reuse of catheters has been allowed to be chosen as the first option for IC, the optimal method of IC and the type of catheter has been a long-standing debate. We conducted a literature review regarding risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) and the costs associated with different methods and catheters.

Methods: A MEDLINE search via PubMed, EMBASE, and EBSCO host was conducted in March 2018. The date of publication was limited to 2014 to present/current.

Results: Single use of catheters (hydrophilic-coated [HC] or uncoated [UC]) was considered to impose a lower risk of UTI in all studies, except in one study that included children, but did not test their dexterity to handle HC catheters. Cost-effectiveness of single-use catheters was confirmed by all studies during this period.

Conclusions: Reuse of catheters exposes the patient to a plethora of possible cleaning techniques and duration of catheter use. Patient adherence to cleaning method cannot be predicted and this further amplifies the risk of complications and their burden on the healthcare system. We recommend a patient-centred approach to consider HC catheters as the first option, while considering the patient’s/caregiver’s ability to accommodate the usage technique. Single-use UC catheters, and finally reuse of catheters are considered as next options if HC catheters are found difficult to handle (especially in children doing self-catheterization). Larger trials investigating this matter are required.
Aandeelhoudersovereenkomsten en de vennootschappelijke overeenkomst
Authors: Burgers H.Th.M.
Published: July 2018

Aandeelhoudersovereenkomsten en de vennootschappelijke overeenkomst

In dit artikel staat de plaats van de aandeelhoudersovereenkomsten in het recht centraal.
Voldoet de kwaliteitsregulering van de medische zorg op Aruba?
Authors: Dijkhoff J.J.
Published: July 2018

Voldoet de kwaliteitsregulering van de medische zorg op Aruba?

In de rechtsleer is nauwelijks onderzoek gedaan naar de vraag of na de invoering van de Landsverordening beroepen in de gezondheidszorg en de Landsverordening kwaliteit in de gezondheidszorg een verbetering is te zien ten opzichte van het oude recht. Met dit doel is in deze bijdrage het nieuwe recht met het oude recht vergeleken. De studie bleef beperkt tot de toelating, de beroepsuitoefening en het toezicht en concludeerde in een ontkennend antwoord. De invoering is juridisch een feit, maar in de praktijk kan dit niet staande worden gehouden. Het is duidelijk dat meer onderzoek nodig is voor de verbetering van de kwaliteitsregulering op Aruba.
Primary B-cell Spinal Cord Lymphoma of the Cervical Spine
Authors: Guzik Grzegorz
Published: July 2018

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of tumours, with diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) being particularly common. Cases of DLBCLs developing in the central nervous system, especially in the spinal cord, are extremely rare and thus pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic problems, particularly for orthopaedists and neurologists since these are the specialists the patients first consult. The tumours often appear in immunosuppressed patients and standard chemotherapy is ineffective.
This paper presents the case of a 44-year-old male with a lymphoma located in the spinal cord at the C7-Th1 level. The symptoms appeared suddenly and progressed rapidly, with dissociated sensory loss and limb paresis being the most pronounced. Imaging studies and the rapid symptom progression suggested neoplastic disease. An emergency surgical procedure was performed in order to decompress the spinal cord and thus limit neurological deficits. Tumour resection allowed for making a diagnosis. By four weeks after the surgery, the tumour had grown larger than before the procedure. Chemotherapy with MTX and Ara-C and intrathecal MTX resulted in full remission. Consolidation was achieved with radiotherapy.
Currently, with the low incidence of such tumours, there are no standards of management in patients with DLBCLs of the CNS. The literature contains only a few case reports on successfully treated spinal cord DLBCLs.
Method Modification to Extend the Matrix Claim of the Thermo Scientific RapidFinder Salmonella species, Typhimurium, and Enteritidis Multiplex PCR Kit
Authors: Williams Jessica , Evans Katharine , Crabtree David , Hughes Annette , Cooper Charlotte , Rose Helen , Kauppinen Mikko , Flannery Jonathan , Meibers Hannah , Bird Patrick , Benzinger M Joseph , Agin James , Goins David , Chen Yi , Brodsky Michael , Fernandez Maria Cristina
Published: July 2018

Background: The Thermo Scientific RapidFinder™ Salmonella species, Typhimurium and Enteritidis Multiplex PCR Kit is a real-time multiplex PCR assay for the detection and differentiation of Salmonella species, Salmonella Typhimurium, and S. Enteritidis from poultry, pork, and environmental samples. The method has previously been granted certification as Performance Tested Method SM (PTM) 081701, validated according to the AOAC Research Institute (RI) PTM program for poultry (chicken thighs with skin, chicken wings with skin, and chicken nuggets), raw pork sausage matrixes, and stainless steel environmental surface sponges. Objective: This report details the method modification study to validate ground turkey (375 g sample size), chicken carcass rinse, and shell egg matrixes. Methods: The candidate method was compared with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Bacteriological Analytical Manual Chapter 5 for shell eggs and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service’s Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook 4.09 for ground turkey (375 g) and chicken carcass rinse matrixes. Results: The statistically significant differences found between the candidate and reference methods upon analysis by probability of detection were in favor of the candidate method. Inclusivity and exclusivity testing demonstrated that the RapidFinder Salmonella species, Typhimurium and Enteritidis Multiplex PCR Kit was able to detect all the major groups of Salmonella. All exclusivity isolates were correctly excluded. Conclusions: The data presented in this report show that the candidate is suitable for the detection and differentiation of Salmonellae from shell egg, chicken carcass rinse, and ground turkey (375 g) matrixes. Highlights: Thermo Scientific RapidFinder Salmonella species, Typhimurium and Enteritidis Multiplex PCR Kit (candidate method) matrix claims extended to include ground turkey (375 g), chicken carcass rinse and shell egg samples.
Opening up to Native Speaker Norms: The Use of / I / in the Speech of Canadian French Immersion Students
Authors: Nadasdi Terry , Vickerman Alison
Published: July 2018

Our study examines the extent to which French immersion students use lax /ɪ/ in the same linguistic context as native speakers of Canadian French. Our results show that the lax variant is vanishingly rare in the speech of immersion students and is used by only a small minority of individuals. This is interpreted as a limitation of French immersion students’ sociolinguistic competence. Within the group of students who do use both variants, we document a positive correlation between female and middle-class students and use of the lax variant and suggest these speakers are generally more sensitive to sociolinguistic variation. A reverse correlation between English cognates and laxing was found. This is taken as evidence that the learning of laxing is lexically mediated.
Grandmother Toe
Authors: Carfore Kimberly Ann
Published: July 2018

For decades scholars of the humanities have been going back and forth between nature/culture and civilized/wild dichotomies trying to answer questions about nature and the wild. Do we, as a humanity, need to go back to the wild? Does wilderness exist or is it a social construct? Is the concept of wilderness essentialist? Do we need to conserve the wild? After years of vacillation, discourse becomes stuck in the confines of language and logic. Poetry, art, and other forms of creative expression free concepts from their structural limits. This piece of poetry titled "Grandmother Toe" offers a creative exploration of the concepts of wilderness, ancestry, evolution, expressing a possible way forward through an uncertain future.
Physically-based land surface segmentation: Theoretical background and outline of interpretations
Authors: Minar Jozef , Bandura Peter , Holec Juraj , Popov Anton , Drăguţ Lucian , Gallay Michal , Hofierka Jaroslav , Kaňuk Ján , Evans Ian S.
Published: July 2018

Incorporation of a physically-based general geomorphological theory directly into the segmentation algorithm is fundamental to physically-based land surface segmentation. Topographical steady state for morphostructural segmentations with five types of elementary forms defined by the principle of equilibrium provides a basis for definition of input variables. Examples of application introduce two new physically-based geomorphometric variables: Index of Steady State (ISS) quantifying the closeness of regions to a topographic steady state; and Index of Slope Disequilibrium (ISD), expressing percentage deviation from an equilibrium state of gravitational Potential Energy of Surface (PES) for mass flow.
Wnt/PCP controls spreading of Wnt/β-catenin signals by cytonemes in vertebrates
Authors: Mattes Benjamin , Dang Yonglong , Greicius Gediminas , Kaufmann Lilian Tamara , Prunsche Benedikt , Rosenbauer Jakob , Stegmaier Johannes , Mikut Ralf , Özbek Suat , Nienhaus Gerd Ulrich , Schug Alexander , Virshup David M , Scholpp Steffen
Published: July 2018

Signaling filopodia, termed cytonemes, are dynamic actin-based membrane structures that regulate the exchange of signaling molecules and their receptors within tissues. However, how cytoneme formation is regulated remains unclear. Here, we show that Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) autocrine signaling controls the emergence of cytonemes, and that cytonemes subsequently control paracrine Wnt/β-catenin signal activation. Upon binding of the Wnt family member Wnt8a, the receptor tyrosine kinase Ror2 becomes activated. Ror2/PCP signaling leads to the induction of cytonemes, which mediate the transport of Wnt8a to neighboring cells. In the Wnt-receiving cells, Wnt8a on cytonemes triggers Wnt/β-catenin-dependent gene transcription and proliferation. We show that cytoneme-based Wnt transport operates in diverse processes, including zebrafish development, murine intestinal crypt and human cancer organoids, demonstrating that Wnt transport by cytonemes and its control via the Ror2 pathway is highly conserved in vertebrates.
Structural relationship between the putative hair cell mechanotransduction channel TMC1 and TMEM16 proteins
Authors: Ballesteros Angela , Fenollar-Ferrer Cristina , Swartz Kenton Jon
Published: July 2018

The hair cell mechanotransduction (MET) channel complex is essential for hearing, yet it’s molecular identity and structure remain elusive. The transmembrane channel–like 1 (TMC1) protein localizes to the site of the MET channel, interacts with the tip-link responsible for mechanical gating, and genetic alterations in TMC1 alter MET channel properties and cause deafness, supporting the hypothesis that TMC1 forms the MET channel. We generated a model of TMC1 based on X-ray and cryo-EM structures of TMEM16 proteins, revealing the presence of a large cavity near the protein-lipid interface that also harbors the Beethoven mutation, suggesting that it could function as a permeation pathway. We also find that hair cells are permeable to 3 kDa dextrans, and that dextran permeation requires TMC1/2 proteins and functional MET channels, supporting the presence of a large permeation pathway and the hypothesis that TMC1 is a pore forming subunit of the MET channel complex.
Rap2 and TNIK control Plexin-dependent tiled synaptic innervation in C. elegans
Authors: Chen Xi , Shibata Akihiro CE , Hendi Ardalan , Kurashina Mizuki , Fortes Ethan , Weilinger Nicholas L , MacVicar Brian A , Murakoshi Hideji , Mizumoto Kota
Published: July 2018

During development, neurons form synapses with their fate-determined targets. While we begin to elucidate the mechanisms by which extracellular ligand-receptor interactions enhance synapse specificity by inhibiting synaptogenesis, our knowledge about their intracellular mechanisms remains limited. Here we show that Rap2 GTPase (rap-2) and its effector, TNIK (mig-15), act genetically downstream of Plexin (plx-1) to restrict presynaptic assembly and to form tiled synaptic innervation in C. elegans. Both constitutively GTP- and GDP-forms of rap-2 mutants exhibit synaptic tiling defects as plx-1 mutants, suggesting that cycling of the RAP-2 nucleotide state is critical for synapse inhibition. Consistently, PLX-1 suppresses local RAP-2 activity. Excessive ectopic synapse formation in mig-15 mutants causes a severe synaptic tiling defect. Conversely, overexpression of mig-15 strongly inhibited synapse formation, suggesting that mig-15 is a negative regulator of synapse formation. These results reveal that subcellular regulation of small GTPase activity by Plexin shapes proper synapse patterning in vivo.
Branching morphogenesis in the developing kidney is not impacted by nephron formation or integration
Authors: Short Kieran M , Combes Alexander N , Lisnyak Valerie , Lefevre James G , Jones Lynelle K , Little Melissa H , Hamilton Nicholas A , Smyth Ian M
Published: July 2018

Branching morphogenesis of the ureteric bud is integral to kidney development; establishing the collecting ducts of the adult organ and driving organ expansion via peripheral interactions with nephron progenitor cells. A recent study suggested that termination of tip branching within the developing kidney involved stochastic exhaustion in response to nephron formation, with such a termination event representing a unifying developmental process evident in many organs. To examine this possibility, we have profiled the impact of nephron formation and maturation on elaboration of the ureteric bud during mouse kidney development. We find a distinct absence of random branch termination events within the kidney or evidence that nephrogenesis impacts the branching program or cell proliferation in either tip or progenitor cell niches. Instead, organogenesis proceeds in a manner indifferent to the development of these structures. Hence, stochastic cessation of branching is not a unifying developmental feature in all branching organs.
Rapid multi-locus sequence typing direct from uncorrected long reads using Krocus
Authors: Page Andrew J. , Keane Jacqueline A.
Published: July 2018

Genome sequencing is rapidly being adopted in reference labs and hospitals for bacterial outbreak investigation and diagnostics where time is critical. Seven gene multi-locus sequence typing is a standard tool for broadly classifying samples into sequence types (STs), allowing, in many cases, to rule a sample out of an outbreak, or allowing for general characteristics about a bacterial strain to be inferred. Long-read sequencing technologies, such as from Oxford Nanopore, can produce read data within minutes of an experiment starting, unlike short-read sequencing technologies which require many hours/days. However, the error rates of raw uncorrected long read data are very high. We present Krocus which can predict a ST directly from uncorrected long reads, and which was designed to consume read data as it is produced, providing results in minutes. It is the only tool which can do this from uncorrected long reads. We tested Krocus on over 700 isolates sequenced using long-read sequencing technologies from Pacific Biosciences and Oxford Nanopore. It provides STs for isolates on average within 90 s, with a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 97% on real sample data, directly from uncorrected raw sequence reads. The software is written in Python and is available under the open source license GNU GPL version 3.
The periodical cicada four-year acceleration hypothesis revisited and the polyphyletic nature of Brood V, including an updated crowd-source enhanced map (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Magicicada)
Authors: Cooley John R. , Arguedas Nidia , Bonaros Elias , Bunker Gerry , Chiswell Stephen M. , DeGiovine Annette , Edwards Marten , Hassanieh Diane , Haji Diler , Knox John , Kritsky Gene , Mills Carolyn , Mozgai Dan , Troutman Roy , Zyla John , Hasegawa Hiroki , Sota Teiji , Yoshimura Jin , Simon Chris
Published: July 2018

The periodical cicadas of North America (Magicicada spp.) are well-known for their long life cycles of 13 and 17 years and their mass synchronized emergences. Although periodical cicada life cycles are relatively strict, the biogeographic patterns of periodical cicada broods, or year-classes, indicate that they must undergo some degree of life cycle switching. We present a new map of periodical cicada Brood V, which emerged in 2016, and demonstrate that it consists of at least four distinct parts that span an area in the United States stretching from Ohio to Long Island. We discuss mtDNA haplotype variation in this brood in relation to other periodical cicada broods, noting that different parts of this brood appear to have different origins. We use this information to refine a hypothesis for the formation of periodical cicada broods by 1- and 4-year life cycle jumps.
Anxiolytic and anti-stress effects of acute administration of acetyl-L-carnitine in zebrafish
Authors: Pancotto Lais , Mocelin Ricieri , Marcon Matheus , Herrmann Ana P. , Piato Angelo
Published: July 2018

Studies have suggested that oxidative stress may contribute to the pathogenesis of mental disorders. In this context, molecules with antioxidant activity may be promising agents in the treatment of these deleterious conditions. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is a multi-target molecule that modulates the uptake of acetyl-CoA into the mitochondria during fatty acid oxidation, acetylcholine production, protein, and membrane phospholipid synthesis, capable of promoting neurogenesis in case of neuronal death. Moreover, neurochemical effects of ALC include modulation of brain energy and synaptic transmission of multiple neurotransmitters, including expression of type 2 metabotropic glutamate (mGlu2) receptors. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ALC in zebrafish by examining behavioral and biochemical parameters relevant to anxiety and mood disorders in zebrafish. ALC presented anxiolytic effects in both novel tank and light/dark tests and prevented the anxiety-like behavior induced by an acute stressor (net chasing). Furthermore, ALC was able to prevent the lipid peroxidation induced by acute stress in the zebrafish brain. The data presented here warrant further investigation of ALC as a potential agent in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Its good tolerability also subsidizes the additional studies necessary to assess its therapeutic potential in clinical settings.
Motion-triggered video cameras reveal spatial and temporal patterns of red fox foraging on carrion provided by mountain lions
Authors: O’Malley Connor , Elbroch L. Mark , Lendrum Patrick E. , Quigley Howard
Published: July 2018

Carrion is a rich, ephemeral resource vital to biodiversity and ecosystem health. In temperate ecosystems in which cold temperatures and snowfall influence the accessibility and availability of small prey and seasonal mast crops, carrion may also be a limiting resource for mesocarnivores like red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), which are too small to predate ungulates. Using motion-triggered video cameras and generalized linear mixed models, we studied the spatial and temporal patterns of red fox scavenging at 232 mountain lion kills in the southern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) from 2012–2015. We found that red foxes scavenged mountain lion kills across all habitats throughout the year, however, red fox behaviors varied with season. In winter, we documented red foxes at a greater proportion of mountain lion kills (70.3% in winter vs. 48.9% in summer), and in greater numbers (1.83 foxes per kill in winter vs. 1.16 in summer). In winter, red foxes fed longer (= 102.7 ± 138.3 minutes feeding in winter vs. = 39.7 ± 74.0 in summer), and they more often scavenged while the mountain lion was nearby. We speculated that red foxes may have increased risk taking in winter due to hunger driven by resource scarcity. Our research highlighted an important ecological relationship between red foxes and mountain lions in the GYE. Mountain lions tolerate high levels of scavenging, so the frequency and intensity of red fox scavenging at their kills may not impact mountain lions, but instead facilitate the dispersion and benefits of resources created by this apex predator. Large carnivores, and mid-trophic felids like mountain lions in particular, are essential producers of carrion vital to biodiversity and ecosystem health. In turn, scavengers play critical roles in distributing these resources and increasing the heterogeneity of resources that support biodiversity and ecosystem structure, as well as ecological resilience.
Effect of a specific composition of short- and medium-chain fatty acid 1-Monoglycerides on growth performances and gut microbiota of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata)
Authors: Rimoldi Simona , Gliozheni Emi , Ascione Chiara , Gini Elisabetta , Terova Genciana
Published: July 2018

In aquaculture research, one important aim of gut microbiota studies is to provide the scientific basis for developing effective strategies to manipulate gut microbial communities through the diet, promoting fish health and improving productivity. Currently, there is an increasing commercial and research interest towards the use of organic acids in aquafeeds, due to several beneficial effects they have on growth performance and intestinal tract’s health of farmed fish. Among organic acids, monoglycerides of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) have attracted particular research attention also for their bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties. Accordingly, the present study aimed to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of SCFA and MCFA monoglycerides, used as a feed additive, on fish growth performance, and intestinal microbiota composition. For this purpose, a specific combination of short- and medium-chain 1-monoglycerides (SILOhealth 108Z) was tested in 600 juvenile gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) of about 60 g mean initial weight that were fed for 90 days with plant-based diets. Two isoproteic and isolipidic diets were formulated. The control fish group received a plant-based diet, whereas the other group received the same control feed, but supplemented with 0.5% of SILOhealth 108Z. The Illumina MiSeq platform for high-throughput amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA gene and QIIME pipeline were used to analyse and characterize the whole microbiome associated both to feeds and S. aurata intestine. The number of reads taxonomically classified according to the Greengenes database was 394,611. We identified 259 OTUs at 97% identity in sea bream fecal samples; 90 OTUs constituted the core gut microbiota. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria represented the dominant phyla in both experimental groups. Among them, relative abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were positively and negatively affected by dietary SCFA monoglycerides supplementation, respectively. In summary, our findings clearly indicated that SILOhealth 108Z positively modulated the fish intestinal microbiota by increasing the number of beneficial lactic acid bacteria, namely, Lactobacillus, and reducing Gammaproteobacteria, which include several potential pathogenic bacteria. The specific composition of 1-monoglycerides of short- and medium-chain fatty acids contained in SILOhealth 108Z could thus have a great potential as a feed additive in aquaculture.
The interplay between ovule number, pollination and resources as determinants of seed set in a modular plant
Authors: Strelin Marina M. , Aizen Marcelo A.
Published: July 2018

Background

A classical dichotomous perspective proposes that either pollination or plant resources limit seed production. However, ovule number could also be limiting when pollination results in complete ovule fertilization and there are more plant resources available than needed to develop seeds. Moreover, this dichotomous view assumes that all flowers of a plant have equal access to a shared pool of resources, although these are frequently compartmentalized within plant modules, for example, inflorescences. How ovule number, pollination and resources affect seed production in physiologically-compartmentalized rather than physiologically-integrated plants has yet to be explored. We used raspberry (Rubus idaeus) to address this question.

Methods

We first assessed if ovule number affected the fraction of ovules that develop into seed (i.e., seed set) and whether this effect related to the extent of physiological integration among flowers within plants. This was achieved by statistically testing predictions on the sign and level of plant organization (i.e., among flowers within inflorescences, among inflorescences within ramets, and among ramets) of the relation between ovule number and seed set given different degrees of physiological integration. We then explored whether the relation between ovule number and seed set was affected by plant age (used here as a surrogate of resource availability) and pollination intensity (open-pollination vs. exclusion).

Results

Within inflorescences, flowers with more ovules set a larger fraction of seeds. On the other hand, seed set at the inflorescence level was negatively related to the average number of ovules per flower. Seed set increased with ovule number and open-pollination, and decreased with ramet age. However, ovule number explained more variation in seed set than ramet age and pollination treatment. Ramet age affected the strength of the relation of seed set to ovule number, which was stronger in old than young ramets. Pollination did not alter the strength of this relation to any significant extent.

Discussion

Results reveal the importance of ovule number as an overriding factor affecting seed set. Within inflorescences, resources appear to be differentially allocated to developing fruits from flowers with many ovules. This is consistent with the fact that in the raspberry a large proportion of the carbon invested in fruit development is fixed by the inflorescence subtending leaf. Differential resource allocation to flowers with many ovules is not affected by pollinator exclusion, being stronger in resource-exhausted ramets. This suggests that the effects of pollen limitation and resource allocation are compartmentalized at the inflorescence level. Consequently, modular plants can be viewed as reproductive mosaics where either ovule number, pollination or resources limit the number of seeds set by different flowers, so that improvements in any of them could increase plant seed production.
Upstream stimulating factor 1 suppresses autophagy and hepatic lipid droplet catabolism by activating mTOR
Authors: Guo Jun , Fang Weiwei , Chen Xiehui , Lin Yajun , Hu Gang , Wei Jie , Zhang Xiaoyi , Yang Chunxiao , Li Jian
Published: July 2018

Previous studies indicate that the transcription factor upstream stimulating factor 1 (USF1) is involved in the regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism. However, the role of USF1 in lipid‐induced autophagy remains unknown. Interestingly, we found that USF1 overexpression suppresses autophagy‐related gene expression in HepG2 cells. Further assays confirmed that USF1 could transcriptionally activate mTOR expression, thereby suppressing rapamycin‐induced autophagy in HepG2 cells. Moreover, pharmacological activation of autophagy with rapamycin decreases the numbers and sizes of lipid droplets (LDs) in HepG2 cells exposed to an oleate/palmitate mixture. Of note, USF1 upregulation decreases colocalization of LDs and autophagosomes. In conclusion, our data provide evidence that USF1 contributes to abnormal lipid accumulation in the liver by suppressing autophagy via regulation of mTOR transcription.
KIO3‐Catalyzed C(sp2)‐H Bond Selenylation/Sulfenylation of (Hetero)arenes: Synthesis of Chalcogenated (Hetero)arenes and their Evaluation for Anti‐Alzheimer Activity
Authors: Rodrigues Janh , Saba Sumbal , Joussef Antônio C. , Rafique Jamal , Braga Antonio L.
Published: July 2018

Highly efficient KIO3‐catalyzed chalcogenations (S and Se) of (hetero)arenes, with easily accessible and odorless dichalcogenides, were obtained through direct C(sp2)‐H bond chalcogenation. Using this benign, atom‐economic protocol, the desired products were obtained regioselectively in good to excellent yields in the presence of ethylene glycol (4 equiv.) and KIO3 (20 mol %) as a non‐toxic and easily handled catalyst. This metal‐ and solvent‐free approach is scalable, and it is applicable to different types of (hetero)arenes. Furthermore, several of these chalcogenated (hetero)arenes exhibited a significantly high percentage of AChE inhibition, revealing their potential anti‐Alzheimer activity.
Hepta‐thienoacenes with Internal Carbazole: Synthesis, Regioselectivities and Organic Field‐Effect Transistor Applications
Authors: Hu Yueming , Wang Hao , Liu Shuli , Zhang Jing , Zhao Baomin , Fu Nina , Yi Mingdong , Huang Wei
Published: July 2018

Acenes/heteroacenes, the most widely studied small‐molecule organic semiconductors, always possess linear structures. In this work, three stable, soluble and angular π‐extended hepta‐thienoacenes with an internal carbazole, that is, thienobenzo‐fused carbazole (DTBCz) were synthesized via a four‐step tandem method. The tandem synthesis starting from carbazole derivatives led to interesting isomeric effects. The synthetic regioselectivity was discussed in detail. Their physical properties and electron density distributions were studied by UV/Vis absorption, photoluminescence, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements, and theoretical calculations. Their potentials as semiconducting materials were evaluated by fabricating the solution‐processed organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). The more angular shaped isomer of DTB[32,34]Cz displayed the best performance with hole mobility up to 0.0044 cm2 V−1 s−1 in devices with a thickness of ca. 115 nm. Particularly, the performance of DTB[32,34]Cz‐based devices showed less dependence on the thickness of their active layer.
New π‐Extended Naphthalene Diimides for High‐Performance n‐Type Organic Semiconductors with NIR Absorption Properties
Authors: Wu Wenting , Zhao Zheng , Li Jing , Chen Ming , Gao Xike
Published: July 2018

Three π‐extended naphthalene diimide (NDI) derivatives, where the conjugated scaffold, NDI core fused with 2‐(1,3‐dithiol‐2‐ylidene) acetonitrile moieties was laterally extended by using bicyclic aromatics, namely benzo [b] thiophen‐2‐yl group, naphthalen‐2‐yl group, and azulen‐2‐yl group, were explored to acquire high‐performance near‐infrared (NIR) organic semiconductors. It is because of such an extended conjugation that these compounds display remarkable absorption bands even extending to the NIR region with the absorption cutoffs of up to 920 nm. Pure electron‐transporting characteristics of these diimides are characterized by the fabrication of their organic thin film transistor (OTFT) devices. The high electron mobilities of up to 0.37 cm2 V−1 s−1 coupled with NIR‐absorbing properties make them promising n‐type organic semiconductors.
Productivity changes following medical and surgical treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis by symptom domain
Authors: Beswick Daniel M. , Mace Jess C. , Rudmik Luke , Soler Zachary M. , DeConde Adam S. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: July 2018

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is associated with substantial productivity losses. Prior cross‐sectional study has identified risk factors and symptom subdomains contributing to baseline productivity loss. This study evaluates correlations between posttreatment changes in symptom subdomain and productivity loss.

Methods

A total of 202 adult patients with refractory CRS were prospectively enrolled into an observational, multi‐institutional cohort study between August 2012 and June 2015. Respondents provided pretreatment and posttreatment 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) scores. Productivity losses were monetized using measures of absenteeism, presenteeism, lost leisure time, and U.S. government–estimated wage and labor rates.

Results

A total of 39 (19%) participants elected continued appropriate medical therapy (CAMT) and 163 (81%) elected endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). CAMT patients experienced improvement in SNOT‐22 total and rhinologic subdomain scores (both p ≤ 0.039). ESS patients reported improvement in SNOT‐22 total scores and all subdomains (all p < 0.001). Mean monetized productivity losses were nearly unchanged following CAMT (−$200, p = 0.887) but significantly reduced following ESS (−$5,015, p < 0.001). Mean productivity losses were reported in CAMT patients reporting worse mean posttreatment extra‐rhinologic, psychological, and sleep symptom severity scores; however, no statistically significant linear correlations (r ≤ 0.249; p ≥ 0.126) were reported.

Conclusion

Treatment modalities associate with different posttreatment productivity changes. Patients electing ESS experienced postoperative improvement in productivity distributed across all SNOT‐22 symptom domains, suggesting productivity improvement correlates with multiple symptom domains. Patients electing CAMT had better baseline productivity compared to patients electing ESS, and this productivity level was maintained through treatment. Greater productivity loss occurred in patients with worse SNOT‐22 scores in the extra‐rhinologic, psychological, and sleep subdomains.
Effects of decongestant addition to intranasal corticosteroid for chronic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Khattiyawittayakun Likhit , Seresirikachorn Kachorn , Chitsuthipakorn Wirach , Kanjanawasee Dichapong , Snidvongs Kornkiat
Published: July 2018

Background

Intranasal corticosteroid (INCS) is the most efficacious medicine for treating chronic rhinitis. A decongestant and INCS combination (INCS‐D) is considered for nasal congestion that is not improved by INCS. This study aimed to investigate the effects of INCS‐D on chronic rhinitis.

Methods

Literature searches were performed using MEDLINE and EMBASE. Randomized controlled trials studying the effects of INCS‐D vs INCS alone for treating chronic rhinitis were included. Data were pooled for meta‐analysis. Outcomes were nasal symptoms, disease‐specific quality of life, objective tests for nasal patency, and adverse events.

Results

Six studies (1071 patients) met the inclusion criteria. There were no differences between INCS‐D and INCS on total nasal symptom scores (standardized mean difference [SMD] −0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], −2.09 to 0.40; p = 0.18), nasal congestion scores (SMD −0.13; 95% CI, −0.46 to 0.20; p = 0.43), and the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire score (SMD −0.12; 95% CI, −0.66 to 0.42; p = 0.66). After 1 week, there were no differences on objective tests for nasal patency (acoustic rhinometry: SMD 0.04; 95% CI, −0.68 to 0.76, p = 0.91; and peak nasal inspiratory flow: SMD 0.08; 95% CI, −0.16 to 0.32; p = 0.52). Adverse events were not different between INCS‐D and INCS (risk ratio 1.09; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.62).

Conclusion

Meta‐analyses did not show benefits of topical decongestants addition to INCS. Adverse events of INCS‐D were comparable with INCS.
Preliminary survey on animal research statistics in Sri Lanka from 2010 onwards
Authors: Ishak Sahabdeen Chedliya , Gunatilake Mangala
Published: July 2018

Background

Animal research is conducted in many countries across the world. However, concepts of recording and reporting the numbers of animals used vary. In the context of animal studies, inadequate reporting raises both ethical and scientific concerns. Sri Lanka has yet to publish data on animal research statistics.

Methods

The objective of this survey was to present the number and types of vertebrate animals used for research and establish the species used for different types of research studies. All facilities/personnel engaged in animal research were invited to participate and a web‐based survey was performed.

Results

Based on the data collected, rats and mice were the most widely used animals in Sri Lankan laboratories. Of these, the most reported model were rats of the Wistar strain (42%) and mice of the BALB/c strain (15%). The highest number of animals used in laboratory research occurred in 2011, with a 12% decrease observed in 2012.
Effect of flight transport stress on blood parameters in beagles and the anti‐stress effect of dangshen
Authors: Liang Wang , Zeng Ling‐Yu , Yu Chuan‐Xin , Gao Xiu‐Xiu , Fu Lu‐Di , Wang Xiao
Published: July 2018

Background

This study investigated the effect of flight transport stress on beagles' routine blood indexes and biochemical parameters and evaluated the anti‐stress effect of dangshen (Codonopsis pilosula).

Methods

We selected 12 beagles and divided them into two groups. One group was treated with dangshen decoction two hours before the flight, and the other group was untreated. Their routine blood indexes and clinical biochemical parameters were tested and analyzed before transport, after unloading and after adaptation for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 days after administering dangshen.

Results

We found that flight transportation stress adversely influenced many of the beagles' routine blood indexes. These recovered during adaptation, with dangshen administration assisting recovery of most indexes. Flight transport stress also adversely influenced biochemical indexes in the beagles. Again these recovered during adaptation, and dangshen aided in the recovery.

Conclusion

Thus, we found that flight transport adversely affected the beagles' blood indexes, and dangshen reversed the damage from transport stress.
Choosing the right animal model for infectious disease research
Authors: Swearengen James R.
Published: July 2018

A complex biological system is often required to study the myriad of host‐pathogen interactions associated with infectious diseases, especially since the current basis of biology has reached the molecular level. The use of animal models is important for understanding the very complex temporal relationships that occur in infectious disease involving the body, its neuroendocrine and immune systems and the infectious organism. Because of these complex interactions, the choice of animal model must be a thoughtful and clearly defined process in order to provide relevant, translatable scientific data and to ensure the most beneficial use of the animals. While many animals respond similarly to humans from physiological, pathological, and therapeutic perspectives, there are also significant species‐by‐species differences. A well‐designed animal model requires a thorough understanding of similarities and differences in the responses between humans and animals and incorporates that knowledge into the goals of the study. Determining the intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with the disease and creating a biological information matrix to compare the animal model and human disease courses is a useful tool to help choose the appropriate animal model. Confidence in the correlation of results from a model to the human disease can be achieved only if the relationship of the model to the human disease is well understood.
Ablation of NTPDase2+ cells inhibits the formation of filiform papillae in tongue tip
Authors: Li Feng , Niu Bo‐Wen , Zhu Meng‐Min
Published: July 2018

Background

Lingual epithelia in the tongue tip are among the most rapidly regenerating tissues, but the mechanism of cell genesis in this tissue is still unknown. Previous study has suggested the existence of multiple stem cell pools in lingual epithelia and papillae. Like K14+ and Sox2+ cells, NTPDase2+ cells have characteristics of stem cells.

Methods

We employed a system using doxycycline to conditionally ablate NTPDase2+ cells in lingual epithelia and papillae by regulated expression of the diphtheria toxin A (DTA) gene. Transgenic lines, which expressed the rtTA gene in NTPDase2+ cells, were produced by pronuclear injection of zygotes from C57BL/6 mice using the BAC clone RP23‐47P18. The NTPDase2‐rtTA transgenic mice were crossed with the TetO‐DTA transgenic animals. The double transgenic mice were treated with doxycycline. Doxycycline (Dox) was diluted in 5% sucrose in water to a final concentration of 0.3‐0.5 mg/mL and supplied as drinking water.

Results

After 15 days of Dox induction, the expression of NTPDase2, Sox2 and K14 was ablated from lingual epithelia. DTA expression in NTPDase2+ cells did not inhibit the turnover of GNAT3+ or PLCβ2+ cells in taste buds, nor the expression of S100β beneath lingual epithelia and papillae. After 35 days ablation of NTPDase2+ cells, the basic structure of lingual epithelia and papillae remained intact. However, the ratio of cell to total tissue area was decreased in lingual epithelia and circumvallate (CV) papillae. DTA expression also inhibited the regeneration of filiform papillae on the dorsal surface of the tongue tip.

Conclusions

These studies provide important insights into the understanding of dynamic equilibrium among the multiple stem cell populations present in the lingual epithelia and papillae.
The role of the gut microbiota on animal model reproducibility
Authors: Turner Patricia V.
Published: July 2018

The gut microbiota is composed of approximately 1010‐1014 cells, including fungi, bacteria, archaea, protozoa, viruses, and bacteriophages; their genes and their various metabolites were found throughout the gastrointestinal tract. It has co‐evolved with each species to assist with day to day bodily functions, such as digestion, metabolism of xenobiotics, development of mucosal immunity and immunomodulation, and protection against invading pathogens. Because of the significant beneficial impact that gut microbiota may have, there is interest in learning more about it and translating these findings into clinical therapies. Results from recent studies characterizing the gut microbiota of various species have demonstrated the range of influences that may affect gut microbiota diversity, including animal strain, obesity, types of enrichment used, bedding and housing methods, treatment with antimicrobials, vendor source, specific animal housing, diet, and intercurrent disease. Relatively little is known about the functional consequences of alterations of the gut microbiota and exactly how changes in richness and diversity of the microbiota translate into changes in health and susceptibility to disease. Furthermore, questions have been raised as to whether germ‐free or even ultraclean, barrier‐raised mice are relevant models of human disease, given their significantly reduced gut microbiota diversity and complexity compared with conventionally housed mice. In addition, evidence suggests that the specific anatomical location selected for assessing the gut microbiota has a highly significant effect on study outcomes, in that bacterial phyla change significantly along the gastrointestinal tract. This paper will explore animal model reproducibility in light of this information about the gut microbiota.